Skift Take
HostelBookers' new feature has a long way to go before it is of any use to users. Although the partnership with Brand USA introduces a creative way to cultivate content from trade partners, it needs more diverse and wide-spread coverage.
HostelBookers is working with Brand USA to help budget travelers discover the “real USA.”
The London-based budget booking site unveiled its new feature, United Sharing Adventure, on Monday morning.
Visitors to the site can scroll over each of the 50 states to reveal a box with the state’s capital, population, area in square miles, a popular state dish, and its most famous celebrity.
U.S. bloggers, tourism boards, and lodging owners then offer recommendations and tips on where to party, drink, and eat.
Right now there is only one tip for each state and its always for the capital city. Most of the current recommendations come from state tourism boards and Hostelling International. HostelBookers says it plans to add content from users and Brand USA.
HostelBookers was acquired last April by HostelWorld and Hostels.com parent Web Reservations International.
Below are a few examples of the insider tips featured on the United Sharing Adventure.
In Raleigh, Margo from VisitNC.com recommends:
“Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Furthermore, on the other side of the state, you can watch wild horses roam the beaches of the windswept Outer Banks.”
In Austin, Jane from Hostelling International Austin offers:
“There’s nothing more Texas than barbecue, and Franklin Barbecue in Austin is the best in town. Pro tip: they sell out everyday, so grab some coffee and friends and get in line early.”
In Springfield, Steven from EnjoyIllinois.com swoons:
“What do you like? You’ll find it in Illinois. Farm-to-table dining at One Eleven Main in Galena, Michelin-starred masterpieces in Chicago and Route 66 diners serving “cozy-dogs” and a horseshoe sandwich. Of course, many come from all over to try Chicago-style deep dish pizzas, oozing with gooey cheese, crust crisped just-right and perfected with toppings.”
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Tags: brand usa
Photo credit: A screen grab of the homepage of HostelBooker's United Sharing Adventure.