After a decade of dormancy, I’ve decided to breathe new life into a travel business I started years ago: AiBellHop. What once began as a small but ambitious venture aimed at helping travelers find great deals is now getting a modern overhaul—powered by new technology, a fresh perspective, and a very unexpected family vacation.
Sometimes inspiration strikes when you least expect it. For me, it happened on a recent trip with my family to Michigan. It wasn’t a bucket-list destination. In fact, I’ll admit—I didn’t expect much beyond a change of scenery and some quality time together. But as we explored the area, I found myself constantly surprised. From charming lakeside towns to hidden hiking trails and quirky local museums, Michigan offered more than I ever imagined.
It hit me: how many people are missing out on these kinds of places simply because they don’t know they exist?
That question became the spark that reignited my passion for AiBellHop.
We live in an age where artificial intelligence is transforming every corner of how we live and work. Why not travel too?
The new version of AiBellHop will use AI to go beyond just finding travelers good deals. I want to help people discover destinations they’ve never even heard of—the kind of places that don’t show up on the first three pages of Google results. AI can analyze preferences, interests, past travel habits, and even mood, to recommend spots that are truly off the beaten path. Think less "top 10 beach resorts" and more "surprising small towns with unbeatable charm and zero crowds."
One of the things I’ve always cared about is giving smaller businesses a fighting chance. Major booking sites make it nearly impossible for independent inns, B&Bs, and vacation rentals to stand out unless they’re shelling out big bucks. With AiBellHop, I want to flip that model.
Our platform will offer affordable and smart advertising options that allow small business owners to showcase what makes them unique—without draining their budgets. Whether it’s a lakeside cabin, a treehouse retreat, or a lovingly restored Victorian inn, we want to give these places the spotlight they deserve.
Restarting a business after 10 years off isn’t easy—but it is energizing. I’ve learned a lot in the time since I first launched AiBellHop, especially about what travelers are really looking for and how technology can help meet those needs. This time around, it’s not just about booking—it’s about discovery, connection, and giving travelers (and small businesses) a better way to find each other.
The world is full of hidden gems. AiBellHop is coming back to help you find them.
Keith Johnson
Owner - President - Founder AiBellHop.com