Sometimes you just need the real deal, and when it comes to travel, we prefer hand-picked recommendations over AI-curated itineraries. (Left: Image by @badruttspalace. Right: Image by @bynwabugo.)
We know how easy it is to ask ChatGPT to come up with a travel itinerary. But, no matter how quickly technology advances, some things in life are best enjoyed when they come from a real person, and that includes travel recommendations. Whether it’s food, hidden beaches, non-touristy destinations, or boutique rentals, unique personal experiences can only be suggested by someone who has been there. Here are some great platforms that provide human-led suggestions for your next trip.
1. Step: Your World
Created by content makers with a love for all things travel, Step: Your World is the app you didn’t know you needed. With recommendations on the best places to eat, drink, shop, and tour, its creator-curated suggestions give you a fresh perspective on different cities around the world. Follow your favourite travellers and keep up to date with what’s new in town while discovering hidden gems the masses know little about.
2. A Friend Who Lives There
If you’ve planned a trip to a new place and wished you knew someone who lived there who could tell you where to go, what to eat, what to see, and more—well, now you do. A Friend Who Lives There is a Seoul-based travel planning service offering personalised itineraries, private tours, and full care concierge services. From neighbourhood walking tours to day trip excursions and cafe recommendations, they offer personalised itineraries to suit your interests. It’s a great way to get to know the city and make new friends while you’re at it.
3. Lonely Planet
When it comes to an anything-and-everything travel platform, no one does it better than Lonely Planet. Being the OG hub for all things travel, adventure, food, and culture for years, their itineraries and travel recommendations are delightfully crafted to ensure you have a memorable trip. With Lonely Planet Journeys, award-winning and certified local experts craft and curate your journey with you, making your dream holiday planning as easy as pie.
4. TrovaTrip
Want to travel but don’t have anyone to go with? TrovaTrip is a group travel platform hosted by content creators. The app allows people from all walks of life to meet and travel safely. They team up content creators and their audiences, designing and hosting trips all around the globe. Share and connect over common interests while travelling together with a pre-planned itinerary that allows you to enjoy your trip without the hassle of planning.
5. Airbnb
While most of us know and use Airbnb as an accommodation booking platform, did you know they also offer unique travel experiences? If you’re looking for something more than the usual guided tour package, try this out. From walking food tours with cookbook authors to looking for antique treasures in a historic auction centre, there are plenty of exciting adventures to be had with real people who are ready to share more about their towns and cities with you.
6. Places
Places is an exclusive travel-discovery app that allows you to learn about a place through the eyes of their handpicked travel-savvy curators. With a catalogue of extraordinary travel destinations, culture-defining restaurants, art scenes, and more, every recommendation is personalised for you. By subscribing to a membership with the app, you can browse available reservations from various platforms in real time.
7. Quintessentially
For those who like to keep their fingers on the pulse, Quintessentially is a private luxury lifestyle manager with concierge and tailor-made luxury travel services, amongst other things. Whether you’re looking to have your daily travel needs met or to plan a once-in-a-lifetime trip, their team of global experts are ready to ensure every part of your journey is exceptional. From private coastal cruises to family countryside escapes, Quintessentially spares no expense for their exclusive members.
