Overview
Project Summary
This app allows users to input their travel preferences—such as architectural interests, activities like skiing, trip length, and budget—and receive curated destination suggestions that match their desires.
Role & Tools
- Role: UX Designer, Researcher
- Tools: Figma, HTML/CSS
- Duration: 3 weeks
Problem
- Travelers often struggle to find destinations that match multiple interests (e.g., modern architecture and skiing) within a limited budget and timeframe.
- People often get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available—social media, TV programs, magazines. But when it comes to choosing a destination that matches their preferences, it becomes a headache. Which destination should I pick? What can I do there? Can I include this activity in that country?
- Traditional travel agencies charge high fees and often offer fixed packages with little customization. Many users, especially younger or budget-conscious travelers, find them unaffordable.
- Travel apps often bombard users with too many options, making decision-making stressful and time-consuming.
- Flights, accommodations, activities, and local recommendations are often handled by separate apps or services.
of travelers already use or are open to AI tools.
of parents are likely to use AI for travel planning.
want personalized travel recommendations.
value customization of budget and trip duration.
Solution
- Personalization Engine - Uses AI and user profiles (interests, lifestyle, trip goals) to tailor destinations, activities, and itineraries.
- Budget-based Dynamic Planning - Allows users to input budget and get flexible, modular trip plans.
- Intuitive, Filtered Interfaces - Clean, minimalist UI with emotional and lifestyle-based filters (e.g., “Relaxing with nature,” “Architectural journey”).
- Travel Hub - Integrates flights, stays, local tips, and documents in one platform.
- Transparent Reviews - The app cross-references global destination data and user ratings to provide a custom trip proposal.
- Amalfi Coast 🌊
- Tokyo 🗼
- Madagascar 🌴
- Marrakech 🐫
75%
of users want personalized travel recommendations.
Development Process
I conducted research to understand the market, competitors, and user behaviors related to travel planning apps, which informed the design decisions.
Analysis of the travel and leisure app market, identifying key competitors along with their strengths and weaknesses.
- AI Tools Usage Among Travelers — 70% of users already use or are open to AI tools.
- AI Use by Parents — 81% of users with children are likely to use AI for travel planning.
- Importance of Personalization — 75% of users want personalized travel recommendations.
- Budget & Duration Customization — 85% value being able to adjust budget and stay duration.
A review of major travel apps as of 2025, focusing on features, strengths, weaknesses, and differentiation opportunities for TravelMatch.
| Competitor | Strengths | Weaknesses | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Booking.com | Global reach, all-in-one booking | Limited personalization | Price match, free cancellations |
| Expedia | Wide service range, loyalty rewards | Cluttered UI, upselling | Bundled deals, 24/7 support |
| Airbnb | Local stays, unique accommodations | Limited to accommodations | Stay + activities, host chat |
| Google Travel | Smart suggestions, Maps/Calendar | Less trust for booking | AI itineraries, flight tracking |
| Hopper | Predictive pricing with AI | Focused mainly on flights/hotels | Price prediction, flexible booking |
| Tripadvisor | Rich content and reviews | Dated design | Reviews, attractions, food |
| Kayak | Powerful search, price alerts | Not always direct booking | Fare calendar, hotel rentals |
- Mobile-First Planning: 85% of users prefer mobile apps for quick actions.
- Personalized Experiences: 7 in 10 users skip platforms that feel "too generic".
- Price Sensitivity: Budget sliders and price prediction tools are in high demand.
- Shorter Booking Windows: 60% of bookings are made within 2 weeks of travel.
- Experience Over Accommodation: 3 in 5 users look for experiences before booking lodging.
- Social Proof: 82% won't book a destination without reviews or social validation.
Key technology trends shaping how users book trips in 2025.
- 🎯 Personalized Travel Insights: Tailored suggestions based on user passions.
- 🌍 Destination Guides: Inspiring, localized content about cities and niche themes.
- 💡 Smart Booking Tips: Tips on using AI tools, adjusting budgets, and finding deals.
- 📊 User Stories & Reviews: Real experiences that build trust and encourage sharing.
- 🔧 Feature Education: Content that helps users get the most from the app.
- 🔎 Simplicity First: Minimalist design to avoid information overload.
- 📱 Mobile-First Approach: Optimized for touch gestures, responsive layouts, and fast loading.
- 🌐 Accessibility: High-contrast visuals, readable fonts, and screen reader support.
- ⚡ Fast Interactions: Quick load times, instant feedback on taps, reduced friction.
- 🔄 Consistency: Predictable navigation and UI patterns across all screens.
USER PERSONAS
PAULA STONE
🎯 Goals
- Find personalized travel recommendations without hours of research.
- Explore food, art, and wellness-focused destinations.
- Take 2–3 trips per year within a $1,500–$2,000 budget.
💡 Pain Points
- Overwhelmed by generic search results.
- Lack of personalized or curated experiences.
- Time-consuming trip planning process.
🌎 Behaviors
- Uses Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration.
- Books trips using mobile apps.
- Follows travel influencers and solo travel blogs.
TOMMY CONCRETE
🎯 Goals
- Discover unique destinations that align with his cultural interests.
- Plan trips that mix adventure and relaxation.
- Get recommendations tailored to mood, vibe, and design inspiration.
💡 Pain Points
- Overwhelmed by too many travel websites with generic suggestions.
- Frustrated when apps don’t filter suggestions by preferences.
- Lacks time to compare prices, activities, and cultural relevance.
🌎 Behaviors
- Frequently travels solo or with friends.
- Relies on Instagram, Pinterest, and Reddit for inspiration.
- Makes spontaneous weekend plans, and a big trip a year.
AGE: 34
LOCATION: Miami, Florida
OCCUPATION: Marketing Manager
EDUCATION: BS Communications
TECH COMFORT LEVEL: High
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Single
🛠️ Skills & Comfort Levels
AGE: 25
LOCATION: Rome, Italy
OCCUPATION: Jr UX Designer
EDUCATION: BS Graphic Design
TECH COMFORT LEVEL: High — uses multiple travel and AI apps
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Single
🛠️ Skills & Comfort Levels
User Flow Case Study
1. Designing Seamless Travel for TravelMatch
Enhancing the digital travel experience through intuitive step-by-step planning, AI-powered personalization, and smart booking logic.
Key Features
Preference-based destination matching
Budget-aware trip planning
Multi-interest filtering (e.g., sport + culture)
BOOK A TRIP ANYTIME, EASILY ANYWHERE
Budget-aware trip planning
Interactive previews and booking links
Wireframes
Before diving into the visual design, I created wireframes to define the layout, functionality, and user flow of the app. These helped align the team on structure and user expectations.
LOW FIDELITY WIREFRAMES
2. Trip Preferences: Users select interests (e.g., Sports, Nature), define their budget and trip duration.
3. Interest & Filters: Users refine preferences by choosing categories, setting budgets, and selecting travel dates.
4. Trip Summary: Displays a generated trip plan with icons, budget info, and suggested destinations or activities.
HIGH FIDELITY WIREFRAMES
Impact
Discover Your Next Adventure
TravelMatch helps you find destinations that match your mood, style, and budget.
- Preference-based destination matching
- Multi-interest filtering (e.g., sport + culture)
- Budget-aware trip planning
- Interactive previews and booking links