How to Use TripAdvisor to Plan Your Next Adventure

Updated May 31, 2024
Trip advisor cover
To the point Are you looking for your next adventure but don't know where to start? Look no further than TripAdvisor, the travel website that offers user-generated reviews and ratings of hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

In addition to reviews, TripAdvisor also offers a booking platform for travel activities, including tours, experiences, and attractions.

Booking on TripAdvisor is easy and fun, and with so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect activity for your next trip. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use TripAdvisor to plan your next adventure and make the most of your travel experience.

TripAdvisor Strengths

Here are some of TripAdvisor’s strengths:

  • Large user base: TripAdvisor has a large and active user base, with millions of travellers using the platform to research and plan their trips.
  • User-generated content: The platform is driven by user-generated content, with millions of reviews and ratings of hotels, restaurants, attractions, and other travel-related businesses. This content provides valuable insights and recommendations for travellers.
  • Diverse content: TripAdvisor covers a wide range of travel-related topics, including hotels, restaurants, flights, vacation rentals, and things to do in various destinations worldwide.

Customization: The platform allows users to customize their search results based on their preferences, including location, price range, amenities, and more.

Trip advisor homepage en
Trip advisor homepage en

How to Book Your Adventure

Step 1: Search for Your Destination

The first step in planning your adventure is to search for your destination on TripAdvisor. Once you’ve selected your destination, you can start exploring the different travel activities and experiences available.

Trip advisor search bar en
Trip advisor search bar en

You can filter your results by activity type, price range, rating, and more to make your search more specific. Whether you’re looking for a scenic hike or a thrilling adventure, TripAdvisor has something for everyone.

Step 2: Read User Reviews

Once you’ve found a travel activity or experience that interests you, take the time to read user reviews. User reviews are the heart of the TripAdvisor platform, and they can give you valuable insight into what to expect from your adventure.

Look for reviews that mention the things that are important to you, such as the quality of the guide, the level of physical activity involved, or the value for money. You can also ask questions or leave comments on the reviews to get more information from other travellers.

Tripadvisor reviews en

Milesopedia Tip: As great as TripAdvisor is, there is a well-known issue around fake reviews. These fake reviews can be created by a variety of people, including businesses themselves, their competitors, or even individuals with no direct relationship to the business. While the company has taken additional steps in recent years to prevent this on its platform, we still urge caution when reading reviews and using your best judgment to determine the validity of a review.

Step 3: Check Availability and Pricing

After you’ve found the perfect adventure on TripAdvisor, it’s time to check availability and pricing. TripAdvisor will show you the available dates and times for the activity, as well as the price per person.

If you’re travelling with a group, make sure to check the group size limit for the activity. Some activities may have a maximum group size, so you’ll need to book multiple tours if your group is larger than the limit.

Tripadvisor availability en

Step 4: Book Your Adventure

Once you’ve confirmed the availability and pricing for your adventure, it’s time to book. Click on the “Book Now” button, and TripAdvisor will prompt you to enter your payment details and any other relevant information.

If you have a TripAdvisor account, you can use it to save your payment details and make future bookings more quickly. You’ll also be able to view your booking history and manage any cancellations or changes from your account dashboard.

Tips for Planning Your Adventure on TripAdvisor

Now that you know how to use TripAdvisor to plan your next adventure, here are some tips for making the most of your travel experience:

1. Explore Different Activities

Feel free to explore different travel activities and experiences on TripAdvisor. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or food tours, there’s something for everyone on the platform.

2. Read User Reviews Carefully

User reviews are the heart of the TripAdvisor platform, so read them carefully before booking an adventure. Look for reviews that mention the things that are important to you, such as the quality of the guide, the level of physical activity involved, or the value for money.

3. Book in Advance

Popular travel activities and experiences can sell out quickly, especially during the peak travel season. To ensure you get the experience you want, it’s best to book in advance.

4. Be Open-Minded

When planning your adventure on TripAdvisor, be open-minded and willing to try new things. You may discover a new hobby or interest you never knew existed!

5. Look for Deals and Discounts

One of the benefits of using TripAdvisor to book your travel activities is that the platform often features deals and discounts. Check for these before booking, as you may be able to save money by booking a bundle deal or taking advantage of a limited-time promotion.

6. Check for Cancellation Policies

Before booking a travel activity on TripAdvisor, make sure to check the cancellation policy. Some activities may have strict cancellation policies or non-refundable deposits, so it’s important to understand the terms and conditions before booking.

Tripadvisor paragliding
Photo Credit : TripAdvisor

7. Contact the Tour Operator Directly

If you have any questions about a travel activity or experience, consider contacting the tour operator directly. Many tour operators have their own websites or social media channels where you can ask questions or get more information.

8. Leave Your Own Review

After you’ve completed your travel activity or experience, make sure to leave your own review on TripAdvisor. Your feedback can help other travellers make informed decisions and improve the overall quality of the platform.

8. Pay with points or with a travel rewards credit card

By paying for your reservation with a credit card such as the World Elite Mastercard from National Bank, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite* Card or the American Express Cobalt® Card, you can earn points on every dollar spent, and choose to redeem those points for a statement credit. 

Top Alternative to TripAdvisor: Viator

Are you looking for a good alternative for booking activities and experiences? You may want to consider Viator, a Milesopedia partner! Viator is owned by TripAdvisor, which means it has access to the same user-generated content and reviews as TripAdvisor. This ensures that users can make informed decisions when booking activities and experiences. For more on Viator, please check out our guide on the platform.

Final Thoughts

Following these tips and booking through TripAdvisor, you can find and book the best travel activities and experiences for your next trip. From guided tours and cultural experiences to adventure activities and food tours, TripAdvisor has something for every type of traveller.

In addition to booking travel activities and experiences, TripAdvisor also offers travellers a wealth of information and resources. The platform features travel guides, forums, destination-specific information, and hotel and restaurant reviews.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-term adventure, TripAdvisor is the perfect platform to help you plan your travels. So why wait? Start exploring the world today!

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Milesopedia

Milesopedia

Milesopedia
Milesopedia is your ultimate guide to maximizing the benefits of rewards programs, credit cards, and budget-friendly travel. Written by a passionate team of experts in personal finance and travel, each article authored by Milesopedia reflects our commitment to providing practical advice, effective strategies, and in-depth analysis to help you save money and travel smarter. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, Milesopedia is here to support your goals and answer all your questions.
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