TripADeal Reviews 837

After doing china with Trip A Deal we were totally 100% impressed so we have booked 3 more trips with them and just completed Dubai/Egypt, so different to China. Tour guides, communication totally different in Dubai picked up at airport at 5am and literally just left at the front door of the hotel, nowhere open not able to get into our rooms until 2am and no food available. Tour guides terrible.
On to Egypt our tour guide Hesham was amazing and really new is stuff extremely knowledgable and organisation impeccable.
On our initial itinerary it said we would be in 4 star accommodation not so and some of the hotels were well below standard especially in Luxor, breakfast was non existent really and everything that should have been warm was stone cold, coffee and tea came in little bags and boil a kettle, in the room there was so mugs and we were told to put coffee/tea in glass. Our cruise up the nile whilst very good was also on a below par vessel and very old and dated and needed a really good clean especially the bathrooms.
Egypt is a fascinating place to go and see but so dirty i don't think i have ever seen so much rubbish on streets in fact everywhere, which makes you wonder how clean the staff are at some of these places. We were a group of 24 and 22 people got sick.
We finished our tour at an all inclusive resort at Hurghada ,good job it was all inclusive as there is absolutely nothing to do so i feel 3 days was way to long in this place when i say all inclusive we actually had to pay another $27us per person when we were there, again this should have been included in the original price.

We have recently returned from our 8 day trip a deal tour to Japan .
We enjoyed the trip our hotels were lovely, plus close to shops and restaurants. We were very lucky to have a very knowledgeable tour guide in Mohini Shrestha and a great driver Yashidha San. Both went out of they way to ensure we had a memorable experience.

2 for 1 BEAUTY OF THE BALKANS
This trip was fabulous from start to finish. Our Tour Director, Bili (Kalember Biljiana) was wonderful. Her passion, humour, knowledge and caring were second to none. She truly cared for all the passengers on the Blue Bus and went above and beyond on so many occasions to make sure all needs were met.
The only suggestion I would make is that the Hotels whilst very good & some were 5 Star, were situated within walking distance of the city we were visiting. I love how TripADeal has a wonderful balance between organised sight seeing and free time.

Rose, you truly went above and beyond to give us an exceptional experience! Your energy and dedication are greatly appreciated. Well done! We're also grateful for your honest and authentic approach as a tour director. Your clear explanations and good humour made every moment enjoyable. Thank you

Booked 2 for 1 Japan for my husband and I. We had an amazing 8 day trip thank you to our fabulous guide Rose who was able to juggle all of our wonderful personalities 😀 Will definitely return to Japan!!!!

We recently went on the tripadeal incredible china trip. Forest was an amazing tour guide who looked after us exceptionally. Emily on the other hand was pushy, abrupt and was not clear about what we were doing. The Great Wall of china was great, but the days were way too busy. It felt rushed and I felt rundown only a few days in. It is great value for money. However expect to be pushed into buying things at the jade factory, and silk factory.

Our recent Japan tour with TripADeal was one of the worst travel experiences we’ve ever had. For nearly $5,000 for two people, we weren’t expecting luxury—but we certainly expected honesty, respect, and decent accommodation. Sadly, we got none of that.

Most of the hotels were dirty, cheap, and poorly maintained—except for one in the Aichi region. But the real issue was the tour guide. She was loud, condescending, and treated us like we should be grateful to be there, rather than paying customers. Her behavior throughout the trip was dismissive, unprofessional, and emotionally exhausting.

The worst moment came in Kyoto. Our itinerary included a scheduled visit to a well-known temple. Instead, without telling anyone, the guide rerouted the group to a completely optional temple visit. After that, she told us we had already started the optional tour and demanded we pay for it. When we pushed back, she created an uncomfortable public scene that left us feeling manipulated and humiliated. The temple we were originally supposed to visit was skipped altogether.

We were also supposed to be dropped off at Kyoto city center afterwards to continue our own plans, but the guide used the detour to trap us into continuing the optional activity. When confronted, she tried to cover it up by pressuring everyone to join an unrelated visit in Osaka—clearly trying to patch over the mess.

As if that wasn’t enough, on the final night, the company offered a surprise farewell dinner. Instead of it being a nice gesture, the guide said—while looking at us coldly—“You’re lucky you’re getting free food—no one gets that here.” It was so insulting that we chose to skip the dinner entirely.

We’ve travelled extensively across Europe and other regions, and never have we experienced anything this poorly handled or disrespectful.

TripADeal failed us on every level—accommodation quality, guide behavior, transparency, and basic human decency. We’ll never travel with them again and strongly advise others to avoid them too.

Recently did a Vietnam and Cambodia tour with Tripadeal and all the hotels except 1 hotel in Siem Reap was 4 star.
Very shabby and dirty hotels that don't meet any 4 star criteria and a dangerous cruise boat with no safety at Halong Bay.
It felt like we were short-changed everywhere
All the optional tours were exorbitantly priced
Not doing Tripadeal again

Never again
-Received our travel pack only 4 weeks before we departed Australia and what a mess it was
-spent countless hours on the phone and sending emails, only too get overseas and so much was booked and messed up wrong. What a nightmare and too contact them is too, if you do you are told too wait days for a reply.
-You have too pay 100% up front , when you could go too another travel agent like Flight Centre or Book it yourself online and pick your own seats, hotel, etc cheaper
I costed it up and and it was cheaper too go too flight centre or do it yourself
You get what your given - you can’t choice your airline , hotels nothing and they said that’s why you get it at a discounted prices
It’s not cheaper at all and you have too wait for your travel pack and print everything out yourself
Good luck if you need help
A nightmare!!!
A MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THEY JUST ANSWER PHONES AND ARE NOT TRAVEL AGENTS.
I will never again booked a NRL Vegas trip with TRIP A DEAL
They destroyed our trip
Everything from cheap plane seats,long connecting flights( like in Los Angeles too Vegas- 7 hours wait)
Names wrong on bookings, wrong bedding configuration, luggage messed up,nrl tickets won’t load, transfer didn’t turn up and trying too get them.
Also transfer couldnt fit out party of 6 - so transfer company demanding 250$ US or leave 2 people behind
Do yourself a favour and go too a travel agent, who will answer the phone , hand you printed tickets, answer your call on emergency overseas cause I had terrible trouble
Beware

Recently returned from Canada and Alaska with TripADeal your accommodation was appalling that TripADeal put you in two stars three stars hotel I had bedbugs. I had to pack my bags and move out at 4 o’clock in the morning because I was covered with bedbug bites at Vancouver at the Sandman TripADeal said not my problem. I will not go with TripADeal Again. I moved out went to another hotel at my own expense. I also had to throw out my clothes that were contaminated the showers were cold. It was pretty much pretty bad. I would not go with through Budget lousy accommodation.

Tripadeal is owned by Qantas enough reason to never book with them.

I booked last year with trip a deal for a trip this May. In February I called to cancel as I'd found out I was pregnant after having fertility struggles so it was somewhat unexpected despite being planned. I spoke to a representative who told me I could transfer my trip to someone else or receive a partial refund. I opted for the partial refund as any money returned would be useful at this point and was told the flights probably wouldn't be refunded but the rest should be in a few months time and they couldn't tell me how much to expect yet. I called twice following up and was told by different representatives that either the trip hadn't been cancelled properly or that it was- two very different responses. My trip was supposed to occur last week and I've finally received my estimated refund- absolutely nothing. This is extremely disappointing as I would have transferred my trip initially to a family member if the representatives had been honest from the start.

Yes they do a deal. Which looks good
All inclusive. BUT. Extra to fly out of Brisbane. When it flys out anyway
Extra to fly with a airline which is cheaper
But you still pay more Extra.
And the again the accommodation
You check out in Rome and you have to pay tax. $30. Each. Surely TripADeal know that.
It’s all about making there deal ok good on paper. If you snooze you loose

We’ve just returned to Melbourne after what was supposed to be a relaxing 9-night family getaway at Ramayana Suites & Resort, booked through TripADeal. Unfortunately, it turned out to be anything but relaxing.

The property — advertised as 5-star — was in poor condition. Our room had visible mould on the walls, tiles, curtains, and in the air-conditioning unit, which caused our daughter to develop allergic skin reactions, requiring daily antihistamines. The towels were torn, the sink was blocked, the shower barely functioned, and the smell in the room was musty and persistent. No family should have to endure these conditions, let alone in a place marketed as luxury.

We raised our concerns with TripADeal while still in Bali, calling nearly every day, and were assured the matter was being looked into. However, no real action was taken. Instead, we were later told that a refund wasn’t possible because we had “used the services” — a claim we’ve since disproven with evidence of unused meal vouchers that have been returned.

To make matters worse, the meal voucher incident was humiliating. After initially offering them as a goodwill gesture, the hotel retracted them without explanation, only to return them again. When we went to redeem one at the restaurant, we were told after placing our order that it only covered two people. A staff member asked me to leave the table in front of others to “sort it out” at reception, which was completely unnecessary and embarrassing.

I underwent a surgery on 8th May, and this was our one and only holiday this year — a time we’d hoped to unwind and recover as a family. Instead, it added more stress and health issues than any of us deserved.

Whats even more shocking is that TripADeal continues to list this hotel as a premium property, and yet they’ve shown little urgency or responsibility in addressing our complaint. We’re now formally pursuing a refund and compensation, and escalating this to ATAS and the ACCC

Updated response to your reply -

Absolutely zero effort from your team to resolve this. The offered $200 voucher towards the next booking is downright embarrassing.
Stop replying here as if you can even remotely resonate to our issues!

This trop was well planned and carried out. Hotels were acceptable and some very acceptable. Guides were also there to please and gave us extra activities along the way. However, at one if these extras in India, I was taken for a ride costing me $700. I was quoted a price in Australian dollars and of course shown it in rupees. Not being truely conversant with the exchange rate I proceeded. In fact they had inflated the amount by $700. Arts and Life in Agra were the company. BE WARNED!!

My daughter and I travelled with TripADeal to Japan and South Korea in November 2024. Overall, it was a fun experience and a great way to see both countries, especially as it was our first time visiting them. The itinerary was a little rushed at times, but that's understandable given how much there was to fit into the schedule.

However, one important issue stood out: the physical demands of the tour were not clearly communicated beforehand. Many of the excursions involved walking up and down steep hills and navigating uneven terrain. Unfortunately, some elderly guests struggled to keep up and even had to miss parts of the tour. I feel that TripADeal should have informed travelers in advance that a reasonable level of physical fitness would be required.

While I enjoyed the trip overall, I am disappointed with the handling of the Qantas Frequent Flyer points promotion. The tour was advertised as offering 3 Qantas points for every dollar spent, which was part of the appeal when booking. However, after returning home, I never received the points. Despite several emails and phone calls, I was informed that it could take 8–10 months after lodging an enquiry to process the points. This was never mentioned when booking, and I feel it is both unethical and unfair to advertise a promotion without properly delivering on it in a timely manner. I have been told the delay is due to Qantas Frequent Flyer, but shifting the blame does not excuse the lack of clear communication.

TripADeal has potential, and the tours themselves are enjoyable if you're prepared for the pace. However, based on this experience, I would advise others to be cautious about relying on advertised promotions and to inquire thoroughly about physical requirements before booking.

Grand Japan with cherry blossoms. We loved the trip and will be doing future tours with TripADeal. Our guide Eddie was amazing- calm, organised, so knowledgeable. Accomodation was satisfactory, with small rooms but it is Japan so to be expected- could have a bath every night to relax after busy days. We did most optional tours except for in Kyoto where we did the same for about $20 AUD (if you’re happy to navigate local trains). Our group were all lovely, punctual and respectful. Only negative was so long driving stretches but you do get to see beautiful scenery from the bus. We added on 4 nights in Tokyo at the end and I highly recommend this. I’m tempted to go back in autumn one day and would use TAD for sure.

I asked for a quote for a tour in Kenya, then asked to add a tour in Egypt which commenced just after the Kenya tour finished. I was quoted full price for each tour, each tour having 'flights included' component. I questioned why I was being charged for the flights in the Egypt tour and was told it was a package deal. After some to and fro emails I was offered a $1200 flight credit against the Egypt tour. This was only about half of what the flight cost component would be. Trip a Deal were keeping the rest. Something very wrong here, perhaps illegal in some way?

Disappointed there was a difference in the initial ‘tour inclusions’ document received to the final itinerary provided. The change in the tour plans meant we missed a visit to Genoa city which was disappointing. Overall the trip was enjoyable and ran smoothly. The MSC excursions were well worth the extra $$.

Appreciated the response on return from Trip A Deal, to acknowledge the inconsistency in the tour details provided.

I have just completed the Spirits of South America (25 days) with an extension of Galapagos islands (7 days) with Trip A Deal between 03 Mar and 04 Apr 2025. I will honestly review the package based on the following criteria: tour organisation, flights, hotels, and optional tours.
In terms of tour organisation, Trip A Deal did a good job. At every destination, regardless of the time of arrival, a Tour Leader will be there to greet you and collect you to the hotel. They are spot on with time. All Tour Leaders are good and courteous.
Flights are not good though as Trip A Deal used many stopover flights as possible and the departure time mostly was in the early hours of the morning (1:30-3:30AM), and the transit time was awful. For example, our trip from Sydney-Santiago-Lima-Quito had 8h waiting in Santiago (and during this 8 h waiting we had seen at least 2 flights from Santiago to Lima were scheduled and we did not understand why Trip A Deal could not get us on those flights so we could get to the destinations earlier to rest), 3h waiting plus 1h delay in Lima and we arrived in Quito 2:30AM. All up, from door to door from Sydney to Quito, almost 31 h !!! At the destination, people slept through their breakfast time as they were so exhausted. I wish Trip A Deal will have this into considerations when organising tours for their customers who are in their 60-70s and who are most likely to be able to pay for escorted tours more than other group ages.
Hotels on the other hand is good. They are 3- to 3 plus stars as advertised. I don’t have any issue with their chosen hotels.
Optional tours on Free days. During our entire trip (32 days) we had 6 full free days and 4-5 half free days where we could do optional tours, When I was in Sydney, I was explained that if I paid for the tours at the time pf booking, the prices would be cheaper than at the destinations, also the availability will be guaranteed. However, in reality this is not the case. The tours at destinations were plenty to choose from, and the prices were only ½ or 1/3 of the advertised prices in Sydney. So future travellers, bear this in mind and you will save LOTS of money ($$$$$) !!! Also, Trip A Deal please consider quality tours as some are not worth for their money at all (for example Quito City Tour of US$ 75 is not worth its value at all, where visited the cathedral but could not enter !)
So overall, I will travel with Trip A Deal again provided that the flight issues will be fixed (less stopovers and shorter transit time, YES, you can do that easily). I gave you 3 stars generously !!!!