According to Hilton’s 2024 Trends Global Survey, 80% of global travellers – when asked – think it’s important to be able to book their trips entirely online. 86% of Millennials and 83% of Gen Zers lead the charge on this statistic. This means that your travel website design simply must do more than showcase the destinations your agency has on offer.
It needs to immerse visitors in a digital journey that ignites their imagination and drives bookings. Here are eight standout travel website design UX tips to help your website captivate and convert users.
Related Read: 3 Inspiring Travel Company Designs for your Travel Agency Website
User Experience (UX) refers to the overall interaction users have with a website, focusing on their ease of navigation, satisfaction, and engagement. For a travel website, UX involves intuitive designs, clear information architecture, and emotionally resonant features that make planning a trip effortless and enjoyable.
For travel website design, it means:
Strong UX transforms a travel website design into a journey of its own, encouraging users to dream, plan, and book with confidence.
Here are KIJO’s 10 unique travel website design UX tips:
Offer travellers a feature that generates personalised packing lists based on their chosen destination, activities, and travel dates. For instance, a beach holiday would suggest swimwear, sunscreen, and flip-flops, while a skiing trip might list thermal layers, gloves, and goggles. Additionally, incorporate local weather predictions and cultural norms (e.g. perhaps more modest attire for specific regions) into the suggestions. By automating this practical step, your website not only streamlines the planning process but also demonstrates thoughtful attention to users’ needs.
Go beyond static imagery with interactive 360° videos or live streams of local events, markets, or landmarks. Offering a virtual taste of the destination’s culture builds anticipation and sets your agency apart as a gateway to authentic travel experiences.
Highlight sustainable travel options with visual markers or eco-ratings for accommodations, activities, and transport methods. Modern travellers are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, and this feature speaks directly to their values.
Allow users to curate a personalised mood board of destinations, activities, or accommodations they’re considering. These boards can be shared or revisited, making the planning process collaborative and memorable.
Implement advanced translation tools or even real-time AI chatbots that cater to users in their preferred language. This ensures a seamless experience for international visitors, breaking down language barriers and enhancing your global service offering.
For travellers seeking rest and relaxation, integrate tools like mindfulness guides, stress-free travel tips, or even an AI wellness assistant that suggests rejuvenating activities based on their itinerary.
Enhance user engagement by offering activity suggestions tailored to the destination’s forecast during their travel dates. For example, recommend indoor attractions such as museums or cooking classes during rainy weather, and outdoor adventures like hiking or beach trips on sunny days. This feature not only adds convenience but also demonstrates your agency’s attention to detail in crafting seamless travel experiences.
Empower users to make informed decisions with an interactive budgeting tool. Users can set a budget, and the tool will present tailored travel options, from destinations to accommodations and activities, that align with their financial goals. Include visual breakdowns of costs, comparisons, and even saving tips to build trust and encourage bookings.
Enable users to save their favourite destinations, accommodations, or activities into a dedicated wishlist. This feature allows them to revisit their ideas at any time, making planning flexible and inspiring. To encourage engagement, send subtle reminders or updates about wishlist items, such as price changes, seasonal offers, or new activities.
Make group travel planning effortless by integrating a shared interface where users can collaborate on trip details. Features could include voting on destinations, accommodation preferences, and activity ideas, as well as shared budgeting tools. This simplifies the often chaotic process of coordinating group trips and creates a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
By weaving in some or all of these unique travel website design UX elements, you can inspire and empower users to embark on their next adventure with your agency. Remember, in travel, your user’s journey begins with the click on your website, not from their first travel day. So, make sure it’s unforgettable.
Related Read: How to Optimise Your Travel Agency Website for Conversions
Need expert UX guidance on your travel website design or considering your next digital project? Book a complimentary, 30-minute consultation with our Head of Partnerships & Co-Founder, Kirk Thompson. Let’s bring the vision of your brand to life — book your free consultation via the link below:
