Introducing: Tripbod

Launching today, Tripbod.com is a new web based travel service that puts travellers in touch with local experts.

The subscription based service provides travellers with the ability to connect with a local representative  - "your friend at the other end" (known as a 'bod') - to help plan a holiday. The service varies in prices according to the amount of information travellers require and the length of their trip, but begins from £10.99.

Tripbod's founder, Sally Broom (left), says: "The beauty of Tripbod is its unique global network of outstanding local people from the Philippines to Guatemala and the interactive technology which connects them with the traveller. It is a ground-breaking travel service that promises to revolutionize the way travellers plan and carry out their trips, getting to the grass-roots and back to what travel is all about."

According to Broom, the new service bridges the gap between guidebook and tour guides.  "The unique web-based service is designed to help travellers who are looking for a more enriching travel experience by ensuring that they get under the skin of a foreign destination in a way that no other service or guidebook can. With Tripbod, users are introduced online to a vetted local expert who will offer real insight and inspiration, as well as eq

uip visitors with the most up to date information and on-the-spot knowledge.

"Tripbod can offer travellers a bespoke yet affordable itinerary which is tailored specifically towards their requirements and interests. So whether y

ou want to check out the best African-Hispanic folk music in Columbia or you want to be assured of the most luxurious home stays in India, Tripbod can help. Equally important, the service advises on safety issues and how to reduce risks, offering peace of mind for solo and less intrepid travellers."

The online service currently has 'friends at the other end' in Australia, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cambodia, China, Ecuador, France, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Laos, Lethoso, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Nepal, Mozambique, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Rwan

da, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, UK and Vietnam. 

Tripbod's basic Trip Planning Light service (£10.99) is for travellers who are looking for a few quick holiday tips. They can ask 5 questions to a Tripbod of their choice and receive advice and recommendations along with a Google map.

The full Trip Planning service (from £35) provides a private online space for real time communication between the traveller and Tripbod, including live chat and messaging via an online planning page, as well as a personalised itinerary presented as a tailor-made calendar and downloadable online map.