Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered trip planning platform Mindtrip, a PhocusWire Hot 25 Travel Startup for 2025, has launched a mobile application meant to serve as an “on-trip companion.”
Built on OpenAI technology, the Mindtrip app is focused on personalization and location-based recommendation generation, guided by travelers’ preferences and location. While on a trip, travelers answer questions about what they want to see and do. The app then pinpoints their exact location to surface sights and activities recommendations on an interactive map.
Andy Moss, co-founder and CEO of Mindtrip, said the app is designed to be “every traveler’s secret weapon” and eliminates the need for pre-trip research.
“With Mindtrip’s app, we’ve amplified our incredible AI knowledge base of over 10 million points of interest with social proof from over 30,000 local experts to provide users with tailor-made, real-time recommendations for things they must do nearby,” Moss said. “With our new app, we’re offering an entirely new on-trip experience, and we can’t wait to see how travelers of all ages take advantage of it in the wild.”
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In addition to recommendations, travelers can stay organized by adding activities, hotels, flight and restaurant bookings, tickets and more to the app. The “magic camera” feature allows travelers to take pictures of their surroundings—including neighborhoods, parks or landmarks—and have multimodal AI provide more information. The tool can also translate signs or restaurant menus.
“Mindtrip’s new app is an exciting example of what multimodality can unlock when applied to experiences like travel,” said Marc Manara, head of startups for OpenAI. “It combines OpenAI’s multimodal capabilities—like voice input and audio responses—with real-time location intelligence and deep personalization, helping travelers explore the world around them.”
Every recommendation provided is vetted, Mindtrip said, adding that users are alerted when recommendations are mentioned in local guides. Users can also search through community mentions on Mindtrip and read reviews.
“Mindtrip began with a goal of helping travelers at every point in their journey—from inspiration to booking—but now, with our app, we are bringing real-time discovery and assistance into the fold,” Moss said. “Travelers don’t follow one path, and we’re proud to be delivering an all new way for them to easily maximize every element of their journey.”
Since launching in May 2024 after raising $7 million in seed funding in 2023, Mindtrip has been quite active.
Between September and November 2024, Mindtrip raised $12 million and launched a group chat feature, received additional funding and unveiled a receipt tool and added a B2B solution. In March, the company acquired Thatch, a platform that offers guides from travel content creators and local experts.
