I mean, let’s be real. Travel apps do feel kinda boring. Try to remember. When was the last time a travel app actually wowed you? Probably never. That’s because most of them still feel stuck in 2015. Basic bookings, hotel filters, and flat maps. We are legit yawning!
But travelers today aren’t looking for just hotel deals. They want more. They are looking for something fun and a little adventurous that really makes their trip feel alive. That’s where Augmented Reality saves the day!
It’s a common misconception that AR is used in gaming only. But it’s not just for gamers or sci-fi movies anymore. It’s already shaking things up in the travel world. So if your travel app is not using it yet, you’re missing out.
In this blog, we’ll talk about:
- What AR really means for travel apps
- Why big brands are already using it
- What a travel app development company can do to build next-gen experiences
So without further ado, let’s get into it!
What Even Is AR?
AR (Augmented Reality) adds digital stuff such as text, graphics, or 3D images on top of the real world. Think of it like Instagram filters, but way more useful when you’re exploring a new city.
Imagine pointing your mobile phone at a historical monument and instantly seeing related facts pop up. Or scanning a street and seeing nearby restaurants, reviews, and walking directions, right on your screen. That’s not the future. That’s AR in travel apps right now.
According to Statista, the AR market is expected to hit $198 billion by 2025, and travel apps are one of the biggest areas of growth. Do you think it’s just a trendy thing?
Why Every Travel App Development Company Should Care About AR
Let’s say you’re building a travel app or trying to make one that actually stands out in this competitive app market. But the problem is that having basic hotel listings and price filters on your travel app isn’t enough.
That’s because Gen Z and millennial travellers want experiences and not just a list of hotel options. People want to feel the vibe of a place before they even get there. This is where AR becomes your secret weapon.
With Augmented Reality, your app can:
- Turn boring city guides into real-time interactive tours
- Help travelers navigate confusing airports and train stations
- Add “try before you book” features like AR hotel or Airbnb walkthroughs
- Offer treasure-hunt style games at tourist spots (yup, gamification works!)
- Show hidden gems or fun facts by scanning locations in real time
It’s not just helpful. It’s exciting. AR makes your app feel smart, modern, and way more personal. People don’t want to scroll through menus and tap a hundred times. They want to point their phone, see what’s around, and go.
And AR just looks cool. It makes your app feel futuristic, fast, and fun. That’s exactly the kind of vibe travelers want when they’re out exploring the world. According to a 2024 ThinkMobiles report, travelers using AR-powered apps are 33% more engaged and spend twice as much time on the app.
How Travel App Development Companies Are Using AR
AR isn’t just a fun tech thing. It’s changing how the whole travel world works in hotels, transport, restaurants, and even museums.
Hotels
Have you ever booked a hotel and wished you could actually see the room before paying? With AR, you can. Imagine pointing your phone and getting a full 3D walk-through of the suite. No surprises when you check in. Some hotels even let you use AR to find the nearest coffee machine or explore nearby attractions (without even leaving your room).
- See your room in 3D – Just like Marriott, let users walk through rooms before they book.
- Find your way faster – Hub Hotel uses AR to help guests navigate to tourist spots right from their bed.
- Have fun with games – PAI Hotels uses treasure hunts made via AR. You can win free upgrades too.
Why It Matters?
You’re not just booking a bed. What you are really booking is an experience. AR makes it feel personal, fun, and hassle-free.
Transport
Have you ever landed in a foreign country and felt lost at the airport? With travel apps that have AR technology, you just have to scan the signs or floor, and voila! Your phone shows you the way to baggage claim or your next gate. You don’t need to ask random strangers. It’s like Google Maps for the real world.
- Walk the airport like a pro – AR wayfinding shows arrows on your screen to guide you step-by-step.
- Don’t get lost in translation – Apps like Google Lens translate signs instantly using AR.
- Bus tours 2.0 – Imagine riding a city bus and seeing historic facts pop up in AR on your window.
Why It Matters?
Getting around in new cities becomes less scary and more exciting when you’ve got a virtual helper in your pocket.
Tourist Spots
Remember Pokémon Go? Now imagine using that same tech to explore a real-life castle or temple. AR at tourist spots brings places to life—literally. You can scan a statue and see it move, or unlock a hidden story about what happened there 100 years ago. It turns sightseeing into something way more fun.
- See the past in the present – Point at a landmark and watch old versions of it appear on your screen.
- Smarter park maps – Instead of guessing where the exit is, scan for an AR path to guide you.
- Treasure hunts in real life – Just like Disney’s Augmented Reality adventures, where kids and adults hunt for clues for the game.
Why It Matters?
It’s not about seeing the place. Because you are also experiencing it virtually, and that stays with you.
Museums
Sometimes, museums can feel too quiet. But with AR, they become interactive playgrounds. For instance, you scan a dinosaur bone. Then, it becomes a roaring T. rex on your screen. That’s anything but boring.
- Bring bones to life – Smithsonian’s Skin and Bones app shows extinct animals as if they’re walking.
- Art that talks – Use your phone to hear hidden stories behind the art or just see similar art.
- Your own private guide – Walk through the museum and get hints and facts via AR tech as you explore.
Why It Matters?
Museums become way more engaging. Especially for kids and teens who might not be into old-school exhibits.
Bottom Line
AR isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the edge you need in the travel app industry. Because no one remembers a basic app, but they’ll remember scanning a street and finding a hidden café. So why wait? Partner with a travel app development company that has the necessary mobile app development services and build an AR app travelers remember long after their trip ends.
Lily