[This post is written in partnership with Trover after using the app and continuing to find it truly useful and worth spreading the word about. I don’t do these kind of posts often – only when I really believe in something and always with opinions and thoughts that are 100% my own.]
You walk by a cafe in your hometown, or perhaps a local bookshop, or maybe there’s a small, but beautiful, beach that offers a perfect sunset view. You smile widely when you think of these places, knowing that they are exactly what makes your town as attractive, as fun, as unique as it is.
They’re the kind of places you tell your friends to visit whenever they are in town. They’re also the kind of places that few people would ever find if you didn’t tell others about them yourself.
Now picture this…
You walk outside your hostel or hotel in a foreign city, let’s say Istanbul. You wish that somebody would give you some guidance, would help you find those out of the way experiences that most travelers wouldn’t know about. You want somebody to point out those same kind of unique and special places that you would point out to them back in your hometown.
Where are the hidden art galleries? How about a simple restaurant where unbelievably mouth-watering fare can be enjoyed at real local prices? What about a neighborhood where few foreigners ever go or a sight that has yet to make it into all of the guidebooks?
Spend five minutes on Trover and you’ll have your answers.
Trover is an app that I’ve written about before. And what I said the first time, which still holds true, is that I don’t use many travel apps at all, but Trover did manage to catch my attention. This is because it allows me, in a matter of seconds, to discover something new to see or do or eat, something that I otherwise would never have known about, anywhere I happen to be in the world.
It goes a little something like this…
I need travel ideas. I check out Trover. I’m off to something new.
It’s like an on-the-go, random travel experience generator. And as a result, I think it’s an excellent tool.
As an example, by using Trover, I recently ended up discovering…
And I’ll use it when I’m in Spain next week as well. Looks like I need to pay a visit to this little cove…
Try Out Trover
Need something to do right now? Whether you’re traveling or not, give it a try and see what you find…
1.Open the app or website 2.Let it find, or type in, your location 3.Choose a category on the left (Food, Entertainment, Outdoor) 4.Enjoy the discoveries that appear!
You could even type in an “Interest” in the search bar and it will find places or activities that match that interest right in your current area. Or just click on “Explore” and check out all of the categories available, most of which, when explored, will undoubtedly keep you on Trover for a few more hours than you were probably planning on.
The travel ideas are endless.
I’ll do one right now…
As I’m still in Istanbul, I just typed in “Istanbul”. The first discovery that jumped out at me is “Balat – Istanbul, Turkey”.
Never heard of it. I’ll absolutely be going there in the next couple of days though. Too easy.
And whether you use it to actually help you plan an entire trip or, like I’m using it right now, to discover, as I travel, random places and experiences that I have no idea even exist until a photo of it pops up on my Trover app, I really do think you’ll find this app to be quite useful and enjoyable to use.
And of course, you can also share all of the places you find during your travels, or even in your hometown, with others on Trover so that they may discover these gems as well. Travelers helping travelers!
(Trover is available on both iPhone and Android of course.)
Other Cool Things About Trover
Monthly Scholarships
Every month, Trover gives away a $500 “travel scholarship” to the Trover user who shows the best engagement in the community. They monitor all the usage and if you happen to be the winner, you don’t have to do anything but accept the $500.
Contests
Trover is holding simple contests all the time where all you need to do is upload a photo based on a particular category. In fact, one reader of this site won a Trover contest a couple of months ago, pocketing $1500 just for uploading his photo. It’s always a good idea to check out the contest page to see what kind of things are going on.
Do let me know if you give Trover a try and how it goes for you! And for those of you who are already using it, any tips to share on how to maximize the experience?
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I just downloaded this! looks fantastic! thank you for sharing (:
I discovered your blog and have spent hours on it..whoooops. thank you for this wonderful place of stories.
Thanks again Earl! I’m currently in Bali and remembered you posted about this travel app a few weeks ago that I didn’t bother going through. Now that I’m here in Bali trying to get around and discover something fresh and off-the-beaten-path, this app is great! Thanks for sharing.
I’m LOVING Trover as well! I hope more people start to use it because there are a lot of places I’ve traveled to recently that haven’t had many photos to go through. I wish it would become a little more popular to help with that but so far in the more touristy areas it’s helped me find some spots I never would have gone otherwise. Plus I think they have a great business going on too. It’s awesome they support people with the scholarships! I think that’s amazing.
Trover’s fun! I just downloaded it last month and uploaded a few pictures for their #market photo contest. There are so many good pictures so I doubt I’ll win, but it was cool posting them anyway. I’ll use it for sure on our next trip. 🙂
Trover is one of the best travel sites to hit the web in a long time … I’ve planned out two trips with this sites already – can’t say enough good things about it!
Agree every word you’ve mentioned about Trover. I started using the app since their initial days. Unlike a lot of other apps, it’s just so easy to use, especially with its mobile app too. The users have put up some stunning photos aswell.
Love Trover! I’ve been using it for about six months (Swan’s Eye View). There is so much to explore and the app is well put together and thought through. I will look you up so I can see where you’re wandering next…
Nice review. I haven’t tried Trover before but it does sound like it could be great for those times when you have a free afternoon and want to just go exploring in a city – we have a 10 day trip in Iceland coming up next week so will try it out there.
Hey F.D. – There are actually a lot of ratings for both the apps on there…it’s been around for a while now, over a year and it seems to work well for most people.
I have been using Trover for a few months now. I wasn’t aware of the contests and some of the cool ways to plan travel. I will take a closer look. I love your blog! Very inspiring!
Thanks for reminding me about this app’ I think I read about it on your blog before and wanted to check it out. it sounds great and exactly the type of thing I need when i travel as i don’t like to carry lonely planets around 🙂
Because YOU are so selective about your recos, WE, I am happy to take one when you’ve got one. I was just lamenting that I’m going to Stockholm tomorrow for the first time with literally no idea about what I’ll do. Travel planning fail. Now I’m frankly not gonna worry about it, and instead, I’ll just download this!
We use Trover almost daily. It is a great way for us to plane our day trips out of whatever country we are visiting. We are using it now to plan our notheren India trip.
I remember reading your first review about trover.
After reading it I instantly tried to download it on my phone but I had an older (very older) android and said something like “the operating system can’t use the app”
I was pretty bummed but I was planning to step abroad (in a few weeks) and got a new phone. I have yet to download the app so this is a good reminder AND I didn’t know that they had a website too so that is a really good resource to know about.
Hmm, ok, you really got me thinking.. I heard of Trover quite a while ago but was never convinced enough to go for it. I think I’ll try it out now, though!
Btw. it sounds like you’re going to TBEX! It would be cool to meet you there, maybe not in that cove, though :))
I’m getting ready to travel to Borneo for a few months and really want to find those off the beaten path places. App has been downloaded and I’m ready to go! Thanks for the info!!!
I just downloaded this! looks fantastic! thank you for sharing (:
I discovered your blog and have spent hours on it..whoooops. thank you for this wonderful place of stories.
Thanks again Earl! I’m currently in Bali and remembered you posted about this travel app a few weeks ago that I didn’t bother going through. Now that I’m here in Bali trying to get around and discover something fresh and off-the-beaten-path, this app is great! Thanks for sharing.
Hey Avery – Hope it goes well for you and enjoy your time over there!
I’m LOVING Trover as well! I hope more people start to use it because there are a lot of places I’ve traveled to recently that haven’t had many photos to go through. I wish it would become a little more popular to help with that but so far in the more touristy areas it’s helped me find some spots I never would have gone otherwise. Plus I think they have a great business going on too. It’s awesome they support people with the scholarships! I think that’s amazing.
I hope it does really well!
Trover’s fun! I just downloaded it last month and uploaded a few pictures for their #market photo contest. There are so many good pictures so I doubt I’ll win, but it was cool posting them anyway. I’ll use it for sure on our next trip. 🙂
Trover is one of the best travel sites to hit the web in a long time … I’ve planned out two trips with this sites already – can’t say enough good things about it!
Agree every word you’ve mentioned about Trover. I started using the app since their initial days. Unlike a lot of other apps, it’s just so easy to use, especially with its mobile app too. The users have put up some stunning photos aswell.
Love Trover! I’ve been using it for about six months (Swan’s Eye View). There is so much to explore and the app is well put together and thought through. I will look you up so I can see where you’re wandering next…
Nice review. I haven’t tried Trover before but it does sound like it could be great for those times when you have a free afternoon and want to just go exploring in a city – we have a 10 day trip in Iceland coming up next week so will try it out there.
The application is very good. You can find great travel ideas and the interface is user friendly. Every keen traveler should try it.
Looks interesting and a great idea! I see the app is brand new, no reviews yet even. Has the app been working well for you so far?
Hey F.D. – There are actually a lot of ratings for both the apps on there…it’s been around for a while now, over a year and it seems to work well for most people.
I have been using Trover for a few months now. I wasn’t aware of the contests and some of the cool ways to plan travel. I will take a closer look. I love your blog! Very inspiring!
This is probably the 5th time I’ve seen a travel blogger recommend Trover. I must get around to download it to see what it’s all about! 🙂
So many unique ideas on that site … I’ll have to sign up for an account on Trover!
I’ve never heard about it before, I have to check it. Thanks!
Hey Earl, I’m using Trover now. What’s your Trover name so I can follow you? 😀
Hey Crystal – It’s Earl Baron over on Trover!
Thanks for reminding me about this app’ I think I read about it on your blog before and wanted to check it out. it sounds great and exactly the type of thing I need when i travel as i don’t like to carry lonely planets around 🙂
Because YOU are so selective about your recos, WE, I am happy to take one when you’ve got one. I was just lamenting that I’m going to Stockholm tomorrow for the first time with literally no idea about what I’ll do. Travel planning fail. Now I’m frankly not gonna worry about it, and instead, I’ll just download this!
I recently started using Trover and it has turned out to be a useful tool.
We use Trover almost daily. It is a great way for us to plane our day trips out of whatever country we are visiting. We are using it now to plan our notheren India trip.
I remember reading your first review about trover.
After reading it I instantly tried to download it on my phone but I had an older (very older) android and said something like “the operating system can’t use the app”
I was pretty bummed but I was planning to step abroad (in a few weeks) and got a new phone. I have yet to download the app so this is a good reminder AND I didn’t know that they had a website too so that is a really good resource to know about.
Thanks again Earl.
– Alan
Hmm, ok, you really got me thinking.. I heard of Trover quite a while ago but was never convinced enough to go for it. I think I’ll try it out now, though!
Btw. it sounds like you’re going to TBEX! It would be cool to meet you there, maybe not in that cove, though :))
I’m getting ready to travel to Borneo for a few months and really want to find those off the beaten path places. App has been downloaded and I’m ready to go! Thanks for the info!!!
I’m on a ferry on my way to Tallinn and just downloaded the app and I can’t believe how useful it is! Thanks for the recommendation!
I love Trover! I got some great tips for my upcoming trip to Mexico on it, one of them being your photo of Muyil – can’t wait to check it out!