TrovaTrip is a platform that connects travelers with hosts (like me) to create group travel experiences. It is a 3-sided marketplace, meaning they serve hosts (me), travelers (you), and tour operators with logistics, planning, and support for professionally designed trips.

The operators do most of the work once we get to our destination because the local professionals have the best understanding of the location’s language, culture, and a stake in its economy. Operators are the folks on the ground who run their own separate tour companies and help bring the itineraries offered through Trova to life.

Operators are the masterminds behind creating pre-built itineraries for trips. They’re usually about a week-long, with spots ranging from 8-25 people, and take place in destinations around the world. Each itinerary is created around a general theme (food, yoga, camping, etc.) and filled with activities reflecting that theme. 

Operators are also in charge of actually running the trip on the ground. They provide English-speaking local guides, book accommodations and transportation, oversee activities, and generally ensure that everyone on the trip has the best possible experience. Operators and their guides don’t work for Trova any more than hosts do; rather, they’re the trusted (and vetted) partners who’ve joined Trova’s platform to run their businesses and reach new clients. 

Basically, the initial base price of a trip is set by the operator to cover their expenses (local guides, transportation, accommodation, entry fees, etc.). Then the host will set a margin to cover their time and work promoting the trip. Finally, Trova will earn a percentage of the total price for their real-time support, payment management, planning and booking, and use of the platform itself. However, all of this only happens if a trip is “confirmed”, meaning if enough Travelers sign up by the deadline to make it a go. Otherwise, down payments are fully refunded and no money changes hands. 

This platform is legit and several hikers and businesses I know are running trips through it. Please fill out the survey to join me on an amazing destination around the world.