# Backpacker Community Platforms The 'Penroads' Website Helps Travelers Make Friends on the Road By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-05-31 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/backpacker-community References: [justtravelnews](http://www.justtravelnews.com/startup-pitch-penroads-wants-to-connect-travellers-for-experience-sharing/) & [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Innteract.asia/timeline) 'Penroads' is a new online platform designed to help connect travelers in the backpacker community. The idea for Penroads was developed by Harry Fu after his own backpacking experience, during which he found it difficult to connect with other travelers. Fu wanted to make it easier for travelers to meet one another and to share meaningful experiences. While other travel platforms are often unorganized and difficult to navigate, Penroads is designed for immediate accessibility. Penroads puts users in direct contact with one another allowing them to chat one-on-one or join larger community groups. The platform is open to enthusiastic locals as well who are looking for a way to engage with the backpacker community. In short, the platform aims to foster a social network among like minded travelers. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Backpacker Community Platforms:** Creating online platforms that connect backpackers and facilitate social interaction during their travels. - **Immediate Accessibility in Travel Platforms:** Designing travel platforms that offer easy navigation and direct communication for users to connect with one another. - **Engagement of Enthusiastic Locals:** Encouraging enthusiastic locals to engage with the backpacker community through online platforms. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Travel and Tourism:** Developing innovative platforms that promote social connections and enhance the backpacker experience. - **Technology and Software:** Creating user-friendly and accessible travel platforms that facilitate direct communication among users. - **Social Networking:** Exploring ways to foster social networks among like-minded individuals, specifically targeting the backpacker community. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Travel Rewards Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hostel-hop.md) - [Travel Community Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tripnation-travel-community.md) - [Connective Travel Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/travel-apps1.md) - [Vanlife Travel Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vanlife-travel.md) - [Travel Networking Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floo.md) - [Travel Buddy Finders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tripbff.md) - [Travel Connection Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/share-trips.md) - [Family Homestay Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/homestays-with-kids.md) - [Travel Collectible Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/world-traveler.md)