The video series "7A.M Start" - "Why Do We Start?", produced by Travellive Media Group in partnership with Ford Territory, connects viewers to the stories behind each Vietnamese local brand. In episode 2, Annie Vu, founder of Tubudd, will offer a fresh perspective on travel: "Experiencing local culture with a local friend."

Having been a traveler herself, a "stranger" at some point, Annie Vu – the founder of Tubudd – understands the feeling of bewilderment when arriving in a new land. Behind the warm welcomes and smiles, there are sometimes barriers of language, culture, and customs.

For Annie, travel is not just about enjoying delicious food or admiring beautiful scenery, but also about discovering culture and connecting with people. "I'm passionate about food, but above all, I'm passionate about culture and people. Every encounter is a new journey of discovery, and the connection between people is an invisible cultural thread that binds us together," Annie Vu shared.

Tubudd – a platform connecting travelers with local assistants – was born from this idea. Annie, the founder of Tubudd, wants to give international travelers the opportunity to experience local culture in the most authentic and unique way. Unlike typical tours that take travelers to popular destinations, Tubudd connects travelers with "buddies" – local friends who are knowledgeable about the culture and the local area.

Keeping pace with the booming trend of independent travel and digital technology, Tubudd is a breath of fresh air, offering travelers unique and innovative experiences. Throughout its development, with 14 staff members and 1,000 "buddies" worldwide, Tubudd has established itself as a pioneering travel technology platform, connecting international travelers with knowledgeable local friends who understand the culture and local environment.

With just a few simple steps on the Tubudd website or app, users can easily choose a destination and connect with "buddy"—friendly and enthusiastic local companions. Each "buddy" possesses excellent language skills, a wealth of knowledge, and extensive experience about the destination. They are ready to guide travelers to discover new routes, hidden gems, and immerse themselves in the vibrant local life.

What sets Tubudd apart and makes it so appealing is the flexibility and personalization of each travel experience. Travelers aren't bound by fixed schedules; instead, their "buddy" accompanies them, planning a detailed itinerary based on their individual preferences and desires. This allows travelers to experience local culture in the most authentic way, from distinctive cuisine and customs to historical stories and the daily lives of the locals.

“Tourists not only get to taste delicious food but also hear stories about the origins, meanings, and preparation methods of the dishes. They get to participate in local festivals, chat with locals, and learn about the customs and traditions of the region they visit,” Annie Vu shared.

More than just a travel companion, Tubudd acts as a cultural bridge, helping travelers overcome language barriers and integrate into the local community. With the support of their "buddy," travelers can confidently communicate, shop, participate in recreational activities, and fully experience their destination.

Annie Vu emphasized: “One phrase that comes to mind when customers think of Tubudd is 'cross the border'. We aim to provide an assistant platform for cross-border travelers. Whether you are a foreigner visiting Vietnam, or any other country, Tubudd will have 'buddies' who are well-suited to your language skills and cultural connections.”

In 2019, Annie Vu harbored the ambition to expand Tubudd into the international market, starting with South Korea. However, the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 put Tubudd in a difficult position. "There were months when I felt like giving up everything. There were times I thought about closing the company because there were no customers. But luckily, there were always new customers coming to Tubudd, which gave me more motivation," Annie confided.

The crisis presented an opportunity for Tubudd to innovate and grow. Recognizing the need to support foreigners working in Vietnam, Tubudd expanded its services to include "Business Buddy" functionality.

Speaking further about Tubudd, Annie Vu said: "I didn't invent anything new. However, Tubudd provides a transparent platform that connects customers with reputable and professional 'buddies'. Customers can easily search, book, and manage services conveniently."

More than just a travel platform, Tubudd embodies the aspiration to connect people, spread the passion for exploration and share unique experiences, make new friends, expand relationships, and create one-of-a-kind experiences on every journey.

TRAVELLIVE readers are invited to watch Episode 2 of the "7A.M Start" video series to discover the story of Tubudd - with its desire to develop a personalized, friendly travel network offering authentic experiences with locals.

Stay tuned for the next episodes of “7A.M Start” to be inspired by the passionate and resilient stories of Vietnamese brands!