AI trip planning platform Mindtrip adds mobile app to mix

Solution to serve as an ‘on-trip companion’

Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered trip planning platform Mindtrip has added a mobile application to its offering.

Marketed as an ‘on-trip companion’, the Mindtrip app, which is built on on OpenAI technology, is focused on personalisation and location-based recommendation generation, guided by travellers' preferences and location.

While on a trip, travellers answer questions about what they want to see and do. The app then pinpoints their exact location to serve up sights and activities recommendations on an interactive map.

Andy Moss, co-founder and CEO of Mindtrip, said the app was designed to be ‘every traveller’s secret weapon, doing away with the need for pre-trip research.

“With Mindtrip’s app, we’ve amplified our incredible AI knowledge base of over 10 million points of interest with social proof from over 30,000 local experts to provide users with tailor-made, real-time recommendations for things they must do nearby,” Moss said.

“With our new app, we’re offering an entirely new on-trip experience, and we can’t wait to see how travelers of all ages take advantage of it in the wild.”

In addition to recommendations, travellers can stay organised by adding activities, hotels, flight and restaurant bookings, tickets and more to the app.

The “magic camera” feature allows travellers to take pictures of their surroundings -including neighbourhoods, parks or landmarks - and have multimodal AI provide more information. The tool can also translate signs or restaurant menus.

“Mindtrip's new app is an exciting example of what multimodality can unlock when applied to experiences like travel,” said Marc Manara, head of startups for OpenAI.

“It combines OpenAI’s multimodal capabilities - like voice input and audio responses - with real-time location intelligence and deep personalisation, helping travellers explore the world around them.”

Every recommendation provided is vetted, Mindtrip said, adding that users are alerted when recommendations are mentioned in local guides. Users can also search through community mentions on Mindtrip and read reviews.

“Mindtrip began with a goal of helping travellers at every point in their journey - from inspiration to booking - but now, with our app, we are bringing real-time discovery and assistance into the fold,” Moss said. “Travellers don’t follow one path, and we’re proud to be delivering an all-new way for them to easily maximise every element of their journey.”