Booking.com is better for individual accommodation booking with a user-friendly interface, but faces criticism for pricing inconsistencies and discontinued sustainability programs. Intrepid Travel is superior for organized tours with strong sustainability practices and local guide expertise, but lacks readily available customer service and user interface details. The choice depends on whether the user needs individual accommodation or a structured tour experience.
| Attribute | Booking.com | Intrepid Travel |
|---|---|---|
| Price Transparency | Displays total price upfront including mandatory fees, but some users report inconsistent pricing and misleading marketing. | Price depends on destination, trip duration, and comfort level. Includes accommodation, transport, some meals, and a local tour leader. Optional activities are extra. Carbon labels added to 500 trips. |
| Range of Accommodation Options | Offers hotels, apartments, hostels, resorts, villas, cabins, cottages, glamping sites, and more. Lists over 2 million properties worldwide. | Varies from camping and basic homestays to comfortable hotels and lodges. Aims to use locally owned accommodations. Styles include camping, hostels, 3/4 star hotels, and locally owned options. Basix trips feature budget options, Original tours feature three-star accommodations, Comfort tours offer a higher level, and Premium tours include four-star-level accommodations. |
| Tour Package Variety | Not available | Offers over 1,000 tour itineraries worldwide. Themed adventures include cycling, food, polar, sailing, family, 18 to 29s, active, walking, festivals, retreats, wildlife, short breaks, tailor-made, explorer, and urban adventures. Four travel styles: Basix, Original, Comfort, and Premium. |
| Customer Service Responsiveness | Available 24/7 by phone (888-850-3958). Response time varies; some report prompt service, others report difficulties. E-mail support is limited. | Not available |
| Cancellation and Refund Policies | Rules defined by the host. Offers free cancellation for most rooms. Policies vary (fully flexible, partially refundable, or non-refundable). Refund processing can take 7-12 days. | Cancellation effective upon written confirmation. If you cancel 56+ days prior to departure, deposit is held as credit. 31-55 days prior: 30% cancellation fee. 14 days or fewer: 100% fee. Different conditions apply to some trips/services. If Intrepid cancels, you can transfer amounts or receive a refund (unless due to Force Majeure). Mid-tour cancellation results in pro-rata travel credit. |
| User Interface and Booking Experience | Generally well-regarded for ease of use, simplicity in comparing options, and support for multiple languages. | Not available |
| Destination Coverage | Global reach with accommodations in numerous countries. | Operates tours on seven continents in over 100 countries. Regions include Asia, South America, Africa, and Europe. Offers polar expeditions. |
| Travel Insurance Options | Offers the option to add travel insurance covering trip cancellation, baggage loss, and medical emergencies through third-party providers. | Recommends Travel Guard, available during booking. Requires adequate travel, health, and accident insurance; recommends trip cancellation insurance. |
| Sustainability Practices | Had a 'Travel Sustainable' program, but it was discontinued globally. Shifting to rely more on third-party certifications. | B Corp certified, carbon neutral since 2010, climate-positive tours since 2020. Supports community-based tourism and social enterprises. Removing short-haul flights and single-use plastics. Aims for 25% diverse travelers by 2025. Focused on responsible tourism. |
| Group Size Options | Not available | Small groups average 10-12 travelers, max 16. Tailor-Made trips for groups of four or more. |
| Local Guide Expertise | Not available | Tours led by local leaders with insider knowledge. Partners with local leaders and uses 100% local guides. |
| Customization Options | Travel insurance policies can be customized. | Easily customize or modify itineraries with Tailor-Made trips. Customization includes upgrading hotels, adjusting pace, or adding a focus like food or physical activity. |