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- Viator does not currently offer official gift cards.
- You can still gift a Viator experience by booking an activity for someone else.
- General travel gift cards (Airbnb, Expedia, Visa/Mastercard prepaid) can help cover travel costs.
- Viator’s lack of gift cards may be due to refund policies, booking flexibility, and low demand.
- Alternative ways to gift experiences include prepaid debit cards, surprise bookings, and travel vouchers from other providers.
- Viator may introduce gift cards in the future if demand increases.
Introduction
If you enjoy booking tours and activities online, you may have heard of Viator. This platform allows users to discover and book experiences across the globe, from guided city tours to adventurous excursions. Many people wonder, does Viator have gift cards? A gift card for travel and experiences would be a great option for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. But does Viator offer this feature?
In this blog post, we will explore whether Viator provides gift cards, how they work if they exist, and possible alternatives for those looking to give the gift of travel. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the details you need to make an informed decision.
Does Viator Have Gift Cards?
Let’s answer the main question first: Does Viator have gift cards? Currently, Viator does not offer official gift cards. This means you cannot buy a Viator-branded gift card to send to someone for booking tours and activities. Many people find this surprising since other major travel companies, such as Airbnb and Expedia, provide gift cards.
Even though Viator does not have its own gift card program, there are still ways to give someone the opportunity to book experiences through the platform. You can use alternative methods to let someone enjoy a trip or activity of their choice, which we will cover in the following sections.
Alternative Ways to Give the Gift of Viator Experiences
Since Viator does not offer its own gift cards, you might be wondering how you can still gift someone an experience through the platform. Here are a few ways you can do it:
1. Book an Experience for Someone Else
One of the easiest ways to give a Viator experience as a gift is to book it yourself and send the confirmation to the recipient. You can choose a tour or activity that fits their interests, schedule it under their name, and forward the confirmation details to them.
How to Do This:
- Visit Viator’s website and browse available experiences.
- Select the activity you want to gift.
- Choose a date that works for the recipient or look for an option with flexible booking.
- Enter their name and details during checkout.
- Once you receive the confirmation email, forward it to them.
This method ensures that the recipient gets to enjoy the experience without needing to pay for it themselves.
2. Use a General Travel Gift Card
Since Viator is owned by TripAdvisor, you might consider using a general travel gift card. Some platforms offer prepaid gift cards that can be used for travel-related expenses. While Viator itself does not accept gift cards, the recipient may be able to use a travel gift card for other aspects of their trip, such as flights or accommodations, which can free up their budget for booking a Viator tour.
Examples of Travel Gift Cards:
- Airbnb Gift Cards – Can be used for accommodations, allowing the recipient to save money for activities.
- Expedia Gift Cards – May help with travel expenses, making it easier to afford tours.
- Visa or Mastercard Prepaid Gift Cards – Can be used to book tours on Viator just like a regular credit card.
This option provides flexibility, as the recipient can decide how to allocate their gift toward their travel plans.
Why Doesn’t Viator Offer Gift Cards?
Many people wonder why Viator has not introduced a gift card program. While the company has not given an official reason, there are a few possible explanations.
1. Refund and Cancellation Policies
Viator offers various cancellation policies depending on the tour provider. If a tour is canceled, processing a refund to a gift card could create complications. Unlike traditional retailers, Viator deals with multiple vendors, making refunds and changes more complex.
2. Booking Flexibility
Some experiences on Viator require scheduling in advance, while others offer free cancellation. A gift card system might require changes to how Viator handles rescheduling and modifications, which could be a challenge for the platform.
3. Limited Demand
Viator may have determined that gift cards are not a high-priority feature. Since users can already book experiences for others, the company may feel that an official gift card program is unnecessary.
Although Viator does not currently offer gift cards, this could change in the future. Many customers have expressed interest in this feature, and Viator may decide to introduce it at some point.
Best Ways to Gift a Travel Experience Without a Viator Gift Card
If you still want to give someone the gift of an experience but Viator’s lack of gift cards is a problem, consider these alternatives:
1. Cash or a Prepaid Debit Card
A simple way to give someone the opportunity to book a Viator experience is to provide them with cash or a prepaid debit card. This allows them to choose their own tour and book it whenever they’re ready.
2. Surprise Experience Booking
If you know the recipient’s schedule and interests, you can surprise them by booking an experience in advance. Just make sure to choose an activity with flexible cancellation in case they need to change plans.
3. Travel Voucher from Another Provider
Some travel companies offer gift cards that can be used for experiences. For example, GetYourGuide and Tinggly both offer travel gift vouchers that work similarly to Viator’s service.
4. Group Trip Planning
If you’re planning a trip with friends or family, you can handle the booking yourself and let others enjoy the experience as part of the trip. This works well for group tours and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the related questions people also ask:
Does Viator have gift cards?
No, Viator does not currently offer official gift cards for booking tours and experiences.
Can I buy a Viator gift card from a third-party seller?
No, Viator gift cards do not exist, so they are not available from any third-party sellers.
How can I gift someone a Viator experience?
You can book a tour or activity on Viator in their name and send them the confirmation details.
Does Viator accept prepaid Visa or Mastercard gift cards?
Yes, Viator accepts prepaid Visa and Mastercard gift cards, as long as they function like a regular debit or credit card.
Why doesn’t Viator offer gift cards?
Viator may not offer gift cards due to refund policies, booking flexibility, and limited demand.
What are the best alternatives to a Viator gift card?
Alternatives include prepaid debit cards, Airbnb or Expedia gift cards, and travel experience vouchers from providers like GetYourGuide and Tinggly.
Can I cancel a Viator booking if I gift it to someone?
Yes, Viator offers cancellation options depending on the provider’s policy, but always check the terms before booking.
Will Viator introduce gift cards in the future?
Viator has not announced any plans for gift cards, but it may consider them if customer demand increases.
Can I use a TripAdvisor gift card on Viator?
No, TripAdvisor gift cards do not exist, and there are no gift cards that directly apply to Viator bookings.
The Bottom Line
So, does Viator have gift cards? No, Viator does not currently offer gift cards. However, there are several ways to give someone the gift of travel and experiences. You can book a tour for them, use a prepaid gift card, or explore travel gift card alternatives.
Viator remains one of the best platforms for booking experiences, and while an official gift card program would be a great addition, it is still possible to gift someone an unforgettable experience using the methods outlined in this post. If Viator ever introduces gift cards, it would provide even more flexibility for travelers looking to share amazing experiences with their loved ones.