Backpacker Deals by Travello Reviews 829

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.6

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Evaluating 104 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers frequently praise the staff for their exceptional helpfulness and positive attitude, making interactions pleasant and productive. Many people highlight the outstanding customer service, appreciating the personalized and understanding approach they received. However, some customers also noted issues with the booking process, finding it difficult to change reservations or use cashback. A few people reported problems with refunds for cancelled tours, including issues with the type of compensation offered or administrative fees. There were also instances where tours booked through the company encountered recognition issues with operators.

What people talk about most

Staff

People report positive experiences with staff, highlighting their helpfulness and efficiency. Many reviewers... See more

Booking process

Customers had ambiguous experiences with the booking process. While some reviewers found the booking process... See more

Customer service

Clients share positive opinions on customer service, with many praising the helpfulness and efficiency of... See more

Refund

Reviewers highlight ambiguous aspects of refund processes. While some customers reported receiving full... See more

Service

Reviewers mention ambiguous feedback about service. Many customers express disappointment, citing experiences... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Had a really smooth experience renting a campervan through backpacker. The booking was easy, pricing was clear, and the van was exactly what we needed for our road trip. Customer support was helpful w... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Chris White is somebody that I have been working with, and have been friends with for years. He does everything to ensure his clients and staff are happy and taken care of. After years of working with... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Katie has been an absolute star in helping us book the dinnee cruise with TSS Earnslaw in Queenstown. She's been quick at responding despite the time differences and she's been really helpful answerin... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Did a booking with backpacker deals.. initially had some issues as I didn’t get a response on email. However, once I connected with them through the chat box the customer service and experience was ta... See more


Company details

  1. Travel Agency

Written by the company

Backpacker Deals is made up first and foremost of people that love to travel and see the world. This is the one thing that comprises the culture of Backpacker Deals and the people that make up the team. It is from this foundation that everything else stems: Great customer service based on the understanding of how important it is to get your adventure right, the best adventures and offers based on personal experience and great prices based on the knowledge that the more adventures you can have, the better.


Contact info

4.6

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

829 reviews

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Replied to 45% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 2 weeks

How this company uses Trustpilot

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Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Great until something goes wrong

Our experience with Backpackerdeals started off well. We previously booked two excursions in New Zealand through them, and everything went smoothly. The booking process is clear, and you receive a voucher with the terms and conditions. This gave us confidence when we booked a helicopter flight at Mt. Cook. Unfortunately, that confidence didn’t last.

The issues began when the flight was canceled due to bad weather, which is, of course, understandable. We received a call 20 minutes before the scheduled time informing us that it wouldn’t go ahead, but we could reschedule for the next day. After rearranging our tight travel itinerary, we received another call a few hours later saying the flight was overbooked and asking if we could reschedule for the following week. This wasn’t possible due to our travel plans.

We then requested the full refund promised on our voucher, but this turned out to be far from straightforward. Instead of a refund, we were offered a credit, which is completely impractical if you’re from the Netherlands and unlikely to return to New Zealand within a year. After repeatedly explaining why a credit wasn’t an option, we were told that their policy had changed and that refunds were no longer possible. It took numerous calls, emails, and even pointing out that their actions were against New Zealand’s consumer law (which guarantees full refunds for cancellations) to finally receive our money
minus 5% administration fee—nearly two months later.

Summary: Backpackerdeals is a fine company as long as everything goes according to plan. However, when something goes wrong, like a cancellation, their customer service falls short. They could significantly improve by:

- Automatically processing refunds when an activity is canceled through no fault of the customer.

- Improving customer service to resolve issues promptly and without unnecessary hassle.

- Ensuring clear and fair communication about policies that comply with local consumer laws.

Unfortunately, this experience has significantly undermined our trust in Backpackerdeals.

December 17, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Listen to custom's feedback and good experience

Made a booking via the website, then I found a different trip which is more suitable for the family.

I was told their refund polily is to only return credits instead of refund the money. Then I have left my feedback to the team that this needs to be more clear at the time booking, not after. Joshua called me straight after and cancelled my original booking and used my credit from the original booking to book my alternative trips and refunded the remaining money to me. Much appreciated your help and listen to customer's feedback.

January 21, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent booking service experience …

Booked overnight cruise for Doubtful Sound, New Zealand.
Excellent online service, daytime in UK, communicating with Jessaye on her overnight shift the other side of the world. Efficient, professional, helpful with decision making and she helped find a great offer!

January 4, 2025
Unprompted review
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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Helpful and Supportive Staff

So helpful and supportive with finding the right activity for me, with amazing recommendations and knowledge about the events. I found Jay and Jessye very helpful and would recommend to anyone!! They were also very supportive in finding the best deals for me :)

January 20, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Katie - Great Support

Katie made the booking so easy! She could give me hidden details and took her time to look into my requests. Just amazing - she was so patient and made me feel so comfortable with my booking. THANK YOU, Katie!

January 19, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Easily upgraded a Dolphin Encounter Booking

I booked a Dolphin Encounter in Kaikoura, New Zealand as a spectator.
After some consideration I decided that I wanted to upgrade my booking to be able to swim with the dolphins, and as a result I contacted Backpacker Deals enquiring if it was possible to upgrade my booking or if I needed to cancel it and re-book.
As it was the middle of the night in New Zealand, I didn't expect a quick response, but I did receive an email telling me that my enquiry had been passed to another member of the team.
The next day, (UK time), I received an email from Kylie, (no not that one - Kylie C), informing that there was a possibility to upgrade, with the details of the extra cost, along with a request to authorise the payment being taken from the Debit Card that I'd used for the original booking.
I immediately replied giving my authorisation and later that evening I received a confirmation email stating that the upgrade had been carried out.
I'm very impressed with the ease of upgrading my booking, but more so with the speed that it was carried out considering the time difference as well as Kylie's friendly nature in her emails.
Well done Kylie and Backpacker Deals.

January 16, 2025
Unprompted review
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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Best customer service

I booked a single bed in a boat cruise and unfortunately the bed was not available anymore. But my girlfriend was on this boat and I really want to go with her. We didn’t book at the same time. BUTTT Kerri-ann who was in charge of the customer service did everything to get me on this boat and offer me the best customer service possible. I can have a double bed with my girlfriend even we booked with 2 different companies.
I really appreciate it !! Thanksss again Kerri-ann

January 15, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Dave was so patient with my query and…

Dave was so patient with my query and communicated very clearly and carefully to make sure we were on the same page. He went the extra mile to
offer me support from beginning to end of the process.
I am delighted in how my trip turned out!

January 13, 2025
Unprompted review

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