Travel Startup Spotlight: Passported takes a holistic approach to itinerary planning
Going on vacation can be a giant stress relief, but planning a trip is a completely different story. A new startup called Passported is offering a new approach to an old problem, trying to help stressed-out travelers figure out their next trip . We caught up with Henley Vazquez, the startup's CEO and co-founder, to learn more.
RWV: Tell us about Passported.
Henley Vazquez:Passported is an itinerary planning platform. The idea grew from our frustration with lagging technology in travel. We wanted to create a place where travelers could access expert content, use it to customize travel plans and collaborate with others. We also integrated our platform with Google Places, so faster than you can search for the name of where you’re going, you can have it pinpointed on your customized map, add your own notes, schedule it for a specific date and share with fellow travelers — or your hotel concierge — to finalize plans.
RWV: What makes Passported different from the other trip-planning websites?
HV: We’re taking a holistic approach to the industry. I see lots of companies focusing either solely on accommodations or on selling activities versus addressing the overall problem of providing a planning platform that makes the frustrating experience of planning (and executing) a trip easier. We also know our industry and have worked in it for over a decade.
RWV: How does Passported seek to change or improve travel?
HV: To make every part of the travel cycle enjoyable. Almost three quarters of travelers say that the planning stage of travel is the most stressful. Our platform solves the problem of where to go and what to do when you get there. For pre-trip daydreamers, we’re a device to store all the recommendations from magazines, friends’ tips, local blogs and more. For planners, we’re a little black book filled with insider destination advice, plus plenty of blank pages to seamlessly add personal picks via Google Places. For travelers on-the-go, we’re the digital guidebook and map in your pocket. And for everyone heading home, we’re the place to share a now tried-and-tested destination guide with friends and future travelers as a whole or piecemeal.
RWV: What type of travelers does Passported appeal to?
HV: We launched with a focus on the family market, one of the most powerful audiences in the travel space, yet still the most underserved. We’ll expand into other verticals soon and are already creating itineraries aimed at couples traveling without kids, and honeymooners.
Jessica Festa is the founder on the solo and offbeat travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and the online responsible tourism and culture magazine, Epicure & Culture. She's constantly searching for local experiences beyond the guidebook. You can follow her travels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.