UpTake searches 5,000 travel websites for the user. Users can save time and browse results that are relevant to their travel needs. The search tool asks the user what they are looking for and where they want to do it. The homepage also gives the user a number of popular search options for accommodations, activities and dining. The user only has to click on the corresponding arrow to see the results for that item. Featured content is also presented at the bottom of the page to entice users with things like “top 20 things to do...” lists and weekend trips with the kids. UpTake searches popular sites including Bed and Breakfast.com, Ciao Bambino!, Camping.com, Orbitz, Trekaroo, CitySearch, TripAdvisor, Travelocity, Yahoo! Travel, Restaurantica, OpenTable, My Travel Guide, Fodor’s and many more.

Visit www.uptake.com

UpTake was originally named Kango. Based out of Palo Alto, California, the company includes Vice President of Product Lesley Kao, Vice President of Product Development Gene McKenna, President Yen Lee, Search Architect Huanjin Chen, Vice President of Revenue Chris Hickson and Natural Language Search Scientist Boris Galitsky. Today many people use UpTake to find travel information and more.

There are numerous travel related websites available today. What makes UpTake unique is that the site hasn’t actually created a new site to search. Instead, it gives users a way to search 5,000 existing travel websites. This service provides users with an easier way to gain insight into their next trip without spending hours in front of the computer hunting down each individual website.

The UpTake website has a trendy, playful design that uses vibrant colors including minty green, deep pink and blue. The stylish logo, which features a sun and wave, seems to invite the user to plan their next great vacation. The overall design is well organized, but laid out in a unique way. The search bars are prominently displayed at the top of the page while suggestions are listed juts below. The search results pages are well organized and include embedded Google Maps, star ratings and links to reviews.

Anyone can visit UpTake without an account. There are no registration requirements for performing a search. The user can search as often as they like. The website offers a convenient service, but one that does not really demand an account to fully appreciate. A small blue “Facebook Login” button along the left hand side of the search results page allows the user to access their account that way, but it is not a requirement to use UpTake. The site automatically begins logging recent pages, favorites and destinations for the user.

UpTake provides a helpful service, but it is one that accesses data that is readily available to users on the web. Anyone can visit the site and perform a search for free. There are no subscription fees, in fact there are no account requirements. The user can return as often as they like. The only expense associated with the site are any reservations made for activities or accommodations found using UpTake. These expenses are paid to the company and not to UpTake.

Anyone planning a trip can really appreciate UpTake. The application gives the user a number of options. Each search taps into a wealth of travel knowledge (or as the site calls it, “wisdom”) that would normally require visits to numerous websites to find.

• Search for activities and accommodations by location
• View Google Maps for directions to each attraction or hotel
• Read ratings and reviews for each item on UpTake
• Select suggested search options from the UpTake homepage
• Receive results taken from a search that covers 5,000 travel websites

Visit www.uptake.com