Mr. Singh- Legend and palaces- is the way to go if you want to relax and enjoy a perfet vacation. We used his agency on our first trip to the North/ North West part of India and we were so happy that we decided to use it again. He alredy sent me the itinerary for my trip next Nov. and it is just what I wanted. We are planning a vacation for a month in the South and South Estern part of India. I specified all the places I want to see and he put them in perspective; I am extremely happy with the Itinerary.

thank you. I have already been in touch with him as well as others.

There are travel forum websites-including Fodors--where advertising (subtle or not) by travel agents is not permitted. Why is it ok here? (I'm not being sarcastic--just curious).

It's OK, CaliNurse, because, in case you haven't noticed, Mr. Singh NEVER advertises. He offers insightful general commentary and wonderful suggestions. You are the one who identified him as a travel agent on this thread. There are travel agents on various Fodor's boards and as long as they don't advertise their services they are within the rules and often contribute much useful information.

There's a travel agent named VP Singh who some folks on this board have happily used. Then there's a poster named VP_Singh. It was truly challenging for me to identify him as one and the same.

I acknowledge early in this and other threads on this forum, that Mr VP Singh is indeed very knowledgeable (as well he should be in his line of work) and I thank him for his contributions.

Nevertheless, my question is valid, and we'll have to agree to disagree on the fact that it is subtle advertising for himself.

I write on a shoe forum. I recommend the shoes at a store called Jane Doe's. A few days later, a poster called Jane Doe offers advice on shoes. Not Jane, not Miss D, not JD. Could it be the lady who owns Jane Doe's? Ya think? Would you infer she might...just might...hope to pick up a few clients for herself via the shoe forum?

Now, if that is permitted, fine...but it should be permitted whether it is blatant or less so. Even blatant advertisements "often contribute much useful information."

Guidelines are established by Fodor's, not by what you think should be permitted:
http://www.fodors.com/faq/joining.cfm#join3

Thanks for the link. I dont see anything that addresses my question specifically.

It's interesting that you jumped to the conclusion that my question about subltle advertising referred to Mr. Singh.

Quoting from your responses,e.g. "in case you havent noticed" "not what you think is permitted" ...you, Marija, need to stop the attitudinal finger-wagging, and read #1 of the Fodors Guidelines you quote.

ANd # 2 as well .

You're right-- I'll let Fodors decide what does and does not constitute advertising.

would like to thank you all for your help. We have decided not to go because it will just be too much for Bob. No matter how we tried to figure it out, it will just be too tough for him. I appreciate all your comment and hope that I will be able to go soon on my own and/or with a friend.
Susan