When people think of making travel plans, they usually have a destination in mind based on two or three well-known attractions – but what should they do with the rest of their time? GetYourGuide provides users with curated lists of local guided tours, activities, and experiences to help any traveller make the most of their trip. Going to Florida doesn’t have to mean only theme parks, and GetYourGuide can show you the countless other possibilities available.
What is GetYourGuide?
Founded in 2009 by a group of university classmates, GetYourGuide is a Germany-based travel planning platform that has grown steadily over the past 16 years by collaborating with an ever-expanding network of tour companies worldwide. It presents travellers with deals and experiences they may not have discovered on their own, breaking listings down by category, location, and time of year to surface the most relevant options for each search.
A user can enter a destination and travel dates and be presented with an organised list of things to do and places to see – from booking excursion tickets to finding local restaurants and crafting a full itinerary. It’s a seamless, user-friendly platform that works well for all types of travellers.
Pros and Cons of GetYourGuide
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Customer-friendly platform with a straightforward booking process | Pricing can be inflated compared to booking directly with the tour company |
| Supports local businesses by listing them alongside larger tour operators | More remote destinations may have fewer available options |
| Free cancellation is usually available on bookings made through the website or app | Rare instances of tours being cancelled on the day with little or no notice |
Although cons do exist, the pros outweigh them, and the platform’s ease of use is one of its strongest selling points. Read on for a step-by-step look at how booking through GetYourGuide actually works.
What It’s Like to Book with GetYourGuide
Whether using the website or the app, the first step is entering your travel dates and destination. You can then filter and sort the results by price, rating, or recommended tours. Selecting a specific tour brings up full details including duration, pricing, a complete itinerary, and the cancellation policy.
Adding a tour to your cart holds the reservation for 30 minutes, giving you time to continue browsing without losing your spot. Payment can be made at the time of booking or deferred until the week before the tour. Once confirmed, you’ll receive a booking confirmation by email, and if you have an account, the trip is saved to your profile for easy reference.
How GetYourGuide Compares to Other Travel Sites
GetYourGuide is a strong option for booking activities, but it’s not the only platform available. Here’s how it compares to some key competitors.
GetYourGuide vs. Viator
Viator is an American-based tour booking platform with a global offering. Its main advantage over GetYourGuide is a loyalty programme that rewards customers with points redeemable on future bookings. Cancellation policies and customer service are broadly comparable between the two. Viator also tends to have a stronger selection of walkable tours, such as guided city walks and hiking experiences.
GetYourGuide vs. Klook
Klook covers destinations worldwide but is primarily focused on Asia, where its coverage is particularly strong. For travel within Asia, Klook is an excellent choice. Outside of that region, GetYourGuide will typically offer a wider range of options. One notable Klook feature is the ability to purchase discounted eSIMs through the platform – a practical add-on for travellers wanting data connectivity from the moment they arrive.
GetYourGuide vs. Expedia
Expedia is a much broader platform, allowing users to bundle tours with flights, accommodation, and airport transfers in one booking. It does include a “Things to Do” section, but activities are a secondary offering. GetYourGuide, by contrast, specialises entirely in experiences – meaning its catalogue of tours and activities is significantly more extensive and curated.
Who Should Use GetYourGuide?
Essentially, any traveller going anywhere can benefit from GetYourGuide. Its extensive and constantly expanding catalogue of unique tours means there’s something for everyone – some options may genuinely surprise you. Whether you’re planning a day trip for a group, a romantic outing for two, or looking for something new to do on a return visit to a familiar destination, GetYourGuide is worth exploring before you go.
Final Verdict: Should You Use GetYourGuide?
Yes. Whether travelling for leisure or fitting in some exploration around a business trip, GetYourGuide is a genuinely useful platform. The ability to book well in advance with flexible cancellation options makes it low-risk, and premium extras like skip-the-line tickets or private guides can turn a good trip into a great one. Its strong reputation and consistently positive reviews speak for themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GetYourGuide legit?
Yes. GetYourGuide is a legitimate, well-established third-party booking platform that consolidates tours and attractions from around the world into a single, easy-to-use interface. They have been operating and growing since 2009 and continue to expand their catalogue of experiences.
Are reviews on GetYourGuide reliable?
Reviews on public forums and app stores tend to reflect honest user experiences, as they cannot be hidden or removed by the company itself. When assessing a new platform, reading reviews across multiple sources with an open mind is the best approach – both positive and negative feedback will give you a well-rounded picture.
What happens if a tour is cancelled?
In most cases, GetYourGuide offers a full refund for cancellations made more than 24 hours before the tour. This policy is outlined at the time of booking. For same-day cancellations, outcomes are handled on a case-by-case basis depending on the individual tour provider. GetYourGuide’s support team is available to assist with any cancellation queries.
Can I use GetYourGuide internationally?
Yes. GetYourGuide can be used to book tours and activities in destinations all over the world, regardless of where you’re booking from. The website and app support multiple languages and currencies to accommodate international users.
Is there a loyalty or rewards programme?
GetYourGuide does not currently have its own loyalty programme, but it does partner with external companies and platforms that offer rewards to their members. These include Radisson Rewards, various credit card points programmes, and PayPal Honey, which can provide users with Honey Gold on eligible bookings.
Can I modify or reschedule a booking?
Some bookings can be rescheduled, though not all. Each listing will indicate at the time of booking whether rescheduling is permitted or whether the booking is final once confirmed. To make a change, users can visit the contact page, provide their booking reference and PIN, and select a new date and time that works for them.
