Sēkr Launches AI Road Trip Planning Tool to Enhance Outdoor Adventures
Sēkr, a dynamic startup dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts and campers, has unveiled an innovative AI tool designed for seamless road trip planning. This new feature, named Copilot, is accessible through the updated website and mobile app, both of which serve over 100,000 users.
Founded in 2016, Sēkr aims to support the thriving "van life" community by helping users discover campsites tailored to their preferences, including amenities like shower facilities, restrooms, overnight parking, and free Wi-Fi. Additionally, the app fosters connections among travelers looking to engage in outdoor activities together, such as rock climbing and skiing.
Following its acquisition by van company Peace Vans in December 2023, Sēkr has entered a new era of leadership. Peace Vans CEO Harley Sitner, a dedicated user of the app for seven years, noticed that Sēkr had been inactive the previous year. He learned that the original founders planned to discontinue the app due to challenges in global fundraising late in 2022, despite its strong user base. In November 2023, Sitner, a former product manager at Microsoft, was approached to acquire Sēkr.
In just eight months, the startup has shifted its focus to enhancing trip planning experiences while preserving its core mission. The innovative AI-powered road trip planning tool, Copilot, utilizes natural language processing and proprietary user-generated data, incorporating reviews and ratings from its community. Furthermore, it leverages publicly available information to craft personalized road trip itineraries, utilizing technologies from OpenAI’s GPT, Meta’s Llama, and more.
“For millions traveling by van, car, or RV this summer, Sēkr Copilot will eliminate hours of trip planning, quickly delivering a better itinerary,” Sitner stated. “AI won’t create the perfect sunset, but it will help you conquer the notorious planner’s block, facilitate serendipitous moments, and connect you with authentic road trip experiences co-created by our fantastic community."
Users can access Copilot through the new "Trip Planning" tab on Sēkr’s website or mobile app. When using the tool, travelers will respond to several prompts regarding their travel intentions and preferences. Based on their inputs, Copilot generates an editable itinerary featuring camping spots, dining options, and outdoor activities.
The primary goal of Copilot is to inspire travelers to uncover unique destinations they might not otherwise discover. For example, the tool may suggest visiting a local taco truck along a dusty Baja road, famed among users for its superior food compared to a five-star-reviewed Denny’s near Los Angeles. Alternatively, it could lead users to explore secluded spots in Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas that provide breathtaking views.
Available on both iOS and Android, Sēkr's basic features are free, with premium options—including offline maps, event discount codes, and unlimited messaging—for $4.99 per month.
The startup previously raised $2.25 million in seed funding, led by Storyteller Overland, with contributions from Backstage Capital, Techstars, Ad Astra Ventures, Crescent Ridge Ventures, and GoFundMe co-founder Andy Ballester.
Keywords: Sēkr, AI road trip planner, outdoor app, camping, van life, travel planning, trip itinerary.
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