Launching in NZ: A Kids' Version Of TripAdvisor Created By A Kid, For Kids

Launching in NZ: A Kids' Version Of TripAdvisor Created By A Kid, For Kids

7 April 2016, 12:54PM
AC Verve

On April 11, a 13-year-old entrepreneur from Australia is launching kidzcationz.com in New Zealand. Kidzcationz is a website which 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.
 
Isabella (Bella) Tipping launched kidzcationz.com in Australia in late 2015. 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 which suits everyone in the family is 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,” Bella explained. “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.
 

Photo courtesy of AC Verve

“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.
 
“I am excited to be launching the site in New Zealand, it is one country that I’ve always wanted to visit,” Bella added.
 
Kidzcationz.com is a kids’-safe site. 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.
 
Isabella is girl of many talents. A student in Year 8 at Macquarie Anglican Grammar School, she is an humanitarian, gifted writer and excels at public speaking. Her hobbies include reading, writing, travel, cars, watching V8 Supercars with her Dad, Paul and following her favourite NRL team, the Newcastle Knights.
 
Kidzcationz.com recently incorporated a new feature which provides people with disabilities information on hotels and attractions which cater for their special needs. This is a key issue for Bella who has a strong desire for everyone to be treated equally.  She believes it is a basic human right for everyone to have access to the same advantages to enable them to live a full and happy life, free of restrictions and prejudice.

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