Are you looking to book a vacation but don’t want to go through Expedia? With the rise of online travel agencies (OTAs), it can be confusing to know which sites are owned by Expedia and which are not. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Expedia does not own Priceline, Airbnb, VRBO, and Tripadvisor among other major travel sites.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll give you the full scoop on what travel sites Expedia owns as well as popular alternatives that allow you to book hotels, flights, rental cars, activities and more without giving your business to Expedia.
Which Major Travel Sites Does Expedia Own?
Expedia.com
Expedia.com is the flagship travel site owned by Expedia Group. It offers a wide range of services including flights, hotels, car rentals, vacation packages, and activities. With a user-friendly interface and a vast inventory of travel options, Expedia.com has become a popular choice for travelers around the world.
Hotels.com
Hotels.com is another major travel site owned by Expedia Group. It specializes in hotel bookings and offers a comprehensive selection of accommodations ranging from budget to luxury. With its extensive database of hotels and competitive prices, Hotels.com has gained a strong foothold in the online travel industry.
Orbitz
Orbitz is a well-known travel site that is also part of the Expedia Group. It provides a one-stop platform for travelers to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. Orbitz is known for its user-friendly interface and competitive prices, making it a popular choice among travelers.
Travelocity
Travelocity is yet another major travel site owned by Expedia Group. It offers a wide range of travel services including flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. Travelocity is known for its user-friendly interface and customer-friendly features such as Price Match Guarantee and 24/7 customer support.
Hotwire
Hotwire is a popular travel site owned by Expedia Group. It specializes in offering discounted rates on flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. Hotwire is known for its opaque booking model where customers can save money by booking without knowing the exact details of the hotel or airline until after the purchase.
CheapTickets
CheapTickets is a travel site owned by Expedia Group that focuses on providing affordable travel options. It offers discounted rates on flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. CheapTickets is known for its budget-friendly approach and competitive prices, making it a preferred choice for travelers on a tight budget.
Ebookers
Ebookers is a leading online travel agency owned by Expedia Group. It offers a wide range of travel services including flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. Ebookers is known for its user-friendly interface, competitive prices, and customer-friendly features such as 24/7 customer support.
Expedia CruiseShipCenters
Expedia CruiseShipCenters is a travel site owned by Expedia Group that specializes in cruise vacations. It offers a wide selection of cruise options from various cruise lines, along with personalized customer service.
Expedia CruiseShipCenters is known for its expertise in the cruise industry and its commitment to providing memorable cruise experiences.
CarRentals.com
CarRentals.com is a travel site owned by Expedia Group that focuses on car rentals. It offers a wide selection of rental cars from various car rental companies, allowing travelers to find the best deals and options for their transportation needs.
CarRentals.com is known for its user-friendly interface and competitive prices.
Classic Vacations
Classic Vacations is a luxury travel site owned by Expedia Group. It specializes in curated vacation packages that include flights, hotels, and personalized services. Classic Vacations is known for its attention to detail, high-quality accommodations, and exceptional customer service, catering to travelers seeking a luxury travel experience.
Egencia
Egencia is a corporate travel management company owned by Expedia Group. It offers a comprehensive suite of travel services tailored for businesses, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and travel policy compliance tools.
Egencia is known for its advanced technology solutions, global reach, and personalized customer service, making it a trusted partner for corporate travel.
Travel Metasearch Sites Not Owned by Expedia
Kayak
Kayak is one of the most popular travel metasearch sites not owned by Expedia. It allows users to compare prices from various travel websites, including airlines, hotels, and car rental companies. Kayak’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive search results make it a go-to platform for many travelers.
Whether you’re looking for the cheapest flights or the best hotel deals, Kayak offers a wide range of options to suit your needs.
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Momondo
Momondo is another travel metasearch site that is not owned by Expedia. It provides users with a simple and efficient way to compare prices for flights, hotels, and car rentals. Momondo stands out for its user-friendly design and its ability to find some of the best deals available in the market.
With a vast database of travel options, Momondo helps travelers save both time and money.
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Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a leading travel metasearch site that is not owned by Expedia. It allows users to search for flights, hotels, and car rentals, providing them with a comprehensive list of options from various travel providers.
Skyscanner’s unique feature is its “Everywhere” search, which allows users to find the cheapest flights to any destination from their chosen departure point. With its extensive search capabilities and user-friendly interface, Skyscanner is a popular choice among travelers.
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While Expedia is a major player in the online travel industry and owns several popular travel websites, there are still a number of travel metasearch sites that are not part of the Expedia portfolio. Kayak, Momondo, and Skyscanner are just a few examples of these independent platforms that offer travelers a wide range of options and competitive prices.
Whether you’re planning a vacation or a business trip, these alternative travel sites can help you find the best deals and make your travel planning experience more enjoyable.
Alternative Booking Sites for Hotels
While Expedia is a popular choice for booking hotels, there are several alternative booking sites that offer great options for travelers. These sites provide a wide range of accommodations, competitive prices, and user-friendly interfaces.
Here are three alternative booking sites that you can consider:
Booking.com
Booking.com is one of the largest and most well-known online travel agencies. With over 28 million listings worldwide, this site offers a vast selection of hotels, apartments, and other accommodations.
Users can easily filter their search results based on their preferences, such as price range, amenities, and location. Booking.com also provides detailed descriptions, reviews from verified guests, and photos of each property, helping travelers make informed decisions.
The site’s user-friendly interface and reliable customer service have made it a go-to option for many travelers.
Agoda
Agoda is another popular booking site that offers a wide range of accommodations, including hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals. With over 2 million properties listed worldwide, Agoda provides travelers with plenty of options to choose from.
The site is known for its competitive prices and exclusive deals, making it a favorite among budget-conscious travelers. Agoda also offers a loyalty program called “Agoda Rewards,” where users can earn points for every booking they make.
These points can be redeemed for future discounts or free stays, adding extra value for frequent travelers.
HotelsCombined
HotelsCombined is a metasearch engine that aggregates hotel deals from various booking sites, allowing users to compare prices and find the best possible rates. By searching multiple sites at once, HotelsCombined saves travelers time and effort in finding the perfect accommodation.
The site also provides a comprehensive overview of each hotel, including reviews, ratings, and amenities. With its user-friendly interface and efficient search functionality, HotelsCombined is an excellent tool for travelers who want to find the best deals without visiting multiple booking sites.
These alternative booking sites offer a range of benefits and options for travelers, ensuring that they can find the perfect accommodation for their needs. While Expedia may be a popular choice, it’s always worth exploring these alternatives to ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible.
Leading OTAs That Aren’t Expedia
Priceline
Expedia may be one of the biggest players in the online travel industry, but it doesn’t own every travel site out there. One prominent alternative is Priceline. Priceline is a well-known online travel agency (OTA) that offers users the ability to book flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages.
The platform is known for its “Name Your Own Price” feature, where travelers can bid on hotel rooms and rental cars, potentially saving them money on their bookings. Priceline also offers a wide range of travel deals and discounts, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Lastminute.com
If you’re looking for travel sites that aren’t owned by Expedia, Lastminute.com is another option worth considering. Lastminute.com is an OTA that specializes in offering last-minute travel deals. The platform offers a variety of travel options, including flights, hotels, vacation packages, and even theater tickets and spa treatments.
Lastminute.com is known for its emphasis on spontaneity and adventure, making it a great choice for travelers who enjoy being flexible with their plans and are looking for a great deal on short notice.
On the Beach
Another travel site that Expedia doesn’t own is On the Beach. On the Beach is a UK-based OTA that focuses on offering affordable beach holidays. The platform allows users to search for and book flights, hotels, and transfers to popular beach destinations around the world.
On the Beach prides itself on its low prices and transparent pricing, making it a popular choice for travelers who are looking for a budget-friendly beach getaway.
While Expedia may be a dominant force in the online travel industry, there are still plenty of other travel sites out there that offer unique features and cater to specific travel needs. Whether you’re looking for last-minute deals, beach holidays, or the ability to bid on hotel rooms, these leading OTAs provide a great alternative to Expedia.
Vacation Rental Sites Besides Expedia
Airbnb
Airbnb is one of the most popular vacation rental sites in the world, offering a wide range of unique accommodations for travelers. Founded in 2008, Airbnb has quickly gained a reputation for its vast selection of properties, ranging from cozy apartments to luxurious villas.
With over 7 million listings in more than 220 countries, Airbnb provides travelers with a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional hotels.
VRBO
VRBO, which stands for Vacation Rentals by Owner, is another prominent vacation rental site that is not owned by Expedia. Founded in 1995, VRBO has been connecting travelers with property owners for over two decades.
The platform offers a diverse range of vacation rentals, including beach houses, cabins, and condos. VRBO prides itself on providing travelers with a personalized and authentic travel experience.
VacationRentals.com
VacationRentals.com is a vacation rental site that is owned by HomeAway, which is in turn owned by Expedia. However, it is worth mentioning as an alternative to Expedia’s main platform. As one of the largest vacation rental sites on the internet, VacationRentals.com offers a wide selection of properties in popular destinations around the world.
Travelers can find everything from budget-friendly apartments to luxurious vacation homes on this platform.
While Expedia owns a significant number of travel sites, there are still several alternatives available for those seeking vacation rentals. Whether you’re looking for a unique and cozy accommodation on Airbnb, a personalized experience on VRBO, or a wide selection of properties on VacationRentals.com, there are plenty of options to suit every traveler’s needs and preferences.
Other Major Travel Sites Not Owned by Expedia
Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor is one of the most popular travel websites in the world, offering a platform for travelers to share reviews, recommendations, and ratings for hotels, restaurants, attractions, and more. Unlike Expedia, which focuses on booking services, Tripadvisor primarily serves as a valuable resource for travelers looking for unbiased opinions and advice.
With its extensive database of user-generated content, Tripadvisor is a go-to site for those seeking authentic feedback and guidance when planning their trips.
TripIt
TripIt is a travel organizing app that helps travelers keep all their itineraries, reservations, and important travel-related information in one place. The app automatically collects travel details from confirmation emails and creates a comprehensive itinerary that can be accessed offline.
While Expedia provides booking services, TripIt complements the travel experience by simplifying the organization and management of travel plans. It is a convenient tool for frequent travelers who want to stay organized on the go.
TourRadar
TourRadar is a marketplace for booking guided tours and adventure trips. The platform offers a wide range of tour options, including small group tours, river cruises, and multi-day expeditions. Travelers can browse through various destinations, read detailed itineraries, and book tours directly through the website.
Unlike Expedia, which mainly focuses on hotel and flight bookings, TourRadar specializes in connecting travelers with unique and immersive tour experiences around the world.
GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is another major travel site that Expedia does not own. It is an online platform that allows travelers to book tours, activities, and tickets for popular attractions worldwide. With GetYourGuide, travelers can discover and book a wide range of experiences, such as guided city tours, museum visits, food tours, and more.
The platform offers a convenient way to explore and book activities in advance, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience. Unlike Expedia, which focuses on comprehensive travel planning, GetYourGuide specializes in providing curated experiences for travelers looking for unique and memorable adventures.
Conclusion
In summary, while Expedia owns many of the most popular online travel agencies, there are still plenty of alternatives out there if you want to avoid booking through an Expedia-owned site. Major players in hotels, vacation rentals, meta search and tour/activity booking like Priceline, Airbnb, Kayak and Tripadvisor give you alternative options without directly supporting Expedia.
So next time you’re looking to book a trip, keep this list handy so you can easily find the travel sites and booking platforms not owned by Expedia. Happy and safe travels!
