out of 5 stars by
Shel Gatto
Tripwolf is a travel website that combines elements of many other travel resources into one place. Users can read blog posts that include guides and information on traveling. Users can also search for content by continent or enter a specific city, region or other geographic keyword to begin. The site includes a built in hotel, hostel and apartment search. Users can see listings for neighborhoods and areas along with user ratings. Visiting the location’s page reveals images, maps, overviews, group tour information and many other details. An “Add to my trip” link on each place page lets users quickly bookmark the location to reference later when planning their journey. Some locations also include a free downloadable travel guide PDF file.
Tripwolf was founded in 2007 by Eric Pfari. The application was named the “Frankenstein of travel sites” by CNet.com. That sums up the application relatively well. Users will discover a patchwork of tools that are often found on other sites, but rarely together in one place. Tripwolf gives users a wide range of information that can help anyone plan the perfect trip. The application has received a positive response from users and reviewers, primarily because of the diverse variety of features that Tripwolf has made available.
The main difference between Tripwolf and other travel websites is the variety of tools offered. Anyone can discover a location long before they arrive there thanks to the active Tripwolf community. What’s even better is that the website doesn’t rely entirely on paid sponsors to supply content. Users can write reviews and share tips or suggestions. Personal experiences from real travelers are far more valuable than a paid endorsement or generic guide.
A new user may feel intimidated by the Tripwolf homepage. There are many elements as well as advertisements scattered throughout. Although the site would do better visually if it lost the ads, it is understandable that there needs to be a source of income. For the most part, the site is attractive with its sleek Earth-hugging wolf logo and deep blue hues. New users will quickly adapt after performing their first location search and exploring the wealth of content provided.
Visitors can explore Tripwolf without an account. Those who wish to take advantage of all Tripwolf features can click the orange “Sign Up” link in the upper, right hand corner of the homepage. A blue “Connect with Facebook” button is also available. Users who go the traditional route are asked to supply an email address, username, password and terms of service agreement. Optional fields are available for country and gender. The user is advised that they must visit their email inbox for an activation link. This must be clicked before the user can sign in to Tripwolf.
Tripwolf is available to all internet users for free. Users are not required to register to explore Tripwolf’s content, however an account provides users with access to more trip planning tools. Registered members also receive free access. Tripwolf doesn’t limit the user in any way. The site includes a number of ads, which help cover the cost of running the site. The presence of advertisements is made acceptable by the value of the site’s free content.
Tripwolf is an excellent resource for anyone planning to travel soon. The application can work for a family planning a vacation, a couple looking for a weekend getaway or a business person planning a company trip. The website supplies many helpful details as well as user created reviews that provide some of the best insight a traveler could want. There are no fees and users can browse with or without an account.
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