From PoC to Web Application in 3 Months
Validated a travel startup idea through a Proof of Concept and turned it into a working product.
Client
The client came with an idea and wanted to validate it through a Proof of Concept before committing to full-scale development. The hypothesis was that travelers don’t want to search for flights and hotels across multiple platforms from scratch. Instead, they need a single place to collect options from different sources, compare them, and build an ideal itinerary. The product was not intended to be another aggregator, but rather a planning tool with a social layer, something closer to “Pinterest for travel.”
The idea was to make it a browser extension that would work directly within the booking flow.
By 2019, we had built a strong portfolio of published browser extensions. At the time, plugins were in high demand, and startup founders often came to us with original ideas. We demonstrated a similar solution we had built before, and the client decided to proceed with development.
Challenges
From the very first conversation, we could see the idea had potential. At the same time, we pointed out to the client that browser extensions come with one important limitation: they require ongoing maintenance and code updates.
We then defined the core goal: to test whether users would actually find it more convenient to build a trip while booking, rather than planning everything separately. The key scenario was saving an itinerary from any popular travel service in a single click. We also defined clear success criteria: if at least 30% of users returned to their saved itineraries within 14 days, the concept would be strong enough to scale further.
This is exactly where a Proof of Concept makes sense: it allows a business to test an idea without major investment, look at real usage metrics, and decide whether to move forward or stop before spending more.
1. Budget
Since the project was self-funded, the solution had to stay within a tight budget. This constraint was manageable. We kept the scope focused, offered a lean development approach, and even helped with basic branding as part of the project.
2. Data Storage
PlanMoreTrips had to work across hundreds of travel websites, including major platforms like Google Flights, Airbnb, Kayak, Skyscanner, United, and Hotels, as well as many local providers.
The challenge was how to structure and store this volume of data efficiently. Running a custom backend infrastructure would have been too costly at this stage. Instead, we chose a cloud-based approach using Firebase, combined with external APIs such as FlightStats to retrieve up-to-date travel data.
Development process
When a PoC Turned Into a Real Product
Usually, a Proof of Concept is not meant to become a finished product. However, together with the client, we decided to publish the extension in the Chrome Web Store. It was later released on Microsoft Edge Add-ons as well. PlanMoreTrips gained traction, so after launch we proposed building a full web application.
Focus on Speed
Removed everything that did not contribute to hypothesis validation: billing, complex analytics, and non-essential integrations.
Flexible Integration
Built a configuration-based parsing system to avoid dependency on frequent DOM structure changes.
Reliable Synchronization
Used Firebase with offline caching to ensure instant data sync across all user accounts.
Secure Storage
Stored only essential user data: account information and itineraries, without any payment details.
How PlanMoreTrips Works
Sign Up and Login
Users can install the browser extension or access the web application via a link and create an account. Google sign-in was added at the client’s request.
Unified Account
Each user gets a unique ID generated via Firebase, allowing them to use both the web app and the extension with synchronized data.
Social Travel Planning
Users build their own itineraries by selecting flights and accommodations directly on booking platforms.
– Itineraries can be customized, edited, and updated at any time.
– Trips can be shared via links or planned collaboratively with others.
– Users can discuss trips in comments.
User Experience
– The extension and web app are compatible with hundreds of travel services, including major platforms such as Google Flights, Airbnb, Kayak, Skyscanner, United, and Hotels, as well as local providers focused on domestic travel.
– Users can manually add flights if a site is not yet supported.
– All travel data is stored in one place, making price comparison easier.
– The app remains lightweight and responsive.
Technologies
Backend
Firebase
Frontend
React
Frontend
Redux
Third-Party APIs
FlightStats
Result
The PoC confirmed the hypothesis: users actively saved travel itineraries and returned to them. Two weeks after launch, we compared real usage data against the success criteria. 65% of users reopened a saved itinerary at least once, and 20% shared their trips via links. These results validated the commercial potential of the idea and justified further product development.
From the start, we designed the PoC with future growth in mind. The system included a unified data structure, authentication, scalable architecture, and an interface ready for further expansion. This made it possible for PlanMoreTrips to move smoothly from validation to a production-ready product, capable of attracting users and investors.
Today, PlanMoreTrips includes:
• Browser Extension. Automates collecting flight options directly in Chrome and Edge.
• Web Application. Allows users to plan trips and share itineraries with others.
• Social Features. Users can discuss trips and share experiences.
• Booking Integrations. Connects with accommodation platforms to find the best available options.
for concept validation.
for web application development.
monthly website visits.
What happens next:
Having received and processed your request, we will reach you shortly to detail your project needs.
After examining requirements, our analysts and developers devise a project proposal with the scope of works, team size, time and cost estimates.
We arrange a meeting with you to discuss the offer and come to an agreement.
We sign a contract and start working on your project as quickly as possible.