THE ULTIMATE GUIDE ON TRAVEL APP DEVELOPMENT

1. FLIGHT BOOKING APPS 

This type of app help travelers book flight tickets compares flight costs and pay for tickets online. The app also displays real-time data of flights, this is done by integrating API's. 

Examples – Hopper, Skyscanner, Kiwi, Kayak etc. 

2. HOTEL BOOKING APPS 

Accomodation apps allow users to view, book and pay for rooms. It has more features like reviews/ratings, online check-in facility, electronic keys, etc.  

Examples – Booking.com, Hostel world, Airbnb, Oyo Rooms etc. 

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3. TRANSPORT APPS 

The transport app helps users find information of nearby transportation system and routes. These apps use geolocation feature to determine user location and define nearest transportation options. 

Examples - Uber, Lyft, Ola, Taxify etc.

4. TRIP PLANNING APPS 

These types of app provide all the travel features like taxi booking, hotel booking, planning itinerary, flight/train booking and much more. 

Examples – Expedia, MakeMyTrip, Yatra etc. 

1) ACCESSIBILITY 

The mobile apps give instant access to the users, while it is quite frustrating calling several travel agencies and explaining them your requirements. Through travel apps you can book your tickets in just few minutes. 

2) EASY MAINTENANCE 

Mobile apps can be easily maintained compared to pen and paper travel bookings. The company can track, maintain and modify all the data. 

3) CUSTOMIZATION 

With the change in technologies and trends the business also need to change some features in a mobile app. Thus, mobile apps are to be designed to meet the different needs of your customers. 

4) ALL IN ONE SOLUTION 

No need to use different platform to book your hotel, bus, flights tickets. With all-in-one travel apps you travel booking becomes easier and faster.  

In order to make a successful travel app, you must follow these six essential features. Let’s take a look at them one by one -

1.  NAVIGATION AND MAPS

Location features are very essential for travel apps. Inclusion of in-app maps and navigation allows the travelers to spot-on the nearby location, restraints, hotels, tourists point, etc. in no time.  

You can use few tools like Google Maps SDK for iOS, and it is already included in Android Apps. You can also integrate Google Places or Facebook Places API's. 

2. TRAVEL PLANNER 

All the features should be presented in such a way that user can visualize their trip from start to finish. It’s very crucial for an app to have a feature to plan and schedule the trip.

The user should be able to view the cost of their trip, visa information. 

3. WEATHER FORECASTING 

What could go wrong when visiting an unknown place? The answer always gives the chills, right. Built-in weather forecasting feature in travel app allows travelers to prepare themselves beforehand according to the current weather.   

4. REVIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

A lot of travelers and tourists prioritize ratings and reviews before opting out any service. Ratings and reviews on your travel app builds trust among your existing and new customers. 

5. SOCIAL MEDIA SHARING 

Almost 70% of travelers post pictures and status on social media sites. Hence, it becomes very important to include social media buttons on your app. 

6. BOOKING AND PAYMENT 

Integrate a booking system that offers a variety of features such as quick compare prices of hotels and restaurants. To make your travel app more seamless, you must include instant payment system as well.   

The total cost to develop a travel app depends on variety of things such as functionality, features, complexity, design and theme, region, etc. You can either hire a mobile app development company or an independent app developer to do the job.

Here is app development costs breakdown: 

1. DISCOVERY AND RESEARCH 

The app development starts from planning and research. This phase includes App Concept, Architecture, Timeline and Competitor analysis. 

Average Cost - $4000 - $10,000  

2. DESIGN 

In this phase UI/UX of the app is designed and implemented. User Interface design is to make app visually attractive and User Experience design is to make app user friendly. 

Average Cost - $6000 - $15000 

3. DEVELOPMENT 

All the functionalities, modules and features are developed and incorporated in the app. The core development is done then all features are implemented and finally API’s are integrated.
Average Cost - $10,000 - $30,000

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4. TESTING 

After development the testers will test the code, design and features. The app is ready to launch after it has passed all the quality checks. 

Average Cost - $5,000 - $15,000 

5. LAUNCH AND MAINTENANCE 

Finally, after successful completion of all four phases the app is released. After your app is live it needs to be regularly maintained and updated. 

Average Cost - $10,000 - $30,000 

Total Cost of Basic Travel App - $20,000- $50,000 

Total Cost of Medium Travel App - $50,000- $100,000 

Total Cost of Large Travel App - $100,000 + 

Some of you might be thinking, “Why do I need a travel app if I have dedicated website?” a fair question indeed. However, we all know that how mobile a mobile app is. Unlike websites, mobile apps give required information instantly with just few click and toggle. Such ease and access make travel apps superior to the websites.