NexTrip – Backend System for a Smart Travel Assistant

Overview

NexTrip is an intelligent travel assistant platform designed to help users plan and manage their journeys with minimal effort. As the backend developer, I was responsible for designing and building the core infrastructure that supports personalized travel recommendations, booking management, and secure user data operations.

The goal was to build a backend that could seamlessly integrate with multiple travel data providers, ensure real-time updates, and deliver a smooth user experience across devices.

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Backend Highlights

Robust API Ecosystem

  Engineered a RESTful API using Node.js and Express that powers all major functions — from trip searches to itinerary generation and booking management.

Dynamic Data Handling

  Integrated with multiple external APIs to pull real-time information on flights, hotels, and transit routes, ensuring users always receive accurate and up-to-date options.

User Profiles & Smart Itineraries

  Built secure, personalized user profiles and logic for generating smart itineraries based on preferences, history, and destination trends.

Secure and Scalable Architecture

  Employed JWT-based authentication, encrypted user data, and implemented role-based access control to ensure safety and scalability.

Efficient Booking System

  Created a transaction-safe booking flow that validates availability, confirms bookings, and logs all transaction events — with support for cancellations and refunds.

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Technologies Used

Backend: Node.js, Express.js

Database: MongoDB (with Mongoose ORM)

Authentication: JWT, bcrypt

API Integrations: Skyscanner API, OpenTripMap, and Stripe

Deployment: Docker, NGINX, and Render

Monitoring & Logging: Winston, PM2

Results & Impact

The backend for NexTrip successfully powers a travel experience that's dynamic, personalized, and reliable. It supports thousands of users with low latency, handles complex workflows like booking validations and itinerary suggestions, and provides a secure environment for personal and financial data. This project reinforced my ability to build scalable backend systems that connect data, logic, and user needs in real-time.