Guardian Insider

Expedia is one of the world’s largest online travel booking platforms, offering flights, hotels, rental cars, vacation packages, and more. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, Expedia provides numerous opportunities to save money. However, many travelers overlook the vast array of deals and discounts available on the platform. In this guide, we will explore various strategies to maximize your savings and get the most out of your Expedia experience.

1. Sign Up for Expedia Rewards

Expedia Rewards is a free loyalty program that allows you to earn points on bookings, which can later be redeemed for discounts on future travel. Here’s how you can benefit:

  • Earn points on flights, hotels, vacation packages, car rentals, and activities.
  • Get double the points when booking through the Expedia mobile app.
  • Use points to save on future bookings.
  • Enjoy exclusive member-only deals and perks, including room upgrades and early check-in at certain hotels.

2. Take Advantage of Expedia’s Member Prices

Expedia offers special discounts to users who sign in to their accounts while booking. These member prices can help you save up to 10% or more on select hotels. Just look for the “Member Price” tag when browsing listings.

3. Book Vacation Packages for Bigger Savings

Bundling your travel expenses—such as booking a flight and hotel together—can lead to significant discounts. Expedia often provides exclusive deals when travelers purchase vacation packages rather than booking individual components separately. You can even add car rentals and activities to maximize your savings.

4. Use Expedia Coupons and Promo Codes

Expedia regularly releases promo codes and coupons that provide additional discounts on bookings. Here’s how you can find them:

  • Check Expedia’s official website under the “Deals” or “Coupons” section.
  • Sign up for Expedia’s email newsletter to receive exclusive offers.
  • Follow Expedia on social media for limited-time promotions.
  • Look for third-party websites that aggregate Expedia coupon codes.

5. Utilize Last-Minute Deals

If you have a flexible schedule, booking last-minute travel can help you find heavily discounted rates. Expedia frequently offers special last-minute hotel deals and vacation packages at a fraction of the regular price.

6. Set Price Alerts for Flights and Hotels

Expedia allows you to set up price alerts for flights and hotels, ensuring you get notified when prices drop. This is a great way to lock in a good deal without constantly checking the website yourself.

7. Book Through the Expedia Mobile App

Expedia offers exclusive app-only deals for travelers who book through the mobile application. Downloading the Expedia app can provide access to discounts that are not available on the desktop site. Additionally, app users earn double Expedia Rewards points on bookings.

8. Consider Expedia’s Add-On Advantage

Expedia’s Add-On Advantage allows you to book discounted hotels after purchasing a flight, car rental, or package. You can take advantage of these lower prices at any time leading up to your trip, making it an excellent way to save on accommodations.

9. Check Expedia’s Daily Deals and Flash Sales

Expedia frequently runs limited-time sales that offer deep discounts on hotels, flights, and vacation packages. Checking the “Deals” section on the website or app can help you find these exclusive savings.

10. Use Credit Cards with Travel Rewards

Pairing Expedia bookings with a travel rewards credit card can amplify your savings. Many travel credit cards offer cashback, airline miles, or additional reward points when used for travel purchases, including Expedia bookings.

11. Look for Exclusive Deals on Expedia’s Partner Websites

Expedia owns several other travel booking sites, including Hotels.com, Orbitz, and Travelocity. Sometimes, you may find a better deal on one of these partner platforms. Compare prices across multiple Expedia-owned sites before finalizing your booking.

12. Take Advantage of Expedia’s Price Match Guarantee

Expedia offers a price match guarantee on some bookings, meaning if you find a lower price elsewhere, Expedia will refund the difference. Keep an eye on competitor prices after booking to ensure you’re getting the best rate.

13. Book Longer Stays for Bigger Discounts

Many hotels offer lower nightly rates for extended stays. If you’re planning to stay for multiple nights, check whether the hotel provides discounts for longer bookings.

14. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons

Traveling during off-peak seasons can lead to significant savings. Hotels, flights, and vacation packages tend to be much cheaper when demand is lower. Research the best times to visit your desired destination and plan your trip accordingly.

15. Check for Student, Military, and Senior Discounts

Expedia occasionally offers special discounts for students, military personnel, and seniors. If you qualify, always check for these offers before booking.

16. Stack Discounts for Maximum Savings

Whenever possible, try stacking multiple discounts for the best deal. For example, you could:

  • Use an Expedia coupon code.
  • Redeem Expedia Rewards points.
  • Book a vacation package.
  • Pay with a travel rewards credit card.

By combining these strategies, you can significantly lower your overall travel costs.

Final Thoughts

Expedia provides numerous ways to save on travel, but many users fail to take full advantage of these opportunities. By signing up for Expedia Rewards, booking vacation packages, using coupons, and exploring last-minute deals, you can maximize your savings and enjoy more affordable travel experiences. Next time you plan a trip, apply these strategies to unlock the best Expedia deals and discounts available.