The competitive landscape in online travel requires high-performing websites. Recently, I stumbled upon a software company that uses Next.js for travel website development. I wondered why they chose it and how the framework can help travel companies, which typically rely on SEO traffic and conversions.

Optimized SEO for organic searches

SEO-friendly static sites

Next.js provides server-side rendering (SSR) capabilities that generate static HTML files at build time. These pre-rendered pages are easily crawlable by search engines, improving SEO and visibility for travel destinations, deals, and content. In contrast, traditional single-page apps render everything client-side, which can be difficult for web crawlers to index effectively.

Higher search rankings

The static nature of Next.js sites also enables optimizations like faster load times and leaner page weights — both key factors that influence search rankings. By automatically rendering only critical resources upfront, Next.js sites feel incredibly fast and responsive, even on low-powered devices. This speed boost translates to higher dwell times, lower bounce rates, and ultimately, better organic search performance.

Structured data markup

To enhance search visibility further, Next.js simplifies adding structured data markup like schema.org to your site's HTML. Search engines understand this semantic metadata better, displaying richer snippets that make your travel content stand out in results. This level of context promotes relevance and click-through rates from organic searches.

Incremental static regeneration

While static, Next.js sites can still offer dynamic experiences through features like Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR). ISR allows updating static pages after build time based on incoming data or traffic patterns. For travel companies, this means newly added destinations or discounted rates can be quickly deployed without sacrificing the SEO benefits of prerendered content.

Optimization for high-quality images

Seamless image optimization

One of the standout features of Next.js is its automatic image optimization capabilities. This ensures that high-quality travel images load quickly without compromising performance - a crucial factor for enhancing the visual appeal and user experience of travel sites.

Next.js optimizes images by smart resizing, compressing, and serving modern formats like WebP. This guarantees smaller file sizes, faster load times, and an overall smoother experience when users are scrolling through destinations and deals.

Improved Core Web Vitals

Optimized images directly impact key metrics known as Core Web Vitals, which measure user experience factors like loading performance, interactivity, and visual stability. Faster image loading boosts these scores, leading to better search rankings and increased organic traffic.

With travel sites relying heavily on visuals to showcase destinations, Next.js ensures these crucial assets don't hinder performance. Users can seamlessly browse high-resolution photos without frustrating delays or layout shifts.

Boost conversions and engagement

Optimized images do more than just the technical stuff — you get higher conversions and engagement. When users can quickly view stunning travel imagery, it creates a more immersive and compelling experience, increasing the likelihood of bookings or inquiries.

Additionally, faster load times directly influence the reduction in bounce rates, keeping users engaged and present to see what your site has in store. This becomes important in the travel business, where so much of a purchase decision is based on visuals.

Open source and actively maintained

Continuous improvements

Next.js is an open-source framework enabling developers from all around the world to contribute improvements and new features. This will keep the framework at the bleeding edge of evolution, moving with new trends and technologies impacting travel web apps.

Vercel, the company behind Next.js, actively maintains the framework alongside this global community. Regular updates incorporate performance optimizations, security patches, and new functionality to enhance the development experience.

Shared knowledge ecosystem

An engaged community rallies around Next.js, fostering a collaborative ecosystem of shared knowledge. Developers can access extensive documentation, tutorials, and open-source projects on platforms like GitHub and npm.

This wealth of resources streamlines onboarding for new developers building travel apps. They can leverage proven solutions, best practices, and learnings from experienced professionals in the industry.

Robust third-party integrations

The vibrant Next.js ecosystem features a diverse array of third-party libraries and integrations contributed by the community. Travel app teams can leverage pre-built components and services for functionality like maps, booking engines, and payment gateways.

Leveraging these verified integrations saves substantial development effort. Teams can focus on core product innovation rather than rebuilding common features from scratch.

Easy to find skilled developers

Scalable talent pool

With Next.js' widespread popularity, the pool of available talent is vast and continually growing. You can access a global network of developers familiar with the framework's architecture, best practices, and common use cases. This scalability ensures you can readily find and onboard new team members as your project needs evolve.

Cost-effective hiring

With a larger talent pool, you can access competitive rates for skilled Next.js developers. This cost-effectiveness enables you to assemble high-performing teams within your budget, driving better returns on investment for your travel web app projects.

Extremely fast page load times

Server-side rendering (SSR)

Next.js uses server-side rendering to generate static pages at build time. This approach eliminates client-side rendering delays, providing near-instant load times. Travel sites with rich media content benefit greatly, as users can explore listings and destinations without lag.

Automatic code splitting

Large web applications often suffer from bloated bundle sizes, slowing load times. Next.js automatically splits your code into smaller chunks, loading only the necessary parts for each page. This optimized delivery ensures lightning-fast initial loads and smooth transitions between travel pages.

Optimized asset delivery

Travel sites rely heavily on visuals to captivate users. Next.js includes built-in image optimization, automatically compressing and serving images in modern formats like WebP. This ensures high-quality visuals load quickly, without sacrificing visual appeal or impacting performance negatively.

Progressive hydration

While server-rendered pages load instantly, Next.js progressively hydrates them with interactivity on the client side. This approach blends the strengths of static sites and single-page applications, delivering a responsive, app-like experience without compromising load times.