What happens the first time you open the app
A short notice about where information comes from, an optional globe to say where you're going, and, if you sign in, an optional lock and notifications.
Nothing here is required except signing in if you want an account. Every step can be skipped and changed later in Profile.
- "Before you start". The first time Explore appears, a sheet says where our information comes from, to check anything important before you book, that anything marked "AI suggested" is a starting point, and that the app is free with no ads. By continuing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. It shows once per phone. The full page stays in Profile → Legal → Information Sources.
- Choose where you're going (optional). A globe invites you to drag it and tap a place. Pick the countries and the kinds of thing you enjoy, and Explore narrows to them. You can pick a few destinations. Skip it and you'll see everything we cover. Change it any time: Profile → Your travel.
- Sign in (when you want to). See Signing in and having an account.
- Lock the app (optional, after you sign in). "Create a PIN to lock the app when you're away", then Face ID or Touch ID if your phone has it. See App Lock: PIN, Face ID and Touch ID.
- Notifications (optional, once). A single screen asks whether you'd like notifications. They're only service messages and trip-sharing requests, never marketing. See Notifications.
You can change every answer
- Destinations and interests: Profile → Your travel → Edit. See Your travel preferences.
- PIN and Face ID: Profile → Security.
- Notifications: Profile → App → Notifications.
Why a globe?
So Explore can show places you might actually visit rather than the whole world. It's a filter, not a commitment, and the hero at the top of Explore always names the filter and offers a Change button.
Something missing or wrong on this page? Tell us. A person reads every message. Updated 11 October 2026.