Startup lets travellers exchange language skills for a free stay

Startup lets travellers exchange language skills for a free stay

An entrepreneur who founded and sold the world’s largest gap year travel company i-to-i.com in 2007 has re-emerged with a new travel site.

An entrepreneur who founded and sold the world’s largest gap year travel company i-to-i.com in 2007 has re-emerged with a new travel site.

Deirdre Bounds has developed GoCambio.com to allow travellers of different nationalities to exchange their language skills for a free stay in a host’s home

The aim is to connect people who want to learn or improve a language or a skill, with those who travel in search of unique and independent experiences.

A verification system allows host and guest references to be checked, while users can connect in advance of stays through Facebook and Skype.

Initially, the fee-free start-up is seen as working to combat a dearth of student exchange programmes. This has left children with fewer chances to practice their chosen foreign language at GCSE and A Level, according to the company.

A spokeswoman said: “Go Cambio offers a new culturally enriching travel experience away from the package deals and the tourist traps. Hosts can register for free from anywhere in the world, offering an exciting pool of places to visit.”

Bounds is a regular business commentator on BBC Radio 2 and BBC 5Live.