Support Skift’s Independent Journalism
Make a Contribution NowMore travel professionals get their industry news from Skift than any other source.
Support Skift Now
This week’s startups use innovative business models to save travelers money and provide them with deeper insights into a destination. This is rarely done without upsetting the current system.
For all of our SkiftSeedlings collection, check out our archives here.
>> Hipcamp is a search and booking site for campsites in California. The weskit includes descriptions of the camp sites, on-site activities, the history of the location and camping tips.
SkiftTake: Campgrounds are one of the last accommodation options to make their way online, but there is a large opportunity open for a site that can make it easy for travelers to compare and reserve outdoor spaces.
>> Cabsolutely matches taxi riders headed in the same direction so they can meet up and share the cost. The app notifies the user of a match then the two users discuss where to meet in a private chat. The app is targeting large conferences and high-demand locations like airports at launch.
SkiftTake: Although this is another innovation spawned of the sharing economy that saves users money while cutting profits for an existing system and sparking safety concerns.
>> Tourlancer connects travelers with locals and individual tour guides for a more personalized experience. Both parties can connect on the site to discuss the realities of a certain destination.
SkiftTake: Tourlancer is one of many startups looking disrupt the tours and activities market by connecting travelers with locals and individual tour guides; however, we don’t see the incentive for those in-the-know to share their knowledge with strangers.
>> EventLoko is a resource for families looking for kid-friendly events and activities in a certain destination. Users can leave reviews of activities, favorite events they’d like to attend in the future, and redeem deals and access to special events.
SkiftTake: The family travel market is huge with many players in the space, but creating an app-first user experience could set EventLoko apart for its more seasoned competitors.
>> EpicList is a recently-launched travel app where users can search for inspiration for their next weekend getaway, share photos and descriptions of their trips, and coordinate with friends for upcoming trips.
SkiftTake: The app is beautifully designed and claims to be a one-stop shop for a variety of activities. The community that builds around the app will be like the most important step to its success.