Are you more of a mountain person or a beach lover? Would you prefer the tropical vibes of Vietnam, the romantic charm of Europe, or an adventurous bike trip through the valleys of Leh Ladakh? Or maybe you’re tied to the office on Monday—if not, how about a weekend getaway to refresh and recharge? Well, don’t worry because with WanderOn, you can make your travel plans effortlessly!
WanderOn is an Indian travel company that has been making significant strides in the tourism industry by offering a wide range of travel experiences, from backpacking adventures to corporate tours. Founded with the mission to provide well-crafted, immersive travel experiences, WanderOn has quickly gained popularity among travelers looking for both domestic and international destinations.
WanderOn was founded by Govind Gaur, who serves as the CEO. The founding team also includes Chirag Jain, Madhusudan Jaju, Ravi Khokher, and Sandeep Kumar. These individuals, all engineering graduates from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Kurukshetra, came together to disrupt the travel industry by offering unique, offbeat travel experiences.
“After graduation, I switched three jobs within a span of 1.5 years because the idea of working in a cubicle wasn’t something I was ever passionate about. On New Year’s Eve of 2016, I started WanderOn with our first trip to Himachal Pradesh,” recalls Govind Gaur, Founder and CEO, WanderOn.
How is WanderOn different?
WanderOn’s mission was never wanted to do the regular touristy travel. They always do destinations which are either extremely unique or curate interesting itineraries if they are doing a trip to a conventional destination. For example, if they to Kashmir, the usual spots are Pahalgam and Gulmarg, but they take people to unexplored and distant places of that particular area.
WanderOn’s another strength is its ability to tailor trips according to travelers’ preferences. Whether it’s a trek in the Himalayas or a cultural exploration in Rajasthan, the company ensures that every detail is meticulously planned to meet individual needs.
WanderOn’s brand-new venture is MICE Tourism. MICE Tourism stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions. It is a niche segment of tourism tailored to meet the needs of business and professional organisations. It combines aspects of business and leisure travel, providing a comprehensive platform for corporate meetings, rewarding incentive trips, educational conferences, and engaging exhibitions.
WanderOn’s Pandemic Strategy
The travel and tourism industry was one of the hardest-hit sectors during the coronavirus pandemic. Govind reflects, “The learning I gained over the past one and a half years has been unparalleled. In March 2020, we were cruising at a scale with ambitions to be an industry leader, and we had even hired employees—then the pandemic hit.” The initial four months were particularly challenging, but WanderOn managed to pivot and stay afloat by offering discounted vouchers for future trips. Recognizing that most trips for the next few months were canceled, they began offering customers the chance to book trips for the following year at significantly lower prices, such as reducing a Ladakh trip from Rs 40,000 to Rs 25,000 or Rs 20,000. This strategy attracted over 800 customers and raised more than Rs 60 lakh within a month, with half of the funds directed to vendors who had no other income source.
As the pandemic continued, WanderOn needed more innovative ideas to sustain itself. With remote work becoming the new norm, the company launched a “workcation” venture within 15 days, partnering with over 400 properties and ensuring high-quality internet service. Within a month, they were ready to offer workcations, attracting interest from several large organizations seeking remote work trips for their employees.
Services Provided by WanderOn
WanderOn offers a diverse range of travel services, catering to both domestic and international travel needs.
- Group Tours and Backpacking Trips: WanderOn specializes in organizing group tours and backpacking trips across India and internationally. These trips are designed to bring together like-minded travelers, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
- Customized Travel Packages: The company offers bespoke tour packages tailored to individual preferences. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family vacation, WanderOn ensures that every detail is meticulously planned to meet specific needs.
- Road Tours and Trekking Adventures: WanderOn provides exciting road tours and trekking adventures, including expeditions to challenging terrains like Ladakh and Spiti Valley. These trips are ideal for adventure seekers looking for unique experiences.
- Corporate Vacations and MICE Tourism: The company caters to corporate clients by organizing team-building activities and corporate vacations. These packages are designed to combine work with leisure, promoting team unity and collaboration.
- Weekend Getaways: WanderOn offers weekend trips from major cities like Delhi, providing quick escapes to nearby scenic destinations. These trips are perfect for those looking to unwind over a short break.
- International Travel: Beyond India, WanderOn offers international travel packages to destinations around the world. These include cultural explorations, beach vacations, and adventure activities tailored to different interests.
- 24/7 On-Board Assistance: WanderOn provides comprehensive support throughout the trip, ensuring that travelers have a hassle-free experience. This includes assistance with logistics, accommodations, and activities.
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