Five travel startups attempt to commoditize spontaneity
To dream of a journey, be motivated to save months for a trip, or discover a hidden local gem -- this is the magic of travel and more difficult to capture on a website than most startups think.
The problem with many travel inspiration startups is not clumsy UX, ugly designs, or foolish founders, but that it is inherently impossible to commoditize spontaneity, surprise, and delight.
Even if you could, any well-traveled soul knows that you wouldn't really want to.
» GET YOUR DAILY DOSE OF SKIFT: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER, RSS, TWITTER OR FACEBOOK.
FOR ALL OF OUR SKIFTSEEDLINGS COLLECTION, CHECK OUT OUR ARCHIVES HERE.
Up Next
Hotels
How Data Quality Issues Impact Global Hospitality Operations
There are wide discrepancies in data quality for hotel transactions across global regions, with the largest occurring in Asia-Pacific. Because hotels and agencies need to harness data quality to thrive, they must take a more nuanced regional approach to monitoring potential issues.
Sponsored Tourism
Indian Union Budget: The Hits and Misses for Tourism
While the Indian Union Budget for 2025-26 didn't roll out any blockbuster wins for tourism, the industry is still finding reasons to celebrate the small victories.
Airlines
U.S. Safety Investigators Are Reviewing Air Traffic Controller Staffing
The National Transportation Safety Board did not specify how many air traffic controllers were working at the time of the collision.
Airlines
United Airlines Shuts Down Rumors About a Merger
Rumors circulated online this week that United was potentially interested in merging with JetBlue or buying some of the New York-based carrier’s assets.
Short-Term Rentals
CEO of UK Property Manager Awaze to Leave the Company
Kjellberg's departure from Awaze occurs as vacation rental consolidation is on the agenda in Europe.