Israeli Veteran Builds TravelMatch App Using AI to Connect Backpackers
Israeli veteran Noam Dvir developed TravelMatch, an AI-powered app that connects backpackers based on travel styles and interests rather than appearance.
After completing his military service and reserve duty, 24-year-old Noam Dvir from the Krayot embarked on a five-month backpacking trip to South America. He quickly realized that finding a compatible travel companion was one of the biggest challenges of the journey.
Building an App Alone with AI
Realizing how many economic and social mistakes could have been avoided with better information and matching tools, Dvir decided to develop a solution. The result is TravelMatch, an application designed to connect travelers based on shared interests, travel styles, and landing dates. Despite having no prior coding background, Dvir built the entire venture independently over three months using advanced artificial intelligence tools including Claude Code, Codex, and Cursor.
I didn't imagine I would reach a point where I would build a complete product and upload it to the stores completely by myself, without a development team or marketers, says Dvir.
How TravelMatch Works
Users register using their email address and fill out a profile detailing their destination, travel dates, planning status, preferred interests, and goals such as finding travel partners, romantic connections, or apartment shares. The platform emphasizes travel styles over physical appearance by blurring profile photos initially. Users spend credits—earned daily or through invite codes, or purchased in packages starting at 9.90 shekels—to reveal photos and connect.
Building a Community Before Launch
The service currently boasts over 800 downloads and 600 registered users, primarily IDF veterans heading to South America. While core features remain free, the business model relies on partnerships with supplementary travel service providers such as eSIM companies, insurance agencies, and airlines.
