boop’s new app turns social recommendations into bookable itineraries

A New Approach to Travel Planning: Introducing Boop

Within the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-powered travel applications, a fresh startup named Boop is poised to reshape the industry. It distinguishes itself through a novel methodology: transforming social recommendations into readily bookable travel itineraries.

Rather than receiving a generically generated travel plan from artificial intelligence, the app grants users access to itineraries crafted by individuals who have actually experienced the journeys. These real-world experiences can then be adapted to suit individual preferences.

How Boop Works: From Trip to Itinerary

Boop leverages AI to efficiently convert a completed trip into a shareable itinerary. This process primarily utilizes location data and metadata extracted from photos shared by the traveler within the application.

The core concept involves establishing a network of shared itineraries, enabling travel enthusiasts to monetize their recommendations and generate income from their expertise.

The Founder and Inspiration Behind Boop

The startup was established in February by Nancy Li Smith, a seasoned leader with prior experience directing AR/VR innovation at both Meta and Microsoft. She also held the position of executive vice president of growth and strategy at BrightAI, a physical AI company.

Smith’s inspiration for Boop stemmed from a personal challenge: the difficulty in effectively remembering and sharing her own travel recommendations.

Addressing the Emotional Labor of Travel Planning

Furthermore, Smith aimed to alleviate the stress and emotional burden often associated with travel planning. Statistics indicate that women are responsible for approximately 80% of travel decisions and frequently feel pressured to ensure every trip is flawless.

“Women often bear the brunt of planning, both within relationships, families, and friend groups,” Smith explained in a TechCrunch interview. “There’s a significant pressure to create amazing experiences for everyone involved. Boop aims to capture this effort effortlessly, without requiring extensive manual work.”

From TikTok Searches to Trusted Itineraries

Boop offers a streamlined alternative to the often-arduous process of scouring platforms like TikTok for recommendations, sifting through numerous reviews, and compiling ideas on Google Maps.

Instead, users gain access to itineraries that have been tested and enjoyed by creators and trusted friends.

Built on Social Trust

“Boop represents the first AI travel companion founded on the principle of social trust,” Smith stated. “As you embark on a trip and explore new locations, Boop discreetly records your journey in the background, capturing your stops, photos, and reservations.”

“This information is then transformed into a visually appealing, bookable itinerary that can be shared with friends.”

Personalization with AI

Smith elaborated, “Rather than starting from scratch – a process that can take weeks – you can instantly copy a friend’s itinerary for a trip to Tokyo or Paris. With a single tap, you can then utilize AI to personalize it to your specific preferences.”

Data Privacy and Usage

When a user initiates “trip capture,” the app monitors their movements, similar to how fitness applications track activity, provided the user grants the necessary permissions. The company emphasizes that Boop’s AI utilizes location data solely for capturing trip details and providing relevant recommendations.

For example, if a user expresses an interest in art while in Paris’s 11th arrondissement, Boop might suggest a visit to Atelier des Lumières.

Future Integrations

Boop intends to integrate with users’ calendars, with their consent, to automatically incorporate existing reservations into their itineraries.

On-the-Go Recommendations

Smith highlights that Boop is also valuable during travel itself. If you find yourself in Tokyo late at night with a spontaneous desire for an activity, Boop can suggest options based on your tastes and your friends’ past experiences.

Launch and Access

Boop launched on Tuesday for mobile devices and is currently accessible through an invite-only system. A public waitlist is available for those interested in gaining access.

Empowering Travel Creators

Boop is extending early access to select travel creators whose trips are already attracting attention. The startup has observed significant interest from individuals who regularly share their travel experiences and are seeking avenues to monetize their recommendations.

Creators can share their itineraries with their audience via a “Boop with me” link, which incorporates affiliate links.

Monetization for Creators

“When individuals copy the link and complete a booking, we automatically integrate affiliate commission APIs from the industry, generating commissions ranging from 10 to 25%,” Smith explained. “We then distribute half of this commission back to the creators.”

“Each copy can translate to $50 to $100 in earnings. For an influencer with 100,000 followers, 100 copies could generate a substantial income.”

Affiliate Partnerships

Boop is collaborating with hotel and experience affiliate aggregation companies, utilizing APIs to access affiliate booking inventory from platforms like Expedia, Booking.com, Marriott, and Viator.

Strong Investor Support

Smith notes that Boop benefits from the backing of industry leaders from Tripadvisor, Marriott, and Expedia, who possess a deep understanding of travel and consumer behavior. Key investors include Stephen Kaufer, co-founder and former CEO of Tripadvisor, and Stephanie Linnartz, the former president of Marriott International.

Funding Details

Boop secured $3.2 million in pre-seed funding in May, co-led by Bling Capital and BBG Ventures.

Looking Ahead

Boop’s long-term vision is to become the primary platform for booking travel, particularly as research indicates that Gen Z increasingly views travel as an essential expense.

“Our internal goal is that in five years, when someone plans a trip, they won’t ask for reviews; they’ll ask to ‘copy my Boop,’” Smith concluded. “Every real trip will become a guide, and every memory will become a new form of value.”