Travel App Development: Trendy Feature Ideas, and Tips to Make In-app Money (2025)

In 2025, over 80% of travelers are using mobile apps to plan and book their trips, the competition is high. If your app lacks the latest features or a solid strategy, users will move on to the next best thing. And let’s be real, developing an app is costly, so figuring out how to make in-app money is just as crucial as creating an app that people love to use.

That’s why understanding travel app development is key to staying ahead in this fast-changing industry. In this guide, we’ll break down travel app development with the trendiest feature ideas and practical ways to generate revenue. Let’s learn more about AI-driven experiences, subscription models, affiliate partnerships, and other cutting-edge strategies to help your app stand out and make money in 2025.

What Is A Travel Mobile App?

A travel mobile app is a software application designed to facilitate various aspects of traveling. It can be downloaded and installed on a smartphone or tablet.

Unlike general utility apps, travel mobile app development focuses specifically on providing travel-related services, such as itinerary management, booking accommodations, transportation, and discovering attractions.  

A travel mobile app simplifies everything from itinerary planning to last-minute changes, helping you stay organized and confident on the go. These apps integrate multiple services into one platform, allowing travelers to organize their journeys without switching between different tools.

80% of travelers use a smartphone to plan their trips. Compared to other apps, travel mobile apps stand out because they:

• Offer real-time updates on flight status, hotel availability, and local events.
• Use GPS and location-based services to guide users efficiently.
• Provide booking and payment options within the app.
• Integrate AI and machine learning to provide personalized recommendations.(advanced integration)

Travel apps integrate multiple features into one platform, allowing users to manage their trips effortlessly. 

If you're new to app development and need a roadmap, this practical guide to application development offers a clear breakdown of the process from idea to execution

Below is a detailed look at what a travel mobile app is, how it works, why it’s beneficial, and the overall impact it has on modern travel.

5 Best Travel App Ideas 

With travel becoming more personalized and technology-driven, innovative apps are shaping the way people explore the world. From AI-powered trip planners to social networking platforms for travelers, here are five exciting travel application ideas that can transform how we travel.

1. Local Experience Finder

Key Features:

• Connects users with local guides and hosts
• Offers personalized recommendations for hidden gems
• Provides real-time booking for unique experiences

More travelers now seek authentic and cultural experiences rather than just visiting tourist hotspots. According to Booking.com, 63% of travelers prefer immersive travel experiences that reflect local traditions. This app would act as a bridge between travelers and significant attractions, ensuring a more memorable and culturally rich journey.

These apps help bridge the gap between tourists and local cultures, ensuring richer, more meaningful travel experiences. ToursByLocals offers private tours led by local guides in over 2,000 locations across 170 countries. Travelers can customize their itineraries and gain in-depth insights from knowledgeable locals, making their trips more immersive. 

2. AI-Powered Travel Assistant

Key Features:

• 24/7 AI chatbot for real-time travel assistance
• Personalized itinerary planning based on preferences
• Live updates on flights, hotels, and transportation
• Language translation and voice assistant support

AI is revolutionizing travel planning by offering instant, personalized recommendations. Apps like GuideGeek already use AI to plan trips and offer travel insights via messaging platforms. As 76% of travelers rely on mobile apps, an AI-powered travel assistant could simplify trip planning and reduce stress for travelers.

3. Sustainable Travel Planner

Key Features:

• Carbon footprint calculator for flights and hotels
• Recommendations for eco-friendly accommodations
• Public transport and bike-sharing integration
• Tips for responsible and sustainable travel

With the increasing focus on climate change, over 70% of travelers prefer sustainable travel options. A green travel app helps users minimize their carbon footprint, choose eco-conscious hotels, and opt for greener transport. This aligns with the growing demand for ethical and environmentally friendly tourism.

4. Social Travel Network

Key Features:

• Connects solo travelers with like-minded people
• Allows users to join group trips or shared experiences
• Includes safety ratings and verified traveler profiles
• Offers community forums and travel meetups

Solo travel is booming, especially among Gen Z and millennials, but many still want to connect with fellow travelers. A social travel network app allows users to find a hiking buddy, share accommodation costs, or join group tours while ensuring safety and compatibility through verified profiles and reviews.

5. Augmented Reality (AR) City Guide

Key Features:

• AR overlays of historical landmarks and tourist spots
• Interactive city maps with guided tours
• Virtual reconstructions of historical sites
• AI-powered recommendations for attractions

Imagine pointing your phone at the Colosseum and seeing how it looked in ancient Rome. AR technology is reshaping travel by enhancing exploration and learning. With tools like Google Lens and AR museum guides, an AR travel app would make sightseeing more interactive, educational, and immersive.

Why Should Tourism Businesses Build A Travel App?

If you’re running a tourism business, reaching more leads to boost sales and keep competitive is a must. And, app development for travel is an investment for the future of this industry to help you solve these ..

Here’s why investing in travel app development can benefit your business:

1. Direct Sales Channel

Travel app development allows businesses to sell services directly to customers, eliminating the need for third-party booking platforms that charge high commission fees. Online travel agencies (OTAs) like Booking.com and Expedia charge businesses up to 30% in commission fees. This means higher profit margins and better control over pricing and promotions. 

By offering a in-app booking experience, businesses can build stronger relationships with customers and increase direct sales without relying on external platforms. Major hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton have developed their own booking apps to reduce dependency on OTAs and encourage direct bookings.

2. Secure Payments

Travelers prefer quick, easy, and secure payment options when booking trips. A travel app development with integrated payment gateways ensures safe transactions using encryption and authentication technologies. Supporting multiple payment methods, including credit cards, e-wallets, and even cryptocurrency, makes transactions more accessible and builds customer trust. 

3. Personalized User Experience

Today’s travelers expect customized recommendations based on their preferences and past behavior. A travel app powered by AI and machine learning can analyze user data to suggest destinations, accommodations, and activities tailored to their interests. This level of personalization enhances customer satisfaction, encourages repeat bookings, and makes users more likely to engage with the app for future trips.

A smart travel app development uses AI and machine learning to:

• ️ Suggest destinations based on past searches
• ️ Recommend hotels that fit the user’s budget and travel style
• ️ Offer activity recommendations based on weather, time of year, and travel trends

4. Stronger Brand Loyalty & Recognition

A travel app serves as a powerful branding tool, keeping your business at the forefront of customers' minds. With consistent app usage, travelers become familiar with your brand, increasing the chances of repeat bookings. 

By integrating loyalty programs, discounts, and exclusive offers, businesses can incentivize app usage and build long-term customer relationships, making them less likely to switch to competitors.

5. Competitive Advantage

In a highly competitive market, having a feature-rich, user-friendly travel app sets businesses apart. Modern travelers, especially tech-savvy millennials and Gen Z, expect seamless digital experiences. A well-designed app with innovative features like augmented reality guides, real-time updates, and virtual tours can attract more users and enhance engagement. 

According to Travel Weekly, 65% of travelers prefer using an app over a website for booking and managing their trips. Companies without an app risk losing potential customers to competitors who offer more convenience and digital accessibility.

What Are The Core Features of A Travel App?

Travel apps make trips easier, but only the best ones include features that truly help users. Here are four must-have features in a great travel app, with examples of popular apps using them successfully.

1. Personalized Recommendations

Good travel app development should integrate advanced functions to make the mobile app as a personal travel assistant. It learns what you like and suggests flights, hotels, and activities that match your interests.

🔹 Example: Kayak
Kayak helps travelers by remembering their preferences. If you usually book budget-friendly hotels, it shows you the best affordable options. If you prefer luxury, it highlights top-rated high-end stays.

Many people love how Kayak saves time by filtering out unnecessary options. Instead of searching through hundreds of listings, users get customized results based on what they actually want. Personalized recommendations mean less time planning and more time enjoying the trip. It also helps travelers find hidden gems they might not have considered otherwise.

2. Real-Time Updates & Notifications

Nobody likes unexpected delays or last-minute changes. A travel app that provides instant updates can save travelers from stress.

🔹 Example: Flighty
Flighty is a flight-tracking app that gives real-time updates about flight delays, gate changes, and cancellations. It even notifies users before airlines officially announce changes.

Travelers love how Flighty keeps them ahead of schedule. Many have shared stories about how the app helped them rebook flights before others even knew there was a delay. Real-time updates help travelers avoid missed flights and long waits at the airport. Being informed means they can make quick decisions and adjust their plans smoothly.

3. Offline Maps & Itinerary Access

The Internet isn’t always available while traveling, so a good app should work with GPS even when there’s no Wi-Fi or mobile data.

🔹 Example: Sygic Travel
Sygic Travel lets users download maps and travel plans, so they can access them anytime, even without an internet connection.

Many users say this feature is a lifesaver, especially in remote areas or foreign countries where mobile data is expensive. Offline maps help travelers find their way without stress. It also ensures they don’t get lost, even if they can’t connect to the internet.

4. User Reviews & Ratings

Before booking a hotel or visiting a restaurant, most people check reviews. A good travel app development should make it easy to see what other travelers think.

🔹 Example: TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor allows users to read and write reviews for hotels, restaurants, and attractions. It also ranks places based on real customer feedback.

Many travelers say TripAdvisor helps them avoid bad experiences. Real reviews from other tourists give honest insights into what a place is really like. Reviews help travelers make better decisions and avoid wasting money on disappointing hotels or attractions.

5. Other Essential Features of a Travel App

Besides the core functionalities above, a great travel app should also include:

•  Booking & Reservation – Allows users to book flights, hotels, car rentals, or activities directly from the app. (Example: Expedia)
•  Search & Discovery – Helps users explore destinations, attractions, and travel deals based on their interests. (Example: Google Travel)
•  User Profiles – Lets travelers save preferences, track bookings, and manage past trips. (Example: Airbnb)

5 Essential Steps to Build a High-Performing Travel App

Creating a successful travel app development requires careful planning and execution. Here’s a  travel app guide on how to build a high-performing travel app in just five essential steps.

1. Research & Define Unique Features

Before developing your app, study the market and identify what makes your app different. Travel apps compete in a crowded space, so defining a Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is crucial.

• Analyze top travel apps like Expedia, Booking.com, and Google Travel to see what works.
• Identify pain points that users face, such as hidden fees, complicated bookings, or lack of real-time updates.
• Decide on must-have features like easy booking, real-time notifications, secure payments, and AI chatbots.

✅ Why It’s Important: A well-researched app solves user problems, making it more useful and competitive.

2. Design a Simple & Smooth User Experience (UX/UI)

A travel app must be intuitive and user-friendly to keep users engaged. Interfaces can drive people away.

• Keep the booking flow simple – allow users to search, select, and pay in just a few clicks.
• Use clear and transparent pricing – avoid hidden charges to build trust.
• Learn 60–30–10 rule: The biggest part should go to the dominant hue, the third of the composition takes secondary color and 10% percent goes to the color which helps to make the accents.

✅ Why It’s Important: A well-designed app reduces confusion and frustration, improving user retention. Airbnb keeps its interface clean and straightforward, making booking accommodations effortless for travelers.

When starting a new project, the workload will be high for UX designers. This can be done in much shorter times than with an internal team or freelancers. 

Moreover, UX design is constantly changing with new trends appearing every year. Outsourcing allows companies to keep up with new UX trends, without investing as much time and money.

3. Develop Core & Advanced Features

Your app should offer both essential and advanced features to enhance user experience.

🔹 Core Features:
Easy Booking System – Allow flight, hotel, and activity bookings in one place.
Secure Payments – Integrate multiple payment options with secure processing.
Maps & Navigation – Provide real-time routes, nearby attractions, and location tracking.

🔹 Advanced Features:
AI Chatbots – Answer user questions instantly and assist with bookings.
Personalized Recommendations – Suggest destinations and deals based on user preferences.
Offline Access – Let users view itineraries and maps without the internet.

Advanced GPS tracking: Provides customizable GPS tracking for outdoor adventures, with support for multiple map formats and offline access.

Adding smart features makes the app more convenient, efficient, and engaging. Google Travel uses AI to suggest the best flights, hotels, and things to do based on user behavior.

Instead of launching a full-fledged app right away, many successful travel startups begin with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) to test core functionalities, gather user feedback, and refine the product before scaling up.

4. Test, Launch & Gather User Feedback

Before launching, test your app rigorously to ensure everything runs smoothly.

🔹 Key Actions:

• Perform bug testing, speed testing, and user testing to detect problems.
• Release a beta version to a small audience for real-world feedback.
• Analyze user reviews to fix issues and improve the app before a full launch.

✅ Why It’s Important: Testing reduces errors and ensures a smooth experience from day one.

A well-tested app ensures smooth performance, reduces bugs, and enhances user experience. To achieve this, businesses often seek professional help from mobile development experts who specialize in delivering high-quality applications.

5. Launch, Market & Update Regularly

A great app won’t succeed without the right marketing strategy and regular updates.

🔹 Key Actions:

• Promote through social media, influencers, and travel bloggers.
• Offer discounts or referral programs to attract users.
• Track analytics to understand user behavior and improve features.

💬 Example: Expedia uses data analytics to offer personalized discounts and promotions, keeping users engaged.

✅ Why It’s Important: Regular updates and strong marketing keep the app relevant and competitive.

That’s why understanding how to build a travel app is key to staying ahead in this fast-changing industry.

How To Generate Revenue from Your Travel Apps

Making a travel app profitable requires using smart and trending monetization tactics that align with user needs. Here are some effective ways to generate revenue from your travel app:

• Introduce Subscription Plans : Provide premium services on a monthly or yearly subscription basis, such as exclusive discounts, VIP support, or real-time flight deal alerts. 
• Earn Commissions from Bookings : Collaborate with airlines, hotels, and car rental providers to earn a percentage from every booking made through your platform. This strategy works best for apps offering flights, accommodations, or travel packages.
• Use In-App Advertising : Show relevant ads related to travel services, such as insurance, gear, or tourist attractions. Keep ads non-intrusive to ensure a smooth user experience while still generating revenue.
• Monetize User Data Responsibly : Analyze anonymous travel trends and preferences to improve recommendations and offer targeted promotions while ensuring compliance with privacy laws.
• Feature Sponsored Listings & Content : Allow hotels, restaurants, and tour operators to pay for priority placement in search results or sponsor articles that highlight their services, helping them gain visibility while generating revenue for your app.

WeSolo - Travel Apps for Solo Hikers Developed By Golden Owl 

WeSolo is a travel app designed specifically for solo travelers, helping them connect with like-minded adventurers, plan trips, and explore safely. Created by Golden Owl, this app was inspired by two solo hikers, Cade and Tiana, who met in Seoul and saw the need for a platform that supports long-term solo travelers.

Key Features of WeSolo

• Discover & Join Travel Activities – Users can explore various trip ideas and participate in public events hosted by other solo travelers, making solo adventures more social and engaging.
• Plan & Share Trips – The app allows users to search for destinations, book trips, and manage itineraries, making travel planning seamless. Users can also share their travel plans with friends or fellow travelers.
• Engage with the Travel Community – Travelers can post advice, recommendations, and photos from their trips, fostering a collaborative and supportive community for solo explorers.

Golden Owl played a crucial role in developing WeSolo’s website and mobile app, ensuring it delivers a smooth and user-friendly experience. With a focus on the unique needs of solo travelers, WeSolo provides a safe, fun, and connected way to explore the world alone—without feeling lonely.

Summary

Travel apps have transformed how people explore the world, making trip planning easier, more personalized, and stress-free. But in 2025, simply offering booking options isn’t enough. The most successful travel apps are those that combine smart features with a smooth user experience, ensuring travelers get the most out of their journey.

For developers and businesses, the challenge isn’t just building an app but making it valuable, engaging, and financially sustainable. Finding the right travel app development and meeting the customer's needs is key.

FAQs

Q1. What are the must-have features in a travel app?

A great travel app should include real-time updates, seamless booking, secure payments, offline access, and AI-powered recommendations. Features like social travel networking, AR city guides, and sustainability tracking are becoming more popular in 2025.

Q2. What are the best app ideas for travel startups in 2025?

Some trending travel app ideas include:

• AI-powered travel assistants for instant trip planning.
• Local experience finders connecting travelers with hidden gems and cultural events.
• Sustainable travel planners that help users reduce their carbon footprint.

Outsourcing mobile app development can be a cost-effective way to speed up the process and ensure high quality, especially for startups looking to scale efficiently.

Q3. What challenges do travel app developers face?

Common challenges include high development costs, competition from big travel brands, ensuring data security, and keeping up with changing user expectations. A well-researched strategy and continuous updates can help overcome these obstacles.