For a majority of us, the first thing likely to pop up in our minds is a travel app when we think of planning a vacation (daydreaming doesn’t count). Apps like Hopper have certainly caused a splash in the travel industry, offering people a convenient, resource-saving way to plan and book their travels. Thanks to these, users are enjoying the flexibility of making travel arrangements from the comfort of their homes.
That said, the question often arises about the cost of hiring a travel app development company for businesses thinking of building an app like Hopper. Two things need consideration here: the top cost-influencing factors, and the features that make Hopper the popular choice it is for travelers worldwide.
Key Elements Influencing the Cost of a Travel App
A variety of factors influence the overall cost to build a travel app like Hopper. Understanding these elements will provide a clear picture of the financial requirements and guide future planning.
Platform Choice
The operating system you select to build your app for will impact the development cost. You may stick to a single platform with a native app, such as Android or iOS, or you may want to target multiple user bases by going cross-platform.
Keep in mind that targeting more platforms with separate native apps will cost more. A cross-platform app will cost more than a single native app, but it is the wiser choice if you’re aiming for users of different platforms and devices. A wider reach can also lead to increased user engagement and, potentially, higher revenue.
Design and UX
An app’s design and User Experience (UX) are fundamental to attracting and retaining users. The cost of creating an intuitive and engaging design can vary, depending on the complexity and uniqueness of the visuals and interactions.
App Functionality
The features that you decide to incorporate into your app play a decisive role in the cost calculation. A travel app like Hopper typically includes features like flight and hotel booking, price prediction, price comparison, personalized recommendations, push notifications, and user profiles. The complexity of these features will directly affect development hours and, subsequently, the cost.
Backend Development
A robust and secure backend is essential for a smooth and efficient user experience, particularly for an app that handles sensitive information such as user profiles and payment details. The cost of backend development depends on the complexity of the tasks involved.
Maintenance and Updates
Maintenance and update costs definitely need to be considered because they’re an inevitable part of owning an app. Users will expect new features and improvements on the old ones, especially if they’ve gone to the effort to give their feedback. It’s an ongoing cost that is often overlooked in the initial cost estimation but is necessary to factor in because it affects the app’s success in the long term.
Estimation of Travel App Development Costs
Given the factors outlined above, a rough estimate for developing a travel app like Hopper can range from $50,000 to $80,000 for a basic version. The app development cost could rise up to $120,000 or more for additional features and complexity. Let’s look at some more important cost-influencing aspects you’ll have to consider before proceeding:
App Development Team
Your development team composition is another cost driver. A basic team would consist of a project manager, a UI/UX designer, one or two developers, and a QA engineer. The cost would increase if you require more specialized roles like database experts, backend developers, and security specialists.
Development Time
The development timeline is also a significant factor in determining the cost. An app with complex features could take anywhere from six months to a year to build, or even longer. The longer it takes to build the app, the more resources it will take.
Geographical Location
The geographical location of your development team can greatly affect the cost. For instance, an application development company in North America tends to charge more than its counterpart in Asia.
Features that Make Hopper Stand Out
The Hopper travel app has unique features and sophisticated algorithms that have effectively disrupted the travel industry, creating a seismic shift in how users plan and book their trips.
The Art of Predictive Analytics
One main feature that sets the Hopper travel app apart from its competitors is its predictive analytics technology. This sophisticated algorithm analyzes billions of airfare and hotel prices every day, predicting future prices with up to 95% accuracy, up to 1 year in advance. This empowers users to make informed decisions on the best time to book, leading to significant savings.
Watch and Wait – A Game Changer
Hopper’s Watch and Wait feature allows users to track prices for specific destinations. When the prices drop, users receive an alert, enabling them to book at the most affordable rates. This feature removes the guesswork from the booking process, providing a seamless and convenient user experience.
A Bird’s Eye View with Color-coded Calendar
Hopper’s color-coded calendar is another innovative feature that enhances user experience. This visual display provides users with a bird’s eye view of the cheapest and most expensive days to travel, allowing them to adjust their plans accordingly and maximize savings.
Flex Watch for Spontaneous Travelers
For those who are flexible with their destination, the Hopper app offers the Flex Watch feature. Users input their travel dates and a general destination, such as “Europe” or “anywhere”, and the app suggests the most affordable options. This feature caters to spontaneous travelers looking for the best deals, proving that Hopper understands and caters to a diverse range of user preferences.
The Convenience of Price Freeze
Understanding the indecisiveness that can come with booking travel, Hopper introduced the Price Freeze feature. This allows users to “freeze” a good deal that they’re not ready to book, securing the price for a small fee. This commitment to providing value and convenience to its users sets Hopper apart from traditional travel platforms.
A Streamlined User Interface
Hopper’s streamlined user interface contributes to its standout status in the travel app arena. Its clean, intuitive design, easy navigation, and quick loading times ensure that users can find and book their travel in just a few taps.
Unrivaled Customer Support
This is also an area where Hopper outshines its competition. Users don’t have to spend hours searching for the customer support feature. The app has it in clear view and has made it available 24/7, making it easier for customers to ask for help. The knowledge that they can have their queries and concerns resolved quickly gives customers a sense of relief and makes their travel planning process as stress-free as possible.
Summing Up
The Hopper travel app stands out in the travel industry due to its unique blend of advanced predictive analytics, user-centric features, and stellar customer support. These features are how Hopper stands out because they enable it to offer incomparable convenience and cost savings.
The cost of developing a travel app like Hopper is a careful consideration of various factors, including platform, design, functionality, backend development, and maintenance. Make sure you discuss these elements with your travel app development company to make informed decisions during your app development journey. Although the upfront cost might seem steep, a well-developed, feature-rich travel app can be a lucrative investment in the long run
