If you have kids who want a say in where and how they travel, a 12-year-old from Dubbo just might have the answer.
The newest – and probably youngest- entrepreneur has hit the scene, and it comes in the form of Isabella Tipping, who hails from Dubbo, NSW.
Tipping has founded Kidzcationz.com, a website that allows kids, their parents and carers to rate hotels, restaurants, theme parks and attractions based on how well they support the needs of younger members of the family.
This kids’ version of TripAdvisor is not designed to replace the adult travel websites, but rather to run alongside them, so families looking for a holiday destination can get a broad view of how well that venue can support the whole family.
Kidzcationz.com will also allow direct online bookings via Expedia, so once the venue that manages to give dad his sport, little Johnny his playstation and mum her time by the pool has been found, they can immediately book and pay.
“I came up with this idea when Mum was filling out a TripAdvisor review after a family holiday,” Tipping said.
“She liked a hotel where we had stayed and gave it a great review, but I really didn’t like it at all as it was so adult-focussed. The fold-out bed I had was uncomfortable and the kids’ meals were the same old dried out nuggets and pasta. To me, it was like the parents mattered, but the kids didn’t.”
“I thought it would be a great idea if kids could have their say too because so many holiday venues and attractions don’t cater for younger members of the family and if the kids aren’t having a good time, then our parents aren’t either.”
“At Kidzcationz.com, kids can actually have their say and rate holiday venues, the food that is offered and the things to do, so parents will find it easier when choosing a holiday venue or a day out,” she added.
And Kidzcationz.com is a kids’-safe site too. Children do not use a photo of themselves with their user names, there is no person-to-person contact and no information is shared. When they sign up, children choose an avatar and the more reviews they make, the more points they gain to upgrade their avatar.
A student in Year 7 at Macquarie Anglican Grammar School, Isabella Tipping has won many awards including the Catherine McCauley Compassion Award, the Living Is Giving Humanitarian Award and the School’s Good Behaviour Award.
She was a champion member of the School debating team and a constant Mathletics champion in 2014. Her hobbies include reading, writing, travel, cars, watching V8 Supercars with her Dad, Paul, following her favourite team, the Knights.
Kidzcationz.com launches September 4 – keep your eyes peeled!
