7 startups revolutionizing the travel experience

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For active business owners, using their precious free moments to plan a vacation and think through the logistics of travel almost defeats the purpose of taking the trip.

Fortunately, a number of startups are transforming the travel industry - from how people pack to where they eat - and ultimately making travel easier, more accessible, and more enjoyable than ever before.

Here are seven startups that are making a difference.

1. Hello Scout

Instead of bombarding friends with questions about where to go and what to do in your destination city, try Hello Scout, a mobile app that functions as a travel and adventure concierge platform.

You'll be linked to a local expert who will recommend and book personalized activities, rentals, and logistics to craft the best trip ever. Chatting through Hello Scout is free, although a small tip is included when something is booked.

2. Grab

If a fresh cup of coffee or custom sandwich are part of your airport experience, Grab should definitely be in your regular rotation of travel apps.

The e-commerce platform has partnered with American Airlines to leverage POS integration to connect travelers with airport restaurants, retailers, and other service providers. Users can view menus, gauge wait times, and place pre-paid orders, meaning there'll be no waiting in line to pick up your pre-flight snacks and purchase.

3. TripIt

Never dig for a car rental or hotel reservation confirmation email again with TripIt, a mobile app that stores all your confirmation emails and automatically creates a master itinerary. You can access the itinerary from any mobile device and share it with anyone who needs to know.

The app is free, but you can upgrade to TripIt Pro ($4.09 per month) for additional features, such as fare refund notifications and an ad-free experience.

4. unPack

One of the biggest pains of traveling is packing and unpacking your luggage, especially if you need to repeat the process each and every time you land.

If your trip involves more than one destination, unPack is a service that sends clothes, gear, and even toiletries to your hotel curated based on the destination. You can also leave everything behind when you move on so you'll have less to carry.

5. BonAppetour

Interested in dining like a local? It doesn't get more local than actually dining at a local chef's home.

BonAppetour is a platform that connects travelers with unique home restaurants and dining experiences around the world, such as a pasta-making workshop in Barcelona or a seasonal dinner in Nairobi.

6. RootsRated

For the outdoor adventurer traveler, RootsRated is a new platform that connects users to the best hiking trails, running routes, swimming holes, and more, all handpicked by local experts and outdoor retailers.

It's easy to filter by destination as well as activity (e.g. fishing, white water paddling, skiing, etc.) to get the important facts, like a hike's difficulty and whether or not a trail is dog-friendly.

7. EatWith

Just because you're traveling alone doesn't mean you have to eat alone.

With more than 500 hosts across 150 cities worldwide, EatWith is a platform that invites people into local homes for a meal. It's a great way to meet other travelers and locals alike, while experiencing amazing, home-cooked cuisine.

These startups are moving the needle for the travel industry - and that's great news for business owners. They're saving time spent on packing, creating new dining opportunities, making the airport experience more convenient, and much more.

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