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Tripping is a travel website that encourages users to step off the beaten path and explore local culture and new areas they may have otherwise missed. While many cities have a number of well-known landmarks, restaurants and attractions they also tend to have those lesser known locales that offer a more personal and cultural experience. Tripping helps users find those places while getting to know the local community better. The site brings trippers (travelers) and locals together. The local lends their energy and time by visiting the tripper while they are staying in the area. The tripper returns the favor by helping out in some way (assisting with dishes, bringing wine or simply hanging out and sharing life stories). Both users gain a better perspective on the background and culture of other regions while sharing their own experiences with a newcomer.

Tripping was founded in 2009 by Nate Weisinger and Jen O’Neal. The application was intended to give travelers a new way to explore the areas they visit. So far, Tripping has received positive comments and support from internet users. Many users have commented that they enjoy getting to know others who share similar interests in the areas they visit. Others appreciated the way they could see more of the local culture without trying to page through guide books and other cumbersome resources.

There are more travel websites available on the internet than any one traveler could ever need. Tripping stands out in this enormous crowd by offering a new approach to travel planning. Users can connect online with others who live in the cities and communities they will be staying in. This gives the user a chance to learn more and make plans to meet up while they are visiting. Both users get a chance to make new friends while sharing what they know about their culture and home.

Tripping encourages users to meet up and explore new places with a vibrant orange color scheme. Embedded Google maps help users find specific regions and communities without being restricted to a single major city. The application is user friendly and has a welcoming feel to it that creates a nurturing environment for the types of interactions Tripping hopes to initiate within its community. The atmosphere, style and personality of the site set the tone for positive interactions between users.

A new use can join the Tripping community by clicking the light green “Sign Up Free” button in the upper, right hand corner of the homepage. A pop up box appears with a form below a blue “Sign Up with Facebook” button. Users who prefer the traditional registration form can provide their first and last name, email address, password, desired Tripping URL, location, date of birth, gender (or group) and how they heard about the application. The user is automatically logged in after submitting the completed form.

Tripping is available to everyone for free. There are no subscription fees or other charges required to create an account and access all current features. This is a good thing because the application is reliant on its user base. The users are what add variety to the website’s offerings. Free access is a great way to encourage users from all over the world to sign up and begin participating in the Tripping community.

Tripping is a fun travel resource for anyone who plans to travel alone or with a group and would like to meet new people. The application gives users a unique, personal way to learn more about local customs, culture and a rare chance to discover lesser-known landmarks and attractions. The user enjoys a richer travel experience and may even make a few long term friends along the way.

• Users can sign up and log in with a Facebook account
• Travelers can meet locals before they begin their journey
• Locals can show newcomers lesser-known attractions and landmarks
• Tripping stats are maintained on the user's profile page
• Travel photos can be uploaded and shared on the user's profile

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