Show HN: Built a City Explorer Because My Wife and I Got Tired of Switching Apps
You know that feeling when you're exploring a new city, and you stop in front of this stunning building or quirky statue, but have no clue about its significance? That was me and my wife last year, constantly switching between apps and guidebooks instead of actually enjoying our travels together. After one too many times of saying "I wish we knew the story behind that," I decided to build Travo. It's a city guide that lives in your pocket, born from real frustration and countless hours of getting lost in beautiful places (sometimes intentionally, often not). I've spent the past year working solo on this, turning those travel pain points into something I hope makes exploring cities more enjoyable and less about staring at multiple screens. The goal? Let you wander freely while still knowing the rich stories behind everything you're seeing. Travo transforms your smartphone into an interactive city guide that combines maps, audio narration, and local insights. It helps you discover hidden gems and cultural landmarks at your own pace. Here's what you get:
Here's what you get: - Audio storytelling that brings local history and culture to life - Interactive maps that let you explore at your own pace - 7-day customizable itinerary planning with optimized routes - Use navigation points directly in your favorite app with public transport options - Available in 13 languages for global travelers - AI-powered historical and cultural insights that bring cities to life - Extensive coverage of points of interest, powered by advanced AI technology
Perfect for independent travelers who love exploring at their own pace, culture enthusiasts eager to learn the stories behind city sights, and anyone curious about the history around them. I decided to keep the business model simple and traveler-friendly: explore 8 cities with free access, and when you find a city you love, unlock it with a one-time purchase to get access to all stories within 50km/31 miles around that city. You only pay for the places you want to explore.
Special for HN readers: use code HN2024 to unlock one city of your choice!
The challenging part? As a solo developer, I've had my share of late-night debugging sessions and moments questioning my sanity. I'd love to hear from fellow developers about managing projects solo, and from travelers about what would make this more useful for you. Particularly interested in your experiences with the interactive map and generated plans. Try it out:
Website: travo.me App: https://link.travo.me/travo (automatically opens App Store/Play Store based on device)
Let me know what you think! I'm here to answer questions and learn from your insights.