App tips

For 25 years, Hostelworld has stood apart from other online travel agencies by connecting travelers with hostels. In 2022, it became the first agency to offer a chat tool that lets guests talk before staying at the same hostel. Earlier this month, the Dublin-based company reported its annual results.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has launched a new app for Apple Watch users that will provide them access to the latest information about their flight from their wrists.

Emirates has expanded its inflight meal pre-order initiative across Europe, following the successful launch ofthe initiative on London to Dubair routes and the positive feedback received from passengers.

Marriott Bonvoy has launched a self-paced walking tour, Capture the City Miami, curated in partnership with Greater Miami and Miami Beach and local fashion blogger Daniela Ramirez. 

Three travel tech startups raised nearly $202 million this week.

Travelers booking flights and hotels from Expedia in a co-branded feature in the Afterpay app can now choose to pay in four interest-free payments over six weeks, Expedia announced.

Matthew Rosenberg sees the writing on the wall with generative artificial intelligence in travel. That is why his company has refocused to developing the next iteration of its travel guide app, this time powered by the new type of AI. 

Serial entrepreneur Paul English is back again with a new app called Deets, and he’s trying to disrupt the way people discover restaurants and hotels.

Marketers that believe the photo sharing app BeReal is a fad might need to take a second look. The platform, which was launched to promote authenticity on social media and combat its negative effects, has grown in popularity with travel brands looking to make inroads with Generation Z travelers.

I am back with another short video on my thoughts on AI+Travel, fourth in the series over last few months. Part 1, part 2 and part 3 are here.

Expedia has released the first version of a travel planning chatbot powered by ChatGPT on its mobile app. 

Marina Bay Sands Hotel has launched a series of new Smart Hotel features within its mobile app.

Three travel tech startups raised nearly $22 million over the past two weeks 

Exactly one year since it went public, Mondee has released an updated version of its travel booking platform to include a mobile app and a generative AI chatbot. 

The Standard has announced the return of its last minute booking app, One Night Standard.

A key selling point of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft is their transparency. Users know where their ride is, how soon it will arrive to pick them up, and how much the fare will be to their destination.

Everyone’s had their GPS signal drop out in a tunnel, and the community-based traffic and navigation app, Waze, is finally doing something about it. Tunnels exist in almost every major city, but they also serve as a signal blocker for GPS and radio waves.

Delta has taken a big step toward its goal of cutting down on delayed bags: Launching the industry’s first bag tracking feature on its app.

Prepare for Impact.

During a lengthy government shutdown, travelers are often rightfully concerned about the strain on TSA workers, who are required to continue airport screenings without pay. A poll by Airfarewatchdog (SmarterTravel’s sister company) recently found that 62 percent of travelers are concerned about safety at airports during a shutdown. Plus, 47 percent think that airlines should have to pay for private security to fill gaps during worker shortages.

Planning a trip to visit a national park is now easier than ever, thanks to the National Parks Service’s (NPS) new app. This free app can be downloaded from the Apple or Google store and is full of helpful information and tips for exploring the national parks.