When it comes to planning a vacation, there’s one universal truth: everyone loves a good deal. Whether you’re jetting off for a romantic escape, planning a family adventure, or craving a solo backpacking trip, saving money on flights, hotels, and packages can make your getaway that much sweeter. And that’s where Expedia comes in.
Expedia has long been a go-to platform for travelers looking to book everything from flights and hotels to car rentals and full vacation packages. But with so many options, filters, and bundles, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? With a little insider knowledge and a few strategic clicks, you can unlock serious savings.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to navigate Expedia like a pro — from timing your bookings right to maximizing reward points and stacking discounts.
1. Start with a Clear Game Plan
Before diving into Expedia’s vast travel database, define what you want from your trip. Are you looking for the cheapest getaway possible, or is flexibility your top priority? Are you set on specific travel dates, or are you open to flying midweek for better rates?
Having a clear goal allows you to navigate filters more efficiently and avoid information overload. Use Expedia’s “Flexible Dates” tool if your travel plans are open — sometimes shifting your trip by just a day or two can unlock hundreds in savings.
2. Create (and Use) an Expedia Account
Signing up for a free Expedia account opens the door to exclusive member-only pricing on select hotels and packages — often up to 10% off. Expedia members also earn OneKeyCash, the platform’s unified rewards currency that replaced the old Expedia Rewards program.
Every booking — whether for a hotel, flight, car rental, or activity — earns OneKeyCash that you can later redeem as a discount. It’s simple, automatic, and adds up faster than you might expect.
Pro Tip: OneKeyCash is currently part of a larger loyalty network across Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo — meaning you can earn and spend rewards across all three platforms.
3. Master the Art of Bundling
One of the most powerful savings tools on Expedia is the “Bundle and Save” feature. When you book your flight and hotel together, you can often unlock significant discounts that aren’t available when booking each separately.
Why does this work? Travel providers offer better pricing when they know travelers are committing to more than one element — like a flight plus hotel — and Expedia passes those savings to you.
Real Example: Booking a roundtrip flight from Los Angeles to Cancun might cost $350. A hotel stay could run $700. But bundle the two together on Expedia, and you might pay just $900 — saving $150 or more.
4. Use Filters and Sort Features Wisely
Expedia’s search results can feel overwhelming at first glance. But the platform gives you powerful tools to customize and narrow down your results:
- Price sliders help define your budget.
- Guest rating filters let you focus on top-reviewed properties.
- Neighborhood filters are great for zeroing in on where you want to stay in a city.
- Amenities checkboxes allow you to prioritize features like free Wi-Fi, breakfast, or pet-friendly stays.
Don’t forget the “Sort by” dropdown. You can sort by price (low to high), rating, distance from landmarks, or best deals — making it easier to find exactly what you need.
5. Use the Expedia App for Mobile-Only Deals
Expedia offers exclusive mobile-only pricing when you book through the app — sometimes up to 20% cheaper than desktop rates. The app also simplifies itinerary tracking and sends real-time alerts about delays or gate changes if you book flights.
Pro Tip: Enable app notifications. Expedia often sends limited-time flash sales and promo codes to app users before they’re advertised elsewhere.
6. Stack Promo Codes and Coupons
Occasionally, Expedia releases promo codes you can apply at checkout for additional discounts — particularly for hotels and vacation packages. These can range from $25 off to 10% or more.
Keep an eye out for seasonal sales (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Memorial Day) or sign up for Expedia’s emails to get notified. Some deals are only for members, so make sure you’re signed in when browsing.
Bonus Tip: Stack savings by applying a promo code and redeeming OneKeyCash during the same checkout.
7. Compare Listings Across Expedia’s Sister Sites
Since Expedia owns multiple travel brands — including Orbitz, Travelocity, and Hotwire — it’s worth checking those sites as well for slight variations in pricing or availability.
While the core inventory may be similar, promo codes, app-only deals, and loyalty programs sometimes differ. Occasionally, Orbitz or Travelocity might offer an extra incentive like bonus reward points or a different discount.
8. Price Match Guarantee: Use It to Your Advantage
Expedia offers a Price Match Guarantee on flights and hotel bookings — but many travelers don’t take advantage of it. If you book a flight or hotel and find a better price elsewhere within 24 hours, you can request a refund for the difference.
Some hotel bookings also qualify for extended price matching until the day before check-in — especially if you pay for the “Price Match Promise” upgrade during checkout.
This feature gives you peace of mind when booking early.
9. Set Up Alerts for Price Drops
If your travel plans aren’t urgent, set up price alerts through Expedia. This feature will notify you when there’s a dip in the cost of your desired route, making it easier to book at the lowest rate.
Combine this with flexible date browsing and you’ll be able to spot the optimal time to book — particularly helpful for expensive international flights.
10. Read the Fine Print Before Booking
Expedia lists both refundable and nonrefundable options for most hotel rooms and flights. To avoid frustration later, carefully review the cancellation policy and terms before booking.
If flexibility matters to you (like changing your dates or canceling without penalty), prioritize listings labeled “Free cancellation.” The few extra bucks you spend on flexibility may save you major stress if plans change.
Also, for flights, review the baggage policies, especially on basic economy fares — some may not include carry-ons.
11. Book Last-Minute Hotels with “Tonight-Only” Deals
Need a room right now? Expedia has you covered with its Tonight-Only Deals section in the app. These are last-minute discounts offered by hotels trying to fill unsold rooms. You can often find luxury hotels at mid-range prices if you’re flexible.
Ideal for spontaneous travelers or those in transit needing an overnight stop.
12. Explore Activities and Experiences
Beyond flights and hotels, Expedia offers access to a wide range of tours, activities, and attraction tickets. Think Eiffel Tower passes, ziplining excursions, or wine tastings — often with skip-the-line perks or bundled discounts.
Many experiences are refundable, too, making it easy to plan fun without locking yourself into rigid schedules.
Pro Tip: Bundle activities with your hotel to unlock even more savings, especially in top destinations like Paris, Rome, or Las Vegas.
13. Watch for Expedia’s “Add-On Advantage”
After booking your flight, hotel, or car, Expedia may offer you exclusive discounts on add-ons. These can include cheaper hotels, additional nights, or discounted activities — deals that only show up after your initial booking.
This feature, called Add-On Advantage, is a hidden gem for stretching your budget and upgrading your trip without spending more.
14. Use Expedia for Business Travel Too
Expedia also caters to business travelers with Expedia for Business, offering tools for organizing group travel, expense tracking, and team bookings. If you’re booking travel for your company or work trips, you may be eligible for additional deals and perks.
15. Customer Support and Trip Management
One of Expedia’s most underrated features is the “My Trips” dashboard, where you can manage all your reservations in one place. It’s especially helpful if your itinerary includes multiple hotels, flights, and rentals.
If anything goes wrong, Expedia’s 24/7 customer service can help with changes, refunds, or cancellations — though wait times can vary during peak seasons.
Conclusion: Travel Smart, Save More
Expedia is more than just a booking site — it’s a powerful travel planning tool when used to its full potential. Whether you’re a once-a-year vacationer or a digital nomad hopping from country to country, understanding how to navigate Expedia strategically can lead to major savings and a smoother trip overall.
So next time you’re dreaming of a getaway, don’t just browse — optimize. Set alerts, bundle like a pro, use those mobile deals, and turn every booking into an opportunity to save. Happy travels!
