Travel App Development Guide: Types, Features, Cost

Quick Summary: Do you have a great idea to enhance travel through a cutting-edge travel app? This article covers the best knowledge on how you can develop a travel app-from app types, key features, cost, steps, etc. Check the details to make an informed decision. Hope you enjoy reading!

Not in the least facilitated, travel today is at the intoxicating lifespan of technology. The reach of technology has increased barriers in travel and tourism activities, thereby leading to the rise of the global travel industry.

The movement of the travel industry seemingly spells fortune for businesses. Hence, you as an entrepreneur might be eyeing to invest in travel app development and cash in on this opportunity. Travel Application is basically a web-based or mobile app where users book and manage travel on the go.

With lots of such apps already in the market, it creates a problem as well as an opportunity to create yet another. Nevertheless, with certain good planning, research, and steps, you can create one that will bring up-front revenues like Airbnb, Trivago, and Booking.com.

Why Travel Apps Are Thriving Right Now

Let’s face it — traveling has become a digital-first experience. Most people plan their trips while sitting on the couch, phone in hand, dreaming of beaches, mountains, or weekend getaways. And apps are at the center of that experience.

Here are a few real-world stats that explain why now’s the time to get into the travel app game:

• Thirty-five percent of travel booking happens on mobiles.
• Apps like Google Maps, Uber, and Booking.com make it to the list of the most downloaded apps in the travel category.
• Travel and tourism together contribute somewhere beyond $7.7 trillion towards world GDP.
• Recovery in travel apps is rapid — even in the wake of COVID-19 impact, the industry has appreciated by over 40% just this past year of 2022.

People want convenience at their fingertips. They ask for real-time assistance. They want their travel-life all set up in one place. If you can actually build a solution for that, the opportunity is going to be huge.

Types of Travel and Tourism Apps

Truly, before you write a single line of code, consider what kind of travel app you’ll be developing. There are multiple paths one could take, and they cater to different kinds of travelers. Let’s break down the common types:

1. Trip Planning & Itinerary Apps

These are apps that organize the entire trip of a traveler: flights, hotels, activities, car rental, all into one timeline. Think of TripIt or Wanderlog.

2. Booking Hotel

Booking hotel is truly every man’s trade. From the truly luxurious stay to quaint homestays, apps like Airbnb, Trivago, and Booking.com let users find places to stay, compare prices, and review.

3. Flight, Ticket, or Transport Booking

Flight, train, or bus bookings are at the core of the services offered in the Expedia and Skyscanner apps. They show users a variety of travel options, with prices, updated in real-time, and allow instant booking.

4. Travel Insurance Apps

The one thing you do not want to think about being in an accident while on a journey itself is temporary with peace of mind assure it. Travel apps like Allianz TravelSmart provide insurance for health, delays, or lost luggage.

5. Local Guide & Experience Apps

It’s all about finding hidden gems, from funky cafes to shady guided hikes. TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, and Viator hold that mantle.

6. Transport & Mobility Apps

Getting around a new city is way easier with apps like Uber, Lyft, or Turo.

You could create an app specialized in any one of these categories-or consider a fusion of two or more into one seamless platform.What you choose depends on your idea, your audience, and your business goals.

Which features make a travel app work?

If you’re designing a travel app, the users want a smooth, intuitive experience. No-one wants an app to disrupt their travel experience.

Here are the features really important for travelers-the ones that make an app good and enjoyable to use:

Easy Sign-Up & Log-In

Just keep it simple. Let the users sign up through their mail, or they can sign in through their Google or Facebook accounts.

Smart Search & Filters

Let them find exactly what they want-whether a pet-friendly hotel, cheapest flight, or a sushi joint with the highest rating nearby.

Bookings & Reservations

Reserving rooms or hotels, tickets to shows, tours, vehicles, anything should be done quickly and with instant confirmation within the app.

Secure Payments

Trust matters. Use a credible gateway-PayPal, Stripe, Apple Pay-to complete the transactions securely.

Push Notifications

Reminders, updates for trips, last-minute deals, or alerts when plans change. Just don’t bother them too much.

Reviews & Ratings

Well, people trust other people. Verified reviews could help a user decide with confidence, and they will also be inclined to trust your app.

In-App Chat or Support

When asking questions, whether from a customer or a traveler chatting with another, communication becomes that factor of trust.

Real-Time Maps & Navigation

No traveler wants to get lost. GPS and map integrations are a must, mainly if you build something city- or activity-based.

Multi-language & Currency Support

If your app is or will be global, open it up for accessibility. People like apps that talk their language, or at least show prices in their currency.

What Does Development Really Look Like?

If this is your first app, do not sweat it. I mean, you do not have to be a tech guy or gal to understand how it all comes together. The process is pretty straight, focusing on working in step-wise manner with the core team.

1. The Research Phase

Before building anything, first understand your market. What are travelers struggling with? What are their competitors doing? Right (or wrong)? It is where your idea really takes shape.

2. Determining Your Primary Features

Do not try doing too much straight away. Aim for MVP-i.e., Minimum Viable Product-that basic but working version of your app that looks for testing and further improvement.

3. Development Partner/Team

You are going to need some really smart persons — designers, developers, and project managers — to get your vision through. It is best to hire a team with some hard-earned application-building experience, preferably in travel or lifestyle.

4. App Design (UI/UX)

Design is everything. No one will use your app if it’s clunky or hard to follow. Make it clean, responsive, and mobile-first.

5. App Development (Frontend + Backend)

Here’s where the coding part comes in. The visuals meet functionality and, hence, bring the app into operation.

6. Test, and Test, and Test Again

Go ahead and test your app on all devices and user scenarios. Fix those bugs. Refine, refine, and more refinement. Test it for all that it was advertised to be.

7. Submit the App

Go for submission on iOS, Android, or for both, and then get to marketing. Use social media, paid advertisements, PR, or travel-oriented influencers to bring in the very first bunch of users.

8. Updates and Improvements Over Time

No app is ever “done.” Keep listening to feedback, fix issues, and implement new features based on what travelers really want.

The Tech Side: What Powers a Travel App?

Here’s a very simplified version of what a tech stack used to build a travel app would look like:

The specific tools depend on your app’s features, budget, and platform preference.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Travel App?

Ah yes — the question everyone asks.

The cost to build a travel app can vary a lot. It depends on what kind of app you’re building, how complex it is, and who you’re hiring.

Here’s a ballpark estimate:

If you’re working with a team in the U.S. or Western Europe, expect to be on the higher end. But if you outsource to India, Eastern Europe, or Southeast Asia, you could significantly lower development costs while still getting top-quality work.

Partner with Experts Who Understand the Travel Space

A dependable and experienced team is the best option to help bring your travel app to life, and Softkingo offers just that.

For years now, we at Softkingo have been helping brands across different industries build smart, scalable, and user-friendly digital solutions. Our team of developers, designers, and strategists understand what it takes to build a product travelers will enjoy and trust.

You certainly may outsource your project entirely, choosing to retain little involvement, or alternatively, collaborate closely with a dedicated team. We offer flexible engagement models that map out just fine to your goals. We are your partner from early stage ideation through post-launch support.

When it comes to innovating on your app with some insanely cool features, ours are the best: gamification, AI-based recommendations, voice search, and real-time language translation.

Let’s connect and actualize your travel app idea. Contact us today to get a bespoke quote or to arrange a free consultation.