When planning your next adventure, deciding which tour booking platform to use can feel like a major decision. Two of the biggest names in the industry are Viator and GetYourGuide, both offering access to thousands of tours and experiences worldwide. But how do they compare? Let’s dive into an in-depth review of both platforms, covering everything from tour variety and user experience to pricing and customer support.
Viator Overview
Viator, owned by TripAdvisor, boasts over 300,000 tours globally, making it one of the largest tour marketplaces. It’s particularly known for its wide selection, allowing users to find experiences in virtually any destination. A key advantage of Viator is its “Book Now, Pay Later” feature, allowing flexibility with payments, and 24/7 live support, ensuring travelers have assistance when needed. The platform’s sheer variety can sometimes be overwhelming, with multiple tours for the same destination that may require thorough reviews of user feedback. However, Viator shines with features like a price match guarantee and strong integration with TripAdvisor reviews, which enhances its credibility and reach.
GetYourGuide Overview
GetYourGuide, while smaller with about 60,000 tours, focuses on unique and sustainable experiences. It stands out for promoting environmentally friendly tourism, emphasizing smaller group sizes and minimal impact on destinations. While it doesn’t offer as many tours as Viator, its tours tend to have more reviews and higher scores, making it easier to find highly-rated activities. GetYourGuide is especially popular among European travelers and has partnerships with major airlines, adding to its reach. The platform excels in sustainable travel and offers a 24-hour cancellation policy on most bookings, providing travelers peace of mind.
Tour Selection and Variety
Viator takes the crown for sheer variety. With over 300,000 tours and activities available globally, Viator offers an unmatched range of experiences. Whether you want a walking tour in Rome, an exclusive dinner in Paris, or an off-road desert adventure in Dubai, you’ll find plenty of options. However, this overwhelming selection can be a downside, as it may require careful filtering to find the best-fit tour.
In contrast, GetYourGuide offers a smaller selection, with around 60,000 tours. However, many users praise the platform for its focus on high-quality experiences. Though fewer in number, the tours available on GetYourGuide tend to feature more reviews, which helps travelers make informed choices more easily. If you’re after exclusive or unique local experiences, GetYourGuide often curates sustainable tourism options that appeal to those looking for environmentally conscious travel.
Verdict: If quantity is your priority, Viator is the clear winner. However, for a more curated, high-quality selection with a focus on sustainability, GetYourGuide is the way to go.
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User Interface and Ease of Booking
Both platforms offer intuitive websites and mobile apps that make searching and booking activities easy. Viator benefits from its connection to TripAdvisor, allowing users to easily browse reviews and get detailed insights on each activity. The interface is clean, though filtering through a large number of similar tours can take time. A standout feature is Viator’s “Book Now, Pay Later” option, offering added flexibility for travelers.
GetYourGuide is known for its user-friendly interface and streamlined booking process. With a strong focus on customer feedback, the platform clearly highlights top-rated tours, and the 24-hour cancellation policy on most tours provides a sense of security. Travelers appreciate the site’s clarity, especially the ease of finding eco-friendly or small-group experiences.
Verdict: Both platforms are user-friendly, but Viator offers more flexibility with its “Book Now, Pay Later” feature, whereas GetYourGuide excels in presenting high-quality, well-reviewed tours.
Customer Support and Flexibility
When it comes to customer support, Viator provides 24/7 live assistance, which is a major benefit for travelers who may need help at any hour. Their price match guarantee also offers peace of mind, ensuring you get the best deal available. Viator’s extensive reach through TripAdvisor means that support is usually quick and helpful.
GetYourGuide, on the other hand, offers decent customer support, though it’s not available around the clock. One of the platform’s biggest selling points is its commitment to sustainable tourism, favoring small-group tours that reduce environmental impact. However, when it comes to flexibility, Viator’s “Book Now, Pay Later” feature is hard to beat.
Verdict: Viator wins for 24/7 customer support and payment flexibility, while GetYourGuide impresses with its focus on sustainable and ethical tourism.
Target Market and Popularity
Viator has a larger global presence, especially in the U.S. market, with more than 23 million monthly visitors. It’s a top choice for travelers seeking traditional tours and activities, especially in popular destinations like the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The platform benefits greatly from its connection to TripAdvisor, giving it additional credibility.
GetYourGuide, while smaller, attracts about 13 million visitors per month, with a stronger focus on European travelers. It has carved a niche in offering unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences, often preferred by those who want to explore a destination in a more sustainable or immersive way.
Verdict: Viator appeals to a broader, global audience, while GetYourGuide is better suited for those seeking unique, sustainable experiences, particularly in Europe.
Price and Payment Options
Both platforms offer competitive pricing for tours and experiences. However, Viator offers a “Price Match Guarantee”, ensuring you get the best deal possible. Its “Book Now, Pay Later” feature is also a game-changer for those who may not want to pay upfront. This feature is particularly helpful when planning trips far in advance.
While GetYourGuide also offers great deals, it doesn’t provide a price match guarantee, and users must pay in full when booking. The platform, however, excels in offering transparent pricing and clear cancellation policies, with most tours allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Verdict: Viator leads in payment flexibility and price matching, while GetYourGuide offers fair, upfront pricing but with fewer payment options.
Which Platform Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between Viator and GetYourGuide depends on your travel preferences:
- Choose Viator if you want a massive selection of tours, enjoy the flexibility of paying later, or need 24/7 customer support. It’s a top choice for U.S. travelers or those who want a wider range of options across different regions.
- Choose GetYourGuide if you’re looking for sustainable, high-quality experiences or if you’re primarily traveling in Europe. GetYourGuide excels in delivering unique, well-reviewed tours with an emphasis on eco-friendly tourism.
Both platforms offer a great variety of tours, easy booking processes, and solid customer service. Your choice will likely depend on whether you prioritize variety and flexibility (Viator) or sustainability and quality (GetYourGuide).
