Withlocals - Detailed Review
Travel Tools
Withlocals - Product Overview
Withlocals Overview
Withlocals is an experiential travel company that connects travelers with local hosts who offer unique, personalized experiences. Here’s a brief overview of what they do and what they offer:
Primary Function
Withlocals serves as an experience marketplace where travelers can book private, personalized tours, food experiences, and activities led by local hosts. The platform aims to provide authentic and local experiences, moving away from the typical tourist traps and group tours.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes travelers seeking authentic, local experiences and local hosts who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and culture with visitors. This platform is particularly appealing to those looking for a more immersive and personal travel experience.
Key Features
Personalized Tours and Experiences
Withlocals offers a range of experiences, including city tours, food tours, and various activities, all led by local hosts who can customize the experiences based on the travelers’ preferences.
Home Dining
One of the unique features is the home-dining category, where travelers can enjoy authentic meals at local families’ homes, especially popular in Southeast Asia.
Direct Connection
The platform connects travelers directly with local hosts, allowing for a more genuine and local experience. Local hosts can list their experiences and home dinners for free, while Withlocals charges travelers a fee of 20% of the booking price.
Global Reach
Withlocals operates in over 150 destinations worldwide, including major cities and lesser-known destinations, and aims to expand to over 250 cities by the end of 2023.
Customization
The “Withlocals Your Way” feature allows travelers to request customized tours and experiences from scratch, giving them more freedom to tailor their travel plans according to their interests.
Engagement and Community Impact
Withlocals emphasizes supporting local economies and cultures by encouraging hosts to support small businesses. The platform also focuses on sustainable tourism, providing fair compensation to local hosts and fostering positive environmental and community impacts.
Overall, Withlocals is a platform that enriches travel experiences by connecting travelers with passionate local hosts, offering a unique and authentic way to explore destinations around the globe.
Withlocals - User Interface and Experience
User Interface
The user interface of Withlocals appears to be user-friendly and straightforward. Here are some features that contribute to its usability:
Booking and Payment
The app allows users to easily book tours, choose a guide, and make payments. All booking information, including contact details for the guide, is readily available within the app.
Navigation
Users can navigate through the app to find and book tours, as well as manage their bookings and messages. The interface is described as convenient and easy to use.
Communication
While there are some issues reported with in-app messaging (e.g., guides not responding via the app and instead using WhatsApp), the overall communication features seem functional.
Ease of Use
Users generally find the app easy to use. Here are some points that highlight its ease of use:
Clear Information
The app provides clear and accessible information about bookings and messages, making it convenient for users to manage their tour plans.
Simple Design
The design is described as simple and easy to navigate, which helps in reducing cognitive effort and making the user experience smoother.
Overall User Experience
The overall user experience with Withlocals is mixed but generally positive:
Positive Experiences
Many users report a great experience with the app, appreciating its convenience and the ability to easily manage their bookings and communications.
Issues and Feedback
However, there are some negative reviews highlighting issues such as hidden costs, difficulties in canceling bookings, and some technical glitches (e.g., updates that never go away, giving the impression of unread messages).
Support
The support team is responsive, as indicated by their replies to user reviews and the availability of support email and phone contacts.
In summary, Withlocals offers a user-friendly interface that is generally easy to use, although there are some areas that need improvement to enhance the overall user experience.
Withlocals - Key Features and Functionality
Withlocals Overview
Withlocals is a peer-to-peer marketplace that connects travelers with local hosts to provide authentic and personalized travel experiences. Here are the main features and how they work, including the integration of AI.Services Offered
Withlocals offers three primary services:Eat Withlocals
Allows travelers to enjoy local cuisine in the homes of local hosts or at recommended restaurants.Tours Withlocals
Provides guided tours led by local hosts who share their knowledge and insights about the city.Activities Withlocals
Includes various activities and experiences, such as workshops, classes, or other local events.Personalized Experiences
Withlocals offers 100% personalized experiences through their “Withlocals Your Way” feature. This allows guests to request customized tours and experiences from scratch. Hosts can present their city in a way they love, and guests can specify their interests, preferences, and any special events or celebrations they want to include. Hosts prepare a basic itinerary that can be adjusted based on the guest’s wishes.Human Connection
A key feature of Withlocals is the emphasis on human connection. The platform connects travelers directly with locals, allowing for shared cultural experiences that AI cannot replicate. This human interaction is crucial for creating meaningful and memorable experiences for travelers.AI Integration
While Withlocals does not heavily rely on AI for its core services, AI can play a supportive role in enhancing the travel experience:Content Creation
AI can assist in creating content that matches the existing brand voice, helping to streamline the process of providing information and recommendations to travelers.Research Assistance
Although not a primary feature of Withlocals, AI can be used in travel research to recommend activities based on interests, scan various sources for hidden gems, and provide real-time updates on travel-related information. However, this is more of a general trend in travel technology rather than a specific feature of Withlocals.Host and Guest Interaction
The platform includes a Withlocals Chat system that allows hosts and guests to communicate and adjust meeting points, itineraries, and other details as needed. This ensures that both parties are well-prepared and can make any necessary changes to the planned experience.Benefits
Authentic Local Experiences
Travelers get to experience the local culture through the eyes of a local, making the experience more authentic and memorable.Flexibility
The personalized approach allows for adjustments to be made based on the traveler’s preferences and interests.Community Building
The platform fosters connections between travelers and locals, creating a sense of community and enhancing the travel experience.Conclusion
In summary, Withlocals focuses on providing authentic, personalized travel experiences through direct connections between travelers and local hosts, with minimal but supportive integration of AI to enhance content creation and research. Withlocals - Performance and Accuracy
Data-Driven Approach
Withlocals leverages extensive data collection from both hosts and guests to enhance the travel experience. This data includes preferences on tour durations, the number of drinks and bites, and the perceived value of the experiences. By analyzing this data, Withlocals develops frameworks that help hosts create unique and appealing experiences, which in turn provides guests with more options and better accessibility to local experiences.Accuracy in Recommendations
The platform uses data analytics to optimize tour schedules, reduce transportation’s environmental impact, and minimize congestion. For instance, time-based data helps in distributing tourists evenly across cities, avoiding overcrowding. This data-driven approach suggests that Withlocals’ recommendations are based on factual and analyzed data, which enhances their accuracy.User Feedback and Improvement
Withlocals actively engages with user feedback to improve their services. For example, when hosts provided critical feedback on the commission structure, the company organized a webinar to explain their strategies and costs. This indicates that Withlocals values user input and uses it to make informed decisions and improvements.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While Withlocals has made significant strides in personalizing travel experiences, there are a few areas where improvements could be made:User Reviews and Consistency
There are mixed reviews about Withlocals on different platforms, such as positive reviews on TripAdvisor but negative ones on TrustPilot. This inconsistency suggests that the quality of experiences can vary, and there might be room for improving consistency across different tours and guides.Transparency and Communication
Some users might appreciate more transparent communication about pricing and commission structures. Although Withlocals has taken steps to address these concerns through webinars, ongoing clear communication could further enhance user trust and satisfaction.Environmental and Social Impact
While Withlocals has made efforts to promote sustainable tourism and reduce environmental impact, such as capping guest numbers for private transportation, there could be further innovations in this area to ensure all aspects of the tours are environmentally and socially responsible.Engagement
Withlocals fosters engagement by providing hosts with the tools to showcase their unique experiences and by offering guests a wide range of local experiences. The platform’s commitment to continuous improvement based on user feedback also helps in maintaining high engagement levels. In summary, Withlocals demonstrates strong performance and accuracy in its AI-driven travel tools through its data-driven approach, user feedback integration, and efforts in sustainability. However, there are areas for improvement, such as addressing inconsistent user reviews and enhancing transparency in communication. Withlocals - Pricing and Plans
Commission Model
Withlocals operates on a “net price” plus commission model. This means hosts set the net price they wish to receive for their services, and Withlocals adds a mark-up to ensure the host receives this full amount.Host Net Price
The host sets the amount they want to earn from the experience.Total Selling Price
Withlocals adds a 32% commission on top of the host’s net price to create the total selling price that guests pay. For example, if the host’s net price is €120, the total selling price would be €176.50, with Withlocals taking €56.50 as their commission.Additional Service Fee
In addition to the commission, Withlocals charges a 10% service fee on the total tour price. This fee is added on top of the tour price and is used to support the platform’s services, including marketing, booking management, and customer support. This fee does not go to the host and is not subtracted from the host’s net amount.Features and Support
Regardless of the specific experience, hosts and guests benefit from several features:Paid Marketing
Withlocals invests in marketing to attract relevant visitors and convert them into customers.Booking Management and Support
Withlocals handles booking management and provides support to hosts.Risk Management
Hosts are protected against late cancellations, ensuring they receive their agreed-upon fee.Training and Onboarding
Withlocals provides training and onboarding for new hosts to expand the network and increase booking opportunities.Types of Experiences
Withlocals offers various types of experiences, including:Withlocals Originals
These are experiences created in collaboration with local hosts, optimized through market research and local insights. Multiple hosts can offer these experiences, personalizing them to guest preferences.Host Offers
These are customized experiences created by individual hosts. Hosts can set their own prices, manage their availability, and include various costs such as entrance tickets and food expenses. There are no free options or different tiers in the traditional sense; the pricing is dynamic based on the host’s set net price and the additional fees applied by Withlocals. Withlocals - Integration and Compatibility
Integration and Compatibility of Withlocals
When examining the integration and compatibility of Withlocals, a platform that connects travelers with local hosts for personalized tours and experiences, the available information is limited but can be inferred from related sources.
Cloud Infrastructure and Scalability
Withlocals has been migrated to Amazon Web Services (AWS) to ensure scalability and high availability. This migration, as described in the case study by Amplework, involves using AWS Elastic Beanstalk, which allows the platform to scale automatically based on traffic. This ensures the platform remains performant even during peak travel seasons.
Database Management
The platform uses Amazon RDS to manage its relational database, ensuring secure storage of user and host data. This integration with AWS services suggests a high level of compatibility with cloud-based infrastructure, which is crucial for handling varying traffic and data storage needs.
Lack of Specific Integration Details
There is no detailed information available on how Withlocals integrates with other specific tools or its compatibility across different platforms and devices beyond the cloud infrastructure. The provided sources do not delve into integrations with other software, frameworks, or libraries, nor do they discuss compatibility with various devices or operating systems.
General Considerations
Given the nature of travel and tourism platforms, it is likely that Withlocals would need to integrate with various tools such as payment gateways (e.g., Stripe, as mentioned in the onboarding process for hosts), booking systems, and possibly other travel-related services. However, without specific details, it is not possible to provide a comprehensive overview of these integrations.
Conclusion
In summary, while Withlocals leverages AWS for scalability and database management, detailed information on its integration with other tools and compatibility across different platforms and devices is not available from the provided sources.
Withlocals - Customer Support and Resources
When You Need Assistance with Withlocals
Withlocals is a platform connecting travelers with local tour guides, and there are several customer support options and resources available to you.
Contact Options
For any issues or concerns, you can reach out to Withlocals through various channels:
- Email: The best email to contact Withlocals is
info@withlocals.com, which is used by 100% of customers to address their issues. - Phone: You can also call them at 31 20 244 0076. It’s worth noting that phone calls are the most commonly used method of contact, with 71% of customers using this option.
Help Center
Withlocals has a dedicated Help Center where you can find answers to many common questions. This resource is useful for queries about meeting or pickup points, activity details, or special requests.
Customer Service Overview
Withlocals’ customer service is highly rated, with a satisfaction score of 4.3 out of 5. Customers are generally satisfied with the support they receive. The most common reasons for contacting customer service include activation/cancellation, refund requests, and account-related issues.
Additional Resources
- Website and Corporate Information: You can visit the Withlocals website for general information and to find their corporate office address in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
- Community of Local Hosts: Withlocals emphasizes the importance of its local hosts, who are verified and go above and beyond to ensure customer happiness. This community is a key part of the personalized experiences offered by the platform.
AI-Driven Support
While specific details on Withlocals’ use of AI in customer support are not provided, the travel industry as a whole benefits from AI-powered customer support through features like chatbots, virtual assistants, and machine learning algorithms. These technologies can handle routine inquiries, automate booking processes, provide real-time assistance, and predict and manage travel disruptions, all of which could potentially be integrated into Withlocals’ customer support system in the future.
By utilizing these resources, you can ensure a smooth and satisfying experience when booking and participating in tours and activities through Withlocals.
Withlocals - Pros and Cons
Advantages
Unique Local Experiences
Withlocals offers a chance to explore cities with the guidance of local hosts, providing a more authentic and personalized experience. You can choose from a wide range of activities, including food tours, bike rides, and other local activities in over 25 countries.
Personalization
One of the standout features is the ability to personalize your tour with the host. If a standard tour doesn’t fit your preferences, you can contact the host to arrange a more suitable experience.
Easy Booking and Communication
The platform and app are user-friendly, allowing you to easily book tours, communicate with your local host, and access all your booking information. You can also read reviews from other travelers to help you make informed decisions.
Hidden Gems
Withlocals helps you discover hidden gems and city highlights that might not be found in typical guidebooks. This ensures you can enjoy the city without the touristy crowds.
Variety of Tours
There are over 1,200 private tours, home dinners, and local activities available in more than 50 cities, catering to different interests such as food, architecture, and family-friendly activities.
Disadvantages
Limited Blog Content
The website lacks a comprehensive blog section, which could provide valuable information about the cities, their history, culture, and language. Currently, it only has a single city guide for Marrakesh.
No Rewards Program
Unlike some other travel services, Withlocals does not offer a rewards program for frequent users, although the relatively low cost of tours can somewhat compensate for this.
Potential for Miscommunication and Additional Costs
Some users have reported issues with unexpected additional costs and difficulties in communicating with hosts or canceling bookings. It’s important to carefully review the terms and ensure clear communication with your host.
Mixed Reviews
There are mixed reviews from users, with some reporting excellent experiences and others encountering problems such as hidden fees or unresponsive hosts. It’s crucial to read multiple reviews and be cautious when booking.
By weighing these pros and cons, you can make a more informed decision about whether Withlocals is the right fit for your travel needs.
Withlocals - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Withlocals to Other AI-Driven Travel Tools
Several key differences and similarities emerge.
Personalized Travel Experiences
Withlocals focuses on providing personalized travel experiences by connecting travelers with local guides and experts. This approach allows for unique, authentic interactions with the local culture, which is a standout feature. For instance, Withlocals enables travelers to book tours, workshops, and other activities led by locals, offering a more immersive experience.
Competitors and Alternatives
ViaVii
ViaVii is another company that offers personalized travel experiences through an online platform. Like Withlocals, ViaVii connects travelers with local experts, but it may have a broader range of activities and destinations. ViaVii’s platform is designed to be user-friendly, allowing travelers to easily plan and book their trips.
Travel Local
Travel Local operates similarly by providing personalized vacations planned in collaboration with local travel agents. This company focuses more on full vacation packages rather than individual activities, which could be a better fit for travelers looking for a comprehensive travel plan.
Holibob
Holibob is a platform that curates personalized travel experiences but with a stronger focus on technology solutions for tour operators and travel brands. While it does offer customer relationship services and helps generate revenue through bookings, it is more B2B-oriented compared to Withlocals’ B2C approach.
Evaneos
Evaneos works with local travel agents to create customized vacations based on individual preferences. This company is more geared towards full-trip planning, similar to Travel Local, but with a strong emphasis on working with local agents to ensure authentic experiences.
AI-Driven Travel Planners
While Withlocals is not primarily an AI-driven trip planner, there are other tools that use AI to plan trips that might be of interest:
Roam Around
Roam Around uses AI to create hyper-customized travel plans based on specific needs and preferences. This tool is more focused on automated itinerary planning rather than connecting with local guides.
Layla
Layla is an AI travel planning and guide service that assists users in discovering new destinations, planning itineraries, and booking flights and hotels. It is more comprehensive in its services but lacks the local guide aspect of Withlocals.
HipTraveler
HipTraveler offers an AI-driven itinerary trip planner software that provides automatic itinerary creation. This tool is useful for those looking for a more automated planning process but may not offer the same level of local interaction as Withlocals.
Unique Features of Withlocals
- Local Guides: Withlocals stands out by connecting travelers directly with local guides, offering a more authentic and immersive experience.
- Variety of Activities: The platform provides a wide range of activities, from tours to workshops, all led by locals.
- Personalized Experiences: Each experience is curated to meet the individual preferences of the traveler, ensuring a unique and memorable trip.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a travel experience that is deeply rooted in local culture and guided by local experts, Withlocals is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more automated trip planning process or a comprehensive vacation package planned by local agents, alternatives like ViaVii, Travel Local, or Evaneos might be more suitable. For those interested in AI-driven trip planning, tools like Roam Around, Layla, or HipTraveler could offer the automation and efficiency you’re seeking.
Withlocals - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Withlocals
How do I make a booking on Withlocals?
To make a booking on Withlocals, you need to follow a few simple steps. First, browse through the various experiences available on the website or app. Once you find an experience you’re interested in, click on it to view the details, including the description, price, and availability. Select your preferred date and time, and then proceed to the booking page. Here, you’ll need to enter your details and payment information. After completing the payment, you’ll receive a booking confirmation with all the necessary details, including contact information for your host.How can I request a Personalized offer?
If you’re looking for a more customized experience, you can request a Personalized offer from your host. After selecting an experience, you can communicate with the host through the platform to discuss your preferences and any special requests you might have. The host will then send you a Personalized offer based on your needs, which you can review and accept if it meets your requirements.How do I contact a host on the platform?
Contacting a host on Withlocals is straightforward. Once you’ve booked an experience or are considering one, you can use the messaging system within the platform to communicate with your host. You can ask questions, provide additional information, or make special requests directly through this messaging system. If needed, hosts may also communicate with you via other methods like WhatsApp, as mentioned in some user reviews.What is the Withlocals cancellation policy?
Withlocals has a cancellation policy in place to protect both guests and hosts. The policy varies depending on the timing of the cancellation. Generally, you can cancel your booking and receive a refund, but the amount of the refund will depend on how far in advance you cancel. For specific details, it’s best to check the cancellation policy section on the Withlocals Help Center or your booking confirmation.How can I add or remove guests from my booking?
If you need to add or remove guests from your booking, you can do this through your account on the Withlocals platform. Log in to your account, go to your booking details, and look for the option to add or remove guests. You may need to adjust the payment accordingly, and it’s a good idea to inform your host of any changes as soon as possible.What is a Withlocals Originals experience?
Withlocals Originals are unique experiences created by the Withlocals team in collaboration with local hosts. These experiences are designed based on data-driven market research to ensure they meet the current demands of travelers. Each experience is optimized with local insights and can be personalized by the host to fit the guests’ preferences, making each tour unique and memorable.How can I offer a Withlocals Originals experience as a host?
To offer a Withlocals Originals experience, you need to be an active host on the platform. You can join these experiences by visiting the recommendations section in your host account and selecting the experience you wish to offer. If the experience you’re interested in is not visible, you may need to contact the Withlocals team to check on any specific licensing requirements.How do I prepare for my experience?
To prepare for your experience, make sure to read through the details provided by your host, including the meeting point, dress code, and any items you might need to bring. You can also communicate with your host through the platform to ask any questions or clarify any details. Additionally, ensure you have all the necessary contact information and any other instructions from your host.What if my host is asking for more money?
If your host is asking for more money beyond what you’ve already paid, it’s important to clarify the situation. Check your booking details and the original agreement to ensure there are no misunderstandings. If the request seems unjustified, you can contact Withlocals support for assistance. They can help resolve the issue and ensure you’re treated fairly.How is the price determined for my experience?
The price for your experience on Withlocals is determined by the host and may vary based on several factors, including the type of experience, duration, and any additional services or costs involved. The price will be clearly listed on the experience page, and you’ll be informed of any additional costs before you make your booking. By addressing these questions, you can better understand how to use the Withlocals platform effectively and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Withlocals - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Withlocals
Withlocals is a unique and valuable travel tool that connects travelers with local experts, offering a more authentic and personalized travel experience. Here’s a detailed assessment of who would benefit most from using it and an overall recommendation.Who Would Benefit Most
Withlocals is ideal for travelers who want to experience a city like a local. This includes:- Independent Travelers: Those who prefer to avoid typical tourist traps and instead explore hidden gems and local culture.
- Cultural Enthusiasts: Travelers interested in immersing themselves in local customs, food, music, and history.
- Small Groups and Families: Groups looking for private tours that can be customized to their interests and preferences.
- Foodies: Individuals who want to experience the best local cuisine and culinary traditions.
How It Works
Withlocals operates as a marketplace where travelers can book tours led by local guides. These guides can offer a variety of tour packages, including visits to museums, wineries, beaches, and even home dinners. The app is user-friendly, allowing easy scheduling and communication with tour guides, and it covers cities in Europe and Asia, with plans to expand globally.Key Benefits
- Authentic Experiences: Withlocals provides unique and authentic experiences by connecting travelers with knowledgeable local guides who can show them the real essence of a city.
- Customization: Tours can be customized based on the traveler’s interests and preferences, making each experience personal and memorable.
- Local Insights: Travelers get to explore hidden spots and local favorites that they might not find through traditional travel guides.
- User-Friendly Interface: The app is easy to use, making it simple to book and manage tours.
Financial Aspects
For local guides, Withlocals offers a platform to earn money by providing tours. The commission fee is 20% for self-arranged tours and 30% for tours with pre-existing itineraries set by Withlocals. This model incentivizes local guides to provide high-quality experiences.Expansion and Growth
Withlocals has shown significant growth, with over 1,200 bookable private tours across 24 cities and plans to expand into more cities. The platform has also seen a 20% month-on-month increase in booking volumes, indicating strong demand for its services.Recommendation
Withlocals is highly recommended for travelers seeking authentic, personalized, and culturally rich experiences. Here are a few key points to consider:- For Unique Experiences: If you want to go beyond the typical tourist attractions and truly experience the local culture, Withlocals is an excellent choice.
- For Personalization: The ability to customize tours according to your interests makes it a great option for travelers with specific preferences.
- For Local Connections: Meeting and interacting with friendly and knowledgeable locals can enhance your travel experience significantly.