Social Trip Planning Mobile Application

The Challenge

A travel tech startup wanted to create a social platform where users could discover and share hidden gem locations, then build custom road trip itineraries. Unlike traditional navigation apps that optimize for speed or distance, this app needed to enable users to explore alternative routes based on community-shared locations. The challenge was building a mobile-first social network with location-based features, route planning, and social interactions.

Our Approach

• Designed and developed native Android application with hybrid architecture for cross-platform compatibility
• Built location-based discovery system allowing users to post images with geotags for hidden spots
• Implemented social feed with location-based filtering and discovery algorithms
• Created custom route planning engine that incorporates user-selected locations into trip itineraries
• Developed trip planning interface enabling users to add locations and visualize routes
• Built user profiles, following system, and social interactions (likes, comments, saves)
• Implemented image upload and management system with location metadata
• Created backend APIs for location data, user management, and social features

Results

• Built the foundation for users to share and discover location-based trip ideas
• Enabled users to create personalized trip routes beyond standard navigation
• Supported social engagement through location sharing and trip planning
• Validated discovery and planning flows through early product usage
• Established foundation for location-based social network

Technology Stack