First Free Story (1 of 3)
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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.
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>> 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.
