Lonely Planet's 'Trips' is a streamlined platform where travel enthusiasts can find inspiration for future adventures while also sharing their own.
The Instagram-inspired design is offered as an extension of Lonely Planet's website, an online destination and vacation resource. Much like the social media platform, users can 'like,' 'follow,' and share content from their own profile. Through the home page, users can search keywords such as 'Wilderness' or 'Forest' to find other users whose trips match with them. Although the tool is similar to Instagram, the creator assures that its intention is not to be a competitor, but to complement Instagram's large user base of travel bloggers and enthusiasts.
Users are invited to discover new opportunities through this experience-oriented app that's connecting like-minded people within a niche travel market.
Photo-Based Travel Apps
Lonely Planet's 'Trips' is Like an Instagram for Vacation Spots
Trend Themes
1. Social Travel Platforms - Lonely Planet's 'Trips' is part of a trend of photo-based travel apps that offer inspiration and connections within a niche travel market.
2. Community-driven Travel - Lonely Planet's 'Trips' taps into the trend of community-driven experiences where users can share and discover travel adventures.
3. Instagram-inspired Travel - The photo-centric design of Lonely Planet's 'Trips' aligns with the trend of travel apps drawing inspiration from popular social media platforms.
Industry Implications
1. Travel and Tourism - The travel and tourism industry can leverage photo-based travel apps like Lonely Planet's 'Trips' to enhance user experiences and connect with a niche audience of travel enthusiasts.
2. Social Media - Social media companies could explore the disruptive innovation opportunities presented by integrating specialized travel features into their platforms, similar to Lonely Planet's 'Trips'.
3. App Development - The rise of photo-based travel apps offers opportunities for app developers to create engaging and interactive platforms that cater to the unique needs of travelers and adventurers.