Tripbase is a travel website that helps users decide where to go and how to get there. The site offers a search tool that covers all the major aspects of a trip. Users can find hotel rooms, rental vehicles and flights. The user can compare rates side by side from a number of popular travel sites, including Expedia, Travel Ticker, Hotwire, Kayak, BookingBuddy, TripAdvisor and Shermans Travel. The site also offers a second search tool for users who aren’t sure about where they want to go. The user can choose to either fly or drive to the destination and can select a departure and return date and number of travelers. Five slider bars let the user decide which items are the most important to them, including nightlife, dining, shopping, nature and attractions.
Tripbase was founded in 2005. The website was intended to give travelers another way to seek out destinations, airfare, hotel rooms and other necessities. The current version of the website includes a list of travel guides and articles to help users make the most out of their trip. Previous visitors commented that some articles were incorrectly linked and did not direct the user to the right place however this issue does not appear to be present in the current version.
With so many travel themed websites, it is really hard to create features that are truly unique in this industry. Tripbase’s most original feature is the matching destinations search tool. The five slider bars let users decide which elements they would most like their vacation destination to offer. This isn’t entirely innovative, but a nice touch that might encourage new users to return. For the most part, Tripbase offers a watered down version of what many other travel websites provide.
Tripbase has a nice, calm design that is very easy on the eyes. The search tools are lightly colored and well-spaced so the user can easily find them right at the center of the page. Each button and slider bar has a simple but modern look that adds depth to the design. A glimpse of paradise is seen in the background, tucked neatly behind the search menu boxes. Users will also notice a lack of advertisements that often cover much of the open space on other travel websites.
Visitors can access the comparison and destination matching tool for free. Those who want to access all features can click the blue “Register for Free” link in the upper, right hand corner of the homepage. After selecting the “Click to Sign Up” link on the following page, the user is taken to the registration form. The form asks for a username, email address and password. After checking the terms and conditions box, the user can submit the form and visit their email inbox for a confirmation message. This must be accessed to login.
Anyone can try Tripbase for free. There are no subscription fees and the user receives access to all current features. Of course the user will have to pay if they plan to book a hotel room or flight they discover through Tripbase. The site doesn’t add any additional fees and the user is not limited as far as how often they can search. The free price is on par with other travel sites, which is a good thing to keep Tripbase competitive.
Tripbase is a handy travel resource for anyone who plans to go on vacation or take a short trip anytime soon. Even those who are not sure where they would like to go can visit the site and see what destinations match their preferences and travel needs. The website is very easy to use and lets the user search as often as they want for free.