Travel search provider SideStep is acquiring TripUp, a travel-focused social network and community site that is akin to a Facebook for the backpack set. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
This is SideStep's second acquisition of a start up that deals with user generated content and a second move targeted at the young adult set. Last year, SideStep acquired TravelPost, a site for user reviews of hotels. And SideStep recently built an application that lets Facebook users plan trips together within that site.
While SideStep has typically catered to the 35-to-50 age range, TripUp targets people aged 25 to 30. Facebook initially just served college students but has opened up to anyone who is interested.
I could have used a social network to tap when I was looking for someone to travel with in Europe when I was in college nearly 20 years ago.