Relocating can be stressful regardless of timing or distance. Even the best-planned trips or moves can be derailed by surprises. Anything from unforeseen weather events to missing luggage, overbooking, or last-minute cancellations can wreak havoc on travelers and industry professionals alike.
Whether one is using an online apartment finder to find a new home or a booking platform to get the best room rates on vacation accommodations if a company includes an apartment finder app development it will make the whole process easier and less confusing.
That is, if the apps are built by talented developers and used to enhance the user’s experience.
Now that the travel and tourism industry is opening back up, mobile apps are more in demand than ever. If you want to tap into even a fraction of that market, take a few moments to learn from the best travel apps on the market and build on their successes.
Importance of Apps for the Travel and Tourism Industry
Not only have travel apps done away with maps and middlemen, they allow travelers to get the best possible rates and arrange all of their bookings from one location. In an era where people are just trusting travel, these apps offer up-to-date information about travel safety, tell you what areas and travel-related businesses are open and fully functional, and what restrictions you may apply along your route.
These newer features are meant to increase travel among the wary, let people know that it’s okay to travel again, and supplement other advantages for the industry and those who depend on reliable, functional information and booking platforms. Among these benefits are:
- More targeting marketing and customer outreach
- Cost and time savings
- Added value
- Convenience and simplicity
- Increased productivity
- Better customer service
- Less paperwork
- Fraud protection
- Greater accuracy and transparency
In addition to all of the above, you have the ability to offer special deals and packages to more people. But, the best part is that travelers and industry pros can use the apps from anywhere, at any time. Imagine what a bonus that would be for lost or endangered travelers, hikers, tour guides, and others who require real time help or information.
Must-Have Features In Your Travel And Tourism Apps
If you’re going to build an app, make sure that it offers features that travelers crave, but incorporate them in a way that offers value or adds a unique twist to the typical travel app.
What are the minimal features your travel app should include?
- Geo-tracking/geolocation that allows the user to arrive at their destination, arrange local transportation, check into their lodgings, and find a place to eat right from their phone.
- Aggregator or search interface. Travelers want to get the best rates on fares and bookings without spending a lot of time online.
- Bundled services so that they can get deals on multiple bookings, such as savings on airfare, hotel, and car rental or a hotel/tour package.
- Secure payment interface/easy booking
- Language translator
- World clock
- Currency converter
- Customer reviews
- Video and images
- In-app chat for customer support
- Push notifications or text reminders
- Real-time alerts
8 Mobile Applications for Tourists
There are probably hundreds of travel apps on the market. Some try to offer a broad base of knowledge, while others attempt to specialize in a specific niche, such as luxury accommodations or ground travel. The eight listed below are the best of the best for various reasons. Unless otherwise noted, all apps are available for download on Google Play Store (Android) and Apple App Store (iOS).
1. Airbnb
This is not the newest app around, and it isn’t even the first. But, what Airbnb does, it does well enough to make it the home stay standard in the industry. It’s a great option for business travelers, extended stay, and those who want a more home-like setting for their vacation.
You’ll find all of the features from their website in a mobile-friendly interface. If you want to stay with a local host, this app can put you in touch with vetted owners. Browse properties, talk to owners, check reviews to get quality accommodations in your price range and area.
2. Skyscanner
I was directed to this app while staying at a hostel in Europe, and I would never book a flight any other way. It allows you to find flights, lodgings, and even ground transportation by a variety of metrics. You can search by airport, region, or just type in the days you need to travel, and you’ll get a list of all available flights and fares in or out of that country, state, or region. It will even give you prices for selected times, like “Week of” or by the month. Not sure where you want to travel? Just use Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” feature to get rates and time tables to literally anywhere you can book a flight.
Yes, you can book from the app as well, and you’ll get the best available rates. There’s also a knowledge base that tells you about various airports and locations.
3. HotelTonight
There are plenty of hotel booking apps, but how many of then will provide you with last-minute deals and lower rates on empty rooms? The app allows searches by city, local attractions, and other filters. Plus, all images of the area are added by real travelers. It’s also free and easy to use.
4. Hostel World
This platform has come a long way from the first time I used it, and now they have an app. Hostel World not only provides you with last-minute booking information for cities you’re in, you can also arrange and book hostels from city-to-city along your route.
Great for students or those traveling across multiple areas on a budget. I was able to book a dorm for one night near an airport when I had an early flight to my next destination and have a room waiting for me when I landed. You’ll be able to find availability, share options or private rooms, and information about the local area, including maps, video, and images. Once you’ve found what you need, book everything right from the app.
5. TripIt
This is a great app for people who like to plan every detail of their trip and keep information close at hand. Simple install the app, and then feed all of your travel information into the planner. That includes emails, verifications, and schedule changes. The app then uses the information to create a master itinerary of your whole trip. An automated alert function lets you know about cancellations and other important information in real time, and any changes you add automatically update your itinerary.
6. AroundMe
This geolocation-based app makes sight seeing – or simply getting around – easier than ever. You’ll get more robust, up-to-date local information than other booking or travel apps because most come from locals or fellow travelers. It also integrates with apps like Booking.com.
7. Trail Wallet
This handy app allows you to keep track of your expenses while you travel. You can organize everything by trip, create budgets, and add information in real time whenever you get a receipt at a restaurant or hotel. Great for frequent fliers, business travelers who need to track spending, and anyone who wants to track their spending on the road.
8. Kiwi
Most flight apps are great, but they are no help if you miss a connecting flight or want to avoid a 32-hour layover in an out of the way local. Kiwi achieves this by pricing flights and connections on each leg of your travels. However, this could lead to a need to re-check bags of the flight with different airports. The company does offer a guarantee if you miss a flight due to a cancellation or a delay. They’ll replace your flight for free, and you may even get complimentary lodgings or meals.
Final Thoughts
Apps have taken some of the stress and confusion out of travel. No matter the type of accommodation, reason for traveling, or length of stay, a travel app opens up new markets and opportunities while providing users with more options and autonomy when it comes to making travel arrangements.
Your goal as a developer is to use best practices and industry standards to create an app that builds on success or fills an untapped market niche. We’ve tried to provide you with some inspiration and guidance through proven success stories. What you do with that information is up to you.
