---
title: "Paywall Newsletter #21: How travel apps convert users"
description: "We analyzed large and small travel apps and their paywalls to uncover how they convince users to subscribe."
url: "https://adapty.io/blog/paywall-newsletter-21/"
language: "en"
slug: "paywall-newsletter-21"
category: "grow-your-app"
date: "2025-07-22T09:43:26.000Z"
date_modified: "2025-08-06T14:19:41.000Z"
author: "Dmitry Shestoperov"
---

# Paywall Newsletter #21: How travel apps convert users

The 21st issue of the Paywall Newsletter is here!

Since it’s (still) summertime, for this Paywall newsletter issue, we decided to take a closer look at travel-related apps.

Unique maps and hiking trails, travel planners and flight trackers – this app category has a lot to offer, and we’ve had some new discoveries ourselves.

![PN 21 authors bg 1024x458](https://adapty.io/assets/uploads/2025/07/PN_21_authors_bg.webp)

We analyzed six apps, both large and small. We also added a bit more context this time, taking into account the pre-paywall onboarding user experience. The section is dubbed ‘setting the scene’.

Ready to explore?

## TripBFF

*Last month revenue: $50K*

*Last month downloads: 20K*

![TripBFF 1024x528](https://adapty.io/assets/uploads/2025/07/TripBFF.webp)

**Setting the scene:**

Users are encouraged to enable location and push permission before the paywall. Makes sense since users can’t experience the ‘aha moment’ without giving out their location.

**What's working well:**

- Social proof just before the paywall is always a great trust-building tactic.
- Users also get a small dopamine hit from the confetti animation, as they make it to the paywall. Well done.
- “Try for $0.00” as a CTA is smart. The “$0.00” suggests higher intrinsic product value than "Free," despite the same cost.

**What's worth testing:**

- We suggest mentioning more perks, not only "Make unlimited travel friends".
- Striking through the $55.99 annual price and comparing it to the $2.59 monthly one might alarm detail-oriented users.
- “You will never see this again" creates scarcity, but a timer would add urgency.

### Want to create paywalls in minutes?

We make it happen with our **Paywall Builder**.

[See it in action](https://adapty.io/paywall-builder/?utm_source=adapty.io&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=landing&utm_content=)

## Planes Live

*Last month revenue: $400K*

*Last month downloads: 100K*

![Planes Live 1024x514](https://adapty.io/assets/uploads/2025/07/Planes-Live.webp)

**Setting the scene:**

The onboarding journey is pretty simple. We also see a ‘quantified social proof’ screen with numbers like 50M+ users, 122K+ ratings, and 4.6 stars, which is great for trust.

**What's working well:**

- Manual free access switch makes users feel like they’re in control.
- Phrases like “$0.00 due today”, “Free for 7 days”, and “Access for free” help beat uncertainty in users.
- A “Lite plan” hidden under “Other plans” is a nice addition for the price-sensitive users.

## PeakVisor

*Last month revenue: $70K*

*Last month downloads: 30K*

![PeakVisor 1024x696](https://adapty.io/assets/uploads/2025/07/PeakVisor.webp)

**Setting the scene:**

Intro demo allows users to experience the ‘aha moment’ even before hitting the paywall 👍

**What's working well:**

- Peakvisor’s lifetime plan, priced at nearly 4X the yearly plan, significantly boosts LTV because most subscribers don’t stay even a full year.

**What's worth testing:**

- We’d suggest showcasing the PRO features UI inside an iPhone 16 mockup so that users can easily visualize exactly what they’ll get.
- Analyze users’ goals within the app and use the corresponding keywords in the headline rather than only saying “PeakVisor PRO”.

## PinTraveler

*Last month revenue: $30K*

*Last month downloads: 30K*

![PinTraveler 1024x524](https://adapty.io/assets/uploads/2025/07/PinTraveler.webp)

**Setting the scene:**

After creating an account, users are welcomed with a 3-slide carousel that heroes the core features of the app.

**What's working well:**

- A simple ‘checklist’ design pattern always performs well.
- The background image appeals to avid travelers.
- Pintraveler uses several paywall designs placed in multiple touchpoints of the user journey. Thumbs up for that.

**What's worth testing:**

- Being more specific about the features on the paywall might benefit the conversion.
- No need to be modest about the lifetime plan pricing: it can easily go at least 3X the yearly plan here.

## TravelSpend

*Last month revenue: $20K*

*Last month downloads: 8K*

![TravelSpend 1024x519](https://adapty.io/assets/uploads/2025/07/TravelSpend.webp)

**Setting the scene:**

We get to the paywall after account creation, app setup questions, and push notification opt-in screens. Users are led to a small win quickly, as they commit by setting up their budget and first expense log.

**What's working well:**

- “Continue as a guest” is a good way to reduce drop-offs at the account creation page.
- The founders’ story in the Help section adds to an emotional connection: people prefer supporting solo-builders.

**What's worth testing:**

- CTA button copies like “Try 7 days for free” or “Unlock lifetime budgeting” might perform better compared to more direct ‘Subscribe now’ and ‘Buy now’.
- Experiments with paywall copy, highlighting the benefits for users, can bring good results.

## Wanderlog

*Last month revenue: $200K*

*Last month downloads: 100K*

![Wanderlog 2 1 1024x501](https://adapty.io/assets/uploads/2025/07/Wanderlog-2-1.webp)

**Setting the scene:**

Wanderlog has the longest onboarding funnel among others. Onboarding questions highlight user problems, goals, and objections, presenting in-app UI demos as solutions.

**What's working well:**

- Wanderlog uses a multi-page paywall to present "pro features + benefits" in concise, digestible segments.
- The comparison table is helpful, but can be a bit overwhelming.
- “Start for Free” CTA button is kept consistent across all pages.

**What's worth testing:**

- The “Save more” badge on the annual plan could benefit from some additional context. It may be a bit unclear without other plans to anchor against for comparison.
- Wanderlog will offer you a 20% discount if you initially decline. A nice touch, though it might be worth testing a sweeter deal.

***

## Inspired to enhance your paywalls?

We’re offering a**free paywall audit** to help your app grow faster.

Send us a screenshot of your paywall, pick a time, and we’ll walk through it together on a quick 20-minute call.

We’ll show you what’s working, what’s not, and how to increase your conversion rate from install to trial.

[Get a free paywall audit now](https://form.typeform.com/to/P8ER2gBE?utm_source=adapty.io&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=landing&utm_content=)

And that’s where this journey ends.

Keep experimenting, keep growing.

See you soon,  
Adapty team