The short version
TripIt builds your itinerary from confirmation emails that you forward to it or from an inbox that you connect. TripNova builds it from files you choose on your own device, and you can start planning without an account. Neither is better for everyone, and both have a free way to start.
How each one gets your bookings in
TripIt
TripIt’s getting-started guide begins with opening a free account on its website or app. You then add plans by forwarding confirmation emails to [email protected], by setting up Inbox Sync for a Gmail, Yahoo, or Microsoft account, or by adding them by hand. TripIt says it supports confirmation emails from thousands of suppliers in English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish, and its list of supported booking sites spans airlines, hotels, car rentals, transportation and cruises, agencies and booking sites, and activities and restaurants.
TripNova
You open the web app and start a trip as a guest, with no account. To import, you choose a PDF, an .eml email file, an Apple Wallet pass, or pasted text on your device, or a photo or screenshot in the iOS and Android apps. TripNova reads it on your device, shows what it found and where each detail came from, and adds nothing to the trip until you save. It imports flights and stays, not other kinds of reservations. Trips are saved to your device first, so you can plan and edit without a connection. In the browser, it can work offline once TripNova has been opened online on that device. The page on importing flight and hotel bookings has the details.
Choose TripNova if
- You want to start planning without creating an account, and decide later whether to back your trips up. See what a guest can do.
- You would rather have confirmations read on your device than forward them to a service.
- You mostly book flights and stays, and want to review every detail TripNova read before it is saved.
- You care about what an import takes from a booking. TripNova does not extract passenger or guest names, ticket numbers, member numbers, prices, or payment details.
Choose TripIt if
- You want plans added from forwarded confirmation emails or a connected inbox. TripNova has neither.
- You book more than flights and hotels, such as car rentals, trains, cruises, or restaurants and activities. TripIt’s supported booking sites cover those categories, and TripNova imports flights and stays only.
- You want to share a trip with other people. TripIt lets you share trips with view or edit permissions. Shared and collaborative trips are not available in TripNova, though you can share a PDF copy of an itinerary.
- You want a mobile app now. TripIt has an app, while TripNova runs in your browser and its iOS and Android apps are not in the stores.
A note on plans and prices
TripIt offers a free account, and planning in TripNova is free. This page does not compare plans or prices, which can change, so check each service for its current terms.
Sources and disclaimer
The TripIt details on this page come from TripIt’s own help pages: Getting started, Adding travel plans to TripIt, Supported booking sites, and Trip sharing from the TripIt website. TripIt can change how it works, so check its help center for current details.
TripIt is a trademark of its owner. TripNova is not affiliated with TripIt.
