1. Travel guides are just starting to emerge in the iPod scene. You can download guidebooks and maps, audio books, and travel related podcasts. Rick Steves has come the furthest with his walking audio tours. There is still a lot of room to expand this genre. Rick Steves’ guides are historical, what about other themes? There are “Sex and the City” bus tours in New York and Harry Potter tours in London already. These two tours are very popular and no doubt fun in large groups. However, like iTunes has made lesser known bands more accessible; why not make self-guided tours more accessible for less mainstream themes. This could include tours of scenes from National Treasure in Boston, Breakfast at Tiffany’s in NYC, or the entire driving tour from Elizabethtown. Beyond films, self-guided tours could include restaurants, clubs, boutiques, gardens, etc.
2. One of the biggest regrets of travel is an unsuccessful attempt to find home cooking. The best way to immerse in a culture is to taste the food. My idea is inspired by Couch Surfing. Why not create a network of foodies? When you find yourself in a new city, this site will allow you to contact a local who is willing to invite you to dinner.
The second idea is tasty.
ReplyDeleteThere’s nothing like a home-cooked meal. And that meal might appear to be the same on two different menus but it will taste differently in other parts of the country and the world.
Allowing people to make a connection with the culture of the community abroad could be the most profitable and enjoyable part of your venture.
Food is a universal connection and the exploration of culture through the dinner table will only enhance someone’s experience. And having a home-cooked meal is much more than the chicken and dumplings. The meal initiates new conversations and creates new friendships.
Last year, I went to Colorado Springs with my in-laws and I wanted to explore restaurants that we don’t have at home. I wanted to taste what the community had to offer. Instead, they wanted to go to Olive Garden and Outback. They wanted consistency. I wanted culture. I could have stayed home and saved a bunch of money if I was going to have the all-you-can-eat soup and salad.
Your proposal offers variety and an authentic look at the culture. This could be a travel goldmine. This idea makes me hungry.
Even before reading WW's comments I virtually had the same thoughts about your pitch (although he has much more clever expressions). The food spin is intriguing. I think it's got merit. I hope you pursue this topic for your executive presentation.
ReplyDeleteClearly everyone likes the novelty of the second idea. There is still a lot to be done with the first, but you don’t really dazzle us with a brief suggestion of the possibility of a Breakfast at Tiffany’s podcast tour. Your idea may include? May?
ReplyDeleteA pitch has to be definite. Pitches, proposals, and presentations are just as egotistical as an essay. They are always in the present tense. There is no maybe or we hope to or plan to. Your project IS happening. A pitch only comes after you’ve written a few drafts of the proposal.
Audrey Hepburn’s Walk of Shame IS number 25 in a series of hilarious and informative tours of New York City by Gotham Walks. Covering a five block radius around the famous Tiffany Windows on Fifth Avenue, Gotham Walk #25 (AHWS) covers The Apple Cube, FAO Schwartz, the Plaza Hotel, the Central Park Zoo…
I see a slogan already in your second pitch, but you’re not taking the time.
One of the biggest regrets of travel is an unsuccessful attempt to find home cooking.
It’s hard to find a home cooked meal when you’re from out of town.
I see a pitch already too.
You’ve heard of couch surfing, but have you heard of plate surfing, meal surfing, supper surfing? Cuisinetrade?
You have to grab your potential investor.
Good work.