FlipKey
Grand Score
User Score
When you are retired the world is truly your oyster. You can take extended vacations without having to worry about returning quickly for work. With FlipKey, retirees can safely book vacation rentals. A TripAdvisor company, FlipKey is a safe way to rent a home anywhere in the world. The service is very similar to Airbnb with a few differences. Flipkey has rentals in 190 countries. You can choose from homes or apartments.
FlipKey is an American company located in Boston, Massachusetts. In 2018, TripAdvisor took over FlipKey. Well-respected, FlipKey lets you enjoy a safe and easy booking experience which is highly beneficial to seniors who might not be overly tech-savvy. You can effortlessly reserve a home with full privileges anywhere in the world. Vacationing, especially extended stays, has never been easier. Also, you can choose large rentals that sleep seven-plus people so traveling in a group with friends has never been more affordable.
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Price
Price
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Guests pay a booking fee of anywhere from 5 to 15 percent of the total rental cost. Hosts pay 3 percent per rental. |
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Features
Features
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Provides houses, apartments, and condos around the world for affordable rental fees |
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Ease
Ease
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The website is easy to use with a wide array of filters. You can also choose to see the cheapest first or most expensive first |
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Customer Service
Customer Service
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Flipkey offers customer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
Positive Reviews of FlipKey:
Lately TripAdvisor has been an absolute…
Lately TripAdvisor has been an absolute must for all of my vacation needs. Regular hotel trips just don’t cut it anymore. There’s just something a lot more exciting in trying your luck in some obscure rental place.
So Far, So Good
So far, so good. While our vacation in Maui doesn’t begin for a few more weeks, the booking process was very quick and efficient. Also, questions were answered in a timely matter.
The top app which I use…
The top app which I use while traveling. All sightseeing, useful tricks and interesting tips are included. The big advantage is the opportunity to read references about the particular place from other people. One of the best helpers in a new location.
Negative Reviews of FlipKey:
I read the contract and wanted to cancel
After I booked the stay , I read the contract and would like to cancel. The contract had so many pages and I should have hired a lawyer to review it, but I had already paid for half of the stay when I read the contract. The contract read like it was and is totally opened, and with my credit card you can bill me for what ever you want to !!!! Will not, try not to use this service again.
Hidden fees & cost
Not an easy service to use. Clearly not meant to be transparent on fees and rates. Nightly rates listed were very appealing, but during check out those rates were not as advertised. In addition to the multiple taxes, housekeeping service, there is also a service fee for using FlipKey. Not a flat fee, but a mystery percentage. I doubt I’ll be using this reservation system again
Buck creek
I was very disappointed in the experience with FlipKey for my first time. I was constantly told that my reservation was not accepted and that I had to find a new place to stay when actually all along it was accepted. I got over 3 phone calls telling me that I did not have the reservation at the place that I had reserved and I had to keep looking for a new place .very disappointed!!!!!
Age Score:
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Seniors often don’t want to spend an extended vacation in a cramped hotel room. Luckily, Flipkey offers properties of various sizes for affordable prices compared to that of a hotel. Retirees can stay a few days or a month at a FlipKey rental where they will enjoy all the amenities of a real home. Many elderly individuals like to travel in groups to cut costs and double the fun. In such situations, a FlipKey rental is perfect. Everyone can share the costs, plus there is a kitchen to avoid excessive dining out. Overall, FlipKey is a fantastic way to travel on a budget while staying in a lovely home.
Health Score:
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Pros:
The security of TravelAdvisor’s FlipKey is undeniable for seniors. The rentals are lovely, so you don’t have to worry about ending up in a dump. There is a nice selection of apartments, beach homes, summer rentals, and more. With the help of FlipKey, a senior can quickly plan their entire vacation. Also, the large rentals also groups to travel together and still have ample sleeping arrangements which are a great way for the elderly on a budget to save money.
- Homes and apartments of all sizes available for rent
- Decent selection of properties in all the world’s vacation hotspots (they cover 11,000 cities)
- Rentals on private islands are available
- FlipKey is part of TravelAdvisor which is a respected online giant travel company
- Excellent rental choices with over 300,000 listings on the site
- Apartment rentals available in remote places like the Galapagos Islands or Madagascar
- Easy to use ‘Book Now’ button that walks you through the reservation process which is a benefit for seniors who are not tech-savvy
- The site offers destination trip advice which is ideal for seniors who want to vacation but are unsure of where to go
- Quality rentals (most are 4 stars and above)
Cons:
Overall, there are very few cons to FlipKey. It is a site that seniors can easily and confidently use without too many worries. The deposits are a bit steep, but you will get them back so if you plan for the added fees then it is not too bad. Yes, in some remote areas of the world the pickings are slim when it comes to properties, but few seniors visit such areas, so the small percentage of properties is not a problem. The abundance of rentals in large metropolitan areas can be confusing for some seniors to researching the destination before making a reservation is strongly advised.
- Many of the property owners request a wallet-breaking deposit that might be too steep for some seniors
- Fewer choices compared to Airbnb (especially in remote areas of the world)
- Seniors might be confused with the various locations of the rentals in large cities
Bottom Line:
TravelAdvisor’s FlipKey is a leader in vacation rentals. The easy-to-use site features thousands of listings all around the world. A senior can quickly find exactly what they are seeking and if they have any questions, they can contact FlipKey’s customer service for answers. If you want to stay in a vacation rental that is at 4 stars or better, then you will want to check out FlipKey. Seniors can travel singularly or in groups using Flipkey. Reserving accommodations has never been easier.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does FlipKey work?
FlipKey connects travelers with property owners or managers who list their rentals on the platform. Travelers can search for accommodations based on destination, dates, and amenities, then book directly through FlipKey’s secure booking system.
Are FlipKey rentals safe?
FlipKey takes safety and security seriously. They verify the identity of property owners and managers and offer secure payment processing to protect travelers’ financial information. Additionally, FlipKey provides customer reviews and ratings to help travelers decide where to stay.
What types of properties are available on FlipKey?
FlipKey offers a variety of rental properties, including vacation homes, condos, cabins, beach houses, and more. Whether looking for a cozy cottage in the mountains or a luxury villa by the sea, FlipKey has options to suit every traveler’s needs and preferences.
How do I book a vacation rental on FlipKey?
Booking a vacation rental on FlipKey is easy. Search for accommodations using your destination, dates, and any specific criteria you have in mind. Once you find a property you like, you can view photos, read reviews, and check availability securely through the FlipKey website before booking.
What is FlipKey’s cancellation policy?
FlipKey rentals each have cancellation policies set by the property owner or manager. These policies can vary widely, so reviewing the cancellation terms before booking is important. Some properties offer flexible cancellation options, while others may have stricter policies.

Grandfolk - Editorial Staff
