A new year, a new set of travel plans to tick off. But don’t feel you have to go back to the same tried and tested booking methods – new techy solutions are constantly launching in travel, many of them inspired by an entrepreneur’s eagle-eyed solution to a recurring hitch with booking. Frustrated by the seven-day rigidity of ski packages? Want travel tips and reviews without worrying they’re paid-for fakes? In 2023, there’s an app (or website) for that.
From pretty travel inspiration you can share directly with your holiday buddies to a “Skyscanner for cruises”, here are the most intriguing newcomers on the travel tech horizon.
1. Orbzii
In this travel inspo fever dream, you swipe right or left, Tinder-style, on destinations and locations that take your fancy. At the early-thoughts stage of considering a holiday, you’d click on the “Dream” tab, where you’re presented with a lovely image of a beautiful beach, lake, or cityscape to swipe either way on – the idea is that the app takes note of your right swipes to build up an idea of your travel taste, and can better point you towards great destination deals. The born planner in every couple or friendship group will love the “plan” tab where you can log individual trips for the year ahead, adding prospective hotels to each one as you spot them. Next up is a dynamic search function for flights + hotels, to be added from 1 March; though it’s not fully up and running on all operating systems yet. Good for when you’re not sure where you want to go, and need some random ideas from the universe. orbzii.com
2. Step
The social media comparisons continue with Step. “Think Instagram mixed with Tripadvisor,” say creators Robyn and Rachel, two real-life friends in their twenties who saw a space for an image-led app where travellers could gather tips and share authentic travel recommendations. Any physical location in a city or country – say, a great restaurant, cafe, juice bar or gallery – can be “stepped” or marked and reviewed by users; and you only see reviews and recommendations from people you choose to follow. A great way to drown out the noise and fake reviews, and follow the in-crowd to places you’re likely to love. Influencers Iris Law, Tiger Lily Taylor, Mob Kitchen, Emily Boateng and Lady Amelia Windsor are already signed up and sharing…
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