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Local destination unknown travel agency doubles growth every month since launch

SINGAPORE – A new custom travel agency in Singapore that does not tell travellers their destination until a week before the flight has seen month-on-month growth double since it started operations in January.

SINGAPORE – A new custom travel agency in Singapore that does not tell travellers their destination until a week before the flight has seen month-on-month growth double since it started operations in January.

Founded by two 26 year-olds Zelia Leong and Felix Tan, the homegrown agency Anywhr organises trips based on parameters set by customers, such as budget, travel dates and the type of holiday – adventure, getaway or experience.

Leong came up with the idea after she spent several months travelling in Europe.

“I realised travelling wasn’t restricted to fixed itineraries or visiting famous landmarks. It’s about meeting new people and discovering the destination itself which is the surprise,” said Leong.

When she returned, she raised the idea to Tan, who was a colleague the at a venture capital firm she was working at.

“All our friends thought we were kidding when we told them about the idea,” she added. However, Anywhr’s warm reception by Singaporeans has taken Leong and Tan by surprise.

She claims the agency’s bookings have doubled every month since it started in January this year, and has so far received “a few hundred” bookings.

What started as a part-time hobby for Leong and Tan has now turned into a full-time venture as both have quit their jobs to nurse the business.

Leong joked: “When we got our first booking, we didn’t expect it and we were like, ‘What do we do now?’”

Travellers who book the agency will receive an email three days after confirmation with the departure details, weather forecasts and what to pack.

A week before the flight, a customised travel guide, S$30 worth of the country’s currency to cover initial transport will arrive in the mail, along with - most importantly – their destination.

“The focus is not on fixing itineraries but rather, suggesting interesting things to do and leaving it up to guests to choose. We partner with other small travel companies or travel advisors at the destination to recommend less touristy itineraries, what to eat and local tips,” said Leong.

She added that “over-travelled destinations, such as Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur”, will not be on offer, while travellers can also indicate destinations they have been to, or would not like to go.

Travellers like 23 year-old undergraduate Weina Soh said she would be keen to try these holiday plans. “I like the element of surprise and not knowing where my next adventure would be.

“However, the agency should be able to guarantee that there are proper regulations in place such as ensuring that the trips arranged are safe,” she said.

Muhammad Faqihuddin Mohamad Mahriz booked a five-day four-night trip with a friend and opted for the “adventure” and “budget” options.

“We got sent to Da Nang in Vietnam. I never even knew that part of Vietnam existed with coastal areas or mountainous regions,” said Faqihuddin, who is training to be a financial advisor.

He added: “I would definitely do it again because I am confident they will bring me somewhere not a lot of people will go to. That means it will probably be cheaper and it will be a new and different experience.”

More information is available at https://www.anywhr.co. Prices start at $300 for a two day one night trip.

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