Planning a trip can be exciting—but it can also be a bit overwhelming. Between choosing flights, finding the perfect hotel, and making sure you’re not missing out on the best local attractions, there’s a lot to consider. That’s where Expedia comes in. As one of the most comprehensive travel booking platforms in the world, Expedia makes it easier than ever to plan, book, and manage every part of your journey—all in one place.
But like any tool, how much value you get from Expedia depends on how you use it. Whether you’re a first-time user or a frequent traveler, here are the top 10 tips to help you get the most out of your Expedia experience.
1. Sign Up for an Expedia One Key Account
Before you do anything else, create an Expedia One Key account. One Key is Expedia’s loyalty program that combines rewards across its partner sites, including Hotels.com and Vrbo. You’ll earn OneKeyCash on eligible bookings for flights, hotels, rental cars, and more. You can then redeem these rewards toward future bookings—no blackout dates or complicated rules.
Plus, members often get access to exclusive deals and perks, such as discounted rates and free room upgrades. It’s completely free to join, and the savings can stack up fast if you travel frequently.
2. Use the Package Deals for Huge Savings
One of the best features on Expedia is the ability to bundle your flight, hotel, and rental car together. These package deals often come with steep discounts compared to booking each part separately. The logic is simple: hotels and airlines want to fill their rooms and seats, and bundling is one way to ensure that happens.
You can sometimes save up to 30% or more by booking a package, especially during off-peak travel times. Even if you weren’t planning on renting a car, it might be worth comparing the package prices—you could end up getting the rental for free just from the overall discount.
3. Set Fare Alerts and Track Prices
Expedia makes it easy to track flight prices and get alerts when fares drop. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, this feature can help you catch the best possible deal. When browsing flights, look for the “Track Prices” button and toggle it on. You’ll receive email notifications about price changes for the route you’re watching.
To maximize savings, set multiple alerts for a range of dates or nearby airports. If you’re planning ahead and can wait for a price dip, this feature alone can save you hundreds of dollars.
4. Filter Smartly and Use the Map View
When searching for hotels, use Expedia’s filter tools and map view to your advantage. Sort by traveler ratings, price, neighborhood, amenities, or brand loyalty. You can also filter based on cancellation policy—which is especially helpful in uncertain travel times.
The map view is particularly handy in large cities. It helps you pinpoint the exact area you want to stay in—whether it’s near the beach, a downtown district, or a conference venue. Drag the map and zoom in to discover hidden gems that might not appear at the top of search results.
5. Read Verified Reviews (and Leave Yours Too)
Expedia features verified guest reviews, meaning only people who have actually booked and stayed can leave a review. This ensures a more reliable and trustworthy experience compared to open-review platforms.
Before booking a hotel or tour, take a few minutes to browse recent reviews and look at the average score for cleanliness, location, service, and amenities. Look for patterns in the reviews, not just one-off complaints.
Also, don’t forget to leave your own review after a trip. It helps other travelers—and sometimes, it even earns you bonus points or rewards through Expedia’s loyalty programs.
6. Check the Cancellation Policy Carefully
Travel plans change—it happens. That’s why it’s important to always review the cancellation policy before confirming a booking. Some hotels and flights offer free cancellations or flexible date changes, while others are completely nonrefundable.
Expedia lets you filter search results by cancellation policy, and it will clearly label the terms before you check out. For maximum peace of mind, consider paying a little more for a flexible fare, especially if your trip isn’t 100% locked in.
7. Use the Mobile App for Extra Discounts and Convenience
Download the Expedia mobile app for even more benefits. Expedia often offers mobile-only deals, which can be as much as 10% cheaper than desktop prices. The app is also perfect for on-the-go travelers—it lets you manage your bookings, receive trip reminders, and access support from anywhere.
You can also get push notifications about price drops or gate changes, and even access your itineraries offline—ideal when you’re traveling without Wi-Fi or a data plan.
8. Book Activities and Experiences in Advance
Expedia isn’t just for hotels and flights—you can also book tours, shows, attractions, and day trips directly through the platform. Booking activities in advance helps you avoid sold-out tours and long lines once you arrive at your destination.
Many of these experiences come with free cancellation or flexible scheduling, so you’re not locked into a rigid itinerary. Plus, bundling tours or tickets with your hotel booking can sometimes trigger additional discounts.
9. Compare Expedia with Other Platforms (But Know the Perks)
While Expedia is a powerful all-in-one solution, it never hurts to comparison shop. Sometimes a hotel might offer a better rate directly on its website or through a competitor like Booking.com or Agoda. But before jumping ship, consider Expedia’s rewards, customer service, and bundled discounts, which might offer better overall value.
Pro tip: if you find a better price elsewhere, Expedia offers a Price Match Guarantee on certain bookings. Just make sure you meet the criteria and file your claim within the required time window.
10. Use Expedia’s Travel Insurance and Support Services Wisely
When booking through Expedia, you’ll often be prompted to add travel insurance—which can be a wise move, especially for international or expensive trips. Expedia partners with reputable insurance providers and offers coverage options for trip cancellations, lost baggage, medical emergencies, and more.
Also, Expedia has a 24/7 customer service team that can assist with changes, cancellations, or issues on the road. If something goes wrong—missed connections, hotel problems, or last-minute changes—having everything booked through a single platform like Expedia makes it easier to resolve problems quickly.
Final Thoughts
Expedia is a fantastic platform for planning your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a multi-country tour. By taking advantage of features like loyalty rewards, price tracking, flexible bundles, and the mobile app, you can unlock real savings and peace of mind.
Travel should be about making memories—not stressing over logistics. And with a little know-how and these 10 tips, you’ll be well on your way to booking smarter, traveling easier, and enjoying every step of the journey.
