Trip.com Review - Has Anything Changed in 2024?

If you're scavenging the internet in a travel planning frenzy, you probably feel overwhelmed by what's being offered. There are so many ads, so many websites, and so many options!

Where is one of the only places I browse? Trip.com. This good oldie can help you piece together an epic holiday—it sure has in the past for me.

Top-notch destinations, tedious transportation, and many accommodations are just a few things you must choose between when planning a trip. Sorting through all those travel-related details can feel exhausting, and it can take a lot of work to get everything right.

That's where platforms like Trip.com come in. Coined as a convenient, all-in-one travel platform, you expect to have an easy time planning.

But how can you be sure you're getting the best deals? And do you know if it's even reliable? Is it better than travel deal sites like Priceline, Fareportal, and Momondo?

Whether you're hunting down a budget-friendly vacation or a month-long backpacking trip, let's find out whether Trip.com should be the go-to platform that'll help you figure out all your trip plans...

What Is Trip.com?

Trip.com offers many travel-related booking services like flights, accommodation, and transport options. It also covers all-in-one packages and deals on attractions and activities for a convenient experience.

With everything all in one place, the platform makes things easy by narrowing down your search time.

Operating all over the globe, including over 200 countries and regions, you can find something tailored to your travel style in the destination you're looking for.

Trip.com boasts 24/7 support, advice, and assistance for any travel-related concerns.

And with a relatively easy-to-use setup, this travel platform is a popular option among the competition. What sets Trip.com apart? Many people say it's the deals and promotions, especially on hotels and flights.

How Did Trip.com Start?

Gone are the days of flipping through the pages of travel books, calling flight companies, and scavenging your purse for your tickets.

Nowadays, platforms like Trip.com make travel planning hassle-free. But who even started it?

Trip.com sprung out from Ctrip Group's urge to provide the global travel community with solutions. Founded in 1999 in Shanghai, China, it's since become a leading travel booking website.

This convenient platform allows customers to enjoy booking and planning services in one spot.

How Does Trip.com Work?

Trip.com's simple layout allows travel enthusiasts to search, compare, and book their desired vacation. You can find bargains on tours, tickets, rental cars, trains, flights, hotels, and packages.

Here's how it works:

1. Search – Take a look at the various options you have. Simply enter a destination, then select your travel dates. After finding what works for you, research flights, activities, and accommodations.
2. Compare – Weigh up the list of options. Don't forget to consider prices, amenities, and other information that could affect your trip.
3. Book – Once you've got the details set in stone, it's time to click confirm! Enter your personal information and payment details at the checkout, and you've booked! After that, check your emails for your flight itinerary, hotel information, or other trip details.
4. Customer support – Don't be afraid to ask for help if you have any doubts. With 24/7 access, you can rely on the customer support team for anything.

Does Trip.Com Have a Mobile App?

Yes, Trip.com has a very easy-to-use mobile app. I was using Trip.com when it was still Ctrip, and even back then, the app was super helpful.

I'm someone who doesn't like to do a lot of important tasks on their mobile—I like to feel and look at having all the info on a large desktop screen. That being said, I've booked through the Trip.com app and haven't had any issues.

Why Is Trip.com So Cheap?

Now that you've scanned this popular travel platform, you're probably wondering why the prices are so affordable. Compared to other travel booking websites, the prices don't make sense.

So, why won't Trip.com put a dent in your wallet? Let's find out:

1. Trip.com is part of a massive online travel agency, Ctrip Group, which allows them to score much lower prices. This means it can get customers better discounts on airlines, hotels, car rental companies, etc.
2. The competitive prices can change in real time, according to supply and demand. Known as dynamic pricing, Trip.com offers travel services that adapt to the current market.
3. Thanks to its 20 years in business, Trip.com has managed to form partnerships with airlines, hotels, and other services. This platform can offer exclusive discounts and special deals to its customers. The deals are something that makes it stand out to budget travelers and backpackers.

Is Trip.com Reliable?

So now you know how it works, but is Trip.com legit? Having been in the travel industry for over 2 decades, this travel platform has built up a decent reputation.

With 24/7 customer support, people tend to rave about the convenience of having a solution just a phone call away.

Plus, as it's part of the Ctrip Group, Trip.com is included as one of the biggest online travel agencies. This association ups its credibility and reliability, resulting in higher reviews as a secure booking platform.

Whether it's your first time traveling or you're a newcomer to budget trips, you can get peace of mind knowing that you haven't been ripped off.

Trip.com even uses encryption technology to keep people's information safe and protected. Thanks to these modern services, you don't have to worry about your sensitive information or payment details being leaked.

Cancellation Policy of Trip.com

Trip.com's cancellation policy can vary greatly depending on what you're looking for. There are some flight deals or hotel bookings that you can get free cancellation policy with. That being said, it varies greatly.

I've broken it down into the 3 main booking types and what you can expect if you need to cancel your plans.

• Flights: When it comes down to flights, some airlines may charge a cancellation fee. In fact, some airlines may even charge up to 100% of the ticket price. So, make sure you review the fine print before booking!
• Hotels: Depending on the hotel, the cancellation policy can vary significantly. Like flights, some hotels can even take up to 100% of the total price, so don't book without reading the details.
• Rental cars: In most cases, there's no extra fee for cancellation. The only catch is the time period. Be sure to check out the specific cancellation details for each provider.

The Good and the Bad of Trip.com

Advantages

• Comprehensive Services: Trip.com is one of the most comprehensive travel booking sites. From flight tickets and hotel stays to vacation packages and car rentals, you can seamlessly book various travel services. Plus, it often offers a better price compared to similar competitors.
• User-Friendly Interface: The platform's intuitive design ensures even the most tech-averse users can easily navigate the site, making the booking process simple and straightforward.
• Round-the-Clock Support: Travel mishaps don't stick to a 9-5 schedule, nor does Trip.com. Its 24/7 customer support means you're never alone, even during those unexpected mid-journey hiccups.

Drawbacks

• Limited Personalization: While Trip.com provides a broad array of options, the depth of personalization sometimes leaves something to be desired. Depending on your travel dates and preferences, you might not always find the travel experience you're hoping for.
• Availability Issues: Because of how popular the booking system Trip.com is, there are instances when desired accommodations or flights might be booked out.
• Hidden Costs: The allure of a great deal can sometimes be overshadowed by additional fees. Charges for baggage, service, or other add-ons may not be immediately visible during the booking process, which can result in unexpected costs down the line.

Trip.com Rewards Program

You heard that right... Trip.com has a rewards program. This loyalty program is similar to Expedia's rewards, another considerable competitor in the market.

Calling all new users to Trip.com! If you're looking for more ways to save money while using Trip.com, signing up for the free rewards program is the way. And, depending on how much you book through Trip.com, you can benefit more!

The rewards program has 4 tiers: Silver, gold, platinum, and diamond members. You'll get access to more benefits as you move up in the tiers. And once you sign up, no matter your tier, you'll start earning "Trip Coins" that you can spend like money.

I've attached a screenshot from Trip.com's website that'll give you a better idea of the perks of each tier...

What Are Others Saying?

There are a lot of mixed reviews online. Some are overwhelmingly positive, while some customer reviews are so angry they want to give a 0-star rating. Let's break down the main points people are talking about online.

Many of the people who've left positive feedback talk about receiving acceptable resolutions to problems after speaking with Trip.com's customer service. Other customers say the website is easy to navigate, making the overall experience less stressful!

In contrast, the customers who wrote 1-star reviews contradict the positive reviews about terrible customer service experiences. Others complain about an inconvenience they experienced while on vacation where Trip.com did not help them with a good resolution.

My Personal Experience

I'm giving Trip.com a pretty decent rating—see below. But why? Well, I used it very often while living in China and traveling around Asia. I had minimal issues with it.

As I mentioned above, I really enjoyed my experience using the phone app. It made mobile bookings easy, and I found all my tickets without hassle.

I've booked several types of reservations with Trip.com, including cheap flights between Asian countries, train tickets between mainland Chinese cities, and discount hotels in a couple of Asian cities.

I did run into some hiccups with my bookings but I had an okay time with customer service. Yes, sometimes it was frustrating because the worker's English wasn't stellar, but they got me what I needed. Whether it was a refund or changing my flight tickets for a fee, I could do it by calling its 24/7 customer support line!

That said, I don't use it as often when traveling around North America or Europe!

Is Trip.com Worth It?

I think Trip.com's offerings are valuable enough for most travelers, whether for budget travel or a business trip, that you should browse the site whenever you're trying to plan your upcoming trip.

If you're seeking the convenience of having everything in one travel-related platform, then Trip.com is an excellent option. You can easily compare prices and then book flights, accommodation, tours, and transport in one spot.

Whether you're trying to compare pricing and options ahead of time or you're booking a last-minute trip, Trip.com is definitely one of the online travel agencies that you should look into.

Since Trip.com provides discounted prices on travel services, it's a fantastic option for budget travelers and backpackers. Even if you don't end up booking through Trip.com, you can feel good about your purchase knowing you've checked a variety of reliable travel booking sites.

On the other hand, who should skip out on using Trip.com? If you're looking for a personalized trip with specific details, you might not find what you're looking for.

My only words of caution are to make sure that you start searching early to avoid availability issues and check the details for any additional fees!

My Rating: 3.9/5

Pros:

• Budget-friendly, competitive prices
• Easy-to-use
• Wide variety of services
• 24/7 customer support
• Encryption technology

Cons:

• Restricted personalization
• Varied customer support quality
• Limited availability on dates, deals, tours, etc.
• Extra costs and fees

Other Trip.com Frequently Asked Questions

What Are All the Types of Bookings You Can Make With Trip.com?

You can use Trip.com to secure any of the following:

• Airline Tickets: Domestic and international flights across numerous airlines.
• Hotels Bookings: From luxury resorts to budget accommodations.
• Car Rentals: Vehicles of all types to suit your journey.
• Train Tickets: Covering major rail networks in several countries.
• Vacation Packages: Bundled deals that include a mix of transport, accommodation, and sometimes excursions.
• Attraction Tickets: Skip-the-line passes to popular sights and entertainment venues.
• Tours & Activities: Organized outings, from city tours to adventure activities.

What Forms of Payment Does Trip.com Accept?

The platform is designed to be easy to use worldwide, so it accepts a wide range of payment methods:

• Credit & Debit Cards: Including major brands like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
• PayPal: For swift and secure online transactions.
• Online Bank Transfers: Available for certain regions and banks.
• Payment Via Mobile Apps: Such as WeChat Pay and Alipay.
• Instalment Payment Options: Available in specific regions, allowing travelers to pay for their bookings over time.

Does Trip.com Show You Luggage Policies?

For flights booked through their platform, they provide details about the airline's baggage allowance, both for carry-on and checked luggage. This information typically includes weight limits, size restrictions, and any associated fees for excess baggage.

Travel Planning and Beyond!

There's nothing like the feeling of jet-setting off to a new destination, especially when you've put in the time and effort to prepare. Before you start ticking off items in a vacation packing list, skip the unwanted hassles and discover what's on offer with Pilot!