How to create a travel app: Guide for traveling app development

Did you know that merely 85% of tourists use mobile traveling apps to book their trips? With the advancement of software, travel apps completely changed how people plan and book trips. You now have an application that can do all of that. And as we all know, with such conveniences come opportunities, which result in a great environment for startups. We will just put it out there: a successful travel app startup might yield a very decent flow of income. According to Statistica, by 2024, revenue is projected to grow annually at a rate of 3.99%, resulting in a market volume of US$1,157 billion by 2029.

Yet, how to create a travel app is the common denominator of the challenge.

What is travel mobile app development?

Сustom software development for the travel and tourism industry includes the development process of apps that would make the process of planning and booking travel easier. Quite often in travel mobile app development, there are key functionalities like flight and hotel bookings, itinerary management, and travel updates on a single platform. Such applications will provide the facility to search for flights, hotels, and car rentals, make a booking with an easy interface, and create an itinerary with safe and secure payments. Here’s another catch from Google:

How are apps reshaping travel and tourism

The time for a digital revolution is here as it was such a long time ago when people used to make manual bookings or had any language barrier when organizing trips in a different country. Now, tourists rely on mobile apps for any problem that they might face while traveling. Now they have instant access to flights, hotel reservations, and local attractions.

Brand recognition

If you want to build travel app it’s critical to know what brand recognition is. It’s a loyalty-building instrument that represents your brand and is designed to address the customer’s specific requirements in your application. Sending relevant offers, customization of tour packages, and having a direct point of contact with the customer create a constant association of your brand with your customer.

Audience growth

Thanks to a mobile travel app, you can expand your audience and work not only nationally or internationally but globally. The ability to accept payments from various countries and provide services in several languages will attract tourists from all around world.

Customer retention

The retention rate is the number of users of the app for traveling for a specific period that you choose. You can calculate the retention rate by a formula. It includes the number of active users at the end of a period (E) divided by the number at the beginning of the period (B), minus any new signups (N), multiplied by 100.

That will look something like this: CRR = ((E -N)/B) x 100.

Improvement in retention requires an easy-to-use app, testing the popular features among travelers, sending push notifications and in-app messages, and a simple registration process.

Furthermore, active customers of your traveling app can extend contracts or subscription services and have the interest and predisposition to branch out into trying new products. Existing customers are 50% more likely to try new products than new customers, with an overall increase in spending of 31% being indicated.

Data collection

With data collection, you can use app information to understand your customers' needs in the travel market or enhance software design and marketing strategies. On the one hand, it helps managers understand pain points and opportunities to improve. On the other hand, it offers better care for travelers by monitoring where they are and what risks they are in. Also, advanced analytics allows companies to track and manage their travel budgets. For instance, predictive analytics can project travel expenses and indicate possible savings by detecting trends and opportunities for off-peak travel.

Increased revenue

In 2024, the travel apps industry was valued at $689 billion, where accommodation and hotels made up most of the amount. Not only does a good travel app make the user experience easy and efficient, but it is also a powerful marketing asset for your business. However, to enter the world of technological development in travel and tourism, you have to be very much aware of the market and the features that are needed in the application.

Partnership Opportunities

Mobile application development opens up opportunities for partnerships with flight companies, hotels, travel agents, and many others. Partnerships are a great way to expand the services that your application can provide to the consumer and thus increase its appeal.

What are some travel apps?

Today, we will take a look at different types of travel apps. All-that-in-one airline hotel car app for travelers and then you will decide on your own, what suits you better. Overcode, a leader in travel technology software development, has perfectly accorded this with our client - an innovative app Voyagi. Voyagi helps you strategize your whole trip from destination selection to flight/hotel reservation, and all the way to activity suggestions, based on your preferences and budget.

Let's look at some types of travel application development and discuss how they work, who their target audience is, and some of the technical aspects involved.

Travel planning apps

Travel guide app development makes trip planning easy by inspiring destinations, creating itineraries, budgeting, and generating packing lists. They assist both new and experienced travelers. Here you can meet a user-friendly interface, search filters, interactive maps, and integration with other apps.

Ticket booking apps

Flight booking apps offer flight, train, and real time flight bookings with pricing and availability. Skyscanner is the most famous ticket booking app among other transportation apps to find and book the best deals.

Check-in and boarding applications

These apps simplify the check-in and boarding process at airports by providing mobile passport control. For instance, Delta Airlines application allows passengers to save time and access their airport lounges using a barcode. Such applications can be also upgraded by adding access to a priority pass.

Flight tracking application development

Real-time information on flight status and any changes in arrival/departure gate are critical for travelers to avoid stress. FlightAware application provides the ability to track flights in real time. It also has push notifications and offline access for people with tight connections or jet lag.

Accommodation booking application

Hotel booking app development is the backbone of the travel app industry for your users to compare prices, read reviews, and book everything from homes to hotels rental. The global booking application turned into an online marketplace for short-and-long homestays Airbnb allows users to book apartments and hotels. They are for all types of travelers, from the budget-conscious to those seeking luxury. Key features of the application include dynamic pricing, website integration, and review systems.

Applications for renting vehicles

Car, motorcycle, and bike rentals… And all that in one vehicle rental application for travelers. These applications work not only for independent tourists but also for business travelers. As an example, Turo allows users to rent cars from locals. You can also make your rental application with Overcode with features like GPS, integrated facility of rental companies, and mobile payment.

Road trip planner

These road trip planner apps usually suggest places to stay. By the way, you can take the idea of developing a gas & charging station finder app, as there are not so many of them. For instance, one of many travel apps, Roadtrippers allows users to create road trips and have offline maps. We can also assist in creating the ideal application for driver to suit your requirements.

Currency conversion app development

These are applications that display easy currency converter rates. XE Currency has real time updates for exchange rates with several days of history. When offline, this app provides current rates and has simple converter operations.

Travel sightseeing applications

Mobile app development booking tours and excursions guide tourists on where to go and what to see. For example, our favorite Viator provides a local guide finder in over 200 countries.

Food search app

These applications find restaurants and food trucks in a neighborhood. Yelp can allow the user to read reviews and find restaurants.

Business travel app development

Business travel apps help manage travel itineraries, track expenses, and schedule meetings. SAP Concur streamlines expense reporting for business travelers. Our team can also integrate your app for travelers with corporate systems to facilitate efficiency.

Virtual tour

Virtual tour apps provide an immersive experience for tourists before they get to a destination through panoramic 360-degree images and interaction. Overcode can assist in developing virtual apps travel that are engaging.

App with travel news

Travel news applications allow their users to receive updates and industry trends about their next destination. Google Earth VR allows users to explore locations in detail and it’s ideal for frequent travelers, as the applications offer new feeds and personalized updates. Overcode can build an app for travel news that will definitely be very useful for your users.

If you don't have an existing product but have a passion and idea to create a travel app, Overcode can provide a free 40-minute consultation and we would love to get some more aspects from you. Some of them include:

• Recommendations regarding the tech stack (which technologies may be suitable, which may not), innovative solutions (AI, integration with services: what should be included in your MVP, what not).

• To orientate what kind of team is needed to develop a certain product: number of developers, designers, project/product manager, QA.

• To give an approximate market price for certain specialists.

Top technologies in travel & tourism software development

The technology development in travel and tourism eases marketing and planning as it helps connect travel providers and tourists in an ecosystem to serve everyone better in these competitive market realities. It will involve using technological software development services to make travel with far more advanced technology.

Let's take an in-depth look at what kind of technologies and APIs we apply in travel and tourism software development:

• React.js & Next.js: These technologies form the base for creating fast, scalable, and responsive web applications that focus on performance enhancements by allowing developers to create dynamic user interfaces.

• Node.js: It is a strong backend technology that perfectly meets the real-time handling of data, with the high loads that are so vital in managing bookings, reservations, and many other time-sensitive data records within travel applications. Events in Node.js are driven by an architecture that allows it to handle multiple requests at the same time.

• React Native: Being among the most sought-after cross-platform mobile development frameworks, React Native allows developers to create apps for both iOS and Android operating systems based on a single code. That's precisely what travel apps need to offer experiences across different mobile devices while saving development time and resource consumption.

• Google Maps API: One of the most reliable mapping services provides the most extensive feature set like real-time navigation, location tracking, and geocoding. It is indispensable for those traveling apps that show routes, points of interest, and real-time location data to users, therefore enhancing their experience for travel and tourism apps.

• Mapbox: It gives developers more room to create unique, branded maps than Google Maps does. This is ideal for those travel apps wanting to offer bespoke map features such as tailored routes or visually appealing points of interest against normal, which can easily integrate with other location services.

• Stripe: Outshining for its ease of integration, paired with staunch security features, Stripe allows secure in-app payment processing. This is more important in travel apps, where a user quite often needs to book flights, hotels, or activities inclusive of the features of one-click payment and multiple currencies supported.

• Duffel: An API for travel applications. It easily integrates flight and hotel searches with the booking option. It also simplifies delivering real-time data from airlines and hotels to make sure the users will always have up-to-date pricing and availability.

• Booking.com API: One of the most utilized tools for essential travel apps. This API provides up-to-date information on availability and pricing, supplemented with user reviews. Integrating it into your travel app will enable users to search for and book all types of accommodations, thus enhancing the usability of your app.

Must-have travel app features

Travel applications should be provided with critical features to make the various experiences of users smooth and complete.

• Registration: First comes one-time registration by confirmation emails or which profiles can be made, which saves personal information that will be used later for easy access to different features.

• Navigation and maps integration: Navigation and maps are of much importance because they give directions, and also help in route planning for easy travel in new places. For example, Google Maps helps each of us so much because of the variety of places in one spot.

• Functions real-time tracking: Real-time tracking features are important for safety and convenience. They let users keep track of where they are going or share their location with other people.

• Advanced search: An advanced search enables the user to find places, services, or attractions more quickly inside the travel mobile app.

• Filter and sort: It normally includes filtering and sorting options, which allow users to narrow down the choices based on things like price, distance, or ratings.

• Reviews and ratings: Reviews and ratings mean a lot for building trust by providing insights from other travelers into places, services, or accommodations.

• Transportation: The app offers transportation choices to book flights, trains, and rental cars and makes public transportation easy to use.

• Mobile chat: The mobile chat allows travelers to talk directly to customer support or other users to solve problems and interact socially.

• Connection to social networks: This will connect with social networks, which allows users to share their experiences, plans, or trips with friends family.

• Real-time updates and notifications: Real-time notifications of flight delays, gate changes, or weather conditions let the traveler know how their plans are changing.

• Offline access: In places with weak wi fi or free internet access, having offline access is important to see maps, plans, and crucial information without incurring data costs.

• Translators: Makes our lives easier by breaking the barriers of language to quickly understand signs, menus, or even conversations. The greatest and most popular example is Google Translate.

• Weather updates and currency conversion: Weather updates can help plan trip or day-to-day activities, and the currency conversion tool helps users handle the different country currencies.

• Mobile payment system: A mobile payment system in the application makes it easy to book services, pay for places to stay, or make purchases with a credit card from your banking app.

• Emergency call: The emergency call button helps enhance users' safety in calling quickly and easily the locals in authority or emergency services even without an internet connection.

• Lists of things: The listing feature keeps them organized by keeping a tab on what to pack, what to buy, and what to remember for the next trip. This combined makes easy and full-featured travel app that widens convenience, safety, and connectedness at each step of one's journey.

The first step in developing a place to book flights and hotels or a social network to share travel experiences is knowing how to develop it and how much it costs.

Need expert advice?

Still, if you don’t have a ready project, Overcode can provide a free 40-minute consultation to assist you and even get an approximate estimate of travel app development cost.

How to build a travel app: 8 main stages of software development

Developing an online travel application needs a clear and structured process to meet the users' needs and be able to be competitive in the market. Each step in travel & tourism software development, from conceptualization up to release sets functionality, design, and user experience. Moreover, we made a guide with key steps and processes for creating a successful, user-centered travel app so you could see how to make a travel app.

Confirm your idea's viability

State the purpose of your application succinctly-whether it is for bookings, providing travel information, or for the best deals. Focus on addressing the needs of your target audience, whether it is convenience or adventure.

Market research

The importance of market research cannot be denied because it gives insight into your audience, competition, and market gaps. This ensures your app meets travelers' preferences and stands out in a market already crowded with new travel apps.

Identify your target audience

It would be important to know what your users are looking for so that you can build a travel app that solves their needs and problems. Conduct market research to understand who your competitors are and understand their strengths.

Choose a monetization model

There are several monetization models of travel apps to generate revenue through various streams. Maybe, you will save money for your customers by offering them some personal discounts or subscriptions. But remember, some products combine such monetization options-for example, providing subscription/in-app plus affiliate marketing, or a possibility to buy banners on the site with freemium. There are many ways to use these models, check them out:

Select features of the mobile travel application

Based on market research and the purpose of your app, create a list of the key features that your travel application should possess. List key features like bookings, reviews, maps, and personalized recommendations. These should be prioritized based on time and budget, and also on the user‘s experience.

Develop a business plan

Writing a business plan for your mobile app development for the travel industry comes down to thinking through where you are with your app idea, what you want to accomplish, and how you think you will get there. List the type of app; target platform; market analysis; marketing strategies; budget; your goals for testing, features, and launch.

Сhoose the right travel technology development company

You can develop your app for iOS, Android, and web apps, depending on whom you target and how much you have in your wallet. Each option comes with a few very important advantages, but also some disadvantages. For example, iOS offers better security and a more committed user base, while Android holds a higher market share. Consider factors such as user preferences, market reach, and development cost before making a decision. Still, there is always a chance to fail and you might need a software development company for it. And… how can you be sure that you have chosen the right one? That’s why we made this article specially for you.

Сreate a travel app

Discovery session

The discovery session is the initial step where our development team collaborates with you to understand your vision, goals, and app requirements. This leads to the result of a project plan that guides the development process. You also have to decide whether your users will access free downloads and how they will pay for your software.

Select the appropriate technology stack

Next, the right technology stack is vital for performance, scalability, and security. It entails choosing programming languages, frameworks, and tools according to your app's needs and future goals.

If you already have a product built, but the processes are not aligned the way you would like them to be, Overcode can do a free 40-minute consulting session where we can save time, money and discuss the existing questions:

• Overcode can help you navigate which integrations are really important for the MVP and which can wait for the extended version of the product.

• Discussion of the tech stack: existing or planned

• Estimate request

Design a prototype

Our prototype design includes creating a visual of your app layout and features. This stage will give you what the actual app will look and feel like before actual development goes on. A prototype is also important for gathering initial feedback and making early adjustments. Still, a prototype is just a black-and-white sketch of the interface, without a UI.

Finalize your ultimate UX/UI design

After refining the prototype, we will establish the final UX/UI design to render an intuitive and visually appealing interface. The design itself is when the team approves the stylistics and makes mock-ups from the approved prototypes that will correspond to the finished product. It should primarily focus on the user experience, navigation, and accessible functionalities.

Development

The development phase is a time when our team performs the actual coding and construction of the application. This involves the actualization of the proposed features by the development team, the integration of necessary APIs, and ensuring that the application works.

Automated Tests and Quality assurance

Testing mainly involves bug checking, performance, and usability. It entails unit, integration, and user acceptance testing to ensure the app is ready for release. Quality assurance is an important element of app development that checks all the boxes about how well an app runs on all devices and all operating systems. QA teams carry out both manual and automated testing, which includes compatibility, performance, and security testing. This happens in successive iterations to refine the functionality and performance of the app so that it runs seamlessly on all platforms before its release.

Data security

Data security is vital for web and mobile travel apps that handle sensitive information. This phase involves encryption, secure payments, and compliance with data protection laws.

Integration

You can interface with third-party services, including booking engines, payment gateways, and social networks. Proper integration will make these services work transparently in the app, ensuring that its users' experience is frictionless, unified, and smooth. It also adds a lot of functionality to the app and appreciates its overall value.

Deployment and launch processes

After comprehensive testing of your app, it should be deployed so that it will be accessible. In the case of mobile applications, this could include publishing via different stores available iOS Android. In the case of web applications, it includes hosting on a reliable server or cloud platform, which makes the application accessible to users on all devices and browsers without needing the publication of application stores.

Collect user feedback and update your travel application

Once the app is released, collect user feedback for those areas that need improvement. To this end, such valuable insight is bound to help enhance functionality and provide a better user experience through updates more often than once per year.

Deliver travel mobile app to your clients

Finally, after delivering a travel app that meets client expectations and providing ongoing updates and support, the next step is to focus on building a marketing strategy to attract users. This involves promoting the app through targeted campaigns, optimizing app store listings (if applicable), and leveraging social media and partnerships to drive downloads and engagement. With active marketing, you ensure the app reaches its intended audience and grows its user base effectively. The next task is to wait for all Apple App Store and Google Play verifications. After that, users can finally download an app!

Why choose Overcode for travel app development?

With Overcode, you are hiring experts to overcome specific challenges and take the unique opportunities your industry presents. We excel in developing user-focused applications that are scalable and secure for your travel app. Our team is aware of the most suitable travel and tourism app development technologies: AI, Big Data, and cloud computing - meaning your app will be developed on the best technologies available.

Are you all set to kick-start in the travel app domain? Contact us today and schedule a consultation through which you will find out how Overcode can shape your concept into a successful, market-leading app.