There was a time when planning a trip was a mountain of a task for any individual. However, with the advent and rise in digital media, specifically mobile apps for travel purposes, the job has become a whole lot easier and more refined for developers.
So why a travel mobile app is relevant for business? Here are some statistics related to the acquisition and usage of travel apps that should convince you of the prospect.
- 85% of leisure travelers use their mobile phones while spending time abroad
- 30% of people use mobile apps to locate hotels
- 72% of travelers use social media to post their vacation pictures
- 15% of to-be travelers download travel mobile apps to plan their next vacation
- 46% are happy to check in to a venue when on holidays
Incorporating the following essential and value-added features to guarantee the best travel planning app in the store!
From the business’s perspective, travel mobile apps have the potential to stretch the existing boundaries and bring in new opportunities for a company.
As for this discussion, let’s talk about the most important features to consider before building a travel mobile app for your business.
Travel planning
Apparently, a great trip organizer app developed by an experienced, intelligent developer will incorporate all the features described below. Users can start by searching for destinations and itineraries, create schedules, store e-tickets, and QR codes among other important features.
Yes, there are different types of apps within the travel apps category as well, each catering a specific purpose, but a comprehensive trip organizer and planner covering all the required features is a great start for any new or seasoned traveler.
Travel journal
Unsurprisingly, many travelers prefer keeping a traveling journal to cover their trip. Given the rise of digital and social media, by keeping a journal we mean taking pictures and videos, or even audio records. This is where a “diary” feature in the app helps you the most.
An exciting travel journal app can even be used in a travelers’ blog community for engagement purposes and tempting users to download your app.
Navigation & geolocation
Being at an unknown place is an uncomfortable, insecure experience especially when you don’t know where you are or how to get back to your intended destination. According to data, around 5% of all mobile app users use one or more navigation tools for their assistance, understandably, tourists account for 85%.
One of the best features of a travel map is that it works offline too. Developers need to make sure that the app can fulfill its core purpose even if the user isn’t connected with a nearby Wi-Fi to provide assistance in times of need.
Despite the fact, every tourism app is mandated to have a geolocation feature. Yes, the costs to incorporate this feature will be considerably high, but often users require this feature in the MVP or beta version.
Booking service
Booking service is another important feature that tempts users, especially those who are out preparing for an international tour. Users eagerly look forward to availing the best deals for tickets and accommodation.
In addition to that, the value and demand of the app greatly increase when there is an inbuilt feature providing transport to/from the hotel, check-ins, and a loyalty program.
Trip reviews & recommendations
Being able to locate unusual, non-tourist spots and activities are a big YES for any tourist. This is where quality reviews come in! Consider the examples of Yelp, Trip Advisor, etc.
Reviews and recommendations can be added even by locals in the area the traveler checks in. Apparently, positive word-of-mouth is a proven marketing tool that can help your brand with additional traffic, leads, and even conversions through your app or website.
City transport services
Moving around a city is quite frustrating and difficult, only when you aren’t sure about where to hire a cab from. How about the prospect of collaborating with all or major city traffic kinds for your app?
Your user wouldn’t need to open a second app like Uber to hire a cab for traveling, rather you can hire a cab for them similar to how a professional cab service would.
Language translations
We already know the app development industry has moved global, so why not your travel mobile app?
Given the cultural diversity in the traveling industry, undoubtedly, people often feel obstructed when traveling to a foreign location due to the language barrier.
Yes, we do have the translation apps in the iOS and Android stores, so why bother to inculcate the feature in a traveling app?
Reason being, when travelers are out enjoying their trip, they don’t want to run different applications at the same time for different purposes. But going places with a translation feature in the app is going to be a lifesaver, particularly for reading street signs, maps, or other instructions.
Weather updates
Another major thing that can affect any trip is the weather conditions, hence, a useful feature to include in your travel mobile app. Any experienced developer knows how to use open source APIs to incorporate this feature into a travel app.
Local emergency services contact information
A feature that builds a sense of credibility in the user for the app. This indicates that the developer is not only technically skilled but is also client-centric when it comes to developing particularly lifesaving products.
While integrating a feature displaying the numbers of all the emergency services can come really handy, especially when travelers are off to an extreme adventure or somewhat, dangerous trip.
Final Thoughts!
A travel app incorporated with all the above features can be a really powerful and lucrative entry in the App Store and Google Play.
Developers might even decide to include other features such as world clock, currency converter, washroom locater, Wi-Fi finder, etc., but let’s not forget that being a travel mobile app developer, you need to keep your prime focus on your target market and include their essential features first, without overburdening app and affecting the eventual user experience.
Imran Abdul Rauf is a Digital Marketing Strategist, employed at CMOLDS, and specializes in content marketing, email marketing campaigns, lead generation, and other aspects of digital marketing. A content enthusiast by the day, and hardcore gamer by night, Imran is also a regular guest contributor at some of the top tech and digital marketing platforms.
