TL;DR :
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Payment management is often the most stressful part of planning group trips and retreats.
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This guide compares ten platforms that simplify deposits, instalments, global payments and tracking.
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SquadTrip is listed first because it gives hosts an easy way to build payment plans, automate reminders and manage guests in one dashboard.
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With the right payment tool, organisers save hours of manual work and give guests a smoother booking experience.
Introduction
Planning a group trip or retreat is exciting, but managing payments can turn into one of the hardest parts of the entire process. You’re dealing with deposits, instalments, international guests, add-ons, refunds and keeping track of who paid what.
A good payment solution handles all of this without chaos. It keeps everything organised, gives guests a smooth experience and saves you hours of manual work.
Below are ten strong options for group-trip organisers, retreat hosts and travel planners. SquadTrip is listed first as requested.
Collect group travel payments easily with SquadTrip
10 Best Travel Payment Solutions for Group Trips and Retreats
1. SquadTrip
SquadTrip is built specifically for group travel organisers who need a simple way to manage bookings, payments and attendee details in one place. Instead of relying on scattered spreadsheets or manual reminders, it gives you a clean dashboard where every payment, instalment and guest update is organised. You can create landing pages, add packages, set instalment dates, track balances and automate reminders without doing the work manually. This makes it ideal for retreat hosts, travel planners and group-trip creators who want a smooth payment workflow.
Why it stands out
It replaces manual tracking with automated payment plans, Stripe-powered global checkout and built-in attendee management.
Best for
Retreat planners and group-trip businesses managing recurring trips and need a system that keeps everything organised.
2. WeTravel
WeTravel is widely used by retreat hosts and multi-day group-trip operators because it combines bookings, forms, payments and guest dashboards in one platform. It allows you to build branded pages, accept deposits, set instalments and keep guests updated throughout the planning cycle. Its strength lies in providing both a participant management tool and a payment system, which helps you run organised retreats without juggling multiple apps.
Read More : 6 Best WeTravel Alternatives
Why it stands out
It centralises bookings, payments, forms and communication so organisers have one reliable hub to manage trips.
Best for
Small to medium retreat and travel businesses that want a structured, easy-to-use platform.
3. Primer (Payment Orchestration)
Primer helps larger travel companies manage complex payment flows across multiple gateways and currencies. Instead of relying on one payment provider, Primer connects several gateways and chooses the best route in real time. This improves success rates for international payments and reduces failed transactions. It’s especially helpful for operators with guests from many countries or those processing large group bookings.
Why it stands out
It optimises the entire payment stack by improving routing, reducing drop-offs and supporting global payment methods.
Best for
High-volume retreat companies or global travel brands needing smarter routing and reliability.
4. Tab (Travel Payments Platform)
Tab focuses on travel operators who handle payments during or after arrival, especially in remote locations. It lets you accept payments in more than 140 currencies using simple hardware or online links. Many adventure retreats, outdoor tour operators and boutique stays use it because it works even in regions with limited banking infrastructure.
Why it stands out
It’s designed for on-ground travel operations where reliable, global payment acceptance is essential.
Best for
Adventure retreats, tour leaders and companies operating in remote or on-site payment environments.
5. Flywire
Flywire is known for handling large international transactions smoothly. Retreats with high ticket prices or global guests rely on it to manage local payment methods, protect against currency swings and ensure funds settle accurately. The platform gives guests familiar local options while letting you receive the amount in your chosen currency.
Why it stands out
It’s built for large cross-border transactions, making international retreat payments predictable and safe.
Best for
Luxury retreats, destination events or any experience with high-value bookings.
6. DPO Pay
DPO Pay is strong in regions where traditional card payments may fail or cost more, such as parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia. It supports mobile money, local cards and various currency options, making it easier for attendees in these markets to complete bookings without friction. Retreat organisers expanding into these markets appreciate the added flexibility.
Why it stands out
Its local payment coverage fills gaps where global payment providers struggle.
Best for
Retreats and group trips targeting attendees in emerging markets.
7. EBANX
EBANX helps travel companies accept payments from Latin America and other fast-growing regions. Since many travellers in these countries prefer local payment methods, EBANX increases conversions by supporting options like boleto, PIX, local cards and instalments. It’s reliable for organisers expanding into new geographies.
Why it stands out
It boosts conversions in LATAM by offering regional payment methods guests already trust.
Best for
Retreats targeting LATAM audiences or travel businesses scaling into new international markets.
8. Sunrate
Sunrate focuses on business payments, multi-currency accounts and supplier payouts. Many retreat companies work with hotels, instructors, transport providers and vendors across multiple countries. Sunrate helps manage international transfers, currency risk and global business payments without unnecessary charges.
Why it stands out
It supports the operational side of running retreats by simplifying multi-currency supplier payments.
Best for
Retreat operators handling regular international vendor payments.
9. Tipalti
Tipalti is a vendor and commission payment tool commonly used by companies that need reliable global payouts. For retreat organisers, it becomes valuable when you need to pay local guides, instructors, coaches, influencers, event partners or travel coordinators. It handles compliance checks, automated payouts and smooth onboarding.
Why it stands out
It streamlines global vendor management, which is crucial when multiple partners are involved in a retreat.
Best for
Retreat companies working with many global vendors or freelance instructors.
10. Rapyd
Rapyd is a global payment network that supports cards, digital wallets, local payment methods and BNPL options. It’s useful for travel businesses planning to scale and offer more flexible payment choices over time. With support for many currencies and methods, it integrates well into companies aiming for international reach.
Why it stands out
It supports a wide range of global payment types, from digital wallets to local banks and instalment options.
Best for
Travel and retreat brands planning to scale internationally and offer modern payment flexibility.
How to Choose the Right Solution
1. Understand your payment flow
Deposits? Instalments? Full payments? Make sure the platform supports your preferred structure without workarounds.
2. Know your audience
If your guests are global, choose tools with strong multi-currency support like Flywire, EBANX or DPO Pay.
3. Consider how many trips you run
If you run multiple group trips a year, go for a system that unifies payments and attendee data
(SquadTrip or WeTravel).
4. Check if you need supplier payouts
Platforms like Sunrate or Tipalti help when you handle global vendors.
5. Look at fees and FX charges
Compare processing fees, exchange rates and payout schedules before committing.
6. Check how easy it is for guests
A smooth mobile checkout increases conversions and reduces drop-offs.
What You Should Look for in a Travel Payment Solution
Before choosing a platform, focus on these essentials :
1. Flexible payment structures
Deposits, instalments or full upfront payments. Your platform needs to support all three.
2. Multi-currency support
Retreats and group trips often attract people from multiple countries. Guests should be able to pay in their local currency.
3. Automated reminders
You shouldn’t chase every payment manually. Look for automated reminders, overdue alerts and clear tracking.
4. Transparent fees and fast payouts
Hidden charges eat margins. Clear pricing and predictable payout cycles matter.
5. Strong security
Large bookings, future travel dates and multiple attendees increase risk. Your platform must handle fraud checks and secure processing.
Key Retreat-Specific Requirements
1. Deposits vs instalments
Retreats usually need smaller deposits upfront and final payments later. Your platform must handle this easily.
2. Add-ons and upgrades
Room upgrades, private coaching, excursions and meals require flexible pricing tools.
3. Payment + attendee management
You’re not only collecting money. You also need forms, waivers, emergency contacts and reminders.
4. Cross-border payments
International retreats need currency support and predictable FX handling.
5. Refund policies
Retreats have strict terms. Make sure your platform allows clear refunds and cancellations.
6. Reporting
You need payment status, overdue balances and add-on tracking preferably all in one place.
Final Thoughts
The right payment solution saves you time and helps you avoid mistakes that can slow down bookings or cause confusion later. Whether you’re running a small retreat or managing several group trips a year, the tools above offer a strong foundation.
Your choice should match your audience, payment structure and global reach. Once you’ve picked the right platform, you’ll spend less time on admin and more time shaping meaningful travel experiences.
If managing travel payments feels messy, SquadTrip keeps it organized from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is payment management especially challenging for group trips and retreats?
Because you often have to handle deposits, instalments, add-ons, refunds, multiple currencies, and keeping precise attendee payment status. The blog explains this is a major source of stress for organisers.
2. What should I compare when choosing between the tools listed?
Compare processing fees, FX rates, payout timelines, instalment flexibility, guest dashboard features, customer support, and whether the platform supports your region.
3. Will these tools help me avoid payment disputes?
Yes. Features like clear invoices, automated receipts, transparent payment timelines and detailed tracking help prevent misunderstandings and disputes.
4. Do travel payment solutions support tax collection?
Some tools allow you to add taxes or service fees directly during checkout so the final amount is calculated automatically.
5. Do these platforms handle currency conversion automatically?
Yes. When a guest pays in a different currency, the platform applies its conversion rate during checkout.
