Boop’s new app turns social recommendations into bookable itineraries

In a crowded market of travel-planning apps, the startup Boop is making waves with its innovative approach to itinerary creation. Unlike traditional methods that rely on generic AI-generated plans, Boop enables users to transform social recommendations into personalized travel itineraries. The app operates by allowing users to access itineraries crafted by real travelers who have shared their experiences. By leveraging location and metadata from shared photos, Boop's AI swiftly converts these trips into itineraries that can be customized by other users. This unique model not only enhances travel planning but also creates a potential income stream for travel creators who can monetize their recommendations. Founded in February by Nancy Li Smith, a former executive at Meta and Microsoft, Boop was born out of Smith's desire to efficiently share and remember her travel recommendations. She recognized the emotional burden often placed on women, who typically handle 80% of travel planning, to create the perfect trip. "There's this pressure to make every trip amazing for yourself and for your companions," Smith explained in an interview. "Boop alleviates this burden, allowing users to easily capture and share their travel experiences." Instead of spending hours on platforms like TikTok or Google Maps, users can now access tried-and-true itineraries from friends and creators. "Boop is the first AI travel companion built on social trust," Smith noted. As users explore their destinations, Boop records their journey in the background, compiling stops, photos, and reservations into an attractive, shoppable itinerary. Once users begin recording their trips, the app tracks their movements—similar to a fitness tracker—if permission is granted. Boop's AI is designed to use location data solely for trip documentation and personalized recommendations. For example, if a user expresses interest in art while in Paris, the app might suggest a visit to the Atelier des Lumières. Looking ahead, Boop plans to integrate users' calendars, with their consent, to include existing bookings into their itineraries. This feature aims to assist users not just during planning but also while traveling. If someone finds themselves in Tokyo at 11 PM with a desire for spontaneity, Boop can provide tailored recommendations based on individual preferences and social suggestions. Set to launch on Tuesday with an invite-only model, Boop currently has a public waitlist for interested users. Early access is being provided to select travel creators whose itineraries are already in demand. Creators can share their journeys through a "Boop with me" link that includes affiliate links, offering an opportunity to earn commissions when users book their suggested trips. With partnerships in place for affiliate booking from major platforms like Expedia and Booking.com, Boop is poised for growth. The startup recently secured $3.2 million in pre-seed funding, co-led by BBG Ventures and Lynn Capital. Notable investors include experts from TripAdvisor and Marriott, highlighting the startup's potential in the travel sector. As Boop continues to develop, Smith envisions a future where travelers will seamlessly integrate their experiences into their planning process. "In five years, when someone wants to plan a trip, they won’t say, 'check the reviews,' they’ll say, 'copy my Boop,'" she added. This shift could redefine how memories and experiences translate into travel planning for generations to come.