We’ve all had the conversation. We’ve all wondered, researched, debated, and day dreamed until our faces were blue about where we will go on our next vacation. Travel blogs of folks that travel for a living are the exception not the rule, and the vast majority of travelers in this world live on a one or two vacation a year schedule. In fact, most of the readers of travel blogs are just everyday travelers who are researching where they want to go next, whether next means in a month or in two years doesn’t really matter. NEXT, is the key word. Where do you want to go next?It has been interesting to see what different travel companies have been doing over the last 10-15 “internet years” to help travelers with this question. Some companies have made small changes to the industry, while others have developed game-changers. Priceline raised the bar with it’s “Name your price” idea while Kayak, Orbitz, and Travelocity became the first successful price compare aggregators. While those are types of companies are great, what is even more interesting is when a company comes up with a brand new way of showcasing and comparing travel options. Everybody prefers a different way to compare and plan, and every once in a while a company comes up with a new way that really relates with the 18-35 generation, especially the young couples in this age group.
A new tool recently came out that may be exactly what you are looking for. The tool is called Holiday Open Day, and was built by Thompson and First Choice. The URL is http://holidayopenday.co.uk, and although it is accessed like any other travel website would be, the experience once you get there is unlike any travel site out there today. The site loads up in a full screen experience, regardless of the device or monitor size, and it immediately begins asking you whether you are a couple traveling alone or with a family. This is only the beginning of the customization.
You then get to choose what you would do on a typical day at a resort. For example, it let’s you choose between heading to the beach or to the pool, or between the spa and a game of tennis. Based on all the decisions you make, the tool then finds a matching resort and holiday for you. It really is quite cool, and after you finish you can also re-watch the entire video or share it with your travel partner or friends on Facebook.
One of the coolest parts about the tool is how well it’s put together. Each time you make a decision on the site, it shows you a short video of the activity. All the videos were shot in first person using a GoPro, making it really feel like you are participating in what you just chose to do. Check out the site to see just how unique it is!
