Custom social platform targets gap-year travellers

Gap-year travel specialist Global Work & Travel has launched its own custom-built social platform designed to help solo travellers connect while on the road.

The platform sits inside its gWorld customer app and allows the company’s travellers to connect with one another before and after they’ve landed and to organise get-togethers and events. It also provides access to the new ‘Global Getaways’ feature which allows users to join like-minded travellers on unique ‘bucket list’ side trips organised by the company’s Community Managers.

“We’ve been told by our travellers that the biggest barrier to going overseas and doing a working holiday or teaching abroad or any sort of long-term overseas work and travel trip, is that they don’t know anyone, and it’s scary to go solo and leave your comfort zone back home,” said Global Work & Travel CEO and Co-founder Jürgen Himmelmann.

“We’re now alleviating that barrier to travel with this gap-year-industry-first technology.

“This is why we decided to develop and launch our own social network that's been custom-made and developed in-house by our talented tech team, doesn’t use any out-of-the-box software or solution that other brands might, and it now reduces that barrier for young people to travel abroad,” Himmelmann said.

gWorld Social has been in development for 18 months, with a beta version launched in Canada in January. It is now available to Global’s customers on all continents except Africa.

The app also allows travellers to:

• Upload, download and access important documents including flight tickets and travel insurance policies.
• Make payments, check the weather and a countdown until departure.
• Create a professional resumé with the help of a resumé builder tool.
• Track job opportunities and manage interviews.
• Secure discounts on a range of products and experiences worldwide from partner brands through an exclusive Marketplace.
• Join the community on side trips through Global Getaways and local meet-ups with other travellers.
• Access a range of online courses to learn language basics or upskill before or while abroad, particularly in the hospitality and service industries.