Rating
Company status
couchsurfing.com
Asen Nedoklanov
4 reviews
3/5
In my 20s it was super cool to host tourists from around the world but then couchsurfing was bought by new owners and became with paid subscriptions...then everything was ruined and I stopped using it
Jose Munoz
46 reviews
4/5
Couchsurfing is a fantastic way to meet locals and experience a city in an authentic way. I’ve had some incredible hosts and learned a lot about the places I’ve visited. However, the platform has its flaws. It’s not always easy to find trustworthy hosts, and the site’s been criticized for a decline in user quality and safety concerns. While it’s great for budget travelers who want to dive into local culture, you need to be cautious and make sure you’re choosing your hosts wisely. It’s a mixed experience, but one I keep coming back to for the right adventures.
travelzoo.com
Anton Stoychev
117 reviews
OMG — I signed up with Travelzoo expecting WOW-worthy travel bargains, and in many ways they delivered. I found a hotel + dinner package for WAY less than booking direct, which was awesome. IMO the “Top 20” deal list is fun, full of inspiration, and definitely worth subscribing to. That said: I did hit a few hitches. The voucher I purchased had quite a few hidden conditions (dates, extra fees) that I only spotted after the fact. Also, when I had a question about the booking the response from the support team was slow — and a little vague about who was ultimately responsible (Travelzoo vs the hotel). So while the deal looked amazing, I ended up needing to call the hotel directly to sort a small glitch. ✅ What I liked: Good value: the deal REALLY saved me money vs typical rate. Lots of variety: hotels, dinners, experiences — fun to browse even if you don’t buy right away. 🚫 What could be better: Clarity on fine print: I wish the restrictions were more upfront. Customer service: when issues arise you’ll want someone responsive. Would I recommend Travelzoo? Yes — if you’re willing to do a bit of homework, read the voucher terms, and aren’t expecting perfection. But if you absolutely need flexibility or zero-risk, you might look somewhere else. In short: Travelzoo can be a smart move for bargain-hunters, IMO — just don’t treat it like a “set-and-forget” luxury travel provider.
Travelzoo is known for offering some seriously discounted travel deals, and I’ve scored some incredible offers for hotels and activities through them. However, I’ve also encountered a few deals that were too good to be true, with limited availability or unmentioned restrictions. The site is well organized, and the deals are definitely tempting, but you have to be cautious. I always double check the terms and conditions before booking. If you’re willing to put in the effort to research, Travelzoo can be a goldmine, but it’s not always as straightforward as it seems.
hotwire.com
IMO I had a mixed ride with Hotwire. I scored a great rate for a 4-star hotel in Barcelona and thought “yes!” — the price was way lower than usual. But then a few things made me raise my eyebrows: • The hotel name came after I booked — I picked “4-star, city centre” but only found out the actual property the moment my booking confirmed. • Absolutely no cancellation possible (I changed my mind one evening) — I accepted it, but still it felt a bit harsh. • On arrival the room was okay but nothing spectacular; the nightly “deal” was still decent though. • Customer service: when I asked a question about the booking they replied, but it took longer than I’d like. So overall: if you’re on a tight budget, flexible with exact hotel name and don’t mind the “mystery factor” — Hotwire can be a win. But if you expect full transparency, cancellation flexibility and zero surprises then IMO you might want to use it with caution.
Hotwire isn’t as flashy as some newer booking sites, but it can still offer solid deals if you’re flexible with your travel plans. I’ve used it a few times for last minute hotel bookings and saved a decent amount. The “Hot Rate” deals can be great, but you don’t always know exactly what you’re getting until after you’ve booked. Customer service is hit or miss, and the website could use a refresh. Still, if you’re looking for savings and don’t mind a little mystery, Hotwire is worth considering.
cruisecritic.com
5/5
Cruise Critic has been my go-to site for cruise information. The site’s reviews and expert recommendations have helped me pick the right cruise lines and itineraries for my trips. However, I’ve noticed that some reviews seem overly favorable, possibly due to partnerships with cruise lines. The forum discussions are useful, but you have to sift through some biased opinions. Despite this, Cruise Critic is still a great resource for planning a cruise, especially for first-timers. Just be aware that some reviews might not reflect the full picture.
travelocity.com
2/5
Travelocity is one of those websites that gets the job done, but it’s not always the best option. I’ve booked flights and hotels here several times, and while I’ve had some smooth experiences, I’ve also had problems with reservation errors and delays. The prices are competitive, but I’ve had issues when trying to modify a booking. Customer service could be quicker, and the website design feels outdated. It’s not a site I actively seek out, but if I find a good deal, I’ll still use it — just with caution.
getyourguide.com
GetYourGuide offers a wide range of tours and activities, making it a convenient option for booking experiences in a new city. I’ve had some fantastic tours that felt well-organized and led by knowledgeable guides. However, I’ve also had a few experiences where the tours were overpriced or underwhelming compared to what was advertised. The platform is easy to use, but sometimes the descriptions don’t match the actual experience. Despite the inconsistencies, it’s a decent option if you want to find local tours quickly. Just be sure to read reviews carefully and confirm details before booking.
rome2rio.com
Rome2Rio is a fantastic concept for figuring out how to get from one place to another using multiple modes of transportation. It gives you a range of options, from flights to buses and trains, which is super helpful when planning complicated trips. However, I’ve noticed that not all routes are accurate or realistic, especially when traveling to more remote locations. The pricing is also often approximate and can be misleading. Still, it’s a good starting point when planning long trips, but I recommend double-checking routes and pricing before finalizing your travel arrangements.
seatguru.com
SeatGuru was once an essential tool for picking the best seats on flights, and it still offers a lot of useful information. The color-coded seat maps are helpful for choosing more comfortable seats and avoiding bad ones. However, I’ve found the site isn’t updated as frequently as it should be, and some newer aircraft seat maps are missing or inaccurate. The mobile experience also feels outdated. While SeatGuru is still useful for general seating advice, it’s starting to feel like it’s fallen behind compared to newer flight apps that provide more current and detailed information.
hostelworld.com
pon yan
40 reviews
I booked a hostel online, but when I arrived, the room didn’t look like the pictures. It was smaller, not very clean, and the bed was uncomfortable. The staff wasn’t very helpful when I asked to change rooms. I expected better for the price I paid.
As a budget traveler, I rely on Hostelworld when looking for affordable accommodations. The site offers a good range of hostels, and the reviews are usually helpful in deciding where to stay. However, I’ve had mixed experiences with cleanliness and the accuracy of photos. Some hostels looked great online but turned out to be run-down in person. Also, the booking fees can add up, which is frustrating for short stays. Still, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind a little unpredictability, Hostelworld is a solid option, but always double-check the reviews.
momondo.com
Momondo always grabs my attention with its slick interface and colorful graphs, but I never trust the prices it shows. Half the time, they vanish when I try to book. It’s a nice-looking site that gets your hopes up, then quietly lets you down. However I believe the interface looks good and it's easy to use.
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