How Much Does It Cost to Build an Online Travel App Like Hopper?

In the contemporary age, precision and personalization define the landscape. Adding value to customers' daily lives can result in substantial returns—a seemingly straightforward concept. However, the reality may not be as uncomplicated.

Apps like Hopper are challenging the notion that scaling in today's startup-centric, customer-focused world is arduous. Picture an app advising users against booking a flight or hiring a cab, yet raking in millions. It sounds implausible, doesn't it?

Until now, you might have encountered apps primarily selling products or services. Today, we delve into an app urging customers not to spend—that's Hopper, deemed an anomaly by its investors.

Tailored for the leisure travel market, Hopper relies on a sophisticated algorithm to predict optimal deals for users. Surprisingly, over 70% of the time, it advises users not to make a purchase, ultimately saving them money. In 2021, it emerged as the most downloaded online travel app in the USA, boasting 15 million downloads—a 183% surge from 2020 figures, according to Apptopia research.

If you're intrigued by the prospect of developing a travel app like Hopper, this blog is your guide. It delves into the online travel market, the workings of apps like Hopper, and the cost of building an online travel app like Hopper. Let's embark on this journey.

Why Does Developing an Online Travel App Make Sense in 2024?

The travel industry had a tough time during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with fewer people traveling and booking trips. But now, in 2024, things are looking up. People are getting back into the travel groove, and more people are using travel apps. The big players in the industry are gearing up to make the most of this.

To understand how vast the travel industry is, we need to think smart. Using new technologies is the key to creating a travel app that travellers will love. Let's take a look at Hopper, an app that does just that. We'll see how it works and figure out how to make a similar app that can bring in a lot of money online.

Hopper is built for leisure travel and uses a smart algorithm to predict the best deals for users. What's unique is that it tells users not to buy a ticket more than 70% of the time, helping them save money. Even with this unusual approach, Hopper became the most downloaded online travel app in the USA in 2021, with a whopping 183% increase in downloads from the year before.

To follow in Hopper's footsteps, budding developers and entrepreneurs need to dig into how Hopper does things. Understanding its inner workings and user-friendly design gives a roadmap for creating a special app that fits today's traveller.

In the next parts, we'll go deep into building a standout travel app. We'll talk about making the experience personalized, keeping things affordable for budget-conscious travellers, and adding cool tech like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR). Plus, we'll get into the nitty-gritty of figuring out the cost of creating such an app, guiding those ready to dive into the world of online travel app making.

Making a Travel App in 2024: A Closer Look

The travel world faced a real challenge during the tough times of COVID-19 in 2020. Fewer people were traveling, and plans were getting cancelled. But now, in 2024, there's been a positive change. People are eager to travel again, and many are using travel apps to plan their trips. The big names in the travel industry are gearing up to make the most of this comeback.

To catch this wave, we need to be smart. Using new and cool technologies is the secret sauce to creating a travel app that people will love. Take Hopper, for example. It's an app that does things differently. Let's see how it works and figure out how we can make our own app that can bring in a lot of money online.

Hopper is all about leisure travel and uses a clever computer program to find the best deals for users. What's interesting is that it often tells users not to buy a ticket, helping them save money. Even with this unusual way of doing things, Hopper became the most downloaded online travel app in the USA in 2021, with a huge 183% increase in downloads from the year before.

To follow in Hopper's footsteps, new developers and UI/UX design services need to dig into how Hopper does things. Understanding how it works and why users like it gives a roadmap for creating a special app that fits today's traveller.

In the next parts, we'll dive into creating a travel app that stands out. We'll talk about making the experience personal, keeping things affordable for people on a budget, and adding cool tech like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR). Plus, we'll get into the details of figuring out the Hopper Travel App Development Cost, guiding those ready to jump into the world of online travel app making.

A 3-Step Guide to Developing Profitable Travel Apps Like Hopper from Scratch

Creating a travel app that stands out and makes a mark in the industry requires a thoughtful and innovative approach. Simply copying an existing app won't cut it; you need to start from scratch and develop a solution that captures attention globally. Let's break down the key steps to guide you through this exciting journey:

Research your app idea and identify the target audience

Hopper's success stems from its creative approach to helping users save on travel expenses. Likewise, your online travel app should introduce a fresh idea. Start by identifying your target audience—who are the people you want to attract? Understand their needs, preferences, and pain points. This crucial information will shape your app's development process.

Utilize data-driven insights, such as customer personas and behavioral trends, to build a solid foundation for your application. The goal is to create a user-centric experience that addresses specific challenges and delights your audience. Consider developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to test your concept and gather valuable feedback from early users.

Develop Your Travel App Monetization Strategy

Once your app idea is crystal clear, it's time to figure out how it will make money. Design a smart monetization strategy by leveraging the insights you've gained about your users. Predict which features they would be willing to pay for. Take a page from successful models like Hopper, which generates revenue through commissions on ticket sales and airline partnerships.

Explore various monetization strategies for your online travel app. This could include subscription models, in-app purchases, or partnering with relevant businesses to offer exclusive deals. Tailor your strategy to align with the unique value proposition of your app and the preferences of your target audience.

Engage a Team of Trustworthy Travel App Developers

With the groundwork laid out, the final phase involves assembling a reliable development team. Whether you opt for remote developers or an in-house team, choose wisely, as the success of your project hinges on their expertise and dedication. Conduct thorough checks on their portfolio to gauge their previous work and capabilities.

Don't hesitate to reach out to past clients for testimonials and insights into the developers' working style. A trustworthy team is crucial for the successful execution of your vision. Ensure they meet your standards, both in terms of technical skills and communication, before making any hiring decisions. Building a travel app is a collaborative effort, and having the right team on board is essential for a smooth and successful development process.

Making Your Travel App Stand Out

Streamlined User Interface and Navigation:

Implement a user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation to enhance the overall user experience. A clutter-free design, coupled with seamless navigation, ensures that users can effortlessly explore the app, facilitating engagement and retention.

Real-time Travel Updates and Notifications:

Keep travellers informed with real-time updates on their travel itinerary, flight statuses, and any relevant changes. Integrate push notifications strategically to provide timely information, creating a sense of reliability and trust in your app.

Social Integration for Travel Recommendations:

Leverage social media integration to allow users to share their travel plans, experiences, and recommendations. This social element not only enhances user engagement but also acts as a valuable source of word-of-mouth marketing, attracting new users.

Multilingual Support and Localization:

Recognize the diverse global audience of travellers by incorporating multilingual support and localization features. Providing information in users' preferred languages and adapting to local customs enhances the app's accessibility and user-friendliness.

Community Building and User Forums:

Foster a sense of community within your app by integrating user forums and discussion boards. Creating a space for travellers to share tips, ask questions, and connect with like-minded individuals enhances the app's value proposition, transforming it into a hub for travel enthusiasts.

Gamification for User Engagement:

Introduce gamification elements to incentivize user engagement and loyalty. Incorporate features such as loyalty programs, badges, and rewards for accomplishing specific milestones within the app, encouraging users to explore and interact consistently.

Offline Accessibility and Travel Resources:

Recognize that travellers may face connectivity issues in certain destinations. Offer offline accessibility for crucial travel information, such as maps, itineraries, and local guides. Providing comprehensive resources even without an internet connection ensures continuous utility and reliability.

As we delve into the crucial aspect of determining the cost of developing a travel mobile app like Hopper, it's essential to consider additional factors influencing the budget.

Security Measures and Compliance:

Allocate resources for robust security features to safeguard user data and comply with industry regulations. Prioritize encryption, secure payment gateways, and adherence to data protection standards to build trust among users.

Continuous Maintenance and Updates:

Factor in ongoing maintenance costs and regular updates to ensure your app remains technologically current and aligned with user expectations. Regularly addressing bugs, implementing new features, and adapting to emerging trends contribute to sustained user satisfaction.

Marketing and User Acquisition:

Devote a portion of the budget to marketing strategies and user acquisition efforts. Effectively promoting your app through digital channels, influencer collaborations, and targeted advertising is crucial for gaining visibility and attracting a substantial user base.

User testing and quality assurance:

Allocate resources for thorough user testing and quality assurance to identify and rectify any issues before the app's launch. Investing in a comprehensive testing phase contributes to a smoother user experience and minimizes the risk of negative reviews or uninstalls.

By considering these additional aspects in your development budget, you can create a comprehensive financial plan that aligns with your vision of developing a standout travel app in 2024.

While an exact cost is elusive, several factors influence the development expenses. Key considerations include desired features, platform choice, development model, hiring options, and technology stack. By estimating development time and hourly rates, an approximate cost can be calculated:

Travel App Development Cost = Development Time x Hourly Rate

For instance:

645 hours x $50 per hour = $32,250

This estimate accounts for variable factors, but discussions with a mobile app development company can refine the cost based on specific needs and budget constraints. Reach out for personalized insights before embarking on your travel app development journey.