Empathy & Product Management

I always have a Product Management mindset.

Whether I like it or not I cannot turn it off and am able to empathize with personas similar to myself.

The latest example is surrounding solo travel.

It is no secret I am divorced, however, that does not mean I cannot experience new places!

I have traveled to Savannah, Georgia / Asheville, North Carolina / Cape May, New Jersey / Charleston, South Carolina.

One thing I do not understand is that everything seems to default to couples.

It begins with the booking. The number of travelers is always set to two in lieu of one on the most popular sites.

Even when I choose a single number, the hotel will then ask if I want to add on any special packages for two. I obviously decline.

Once the trip is finally booked correctly, I will then get emails that are tailored to couples on what activities I should partake in during my trip. Spoiler alert, none of them are applicable to a single traveler.

Fast forward to my arrival at the hotel. The materials provided are for parties of two or more.

Now I get it. The default number of people travel with their significant other and/or family. But I do believe the market would benefit from having itineraries for the uncommon situations.

This could include everything from restaurants to transportation to even tips on traveling safely.

It would be amazing to have excursions targeting my demographic.

Until then here is a memory of my solo adventures.