A new startup from Seattle, Viata, is aiming to revolutionise how people plan their trips by offering an innovative mapping platform that focuses not only on hotel availability but also on travel times and logistics. The platform, designed by a mother-son duo with deep tech ties to the University of Washington, aims to streamline a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of travel planning: how to navigate between accommodation and attractions during a trip.
The Missing Piece in Travel Planning: Travel Times
Ken Aragon, Viata’s co-founder and CEO, identified a gap in the market for an easier way to visualise not only the destinations on a trip but also the logistics of getting from place to place. “When I was searching for a hotel earlier this year for a volleyball tournament, I could easily find information on lodging prices, ratings, and availability,” Aragon said. “What I needed to know was how long the drive would be going to and from the venue over a long weekend.”
That frustration inspired him to create a platform that not only shows potential hotel options but also plots out travel times between lodging and the destinations users are planning to visit. “There’s no way when you’re looking for a hotel to understand, ‘How is this going to fit into my trip?'”
How Viata Works: Simple, Yet Effective
Viata’s platform allows users to enter the city they’re visiting, as well as the sites and destinations they want to explore. It then generates a map showing not only the hotels in the area but also the travel times between those hotels and the selected destinations. Whether you’re travelling by car, mass transit, bike, or on foot, Viata tailors the map to provide the most relevant travel options.
For example, if you’re attending a conference and need to navigate between your hotel, the convention centre, and local restaurants, Viata will calculate the travel time between these points, making it easier to decide where to stay and how to get around.
A Family Affair with Strong Tech Roots
The startup has its roots in the University of Washington’s tech community, where both Ken Aragon and his mother, the company’s co-founder, honed their skills. The duo combines a strong understanding of technology with a personal drive to solve real-world problems.
Ken’s background in engineering and technology has enabled him to create a platform that blends technical innovation with a practical user experience. Viata’s intuitive interface and powerful map generation capabilities make it simple for users to plan their trips without getting bogged down by logistics.
Why Viata Is Different: A Game-Changer for Travel Planning
What sets Viata apart from existing travel platforms is its focus on travel time logistics, an aspect often overlooked by major booking sites. While services like Google Maps or Expedia can help with finding hotels or destinations, they don’t necessarily answer the question: “How does this all fit together?”
For travellers attending events or visiting multiple attractions, time management can be crucial, and Viata’s platform aims to solve that problem. Users can now easily compare different accommodations based on how quickly they can reach their destinations, giving them a clearer picture of their entire trip.
The Future of Trip Mapping
As travel continues to evolve, the demand for more tailored and time-sensitive planning tools will only grow. Viata has already begun gaining attention in the tech world, and its user-friendly design is attracting a growing audience. With plans to expand its platform and features, the startup has the potential to become a major player in the travel tech space, offering a unique solution that makes travel planning easier, faster, and more efficient.
In an age where every minute of a trip counts, Viata’s trip-mapping platform offers an invaluable tool to ensure that travellers can make the most of their time on the road.
