Is Trip.com Legit? My Tips, Mistakes & Discounts as a Travel Expert
Most people assume Trip.com is new to the travel booking platform scene, yet it too was a 90’s baby with years of tourism industry expertise!
It was launched in 1999 as Ctrip and spent 2 decades building its authority as China’s top domestic tourism hub. Yet as China’s international tourism scene grew, so did the Trip.com Group with everything from flights and hotels to trains, tours, attractions and more, even beyond China.
But with so many big-name booking platforms out there growing and launching alongside it, like Klook, Expedia, and Booking.com, it is understandable that you may ask: is Trip.com legit?
After all, I had the same question, and after putting it to the test across the last few years with various Japan trips and finally ticking China off my bucket list, I have gathered all of my expertise insights, mistakes and budget tips all in the one place!
What is Trip.com?
What started as a domestic Chinese travel booking platform, Ctrip has grown into a global online travel company, offering everything from flights and hotels to trains, car hire, attractions and tours. Hey, you can even book cruises on the app now!
You see, in 2019, Ctrip rebranded its parent company as Trip.com Group as it continued expanding internationally, with Trip.com becoming its global-facing booking platform and app.
Today is one of the world’s top online travel companies, with what feels like a never-ending list of services from its extensive China portal to global hotel, flights, transport and attraction offerings.
And frankly, I believe this is still only the beginning for what Trip.com is in the tourism scene.
“Our goal is to be the world’s leading and most trusted travel service provider”
Trip.com
Who is Trip.com for?
As its original name suggests, Ctrip was built for China’s domestic travel market. Now Trip.com has since grown into a global booking platform.
At this stage, it is primarily for those travelling through Asia where its strong local presence definitely has perks making booking transport, accommodation and experiences surprisingly easy.
The best part about it is that it is becoming a true one-stop travel shop, especially for China travel for every kind of traveller on every kind of budget.
How to Use Trip.com
First things first, you need to head to Trip.com or better yet, download the Trip.com app (there are a bunch of app-exclusive discounts and promos that make this well worth it).
It’s not essential, but I’d recommend creating an account before making your first booking.
It makes it much easier to keep track of your trips, manage bookings and access any member-only deals or promotions. (PLUS you usually get a few first-time discount offers)
Once you’re set up, you can search and book everything from flights and hotels to trains, airport transfers, attractions and experiences, all separated into easy-to-navigate categories and even package search functions.
It is one thing to have an account ready to go, but understanding what, where and how you can actually book across the platform is another thing entirely. So, let me break it down:
🗺️ Trip Experiences and Tours
Trip.com has almost everything your mind could dream of, from tours, attractions and experiences across from China and beyond. (Although China is still by far its most extensive network)
With millions of travel products available across the Trip.com Group ecosystem, there’s plenty to browse, whether you’re looking for a natural wonder, adrenaline-packed day trip, classic attraction tickets, local food experience or something a little more unique.
🚝 Trip Transport: Flights, Trains, Transfers and Car Rental
Transport is a big part of the Trip.com experience, particularly if you’re travelling through Asia. You can use the platform to book trains, airport transfers, car rentals and other transport options alongside the rest of your trip. Oh and my favourite overall is FLIGHTS!
Train travel is where Trip.com can be particularly handy, with routes, timetables, ticket options and seat choices available directly through the platform. This can save you from navigating unfamiliar local booking systems, especially when travelling somewhere where you don’t speak the language.
Honestly, it is one of the easiest airport transfer systems I have ever used. As we had already booked our recent China flights via Trip, when we went to search for airport transfers, it already had our flight number and ideal pickup set in ready to go.
🏨 Trip.com Hotels
Japan
China
Maldives
Unlike Klook, hotels aren’t a recent addition to Trip.com. Accommodation has been part of its business since its Ctrip days.
Besides a few unique onsen stays in Japan, I hadn’t dabbled to much into the Trip.com hotel searching scene. Yet after our recent China trip, it has become a favourite as it is easy to search, save and book with the added bonus of some of the best consistent discounts around.
📲 eSIMS
It comes at no surprise that Trip.com has also jumped into the eSIM space. You truly can’t avoid it but honestly I am not bad about it, especially given Trip.com has some of the best and easiest to use options around.
You can browse eSIM options for destinations around the world, with plans varying by country, data allowance and duration.
So, Is Trip.com Legit?
Trip.com is one of the most ‘legit’ travel booking platforms around the world right now. Despite being around for decades, it truly feels like the beginning for Trip.com with so much room to grow.
Of course, that is easy to say so if you still need a few more details, insights and real use cases, keep on scrolling below as we dive deeper.
But for those who want it right here, right now: As a travel expert, I highly recommend booking your trip with Trip.com, and it has become my go-to for Asia travel.
Best of all, it’s not just Trip.com… Trip.com Group also owns other major travel brands including Skyscanner, which it acquired in 2016, alongside a number of other reputable names within the industry, giving itself even more legitimacy to put your mind at ease.
The Ultimate Guide to Trip Discounts
I don’t know about you but I love a good deal. I’m usually always on the hunt for a good boujee on a budget stay or attraction discounts and lucky for us, Trip.com has almost constant bargains to find.
After years of trial and error, I have finally mastered the art of maximising my savings per booking. Ready to share my secrets to help you maximise yours!
Why and How to Sign Up for Trip.com
Sure, savings are a big reason for signing up for Klook, and I still will not shut up about that.
But the biggest reason not to overlook the rewards program is for easier booking management and protection.
A couple of minutes to sign up now can save you a lot more time, stress and money in the long run. And it is as simple as:
- Go to Trip.com or download the Trip.com app.
- Click “Sign in” in the top-right corner (or tap “Account” in the app).
- Select “Sign up” and register using your email address, phone number or available social login options.
- Complete any verification required to activate your account.
- Check your account for any available member discounts, promotions or Trip Coins before making your booking.
Understanding the different types of discounts
Like most booking platforms these days you are not too far away from finding a bargain and Trip.com is no different. Well other than it possibly having even more ways to save than most, so let’s check it out:
| Trip.com Discount | What is it? |
|---|---|
| Promo Codes | Unfortunately I don’t have one to give you this time but keep an eye out across Trip.com socials for special savings codes |
| New User Discounts | Special offers available to eligible first-time Trip.com users. These change regularly, so check the current offer before booking. |
| App-Exclusive Deals | Promotions or pricing available through the Trip.com mobile app that may not appear on the desktop site. |
| Member Deals | Special rices and promotions available when you create a Trip.com account. Offers vary depending on the booking. |
| Trip Coins | Trip.com’s rewards currency. Eligible bookings can earn Trip Coins that can be redeemed towards future bookings. |
| Flash Sales & Special Offers | Limited-time promotions across hotels, flights, attractions and other travel products. In fact, every week they run a ‘TRIP TUESDAY’ deal. |
My Expert Tips on Saving More $$$ on Trip.com
Similarly to the advice I shared in my ‘Is Klook legit post’, the best way to save big with Trip.com is to mix and match as many of the discount types as possible.
From package deals to first time savings and using trip coins on travel tuesdays, the saving possibilities are endless if you make the effort.
The same can be said for mixing and matching with external savings like cashback programs, credit cards deals and vouchers.
With that in mind, I still recommend comparing pricing and availability across other booking platforms, especially if you are maintaining loyalty across multiple.
The biggest thing to note is how much these prices and availability can vary across different countries and booking types.
Brutally Honest Reviews and Recaps from a Serial Trip.com Booker
Booking Flights on Trip.com
We’ve booked flights via Trip a couple of times now and I dare say that trend will continue.
Not only have we found it to have some of the best fares with transparent breakdown of fees, extras and inclusions BUT it is still linkable direct to the airline after booking so you have oduble the support.
You may have spotted me briefly mention before how it has an added bonus of easily connecting to your other trip bookings within the app making everything from airport transfers to hotel books so easy to pair.
Underrate Japan Onsen Hotel Finder
If you’ve seen me pop up anywhere online before, you know I will not shut up about unique onsen hotels, and Trip.com is one of the most surprising and best places to find them!
From staying at an Onsen Theme Park to Waterfall Onsen Hotels, Trip.com is an underrated gem for finding the best ryokans and spas in Japan.
I love Trip.com China Hotels
It wouldn’t be a Trip.com review without mentioning using it China and well, it truly lives up to the hype, especially for Hotels.
There is such an extensive range with some of the best boujee on a budget stays I have found anywhere in the world.
🚩 The one red flag I will note is that there were several times everyone in our group had different prices for the exact same hotels, dates, discounts, loyalty… Unfortunately this is one of those pesky thigns happening more and more across all apps but still worth keeping an eye out to make sure you get the best price.
Our cancelled day trip to Wulong Karst Tourism Area
More specifically, we booked just the Three Natural Bridges Ticket (Including Transfer Car + Elevator) as we were unsure of timing and weather.
It is great that they have range of individual or combo deals for each attraction yet even better that the tickets are actually valid for 4 days, as we were completely rained out the day we had planned to visit.
In fact, almost everywhere we used trip.com to book these National Parks and attractions was breeze with flexibility in tickets and most of the time as your passport is linked through your booking process you only use it as your entry rather than needing to print or keep the app open during your visit.
Booking E-Sims on Trip.com – the best for China travel
I’ve said before that I still can not believe I ever travelled without e-sims yet China is a different beast that I don’t think you could comfortably travel as a foreigner here without one.
Trip eSIMs work similarly to when I raved on about Klook eSIMs with its variety of different brands and types. Not to mention the ease of set-ups and access to real reviews is always handy.
Always look out for those Trip deals as eSIMs are a common bonus or freebie!
Trip.com Airport Transfers are superior
To be fair, we really haven’t used this feature much since there are only limited times you relaly need an airport transfer on one trip. Yet I will say that every experience so far has been positive as I have raved about a few tiems already in this post.
Since we have booked our fligths via Trip.com already, our flight info and best pick up option were already set for us making the process a breeze.
You can book cruises on Trip.com??
I can not lie, I have not done this… I actually have only been on one cruise my entire life, but I digress… Now the real question is, Is Trip.com legit for cruising???
I stumbled across this section doing more research for this guide and could not believe the extensive cruising possibilities you can book through the app WITH DISCOUNTS TOO! The cruising market is sleeping on this one for sure and again, I feel it is only going to grow.
Common questions about Trip.com
Is Trip.com trustworthy?
From my extensive experience, I have found Trip.com to be one of the most trustworthy booking platforms around.
Again, it’s looking beyond just is Trip.com legit, the wider group owns established travel brands including Skyscanner, so there is a lot more trust that has already been built here.
Where is Trip.com available?
While its roots are firmly in China and it has a particularly strong presence across Asia, Trip.com is available worldwide, covering hundreds of destinations across Europe, the Americas, Oceania and beyond.
What payment methods are accepted on Trip.com?
Trip.com accepts major payment methods including Visa, Mastercard and American Express, with options varying depending on your location, currency and booking.
The available payment methods will be displayed at checkout before you pay.
What customer support options are available on Trip.com?
Trip.com offers 24/7 customer support through its app and website, including online chat and a help centre. Phone support is also available in selected markets, with options varying by location and booking.
How does Trip.com compare to other Experience and Hotel Booking Sites?
Honestly, it is hard to compare as its experience and offerings current vary across regions. For example, you could not travel China without it, yet on other destinations it falls short compared to Klook, Booking.com or Expedia.
Overall (well in my recent Asia travels), Trip.com has been the most consistent and competitive in both price and variety of offerings. Like I have said before, I only see it growing too!
Is Trip.com safe to book flights with?
I have had no issues booking flights on Trip.com. In fact, it has consistently been the cheapest with some of the best support and booking transparency.
However, like any third-party app purchase, you need to understand that you don’t have as much flexibility and support as booking direct with an airline will have in case of any changes, cancellations or upgrades.
Can I cancel a Trip.com booking?
Like any bookign platform, it depends on the booking. Cancellation and refund conditions are set out in the individual booking, so check these carefully before paying. Some bookings are refundable while others are non-refundable.
Is Trip.com legit? My opinion and final thoughts
Yes, Trip.com is absolutely legit and has solidified itself in my travel planning rotation. Not to mention the buzz I get each week looking at those Travel Tuesday deals hahaha.
To be honest, after becoming an expert on unique things to do in Japan, I had really been Klook’s number 1 fan, yet with a few unique onsen stays sneaking through on Trip, the two have become a dream team.
And then, when I finally had the chance to visit China, Trip.com really took the lead as the ultimate booking powerhouse. Dare I say, it would be almost impossible to travel to China without Trip.com.
But here’s the important distinction to note… being a legitimate company doesn’t automatically mean every booking will go smoothly. Travel is unpredictable, operators can make mistakes and life can be messy.
Ultimately, I still don’t think there is one overall almighty booking platform, as it varies across each destination, market and your general needs/loyalty. However, Trip.com has earned its place in my rotation.
