Wanderwell
- Ellie Brackett
- Jan 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 31
Accessible Travel Planning
Traveling to new destinations can be exhilarating, but for many, the planning process is fraught with challenges. The overload of information from search engines, travel blogs, and recommendations often leaves adventurers feeling overwhelmed. For travelers with physical disabilities, dietary restrictions, or those in the LGBTQ+, these challenges can be even more pronounced. Many existing resources fail to address specific needs such as accessible accommodations, inclusive safety measures, or dietary options, leaving these groups with limited and often frustrating choices. Recognizing this pain point, we created Wanderwell—a revolutionary platform designed to simplify and enhance the travel planning experience. Available on iOS and Android, Wanderwell offers curated itineraries, customization options, and an interactive map to guide users every step of the way.
The Journey
Planning a trip should be exciting, but it often turns into a tedious chore. Many travelers rely on a mix of Google Maps, word-of-mouth recommendations, and lengthy travel blogs. While these resources offer insights, they’re often cluttered with sponsored content and tourist traps, making it hard to find authentic experiences. For individuals with physical disabilities, the lack of reliable information on accessible accommodations and transportation can make trip planning feel impossible. Travelers with dietary restrictions struggle to identify safe dining options, while LGBTQ+ travelers often face the added burden of researching safety and inclusivity in potential destinations. Most importantly, there is often a lack of input from those who truly understand these needs—travelers themselves. This gap inspired us to create Wanderwell, a community-driven platform where individuals can share their insights and experiences to help others.
The Solution
Curated & Customizable Travel
Wanderwell delivers a stress-free travel planning experience with key features:
Curated Trips: Explore handpicked travel itineraries from around the world.
Customization Options: Save entire itineraries or select specific destinations to tailor your trip.
Interactive Map: Visualize destinations in your preferred order and easily navigate between them.
Community Engagement: Users can leave feedback, rate trips, and share their personal travel experiences. This fosters a collaborative environment where the voices of travelers with specific needs are heard, helping shape a platform that truly understands and addresses diverse accessibility challenges.
The Outcome
Since launching on iOS and Android, Wanderwell has become a free and accessible solution for travelers worldwide. The app is continually evolving, with user feedback guiding our improvements. Future plans include incorporating generative AI to make travel planning even more intuitive and personalized.
Project Status
Current State: Live on iOS and Android.
User Base: A growing community of engaged travelers.
Monetization Strategy: Users can purchase credits to generate AI-driven trip suggestions, opening a new revenue stream.
Next Steps
Marketing and Outreach: Expanding our user base through targeted campaigns and partnerships.
Feedback Loop: Actively gathering user insights to refine the platform.
Monetization Strategies: Exploring affiliate marketing and premium subscription models.
Redefining Accessible Travel
Executive Summary
Wanderwell’s mission is to make travel accessible, inclusive, and inspiring for everyone. To achieve this, we are enhancing our filters and search capabilities to address specific accessibility needs, such as:
Wheelchair accessibility.
Support for individuals with visual or hearing impairments.
Filters for dietary restrictions and LGBTQ+ safety concerns.
Market Opportunity
The travel industry often overlooks the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, dietary restrictions, or safety concerns. With 15% of the global population experiencing some form of disability, the market for inclusive travel solutions is vast. Wanderwell aims to bridge this gap by offering tailored services to meet these needs.
Value Proposition
Inclusive Accessibility
Enhanced filters and search tools for diverse accessibility needs.
Features addressing dietary restrictions and safety concerns.
Global Reach
Accessible travel options for international destinations.
Community Building
A platform connecting like-minded travelers to share experiences and tips. The focus on community ensures that those with specific accessibility needs have a space to voice their experiences, providing invaluable insights that only they can offer.
Innovative Solutions
Intuitive itinerary creation and trip browsing.
Integration with public transit guides and real-time accessibility updates.
Product Features
Accessibility-Focused Planning:
Searchable databases of accessible accommodations, attractions, and transport.
Customizable filters for specific needs.
Personalized Recommendations:
AI-driven suggestions based on user preferences.
Community Engagement:
Forums and groups for sharing tips and itineraries.
International Scope:
Partnerships with global travel providers.
Target Audience
Individuals with disabilities seeking accessible travel options.
Caregivers and families planning inclusive trips.
LGBTQ+ travelers requiring safe destinations.
Individuals with food allergies or unique travel needs.
Revenue Model
Partnerships: Collaborations with travel agencies, airlines, and accommodations.
Advertising: In-app ads targeting accessibility-friendly businesses.
Subscription Plans: Premium features for advanced trip planning.
Marketing and Growth Strategy
Brand Awareness: Social media campaigns and influencer partnerships.
Community Engagement: Webinars, workshops, and events.
Strategic Alliances: Collaborations with accessibility and inclusivity organizations.
Conclusion
Wanderwell has transformed travel planning by offering a comprehensive, user-friendly, and inclusive solution. By placing the voices of those with accessibility needs at the forefront, we’re creating a platform that truly understands and addresses the challenges of diverse travelers. With targeted enhancements and strategic investments, we aim to become the leading platform for accessible travel worldwide. By empowering all travelers, we’re making exploration a reality for everyone.
Call to Action
Join us in redefining accessible travel. Whether as a user, partner, or investor, your support will help make Wanderwell the go-to platform for inclusive and inspiring journeys.