If you own a travel business, having the right tools to manage bookings and tours is crucial.
WP Travel Engine is a popular choice for many companies because of its powerful features and user-friendly interface.
But what if you’re seeking alternatives?
Every business is unique, with different needs and preferences.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at 7 popular alternatives to WP Travel Engine. We’ll break down their features and pricing to help you understand each option.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing the Alternative
When it comes to picking the best tour booking WordPress plugin, there are several important features you’ll want to keep an eye out for.
Finding the right plugin can make all the difference. So, let’s break down what you need to look for to make sure your booking process is seamless for both you and your customers.
If you’re eager to jump straight to the list of the best alternatives for WP Travel Engine, feel free to skip ahead.
1. Customizable Trip Details
Your tours are unique, and your booking plugin should let you show that off. Look for a plugin that makes it easy to add detailed descriptions, itineraries, image galleries, and pricing options. Being able to share specific trip highlights can make your tours stand out.
2. Booking Management System
You need a solid booking management system. This will allow you to handle reservations, cancellations, and confirmations without any headaches.
Look for plugins that support group bookings, too. This can come in handy if you’re targeting families or large travel groups.
3. Payment Gateway Integration
You’ll also want to make sure the plugin integrates with multiple payment gateways, like PayPal, Stripe, or even direct bank transfers. The more options you give your customers, the better.
Features like secure payments and multi-currency support can significantly improve the user experience. Flexible payment options, such as partial payments, make the process even more convenient for users.
4. Easy-To-Use Booking Forms
Nobody wants a complicated booking process. Having a simple, customizable booking form can make a huge difference.
Choose a plugin that allows you to add fields to collect just the right amount of information. This ensures you gather what you need without overwhelming or discouraging users.
5. Dynamic Pricing and Discounts
Pricing can make or break a booking. Look for a plugin that allows you to set up seasonal pricing, early bird discounts, and coupon codes.
It’s even better if you can adjust pricing based on the number of participants, age, or other factors. These options help you stay flexible and appeal to a broader audience.
6. Multi-Language and Multi-Currency Support
If you’re getting customers from around the world, having multi-language and multi-currency support is a must. This ensures your customers can book in their preferred language and pay in their local currency.
7. Integration with Other Tools
A good plugin doesn’t just stop at booking features – it should also integrate with other services you already use.
Integrations like email marketing, CRM, or WooCommerce can streamline various aspects of your business. They also help improve customer communication and overall efficiency.
8. Custom Booking Links
Sometimes, you might need a custom booking link that redirects customers to an external website or booking system. Look for plugins that offer the flexibility to add custom booking links. This feature can be handy if you use third-party booking services.
9. Add-ons and Tour Packages
Customers love options. If you offer extra activities or add-ons or want to bundle tours, make sure your plugin can handle that. Offering packages or upsells can boost your revenue and make the experience more enjoyable for your customers.
10. Customer Notifications
Keeping customers in the loop is key to good service. Automated email notifications for bookings, cancellations, and reminders can help. Plus, the ability to customize these emails lets you add a personal touch.
11. Analytics and Reporting
You’ll want to know how your business is performing, and built-in analytics and reporting can help with that. Look for a plugin that provides insights into bookings, customer behavior, and revenue. These features can help you make informed decisions to grow your business.
12. Customer Reviews
If you want to build trust, showcasing customer reviews on your site is essential. A plugin that lets customers leave ratings and reviews directly on your tour pages can build credibility. It can also encourage more bookings from potential customers.
13. Compatibility and Support
Always make sure the plugin is compatible with your current WordPress theme and other plugins. And let’s face it, there will be times when you need help.
Choose a plugin that offers good support and regular updates. Regular updates and reliable support are crucial when solving issues or adding new features.
WP Travel Engine offers all the features mentioned above, making it an all-in-one solution for your tour booking needs. It’s designed to make your life easier and provide a seamless experience for your customers.
But if you’re still curious about what else is out there or want to compare options, check out our list of the best alternatives below.
Top Alternatives to WP Travel Engine
1. Tripcart
Best Tour Booking Software for Multi-Day Tours and Activities
Tripcart is a top-notch tour booking software designed for travel agencies seeking an all-in-one solution without the hassle of hosting. You only need a domain, and Tripcart will handle the rest.
With a drag-and-drop website builder, Tripcart makes it easy to build pages and create unlimited trip packages. You can add itineraries, set pricing, and include FAQs – all without any technical skills.
Tripcart’s advanced booking management tools make handling reservations, cancellations, and confirmations effortless.
It also supports multiple payment gateways, such as PayPal, Stripe, and direct bank transfers, allowing customers to complete transactions securely in their preferred currency.
One of the unique features of Tripcart is it provides Content SEO analysis tools. It gives on-page SEO suggestions to improve your website rankings.
Overall, Tripcart is a powerful choice if you are considering an alternative to WP Travel Engine.
Feature
Availability
Website Builder
Yes (Prebuilt templates available)
Unlimited Itineraries
Yes
Booking Management
Yes
Payment Gateway Integration
Yes
Customizable Booking Forms
Yes
Dynamic Pricing and Discounts
Yes
Multi-Currency Support
Yes
Integration with Other Tools
Yes
Custom Booking Links
Yes
Customer Notifications
Yes
Analytics and Reporting
Yes
User Reviews and Rating
Yes
Customization
Excellent
SEO Optimization
Yes
Responsive and mobile-friendly
Yes
Ease of Setup and Use
Easy
Pricing
30 days free trial
2. Tourfic
Best for Travel + Accommodation Management
Tourfic is a booking plugin that supports hotel, travel, and apartment bookings.
With this plugin, you can create unlimited hotels, apartments, and tour packages. It also includes features for managing room availability, pricing, and itineraries.
It integrates with WooCommerce for payment processing. You can make use of a familiar and secure platform to handle transactions through this integration.
Additionally, it offers features like advanced room management, multi-currency support, and customer review systems. Wishlist functionality and dynamic location search further enhance the user experience.
Other key features include integration with affiliate platforms like Booking.com, multi-vendor support for third-party listings, and a user-friendly booking system.
Tourfic is a great choice for managing both travel and hotel bookings.
Feature
Availability
Unlimited Itineraries
Yes
Booking Management
Yes
Payment Gateway Integration
Yes (with WooCommerce)
Customizable Booking Forms
Yes
Dynamic Pricing and Discounts
Yes
Multi-Currency Support
Yes
Integration with Other Tools
Yes
Custom Booking Links
No
Customer Notifications
Yes
Analytics and Reporting
No
User Reviews and Rating
Yes
Customization
Excellent
SEO Optimization
Need external support
Responsive and mobile-friendly
Yes
Ease of Setup and Use
Easy
Pricing
Free + starts from $79
3. WP Travelly
Best for Basic Tour Package Management with PDF Ticketing
This plugin is similar to WP Travel Engine but offers fewer advanced features. It serves as a simpler choice for users who need basic functionality.
It integrates with WooCommerce for payment processing and provides Google Maps integration. Other features include a reporting system and guest list management.
One standout feature is PDF Ticketing. When a customer purchases a travel package, a PDF ticket is generated, which can be used to validate guests upon arrival.
While it lacks the advanced management tools of WP Travel Engine, it meets the essential needs of small travel businesses. This makes it a good choice for those seeking straightforward solutions.
Feature
Availability
Unlimited Itineraries
Yes
Booking Management
Yes
Payment Gateway Integration
Yes (WooCommerce)
Customizable Booking Forms
Yes (Limited)
Dynamic Pricing and Discounts
Yes
Multi-Currency Support
Yes
Integration with Other Tools
Yes
Custom Booking Links
No
Customer Notifications
Yes
Analytics and Reporting
No
User Reviews and Rating
Yes
Customization
Good
SEO Optimization
Need external support
Responsive and mobile-friendly
Yes
Ease of Setup and Use
Easy
PDF Ticketing
Yes
Pricing
Free + starts from $69
4. Tour Master
Best for Tour and Ticket Management
Another on the list is Tour Master. It is a perfect option for travel agencies, tour operators, and ticket sellers.
Tour Master provides features similar to WP Travel Engine. It includes custom packages for each tour, a booking system, and payment integration.
It supports multiple payment methods, such as PayPal, Stripe, and Credit Card, but not as extensive as WP Travel Engine offers.
Other key features include a tour settings panel, additional tour services, an auto-reminder feature, price management, CSV export capability, and the ability to search tours by month.
The standout feature of this plugin is it allows customers to track bookings, view wishlists, and view and print invoices.
Feature
Availability
Unlimited Itineraries
Yes
Booking Management
Yes
Payment Gateway Integration
Yes
Customizable Booking Forms
Yes (Limited)
Dynamic Pricing and Discounts
Yes
Multi-Currency Support
Yes
Integration with Other Tools
Yes
Custom Booking Links
No
Customer Notifications
Yes
Analytics and Reporting
No
User Reviews and Rating
Yes
Customization
Good
SEO Optimization
Need external support
Responsive and mobile-friendly
Yes
Ease of Setup and Use
Easy
Pricing
$45
5. Yatra
Best for User-Friendly and Simplified Tour Management
Yatra is ideal for tour operators and travel agencies looking for an easy-to-use solution.
Yatra, like WP Travel Engine, offers advanced features through add-ons for customization. Users can create unlimited travel packages, including trips, itineraries, and trekking options.
Yatra supports multiple payment gateways, such as PayPal, Stripe and Razorpay. It also features an availability calendar for managing pricing based on trip dates.
Yatra is a good choice, but looking at the advanced features it provides, WP Travel Engine stands out better.
Feature
Availability
Unlimited Itineraries
Yes
Booking Management
Yes
Payment Gateway Integration
Yes
Customizable Booking Forms
Yes (Limited)
Dynamic Pricing and Discounts
Yes
Multi-Currency Support
Yes
Integration with Other Tools
Yes
Custom Booking Links
No
Customer Notifications
Yes
Analytics and Reporting
No
User Reviews and Rating
Yes
Customization
Good
SEO Optimization
Need external support
Responsive and mobile-friendly
Yes
Ease of Setup and Use
Easy
Pricing
Free + starts from $79
6. WP Booking Calendar
Best for Event and Simple Booking Requirements
WP Booking Calendar is a simple calendar-based booking system that allows visitors to check availability and make reservations.
It suits a range of industries, including travel, equipment rentals, and event bookings.
WP Booking Calendar integrates with payment systems like PayPal and supports automated email notifications, helping keep both businesses and customers informed.
Unlike WP Travel Engine, it serves as a general booking solution. This makes it less focused on travel-specific features but ideal for businesses with simple booking needs.
Feature
Availability
Unlimited Itineraries
No
Booking Management
Yes
Payment Gateway Integration
Yes
Customizable Booking Forms
Yes (Limited)
Dynamic Pricing and Discounts
Yes
Multi-Currency Support
Yes
Integration with Other Tools
Yes
Custom Booking Links
No
Customer Notifications
Yes
Analytics and Reporting
No
User Reviews and Rating
No
Customization
Limited
SEO Optimization
Need external support
Responsive and mobile-friendly
Yes
Ease of Setup and Use
Easy
Pricing
Free + starts from $39
7. WooTour
Best for Straightforward and Simple Booking Solutions
WooTour is a WordPress plugin that works well with WooCommerce, making it great for tour operators already using WooCommerce. It lets you manage tours, events, and bookings using WooCommerce’s eCommerce tools.
With WooTour, you can create and customize tour and event listings, set dates and pricing, and manage availability. The plugin also automatically generates tickets for customers after booking, making the process smoother.
Key features include a calendar for tour schedules and options for discounts and promotions. Multiple payment gateways are supported through WooCommerce.
If you need a booking solution that integrates easily with WooCommerce, WooTour is a good choice.
Feature
Availability
Unlimited Itineraries
No
Booking Management
Yes
Payment Gateway Integration
Yes
Customizable Booking Forms
Yes (Limited)
Dynamic Pricing and Discounts
Yes
Multi-Currency Support
Yes
Integration with Other Tools
Yes
Custom Booking Links
No
Customer Notifications
Yes
Analytics and Reporting
No
User Reviews and Rating
No
Customization
Limited
SEO Optimization
Need external support
Responsive and mobile-friendly
Yes
Ease of Setup and Use
Easy
Ticket System
Yes
Pricing
Available only in premium version ($59)
Conclusion
Choosing the right tour booking plugin can turn your travel website into an efficiency powerhouse. It can also make the site more user-friendly for your customers.
Each of these alternatives has its own unique strengths. Think about which features align best with your business needs.
Take your time, explore your options, and choose the plugin that will help your business thrive.