The crypto space’s evolution is nothing but remarkable. It has come such a long way since its relatively recent emergence that you can now pay for something as basic as an MC Frappe with digital currency or finance your lavish trip to the world’s opposite side in the same way. Simply put, you open an account on an online crypto exchange platform that you find reliable, set up an e-wallet, purchase Solana based on the amount you’re willing to spend, and find businesses that take crypto as payments. Some companies offer crypto options when displaying the gateways you can choose from, whereas others work with crypto-native travel platforms like Travala. Still, it’s only recently that Travala has started accepting SOL as a payment method.
How is Travala integrating the blockchain and its token in its new proposals? What awaits travelers?
The Breaking News
Travala is one of the world’s largest crypto-native travel booking platforms, having been developed on the leading online crypto exchange platform worldwide. The platform is the top crypto-based travel booking service, offering over 2,2MN accommodations in 230 nations, more than 600 airlines worldwide, and over 400K touristic activities.
Notably, the platform is a front-runner when it comes to crypto adoption, taking over one hundred tokens already and looking to implement more. With over six years of existence and over 14,800 members registered to date, the platform has extended its payment routes to incorporate key tokens from the Solana blockchain. The news was officially revealed by the company’s CEO, Juan Otero, during a breakpoint conference in Singapore, on September 21 of this year. Besides the unmatched rates offered by the Best Price Guarantee policy, the platform recompenses Smart members with extra markdowns and loyalty perks for eligible reservations, making the services even more alluring to crypto-friendly travelers.
Speedy, Yet Cheap Transactions
Solana made a name for itself as one of the swiftest and cheapest blockchains to date, representing a critical feat that has magnetized developers and decentralized applications (dApps). Notably, the platform’s astronomical throughput of up to 65K transactions per second gives it an advantage over slower and more expensive blockchains, including the coveted Ethereum.
Moreover, the platform’s management announced that the company will offer travel-based rewards to utilizers as part of its loyalty program. An AVA community election also decided that AVA will deploy on Solana, securing it the third position after BNB Chain and Ethereum, the former of which may offer access to the token in question.
What’s in for Travelers
Travel bookings using Solana’s assets, including SOL itself, USDC, USDT, and others, are readily accessible after the travel booking platform’s determination to provide assistance for the 4th biggest decentralized ledger worldwide by market cap. Journeyers can now benefit from Travala.com’s exclusive loyalty program, the AVA Smart Program, allowing them to earn up to 10% in Solana rewards for each booking. Currently, the program’s members may pick from a selection of rewards based on their membership level, options including Travel Credits, AVA, and Bitcoin, among others. With SOL on the table, users have a new token reward available in the program, and many SOL enthusiasts are expected to take advantage of this rewarding option.
Better Payment Options
The new approach allows utilizers to book flights and hotels with the native token of the Solana blockchain, SOL, as well as the stablecoins USD Coin (USDC) and Tether (USDT) on the same platform. After smashing almost $149 in a day, Solana was transacting at $144.23, boasting a $2,131,095 in 24-hour volume and a $67,588,494 in market capitalization.
The latest undertaking improves Travala’s attractiveness among cryptocurrency buffs who favor Solana over other blockchains and cryptocurrencies. As you will see, the budget-friendly yet speedy transactions are one of the most appealing characteristics of the development. The recent addition not only permits instant top-ups and withdrawals of Solana-native tokens on the accounts registered on the platform but also presents users with pro-bono transaction experiences and travel reservations. The move is a considerable move forward from the platform’s existing support for Ethereum, Bitcoin, and other cryptos, slashing costs while offering users more flexibility.
The Network’s Expanding Influence
As Ethereum’s direct opponent, Solana has made significant strides in the blockchain space, reputed for its efficacy in carrying out smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). The recent collaboration with Travala highlights Solana’s rising impact and its network’s expanding involvement in everyday contexts. Moreover, online crypto exchanges have begun revealing their support for Solana by planning to launch all sorts of tokens on the Solana network.
Big financial institutions are starting to recognize the blockchain’s strong suits. For instance, Franklin Templeton, one of the world’s main investment managers with over $1.4TN in assets in their control, is expected to release a mutual fund natively on the network. At the same time, Citigroup, one of the largest U.S. multinational investment banks, explores the possibilities of cross-border payments and smart contracts on the Solana network, further demonstrating the network’s abilities. Clearly, Solana’s bright future doesn’t only boil down to Travala; more is being cooked in the oven and on the brink of coming out.
Conclusion
Even if Travala already offers more than 100 cryptos, ranging from the smallest to the largest ones by market cap, only up to a dozen ones are innately backed within the network’s user wallets. After the most recent milestone, users can start depositing and withdrawing SOL, USDC, and USDT directly on the Solana network and into the company’s accounts, all without being charged anything for the money transfers.
For enthusiasts, the booking company looks to dive even deeper into the opportunities Solana offers. According to the management’s words, the network will be one of the pillars of the advancement strategy, aiming to develop services that stretch the ecosystem’s real-world functionality. The front-runners also explained that the blockchain’s scalability and cost-effectiveness helped it become one of the chains registering the highest demand worldwide. With bustling activity, traffic, and ongoing innovations, Solana’s a real ace up Travala’s sleeve, and the recent milestone can only improve their collaboration. The technologies developers can benefit from with Solana create just enough opportunities to develop the next level of travel.
By Gregory O'NeillGreg is a modern-day explorer with an insatiable love for travel. His passion for adventure has led him to far-flung corners of the world, where he immerses himself in diverse cultures and experiences. Greg's zest for life is epitomized by a continuous pursuit of new horizons and captivating journeys.
