UndesirableFarang

Westerners have gone in by train from Russia before (with pre-arranged tourist visas, of course). It's uncommon, but at least occasionally possible.

A hefty ransom can buy a good number of goats.

Would it be accurate to say that a travel agent could sometimes save money for people aiming at midrange/luxury travel services, but generally not worthwhile (for either party) at the lower end?