The problem VICINITY solves

Vicinity - Culturally Immersive Travel Experiences

Our project introduces a web application designed to connect travelers with local hosts, offering unique and culturally immersive experiences. Through our platform, hosts can showcase specialties like traditional meals, local folklore, music and dance performances, and other customs. By aligning with the traveler's interests and personality, our platform recommends tailored activities, ensuring satisfaction for both traveler and host.

Features:

• Personalized Recommendations: Based on traveler's interests, hobbies, and personality type, the platform suggests activities that resonate with their preferences.
• Diverse Offerings: Hosts can create and present their unique experiences, ensuring a wide array of culturally enriching activities.
• Verified Hosts: Hosts are thoroughly verified to safeguard travelers against fraud and harassment, ensuring a safe and secure experience.

Example Experience: A Visit to a Coin Museum

Imagine a traveler with a keen interest in numismatics, the study of coins. Our platform connects them with a local host who curates a visit to a hidden gem: a coin museum known primarily to locals. The host provides insights into the museum's collection, highlighting rare coins and their historical significance. The traveler engages in discussions with the host and fellow enthusiasts, gaining valuable knowledge and unique experiences. This personalized encounter not only enriches the traveler's journey but also supports the preservation of local heritage. Through such tailored experiences, our platform fosters meaningful connections between travelers and hosts, ensuring mutually rewarding interactions.

Conclusion:

Our web application revolutionizes travel by facilitating connections between travelers and local hosts, offering personalized and culturally immersive experiences.

Challenges we ran into

Project Development Challenges and Solutions

During the development of our project, we encountered several challenges that required innovative solutions:

Lack of a Comprehensive Dataset for Personality Matching

One significant hurdle was the absence of a suitable dataset correlating personality types with preferred activities. To address this, we devised a solution by generating a demo dataset. We assigned weights to various parameters of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and trained our model accordingly. This allowed us to create a foundation for personalized recommendations based on travelers' personality types.

Technical Issues with Golang Module Detection

Another challenge arose when our Golang backend module failed to be detected, even after installation. Despite troubleshooting efforts, the problem persisted. Eventually, we discovered that the issue stemmed from restrictions on the campus network. To overcome this obstacle, we switched to a personal network, enabling seamless detection and integration of the Golang module.

Integration Challenges with Golang Backend API and Prisma

Integrating the Golang backend API with Prisma presented further complexities. Insufficient documentation hindered progress, leading to delays in development. Despite ongoing efforts, the integration remains a work in progress. As an alternative approach, we have explored different paths to ensure the seamless operation of our platform.

Conclusion

Despite encountering various challenges during the project development phase, we remain committed to overcoming obstacles and delivering a high-quality product. Through innovative solutions and perseverance, we continue to advance towards our goal of providing travelers with culturally immersive experiences tailored to their preferences.