Why and how to pay for vacations using crypto?
Did you know that a year ago, there existed over 25,000 cryptocurrencies? Why are they so popular, and what are their benefits? First of all, let's look at the differences between crypto and cash.
Value and volatility
A dollar remains worth a dollar, despite how much money has passed, while the market value of cryptocurrencies may change every day or even every minute. This, however, does not apply to the so-called stablecoin, like USDT, USDC, DAI, which have values tied to that of another currency (in this case, to the US dollar).
Control
Cash is centralised, which means it is maintained by the government and controlled by a person or entity. For instance, digital cash transactions are fulfilled via a third party. Cryptocurrencies are decentralised and don't use third parties. All you need to make a direct transaction to another person is an internet connection and a crypto wallet.
Safety and security
Cash stored in a bank or another financial institution is safe, but printed cash can be counterfeited. Cryptocurrencies can be stored either in self-custody or third-party custody. However, as there are many cryptocurrencies, some networks are easier to hack or scam than others.
Protection
Deposits in every cash currency are insured by some government agency, but as for cryptocurrencies, there are no such organisations, so there is no recovery or protection option.
Regulations
All currencies have many established regulations, like a serial number or a water mark. Regulations for cryptocurrencies differ based on a user's location and are prone to constant changes, so there is some uncertainty about using them.
Supply
Cash supply is controlled by governments, and supplies of cryptocurrencies may vary. For example, Bitcoin is limited, and Ethereum has an indefinite supply.
Accessibility
As for cash, there are some restrictions due to the bank's working days and hours, plus withdrawal limits. Cryptocurrencies are only digital; instead, they are available 24/7, no matter which holiday it is.
Acceptance
The cash system, including coins and notes, has existed for around 300 years. Cryptocurrency, though, is relatively new, with the first one launched in 2009. For now, the crypto market is still unpredictable and volatile.
All in all, having compared cash to crypto, it is easy to see that they are not substitutes and have completely different properties.
Next, let's review the potential benefits of the blockchain technology used in cryptocurrencies.
Security
It is nearly impossible to hack a public blockchain, but the level of security varies from one blockchain to another, which causes some uncertainty.
Transparency
A public blockchain is similar to an open book because anyone connected to the internet can see all the data within. Each data point comprises a time stamp and the sender's and receiver's public keys, so one can trace all transaction information.
Speed
Sometimes, bank transactions take 3-5 business days, while some blockchain networks allow sending money across the globe in only 10 minutes. Some platforms, such as Tron, provide even faster speed, up to 2-3 seconds.
No fees
By paying with digital currencies, you avoid international exchange fees, rates, and card charges. Crypto can be used anywhere as long as the merchant accepts it.
So now, let's find out which travel sites accept cryptocurrency payments.
|
Name |
Description |
Cryptocurrencies |
|
Locktrip.com |
Here, you can book more than 2.1 million hotels and apartments across more than 190 countries with crypto. As a pioneer in online travel agency services, LockTrip.com integrates cryptocurrency into its payment structure, demonstrating not only its technological development but also its eagerness to offer users great flexibility in their travel choices. |
Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USDT), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Binance Coin (BNB), Dogecoin (DOGE), Ripple (XRP), USDC, Solana (SOL), TrueUSD (TUSD), BUSD, Dai, DigiByte (DGB), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Electroneum (ETN), Stasis Euro (EURS), FIRO, KuCoin (KCS), Chainlink (LINK), OKB, Shiba Inu (SHIB) |
|
Alternativeairlines.com |
Alternative Airlines allows you to pay for flights with over 600 airlines using over 100 digital currencies using xMoney (formerly Utrust) and crypto.com. The procedure is easy: use the search bar at the top of the page, select "Cryptocurrency" at checkout, and pay with your favourite digital currency. |
Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USDT), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Dashcoin (DASH), Litecoin (LTC), Binance Coin (BNB), Dogecoin (DOGE), TRON (TRX), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ox Protocol Token (ZRX), Aave, Algorand (ALGO), ApeCoin (APE), Aragon (ANT), and 80+ |
|
Cryptoturismo |
Pay with cryptocurrency at Cryptoturismo. Visit Cryptoturismo online and choose 'BitPay' as your payment method at checkout. Payments are made directly from your crypto wallet using Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and other popular cryptocurrencies. Cryptoturismo accepts crypto from over 100 different wallets. BitPay supports the most popular wallets, including Exodus, Metamask, Electrum, Trust, Coinbase and more. |
Shiba Inu (SHIB), Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), XRP, Sui, USDD, USDC, Dai, Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), Tether (USDT), Binance USD (BUSD) |
|
TripGift |
TripGift® offers everything needed to book local or international travel online, with over 1.5 million travel experiences and digital media, with a unique choice of 450 airlines; 750,000 hotels, villas and apartments; 20,000 package tours; 500 car rental brand providers; and digital media content (more than 200 eLanguage and learning courses) — all with one Gift card, which can be used to book or purchase immediately online using a mobile device. TripGift® provides a unique feature of online split payments. This allows users to use two payment cards to complete a purchase transaction and receive instant premium travel rewards. |
Shiba Inu (SHIB), Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), XRP, Sui, USDD, USDC, Dai, Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), Tether (USDT), Binance USD (BUSD) |
|
Airbnb.com |
Airbnb offers its users fantastic lodging and activities worldwide. Here, you can find the perfect getaway — whether it's a lakeside cabin, a secluded beach house, or an apartment in the city's centre. Airbnb allows you to experience immersive activities, from guided tours to lessons to tastings, led by local experts. Airbnb gift cards never expire. You may use them to book stays or experiences, spend them all at once, or apply them to several bookings. |
Shiba Inu (SHIB), Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), XRP, Sui, USDD, USDC, Dai, Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), Tether (USDT), Binance USD (BUSD) |
|
Hopper.com |
Hopper is free to download and use. The app helps find the best time to book and explore Flash Deals. Hopper funds these exclusive discounts and works with travel partners like tourism boards to offer excellent rates. They are available exclusively in the app for a limited time. |
Shiba Inu (SHIB), Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), XRP, Sui, USDD, USDC, Dai, Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), Tether (USDT), Binance USD (BUSD) |
|
Hotels.com |
Hotels.com is a leading global accommodations website with hundreds of thousands of hotels in 200 countries. Whether you travel last minute as a family or need a hotel for business, we have the right hotel deal for you. Hotels.com Rewards is a simple way to earn free nights. Book 10 nights, get 1 Free. |
Shiba Inu (SHIB), Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), XRP, Sui, USDD, USDC, Dai, Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), Tether (USDT), Binance USD (BUSD) |
|
Delta.com |
Delta Gift Card offers hundreds of destinations and limitless adventures to choose from, opening up a world of possibilities. Delta Gift Cards can be used toward any flight on Delta.com or on any Delta Vacations package. Fast, free Wi-Fi is available for SkyMiles members on most domestic flights. Signed-up users are granted instant access to free Wi-Fi and other benefits. SkyMiles is always free to join. |
Shiba Inu (SHIB), Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), XRP, Sui, USDD, USDC, Dai, Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), Tether (USDT), Binance USD (BUSD) |