Author Archives: Chris Oldfield

Klook Review: Our Personal Experiences Travelling With Klook

We are writing this Klook review article to help our readers get a better understanding of what is Klook and to answer the question of whether Klook is legit.  We have personally made many bookings through Klook over the past year and have been working with them as an affiliate partner since April 2017, so are well positioned to write this review.

We have personally used Klook to book a wide range of travel activities in multiple countries, including Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore, and are very happy to continue to book our travel activities with them into the future.

Note that this article is sponsored by Klook but our opinions are our own.

What is Klook?

To get started a common question is what is Klook?  Klook is a travel tech startup which is headquartered in Hong Kong.  Klook Travel Technology Limited is the proper company name and it is a private company which is expanding quickly since it was founded in 2014. 

Klook focuses on providing within destination travel requirements, such as attraction tickets, day tours and local attractions for over 120 destinations around the world.  Klook do not offer flights or accommodation.  Klook do not run tours themselves, they work with local providers in each destination to offer a large range of tour, ticket and transfer options.

The Klook website focuses on providing their travel activities in the native language of each reader and has tailored activity pages for each nationality.

Is Klook Legit?

Klook is a legit company which has been very successful so far and has successfully raised significant capital investments to help to build and expand the company worldwide.  They receive over one million bookings per month and are growing rapidly.

Is Klook Reliable?

As you can probably tell from the scale of Klook’s activities described above they need to have very reliable systems to manage all of their bookings and provide customer service.

Our Klook Travel Review

We have now made 37 bookings through Klook, ranging from day tours, attraction tickets, airport transfer, pocket wifi rentals and sim card purchases.  Our Klook bookings have been made for Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore and Japan for travel over the past year.

Out of those 37 Klook bookings, one was cancelled shortly after booking due to lack of availability of the tour and was quickly refunded. 

The only booking we made which did not work out was one of our airport transfers in Singapore.  When we realised that our driver was not arriving we were able to work out a plan B to get to the airport.  We engaged with Klook customer assistance using the Klook app on my phone and they quickly responded and refunded our money within one week.

The other 35 Klook bookings all occurred seamlessly – we have collected tickets, rented pocket wifis, sim cards, passes, received items by mail and used both printed and Klook app QR codes on our phones to gain access to various attractions, all with no issues.

We have also worked with Klook as an affiliate partner since April 2017 and their system has been very good to track bookings made by our readers and they pay our affiliate commissions every month on schedule with no issues.

Overall we are satisfied that Klook are a very safe and reliable company to use to book your travels and would definitely recommend them.

Disneyland Tokyo Castle

Klook Customer Service

An important part of making your bookings through Klook is understanding the Klook customer service model. 

After you make your booking you will quickly receive an email to confirm your booking. Some items are instant confirmation so you should receive a ticket for these items within a few minutes.  For other items they may take 24-48 hours to confirm your booking. You will then receive another email to confirm your booking and to provide all of the details you need in terms of where to go and how to use your booking, as well as cancellations conditions.

While you are travelling you can use the Klook app to track all of your bookings and to see your confirmation details.  The Klook app is very easy to use and keep track of your trip bookings, and it also provides you with reminders for each activity.

You can also use the Klook app to contact customer service on the go, confirm information, ask questions and ask for support if something is not working they way you expected.  They usually respond quickly and are very helpful.

Klook Contact Number

Klook does not have a contact phone number prior to making a booking, the easiest options to contact them are either by email to support@klook.com or their online chat function which is easily accessible via the Klook App – go to ‘Account’, ‘Help Center’, and on the page is a popup to ‘Ask Klook’, which then has a range of options.

You will see the help number in the check out page once you are ready to complete your order.  Also, after you have completed your bookings you will have a Klook contact number provided in your booking confirmation emails.

How to Use Klook

Klook is very easy to use, either via their app or on their webpage.  Each travel activity has a detailed description of what you can book, including any limitations and the cancellation policy.  Make sure you read this information carefully before you make your booking, then select your preferred options and then add the item to your Shopping Cart.  You can then keep on shopping until you are ready to finalise your bookings.

Once you are ready to finalise your bookings, Klook will then ask for any additional information required to complete your bookings, which may include information such as passport details, flight arrival and departure information etc depending on what you are booking.  Once you are ready, add your payment information and click to proceed and your booking should quickly be finalised.

Payment options include either Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Alipay.

On the Klook Home Page you can select your destination o start exploring the options

Klook App Review

As mentioned above, the Klook app is a great option to both make your bookings, and also to be able to track all of your bookings while you are on the go.  You need to ensure you have access to data for this app to be useable during your trip.  The Klook app is available in both the Apple Store and the Google Play Store.  Make sure you download the app and set it up before you depart on your trip.

I also suggest you also set up Whatsapp on your phone prior to departure if you are booking any day tours or private transfers.  Most drivers will reach out to you the day before to confirm your booking and pickup location. 

In our case where our Singapore driver did not arrive we had not received a message prior, so really should have followed it up earlier.  Make sure you set up Whatsapp prior to departure as the app requires confirmation from your local phone number, so if you plan to use a prepaid sim card during your trip you may find that you cannot confirm your Whatsapp account.

Klook Discount Code

Klook also offers some great discount code deals from time to time which will be emailed to you if you have set up an account with them. 

Another really popular option is the Klook first time promo code, which enables first time users of Klook to get a discount on their first booking.  Our Klook promo code is MDE8G to get a $A5 discount off your first order.  You add the code just prior to final payment in your Klook Shopping Cart.

Klook App Bookings Page
Klook App Bookings Page

Klook Credits

Klook also has the Klook Credits loyalty program.  For every item you book and complete in Klook you receive Klook credits, which you can use to get discounts off other bookings through Klook. 

ALLEGRO – all you need to know about the best Polish online marketplace

The popular online marketplaces to trade your goods in most European countries include eBay and Amazon. However, the same platforms will not bring you the desired sales if you are in Poland. Why? People from Poland prefer Allegro to these platforms, as their favorite online marketplace to get all the items they want.

And with over 21 million registered users and 17 million visiting customers every month on Allegro.pl, Allegro has managed to hold a significant position in Poland.

Allegro – the top Polish online marketplace

Allegro is one of the leading technology-driven trading companies in Poland and in Europe. Allegro was founded in 1999 in Poznań and today has offices also in Warsaw, Toruń, Wrocław, and Kraków. At the very start, the company created by just a few people was headquartered in the basement of a computer wholesaler and the first version of the site fitted on just one floppy disk. The e-commerce market in Poland was still in its infancy at that time, and Allegro was one of the businesses that contributed the most to its growth. Since then, over a dozen or so years, the company has undergone a huge transformation. From an auction site for hobbyists, it has evolved into the most popular e-commerce platform. Allegro currently employs over 1,800 people, nearly half of whom are top-class experts in technology.

With almost two decades of existence, the Allegro platform has evolved to become the most trusted Polish online marketplace. According to the report “E-commerce in Poland 2019” conducted by Gemius – a renowned market research company, revealed that 80% of respondents identified the Allegro platform as their preferred brand in the e-commerce industry.

Furthermore, only 13% of the respondents, who were mostly online shoppers in Poland, linked eBay and e-commerce. Additionally, a statistical report released by Aukcjostat.pl showed a significant disparity between the two Internet auction platform’s market share, with Allegro claiming a remarkable 82% and eBay a paltry 1%.  

21 million accounts have been created on the platform so far. Customers buy over 1.2 million products every day, of which over 95% are new items, sold at a fixed price, with a warranty and insurance. Allegro offers modern on-line financial services, such as 0% instalments, renewable instalments Raty Od.nowa and leasing. Allegro is home to over 125,000 merchants: not only the world’s biggest brands, but mostly small and medium Polish enterprises. Allegro continues to improve standards on the e-commerce market by fostering consumer rights and supporting the development of entrepreneurship.

A significant part of the Allegro Group, Allegro is a top e-commerce company. The brand owned also PayU – an online payment system, Ceneo – a price comparison site, and other top services, including OtoMoto and Bankier (*Corrigendum: PayU, OtoMoto and Bankier are not in our group since end of 2016).  

The progress and regression of eBay over the last decade in the Polish market can be considered as a typical example of how renowned global brands stand the risk of losing their top spots to local, stronger competitors.

Allegro has successfully dominated the Polish online market due to a couple of reasons. The first is the excellent management it has enjoyed over time, and its continuous strive to improve its brand image with the view to become an acknowledged leader in the Polish market.

Allegro vs. Amazon – the differences

At Allegro portal each product from every company is sold individually. For instance, a seller that wants to put a product up for sale on Allegro is required to create a different card for that product. Such card must contain all the information about the product, including the name, photos, description, technical information, price, etc.

Thus, in a situation where several sellers are offering the same products, each seller will provide its product card. When a buyer search for the particular product, there are several cards displayed, each from different sellers. This gives the buyer the opportunity to make comparisons easily and settle for the best. Amazon, on the other hand, uses a single product card for each product, and buyers can only choose their preferred seller from a list.   

Allegro came into existence in 1999 as an auction site. While the purpose of the site remains the same, there has been a slight change in its mode of operations – sales no longer follow the auction model. The prices of products are now fixed, but there are slight differences across different sellers.

Top Polish marketplace – what is the future?

The Allegro brand is very much prominent, so much that it had pushed eBay into luring Polish clients by removing the listing fee for issuing two years ago. As part of its plans to enter the Polish market fully, Amazon opened a fulfillment center in Wroclaw in 2014.

Another emerging online marketplace in Poland is AliExpress, perhaps because it sells certain exotic items that are not available on Allegro.  

Selling on Allegro in Poland

Registration and setting up a method of payment

Registering on Allegro is simple. Simply sign up at allegro.pl by clicking on “My Allegro->Sign Up” and following the instructions. You will find a link on your Allegro account that helps you to create your PayU account, which you will use in receiving all funds from Allegro.

Bank account

You do not need a local bank account to start selling on Allegro. You can transfer all your funds from PayU to other bank accounts.  

Currency

The only acceptable currency on Allegro is Polish Zloty (PLN), thus PayU stores and sends the funds in PLN. However, your local bank can help you covert the PLN into your preferred currency.

Standard and recommended shipping and returns policies

It is highly advisable that you offer free shipping. Likewise, providing a local return address is highly recommended, although not compulsory.    

Acceptable type/size of sellers and suitable products

Every size or type of sellers is welcome on Allegro, likewise all products.  

Handling stock

For best results, it is highly recommended that you get a local warehouse.  If, for any reason, you are unable to secure one, offer quick and free shipping for your products.

Other specifics

Offer listings and customer service in Polish language. The listing design on Allegro can be customized, so get the best out of this by adding relevant information.

Conclusion

Apart from the difference in currency and language, there is no much difference in how Allegro works compared to other top online marketplaces of the world. While you can sort the currency difference with your local bank, a Polish speaker will help you to get started whenever you are ready.

The Best Tour Companies in Europe in 2019

A man leading a walking tour group in Germany
Posted: 05/18/2019 | May 18th, 2019

Europe is one of the most popular destinations in the world.

While I love solo travel as much as the next person — and think Europe is one of the best places to backpack around — the continent is also a huge destination for tour groups.

When you think of group tours, you may imagine a horde of camera-clicking tourists wearing socks and sandals swarming off a massive bus, taking lots of pictures, and then moving on to the next site.

In the past, that image was pretty accurate.

But now? Not so much.

These days, the best tours have evolved and are much more nuanced and diverse, catering to all different age groups and travel styles. From hop-on, hop-off tours and river cruises to big bus and backpacker tours and everything in between, there’s a wide variety of tour options now.

No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for (or your budget), you’ll be able to find awesome and insightful tours to help you make the most out of your next trip to Europe.

I’ve taken tours offered by dozens of companies on the continent. Some were good, some bad, some great.

If you’re thinking of taking a tour around Europe — whether because it saves you time or money — here is a list of the best companies:

THE BEST DY TOURS IN EUROPE

A charming narrow medieval street in the heart of Europe

New Europe

Pretty much every major city in Europe has a free walking tour. They are a fun, insightful way to orient yourself and learn about the history of a city. Plus, you’ll have access to a local expert who can answer any and all questions you have about the destination!

New Europe is one of the largest and best tour companies out there. Its guides are knowledgeable, and its tours cover all the major tourist sites. They also offer specialized tours, like food tours, day trips, and tours to specific historical sites (such as Edinburgh Castle or the Sachsenhausen concentration camp). You can find them pretty much everywhere in Europe. Just remember to tip your guides at the end!

Most tours will last around 3 hours. For their paid tours, prices start around 15 EUR per person and go up from there, depending on the duration of the tour.

–> Click here to learn more about New Europe!

Free Tours By Foot

Another free option is Free Tours By Foot. Like New Europe, they have qualified guides and a wide variety of themed tours in over 30 destinations across the continent. Chances are you’ll be able to find a tour with them (or with a company affiliated with them) in every major city around the continent. Tours usually last around 3 hours, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Since they offer free tours, make sure you tip your guide at the end.

They also have partnerships with other tour companies so you can find more specialized options here as well. For example, they have a great beer tour of Paris (as well as a macaroon tour if that’s more your style). Those tours aren’t free (they cost around 60 EUR per person) but they are a great way to get a specialized insight (as well as to try some amazing French beer and desserts!).

–> Click here to learn more about Free Tours By Foot!

Walks

If you’re looking for something a little more in-depth, my favorite walking tour company in Europe is Walks, which can be found in London, Athens, and various cities in Spain and Italy.

What makes these food, art, and history tours so special is that they get access to places others don’t, like the Louvre after hours, secret spots in the Vatican or Versailles, etc. The guides are incredibly well informed, so you’ll learn a ton of information. If you’re looking for a paid walking tour company, Walks is the best.

Their tours are usually around 3 hours, though they also have a few full-day options as well. Expect to pay at least 60-90 EUR per person. Be sure to book in advance as well, as many of their best tours (like their Sistine Chapel early entrance tour) sell out fast!

–> Click here to learn more about Walks!

Context Travel

Context offers comprehensive history, food, and cultural tours all around the continent. They are long, intellectual walks packed with information. Context hires experts to lead these tours (e.g., a chef for a food tour), which is why they are some of my favorites. They aren’t cheap, but they are worth every penny if you’re serious about getting beneath the surface of a destination. Expect to pay around 100 EUR per person.

Context also offers amazing private tours, and you can book customized tours as well if there is something specific you’re interested in.

–> Click here to learn more about Context!

THE BEST MULTI-DAY TOURS IN EUROPE

A man cycling through the mountains of Europe

Busabout

Busabout is a hop-on, hop-off bus service that is popular with the backpacker crowd looking to meet and connect with other travelers. You can purchase tickets that let you travel the whole network with a set number of stops, and you can get on and off whenever you want.

The only downside to Busabout is that if you want to visit a city not on one of its routes, you have to make your own way there at an additional cost. But if you are looking to meet lots of people and not spend too much time worrying about your itinerary, then this is a great, affordable option.

–> Click here to learn more about Busabout!

Viking River Cruises

With multiday and multi-week itineraries to choose from, this is a solid option for anyone looking for a “hands-free” trip around Europe. Much like ocean cruises, with Viking, you simply need to book your cruise and go along for the ride. You’ll explore the heart of Europe from a unique perspective and the comfort of your own cabin, while stopping at some of the most interesting cities Europe has to offer along scenic rivers like the Danube, the Seine, and the Rhine. You’ll also get free Wi-Fi, free port excursions, onboard meals, and 24-hour concierge.

–> Click here to learn more about Viking!

Intrepid Travel

When it comes to multiday (or even multi-week) guided tours, Intrepid Travel is my go-to choice. I’ve been going on their tours for years (I just went on a trip to Jordan with them), and I’ve yet to be disappointed. The guides are excellent, the company offers amazing off-the-beaten-track itineraries, and it is committed to the local environment and support local communities. Their small groups ensure you’re never on one of those giant bus tours either.

BONUS: As a reader of this site, you’ll get discounts on some of Intrepid’s tours. Each month, Intrepid offers Nomadic Matt readers a discount on some of its best tours around Europe and the world. Simply check out the website for more details!

–> Click here to learn more about Intrepid Travel!

***

While solo travel will always be my favorite way to travel, I really do enjoy going on tours. They are a fun way to meet other travelers as well as locals while you see and experience new destinations.

So if you’re looking for a tour on your next trip to Europe, be sure to consider the options above.

Book Your Trip to Europe: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use it all the time. Here are my favorite hostels in Europe.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Europe?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Europe with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

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