The way Gen Z plans travel is fragmented, jumping between Instagram, YouTube, Google Maps, Reddit, booking sites, and even AI chat tools. One wrong choice, like booking a hotel miles away from transport, can ruin an entire trip. Enter Passprt Trips, an AI-native travel companion designed to simplify and personalize the journey. In this exclusive conversation with Ujjwal Garg, co-founder of Passprt Trips, we explore how his team is transforming travel from a stressful process into a seamless adventure.
1. What travel problem pushed you to build Passprt Trips for Gen Z?
Gen Z loves the DIY travel experience, planning trips through Instagram, YouTube, Google Maps, Reddit, ChatGPT, travel blogs, and booking sites. But the journey feels scattered and overwhelming. One wrong choice like booking a hotel with no access to public transport, can derail the entire trip.
With Passprt Trips, we’re building a Personal Travel Advisor powered by AI. It works like a trusted companion, guiding travellers from planning to booking, ensuring better decisions at every step.
2. When did Passprt shift from being just another booking tool to a movement?
From day one, our goal was never to be “just another booking platform.” I’ve been an avid traveller myself, so the vision has always been to cover the full journey, from inspiration and discovery to planning, booking, and on-trip support. That’s when Passprt became more than a tool; it became a mission to give travellers true freedom.
3. If Passprt Trips were a rebellion, which travel norm would it challenge?
Traditional travel agents only help if you buy their rigid, one-size-fits-all packages. Meanwhile, DIY travellers are left struggling alone. Passprt flips this norm, empowering independent travellers with the same level of smart, personalised support.
4. Was there a moment of doubt that reshaped your perseverance?
Absolutely. Last year, we experimented with a marketplace model, but growth was slower than expected. Instead of pushing blindly, we spoke to thousands of travellers. Those conversations helped us pivot and rebuild Passprt into something that truly meets user needs.
5. What startup advice did you once believe but had to unlearn?
I used to believe in the mantra: “Build it and they will come.” But I learned quickly that a great product isn’t enough. Distribution, timing, and storytelling are just as important as product quality.
6. Can you share a decision with no clear ROI that still paid off?
Spending months in 1:1 conversations with travellers. On paper, it slowed us down and didn’t drive revenue immediately. But those conversations gave us unmatched insights, built trust, and helped us craft a product travellers genuinely value.
7. If your journey were a travel metaphor, what would it be?
A high-altitude trek. The climb is challenging, with moments of thin air and uncertainty. But each step gives us a clearer view of the path ahead, and the summit will be worth it.
8. How do you balance speed with intentionality when building fast with AI?
We move quickly with experiments but set non-negotiables around accuracy, trust, and safety. We never rush decisions that could affect traveller experience or long-term credibility.
9. Which emotional skill did you have to develop unexpectedly?
Patience. In travel tech, trust, accuracy, and habit-change take time. I had to learn to stay calm and focused even when progress felt slow.
10. Have you faced any ethical grey zones in building Passprt?
Yes, particularly around personalisation vs. privacy. We wanted our AI to feel like a true travel companion without crossing privacy lines. Our solution: collect minimal data, gain clear consent, and rely on contextual conversations instead of intrusive tracking.
11. What does the travel industry still get wrong about Gen Z?
Many assume Gen Z only chases budget deals. In reality, they seek value, and are willing to pay more for flexibility, unique experiences, and trusted recommendations.
12. How do you recentre yourself when scale pressures pile up?
I return to traveller conversations. Listening to their frustrations and stories reminds me why we built Passprt: to make travel personal, stress-free, and meaningful. It grounds me in purpose.
13. What would you build if fear wasn’t a factor?
Honestly, I’d still build Passprt Trips exactly the way it is today.
