What is Viator?

Viator is a travel company that offers a wide range of tours, activities, and attractions around the world. The company was founded in 1995 and is now part of the TripAdvisor family of companies. With a global network of over 3,000 suppliers, Viator is able to provide customers with unique and authentic travel experiences in over 1,500 destinations around the world. Viator’s mission is to make it easy for travelers to find and book the best things to do in their destination. Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic city, a thrilling adventure activity, or a relaxing day at a spa, Viator has something for everyone. The company’s website and mobile app make it easy for customers to browse and book experiences, and its 24/7 customer service ensures that travelers always have support when they need it.

How to use Viator?

Using Viator is a simple and straightforward process. Here are the general steps to follow:

1. Visit the Viator website or download the Viator mobile app from your app store.
2. Search for your desired destination by entering the name of the city or country you want to visit in the search bar.
3. Browse through the various activities and experiences available in your destination. You can filter the options based on activity type, price range, and more.
4. Click on an activity to view more details, including a description, photos, and reviews from other travelers.
5. Select the date and time you want to book the activity. Some activities have flexible options, while others have set schedules.
6. Choose the number of participants and add any additional options, such as hotel pickup or meal packages.
7. Enter your payment details and confirm your booking. You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details of your booking.
8. On the day of your activity, simply present your booking confirmation to the tour operator or guide. Viator also offers a mobile voucher option for some activities, which you can show on your smartphone.

In some cases, you may also be able to cancel or modify your booking, depending on the activity’s cancellation policy. Viator’s 24/7 customer service is also available to assist with any questions or issues you may have before, during, or after your activity.

Features

Here are some of the key features of Viator:

1. Wide selection of tours and activities: Viator offers a vast selection of tours and activities in over 1,500 destinations around the world, with options to suit a range of interests and budgets.
2. Easy booking process: Viator’s website and mobile app are designed to be user-friendly, with a simple booking process that allows you to quickly and easily reserve your desired activity.
3. Reputable operators: Viator works with trusted local operators who are vetted for quality and safety, ensuring that customers can have confidence in the experiences they book.
4. Reviews and ratings: Viator allows customers to leave reviews and ratings of their experiences, providing valuable feedback for others who are considering booking.
5. Flexible booking options: Many of Viator’s tours and activities offer flexible booking options, with some allowing you to choose your own date and time.
6. Customer service: Viator’s customer service team is available around the clock to assist with any issues or questions that may arise before, during, or after your activity.
7. Best price guarantee: Viator offers a best price guarantee, meaning that if you find the same activity for a lower price elsewhere, the company will match the price or refund the difference.
8. Mobile tickets: Many of Viator’s activities offer mobile tickets, which can be displayed on your smartphone for easy access and convenience.
9. Group bookings: Viator can accommodate group bookings for activities, making it a great option for families, friends, or corporate events.
10. Gift cards: Viator offers gift cards that can be used to purchase tours and activities, making it a great gift idea for travel enthusiasts.

Overall, Viator’s range of features makes it a versatile and convenient platform for booking tours and activities in destinations around the world.

Tours

Viator offers a wide range of tours in destinations around the world. From city tours to food tours, walking tours to adventure tours, Viator has something for everyone. You can choose from tours that offer an overview of a city’s main attractions, with a guide who provides historical and cultural insights. Or, if you prefer to explore a city on foot, walking tours can be themed around history, food, architecture, or other interests. Foodies will love Viator’s selection of culinary experiences, which can include visits to local markets, cooking classes, or food and wine tastings. If you’re short on time, day trips from major cities can be a great way to see nearby attractions, such as UNESCO World Heritage sites or natural wonders. For thrill-seekers, Viator offers a range of adrenaline-pumping activities, such as skydiving, bungee jumping, and white-water rafting. And for those who want to learn about local culture, Viator provides cultural tours that provide a deep dive into the local culture, including visits to museums, art galleries, and cultural performances. With Viator, you can easily book your tours ahead of time, and feel confident that you’re working with reputable local operators who provide high-quality experiences.

Pros and Cons

Here are some potential pros and cons of using Viator:

Pros:

1. Wide variety of tours and activities: With over 1,500 destinations and 3,000 suppliers, Viator offers an extensive selection of experiences to choose from.
2. Ease of use: Viator’s website and mobile app are user-friendly and make it easy to search for and book activities.
3. Reputable suppliers: Viator works with local operators who are vetted for quality and safety, giving customers peace of mind.
4. Reviews from other travelers: Viator allows customers to leave reviews and ratings, providing valuable insights into the quality of the experiences.
5. Flexible booking options: Viator offers flexible booking options, with some activities allowing you to choose your own date and time.
6. 24/7 customer service: Viator’s customer service team is available around the clock to assist with any issues or questions.

Cons:

1. Higher prices: Viator’s prices may be higher than booking directly with a local operator, as the company takes a commission on each booking.
2. Hidden fees: Some Viator activities may have additional fees, such as entrance fees or transportation costs, that are not included in the advertised price.
3. Cancellation policies: The cancellation policies for Viator activities can vary, and some may not offer a full refund if you need to cancel.
4. Availability: Some Viator activities may not be available on the date or time that you want, particularly during peak travel seasons.
5. Crowded experiences: Viator’s tours and activities can be popular and attract large groups of people, which may detract from the overall experience.

Overall, Viator can be a great resource for travelers looking to book tours and activities in destinations around the world. While there are potential downsides to using the service, the benefits of having access to a wide range of experiences and working with reputable operators may outweigh the costs for many customers.

Customer Service

Viator offers comprehensive customer service to help travelers before, during, and after their tour or activity. Their customer service team is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns that customers may have. They can be contacted via email, phone, or live chat, and their website also includes an extensive FAQ section that covers common queries.

Before the tour or activity, Viator’s customer service team can assist with booking, payment, and any questions about the itinerary. They can also provide recommendations or advice to help travelers choose the best experience for their interests and preferences.

During the tour or activity, customers can contact Viator’s customer service team for any last-minute changes, such as rescheduling or cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances. If there are any issues during the experience, such as a missed pickup or a problem with the activity itself, Viator’s customer service team can help to resolve the issue and ensure that customers have a positive experience.

After the tour or activity, Viator’s customer service team is available to help with any post-trip issues, such as billing or refund inquiries. They also encourage customers to leave reviews and feedback about their experiences, which helps to improve the service and provide valuable insights for other travelers.

Overall, Viator’s customer service is an integral part of the platform and is designed to ensure that travelers have a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish. Their 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and proactive approach to resolving issues make them a reliable and trustworthy partner for booking tours and activities.

Is Viator Worth It?

For new travelers and seasoned veterans, Viator is worth exploring for adventurous tours all around the world. Travelers should do their due diligence and read the fine print, ensure they’re satisfied and comfortable with the terms and conditions and know the details about the tour before they book.

If you research, read reviews (while keeping in mind that many scenarios are circumstantial and may be out of Viator’s control), and know what you’re paying for, Viator is definitely worth it.