Editor's Summary

Tinkoff Travel offers a range of services, including accommodations, hotels, tours, flights, and excursions. While some sections are useful, others may not be the best option. The cashback program is a nice bonus, but the conditions can be complex.

My Experience with Tinkoff Travel

I started using Tinkoff Travel in 2022 with a booking in Vladikavkaz for a trip to Georgia. This was my first trip in the new reality, where most travel services were unavailable or limited. As a Tinkoff user, I decided to give them a chance. After exploring many of their services, I'm now ready to share what's worth attention and where you might want to consider alternative resources.

Accommodations

I booked a one-day apartment for four people without comparing prices with other services. There were no issues, but the selection was limited, even with early booking.

On my return, I decided to use Avito's search for an apartment. The prices were significantly lower, and there were many options. Although the search and filters were poor, I managed to find a two-bedroom apartment with good renovation for 2000 RUB for four people. Tinkoff would be more reliable, but you'll have to decide if you're willing to pay more. I won't be booking apartments through Tinkoff again.

Hotels

I used Tinkoff Travel for hotel bookings in Russia and abroad. In the former case, the conditions were quite attractive, but in the latter, they were uncompetitive with Booking.com. Tinkoff Travel not only offered higher prices but also fewer options and a less convenient search. If you have a foreign credit card, I wouldn't recommend using Tinkoff Travel for international trips. However, for domestic travel, it's worth considering as a payment service. The search is not particularly user-friendly, and you'll need to read reviews elsewhere, especially for less popular hotels.

This summer, I booked a hotel in the Moscow region in advance. When it came to payment, I decided to use Tinkoff Travel, as they offered a higher cashback. The cashback conditions are quite complex, so be sure to read the fine print. In my case, I was offered a 5000 RUB cashback from a 70,800 RUB hotel booking. While this isn't 10%, it's still a decent amount. However, be aware that this cashback doesn't apply to cancellations, which is something to consider when booking.

Tours

I was very satisfied with the tours section. I booked a trip to the Maldives in July and was pleased with the cashback offer. The price was the same as on the Travelata website, but the cashback was a nice bonus. I used Tinkoff Travel for the booking and paid through their service. The trip was excellent, and I was happy with the service.

Flights

I used Tinkoff Travel for flight bookings for the first time this year. I monitored prices for a Moscow-Denpasar flight for a month and found a great deal. When it came to payment, I decided to use Tinkoff Travel, as they offered a higher cashback than the airline's website. The booking process was quick and easy, and I received my tickets via email. I was also notified of any schedule changes. So far, I'm very satisfied with this service.

Excursions

The excursions section redirects you to the Tripster website, where you can find cashback offers up to 5%. However, I'm not a fan of Tripster, and their prices are higher than usual. I prefer to book excursions through social media groups or websites run by local tour operators. For my upcoming trip to Bali, I've already found a great company, and I'll be sure to leave a review and share the link.

Conclusion

Tinkoff Travel offers a good way to save money on trips with their cashback program. Some sections, like flights, have been useful for me, while others, like apartments, I'll be avoiding. Overall, the service is decent, and the support is responsive. If they could make their cashback conditions more transparent, I'd be happy to give them a higher rating.

Featured FAQ

What is Tinkoff Travel?Tinkoff Travel is a service that offers a range of travel-related services, including accommodations, hotels, tours, flights, and excursions.

How does the cashback program work?The cashback program offers a percentage of your booking amount back to you. However, the conditions can be complex, and not all bookings are eligible.

Can I use Tinkoff Travel for international trips?While Tinkoff Travel can be used for international trips, the service may not be as competitive as other options, especially for flights.

How do I contact Tinkoff Travel support?Tinkoff Travel support is responsive and easy to contact. You can reach out to them via their website or social media channels.

Can I cancel my booking and get a refund?The refund policy varies depending on the type of booking. Be sure to check the fine print before making a booking.

How do I get cashback on my booking?Cashback is automatically applied to your booking. However, the conditions can be complex, and not all bookings are eligible.