Developing an app for traveling has become quite important these days. Respective for different regions around the globe, traveling apps for Android and iOS are being made each day. It is no wonder that consumers today are spending a lot of time researching about different holiday destinations and planning their next vacation, as well as the next destination for training and off-site.

Bookings in this regard have not only increased but also, the traffic for such is coming in large volume from tablets and smartphones. Mobile bookings in the travel industry grew by 1700% between 2011 & 2015, which increased online revenues from 1% to 18%. It is also expected that 31% of consumers will search their next trip from a smartphone.

The must have features for developing travel apps for mobile

No doubt the travel and tourism industry is growing, and its status is ranked among the best in the world. However, for those who do not know much about it; they will get confused.

App developers and travel businesses must know that there features that can really amp up their apps.

The need for a quality mobile app experience for travel enthusiasts is a must and terms of comparing that with other apps need to develop as well. Hence, app developers & businesses must have a look at the following essentials to amp up their respective mobile apps:

1. Creating a user’s personal account via social media sharing and sign ups

For a user, a travel app is a personal traveling tool for all travelers. A personal account is necessary when a travel app is under development. If travel companies think about it when getting their apps developed, they can gather more information about their customers during the registration process.

For registration, adding registration features via social media login plugins will make the registration easy but also less time consuming. Access to social profiles of customers is granted (public info only) which can further help the travel company create personalized deals as per customer’s preferences and behavior.

Travelers share their traveling experience greatly on social network sites like Facebook and Instagram whenever they get the chance. This will help work as a free promotion for your app.

2. Search options with filters for finding popular spots & attractions

Give customers a user-friendly search option so they can find their next travel spot easily. Also give them filters for obtaining information regarding sightseeing, attractions, nightlife, popular spots and any events in that area.

The best part of each travel experience is to find unconventional spots and places to visit. In the app, developers must add a feature of recommendations from residents. Integrate such with Google Places and Facebook Places APIs to give users a database of services, sightseeing and the like.

3. Booking services for flights & accommodation

All ranking travel apps provide users booking services for flights and accommodation. Apps now have inbuilt booking functions with loyalty programs. Customers will be able to choose & book flight tickets and hotel accommodation for present & future trips, as per their desire.

Partnering with airlines & hotels will help create loyalty programs, special deals and discounts. Marketing the app in the early days of traveling season will give users joining and referral bonuses, encouraging more to use the app.

4. Navigation & Geolocation

Although there is proof of time travel, travelers want to feel relaxed when they arrive at their destination. Travelers want to feel comfortable understanding their current location & how to reach the hotel, restaurant, club, disco, train station etc. Hence, every mobile app needs a geolocation feature. 

It may raise the cost of the app but it’s a necessary feature. Integrate it with Google Maps SDK for Android & iOS to add maps in the travel app with all the features of routing & navigation.

5. Ratings & Reviews

Last, but not the least: Add the feature of Ratings & Reviews, for hotels, restaurants, cafes and the like. Feature reviews & testimonials from app users and other travelers, as well as the same from local residents to make travelers aware of the area. It helps the app improve its services as well.

Over to You

There you have it, the essentials of developing a travel app to help users get the best experience in holidays, traveling and vacation. It will also help your travel app get really nice reviews and win more customers.

These essentials may not exactly give you an Airbnb type app immediately, but it can give you a travel app which will certainly be worth every dollar you invested. The sky is not the limit and AirBnB is not the only benchmark you have because there is a chance that you can make something even better.

In fact, you can make the best travelling app ever. All you have to do is to contact a Toronto app development company renown in your city. They will guide you, provide consultancy and take you through each step to make it classy, seamless and streamlined.

Author bio:

Osama Ahmed is an online marketing strategist & writing expert with 3+ years of experience, currently associated with Branex digital agency. Osama got many rewards from different task & strategies as it implemented him