Recently we had an opportunity to speak with Kaitlyn Osborne, the Marketing Director at TravelStorysGPS, LLC about TravelStorys

Please share with us the backstory of what motivated you to create this app.

Every story has a beginning, and ours began with a simple idea. That everyone hopes to feel a deeper connection to the places they visit. Stories make that connection possible. They open doors to the natural history, culture, and people of a place so we can enjoy the uniqueness of the world around us.

Much like a scrapbook or journal, TravelStorys gives us a way to share the little-known stories about where we have been—and to remember the experiences we had along the way. We have made it our mission to tell authentic stories that travelers love and connect them to where they are in fascinating and memorable ways. We work with all local organizations to share the authentic, local stories of the communities, parks, land, and places we visit.

When we are heads down in our technology, we miss so many of the wonders that make our landscapes and communities valuable. TravelStorys is designed to keep our eyes on the sights through authentic, hands-free storytelling. Because we believe that adventurers of all ages can still be amazed by the context of place.

Download the app and choose a tour near you. Once on-site, open the tour and drive, walk, bike, or paddle along the tour route. As you pass by the sights a short story will automatically begin to play about what you're passing. Learn about the history, geology, wildlife, and more! You can also enjoy each tour remotely.

What features do you hope to roll out to your app in the future?

E-coupons, informative town intros, and more!

What has been the most rewarding aspect of the creation of this app?

To share the little-known stories of local nonprofits, organizations, agencies, etc. to travelers on the go. Every place has a story to tell and now we're able to share those stories with everyone! And with our GPS technology the smartphone becomes a portal to your surroundings rather than a distraction.

What is the coolest or most innovative feature of your app?

- Free self-guided audio tours, at any mode of travel, that focus on place-based storytelling

- Free to enjoy, no cost to download the app or take the tours

- Audio synced to precise locations

- Multiple travel speeds and modes supported

- Multimedia (text, image, video)

- Branded, easily accessible tours for sponsors

- Stories in different languages

- Multiple stories in the same location

- No reception required

- Charitable donation features

- Map overlays

- Regional connectivity (such as scenic byways)

How did you decide which platforms to release your app on and do you plan on releasing your app to other platforms?

Our app is available on the App Store and the Google Play Store

How is your app different than the rest of the market? Which unique need does it fill?

TravelStorys is a hands-free, location-aware app that lets you hear the stories that make every place remarkable. Explore with confidence as professional narrators guide you through the authentic history, culture, wildlife, and geology of your destination—in a short, podcaststyle audio format (storycasts). Less like an app and more like a compass, TravelStorys is designed to work offline and in your pocket. So you can focus on your surroundings instead of your device. Every place has a story to tell, and now you can tune in.

You can view TravelStorys here