It’s not everyday when a tropical storm hits and being confined to a hotel room brings about a positive ending.  But that’s exactly what happened for founders Melanie and John. During an interview with Melanie and John, they discussed the origin of Away Together.

“While traveling, a storm hit, and as we were sitting in our hotel room we wondered why we couldn’t communicate with other guests to see if anyone wanted to meet and play cards and why the hotel only communicated by leaving messages under doors?” –Melanie Brewer, Away Together Co-Founder

What is Away Together?

Away Together is an app that travelers download and use (for free!) which enables them to securely chat with other guests as well as allows the hotel to keep them updated on various local events and hotel activities.

According to the World Travel Organization, 68% of travelers want to truly experience a destination through the eyes of a local highlighting local history, culture, and social impact experiences. Away Together grants access to local events, businesses, restaurants and excursions through the Activities tab within the app.

For example, if guests want to coordinate a ride share to the airport or meet to play a game of volleyball, these types of communications can be sent safely and securely within the app. 

Instead of posting to  public social media groups, travelers within the app have the capability to chat on a safe, secure and private platform that can only be accessed by other guests at the establishment or event via geofencing and proprietary software.

Seamless Connections

Are you planning a destination wedding or event? If so, Away Together allows you to easily communicate with your family and friends even if they are staying at different hotels. A unique identifier within the app allows you to tie all your guests into one group and communicate effectively to stay on time and connected.

The app also allows easy and efficient communication to all guests in a similar fashion. Let’s say the resort has multiple restaurants on site, and each restaurant has a specific menu that rotates depending on the day. The app is a fluid method to inform guests of specials, any closures due to maintenance, one-off events like marathons or concerts, and precautions and updates if you experience a natural disaster while traveling.

You don’t speak the local language, no problem.  Away Together recently added a translation feature to its functionality.  Send and receive messages in your native tongue to optimize the experience without having concerns over language differences.

Experience Away Together on Every Continent

Away Together’s intial footprint is in hotels, resorts and events in the Caribbean.Future plans include partnering with RV Parks, Condo Associations, and cruise lines as well as emerging markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

How You Can Help

Goals for 2023 include securing their next round of investment. This funding will allow for hiring of employees and rolling out the 6th version of their app which will have new features including building upon existing AI capabilities.

If you’re traveling, check to see if your hotel is currently partnered with Away Together by checking out the map on their website. If so, you are encouraged to contact their team with feedback.  

Interested in scheduling a meeting or requesting a free demo with the Away Together team?  Access their schedule here.

Advice for Fellow Founders

“Some days, being an entrepreneur is like eating a really good cheeseburger with all of the toppings - wonderful but incredibly messy.” -Melanie Brewer and John Beuchert, Away Together Co-Founders

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