Super Travel is an online travel agency that allows you to book hotels and accommodations at discounted rates. But is Super Travel legit?
How reliable is their service? What are the benefits and risks of booking through them?
In this comprehensive guide, we will answer these questions and more, based on feedback and reviews from Super Travel users, media coverage, and our research.
Role as an Intermediary
Before we look into the details of Super Travel’s legitimacy, it is important to understand its role as an intermediary. Super Travel does not own or operate any hotels or accommodations.
Instead, they act as a middleman between you and the hotel, facilitating the booking process and payment. This means that Super Travel does not have direct control over the availability, quality, or standards of the hotels they offer.
They also do not handle any issues or disputes that may arise during your stay. These are the responsibility of the hotel and the hotel’s policies.
Benefits of Booking through Super Travel
Booking through an intermediary like Super Travel can have some advantages, such as:
- Access to a wide range of hotels and accommodations. Super Travel has partnerships with over 200,000 hotels and accommodations worldwide, offering you a variety of options to suit your preferences and budget. Should you require assistance in handling your finances, consider exploring Mint, an application designed for budget management.
- Convenient payment processing through Super Travel. You can pay for your booking using your preferred method, such as credit card, PayPal, or Apple Pay. Super Travel will handle the payment and send you a confirmation email with your booking details.
- Customer support is provided by Super Travel. If you have any questions or issues before or after your booking, you can contact Super Travel’s customer support team via phone, email, or chat. They are available 24/7 and can assist you in multiple languages.
Risks Associated with Booking through Super Travel
However, booking through an intermediary like Super Travel also comes with some risks, such as:
- Potential issues with reservations and overbooking. Sometimes, there may be discrepancies between Super Travel’s inventory and the hotel’s availability. This can result in your reservation not being honored by the hotel, or being overbooked and relocated to another hotel. This can cause inconvenience, frustration, and additional costs.
- Delays and complications in resolving booking issues. If you encounter any problems with your booking, such as cancellation, modification, or refund, you may have to deal with both Super Travel and the hotel. This can cause delays and complications, as each party may have different policies and procedures. You may also face difficulties in reaching Super Travel’s customer support, especially during peak seasons or holidays.
- Difficulties in making changes to your reservation. Depending on the hotel and the rate you booked, you may not be able to make any changes to your reservation, such as date, room type, or number of guests. If you need to make any changes, you may have to contact Super Travel and the hotel separately and pay additional fees or penalties.
- Possibility of encountering hotels that do not meet your expectations in terms of quality and standards. Super Travel does not verify or guarantee the quality and standards of the hotels they offer. The photos and descriptions on their website may not reflect the actual condition of the hotel. You may also find that the hotel does not provide the amenities or services that you expected, such as Wi-Fi, breakfast, or parking.
Super Travel Legitimacy and Media Coverage
Despite these risks, Super Travel is a legitimate online travel agency that has been in business for several years. It is registered and licensed in Canada, where it is based, and operates in over 150 countries.
It has also received media coverage in respected outlets, such as The New York Times, Forbes, and TechCrunch, demonstrating that it is a genuine online travel agency.
User Reviews and Feedback
User reviews and feedback for Super Travel vary, with some users praising their service and prices, and others expressing dissatisfaction and frustration. While media coverage and user reviews provide valuable insights into Super Travel’s legitimacy and performance, they may not be representative of the overall experience of Super Travel users.
They may also be influenced by factors such as personal expectations, preferences, and circumstances. Therefore, it is essential to read these reviews and feedback with a critical eye and consider the source, date, and context of each review.
You should also look for patterns and trends in the reviews, rather than relying on isolated or extreme cases.
Considerations for Booking
When deciding whether to book through Super Travel, there are several factors to consider, such as:
Your Travel Destination and Dates
Some destinations and dates may have higher demand and lower availability of hotels and accommodations, which may increase the likelihood of booking issues and overbooking. You should also check the travel restrictions and requirements for your destination, as they may affect your booking and travel plans.
Your Travel Budget and Preferences
Super Travel may offer lower prices than other online travel agencies or booking directly with the hotel, but you should also compare the value and quality of the hotels and accommodations they offer. You should also consider your preferences and expectations in terms of location, amenities, and services, and whether the hotels and accommodations offered by Super Travel meet them.
Your Risk Tolerance and Flexibility
Booking through Super Travel may involve some uncertainty and risk, as you may not know the exact details of your hotel or accommodation until after you book. You may also face difficulties or delays in resolving any booking issues or changes.
You should assess your risk tolerance and flexibility, and whether you are comfortable with these possibilities.
Pros and Cons of Booking through Super Travel
Here is a summary of the pros and cons of booking through Super Travel, to help you make an informed decision.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Access to a wide range of hotels and accommodations | Potential issues with reservations and overbooking |
| Convenient payment processing through Super Travel | Delays and complications in resolving booking issues |
| Customer support provided by Super Travel | Difficulties in making changes to your reservation |
| Competitive prices | Possibility of encountering hotels that do not meet your expectations in terms of quality and standards |
Tips for Booking Through Super Travel
If you decide to book through Super Travel, there are some tips to follow to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience, such as:
- Read the terms and conditions carefully. Before you book, you should read the terms and conditions of Super Travel and the hotel or accommodation you are booking. You should pay attention to the cancellation, modification, and refund policies, as well as the fees that may apply. You should also check the inclusions and exclusions of your booking, such as taxes, breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking.
- Confirm your booking with the hotel. After you book, you should receive a confirmation email from Super Travel with your booking details and reference number. You should also contact the hotel directly to confirm your booking and provide them with your personal information and preferences. This can help avoid any misunderstandings or discrepancies with your reservation.
- Keep a copy of your booking confirmation and reference number. You should keep a copy of your booking confirmation and reference number, either printed or on your phone, and bring it with you when you check in at the hotel. This can help verify your booking and resolve any issues that may arise.
- Contact Super Travel’s customer support if you encounter any problems. If you encounter any problems with your booking, such as cancellation, modification, or refund, you should contact Super Travel’s customer support as soon as possible. They are available 24/7 and can assist you in multiple languages. You should also contact the hotel to inform them of any changes or issues with your booking.
FAQ
Can I earn loyalty points from hotels when booking through Super Travel?
No, typically when you book through an intermediary like Super Travel, you do not earn loyalty points from the hotel’s own rewards program. It’s best to check with the hotel directly if this is a concern.
Does Super Travel offer any price match guarantee?
Super Travel does not explicitly offer a price match guarantee. Their focus is on providing discounted rates, but they don’t promise to match or beat prices found elsewhere.
Are there any hidden fees when booking with Super Travel?
Super Travel aims to be transparent with its pricing, but it’s important to read the fine print for any additional fees that might apply, such as resort fees or charges for extra guests.
How does Super Travel handle special requests, like room preferences or accessibility needs?
While Super Travel can forward your requests to the hotel, they cannot guarantee that such requests will be honored. It’s advisable to follow up directly with the hotel to confirm any special accommodations.
Is travel insurance available through Super Travel?
Super Travel does not typically offer travel insurance directly. Travelers are advised to arrange their insurance for added protection against unforeseen circumstances.
What happens if I need to cancel a booking made through Super Travel?
Cancellation policies vary depending on the hotel and the rate you’ve booked. It’s crucial to understand the specific terms at the time of booking, as some discounted rates may be non-refundable.
Final Thoughts
After carefully considering the risks and feedback associated with booking through Super Travel, we can conclude that Super Travel is a legitimate online travel agency that can offer you competitive prices and a wide range of hotels and accommodations. However, booking through Super Travel also involves some uncertainty and risk, as you may face issues with reservations, changes, refunds, and hotel standards.
Therefore, we recommend that you book through Super Travel only if you are comfortable with these possibilities, and if you follow the tips and precautions we have provided. Otherwise, you may want to consider other online travel agencies or booking directly with the hotel.