5 New Travel Startups That Cater to Today’s Digital Travelers

The Internet and social media has revolutionized the travel industry in a million small and large ways, from the emergence of new sectors to travelers’ decision-making process. All of the startups emerging today speak to this new reality with tools that make connections easier, information more available, and transactions smoother.

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>> Tripda is an online ride-sharing marketplace for long-distance trips. The platform, available online and via iOS and Android apps, verifies drivers and passengers, offers “Ladies Only” cars, and processes payments. The startup is launching in 11 U.S. cities, but is already live in more than 10 countries in the Americas and Asia.

SkiftTake: The sharing economy has become an option for every piece of the travel experience making Tripda the latest iteration in the ride-for-hire sector. Specializing in long-distance travel differentiates it from the many services that focus on urban or short-distance riding while also putting it in competition with embedded bus and short-distance air travel providers.

>> EasyGuests manages Airbnb properties with services including cleaning, key delivery, transportation to and from airports, and preparation for business travelers. It’s also partnered with EverBooked to offer daily price optimization. The service is live in Paris and New York City and will soon launch in London.

SkiftTake: Airbnb has spawned an adjacent sector of startups that serve hosts and guests by improving the customer experience at little to no hassle for hosts.

>> Trip Was provides content marketing solutions for the travel industry by collecting ratings and testimonials to be used in marketing campaigns and encouraging consumers to share details about their trip across social media. The startup’s products include the Guest Card, a mobile survey sent to customers that can be easily aggregated and shared, and the Real Time Testimonial, a group app where tour group participants can share photos and comments.

SkiftTake: Social media has turned every travel provider, from international companies to single tour operators, into their own best marketer; however, turning guests’ photos and feedback into efficient marketing materials remains a challenge for many. Trip Was provides the tools to turn happy customers into a larger customer base.

>> FlyStay informs travelers about the activities available during airport layovers. The app suggests activities based on the airport and length of layover, pushes promotions and deals to users, and offers ratings of airport facilities.

SkiftTake: Airports are in the midst of a renaissance investing in better quality food options and more entertaining activities, each which reflect the destinations in which they are located. Thus, they should be eager to partner with platforms like FlyStay that raise awareness of the many options and facilities that they’s brought in.

>> Trip For Dog is an online guide for travelers that bring their dogs to a European destination. Information includes documents required for traveling with a pet, dog-friendly beaches and hotels, vets, and more. Users can search by activity or destination and also found pet-friendly hotels on the site.

SkiftTake: Although a smart concept for the growing number of tourists that take their pets on travels, the site itself needs more content, better search functionality, and a smoother overall user experience.