i have been a hobbyist for 6 years, but i am DEFINATELY a "newbie" to internet providers... i have used agencies in 2 cities that are 1.5 hours from me... but like "Forest Gump" "life is like a box of chocolates ya never know what your gonna get" LOL dont get me wrong i've had numerous sessions that were mind blowing but others well... what i find exciting about the net is that you can get all the info about a provider before you meet them... my question is most of the providers i've seen on the web pages who i'd like to meet are 2 to 5 hours away... 1)will providers (that do travel) drive that far and 2) what would likely be the travel expenses?

If you want them to travel to you, expect them to want you to reimburse them (or pre-pay them) for their time and expenses which could include first-class air fare. In my opinion, that's not feasible unless you are planning an overnight or some other long-term session and are willing to pay the expense.

If you travel to the provider, you can control your own travel costs and the provider is free to use the rest of her time for her own business or pleasure. The downside is that you are using up your own time to go there with the possibility that she might cancel or no-show.

There is a third option which would be to find out if the provider tours and whether she has plans to visit your area in the near future. Then wait for her to tour your area.

Good communication is essential. While anything is negotiable, be prepared that *any* time she has to spend specifically to accomodate you is part of your cost.

Be very sure the provider you are doing this with is one that is reliable and will give you what you are looking for.

thanx tex

at least the amont of their hourly fee, or in this case probably a multi-hour rates plus expenses such as gas and hotel room for the night, considering that they are up to five hours away.
Best way to confirm is to contact the provider directly and ask.  Just off top of my head I would plan on an overnighter for this one if possible.

If you are asking a lady who sees multiple clients per day to come to your city then it's likely you will be asked to pay for her travel time.  This is quite reasonable because she will be losing out on other bookings during her travel time.

However, not all providers work that way and not all will expect payment for travel time but they will almost definitely have a minimum booking length before they will travel to see you.

Just to give an example, I am happy to travel all over the UK and Europe to see clients and I don’t expect payment for my travelling time.  I will travel within the UK for short appointments and within Europe for slightly longer dates.  I require payment for my travel expenses up front in the UK and a larger deposit for European travel.  

So, providers have different requirements, if you see a lady you like just contact her and discuss it.  Some won’t travel at all (maybe they have other commitments) but many will be happy to visit you and will ask for only their travel costs.

Btw, I think it’s a myth providers only travel first class!  If somebody is flying me somewhere and paying for it with his airmiles then sure, I’d like to fly business class but otherwise it’s just too expensive and a waste of money IMO!

had the great fortune while travelling on business to sit next to a provider and the conversation eventually led to a date upon arrival... many providers who travel do NOT fly first class or business (NOT a firm rule as a rough week may put someone in a position where they just say to hell with the expense).  Bottom line with many ladies I have met is that the expense for business is not justified.

thanx for all the info!!! after a year and a half of being faithful to one, it'll be fun to get back in the hobby again!!!