From Barcelona startup to $2.7B unicorn – how this travel management maverick transforms 8,000+ companies into jet-setting efficiency machines with AI-powered tools that actually understand the difference between booking travel and battling travel

TravelPerk was founded to fix the chaos of corporate travel, after its founders saw that most travel managers were juggling trips across time zones with systems clearly designed by people who’d never sprinted for a five-minute connection. Booking a simple flight often felt like a diplomatic mission: maze-like policies, endless approvals, and expense reports that turned business trips into bureaucratic nightmares. Managing budgets was no better, with strategies that made herding cats look like military precision. TravelPerk set out to change that, making corporate travel management not only efficient but almost effortless.

Today, TravelPerk powers modern business travel with a platform that simplifies bookings, policies, and expenses into a seamless experience, proving that the most powerful innovation isn’t charging premium rates for basic functionality, but finally making business travel work the way it should.


Product Name & Vendor

TravelPerk by TravelPerk S.L.U., founded in 2015 by Avi Meir (founder of Hotel Ninjas, acquired by Booking.com), Javier Suarez, and Ron Levin, and headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, with business hubs in London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Berlin, Chicago, Boston, and Miami. From its origins addressing the frustrations of corporate travel booking, TravelPerk has evolved into Europe’s largest independent travel management platform, achieving unicorn status with a $2.7 billion valuation in 2025 after raising $200 million in Series E funding and acquiring AI expense platform Yokoy. The company serves over 8,000 SMB and mid-market companies worldwide, processing over $2.5 billion in annualized booking volumes while reaching EBITDA break-even.

Quick Overview

TravelPerk is an AI-powered, all-in-one corporate travel and expense management platform that combines intelligent booking tools, real-time travel updates, flexible policy management, and automated expense processing to help businesses of all sizes streamline their travel operations, reduce costs, and enhance traveler experience through a single, comprehensive interface.

Who Should Read

Corporate travel managers seeking to modernize travel operations, finance teams looking to control and optimize travel spending, HR professionals implementing employee-friendly travel policies, business travelers wanting simplified booking and expense processes, IT administrators deploying enterprise travel solutions, small to medium business owners needing scalable travel management, and executives requiring visibility into corporate travel costs and compliance across diverse organizational functions.


Target Audience

CategoryDetails
IndustriesTechnology & software, financial services & consulting, legal & professional services, healthcare & pharma, manufacturing & engineering, media & entertainment, retail & e-commerce, startups & scale-ups, and organizations needing efficient travel management with focus on employee experience & budget control.
Company SizesSMBs to large enterprises. Strong fit for SMB & mid-market companies (8,000+ customers), scaling organizations needing flexible travel solutions, European businesses optimizing regional travel, and international companies coordinating global travel across locations & currencies.
User RolesTravel managers/coordinators, finance & accounting teams, HR (employee benefits), business travelers & executives, administrative assistants (arrangements), procurement specialists (vendor management), and executives needing spend visibility & policy compliance.

Deployment Options

Cloud-based SaaS platform accessible through web browsers with responsive design, native mobile applications for iOS and Android with full booking and management capabilities, comprehensive REST APIs enabling custom integrations and enterprise connectivity, single sign-on (SSO) integration for secure access, and flexible implementation options supporting various organizational structures and approval workflows.


Primary Features

  • Comprehensive Travel Booking Platform:
    All-in-one booking system providing access to extensive global inventory including 3+ million properties, 400+ airlines, 120+ rail carriers, and car rental options, with real-time pricing comparison, negotiated corporate rates, and seamless booking experience matching consumer travel sites for business travel needs.
  • Intelligent Travel Policy Management:
    Flexible policy engine enabling unlimited policy configurations and approval workflows, automated compliance checking during booking process, budget tracking by cost center, intelligent routing of approval requests, and policy violation alerts ensuring travelers book within guidelines while maintaining operational flexibility.
  • AI-Powered Expense Automation:
    Advanced expense management through Yokoy acquisition providing automated receipt capture, intelligent expense categorization, automated approval workflows, VAT recovery capabilities (up to 25% savings), and seamless integration with accounting systems reducing manual expense processing by 20-40 hours per week.
  • FlexiPerk Cancellation Protection:
    Unique flexibility feature allowing travelers to cancel bookings up to 2 hours before travel and receive 80% refund with no hassle or hidden fees, providing unprecedented flexibility for changing business requirements while protecting travel budgets.

Specialized Modules

  • TravelSafe and Risk Management:
    Real-time health and safety information through acquired Albatross API, travel restriction alerts, location-based safety notifications, travel insurance integration, and comprehensive duty of care features ensuring traveler safety and compliance with corporate risk management policies.
  • Enterprise Travel Solutions:
    Dedicated enterprise features including 24/7 premium support with target 1-minute response time, dedicated account management, custom integrations, group booking management for 9+ travelers, executive travel services, and enterprise-grade security and compliance capabilities for large-scale deployments.
  • VAT Recovery and Financial Management:
    Comprehensive VAT recovery solution helping businesses reclaim up to 25% of travel VAT, consolidated invoicing across all travel bookings, detailed financial reporting and analytics, budget tracking and forecasting, and integration with major accounting and ERP systems for streamlined financial management.
  • Mobile Travel Companion:
    Full-featured mobile apps (4.7/5 rating on both iOS and Android) providing complete booking functionality, real-time flight updates and gate information, mobile check-in capabilities, offline access to travel documents, and comprehensive trip management enabling productive travel management from anywhere.

Integrations

TravelPerk provides extensive integration capabilities through its marketplace including accounting systems (QuickBooks, Xero), expense platforms (Expensify, Concur), HR systems (BambooHR, Workday), communication tools (Slack, Microsoft Teams), travel risk management platforms, and comprehensive APIs supporting custom enterprise integrations and workflow automation.


Value Proposition

Business Impact

Significant Cost Savings and Budget Optimization:

Organizations typically achieve 20-30% savings on travel costs through negotiated rates, extensive inventory including low-cost carriers, intelligent policy enforcement, and automated expense management, with VAT recovery capabilities providing additional 25% savings on applicable travel expenses.

Operational Efficiency and Time Savings:

Platform eliminates traditional travel management overhead by enabling self-service booking, automated approval workflows, consolidated invoicing, and streamlined expense processing, saving travel managers 20-40 hours per week while improving traveler satisfaction and compliance rates above 90%.

Enhanced Traveler Experience and Productivity:

Consumer-grade booking experience with extensive inventory, flexible cancellation options, 24/7 support, mobile-first design, and real-time travel updates ensure traveler satisfaction while maintaining policy compliance and reducing travel-related stress and administrative burden.

Strategic Visibility and Control:

Comprehensive analytics and reporting provide executive-level insights into travel spending patterns, policy compliance, cost optimization opportunities, and sustainability metrics enabling data-driven travel program management and strategic decision-making.

ROI & Cost Savings

Immediate Cost Reduction:

Organizations eliminate costs associated with traditional travel agencies, reduce administrative overhead through automation, optimize travel spending through policy enforcement and negotiated rates, and recover VAT on eligible expenses, creating measurable bottom-line impact within the first quarter of implementation.

Hidden Efficiency Gains:

Businesses redirect resources from travel administration to strategic activities, improve employee productivity through simplified travel processes, reduce travel policy violations through automated compliance, and gain negotiating power with travel suppliers through consolidated spending.

Long-Term Strategic Value:

Investment in modern travel management creates sustainable competitive advantages through improved employee satisfaction, enhanced travel program efficiency, better vendor relationships, and data-driven optimization opportunities supporting long-term business growth and operational excellence.

Competitive Differentiators

Unlike traditional corporate travel management companies or complex enterprise solutions requiring extensive implementation, TravelPerk provides the optimal balance of consumer-grade user experience with enterprise functionality, offering unmatched flexibility through FlexiPerk, industry-leading customer support, comprehensive AI integration, and proven results across diverse industries, positioning it as the definitive modern travel management solution for forward-thinking businesses.


TravelPerk utilizes advanced artificial intelligence and cloud-native infrastructure specifically optimized for corporate travel management, expense automation, and traveler experience while maintaining security, reliability, and performance standards across diverse business environments.

  • AI-Powered Expense Management:
    Advanced Yokoy integration providing automated receipt capture through mobile apps, intelligent expense categorization using machine learning, automated compliance checking, smart approval routing, and predictive analytics for travel spending optimization enabling comprehensive expense automation.
  • Intelligent Travel Optimization:
    Machine learning algorithms providing personalized travel recommendations, dynamic pricing analysis, policy compliance suggestions, automated booking optimization, and predictive travel pattern analysis enabling data-driven travel program management and cost optimization.
  • Cloud-Native Travel Platform:
    Scalable, secure infrastructure supporting unlimited users and bookings with real-time inventory access, comprehensive API integrations, global data synchronization, and enterprise-grade performance ensuring consistent user experience and reliable service delivery across all markets.
  • Advanced Analytics and Business Intelligence Platform:
    Comprehensive data collection and analysis providing travel spending insights, policy compliance metrics, traveler behavior patterns, sustainability reporting, and strategic recommendations enabling informed decision-making and continuous travel program optimization.

Interface & Usability

Consumer-Grade Booking Experience:

TravelPerk features intuitive interface design similar to leading consumer travel sites (Expedia, Kayak), reducing learning curves for business travelers while providing comprehensive business travel functionality through streamlined search, filtering, and booking processes that prioritize user experience and efficiency.

Mobile-First Design Philosophy:

Outstanding mobile applications (4.7/5 rating on both platforms) provide complete functionality including booking, trip management, real-time updates, expense capture, and approval workflows, enabling productive travel management from anywhere while supporting modern mobile workforce requirements.

Seamless Integration Experience:

Platform provides consistent user experience across web and mobile platforms with unified data synchronization, single sign-on integration, and embedded workflow management ensuring travelers can access all travel information and management tools regardless of device or location.

Customization

Flexible Policy and Workflow Configuration:

Users can create unlimited travel policies and approval workflows, custom budget tracking by cost center, personalized booking preferences and traveler profiles, branded corporate travel portals, and tailored reporting dashboards matching specific organizational requirements and travel management needs.

Comprehensive Travel Program Customization:

Platform supports custom corporate rates and negotiated deals, flexible expense categories and approval processes, personalized travel risk management settings, custom integration configurations, and tailored sustainability reporting enabling organizations to optimize their travel programs according to specific business objectives.

Advanced Reporting and Analytics Customization:

Comprehensive reporting tools with custom metrics and KPIs, automated report scheduling and distribution, personalized dashboard creation, budget variance analysis, and integration with business intelligence systems enabling organizations to measure and optimize travel program performance according to their strategic goals.

Accessibility

TravelPerk provides comprehensive accessibility support including multi-language interface, multi-currency support for global operations, offline mobile functionality for travel documents, responsive design for various devices, and compliance with accessibility standards ensuring productive use across diverse user needs and international requirements.


TravelPerk implements comprehensive security and compliance measures specifically designed for corporate travel and expense management, protecting sensitive business and traveler data while maintaining regulatory compliance across diverse global markets and industry requirements.

Data Protection

Enterprise-Grade Security Infrastructure:

  • Advanced Encryption:
    Data encrypted in transit and at rest with AES-256 encryption across platform and endpoints
  • Secure Infrastructure:
    AWS-hosted data centers in Ireland (EEA) with ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC 3, and PCI DSS Level 1 certifications
  • Access Controls:
    Single sign-on (SSO) integration, multi-factor authentication, tiered access control management, and role-based permissions
  • Data Minimization:
    Pseudonymization practices and comprehensive data flow monitoring ensuring minimal data processing and retention

Compliance

Comprehensive Regulatory and Industry Compliance:

  • GDPR and Privacy:
    Full GDPR compliance with automated consent management, data retention controls, privacy policy integration, and comprehensive data protection across European operations
  • Financial Compliance:
    PCI DSS Level 1 certification for secure payment processing and financial data handling
  • International Standards:
    ISO certifications covering information security, cloud services, and privacy management ensuring global compliance
  • Travel-Specific Compliance:
    Comprehensive travel risk management, duty of care capabilities, and industry-specific compliance features for regulated industries
  • Data Sovereignty:
    Regional data hosting options and adherence to local data residency requirements with detailed documentation available through Trust Center

Pricing Structure

TravelPerk operates on a transparent subscription-based model with tiered pricing that includes monthly platform fees plus booking fees, providing predictable costs that scale with usage while eliminating hidden charges and setup fees commonly found in traditional corporate travel management solutions.

Plan Comparison

TravelPerk Pricing Plans:

PlanMonthly PriceBooking FeeKey FeaturesBest For
StarterFree for 5 bookings/month5% per bookingBasic booking platform, global inventory, consolidated invoicing, 1 policy workflow, travel reportsSmall companies testing platform
Premium$99/month3% per bookingEverything in Starter + 10 policies, budget tracking (5 cost centers), VAT invoices, marketplace integrations, concierge services, dedicated account managerGrowing businesses needing comprehensive features
Pro$299/month3% per bookingEverything in Premium + unlimited policies and budgets, custom reports, corporate rates, custom integrationsEstablished companies requiring advanced capabilities
EnterpriseCustom pricingCustom ratesAll Pro features + enterprise security, advanced support, custom deployment, dedicated implementation supportLarge organizations with complex requirements

Additional Services:

  • AI Assistant (Yokoy):
    Automated expense management and AI-powered travel insights
  • FlexiPerk:
    80% refund on cancellations up to 2 hours before travel (optional add-on)
  • VAT Recovery:
    Up to 25% VAT reclaim service with transparent fee structure

Trial & Demo Options

TravelPerk offers comprehensive evaluation options including free starter plan with 5 bookings per month, interactive product demonstrations with travel management experts, migration assistance from existing travel management systems, and flexible trial periods ensuring thorough assessment of platform capabilities before full commitment.


Implementation Timeline and Process:

PhaseTimelineActivitiesDeliverables
Setup and ConfigurationWeek 1-2Account setup, policy configuration, user provisioning, integration planning, initial trainingConfigured TravelPerk environment ready for pilot testing
Pilot DeploymentWeek 3-4Limited user group deployment, workflow testing, policy refinement, integration setupValidated system with pilot user feedback and optimizations
Full RolloutWeek 5-6Organization-wide deployment, comprehensive training, data migration, policy activationComplete platform deployment with trained user base
Optimization and SupportWeek 7-8Performance monitoring, user feedback integration, advanced feature adoption, ongoing supportOptimized travel program with maximum user adoption and ROI
Continuous EnhancementOngoingFeature updates, policy optimization, strategic consultation, performance analysisLong-term platform value and expanded capabilities

Rapid Value Realization:

TravelPerk’s intuitive design and consumer-grade interface enable organizations to begin productive use within days of deployment, with comprehensive features accessible immediately and advanced capabilities deployable within 4-6 weeks providing immediate travel cost savings and efficiency improvements.

Expert Migration and Support:

Organizations receive comprehensive migration assistance including policy transfer from existing systems, traveler onboarding, integration setup, and strategic consultation ensuring successful adoption with immediate productivity improvements and cost optimization.


Customer Support

Channels:

  • 24/7 Premium Support: Industry-leading customer care with target 15-second response time (1-minute for enterprise customers)
  • In-House Support Team: Dedicated travel specialists providing both technical assistance and travel management guidance
  • Concierge Services: White-glove support for complex travel arrangements and special requests
  • Dedicated Account Management: Personal account managers for Premium and Pro customers
  • Multi-Channel Access: Live chat, email, phone support, and in-app assistance

Hours:

Continuous support availability across global time zones with extensive self-service resources; specialized support during implementation and system migrations; responsive assistance during travel emergencies and critical business periods.

Responsiveness:

Industry-leading customer support consistently praised by users with fastest response times in the corporate travel industry, knowledgeable staff providing both technical and strategic travel management guidance, and proactive problem-solving approach that differentiates TravelPerk from traditional travel management companies.

Learning Resources

CategoryKey Offerings
Comprehensive Travel Management EducationCorporate travel best practices, policy development guides, expense management optimization, and sustainability reporting through expert-led content, webinars, and proven methodologies supporting travel program excellence.
Implementation & Business Transformation SupportCustomer success assistance including platform onboarding, travel policy migration, workflow optimization consultation, and ongoing guidance ensuring successful adoption and maximum business value realization.
Travel Industry Insights & InnovationAccess to travel industry trends, benchmark data, sustainability reporting tools, and strategic insights from leading travel programs enabling continuous improvement and competitive advantage development.

User Ratings

TravelPerk maintains strong performance across review platforms with 4.7/5 rating on both iOS App Store and Google Play with thousands of reviews, high ratings on Capterra and G2 highlighting user experience and customer support quality, and consistent recognition as one of the highest-rated travel management platforms in the industry.

Feedback Trends

  • User Demographics and Business Impact:
    TravelPerk serves diverse business communities with strong concentration among SMBs and mid-market companies, European businesses, technology companies, and organizations prioritizing user experience. Users consistently report significant cost savings, improved travel program efficiency, and high traveler satisfaction.
  • Positive Feedback Trends:
    Users consistently praise exceptional user experience matching consumer travel sites, outstanding customer support with fast response times, comprehensive inventory including low-cost carriers, flexible cancellation policies, easy implementation and adoption, and transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
  • Areas for Improvement:
    Common enhancement requests include expanded US market inventory, more complex approval workflow options, enhanced mobile app functionality, better integration with legacy enterprise systems, and more granular reporting capabilities for specialized business requirements.
  • Success Story Validation:
    Organizations frequently report successful travel program transformations including significant cost reductions, improved employee satisfaction, streamlined expense processes, and enhanced travel program visibility, validating TravelPerk’s market position and value proposition across diverse industries.

Industries & Roles

TravelPerk demonstrates exceptional versatility across technology companies like Uber and Revolut managing global employee travel, financial services organizations requiring compliance and expense control, professional services firms managing client travel and project expenses, healthcare organizations coordinating medical professional travel, manufacturing companies managing supplier visits and trade shows, and media companies handling location-based production travel requirements.

The platform serves corporate travel managers optimizing travel programs, finance teams controlling expenses and budgets, HR professionals implementing employee-friendly policies, executive assistants managing leadership travel, and business travelers requiring efficient booking and expense processes.

Case Studies/Use Cases

  • SMB Travel Program Transformation:
    A growing technology company implemented TravelPerk to replace manual travel booking processes, achieving 40% cost savings through policy automation and negotiated rates while reducing travel administration from 2 full-time employees to self-service operation, enabling resource reallocation to strategic initiatives.
  • European Multi-Office Coordination:
    An international consulting firm uses TravelPerk to manage travel across London, Berlin, and Barcelona offices, leveraging the platform’s European focus and rail integration to optimize intercity travel, reduce carbon footprint, and maintain consistent travel policies across diverse regulatory environments.
  • Enterprise Travel Consolidation:
    A Fortune 500 company consolidated multiple regional travel programs into TravelPerk’s enterprise solution, achieving centralized visibility, standardized policies, and significant cost savings while maintaining local travel preferences and compliance requirements through flexible configuration options.
  • Startup Growth Scaling:
    A rapidly growing fintech startup used TravelPerk’s flexible pricing model to scale from 5 employees to 200+ while maintaining travel cost control through automated policies and budget tracking, demonstrating the platform’s ability to support organizational growth without administrative overhead.

Top Competitors

TravelPerk competes primarily with SAP Concur offering established enterprise travel and expense management with extensive supplier networks, Navan (formerly TripActions) providing modern travel management with strong US market presence, Egencia (Expedia Group) delivering comprehensive corporate travel solutions, CWT offering traditional travel management services, Rydoo focusing on expense management, and various regional travel management companies serving specific geographic markets.

Feature & Pricing Comparison

Comprehensive Platform Comparison:

PlatformBest ForPricing ModelKey StrengthsPrimary Limitations
TravelPerkSMBs and European companies wanting modern travel management$99-299/month + 3% booking feeUser experience, flexibility, European focus, customer supportLimited US enterprise presence, premium pricing
SAP ConcurLarge enterprises needing established travel and expense management$8-25+/user/monthMarket leader, comprehensive features, global reachComplex implementation, poor user experience, expensive
NavanUS companies wanting modern travel platform with expense integration$15-30/user/monthStrong US market presence, comprehensive platform, good UXExpensive scaling, limited European inventory
EgenciaLarge enterprises requiring Expedia inventory and established supportCustom enterprise pricingExtensive inventory, established relationships, global reachTraditional approach, limited innovation, complex pricing
CWTLarge enterprises needing full-service travel managementCustom service-based pricingComprehensive services, global presence, established relationshipsTraditional model, expensive, limited self-service

Market Positioning Excellence:

TravelPerk strategically positions itself as the modern alternative to traditional corporate travel management, offering superior user experience, innovative features like FlexiPerk, comprehensive AI integration, and customer-centric approach that traditional players struggle to replicate while maintaining competitive pricing and proven ROI for growing businesses.


Strengths & Limitations

StrengthsLimitations
Exceptional User Experience and Consumer-Grade Design: Intuitive booking experience comparable to consumer travel sites, driving high adoption and reducing training/administrative overhead.Limited Presence in US Enterprise Market: Stronger in Europe, with less maturity in the US enterprise segment and fewer US-specific supplier networks.
Industry-Leading Customer Support and Service: 24/7 support with 15-second target response time, in-house specialists, and concierge services that outperform traditional providers.Premium Pricing for Full Feature Set: Advanced features like FlexiPerk and AI-driven automation are available only in higher-tier plans, making costs challenging for smaller organizations.
Comprehensive AI Integration and Innovation: Automated expense management (via Yokoy), predictive analytics, travel optimization, and compliance automation provide enterprise-grade intelligence.Learning Curve for Traditional Travel Manager Workflows: Organizations used to legacy travel management systems may need time to adjust to TravelPerk’s modern, self-service approach.
Unmatched Flexibility and Traveler Empowerment: FlexiPerk cancellation protection (80% refund up to 2 hours before departure), broad inventory, and customizable policies give businesses and travelers unique flexibility.Mobile App Feature Limitations: While well-rated, mobile apps lack full feature parity with the desktop platform, especially for advanced admin tasks.
Strong European Market Focus and Rail Integration: Deep rail coverage, local supplier partnerships, regulatory compliance, and multi-currency support give TravelPerk a unique edge in European markets.Integration Complexity for Large Enterprise Systems: Full enterprise deployment may require significant custom integrations, change management, and IT resources.

Best Fit For

TravelPerk is exceptionally well-suited for SMBs and mid-market companies seeking modern travel management solutions, making it ideal for European businesses requiring regional optimization, technology companies prioritizing user experience, growing organizations needing scalable travel programs, companies wanting to eliminate traditional travel agency overhead, and businesses committed to traveler satisfaction while maintaining cost control and policy compliance.

Summary Verdict

TravelPerk represents a compelling success story in corporate travel technology, demonstrating how user-centric design combined with innovative features can disrupt traditional travel management while delivering superior business value. The company’s evolution from Barcelona startup to European market leader with unicorn valuation, coupled with its proven track record of serving 8,000+ companies and processing $2.5+ billion in bookings, validates its position as the definitive modern travel management solution for forward-thinking businesses.

For organizations committed to transforming their corporate travel programs through intelligent automation, enhanced traveler experience, and strategic cost optimization, TravelPerk offers an unmatched combination of user-friendly design, comprehensive functionality, innovative flexibility features, and exceptional customer support that consistently transforms travel management from administrative burden into competitive advantage. The platform’s focus on practical business needs, combined with continuous innovation and customer success, makes it the ideal choice for businesses ready to embrace travel management as a driver of employee satisfaction and operational efficiency rather than a necessary operational cost.


TravelPerk was founded when Avi Meir realized most corporate travel programs felt less like booking a flight and more like enduring a medieval torture device run by bureaucrats. Simple trips required approvals from multiple departments, escalating flight prices, and the patience of a saint. Too many employees faced the “how do I book a flight without a PhD in procurement and the negotiation skills of a UN ambassador” problem, resorting to booking hacks and workarounds that looked more like video game speedruns than business travel. Meir and his co-founders knew there had to be a better way than forcing travelers to become policy archaeologists just to attend a meeting in another city.

The irony? Today, TravelPerk’s FlexiPerk feature lets travelers cancel up to two hours before departure and get 80% back: no forms, no stress, no offerings to the corporate travel gods. It proves that the most revolutionary idea in travel management isn’t more complexity; it’s making it so human and simple that business travelers can focus on their work, not their expense reports.

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