We have never been more demanding when it comes to travel, especially when choice is abundant and there are always easier, smarter, more efficient and more authentic ways to discover the world. From WiFi solutions to workations with a twist, let us take you on a tour of 10 startups ready to enhance your travel experience.
BONAPPETOUR
Singapore & Worldwide – Bonappetour is a global community marketplace which connects hungry travelers with local home-chefs who invite visitors to sample typical cuisine at their dining room tables. What a delicious concept bringing together passionate hosts with a thirst for sharing and guests looking for an unforgettable and authentic way to taste the world.
See more at bonappetour.com
CITYMAPPER
UK – Millions of travelers and locals across 39 cities worldwide would be at a loss (and lost) these days without award-winning urban navigation app, Citymapper. Founded in 2011, its unceasing popularity has taken it from strength to strength. Speaking at TechCrunch Disrupt in December last year, CEO and founder Azmat Yusuf hinted that 2017 is the year they will “actually make a business out of it”.
See more at citymapper.com
LOUNGE BUDDY
USA – Gone are the days when airport lounge access is only granted to elite multi-mile frequent travelers. With LoungeBuddy, anyone can instantly purchase the luxury of an “airport oasis”to premium snack away while they sit out a delay, freshen up during a long layover, or enjoy super-fast WiFi to get some work done away from the chaos of the airport terminal.
See more at loungebuddy.com
REFUGA
Denmark & International – From investor trips to India to meeting with entrepreneurs in North Korea, and food lovers workations in Italy to climbing Kilimanjaro, Refuga’s travel experiences bring together like-minded individuals with a positive mindset looking for adventure, connection and an inspiring environment to “get things done”. The perfect workation solution for both aspiring and accomplished entrepreneurs.
See more at refuga.com
SIDE STORY
UK – SideStory connects culturally curious travelers with London “insiders” who curate unique experiences and ways to explore the city, whether it’s through poetry, urban art or even…magic! A bespoke alternative to the usual walking tours or hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses. And no giant sunflowers, umbrellas or flags in sight we suspect…
See more at sidestory.co
TRAVELSIFY
Luxembourg & USA – Describing itself as “the world’s first Hotel DNA content platform that characterizes every hotel by a unique weighted sequence of experience-defining metadata”, Travelsify enables travelers to select the right hotel experience based on their personal preferences and trustworthy, user-specific data.
See more at travelsify.com
UNPACK
USA – Imagine impeccably packed luggage arriving at your destination before you. Imagine not having to wait for your toothbrush to zip up your carry-on. Now imagine unPack: a startup which arranges delivery of a curated suitcase of fresh clothes, accessories and toiletries directly to your hotel or rental accommodation. (Imagine being that lazy. Sorry, couldn’t resist).
See more at theunpack.com
VOYAGE & SOAP
UK – Recently launched brand Voyage & Soap is a pioneering platform which helps users to rediscover themselves through curated wellness-travel and mindfulness. In addition to powerful bite-sized meditation guides for jetsetters and top nutrition tips from the founder herself, there are free wellness guides to six of the hottest destinations across the globe. The app is also geared towards companies that can make the most zen investment in their staff by subscribing them to productivity-boosting mindfulness.
See more at voyageandsoap.com
WIFFINITY
Spain – Wiffinity is a mobile platform that gives you access to thousands of WiFi hotspots in locations worldwide. Even without connectivity, you can find the nearest hotspots thanks to an interactive map. Perfect for staying connected wherever you are in the world…and happy news for those terrified of roaming charges!
See more at wiffinity.com
WHEREFOR
USA – Wherefor is a startup that (literally) puts your budget first showing you just how far your money can take you. You enter your budget for flights and accommodation and Wherefor’s software analyzes the thousands of options within the reaches of your purse strings. The startup, focused on making travel accessible to everyone, also provides fee-free financing for trips.
See more at wherefor.com
This article was first published in the Spring 2017 issue of SILICON magazine. Be the first to read SILICON articles on paper before they’re posted online, plus read exclusive features and interviews that only appear in the print edition, by subscribing online.
