Social travel network Tripmates has re-launched its website www.tripmates.com under the brand TripUp (www.TripUp.com).

Published: 14 Feb 2007

Social travel network Tripmates has re-launched its website www.tripmates.com under the brand TripUp (www.TripUp.com).

According to the company, Los Angeles-based TripUp offers more opportunities to link up, meet up, and hook up with locals and travelers from all over the world.

In addition to a fresh look, TripUp offers new features. Now, members can customise their profile styles and embed html and flash (such as graphics, videos, and slideshows). Building upon Tripmates’ popular user-generated travel blogs, photos, and reviews, TripUp becomes the first online travel community to offer globetrotters an opportunity to truly express themselves through customisable profiles, added the company.

Apart from using TripUp’s exclusive Trip Gurus-self-designated travel experts, TripUp members are using the social networking site to find Trip Buddies. From linking up with a local guide, to hooking up with a fellow traveler, to meeting up on a “trip date”, TripUp connects travelers before they depart so they never feel like a tourist while away.

“TripUp revolutionises social travel networking,” said TripUp chief executive officer Sam Rogoway. “TripUp proves that online travel communities don’t have to be boring. We are pushing the envelope in online travel and building the first of these communities to relate to the My Space generation.”

In connection with its re-launch, TripUp has added online travel pioneer Cameron Yuill to its Board of Directors. Yuill is the co-founder of MWM Capital, a capital advisory firm in San Francisco, and previously served in senior executive positions at Cendant Corp. (now Travelport) and Viator Inc.