Startup Model – Travel Planner, Guide & Memoir

THE MODEL: A mobile app that distills the best of trip planning, travel guides, journaling, sharing and personalized mementos, designed for today’s smart-phone enabled traveler. Users can plan their trips, capture moments during trips and relive them through mementoes.

STARTUP: Firef.ly (British startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – An end to end travel planner, guide and memoir for avid travelers.

Product Features – The app first plans trips for users using their demographics and other user recommendations. Users can then discover places to eat, shop, drink, stay etc. Moments during the trip can be captured using the camera and notes features provided. And finally users can create memoirs from their experiences by ordering posters, postcards etc.

End to End Platform – The platform gives travelers an end-to-end platform where they can plan, capture and relive their travel. This ensures more customer engagement and hence higher customer loyalty.

CONCERNS

Competition – There are many apps for users offering a single or a few services from the services offered by Firef.ly. Some of these apps are well established and the startup may find it difficult competing with them.

Many Business Models – Though the app is giving users an end-to-end experience, managing different aspects of the startup will be difficult. All the features are distinct and have their own set of challenges and requirements. 

Startup Model – Experiencing your Dream Job

THE MODEL: A platform for users to live their dream jobs for a short period without having to leave their current jobs. Users (hosts) can offer ‘descapes’ for a fee based on the professional skills they possess. Other users can apply to be part of a descape and are connected to the hosts through the platform. Descapes are basically trips around activities which from a jungle safari, video shooting, wine making, photography etc.

STARTUP: Descape (German startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – Travel options around activities are becoming increasingly popular. Also it gives users an experience of an activity which they want to pursue full time.

Benefits to Users – Hosts can get money for the skills they possess. Professionals can experience different activities and also network with other professionals having similar interests.

Use Case – The use base built around self realization is a great. A lot of professionals are not happy with what they do and this service offers them a chance to pursue an alternate career for a short period before taking the final call.

CONCERNS

Competition – Selling new and exciting experiences is the new trend in travel. A lot of startups and existing businesses are entering this space.

Startup Model – Virtual Travel Agent for Hotel Bookings

THE MODEL: A platform where users book a hotel room for their travel plans. This ensures that the customer has a confirmed hotel room. The platform then starts looking for better deals on that hotel, such as a cheaper price, free wi-fi, free upgrades, free breakfast etc. upto 2 days before the date of travel. If it is able to find a better deal, it automatically cancels the earlier booking and rebooks.

STARTUP: TripRebel (German startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – Enabling users to book hotels at the better deals.

Benefit for Customers – Customers get the best deals without having to put in any effort or pay any additional fees.

Scalable – The business is innovative and replaces human effort with a back end system, thus making it scalable.

CONCERNS

Competition – Travel is a competitive space. Travel agents, online travel websites make this sector difficult for new entrants.

Startup Model – Travel Packages & Inspiration

THE MODEL: A platform for users to find the best tour packages and deals and book them online. Also packages based on events and fairs are listed on the portal. These packages are sourced from the leading travel agencies in Singapore.

STARTUP: TripZilla (Singapore startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – Customers want solutions. Travel packages are complete solutions.

Data Representation – Clear categorization of packages, on the basis of themes and destinations, will ensure that a user can browse easily and find the most suitable package for himself/herself.

CONCERNS

Competition – It is relatively easier for existing travel portals to create a section for packages as they already have relationships with vendors and agencies. Curated packages can help the startup differentiate it in the longer term.

Startup Model – Connecting Travelers with Locals

THE MODEL: A platform for users to find and book local experiences in a place offered by locals themselves. A traveler can browse through the different experiences offered in any travel destination and make a booking online itself.

STARTUP: VeryLocal Trip (Singapore startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – Connecting travelers to locals ensures that the former get a very different and authentic experience while the latter are able to make some money.  

Business Model – The service is totally free for travelers. All they need to pay is for the experience they wish to book. The startup shares the revenue with the local (80%). Locals do not have to pay any amount for listing experiences on the platform.

Scalable – The model is one which can be scaled globally.

CONCERNS

Safety – Ensuring traveler safety will be a concern for the startup. Bad experiences can create a bad image which can force some travelers to rethink about using this service.

Startup Model – Last Minute Hotel Discounts

THE MODEL: A platform for users to find and book last minute hotel stays at unbeatable prices.

STARTUP: HotelQuickly (Hong Kong startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – Lot of users book hotels at the last minute. This app can make their lives easier and help them save money also.  

Value for Hotels & Customers – Hotels get to offload their unsold room inventory. Users get discounted rates. Bookings cannot be cancelled.

CONCERNS

Competition – Established players have existing relationship with hotels and a strong user base. Entry into last minute bookings is relatively easier and more cost effective for them.