Member Article

Finding business inspiration on gap year travels

Towards the end of university most of my friends were spending a lot of time looking for jobs but a graduate role just didn’t appeal to me. I’d always wanted to run my own business and throughout university had jotted down many ideas, trying to create the perfect product.

I’m a keen traveller, so I decided to go on a trip abroad after university. After experiencing several problems with my holiday money I decided there was a gap in the market for the perfect currency card which took all the best elements from the existing products yet communicated fun, adventure and enjoyment.

I wanted to design a card which people would enjoy signing up for, adding to their holiday experience rather than detracting from it.

When I came back from my trip I started researching the industry and one year later I believe I have found the perfect combination of features to make this card stand out from several established, multinational competitors.

Within an hour of getting home I was telling my parents about my idea and I spent the next year reading up on the industry and my competitors. The more I read the more I saw a gap in the market.

I knew that with such large competitors my branding was going to be key and started designing something which would be loveable, fun and exciting rather than a chore. I thought the name ‘VIDA’ was perfect as it’s Latin for life, which is exactly why people go on holiday, to have new experiences and improve their lives.

I wanted to make my company about the fun of going abroad, whether for a weekend city break, a two-week family holiday or a one year sabbatical.

VIDA FX is about the experience rather than just simply the money and our aim is to take care of the boring stuff so users can concentrate on having a great trip.

Strong branding was essential and I’ve taken inspiration from the likes of Innocent and Apple – both masters at creating beautiful, customer focused products. I think the picture on the card really summarises what we’re all about, helping people enjoy the amazing experiences you only get through travelling.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ben Wakeham .