Expedia is one of the leading online travel agencies that offer great deals on hotels, flights, vacation packages, and more. However, with so many options available, finding the best deals requires strategy and planning. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you score the best deals on hotels and flights with Expedia.
1. Plan and Book in Advance
One of the best ways to secure great travel deals is by booking in advance. Airlines and hotels typically offer lower prices for those who book weeks or months ahead of time. Last-minute bookings can be expensive, especially during peak travel seasons.
Tips:
- Book flights 1-3 months in advance for domestic travel and 3-6 months in advance for international travel.
- Reserve hotels early, especially in popular tourist destinations.
- Use Expedia’s ‘Book Now, Pay Later’ option to lock in a price while keeping your budget flexible.
2. Utilize Expedia’s Bundle and Save Feature
Expedia offers discounts when you book a flight and hotel together. This feature can save you hundreds of dollars compared to booking them separately.
Tips:
- Try different combinations (e.g., bundle flight, hotel, and car rental) to see which offers the best discount.
- Look for package deals that include free breakfast, airport transfers, or resort credits.
3. Sign Up for Expedia Rewards
Expedia Rewards is a loyalty program that allows travelers to earn points on bookings, which can be redeemed for discounts on future trips.
Benefits:
- Earn points on flights, hotels, and package deals.
- Exclusive member-only discounts and deals.
- VIP Access hotels offer perks such as free room upgrades and late checkouts.
4. Use Expedia’s Price Match Guarantee
Expedia offers a price match guarantee for hotels and flights. If you find a lower price elsewhere within a certain time frame, Expedia will refund the difference.
Tips:
- Monitor prices after booking and take advantage of price adjustments.
- Check terms and conditions of the Price Match Guarantee for eligibility.
5. Leverage Expedia’s Deals and Coupons
Expedia frequently offers limited-time discounts, promo codes, and special deals.
Where to Find Deals:
- Expedia’s ‘Deals’ section on the website.
- Sign up for email alerts to receive exclusive discounts.
- Follow Expedia on social media for flash sales.
6. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
Flight and hotel prices vary depending on the time of year. Traveling during off-peak seasons can save you a significant amount of money.
Tips:
- Avoid peak holidays and weekends when demand is high.
- Consider mid-week travel for cheaper flights and hotel rates.
- Check destination-specific peak times and plan accordingly.
7. Be Flexible with Travel Dates and Destinations
Flexibility is key to finding great deals. Expedia’s flexible date search tool allows you to compare prices across different dates.
Tips:
- Use the ‘Flexible Dates’ option to see cheaper alternatives.
- Consider alternate airports for potential savings.
- Be open to different destinations with better deals.
8. Book Refundable Rates When Possible
While non-refundable rates are cheaper, refundable bookings offer flexibility in case of unexpected changes.
Tips:
- Check cancellation policies before booking.
- Use Expedia’s ‘Free Cancellation’ filter to find flexible options.
9. Take Advantage of Expedia’s Mobile App
Expedia’s mobile app offers exclusive app-only deals that can save you extra money.
Benefits:
- Exclusive mobile discounts on hotels and flights.
- Easy access to itinerary and real-time updates.
- Seamless booking experience with saved payment details.
10. Compare Multiple Airlines and Hotels
Expedia allows users to compare different airlines, routes, and hotels to find the best price.
Tips:
- Use Expedia’s sorting and filtering options to narrow down the best deals.
- Compare different hotel locations to find the most affordable and convenient option.
11. Look for Alternative Accommodations
Expedia also offers vacation rentals, hostels, and boutique hotels that may be cheaper than traditional hotels.
Tips:
- Check alternative stays like Airbnb-style rentals on Expedia.
- Consider hostels and boutique hotels for budget-friendly options.
12. Use a Travel Credit Card for Extra Savings
Using a travel rewards credit card can help you earn points or cashback on Expedia bookings.
Tips:
- Use a card that offers travel rewards to maximize savings.
- Check for Expedia partnerships with credit cards for additional discounts.
Conclusion
Scoring the best deals on Expedia requires a combination of planning, flexibility, and strategy. By utilizing Expedia’s bundle deals, loyalty programs, mobile app discounts, and alternative accommodation options, you can save significantly on your next trip. Happy travels!