Stay.com, which was named one of TIME Magazine’s Top 50 websites in 2010, offers a new collaborative travel app that allows users to navigate a ‘city in their pocket’ by downloading their own guides for use offline, saving on international data charges. Each combines advice from Stay.com’s international travel experts, partner sites, input from fellow travelers and friends and users’ own preferences. The Stay.com app can be downloaded free from the Apple App Store, Google Play and www.stay.com.
Stay.com offers 116 cities for smartphone users, allowing them to continue to discover and add new places to their personal guide even without an Internet connection or the risk of incurring roaming charges. Additions to the personal travel guide will be automatically synced once on Wi-Fi, incorporating input from multiple users like friends and fellow travelers.
Joachim Paasche, founder and CEO of Stay.com explains his enthusiasm for the new app:
“We are thrilled to offer users a better way to plan trips and travel on both web and mobile. By providing travelers with a truly social experience, they can create a city guide that’s completely personal combining recommendations from experts and their friends.”
The downloadable, vector-based maps require minimal space (less than 5MB) so users enjoy a smooth panning and zooming experience without long load times; maps remain available offline. GPS functionality allows users to find their way around town and discover nearby attractions.
The app’s integrations offer enhanced utility. Integration with Google Places allows users to map millions of local venues around the world including museums, parks, stores as well as places recommended by friends. Integrated content from TripAdvisor and TimeOut, among others, provide up-to-date information on local restaurants, hotels and entertainment. Integration with Facebook allows travelers to personalize their guides, requesting suggestions from friends, inviting travelers to collaborate on their guides and accessing all Facebook friend check-ins.