Growing up in the market town of Ulverston on the edge of the English Lake District we were aware that visitors to the region rarely ventured off the beaten track, away from the honey pot areas of Windermere and Kendal towards some of the undiscovered local treasures of the region.
Travelling further afield in our gap years and throughout university, we found that travel can be frustrating when you are trapped in a tourist bubble and found that one way of escaping this was to speak to the locals.
YourSafePlanet was founded in 2007 by Sally Broom to see whether connecting travellers to trusted contacts made a difference to their visit. And it did. Travellers who used the service to gain travel inspiration said that the service not only gave them a personalised insight into a new place but also saved them time, money and hassle.
We believe that life should be full of adventure, exploration and having fun. To take wonder in the world around you is what living is all about. Tripbod is all about travelling in your own way – we enable you to get away from the crowds and to get more out of the place you’re visiting.
Getting the right travel information
There are now so many different ways to find information on a place when you travel, which is sometimes useful and sometimes confusing!
Tripbod is all about getting personalised information from the most trusted source – a local person on the ground in the destination – your friend at the other end.
Tripbod does not replace the guidebook, the blog, or travel review sites, but we provide that added extra, which saves you time and money by helping you get straight to the information you want. The connection is completely unique as it is one-to-one and online.
Unlike other sources of information online, only you and your Tripbod have access to your private planning page so the process is uncomplicated and stress-free. Tripbod is a completely human powered service which means that if you need so speak to someone, there is someone there to answer your questions.
The information that your Tripbod gives you is relevant to the time you are there and completely up-to-date. No more turning up to a shut-up gallery on a national holiday, or finding out a recommended restaurant is closed for refurbishment!
Why did we decide to do Tripbod?
Tripbod is an umbrella company for social enterprise within the travel industry. By bringing small operators and entrepreneurs under one trusted brand, Tripbod aims to make a real difference in the travel industry. Small operators want to work with us because we take in to consideration the needs of the traveller and the local suppliers, so we are benefiting host communities in a sustainable way.
Tripbod has built on the foundation of Your Safe Planet and continues to connect curious travellers with trusted locals who can advise them on their trip and build them a personalized itinerary. Tripbod focuses on the value that the service brings to the traveller - saving time and money, understanding your destination better, creating authentic experiences - whilst maintaining a business which benefits both consumers and suppliers. Our mission is to connect travellers and local operators directly.
Travelling in the Tripbod way
Tripbod understands that when you travel you want to be adventurous and flexible, in the confidence that you have access to the right information that empowers you to do that. Before you go, make sure you print off your Tripbod map. It’s a handy way to get off the beaten track with your own local knowledge in your pocket. Contact with a Tripbod during your trip is not included in our service, however, we can recommend fantastic services that provide meet-and-greet and day tours. Contact us to find out more.
The Tripbod way is all about local travel in all respects:
- Finding out great information from the local people - people who live and experience the place every day
- Travelling in harmony with the local environment
- Seeing the place from the local perspective
- Spending your money with local businesses
Who are Tripbods?
Tripbods are the fantastic people we have been lucky enough to meet through our personal and professional networks. Invariably Tripbods are, like us, passionate about where we live, natural travellers, and supportive of sustainable tourism.
When we meet a new potential Tripbod the first thing we want to know is who they are. If this person is a natural ambassador for where they live and enjoys showing people the real side of their country then we know they'll make a great Tripbod.
However, our system digs a lot deeper than that, which makes Tripbod.com unique. All Tripbods go through a unique and thorough vetting process which ensures that they really are the best and most trusted local travel experts:
Trusted: We have a thorough vetting process which ensures all Tripbods understand what we are about and share our values.
Local: Tripbods are all connected in some way to the local culture, community and environment
Travel: Tripbods are passionate about travel, adventure and exploration.
Expert: Tripbods have a proven level of expertise in a particular area –through study, qualification or experience.
The crucial thing is that Tripbods are just like you and understand what it means to be a friend in a new place. What makes them different is that they have a hight level of expertise, meaning that as a friend at the other end, they will truly make a positive difference to your trip.
