Are you tired of paying hefty booking fees and navigating a complicated system?
If you’re using FareHarbor, you’re not alone. Many tour and activity operators, just like you, are feeling the pinch of those 6% booking fees and the steep learning curve that comes with FareHarbor’s platform.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to stick with FareHarbor. What if there were alternatives that offered the same—or even better—features without the frustration and high costs? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today.
In this blog, you’ll discover 10 excellent alternatives to FareHarbor that could save you money and simplify your booking process.
Whether you’re looking for something easier to use, more affordable, or better suited to your specific needs, there’s an option out there for you.
Why Look for Online Tour Booking Software - FareHarbor Alternatives?
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FareHarbor might seem like a great option because it’s free for your business to use.
But there’s something important to consider: the 6% booking fee that FareHarbor passes on to your clients at checkout.
Here’s what happens:
- Customers see the 6% fee when they’re ready to pay.
- This extra charge can surprise them, leading to frustration.
- Many guests hesitate or abandon their booking because of this unexpected cost.
Even though FareHarbor doesn’t charge you directly, these fees can still hurt your business.
When website guests see higher costs, they might decide not to book at all, which means fewer sales for you.
But that’s not the only issue.
Steep Learning Curve: Another common complaint is that FareHarbor isn’t the easiest system to learn.
If you’re new to the platform, it can feel overwhelming to navigate all the features and settings.
- Time is money: Every minute spent learning the system takes time away from focusing on your business.
- Overwhelming for new users: The complexity of the platform can be a barrier, especially if you’re not tech-savvy.
If you’ve noticed clients backing out at checkout or if you’re struggling to learn the system, it might be time to explore other options.
There are other booking software options that could help you avoid these issues, keeping your customers happy and your bookings steady.
How to Choose the Best FareHarbor Alternative?
When choosing the best FareHarbor alternative, consider these key factors:
- Your Needs: Match the software’s capabilities to your business size and type.
- Budget: Compare the total costs, including booking fees and additional charges. TicketingHub offers clear and affordable pricing.
- Ease of Use: Look for a platform that is easy to set up and navigate, like TicketingHub.
- Customer Support: Ensure reliable support is available, especially during the transition.
- Scalability: Choose a system that can grow with your business.
- Customer Data Management: Efficiently managing customer data is crucial. Look for platforms that allow you to store, organize, and utilize customer data to improve engagement, streamline operations, and enhance the overall booking experience.
Here’s a list of alternatives to FareHarbor that can help you establish and enhance your business online.
10 Best FareHarbor Competitors
#1 TicketingHub
TicketingHub is a top comparable to FareHarbor for tour operators. This user-friendly booking platform is known for its reliable customer service and cost-effective pricing.
With just a 3% booking fee, it offers a straightforward ticketing solution that’s easy to integrate, often within a day.
Pros
- 🖥️ Easy-to-Use Interface: Users love how simple and intuitive the platform is to navigate.
- 🤝 Reliable Customer Support: TicketingHub’s customer service is highly praised for its quick response times.
- ⚙️ Quick Integration: The system can be up and running in less than a day, depending on the size of your tour company.
- ⏳ Time-Saving Features: Includes a Magic Link feature that allows guests to manage their bookings along with their booking confirmations, reducing your workload.
- 📧 Automated Notifications: SMS and email notifications are integrated with a review funnel, helping you grow your online reputation and manage reviews more effectively.
- 🌐 Wide Integration Options: Connect with your favorite OTAs, trusted payment gateways, POS solutions, digital waiver systems, CRM, CMS, data and analytics tools for marketing, and other existing systems.
- 📱 Smooth Check-in: With TicketingHub's Outpost app, individuals and groups can check-in in less than a second via QR codes.
Cons
- Not for small events like weddings and family gatherings.
- Some advanced features may require a bit of a learning curve. But customer support is here to help all the way.
Who Uses TicketingHub?
Trusted by major operators:
- Immersive Gamebox, which serves 27 locations across the UK, USA, Europe, and the UAE
- Secret Food Tours, now in 60 cities worldwide
- City Sightseeing Tours - Budapest
- Egypt’s Sound and Light Shows
TicketingHub also caters to safari parks, zoos, museums, distillery and wine tours, water parks, and more.
Pricing Model
TicketingHub operates on a pay-as-you-earn model with no monthly, setup, or subscription fees.
You only pay a 3% booking fee for online transactions. Integration fees apply for OTAs and payment gateways.
You can either absorb these fees or pass them on to customers by adding them to the traveler’s total booking cost, not as an extra fee.
"We've been using it for more than five years now and has been serving us in the best way ever. I and my team took almost a day just to understand the whole logic of ticketing. TicketingHub is the best, most bulletproof solution for any ticketing needs. The support from their team, especially Carl, is unparalleled."-Alaa Khalifa, Egypt Sound and Light Shows
#2 Bokun
Bokun, a part of the TripAdvisor family, is a powerful booking platform alternative to FareHarbor.
It offers a wide range of tools to simplify tour management. It's ideal for those seeking to reach TripAdvisor's audience.
Pros
- Strong Integration with TripAdvisor: Gain access to a large audience, helping you reach more potential clients.
- Comprehensive Business Tools: Bokun provides everything you need to manage your tours, pricing, and distribution channels in one place.
- Website Builder: Perfect for those just starting, Bokun’s website builder helps you create a professional online presence.
- Marketplace for Partnerships: Bokun’s Marketplace feature lets you explore and create partnerships with similar tour operators in your area, helping you expand your reach and offerings.
Cons
- Complexity for Beginners: The platform can be a bit overwhelming when you first start. System settings aren’t very simple, so you might need some assistance to get fully set up.
Pricing Model
Bokun offers a free 14-day trial, after which you can choose to continue with the Pro subscription for $49 per month or downgrade to a limited free plan (restricted to Viator and offline bookings).
The Pro plan (their most recommended) has some of the lowest booking fees in the industry:
- 1.5% for online sales
- 0% fees on bookings from Viator
- 0% fees on offline bookings (note: offline bookings confirmed and paid via payment link are subject to the 1.5% booking fee).
Specialization
Bokun is well-suited for tour operators looking to leverage large distribution networks, particularly through TripAdvisor and Viator.
Popular Markets for Tour and Activity Operators
Bokun is particularly popular in the United States, Japan, Netherlands, and Iceland.
#3 TicketSpice
TicketSpice is a potential alternative to FareHarbor. It offers a user-friendly, customizable, and cost-friendly ticketing solution that offers seamless bookings.
Pros
- Smooth Check-in: The TicketSpice scanning app allows individuals and groups to check in fast and hassle-free.
- Intuitive Interface: Both attendees and organizers find TicketSpice easy to use. From creating promotional content to purchasing tickets, everything is simple.
- Integration Options: TicketSpice is compatible with thousands of online tools. It integrates smoothly with your CRM, marketing tools, and other existing systems, allowing seamless integration.
- Data Analytics: TicketSpice provides robust analytics and reporting, so you can measure your event's marketing success and improve it.
Cons
- Not Ideal for Small Events: Not the best fit for small events.
- Static Reporting Feature: Some users find the reporting feature to be somewhat static and wish it offered more flexibility, such as reports on attendee lists instead of just orders.
- Learning Curve: While it’s easy to use once you’re familiar with it, the initial setup can be a bit confusing. However, once you get the hang of it, configuring the system becomes straightforward.
Pricing Model
TicketSpice uses a simple and transparent pricing model, charging a flat fee of 99¢ per ticket plus standard credit card processing fees of 2.9% + 30¢.
There are no hidden fees, and the pricing is publicly available for all to see.
Specialization
TicketSpice is ideal for larger events where customization and smooth integration with existing systems are crucial.
Popular Markets
Mainly used in the US and Canada, TicketSpice is a popular choice for event organizers looking for a powerful and customizable ticketing solution.
#4 Peek Pro
If growth is a top priority for your team, Peek Pro might be a strong alternative to FareHarbor for you.
Pros
- Online Booking: Streamlined online booking process for your website guests.
- Flexible Payment Options: Supports various payment methods, including Apple Pay, to make payment easy.
- Seamless Integrations: Easily integrates with your existing tools and systems, enhancing your workflow.
- Comprehensive Reporting Dashboard: Provides detailed insights to help you make informed business decisions.
- Reservation Management System: Simplifies scheduling and managing reservations, saving you time and effort. Vital for growth and customer retention.
- Powerful Marketing Tools: Designed to retarget, upsell, and retain customers, accelerating growth.
Cons
- High and Fluctuating Fees: Peek Pro doesn’t share their pricing online, but users report a 6% booking fee and at least a $199 setup fee. Additionally, fees can fluctuate.
- Steep Learning Curve: The platform can be challenging to learn initially, making it difficult for new users to get up to speed quickly.
- Customer Service Concerns: Some users have experienced inadequate customer support, which can be frustrating when you need assistance.
Pricing Model
Peek Pro’s pricing is not transparently listed online, but users report a 6% fee and a setup fee starting at $199. The fees can vary, which may add uncertainty to your cost structure.
Specialization
Peek Pro is ideal for larger tours and attractions that prioritize growth and need robust marketing and management tools to scale effectively.
Popular Markets
Peek Pro is widely used in the US, particularly by large-scale tours and attractions aiming to reach a larger audience.
#5 TrekkSoft
TrekkSoft is a good complementary to FareHarbor. From the name itself “trek”, it is ideal for adventure travel agencies and companies.
Pros
- Tailored for Adventure Tours: TrekkSoft is ideal for operators focusing on adventure activities, making it a perfect fit for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor excursions.
- Intuitive Platform: The platform is designed to improve customer experience, making bookings simpler.
- Real-Time Availability: Offers real-time availability, so your customers always have up-to-date information on tours.
- Automated Communications: Streamlines your processes by automating communications with customers, reducing manual work.
Cons
- High Pricing: With the ultimate plan priced at $289 a month, TrekkSoft may be too expensive for smaller operators.
- Steep Learning Curve: The platform’s advanced features can be difficult to master, requiring time and effort to learn.
Pricing Model
TrekkSoft operates on a subscription basis, with different tiers available depending on your needs.
The ultimate plan, which includes all features, is priced at $289 per month, which might be steep for smaller businesses.
Specialization
TrekkSoft excels in catering to adventure tours, outdoor activities, and destination getaways. A preferred choice for operators in these niches.
Popular Markets
TrekkSoft is widely used among European tour operators, primarily in adventure tourism and multi-day trips.
#6 Rezdy (Merged with Checkfront and Regiondo)
Rezdy is another great FareHarbor alternative. Recently, this tour operator software merged with Checkfront and Regiondo, combining three powerful platforms in one.
Pros
- Comprehensive Feature Set: Rezdy offers a booking engine with live availability, a channel manager, and a distribution network. You can resell tours, rentals, or charters and earn commissions.
- Integrated Payment Solutions: The platform includes RezdyPay, its native payment solution. Payment integrations include Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
- Reseller Tools: Either create a reseller website or embed booking widgets on your existing website.
- Global Reach: Rezdy supports businesses across multiple countries, making it a great choice for global companies.
Cons
- Steep Pricing for Advanced Features: While Rezdy offers a range of plans, the higher-tier plans may be too costly for smaller operators.
- Complexity: The extensive features and advanced tools might be overwhelming for users who don’t need such a comprehensive system.
Pricing Model
Rezdy offers three subscription plans with a free 21-day trial:
- Foundation Plan: $49 per month, includes essentials like site building, product addition, OTA sync, and access to agent and reseller connections. Charges a 2% booking fee on online reservations and a $1 fee on offline or agent sales.
- Accelerate Plan: $99 per month, includes everything in the Foundation plan, plus tools to create bundles and upsell customers. Charges a 1.9% fee on all reservations and a $0.85 fee on offline or agent bookings.
- Expansion Plan: $249 per month, includes advanced reporting features, API, and webhooks, along with all features from the lower-tier plans. Charges a 1.75% booking fee on all reservations and a $0.70 fee on offline or agent sales.
Specialization
Rezdy is ideal for large tour operators, attractions, and travel companies that require advanced tools. Best if you're into reseller networks and offer a wide range of products and services.
Popular Markets
Originally popular in Australia, Rezdy has expanded its market reach to Europe, North America, and other regions, making it one of the top FareHarbor alternatives for global tour and activity operators.
#7 Trytn
Trytn markets itself as “tour operator software made by tour operators,” targeting small, one- or two-person companies.
Pros
- Tailored for Small Operators: Designed with small businesses in mind, making it a perfect fit for one- or two-person operations.
- Website Development Services: Trytn’s team will design and optimize your website, ensuring it meets your specific needs.
- Comprehensive Features: Offers an online booking engine, channel management, and reservation management, which allows you to edit bookings on the fly.
- POS Tools: Manages both online and in-person payments, streamlining your payment processes.
- Upselling Capabilities: Allows you to upsell customers during the checkout process with extras like merchandise, gift cards, or vouchers.
- Staff Management: Tracks personnel, their tasks, and availability, making it easier to manage your team.
- Marketing Analytics: Provides tools to track customers from paid ads, helping you measure the effectiveness of your marketing efforts.
- Reporting Dashboard: Offers a comprehensive reporting dashboard to monitor your business’s performance.
- Direct Bookings: Helps businesses secure more direct sales through their websites.
Cons
- Lack of Transparent Pricing: Trytn does not disclose pricing information on its website, requiring potential users to book a demo to receive a custom quote.
- Potentially High Costs: Based on user feedback, Trytn’s fees can be steep, with reports of 5% fees on all online reservations and additional costs for custom website development.
Pricing Model
Trytn operates on a custom pricing model, with quotes provided after discussing your specific requirements. Users report a 5% fee on all online bookings, which is comparable to FareHarbor, and additional costs for custom website development.
Specialization
Trytn is best suited for small to medium-sized tour operators and activity providers. Best for adventure activities like hiking, cycling, and kayaking.
Popular Markets
Trytn is primarily used in the United States, with a growing presence in Canada and the United Kingdom. Trytn is a popular FareHarbor alternative among small and medium-sized operators.
#8 Xola
Xola is an online ticketing and marketing software known for its strong resource management features.
Pros
- Online Booking Tools: Xola provides comprehensive tools to manage online bookings efficiently.
- Schedule and Availability Management: Helps manage schedules and track availability in real-time, ensuring smooth operations.
- Resource Management: Tracks the availability of personnel and equipment, crucial for resource management.
- Offline Reservation Management: Allows for phone reservations, making it easy to manage offline reservations.
- POS Integration: Accepts both online and in-person payments, making payments easy.
- Marketing Tools: Offers tools to expand your audience and retarget customers.
- CRM Features: Includes a customer relationship management system to keep track of customer interactions.
- Customizable Tickets and Waivers: Provides customizable ticketing options and waivers, along with fast check-in options.
- Reporting: Offers detailed reporting features to help you monitor and optimize your business performance.
Cons
- Higher Cost: Xola is reported to have a 6% fee, similar to FareHarbor, which may be considered pricey, especially for smaller businesses.
- Lack of Transparent Pricing: Xola does not disclose pricing details online, which can make it difficult for potential users to evaluate costs upfront.
- Steep Learning Curve: Some users find that mastering all of Xola’s features can take time, particularly if they are new to using ticketing software.
Pricing Model
Xola does not publicly share its pricing details online. However, user reviews indicate that Xola charges a 6% fee, akin to FareHarbor.
While some users find this fee to be a good value for the features provided, others feel that it falls on the pricier side.
Specialization
Xola is ideal for businesses in the tourism, leisure, and entertainment industries that need robust resource management and comprehensive reservation and marketing tools.
This go-to FareHarbor alternative is flexible, with options suitable for small, mid-size, or large tour businesses.
Popular Markets
Xola is widely used in North America, particularly in the United States, as well as in Australia and parts of Europe.
#9 Eventbrite
Eventbrite is a versatile event technology platform that handles events of all kinds, from concerts and shows to festivals and fairs. Its adaptability makes it a worthwhile alternative to FareHarbor for event organizers.
Pros
- Versatile Event Management: Eventbrite is equipped to manage a wide range of events, ranging from small gatherings to large festivals.
- Integrated Marketing Tools: The platform offers marketing tools that promote events through email and social channels.
- Analytics and Insights: Eventbrite provides detailed analytics to understand attendee engagement.
- Global Reach: Eventbrite’s extensive network allows you to expand your audience globally.
Cons
- High Fees: Eventbrite’s pricing can be steep, with transaction fees that add up quickly for larger events. It is known that fees increase over time.
- Limited Customization: The platform offers a limited number of ticket types, which may restrict some event organizers.
- Customer Service Issues: Some users report dissatisfaction with Eventbrite’s customer service, noting that it can be difficult to get timely support.
Pricing Model
Eventbrite charges a percentage of each ticket sale, along with a flat fee per ticket.
Costs vary based on your location and the type of event, but users often find the fees to be on the higher side, especially for large events.
Specialization
Eventbrite is best suited for event organizers who manage a variety of event types, such as concerts, shows, festivals, and fairs.
Popular Markets
Eventbrite is widely used across the globe, with a strong presence in the United States, Europe, and Australia.
#10 Bookeo
Last on our list is Bookeo.
Bookeo is another ideal FareHarbor alternative for small to medium-sized businesses with features that are easy to use and customizable to fit your needs.
Pros
- DIY System: Bookeo is designed to be a do-it-yourself platform, making it easy for you to set up, manage, and update your ticketing system independently.
- Transparent Pricing: Unlike FareHarbor, Bookeo doesn’t charge additional fees to customers. The price you set is exactly what your customers pay.
- Wide Range of Payment Gateways: The platform integrates with various payment gateways, so you can pick one that suits you.
- Organized Calendar: Bookeo provides an organized calendar view, making it easy to manage appointments and availability.
- Upselling Opportunities: You can upsell tours and activities by offering extras and options like lunch or merchandise.
Cons
- Learning Curve: Like any software, Bookeo has a learning curve, especially at the beginning. Some users have found it takes time to get fully set up.
- Customer Service Concerns: Recently, there have been some negative reviews about Bookeo’s customer service, with users reporting slow or unhelpful responses, which can affect the overall experience.
- Limited Features: Some users feel that Bookeo could offer more features, especially when compared to more advanced reservation systems.
Pricing Model
Bookeo offers several subscription plans:
- Standard Plan: $39.95 per month, includes 20 guides and vehicles, 20 staff logins, and up to 1,000 bookings per month.
- Large Plan: $79.95 per month, includes 40 guides and vehicles, 40 staff logins, and up to 2,000 bookings per month.
- X-Large Plan: $119.95 per month, includes 60 guides and vehicles, 60 staff logins, and up to 3,000 bookings per month.
Specialization in Reservation Management Systems
Bookeo is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that want a flexible, DIY online booking system without hidden fees.
Popular Markets
Bookeo is popular in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and several countries in Europe.
Why TicketingHub is the Best FareHarbor Alternative
TicketingHub stands out as the top alternative to FareHarbor. Our tour reservation system is simple, flexible, and affordable with all the features you need to save time and improve customer satisfaction.
Whether you’re a small tour company or a large-scale operator, TicketingHub provides you with the tools and support you need without the high fees or steep learning curve.
We have looked at other systems, but this is by far the most economical, and I would recommend it to anyone, whether they're small, multi-city, or global like we are. We think it is definitely the best res-tech out there!”- Oliver Mernick-Levene, Secret Food Tours
Key Features
- Fast set-up and integration: Get up and running quickly with its user-friendly interface, perfect for businesses transitioning from FareHarbor.
- Flexibility: Customize your booking process, manage reservations, and handle payments with ease. Our online reservation platform integrates seamlessly with your existing tools.
- Affordability: With a straightforward 3% booking fee and no additional costs, TicketingHub is a more affordable option compared to FareHarbor's higher 6% fees.
With its user-friendly design, flexible features, and affordable pricing, TicketingHub could be the perfect fit for your needs.
If you're ready to explore your options, start with TicketingHub—sign up for a free demo and see why so many businesses are making the switch.
