Dreamers Behind the Scenes
The three of us
Everything began a decade ago when three friends wanted to travel and learn about how people live, their world views, local languages, foods, crafts, and cultural expressions in music and art. We were always impressed by what locals shared with us. They knew their place well and educated us about the history, landmarks, traditions, and hidden gems that made the experience richer. Locals are typically very welcoming. If you ask a question, someone will usually help without hesitation. However, we occasionally met people who only saw us as sources of money, and sometimes this led to frustrating situations.
One day, while discussing our experiences, we came up with the idea of creating a platform that would help travelers find trustworthy locals when visiting a city, village, or small town, with each expert sharing their knowledge with warmth.
From that moment on, we started discussing all the aspects we needed when visiting a new place. After some time, we developed a clear structure that puts both travelers and experts at the center of our focus. We wanted everyone to have a great experience with locals, whether it's a guide, chef, or other activities. Travelers will appreciate the value of their trips.
A Brief History of Tourism
The Human Journey of Discovery
Let me share the story of tourism. It's quite fascinating.
Long ago, in ancient times, the Greeks and Romans were doing something similar to what we do today, just without Instagram. They would travel to see the Olympic Games or visit healing hot springs. The Romans were ahead of their time. They built highways and hotels so wealthy people could travel comfortably.
Fast forward to the Middle Ages, when walking became the norm. People would trek for months to journeys like Jerusalem or Santiago de Compostela, all to pray at holy sites. There were no GPS devices, just pure faith and probably sore feet. That was dedication.
Then the 1800s arrived, and everything changed with the introduction of trains and steamships. However, people weren't traveling for leisure yet. They were striving for the American Dream, seeking jobs, or escaping poverty. Nikola Tesla exemplifies this. He left Serbia and sailed to America with hardly anything but his brilliant mind and innovative ideas about electricity.
But then world events took a turn. World War I and World War II brought chaos. Travel became impractical as countries clashed and borders closed, with people focused on survival.
After 1945, as the dust settled, people felt a strong urge to explore what remained of the world. There was a newfound desire to get out, discover, and reconnect with humanity after so much darkness.
The Spirit of the 70s:
Travel to Find Yourself
The Rise of the Global Tourism Industry:
Earth and tourism
From that moment, various types of tourism began to emerge as countries developed a new industry to cater to the growing number of visitors. New hotels sprang up, and travel became quicker and cheaper with flights, ships, and trains for millions. Governments around the world paid closer attention to this industry. Over the past 40 years, tourism has developed into a global movement that enhances human connections and cultural exchanges.
The Role of Sports in Tourism:
Sports are amazing facts
Now, let's talk about sports. Sporting events also motivated many people to travel. From international football matches to the Olympic Games and marathons, sports tourism has become a reason for millions to travel. People not only travel to watch their favorite teams or athletes but also to enjoy the atmosphere, meet fellow fans, and sometimes even participate. Cities hosting major events began offering special packages, guided tours, and entertainment for sports lovers. Similar to culture and leisure, sports added value and variety to the tourism experience.
The Internet Revolution in Travel:
Getting into the revolution
The internet changed everything. In the past twenty years, it has transformed how we travel, share our experiences, and connect with others. This has led to the emergence of new tourism styles. Nowadays, locals invite visitors into their homes, providing genuine chances to experience daily life in their communities. Whether staying in a small village, exploring the jungle, joining a group trip to a unique destination, or learning about different ways of living, almost every aspect of human culture has become an opportunity for tourism.
The TripValory Impact:
Redefining the Trust Between Travelers and Local People
We aim to have a significant impact by connecting trusted experts who can offer services at their own pace. Every traveler should be able to find someone trustworthy by their side. This not only makes things more comfortable but also saves time.
Tourists vs Travelers:
A Misunderstood Difference
Now, let's address a common misconception: the difference between tourists and travelers. Tourists typically enjoy a secure trip, but it's often filled with ads and third-party organizations. Their experiences are planned to maximize enjoyment, but this often comes at a high price and can overlook the true essence of the places they visit.
Travelers, however, navigate their own paths to stay safe and satisfied. This was the main idea when we first thought of TripValory. We aimed to create a balanced approach, allowing everyone to benefit on any budget while still feeling like a tourist, but on their own terms.
Why We Do This:
The Heart of TripValory
Our focus on local experts and travelers is not just a hobby. We believe that connecting people and creating meaningful activities matters today. This spreads kindness from one person to another, making the world a safer and more welcoming place. We see TripValory as a global movement that makes it easier for everyone to visit and experience the world.
Starting with Purpose:
The Power of Free Tours
We decided to launch our journey with free tours because we believe that real experiences should be available to everyone. Free experiences remove barriers and welcome all visitors, regardless of budget. This creates a space for connections based on curiosity and shared interests, not obligation. By offering genuine quality from the start, we build trust. This trust extends to our platform and the local experts. These early steps create a ripple effect. When travelers feel valued and understood, they are more likely to return, share their stories, and support the community. It benefits everyone, locals gain visibility and purpose, while travelers enjoy meaningful connections that go beyond traditional tourism. At TripValory, we see free tours as the foundation for a more personal way to explore the world.
