PulsoSocial’s “PulsoConf” wrapped up a couple of days ago, ending with its startup competition 2012.  The competition amongst six startup companies including the winner of the PulsoConf hackathon, Pollbag,  was won by Colombian startup SnappyGo, a travel site (with a difference).

SnappyGo’s secret sauce could actually be better described as a different approach to trip planning.  The site matches would-be travelers with people who are local experts in the destination (though it isn’t clear how those experts are selected).  The experts help the traveler design a unique, personalized itinerary tailored to the traveler’s interests.

Once the traveler selects a destination, SnappyGo sets up a chat with the local expert to craft an itinerary.  The fees, which are kind of a modified consulting arrangement, start at US $30 for a 1-3 day trip and go up to $75 for a trip of 7 days or more.  Travelers can also request an advisor.  SnappyGo makes money by taking a 30% cut of the fee.

This seems like a good idea to me, although I have to reserve judgement based on a lack of knowledge of how SnappyGo selects experts.  That said, it’s a brilliant concept in theory.  I would think that, particularly for out-of-the-way destinations, they ought to be able to source some good experts that would provide real value to customers.  This isn’t the type of service I’d use for a trip to Paris, since there are reams of information written about Paris.  But I would definitely use it for someplace like North Africa, or less-developed parts of Asia, or parts of Central America.

It’s hard to get good travel advice.