York charity launches first of its kind safer travel app

A York charity, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of safe travel amongst young people, holiday makers and tourists, has launched a handy Safer Travel App, which has traveller welfare at its core.

Founders of Caroline’s Rainbow Foundation (CRF) – the charity set up in memory of Caroline Stuttle, who tragically died in 2002 while travelling on her gap year – first conceived the Safer Travel App in 2012, as the charity marked its tenth anniversary. The team has now developed and launched the app, which provides safety advice and city information across over 250 countries for anyone travelling the world on a gap year, annual holiday or business travel.

Richard Stuttle, Caroline’s brother and founder and director of the charity, is based at York St John University’s Phoenix Centre, which provides affordable space for new creative and IT-based ventures.  Richard has been working with students from the university to help develop the app, drawing on their first hand travel experiences and insights. 

“Students will continue to feed into its on-going development, adding further destinations and providing up to date information,” Richard says. “The app combines the knowledge and experiences of students and travellers from all over the world, giving valuable first-hand information and insight from people who have visited or come from a destination. I’d like to thank everyone who has kindly donated this information, as it enables the app to provide genuine insights with a personal touch.”

The app allows travellers to plan their trip, providing useful city information alongside safety advice, information about common crimes and guidance on areas that are safe for travellers. It gives emergency services information and the locations of embassies, police stations, airports, tourist offices and railway stations. It also provides details of places to visit in cities and visitor highlights as well as local news, customs and traditions of the area. An important feature is the ability to send real time information, alerting travellers to hazards, such as unforeseen unrest, political and social change or updates on natural disasters.

Richard adds: “We hope that other travellers can learn from Caroline’s legacy through our on-going work to keep them safe when travelling. My hope for all travellers is to have amazing experiences and follow their dreams. Our charity will always encourage people to travel as it is one of life’s most enriching experiences.

“The app will be a useful tool for travellers in their adventures by providing more information about the destinations to which they travel. We feel that through knowledge and raised awareness come safety and happy travels. Our main aim is to provide information that allows users to make informed choices and, ultimately, to stay safe.

“I have really enjoyed bringing this project together, and have been humbled by the dedication and support of all CRF's amazing volunteers; they have all gone above and beyond, together we have produced this amazing Travel and Safety App that I am very proud of.

“Our aim for this project is to provide specific information for popular tourist destinations. Over the following year we plan to expand the Safer Travel App to cover more destinations and favoured backpacking routes. Ultimately we want to cover every travel destination around the world. Most people take mobile phones with them wherever they go, now users will be able to access relevant travel safety information, maps and links on one app anywhere in the world.”

The Safer Travel App is available from 10 October 2013 for iPhone and iPad. It can be accessed via the Carolines Rainbow Foundation website and is available to download via iTunes and the Apple App store.