Building a bespoke travel app: Key considerations and Jet2TT’s approach

It’s the age of the internet and every business needs an app, irrespective of the market they are in. From education to travel, every sector is now getting digitised, so building an app has been a top priority for companies trying to make big business today. Jet2 Travel Technologies can be a great help for you if you are in the travel and tourism market.

The key steps to building a bespoke travel app are –

Here, we will discuss the top steps that you need to take to build a bespoke travel app for your business –

1. Concept & Validation: To address traveler pain points, consider innovative ideas such as a unified itinerary management system that integrates flights, accommodations, and activities seamlessly. Research existing apps to identify gaps, possibly discovering a need for better integration of real-time updates or personalized recommendations. Validate concepts through user feedback and competitor analysis to ensure market viability and differentiation. Develop detailed user personas to understand various traveler needs and preferences.

2. Features & Platform: Based on research, prioritize core functionalities such as intuitive booking interfaces, real-time notifications, and personalized travel suggestions. Emphasize ease of use and accessibility across platforms. Decide on the app’s platform architecture—whether native (iOS/Android), hybrid, or a progressive web app (PWA)—to align with user expectations and development capabilities.

3. Design & Development: Design a user-friendly UI with a focus on intuitive navigation and engaging visuals that enhance user experience. Develop robust backend functionalities to support booking management, secure data storage, and seamless integration with third-party services like mapping APIs, booking platforms, and payment gateways. Ensure scalability to accommodate future growth and feature enhancements.

4. Testing & Launch: Conduct rigorous testing phases to identify and resolve bugs, ensuring the app functions reliably across different devices and scenarios. Utilize beta testing to gather user feedback and refine the app based on real-world usage insights. Prepare for a successful launch on major app stores (iOS App Store & Google Play Store), adhering to platform guidelines and leveraging pre-launch marketing strategies.

5. Maintenance & Marketing:
Post-launch, prioritize ongoing maintenance to address user feedback, fix bugs promptly, and introduce new features aligned with user needs and industry trends. Implement a comprehensive marketing strategy to reach target audiences through digital channels, influencer partnerships, and targeted advertising campaigns. Continuously analyze user data to refine marketing efforts and optimize user acquisition and retention strategies.

Top features for your app –

Here are some app features that you need to consider while making a travel app:

1. Search and Booking: Allow users to search for flights, hotels, car rentals, or other travel services directly from the app. Integrate reliable booking systems and provide multiple payment options for convenience.

2. Trip Planning: Enable users to create personalized itineraries, including attractions, restaurants, and activities. Incorporate features like saving favorite locations, setting reminders, and syncing with calendars for a hassle-free travel planning experience.

3. Real-Time Updates: Integrate APIs to provide users with real-time information about travel conditions, flight delays, weather updates, and local events. This ensures that users are always up-to-date and can make informed decisions.

4. Social Integration: Allow users to share their travel experiences, reviews, and recommendations on social media platforms. This promotes user engagement and generates organic growth for your app.

How do you find the best developing team for the work?

Look for teams with a proven track record in developing travel apps or similar complex projects, particularly adept at integrating third-party APIs, managing real-time data, and implementing robust security measures. 

Industry familiarity is crucial for understanding user needs, regulatory requirements, and trends. Assess their portfolio for diverse travel apps showcasing innovation, usability, and scalability, ensuring client satisfaction. Choose a team that values open communication, provides regular updates, and uses Agile methodologies for adaptability. Emphasize rigorous testing and quality assurance to deliver a bug-free, high-performance app. 

And what better way than collaborating with Jet2travel and accessing all the required expertise under one roof? We offer comprehensive domain expertise and technical proficiency, ensuring a tailored approach that exceeds user expectations and enhances the travel experience.

Conclusion –

Building a bespoke travel app requires a thoughtful and strategic approach to ensure it meets the needs of modern travelers while providing an easy, engaging user experience. From concept and validation to design, development, testing, and maintenance, every step is important in delivering a high-quality app that stands out in the competitive travel market.

Partner with Jet2 Travel Technologies to transform your travel business with a cutting-edge, user-centric app. Contact us today to get started on creating a travel app that will captivate your users and drive your business forward. Visit Jet2 Travel Tech to learn more and schedule a consultation with our expert team.