With the launch of Startle, Forbes Travel Guide aims to reshape the way businesses in the travel industry interact with their consumers, by providing a platform where all parties involved can discuss openly about their experiences, offers and other issues.
A community of travelers and service providers, Startle aims to begin the world’s most up-to-date and accurate conversation about travel. But the beginning is modest. With only four likes on Facebook, and seven lonely followers on Twitter, and without even an official press release in sight, Startle counts on a short blurb by Techcrunch for its shot at glory.
The site was launched with incomplete information for many of its destinations, empty pages, and a faulty sign up process – a “join now!” button on the landing page, that doesn’t disappear for users who are logged in.
But every beta is subject to bugs and incomplete pages, although most sites avoid launching publicly till they don’t fix all the bugs. However, Startle can be a valuable proposition, especially for those travelers who are more interested in luxury travel accommodation, spa packages, and gourmet restaurants.
This is what Startle is all about: one-of-a-kind Star Experiences, and insider perks at Five-Star properties that can’t be found elsewhere. Startle already offers a variety of tools and tips that will help you plan and book the perfect trip.