Expedia

While summer is always the big travel season in the United States, Americans are changing the way they take vacations. For example, look at the new partnership between Groupon and Expedia. They're following the increasingly popular deal-of-the-day model and offering significant discounts on travel packages that can include airfare, hotels, activities, car rentals and more.

That's not the only way to get to your destination for less, though. Try using these 9 thrifty travel tips to save some money on your next vacation.

1. Discover Off-Peak Destinations
With nearly four-million square miles of land area, the U.S. is a big country. This means there are nearly unlimited places to travel. Destinations in California, like Los Angeles and San Francisco, are some of the most popular spots, but they're also the most expensive. If you think outside the box, you'll find some really cool locations to have a unique vacation without the crowds.

2. Shop at Auctions
Is your heart set on luxurious accommodations, but your bank account doesn't match up? The auctions at travel sites like LuxuryLink.com can help you find accommodations, spa credits, meal vouchers and free drinks for as much as 65 percent below the typical retail price. Auction king eBay also offers a variety of discount vacation packages in their travel section. Read more

Free App Offers Real-Time Search, Intuitive Filtering, Gorgeous Graphics and Super-Simple Booking

March 24, 2011 – Expedia.com, the world’s leading online travel agency, on Wednesday announced the upcoming launch of Expedia Hotels, a free iPhone and iPod touch app developed to give travelers an intuitive, quick way to research, filter and book hotel rooms from their mobile device. This is the first app introduced by Expedia since the company acquired Mobiata, the mobile travel apps powerhouse, in November 2010. Expedia Hotels is the first in a series of mobile initiatives that the company will roll out in 2011.

"'Expedia Everywhere' is our new strategy with the world's most wickedly compelling mobile experiences designed to delight the earth's travelers with their ease of use, speed to book and rich features," said Scott Durchslag, president, Expedia Worldwide. "Expedia Hotels is the first of what will be many mobile apps developed for iPhone and Android. They will enable customers of the world’s largest online travel agency to easily book any our inventory of more than 130,000 hotel rooms worldwide, putting real time best prices and availability at the tip of their finger in moments."Read more

April 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- To commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, Expedia.com announced that it has greatly expanded the company's Green Hotel program. The new program now offers more than 1,700 "green" hotels to travelers who prioritize environmental sustainability. These hotels are certified by a cross-section of organizations, including Green Seal, Green Key, LEEDS and STEP.

"At Expedia.com, we realize that green travel is an important offering to a dedicated, passionate set of travelers," said Tim MacDonald, senior vice president and general manager, Expedia.com. "By offering green-certified hotels, carbon offset options for flights and environmental travel tips, we offer a unique one-stop shop for the green traveler who is committed to traveling in a socially responsible manner."

Expedia.com's Green Hotels program, which launched in April of 2008, is now six times larger than last year. It now features more than 1,700 supply partners and over 80 green certification programs. Expedia.com has also partnered with TerraPass to create carbon offset bundles, based on distance flown, to fund clean energy and carbon reduction projects. Travelers can add a TerraPass to their flight by utilizing the "Travel Accessories" section of the trip customization page.

Expedia.com customers booking accommodations can save big when booking eco-friendly hotels as a package through Expedia.com. And as always, there are no flight booking fees, nor Expedia change or cancel fees when booking through Expedia.com.

For more information on Expedia's new eco friendly travel options, visit www.expedia.com/green.

SOURCE Expedia, Inc.

November 13, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Expedia just announced some good news for the approximately 32 million U.S. travelers planning to fly this holiday season(1) -- book your holiday flight with Expedia and receive $200 toward a vacation in 2009. Whether the annual pilgrimage home for the holidays is their favorite vacation of the year, or it reminds travelers how much they actually need a vacation, Expedia has launched its Holiday Kickback promotion to help make the holidays a little merrier.

The Expedia Holiday Kickback, which is available to travelers booking and flying round-trip within the U.S. prior to January 3, 2009, includes a $200 coupon to use on a flight and hotel stay of five or more nights between January 3, 2009 and March 30, 2009. To redeem coupon, travel must be booked before March 25, 2009. Read more

Proving it is possible to take a summer vacation this year without breaking the bank, Expedia just announced its largest ever hotel promotion, with discounts of up to 50 percent. As part of the last days of summer "Half Off Hotel Sale," more than 125 participating hotels are offering 50 percent off stays of four nights or more. Additionally, hundreds of other hotels and all-inclusive resorts are offering at least 30 percent off in popular vacation destinations all over the U.S., including Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Chicago, Orlando, Hawaii and San Francisco, as well as properties in Mexico, Canada, South America and the Caribbean.

Just a few examples of the deals found only in Expedia's Half Off Hotel Sale include: Read more

Travelers don't have to break the bank this holiday season on expensive gas prices. As a holiday gift to customers, Expedia.com is offering free gas cards for the next two weeks for hotel reservations made December 11 – 14 and December 18 – 21 for travel now through January 6.

For three to four-night stays at hotels in the U.S. and Canada, excluding New York City and Seattle, customers will receive a $30 gas card, and customers will receive a $50 gas card for 5+ night stays. The deal is valid for travelers booking hotel only, not packages. The offer is available on www.expedia.com starting today, and will automatically appear when travelers book qualifying hotels for the designated length of stay.

While the weather is still nice, travelers can take an out-of-town excursion and save up to 25% off hotels for a 3-night stay or 20% off for a 2-night stay for bookings now through October 6 and travel now through October 8. Below are four examples of package deals available from select cities (prices quoted are per person based on double occupancy). For more information on Expedia’s September Savings Sale or to book, visit www.expedia.com. Read more

Expedia.com is making it easy for travelers to squeeze in affordable, last-minute summer vacations by offering a 24-hour sale with amazing savings on hotels and packages. To take advantage of the sale trips must be booked by midnight on Wednesday, July 18 for travel now until late August/early September. With discounts up to 50% off, great prices are available for travel to major U.S. cities and exotic destinations. Below are a few sample sale prices for hotels and packages: Read more

June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Expedia.com, the world's leading online travel company, today announced the launch of its new Business Travel resource (www.expedia.com/business) for unmanaged business travelers -- those who book their business travel on their own as opposed to through a corporate travel department or full-service corporate travel management company. Expedia.com Business Travel page meets their needs, offering tools and information not available from any other online travel agency.

"Travelers book with Expedia.com because we deliver them choice and control, with the best selection of travel options, booking tools and information that help them easily book the right trip at a great value," said Paul Brown, President, Expedia North America. "We understand the unique needs of unmanaged business travelers and have developed a travel booking resource that speaks directly to their needs and helps them make confident travel decisions." Read more