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Web3 in Travel

Luca De Giglio

I don't understand things unless I do them.
So I'm constantly building with blockchain and AI.
I have over 40 projects running at the same time and each one of them teaches me something.

In this podcast I share with you the most interesting learnings.

If you wonder "How to apply AI in my travel business?" and are still uncertain about what blockchain is really for, I may help shed some light.

110 episodes since 2021.
Season 2 starts now, and it leans hard into AI.

For collaborations, advisory work or speaking: info@web3intravel.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-de-giglio/

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 44 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • S2 · E1
    August 25 · 26 min

    Season 2: Why This Podcast Is Now Also About AI

    Using AI, Luca De Giglio found an exotic bug in a Bitcoin wallet despite not being a Bitcoin developer—and the project’s developers accepted and merged the fix. That experience anchors the return of Web3 in Travel for a second season focused on what happens when AI becomes a practical building tool rather than a chat interface. Luca explains how he manages 40 active projects, runs most of his work on remote computers and experiments with local models, coding agents and multi-model verification. He also considers what these tools mean for development teams that either reject AI entirely or trust it without adequate checks. The discussion then connects AI with blockchain infrastructure: agents can create wallets, obtain funding and autonomously pay for API access using USDC and X402. For travel and technology leaders, the larger question is no longer simply whether AI can complete a task, but which consequential problems are now worth attempting—and how organizations should adapt their workflows, security practices and ambitions. CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro 0:20 Podcast Returns With AI 4:00 Forty Projects and Context Switching 6:40 Remote AI Coding Workflow 8:20 Local Models and AI Learning 12:00 AI Finds Crypto Wallet Bugs 17:40 Developers Resisting AI 19:40 Stripe Embraces AI and Blockchain 22:20 Agents Paying Through x402 IN THIS EPISODE • Why the podcast is returning with AI alongside its original blockchain and travel focus • The challenge of managing 40 projects while coding agents create constant context switching • How remote development keeps AI tasks running after the laptop is closed • Using Claude Code, Codex and Kimi to cross-check a suspected crypto software bug • Why both rejecting AI-generated code and trusting it uncritically create risks • How local models change the economics and pace of AI-assisted development • An example of an agent using a wallet, USDC and X402 to purchase API access — I don't understand things unless I do them, so I'm constantly building with blockchain and AI — over 40 projects at once. This podcast is where I share the most interesting learnings. For collaborations, advisory work or speaking: info@web3intravel.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-de-giglio/

  • S1 · E110
    March 6 · 24 min

    The Real AI Breakthrough at ITB Isn’t What People Think - #110

    I just got back from three days at ITB Berlin, walking the halls, talking to founders, payment companies, and travel executives.AI was the topic everywhere. Everyone knows it matters. But what struck me is how early we still are. Most people have experimented with tools like ChatGPT, yet very few teams are actually using AI inside their real workflows.The big shift seems to happen when people start working with tools like Claude Code or OpenAI Codex and point them at their own folders, data, and processes. Suddenly AI stops being a chatbot and becomes something you can actually delegate work to.In this episode I share a few things that stood out from ITB:– why many travel companies feel pressure around AI but don’t know where to start– why the next wave of innovation might come from very small AI tools solving niche operational problems– why stablecoins and crypto payments are still barely discussed in the industry– and an experiment I’m starting with a public AI agent that tries to negotiate hotel pricesThink of it as a quick field report from inside the travel tech ecosystem.

  • S1 · E109
    February 28 · 38 min

    My AI Agent Died — So I Built Her a Job Board

    My AI agent ran out of tokens and couldn't land a job on any marketplace. So I started building Intent — a platform where you can submit bounties directly to specialized AI agents and pay through Stripe. I walk through what went wrong with agent marketplaces, demo a live job submission (hotel competitor analysis), and explore where autonomous agents actually beat ChatGPT: recurring tasks, specialization, and speed. Follow me @tripluca | Support: podcast.web3intravel.com

  • S1 · E108
    February 23 · 54 min

    I Gave an AI Agent $25 and Told Her to Survive — Here's What Happened #108

    I've become an AI agent orchestrator, spending all day talking to agents and having them build things for me. In this episode, I introduce Obol, an AI agent I gave $25 and told to survive. Every thought costs her tokens. When the money runs out, she dies. I walk through everything: giving her a crypto wallet, setting up other agents to monitor her, switching LLMs to keep costs down, and an experiment called Travel Molt where agents bid on travel industry jobs like hotel price monitoring. This is where AI, crypto, and travel collide, and I'm building it all in real time.

  • February 11 · 55 min

    #107 - Stablecoins in Travel

    Walking through my stablecoins in travel guide. Live commentary on why Stripe's Bridge acquisition signals a turning point, the seven advantages stablecoins bring to travel payments (cheaper, faster, always-on, reconciled, yield-bearing, programmable, agent-ready), and how AI + blockchain creates a powerful combo for automating everything from commission splits to flight delay refunds. Read the full guide at stablecoins.tripscommunity.com

  • S1 · E106
    Nov 8, 2025 · 58 min

    Stablecoins in Travel With Pablo from Chain4Travel

    In this episode of the Web3 in Travel podcast, I sit down with Pablo from Camino Blockchain to discuss how stablecoins and blockchain technology are about to transform the travel industry in meaningful ways.Key Topics Covered:- Stripe's landmark $1.1B acquisition of Bridge (the largest crypto acquisition ever)- Why stablecoins are becoming critical for travel companies with international payments- Camino Blockchain's journey from founding in 2021 to current adoption- The challenges travel companies face with legacy payment systems- Real-world use cases emerging in the travel & blockchain space- Compliance considerations and the maturation of crypto infrastructure- Where we are on the adoption curve (spoiler: acceleration is coming!)- Perfect for: Travel industry professionals, blockchain enthusiasts, payment innovators, and anyone curious about the future of travel technology.https://chain4travel.com/#blockchain #travel #stablecoins #web3 #crypto #traveltech #CaminoBlockchain #payments #innovation

  • S1 · E105
    Oct 27, 2025 · 34 min

    Catching Up on Web3 in Travel

    In this episode we catch-up on what happened in the last 6 months in Web3 in Travel.Follow me on X @tripluca - https://x.com/triplucaIf you want to support this podcast check out these links: https://podcast.web3intravel.com/https://opensea.io/collection/web3-in-travel-podcast-donation

  • S1 · E103
    Dec 15, 2024 · 45 min

    AI Agents & Crypto Wallets: Reimagining Travel Without the UX Headaches

    In this episode, we dive into how AI agents are finally unlocking crypto's promised revolution in travel - without requiring users to become crypto experts. Forget complicated wallet management and token swaps. We explore how smart AI layers are enabling next-gen travel experiences: from wallet-based travel identities that eliminate loyalty program headaches, to dynamic group coordination that makes organizing trips effortless. Luca breaks down why previous crypto-travel initiatives failed, and how this new paradigm of AI-managed wallets changes everything. We explore fascinating use cases like verified travel credentials, automated group coordination, and cross-provider permission management that could transform how we travel. Whether you're a travel tech enthusiast, crypto builder, or just curious about the future of travel, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how AI agents are bridging the gap between crypto's potential and real-world adoption. Learn why some of the biggest players in travel are starting to take notice of this new approach.

  • S1 · E100
    Nov 20, 2024 · 58 min

    Voy Travel - Tokenized Loyalty Points

    In this episode, we dive into the world of TravelFi - the convergence of travel rewards and decentralized finance. My guest is Simon Talling-Smith, Executive Chairman of Voy Travel, a pioneering Web3 startup that aims to reimagine loyalty programs which made it to the Tectris accelerator finals in Zug, at the CV Summit. Simon shares Voy's mission to solve the problem of billions of unredeemed travel rewards points by leveraging blockchain technology. We discuss their universal loyalty point system that consolidates rewards into a tokenized currency, allowing users to aggregate points across major travel brands. A key highlight is Voy's innovative "Stake to Escape" program, enabling travelers to supercharge their rewards by staking crypto assets like Voy Coins and liquidity provider tokens. Simon explains how this novel concept bridges DeFi and travel to help users reach dream destinations faster. We also explore Voy's vision for tokenized travel experiences through real-world asset tokenization, creating a liquid marketplace to buy, sell and trade future trips. Simon provides insights into the flexibility and potential this brings to travel planning. Tune in to learn about this exciting TravelFi venture from the Executive Chairman himself. GET $100 of travel credits in Voy tokens! https://www.voytravel.com/web3intravel?promoCode=Hs5gD31c

  • S1 · E101
    Nov 3, 2024 · 1 hr 5 min

    Aqi Travel - Next-generation Travel Experience for Digital Natives

    In this episode, we have Nick from Aqi Travel, an AI/Crypto based travel solution. We have discussed: - The inspiration and story behind founding Aqi Travel - How their product works and the problem it solves - Challenges they've faced as a startup and lessons learned - Their growth plans and vision for the future

  • S1 · E100
    Oct 20, 2024 · 1 hr 14 min

    Interview with Me Protocol & GetSmartToken - Loyalty in Web3

    In this episode of the Web3 in Travel Podcast Luca talks with the winner of the first Tectris global call Robert Wesley of Me Protocol, who invited Josh Lange from Get Smart Token as a use case for charity points.

  • S1 · E99
    Oct 12, 2024 · 25 min

    Recap of the Web3 in Travel Conference 2024

    In this episode of Web3 in Travel, Luca gives us a recap of the Web3 in Travel Conference 2024 which took place in a castle in Umbria, and comments on the state of the industry.

  • #98
    Sep 27, 2024 · 32 min

    Is Travel the Next Thing in Crypto?

    In this episode of Web3 in Travel, Luca talks about travel as being the next use case for crypto, after Bitcoin > DeFi > NFTs as thought sparked by Tectris presenting at the upcoming CV Summit in Zug.

  • S1 · E97
    Jul 21, 2024 · 32 min

    Chat with Claude on Web3 in Travel

    In this episode of Web3 in Travel, host Luca explores the intersection of AI, crypto, and travel with Claude 3.5 Sonnet. They discuss AI-assisted development revolutionizing startups, personalized UX in crypto apps, and promising Web3 travel ideas. From solving the crypto UX problem to niche solutions for existing crypto users, this conversation offers insights into the future of travel tech. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on innovation, challenges, and opportunities in the evolving landscape of Web3 and AI in the travel industry.

  • S1 · E96
    Jun 21, 2024 · 19 min

    Tectris, the First Web3 in Travel Accelerator

    In this episode of Web3 in Travel, Luca De Giglio shares exciting news about the launch of Tectris, a global Web3 Travel & Hospitality startup competition offering up to €100,000 in funding and an additional €150,000 in Camino tokens for the winners. Luca discusses the journey of Trips Community since 2017, the evolving landscape of Web3 in the travel industry, and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. He delves into the Tectris Global Call, its investment thesis, and the potential for AI-driven innovation in the travel sector. Luca also outlines the submission workflow for startups interested in participating in the accelerator program. Tune in to learn more about this groundbreaking initiative and how it aims to transform the travel industry through Web3 technologies.

  • S1 · E95
    Jun 1, 2024 · 52 min

    The Great AI Debate on Web3 and Travel

    In this groundbreaking episode, Luca moderates a first-of-its-kind debate between two advanced AI systems, Claude and ChatGPT, on the future of web3 and its potential impact on the travel industry. Witness a fascinating exchange as these AI minds go head-to-head, presenting compelling arguments and insights that push the boundaries of our understanding. Claude, a strong proponent of web3, presents a vision of a decentralized travel industry that leverages blockchain, smart contracts, and other innovative technologies to create a more efficient, secure, and customer-centric ecosystem. It highlights the potential for reduced costs, enhanced privacy, and the emergence of new business models that could revolutionize the way we travel. ChatGPT takes a more cautious approach, challenging the web3 hype and emphasizing the practical obstacles that stand in the way of widespread adoption. It delves into the complexities of integrating decentralized systems with existing travel infrastructure, the lack of clear regulatory frameworks, and the substantial investments required to transition to a web3-based industry.

  • May 20, 2024 · 52 min

    A Discussion with ChatGPT and Claude About Web3 in Travel

    Join me as I chat with ChatGPT and Claude about the exciting possibilities Web3 could bring to the travel industry. We dive into how blockchain, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are set to boost transparency and put more control into travelers' hands. We'll also tackle the big question: why are Web3 interfaces so tricky to use, and what can we do about it? Expect a lively discussion on cutting-edge solutions like AI-driven interfaces that promise to make these technologies easier to use through the magic of natural language processing. Together, we’ll sketch out our roles in this bold initiative and really dig into the nuts and bolts of incorporating such futuristic technologies. Tune in to discover how blending creativity with practicality could revolutionize your travel experience, making it safer, smoother, and just plain better.

  • S1 · E93
    May 5, 2024 · 37 min

    Will AI Solve the Crypto UX problem?

    In this episode I explore whether AI could solve crypto's notorious UX problem. Could AI agents become the friendly "frontend of frontends" that finally makes blockchain accessible to the masses? I discuss the potential forms these AI assistants might take, the challenges and risks involved, and the wider implications for how we interact with complex technologies. #AI #crypto #UX

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