Under30Experiences
About the Company
Under30Experiences specializes in group travel experiences designed for young adults, with destinations including Costa Rica, Iceland, Thailand, Greece, and U.S. National Parks. Founded in 2012, the company initially targeted entrepreneurs but quickly expanded to include a broader demographic. Its core mission is to encourage young people to step out of their comfort zones and forge meaningful connections during trips ranging from four to twelve days. The company has been recognized for its rapid growth, appearing on Inc Magazine’s and Financial Times’ lists of fast-growing companies.
With a small, dedicated team, Under30Experiences blends adventure and community-building, priding itself on delivering unforgettable experiences that often lead to lifelong friendships. Before the pandemic, the company was nearing $5M in revenue, and it has plans to return to that level as travel demand continues to rebound.
Idea Behind Company
Matt Wilson’s inspiration for Under30Experiences stemmed from a transformative trip to Iceland in 2012. Burnt out from running a startup in New York City, Matt found solace and inspiration while exploring Iceland’s glaciers, volcanoes, and natural wonders. A pivotal moment came when Matt realized the potential for creating meaningful travel experiences after meeting Siggi, an Icelandic guide seeking to attract more North American visitors. This led Matt and Jared to organize their first entrepreneurial retreat to Iceland, which was a resounding success.
The founders quickly identified an opportunity to broaden their target audience beyond entrepreneurs, creating inclusive trips open to anyone seeking adventure. This shift allowed the company to scale, offering diverse travel experiences while maintaining its community-driven ethos. Their early trips to places like Costa Rica and Nicaragua further solidified their vision and laid the groundwork for a sustainable business.
Creating the Company
The early stages of Under30Experiences involved extensive experimentation and learning. The first trip catered to high-end entrepreneurs, but the founders soon realized that a more inclusive approach would drive greater scalability. Feedback from travelers helped refine the product, leading to more casual and community-focused itineraries. By leveraging their audience from Under30CEO, Matt and Jared were able to bootstrap their new venture, using profits from their previous business to fund operations and their global scouting trips.
Startup costs were relatively low, primarily consisting of website development and initial deposits for group bookings. The founders also built a robust feedback loop, including post-trip surveys and an active online community, to continuously improve their offerings. This customer-centric approach has been integral to the company’s success, helping them dial in on what their community values most.
Launching the Business
Under30Experiences’ launch strategy capitalized on urgency and scarcity, leveraging their large Under30CEO following to create buzz. Their first website was built for free through a partnership with a Colombian company seeking exposure. Early launches involved email marketing and social media campaigns to promote destinations, resulting in sold-out trips and waiting lists. The company’s iterative approach to growth has been essential, with systems and processes evolving to handle increased demand as the number of trips scaled from five annually to over 250.
Word-of-mouth marketing has been a major growth driver, supported by exceptional customer service and meticulous attention to trip details. Under30Experiences has also introduced programs like ambassador initiatives, alumni councils, and referral systems to foster customer loyalty. By documenting processes and building standard operating procedures, the team has managed to sustain high growth while maintaining quality.
Earnings
Pre-pandemic, Under30Experiences was closing in on $5M in annual revenue, driven by a product-driven model and a focus on customer satisfaction. Today, the company generates $300K monthly and is steadily recovering. It has pivoted during COVID-19 by offering trips to U.S. National Parks, aligning with trends of local travel and outdoor experiences.
The founders emphasize data-driven decision-making, using insights on booking patterns, customer demographics, and trip profitability to optimize inventory management and marketing. Investments in community-building—from local meetups to ambassador programs—have delivered strong returns, ensuring the business remains resilient in a competitive travel market.
