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Vacation planner: plan your winter escape with Expedia

The anticipation of vacation planning in 2024 and researching is almost as good as actually being there. Start dreaming today and craft your perfect itinerary. When you book with Expedia, you can plan a vacation with access to the latest deals for thrilling destinations around the world. Choose from solo adventures, romantic couples retreats, family-friendly vacations, or city breaks for the ultimate weekend away with friends.

Whether you crave tropical beaches, winter activities, thrilling trips through the wilderness, or simply want to relax in luxury, select your stay and flight options and plan a getaway to remember.

You can also add optional extras to make your escape truly memorable. Why not book a classic car to cruise around, make special requests to help celebrate birthdays, or book excursions to get your adrenaline flowing?

Expedia brings you our latest vacation planner guide, an all-in-one travel companion that makes your vacation easy to research, organize, and share. Track flight prices to make sure you get some of the best deals and keep all your reservations and bookings in one place. You’ll also have access to our personal travel advisor powered by ChatGPT technology to answer any travel-related or destination-specific inquiries. Once your booking is complete, the app serves as a real-time record of your vacation, including up-to-date notifications on any changes to your reservations.

You’re the architect of this vacation season, and with Expedia, you’ll get to plan it exactly how you want. Let’s begin.

How to plan a vacation with Expedia?

Vacation planning with Expedia is simple and fun. Just follow these steps and get closer to your departure:

• Decide where to go
• Decide when to go
• Research on the Expedia app
• Share your travel plans with your group
• Book your flights and accommodation
• Book excursions or activities
• Enjoy your vacation!

1. Decide where to go on vacation

When you think you need to start planning your vacation, the first choice you need to make is where to go. Find a vacation destination in 2023 that matches the type of vacation you’re looking to have and who will be joining you. For vacation ideas, check out Expedia’s travel guides and choose somewhere new to explore or a favorite spot you’ve been waiting to revisit.

2. Decide when to go

Deciding when to go on a vacation in 2023 will depend on the type of trip you want to experience, where you’re going, and practical considerations like the weather conditions at particular times of the year. Sometimes, travel dates will be determined by your vacation days from work or when your children are off school, but being flexible with your travel dates, if possible, is one of the best ways to save money on your vacation. Traveling offseason, for example, can save you hundreds of dollars.

3. Explore trip ideas with ChatGPT on the Expedia app

Expedia’s vacation planner app is powered by ChatGPT, offering you all the services of a mobile travel planner in your pocket. Not only can this technology suggest places to stay and visit and how to navigate a new destination, but it also saves hotel recommendations and itinerary points of interest, helping you stay organized.

4. Save your trip ideas and invite people to your trip

Save your travel itinerary, including reservations and itineraries, and then invite others to the app to share your vacation details. If you’re the vacation planner in your family or friendship circle, your life is about to get much easier. Imagine quickly sharing all the details of a large family or group vacation with every person attending. You’ll never have to chase people down to remind them of flight times and hotel details again.

5. Book flights, hotels, and rental cars by bundling your trip for even more savings

Enjoy even more vacation savings when you book your flights and hotels together in a vacation package . Bundling your travel bookings, including rental cars , is convenient and can help you save money.

6. Book activities and things to do

Pre-booking your activities and excursions helps you plan your vacation budget and gets you excited about your vacation before you even leave. Choose from a huge range of things to do at your destination, including tours, special events, theme parks, museums, and more.

7. When to book your vacation

According to Expedia’s latest research and insight into air travel hacks , the cheapest day to book flights is, generally speaking, Sundays, while Fridays are the most expensive. Booking your vacation on a Sunday can save up to 13% off the cost of your next vacation. Booking in advance, about 60 days before international travel, results in cheaper flights. It’s also best to travel in the morning to avoid cancellations or delays, which can snowball, affecting more flights later in the day.

8. Choose your way to pay

Thanks to Expedia’s partnership with Affirm, you can book your next vacation and pay for it your way with choices to spread the cost in easy-to-manage monthly installments with our deposit and payment plans . Or buy now and pay the balance in 30 days’ time with 0 deposit vacation booking options. 

Top tips on how to plan your vacation

How do i plan a vacation with expedia.

Start to plan your vacation by choosing your desired destination and travel dates. If you need vacation ideas, explore our latest deals or discover what’s available in a specific location during your chosen travel period. Browse flights, activities, and accommodations to create an unforgettable vacation getaway. With Expedia, you can book travel plans with a small deposit and convenient monthly payments that align with your financial strategy.

How do I create an itinerary for my trip?

If you’re not sure how to plan a vacation this vacation season, navigate to the Trips tab on the Expedia homepage, select “Create a trip,” and enter a new trip name. Begin planning your itinerary by searching for accommodations or activities at your desired destination. Save your favorites by tapping the heart icon and invite family members or fellow adventurers to also help plan travel in our Trip Planner.

What things do I need to consider when planning a trip?

When planning travel, take your preferred destination, budget, travel dates, weather, and desired activities into account. Whether you’re seeking a warm winter retreat in Costa Rica or dream of strolling through enchanting vacation markets in Europe , Expedia’s filters make it easy to explore great deals and create your dream vacation travel itinerary.

What are some useful tools I can use to plan my trip?

If you asked yourself, "Where should I go on vacation?" then wondered what step you should take next, simplify your travel arrangements with Expedia’s Trip Planner. Save and organize your favorite activities and accommodations, collaborate with your group, and book your vacation in one place.

How early should I plan a trip?

According to Expedia’s air travel hacks , you should book your vacation plans a month ahead for domestic travel and 60 days in advance for international journeys. Those who booked domestic flights 28 days before departure saved an average of 24%, and international travelers who booked 60 days ahead saved around 10%.

How do I budget for vacation?

Budgeting can be tricky, so it’s important to set realistic expectations and take advantage of helpful resources. Establish a practical budget by considering costs such as flights, accommodation, food, and activities while completing your vacation planner. Expedia offers the flexibility to compare prices and secure your vacation with a small deposit, followed by monthly payments to help you meet your financial goals.

How can I plan a cheap vacation?

Start by checking out Expedia’s newest flight deals to discover what’s available. If you have particular places to go on vacation in mind, search for them along with your dates. Then, either sort by price or filter by budget to find the most affordable options.

How do I plan a great family vacation?

Ready to create an unforgettable family vacation but unsure where to begin? Start by using our filters to discover family-friendly hotels in sought-after destinations like Disney resorts or Hawaii . By exploring accommodations with kid-friendly amenities, such as game rooms, pools, and waterparks, you can design a plan for travel in 2025 the whole family is bound to love.

How do I find cool things to do on vacation?

Explore the extensive Expedia travel guides filled with fantastic sights and activities all over the world. Whether you’re planning a tour or looking to attend sporting events, concerts, or music festivals, Expedia makes it easy to fill your travel planner with memorable vacation excursions.

Can I save money by booking a vacation package with flights and hotel?

Expedia often offers the best deals when you bundle your flights, accommodation, and car rental. Explore our latest vacation packages to create your dream vacation in just a few minutes.

How can I find the best deals for my vacation?

Check out Expedia’s vacation packages, and remember that bundling flights and accommodation could lead to significant savings. Plus, keep an eye on our promotions and special offers to grab some of the best deals this vacation season.

Does Expedia have a flexible cancellation policy?

Planning traveling for the vacations can be challenging, but Expedia’s free cancellation and pay-later options can help alleviate some of the stress. Simply filter your search by payment type, and keep in mind that cancellation policies may differ for each vacation package. Always carefully check cancellation policies before booking your getaway.

Why should I plan my next vacation with Expedia?

Crafting your dream vacation in 2024 is a breeze with Expedia. With our advanced filter options, you can easily decide where to go on vacation and design a tourist plan in no time. Whether you’re looking to spend quality time with family, embark on a weekend retreat, or set off on a thrilling winter escapade, Expedia offers fantastic deals on vacation packages to help you create an unforgettable journey.

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Plan a vacation: step by step guide.

• Things to do

I only need accommodations for part of my trip

Vacation planner: plan your winter escape with Expedia

The anticipation of planning your vacation in 2024 and researching is almost as good as actually being there. Start dreaming today and craft your perfect itinerary. When you book with Expedia, you can plan a vacation with access to the latest deals for thrilling destinations around the world. Choose from solo adventures, romantic couples retreats, family-friendly vacations or city breaks for the ultimate weekend away with friends.

Whether you crave tropical beaches, winter activities, thrilling trips through the wilderness or simply want to relax in luxury, select your stay and flight options and plan a getaway to remember.

You can also add optional extras to make your escape truly memorable. Why not book a classic car to cruise around, make special requests to help celebrate birthdays, or book excursions to get your adrenaline flowing?

Expedia brings you our latest vacation planner guide, an all-in-one travel companion that makes your vacation easy to research, organize, and share. Track flight prices to make sure you get some of the best deals and keep all your reservations and bookings in one place. You’ll also have access to our personal travel advisor powered by ChatGPT technology to answer any travel-related or destination-specific inquiries. Once your booking is complete, the app serves as a real-time record of your vacation, including up-to-date notifications on any changes to your reservations.

You’re the architect of this vacation season, and with Expedia, you’ll get to plan it exactly how you want. Let’s begin.

How to plan a vacation with Expedia?

Vacation planning with Expedia is simple and fun. Just follow these steps and get closer to your departure:

• Decide where to go
• Decide when to go
• Research on the Expedia app
• Share your travel plans with your group
• Book your flights and accommodation
• Book excursions or activities
• Enjoy your vacation!

1. Decide where to go on your vacation

When you think, "I need to plan my vacation," the first choice you need to make is where to go. Find a vacation destination in 2023 that matches the type of vacation, you’re looking to have and who will be joining you. For inspiration, start planning your 2025 Hawaiian or European vacation, check out Expedia’s travel guides and choose somewhere new to explore or a favorite spot you’ve been waiting to revisit.

2. Decide when to go

Deciding when to go on a vacation in 2023 will depend on the type of trip you want to experience, where you’re going, and practical considerations like the weather conditions at particular times of the year. Sometimes, travel dates will be determined by your vacation days from work or when your children are off school, but being flexible with your travel dates, if possible, is one of the best ways to save money on your vacation. Travelling offseason, for example, can save you hundreds of dollars.

3. Explore trip ideas with ChatGPT on the Expedia app

Expedia’s app for vacation planning is powered by ChatGPT, offering you all the services of a mobile travel planner in your pocket. Not only can this technology suggest places to stay and visit and how to navigate a new destination, but it also saves hotel recommendations and itinerary points of interest, helping you stay organized.

4. Save your trip ideas and invite people to your trip

Save all details of your vacation, including reservations and itineraries, and then invite others to the app to share your trip details. If you’re the vacation planner in your family or friendship circle, your life is about to get much easier. Imagine quickly sharing all the details of a large family or group trip with every person attending. You’ll never have to chase people down to remind them of flight times and hotel details again.

5. Book flights, hotels and rental cars by bundling your trip for even more savings

Enjoy even more vacation savings when you book your flights and hotels together in a vacation package . Bundling your travel bookings, including rental cars , is convenient and can help you save money.

6. Book activities and things to do

Pre-booking your activities and excursions helps you plan your vacation budget and gets you excited about your vacation before you even leave. Choose from a huge range of things to do at your destination, including tours, special events, theme parks, museums, and more.

7. When to book your vacation

According to Expedia’s latest research and insight into air travel hacks , the cheapest day to book flights is, generally speaking, Sundays, while Fridays are the most expensive. Booking your vacation on a Sunday can save up to 13% off the cost of your next vacation. Booking in advance, about 60 days before international travel, results in cheaper flights. It’s also best to travel in the morning to avoid cancellations or delays, which can snowball, affecting more flights later in the day.

Top tips on how to plan a vacation

How to plan a vacation.

Start to plan a vacation in 2024 by picking your desired destination and travel dates. If you need ideas, explore our latest deals or available options in a specific location during your planned vacation period. Browse flights and activities to enhance your travel itinerary, and remember that Expedia can help you stick to your budget with manageable monthly payments.

How can I plan my vacation with Expedia?

Planning your vacation with Expedia is easy. Enter your dream destination or travel dates into our site or app, browse the available flight options, hotels and activities, and book your desired choices. By using the Expedia app for vacation planning, you could find great deals and embark on a 2025 memorable vacation escape.

Can I create my own vacation package?

Expedia makes it easy to customize your vacation package by combining flights, hotels and activities that suit your travel plans. Explore deals and offers that align with your dream adventure and personalize a package that gets you in the vacation spirit.

How to plan an all-inclusive vacation?

Easily plan an all-inclusive vacation escape with flights by clicking the “packages" button on Expedia. You can also explore all-inclusive hotels without airfare by clicking the “stays" button. Bundling flights with your all-inclusive hotel can help you save, so take a look as you plan your itinerary.

How to plan a cheap vacation?

You could discover significant savings by exploring the latest flight deals on Expedia. If you have a specific destination for your journey, enter it along with your travel dates. Then, sort results by price or apply a budget filter to uncover the most enticing deals for your chosen vacation travel period.

How do I plan a family vacation?

Want to plan a memorable family getaway but don’t know where to start? Begin by using our filters to explore family-friendly hotels in top destinations like Disney resorts , Hawaii , and Costa Rica . Enhance your search by filtering for accommodations that offer kid-friendly amenities, such as game rooms, pools, and waterparks.

How do I plan a vacation on a budget?

The key to planning a vacation on a budget is having realistic expectations. Fill out your travel planner with your budget in mind, setting reasonable daily amounts for food, accommodations and activities. Whether you’re European vacation planning or staying closer to home, Expedia can help you find deals and offers that suit your vacation budget.

What factors should I consider when choosing a vacation destination?

Consider factors like desired destination, budget, travel dates, weather and preferred activities. Whether you’re looking for a warm winter escape or interested in immersing yourself in one of Europe’s charming vacation markets, Expedia’s filters can help you tailor your search based on the proper criteria.

How far in advance should I start planning my vacation?

Start planning your vacation at least a month in advance for domestic travel and 60 days in advance for international travel. According to Expedia’s air travel hacks , travellers who booked their flights 28 days before departing on a domestic trip saved 24% on average, while travellers who booked international flights 60 days out saved around 10%.

How can I find some of the best deals for my vacation?

If you’re tour planning on a budget, explore Expedia’s flight deals and consider bundling flights and accommodation for extra savings. Look out for promotions and deals to snag some of the best offers for your vacation.

Is it better to book a vacation package or plan everything individually?

It depends on your preferences. If you’re Hawaii vacation planning, booking a vacation package can be convenient and offer significant cost savings. However, some vacation planners prefer to reserve everything individually as it allows for more customization. Consider factors like time, budget and practicality when deciding which approach works for you.

How do I budget for my vacation?

Determine a realistic budget by considering expenses like flights, accommodation, food and activities as you fill out your vacation planner. With Expedia, you can compare prices and secure your vacation with a modest deposit and convenient monthly payments that match your financial plans.

Does Expedia have a flexible cancellation policy?

Yes. Experience the joy of flexible planning with Expedia’s free cancellation and pay-later options. Simply filter your search by payment type, and remember that cancellation policies can vary depending on your vacation package. Always check cancellation policies when tour planning and booking your getaway.

Why should I plan my next vacation with Expedia?

Expedia makes it easy to plan a dream vacation getaway that suits your budget. Whether you’re looking to spend time with family, unwind on a weekend escape, or embark on a thrilling winter adventure, Expedia has great deals on vacation packages to help you design an unforgettable trip.

Save with our bundle deals!

Car, Stay, Flight... book everything you need for your perfect weekend getaway with Expedia and save!

Vacation rental

Apartments, Villas, Cabins... we have everything you need!

Car Rentals

Hit the road with one of our car rental deals

Explore other types of vacation packages

Members save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide when you’re signed in

Holiday planner.

• Things to do

I only need accommodation for part of my trip

You can save up to 10% when you bundle your flight + hotel, flight + car or hotel + car together

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Customize your holiday with ease all in one place

Holiday planner: plan your holiday with Expedia

The anticipation of holiday planning in 2024 and researching is almost as good as actually being there. Start dreaming today and craft your perfect itinerary. When you book with Expedia, you can plan a holiday with access to the latest deals for thrilling destinations around the world. Choose from solo adventures, romantic couples escapes, family-friendly holidays or city breaks for the ultimate weekend trip with friends.

Whether you crave tropical beaches, winter adventures, active trips through the wilderness, or simply want to relax in luxury, select your stay and flight options and create a holiday to remember.

You can also add on optional extras to make your trip truly memorable. Why not choose a classic car to cruise around, make special requests to help celebrate birthdays, or book excursions to get your adrenaline flowing?

Expedia brings you our latest holiday planner guide, an all-in-one travel companion that makes your trip easy to research, organise, and share. Track flight prices to make sure you get some of the best deals and keep all your reservations and bookings in one place. You’ll also have access to our personal travel advisor powered by ChatGPT technology to answer any travel-related or destination-specific enquiries. Once your booking is complete, the app serves as a real-time record of your trip including up-to-date notifications on any changes to your reservations.

You're the architect of this holiday and with Expedia, you’ll get to plan it exactly how you want. Let's begin.

How to plan a holiday with Expedia?

Holiday planning with Expedia is simple and fun. Just follow these steps and get closer to your departure:

• Decide where to go
• Decide when to go
• Research on the Expedia app
• Share your travel plans with your group
• Book your flights and accommodation
• Book excursions or activities
• Enjoy your holiday!

1. Decide where to go on holiday

When you think "I need to plan my holiday", the first choice you need to make is where to go. Find a holiday destination in 2024 that matches the type of holiday you want to have and who will be joining you. For inspiration, check out Expedia's travel guides and choose somewhere new to explore or a favourite spot you've been waiting to revisit.

2. Explore trip ideas with ChatGPT on the Expedia app

Expedia's holiday planner app is powered with ChatGPT, offering you all the services of a mobile travel planner in your pocket. Not only can this technology suggest places to stay and visit, and how to navigate a new destination, but it also saves hotel recommendations and itinerary points of interest, helping you stay organised.

3. Save your trip ideas and invite people to your trip

Save all details of your holiday, including reservations and itineraries, and then invite others to the app to share your trip details. If you are the holiday planner in your family or friendship circle, your life is about to get much easier. Imagine quickly sharing all the details of a large family holiday or group trip with every person attending. You’ll never have to chase people up to remind them of flight times and hotel details again.

4. Decide when to go

Deciding when to go on holiday in 2024 will depend on the type of holiday you want to experience, where you're going, and practical considerations like the weather conditions at particular times of the year. Sometimes your travel dates will be set due to your holiday dates from work, or when your children are off school, but being flexible with your travel dates if possible is one of the best ways to save money on your holiday. Travelling off-season, for example, can save you hundreds of pounds.

5. Book flights, hotels, and car hire bundling your trip, for even more savings

Enjoy even more holiday savings when you book your flights and hotels together in a holiday package . Bundling your travel bookings including car hire is convenient and can help you save money.

6. When to book your holiday

According to Expedia's latest research and insight into air travel hacks , the cheapest day to travel is, generally speaking, on Fridays for international trips and Saturdays for travel within the UK. Booking your trip on a Sunday can save up to 20% off the cost of your next holiday. Booking in advance, up to 4 months before international travel, results in cheaper flights. It's also best to travel in the morning to avoid cancellations or delays which can snowball, affecting more flights later in the day.

7. Choose your way to pay

Book your next holiday and pay for it your way with choices to spread the cost in easy-to-manage monthly instalments with 0% interest with our deposit and payment plans or buy now and pay the balance in 30 days' time with 0 deposit holiday booking options.

8. Book activities and things to do

Pre-booking your activities and excursions helps you plan your holiday budget and gets you excited about your trip before you even leave. Choose from a huge range of things to do at your destination including tours, special events, theme parks, museums, and more.

See some of our best holiday deals

Explore some of the best deals right now.

Frequently asked questions about holiday planning on Expedia:

How to organise a holiday.

Organising your next trip away doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just follow these holiday planning steps:

• Pick a destination
• Choose your dates
• Set a budget
• Book flights and hotels
• Book activities and excursions
• Gather your travel documents and insurance
• Pack and enjoy your holiday!

How can I plan my holiday with Expedia?

Planning a holiday with Expedia is a straightforward process. Using the website or app you can search by destination, holiday type, and travel dates, among other search filters. Once you’ve chosen your flights and hotels, you can add on further travel services like car rentals or activities. You’ll have a chance to review and finalise all details before making your booking. Expedia provides a wealth of holiday planning resources from travel guides to search filters to help you find a great deal on your next trip. Download the Expedia app to use the ChatGPT function and benefit from travel advice at your fingertips.

Can I create my own holiday package?

Yes, you can create your own holiday package on Expedia by combining different travel components such as flights, accommodation, car rentals, and activities. Expedia offers a feature called 'Bundle and Save' that allows you to customise and create your own package holiday according to your preferences, making holiday planning a breeze.

How do I plan a family holiday?

When planning a family holiday , consider the unique needs and preferences of your family. For adventure-loving kids, book activities and excursions to keep them busy, for teens make sure your resort has facilities they’ll enjoy, and for multi-generational travel, you'll also want to include amenities the adults will appreciate like golf courses or spas. Whether your family prefers thrilling adventures gliding down ski slopes, exploring a city by bike, or simply relaxing on pristine beaches, Expedia offers a comprehensive selection of holidays for every family. Use our family-friendly filter to discover resorts and hotels that provide endless entertainment and enjoyment for everyone involved.

How do I plan a holiday on a budget?

Planning a holiday on a budget with Expedia is very convenient: you have the convenience of comparing destinations, selecting accommodation types, and sorting results by price, making it easier to find deals. Opt for budget-friendly United Kingdom family holidays or, for an affordable and enjoyable beach holiday with the kids, consider catching a flight to a sunny Portugal family holiday .

What factors should I consider when choosing a holiday destination?

Before choosing a holiday destination, do a little research on local weather and events to make sure it’s a good time to visit. For example, some places experience monsoons or poor weather during the summer, so your holiday dates may dictate some of the best places to travel. You’ll also want to check if there are special events or festivals going on that you may wish to avoid or attend. Expedia destination guides give you important information on a variety of places, so you know before you go.

How far in advance should I start planning my holiday?

The ideal timeframe to plan a holiday varies depending on several factors, including the destination, the type of trip, and personal preferences. However, as a general guideline, it's recommended to start planning your holiday at least a few months in advance, especially for international or peak-season travel, or if you are travelling to a popular destination.

How can I find some of the best deals for my holiday?

When planning a holiday, you can find some of the best deals for your holiday on Expedia by setting fare alerts for specific travel dates, so you’ll be notified when prices drop, allowing you to snag the best deals when they become available.

Being flexible with your travel dates and bundling hotels, flights and car hire is another way to save money and get some of the best holiday deals.

Is it better to book a holiday package or plan everything individually?

It depends on your travel plans and preferences but booking a holiday package is usually cheaper and more convenient. Planning your trip out with individual bookings for flights, hotels, and attractions gives you more flexibility to plan your holiday your way.

How do I budget for my holiday?

Budget for the total cost of your holiday by determining the total amount you are willing to spend on the trip and then breaking it down into categories for accommodation, flights, spending money, and other expenses. You’ll also want to leave some wiggle room for unexpected costs. Expedia’s payment plans with Klarna allow you to select different ways to pay; pay in full, pay in 30 days , or divide the cost of the holiday to pay in 3 instalments .

Does Expedia have a flexible cancellation policy?

Yes, Expedia search filters allow you to choose holidays with free cancellation and pay later options, so you can book with confidence. Customise your search results by payment type to ensure your holiday aligns with your needs. Keep in mind that cancellation policies can vary for different holiday packages, so it’s advisable to review and understand them before finalising your booking.

Why should I plan my next holiday with Expedia?

Expedia delivers incredible travel deals to help you plan and book one of your best holidays yet. Take advantage of our wide range of services and book your car hire, flights and stay all in one place. Prepare for endless fun and lasting memories with just a click on Expedia.

Save with our bundle deals!

Car, Stay, Flight... book everything you need for your perfect weekend getaway with Expedia and save!

Holiday rental

Apartments, Villas, Cabins... we have everything you need!

Car Rentals

Hit the road with one of our car rental deals

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Expedia travel app is the ultimate travel companion that offers you quick and effortless access to cheap flights, hotels, and car rentals, allowing you to save big on your incredible travel experiences. Whether you're yearning for a luxurious and exciting vacation in Las Vegas or a relaxing beach escape in Miami, the app has got you covered with fantastic Member Prices for your next destination. Member of the Expedia travel app, you'll enjoy a wealth of exclusive benefits, including: - Member Price deals that can save you an average of 15% or more on thousands of hotels*. - Plus, you can earn double points on all eligible bookings made through the app*. - Stay up-to-date on the best time to book cheap flights with our flight price tracking technology - Chat GPT integration: Get your travel-related questions answered with expert insight and personalized recommendations with the launch of our AI-powered trip planner. - Book a flight, you can receive up to 30% off select stays as a member. - As you advance in status, you'll receive in-trip extras such as complimentary room upgrades and late checkout, enhancing your overall travel experience Get started on accessing your Expedia member benefits by simply logging in or signing up for free. Why else should I use the app? - Explore over a million flights, hotels, car rentals, packages, attractions, and more. - Enjoy free cancellation on most hotels. Because flexibility matters.* - Get extra savings when you bundle flights and hotels. - Find car rentals within 30 minutes or less. - Trip planner on fun travel activities deals on tours, shows, theme parks, and other attractions. - Keep all your travel reservations and itinerary in one place. - Browse inspiring travel guides. - Helpful alerts for flight delays, gate changes, and more. Download the Expedia App for cheap flights, hotels, cars rentals, activities and bundle deals today! *These offers are only available to Expedia members. The discount will be applied to the price of selected hotels (excluding applicable taxes and other fees). Prices displayed include the promotional discount and are per room, per night, based on two people sharing a room. Blackout periods may apply and a minimum hotel stay may be required. Please check individual hotel for details. Offers are subject to limited availability and may be discontinued without notice. Expedia’s usual booking terms and conditions apply. Bonus point offers are calculated on the base points earned for an eligible booking only and are not calculated on any bonus points earned for being Silver or Gold members, or otherwise. Free cancellation on most hotels. Some hotels require you to cancel at least 24-48 hours before check-in. See property pages on our app for details. Price Predictions are not a guarantee. Available to Expedia members on select routes. The Expedia app uses information for analytics, personalization, and advertising. By using our app, you agree to our privacy and cookies policies.

Version 2024.16

Thanks for exploring the world with Expedia as your on-the-go travel companion. This update contains bug fixes and performance improvements to make your digital experience as smooth as possible. Bon voyage, traveler!

Ratings and Reviews

502.9K Ratings

Very convenient and fast!!!!

Using app for the first time...flight and hotel in Manila completed in 15min. Fast, great layout and easy to use.

Yes, you exceeded my expectations!

If you phone SpringHill Suites the automated message will say that their goal is to exceed your expectations. And they succeeded. I have nothing but great things to say about the facility, the service and the staff. Clean accommodations, great pool area for the family and such pleasant people. Nothing but friendly service over the phone and in person. Great team! I would highly recommend this hotel and the area for that matter as there is so many dining and shopping/supply options for a day before a cruise.

The Expedia app is quick and simple! Wish I can use PayPal to pay, it seems only credit / debit only for now. I would recommend this app!!!

NOW AVAILABLE

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The developer, Expedia, Inc. , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy .

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Plan Your Next Vacation Using ChatGPT With This New In-app Feature on Expedia

The new feature will allow travelers to have an “open-ended conversation” about all aspects of their trip from where to go and stay to how to get around while they’re there.

Courtesy of Expedia

Expedia is leveraging the power of artificial intelligence with a new in-app feature using ChatGPT to help travelers plan their next vacation.

The new feature will allow travelers to have an “open-ended conversation” with the AI bot about all aspects of their trip from where to go and stay to how to get around while they’re there, Expedia shared with Travel + Leisure . The ChatGPT bot will then automatically save any hotels discussed to a “trip” in the app.

“Every great trip can be made or lost while planning and shopping. As the leader in travel tech, Expedia continues to build out the core operating system for the industry, constantly enhancing capabilities and making trip planning faster, simpler and even more informative," Peter Kern, the vice chairman and CEO of Expedia Group, said in a statement provided to T+L. "By integrating ChatGPT into the Expedia app and combining it with our other AI-based shopping capabilities, like hotel comparison, price tracking for flights and trip collaboration tools, we can now offer travelers an even more intuitive way to build their perfect trip."

The new AI feature, which is currently available on the Expedia app, will allow travelers to ask questions about a potential trip as if they were asking a trusted advisor. 

When asked to plan a trip, the ChatGPT follows up with questions about trip preferences and budget requirements. The AI also takes the specific type of trip into account. For example, when asking about a vacation for a young family, the bot answers with a query on how old the children are. 

Expedia isn’t alone in leveraging the power of AI. In New York, the Park Hyatt New York installed an artificial intelligence-powered mattress that adjusts its climate zones to ensure guests go through all the proper sleep stages. And in Greece, visitors to the Athens Olympic Museum can travel back in time with the help of 3D AI.

Planning a group trip can be a headache: How this new Expedia tool makes it easier

From girls' trips to family getaways, traveling with others can strengthen your bond. Unfortunately, planning a group trip can often be a headache – and includes a messy text thread or Google Doc. 

Travel company Expedia Group launched a new feature on Thursday aimed at taking “friction out of every step” of group travel, Vice Chairman and CEO of Expedia Group Peter Kern told USA TODAY. 

Meet the Trip Planner.

In the new tool, up to eight travelers can collaborate and engage with each other to finalize trip details in one easy place on Expedia , Vrbo or Hotels.com (app, website and mobile site.) 

Unfortunately, cross-platform trip planning is unavailable, so your entire trip must be booked through Expedia or Vrbo, for example. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

When you’re ready to plan a trip, you can start saving potential options for accommodations, flights and car rentals. Then, invite your fellow travelers to vote and comment on what they like best. They can add different options if they see something they like better. Everyone can also see an itinerary of what’s been booked. 

More: The easiest reward program? What to know about Expedia Group's new One Key loyalty program

To use the Trip Planner, you need to have an account, which is always free. 

“(It’s) an easy way to connect people traveling together with all the information they need within the conversation,” Kern said.

He added that planning a trip with multiple travelers has been “a big pain point for travelers” since people are “sharing 27 websites with each other.” 

The travel company said the new product is the first of its kind in the industry and is part of the company’s current commitment to new “technology to really drive consumer innovation much faster.”

The first iteration of trip-saving came from the vacation rental platform Vrbo, where travelers could see their itinerary for upcoming and old stays.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected]

Watch CBS News

Expedia launches ChatGPT-powered travel planning tool

By Megan Cerullo

April 7, 2023 / 11:30 AM EDT / MoneyWatch

ChatGPT, the "generative" artificial intelligence technology  popping up  in multiple industries, has a  new gig : personal travel guide. Trip planning site Expedia this week launched an AI-based tool on its mobile app that helps users plan voyages and research their destinations. 

"Basically the idea is just to give travelers, however they want to shop, the best ways to plan, the best ways to shop, the best ways to find the right thing for them," Expedia Group CEO and vice chairman Peter Kern told CBS News.

"You can ask [the chatbot] whether April is a good time to go to Paris, or what you might see in Tokyo if you go in March — and can you see the cherry blossoms," he added. 

Users can pose any number of queries to the chatbot, such as, "Help me find a hotel near the best place to see the cherry blossoms." 

Some of the existing tools on Expedia's website, such as price tracking and collaborative shopping, already make use of AI, and ChatGPT is a natural extension, he said. "So it's not a decision to redeploy assets to spend on doing this, it's really a decision to make it easy for travelers."

To be sure, ChatGPT can be unreliable and sometimes delivers factually incorrect information. As a result, Expedia put guard rails on its chatbot to prevent the AI from veering beyond travel-related topics. 

"We built our own AI to basically monitor the outcomes for what ChatGPT comes back with because, really, we only want to help people shop for travel," Kern said. "We're not trying to talk to them about politics or religion or anything else. So this isn't to go have a chatGPT conversation."

"We are really using our own capabilities to monitor the outcomes, make sure travelers don't get strange responses. And if something goes wrong, we're trying to make sure it comes back to travel."

"I can't help with that"

For now, Expedia's AI tool remains in beta testing and has its shortcomings. When prompted to find roundtrip flights from New York City to Mexico City, its instructions read: "I can't help with that yet. But you should be able to find that information on the Expedia website." 

It was, however, able to list top attractions in Mexico's capital city. 

So-called large language models like ChatGPT are also known to spit out information that varies in its usefulness, depending on how the request for information is posed, or prompted. For this reason, companies are hiring so-called prompt engineers to figure out how to speak to AI-tools for optimal results. 

• Artificial Intelligence

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.

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Table of Contents

When it comes to Expedia prices

When it comes to expedia travel insurance, when it comes to the expedia cancellation policy, when it comes to the expedia loyalty program, when it comes to maximizing credit card points, the pros and cons of expedia recapped.

Frequent travelers likely know that there’s something better than a dream trip: a dream trip that you booked on a bargain.

The ways to save money on travel are plentiful. You can redeem hotels and airline points, or take advantage of last-minute travel deals, to name a few. And booking through third-party online travel agencies like Expedia can sometimes yield especially big savings.

Beyond just deals, Expedia has robust search filters that make finding your perfect vacation easy. It streamlines purchasing trip insurance , which can be especially important for travel these days. Plus, the Expedia Rewards program earns you points to pay for future bookings.

But booking through an OTA like Expedia is not without its drawbacks. Here's a look at some of those to help you weigh the pros and cons of booking travel through Expedia.

Pro: Expedia has frequent sales, last-minute travel deals and bundle discounts

Expedia deals are aplenty, whether it’s a bundling discount or a sale.

Bundling: A major component of booking travel on Expedia is the practice of bundling, where you can expect additional savings for booking more than one product (e.g., flight and hotel, or hotel and attraction ticket) in one transaction. For example, when we searched for a hotel and rental car in Miami, one five-day booking option included up to three free rental car days while another offered one free night.

A perk of booking travel through Expedia is that you select your hotel, airfare and car rental in separate steps in the process. This makes it easy to bookmark the page and compare the cost of these items on Expedia versus the cost on the company’s direct website.

Expedia payment plans: If you don’t want to pay for your whole trip at the time of booking, Expedia allows you to make smaller payments through Affirm, which is a service that offers short-term loans for online purchases. If approved by Affirm , you’ll be able to pay for your trip in monthly installments.

You can also check Expedia’s Deals page and Expedia’s Last-Minute Deals page . Both tend to offer an eclectic mix of travel deals, ranging from cheap motels in tiny towns to lavish resorts in major tourist destinations. We’ve spotted deals as high as 70% off.

» Learn more: How to find cheaper last-minute flights

Con: Booking direct is sometimes still cheaper than Expedia

Sure, Expedia sales and last-minute deals are nice, but that’s not to say that you can’t find other (sometimes better) deals for booking directly with the travel provider. Many offer their own exclusive deals — and they might save you even more than booking with online travel agencies. Compare prices across both Expedia and the specific company to ensure you’re getting the best price.

And sometimes the savings go beyond just the sticker price. For example, boutique hotel chain Ovolo Hotels offers generous amenities including free laundry, happy hour refreshments and a daily breakfast buffet — but only if you book directly with them.

» Learn more: Is Expedia legit? Can it get me a good deal?

Pro: You can purchase an Expedia travel insurance policy

Expedia partners with various insurance providers, depending on your individual booking, to offer trip protection.

F or flights: Expedia offers travel insurance protection options that cover flight cancellation, medical emergencies and other covered circumstances.

For hotels: Choose hotel booking protection to reimburse your stay in the case of cancellation.

For car rentals: You can add car rental damage protection for an extra per-day fee.

Coverage varies by plan, but you can typically expect reimbursement for some (or all) trip costs if your trip is impacted by covered reasons. Covered reasons typically include delays, loss, theft or damage to one’s baggage and personal belongings. You’re also typically reimbursed for covered medical expenses, including emergency evacuation if you get sick or injured during your trip.

But there are many limitations and exclusions, so read your policy’s fine print to understand what’s covered.

Expedia 24-hour cancellation

When you book a flight on Expedia, you can cancel for a full refund as long as you do so within 24 hours of booking. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires airlines to allow you to cancel a flight for a full refund if canceled within 24 hours of booking and it was booked seven days before departure.

Con: Outside travel insurance might be more comprehensive or cheaper (and sometimes free)

You can opt out of Expedia’s travel insurance and either be completely uninsured — or simply acquire your insurance elsewhere. And there are better travel insurance policies out there.

After a comprehensive review of dozens of plans that assessed factors including price and COVID-19 coverage, here are the best travel insurance policies .

What’s more, you might not even need to pay for travel insurance at all. Many credit cards offer travel insurance benefits if you paid for your trip with that card.

Pro: Expedia offers some fully refundable options

Because airlines, hotels and other travel services set their own individual policies on Expedia, change and cancellation policies can vary significantly. While it can be tricky to parse the policies for each individual property, use Expedia’s “fully refundable” search filter to limit potential bookings to those with flexible policies.

For straightforward requests, use the Expedia service page to make changes and get a refund. If you’re unable to get help through Expedia’s self-service tools, other ways to get in touch with Expedia include live chat, a dedicated Twitter account ( @expediahelp ) and a phone line.

Con: Most cancellation policies are bad, confusing or both

Because airlines are required to give full refunds if you cancel within 24 hours of booking, Expedia lets you change or cancel your flight reservation without fees within the same time period.

For everything else, good luck. Because each travel provider sets its own policies, navigating them can be a headache. In some cases, canceling through Expedia means you’ll have to chase after the hotel or activity provider to recoup the costs.

Additionally, prepare for cancellation fees (both Expedia’s own fees as well as fees from the service provider). That’s if you’re able to cancel at all. Some bookings through Expedia are nonrefundable altogether.

Pro: It’s great for commitment-phobes

The new Expedia Rewards program, One Key Rewards, lets you earn OneKeyCash for every booking you make on the platform (plus on Vrbo and Hotels.com), which can then be used like cash toward future trips. Not only that, but Expedia users can earn status, which includes benefits like exclusive members-only discounts and extra benefits at VIP Access properties (such as free breakfast or late checkout).

For travelers who don’t like to commit to one airline or hotel company, don’t travel that frequently, or who book travel that otherwise doesn’t have its own loyalty program (like a tour or vacation rental), Expedia makes it possible to still get rewarded.

» Learn more: The guide to One Key Rewards

Con: Most hotel and airline loyalty programs are far more rewarding

While the One Key Rewards program is fine, most travel loyalty programs tied to specific hotels or airlines are almost always more rewarding. For individual point values, most other currencies of airline and hotel points are worth far more than OneKeyCash, which nets you 2% back on cruise, hotel, activity and rental car bookings but only .2% on flights. Once it's in your account, you can use it to pay for bookings just like you would cash — though you’ll need enough OneKeyCash in your account to pay for an entire flight, not just part of it.

Additionally, holding specific airline or hotel elite status is typically more lucrative than the value of elite status on One Key Rewards as most perks extend to Expedia VIP Access properties only. That said, some elite members can enjoy up to 20% discounts on hotels and free price drop protection on flights, which is a plus.

As for how to use Expedia points, OneKeyCash can be redeemed on “pay now” bookings for participating purchases priced in U.S. dollars. You can use it to pay for part of a hotel booking, but you’ll have to have enough to pay for the full cost of a flight (including taxes and fees). And while you can’t transfer rewards, you can use your OneKeyCash to book travel for others.

But depending what status you’re able to reach with individual brand loyalty programs, you can likely expect better perks. So if you’re fine committing to one brand, you’re almost always better off striving to earn its status versus with One Key Rewards. But if you only stay for a night here or there or prefer to book based on location or price, it’s a way to earn a few more rewards.

Pro: Expedia counts as a travel purchase

Many travel rewards credit cards give you a higher rewards rate on travel purchases, and booking sites like Expedia typically count as travel spending. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns 2 points per dollar on travel spending, compared with 1 point per dollar on most purchases.

Con: Travel credit cards are usually better for earning and redeeming rewards

If you’re loyal to a specific hotel or airline brand — or are open to pledging allegiance — credit cards aligned with those brands typically pay more on purchases directly from the brand partner. For example:

on American Express' website

on Chase's website

• 2 miles per $1 spent on Delta purchases.

Terms apply.

• 2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases.

• 12 points per $1 spent on eligible Hilton purchases.

• 6 points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.

• 1 mile per $1 spent.

• 3 points per $1 spent.

• 2 points per $1 spent.

Even general-purpose travel rewards cards that aren't tied to a specific airline or hotel chain will often reward you more handsomely for booking through their own portals than they would for going through a site like Expedia. Going back to the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : As mentioned, it earns 2 points per dollar on most travel purchases — but 5 points per dollar on travel booked through the Chase portal . Among general-purpose travel cards:

• 5 miles per $1 on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel.

• 2 miles per $1 on other purchases.

• 5 points per $1 spent on travel booked through Chase.

• 10 points per $1 spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Chase.

• 5 points per $1 on air travel booked through Chase.

• 5 points per $1 spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 spent per year.

• 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

• 2 miles per $1 spent.

• 1 point per $1 spent.

If you're considering booking with other online travel agencies like Priceline or Hotels.com, here are the best credit cards for online travel booking websites .

With the right deal, booking travel — including flights, hotels, cruises or car rentals — on Expedia could be worth it. It makes searching for travel relatively easy given the massive array of available listings, coupled with thoughtful search functionality to actually help you create your ideal itinerary.

But don’t automatically assume it’s a cheap way to book travel. Especially given the complicated cancellation policies, it might become among the most expensive, should an uninsured trip need to be canceled.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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How to plan your dream vacation

Sometimes you crave a vacation — but actually taking one feels out of reach. Maybe you're struggling to find the time or save up the money. Or maybe you just can't seem to launch those plans out of the group chat. Overcome that planning inertia and take the big trip of your dreams. Here's where to start your search, organize your logistics and enjoy yourself.

MARIELLE SEGARRA, HOST:

You're listening to LIFE KIT...

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

SEGARRA: ...From NPR.

Hey, everybody. It's Marielle. You remember the early part of the pandemic when the days of isolation stretched into months? At night, I would lay on the floor of my apartment with my eyes closed and listen to guided meditations, to try to take myself to a happier place. One time the prompt was something like, picture yourself doing something that brings you great joy. The first thing that popped into my head was an image of me wandering the cobblestone streets of some small European village, probably in France. The sun was shining, and every step I took was a feast for the eyes. Medieval houses, colorful flowers resting in vases on outdoor tables, patisseries with gorgeous pastries in the window, just waiting to be eaten.

I didn't realize until that moment just how much I missed traveling and how badly I wanted to look at something outside of my four walls or the blocks of my neighborhood. The next year, I took a three-week trip to the U.K. and France, and I ate those pastries and wandered until my feet hurt and filled a hole that had been growing inside of me.

Big trips can do that. Lale Arikoglu knows what I'm talking about. She's the articles director at Conde Nast Traveler.

LALE ARIKOGLU: On a really basic level, I think it's just being able to have a break from the crush of regular life, whether that's work or childcare or school, wherever it may be, you know, the opportunity to just take yourself out of your routine and be somewhere else and get to immerse yourself in that place to me is, like, the main draw of it.

SEGARRA: Now, when we talk about a big trip, that could mean different things depending on your travel style and your budget. You know, it might be a long road trip or an extended stay at a cottage in the woods or a multi-city tour on another continent. But it's typically something you save up for and plan months in advance. Lale has a big trip coming up. She's going to Peru.

ARIKOGLU: I've been waiting to do it for a long time. The reason to go there is for a friend's wedding. And now I'm building a trip around it, and it's going to be about ten days long with multi-stops, you know, having to choose multiple places to stay. And logistically, you know, it's actually taking some thought and some planning. One of the things that we're going to do when we're there is hike Machu Picchu. There's a group of us going. And Machu Picchu - it's a dream to see and experience.

SEGARRA: Now, it's easy to get bogged down in trip planning. And it might stop you from booking the thing entirely, but Lale says, do it. It's worth it.

On this episode of LIFE KIT, Lale shares her best tips on planning the big trip of your dreams. We'll talk about where to start your search, what logistical questions you should ask yourself and how to actually relax and enjoy yourself once you're there.

SEGARRA: Let's say I do want to take a big trip, right? I'm feeling that itch to travel, but...

ARIKOGLU: Right.

SEGARRA: ...I don't have a destination in mind yet or a duration. I'm really starting from scratch. Where does the planning start?

ARIKOGLU: When you start the planning, you've really got to think what you want to get out of the trip. You know, If you really just want to decompress and relax and rest, then you probably don't want to do some like multi-stop European city trip, right? You probably don't want to hike Machu Picchu. Perhaps it is that you're incredibly bored of your surroundings, and you need adventure and you need excitement. And therefore, you're going to be thinking of some really different destinations. It might be that you're traveling alone for the first time. You've decided to do a solo trip. You know, where is a place that might feel comfortable for you as a solo traveler, but still feels like it's taking you out of your comfort zone? So I think it's sitting with yourself and thinking, OK, what is, like, the goal here? That's takeaway one. Ask yourself what do you want to get from this? Set the mission of your trip.

It feels like another really important detail at the beginning is budget, right? Like, how much money do you realistically want to spend on this trip or can you afford to spend?

ARIKOGLU: And, you know, that's going to look different for everyone. If we're talking big trips, rarely are they spontaneous, right? You're planning for a long time. So that also allows you to save and finance for it. No, there's lots of great savings apps that can just, you know, that take a little bit of money out of your paycheck every few weeks, and you can kind of start, like, a travel fund that way. I think that's quite a nice way to do it. But I think, you know, you can do a big trip on a budget. It doesn't have to be, I think, a lavish, international trip. I mean, you know, we're going into spring and summer, there are so many incredible national parks to see, there are so many amazing, very diverse, different cities. There's, like, so much on your doorstep, so I think you can really argue, you don't have to cross continents to have a big trip. And so if that feels a more affordable way to get away for a couple of weeks, then, you know, look in your backyard.

SEGARRA: Right. I wonder, too, like, part of budget, besides money, is also time. Like, how much vacation time do you have? Do you have any tips for people who don't have that much vacation time?

ARIKOGLU: So I think if you look at the calendar and you look at where the holiday weekends fall, There are some tricks to being able to kind of, like, turn your limited number of vacation days into - kind of you can stretch it out if you bookend it with a holiday weekend or something like that. But on the flip side, it's also most expensive time to travel, right? There is an argument for choosing shoulder season, so that's not traveling to a destination when it's at its peak. And this is great for your own personal experience, but it's also in terms of helping that destination deal with overtourism, overcrowding. If we're talking about Europe, for example, the summers are getting hotter. So avoiding those really intense, hot, summer seasons can actually be really advantageous for your own travel plans.

SEGARRA: Yeah. That seems like maybe the next thing to consider as you're planning a big trip before you start looking at destinations is what time of year are you looking to travel?

ARIKOGLU: Definitely. And that's more of a luxury for some people because If you're having to navigate school holidays, then you're a little bit more limited. But again, it's sort of when you're thinking about carving out those goals and what you want to get out of the trip. Maybe it's the seasonality that's really important. Maybe it's all you want is hot weather and a beach. You know, if you're planning some summer travel, you could totally flip things on its head and go experience winter somewhere. I went to Patagonia when it was entering into their fall in Chile, and it was a really magnificent time to be there, and it was when New York City was going into spring. It felt like upside-down land to be choosing to do that, and it was so wonderful. It was great.

SEGARRA: Yeah. I think there's a lot of room for creativity there. And also, as you said, like, it opens up more possibilities if you consider going places during the shoulder season.

ARIKOGLU: And you get to be in a place and actually be in the place with the people who live there. One thing in August, if you go to Europe, everyone who lives there has, you know, gone off somewhere else on vacation to escape the heat and the tourists, and so, you know, you're in Rome with just all the other tourists and none of the Romans.

SEGARRA: All right, so takeaway two. Before you land on a destination, think about your constraints. What time of year do you plan to travel? For how long? What budget are you working with? If you're short on time, you can make use of holidays or pick a destination closer to home. If you're short on money, think creatively. You know, maybe you do a road trip through some parks or cities nearby.

SEGARRA: It seems like another thing to consider here is, how much do you like crowds? Because for me, it kind of ruins a trip or an experience if everywhere I go is super crowded. I get very overwhelmed by that and overstimulated.

ARIKOGLU: And it's also, you know, who are the crowds? Because there's been times when I've gone somewhere and I've gone and done the same bucket list site that everyone else is, and you're sort of standing there and you're thinking, What am I actually here for? Well, what is the purpose of this? What am I getting out of it? What am I giving to this destination other than just being another member of the crowd?

SEGARRA: Yeah. I think that's an important question, right? 'Cause, like, we have been talking about what are you looking to get out of it, for the most part. But there's another side to this - right? - and it's what am I giving? And also, what am I taking? Like, am I taking too much from this place?

ARIKOGLU: I think about that a lot. When you're planning, be really thoughtful about where you're spending your money. When you're choosing a hotel, is it a hotel that is locally owned? What restaurants are you booking? Where are you shopping? Where are you buying your souvenirs? You know, I think there's lots of ways to be really thoughtful about, you know, how you spend your money, and that can go into your budgeting, as well.

SEGARRA: I know there are certain places that at a certain time, at least, they said, please, tourists, like, please stop coming or stop coming during this time.

ARIKOGLU: Yeah. When a destination says that, I mean, it's something to be taken so seriously because they're usually destinations that have an infrastructure or an economy that really relies on tourism. So things have to have gotten pretty bad for a destination to say, take a beat, not right now, and listen to that, and, you know, the place will be better for it when you do go see it.

SEGARRA: I picture it as if you were, like, going to - going over, like, a friend's house uninvited, or, like, if they were like, please, today's not good. Like, our whole family's sick, like, we're all throwing up, and then you were still banging on the door, like, hey, what are you doing? Can I come stay over?

ARIKOGLU: I think that is a perfect analogy. Perfect. And no one wants to be that person.

SEGARRA: No.

ARIKOGLU: I'd hate to be that person.

SEGARRA: That'd be weird behavior.

ARIKOGLU: Yeah.

SEGARRA: Takeaway three, travel responsibly. Research the places you're interested in, and make sure they want tourists at the time you're looking to visit. When you're booking, consider putting your money toward the local economy rather than international chains. Also, learn about whatever destination you choose. Be open to the cultural practices and languages there. And be a respectful visitor.

Anything else that people would want to figure out before they start narrowing down or looking at destinations?

ARIKOGLU: I think it's also thinking about who you want to travel with. Someone can be your best friend, but they can be your worst roommate. I think travel's kind of the same, so kind of finding someone to travel with or a group of people to travel with who you're aligned with in the planning stage, rather than when you get there and then you suddenly discover you all want to do different things. So I think communicating right off the back what you all want out of the trip and what you're excited about and also being really honest with each other about finances.

If you're on a group trip, I mean, it's like splitting the bill, but a thousand times worse. And so I think if you can kind of, like, set some parameters at the start and be really honest about what you feel comfortable spending money on because inevitably, there is going to be some people on the trip who want to spend more money on some things than others.

SEGARRA: Yeah. And it seems like that conversation, there should be some form of that before you book anything.

ARIKOGLU: Yes, 100%. And, you know, I think even if you don't feel comfortable doing it, speaking up if something just feels too expensive.

SEGARRA: All right. So takeaway four, figure out who you're traveling with. You might prefer to travel alone, or if you're going with friends, partners, or family, just make sure you're on the same page about what you want from the trip - the pace, the activities and how much money you can spend.

SEGARRA: OK. So it sounds like we've given people a lot of things to consider before they choose a destination. Once they've done this soul searching, how can they start to find destinations that fit those desires and limitations?

ARIKOGLU: For me, part of the fun of travel planning is doing the research, whether it is a trusted travel publication or reading some books you love or going on to - you know, there's, like, a ton of just, like, online communities of people who love swapping travel tips and actually, I think, can be really helpful.

SEGARRA: Yeah. I think it can be helpful maybe to in the brainstorming stage to just, like, not go in too deep but just make a list of places that seem exciting to you and that might fit your parameters. Like, I have a Google Doc, and it's just, like, places that I would be really excited to go.

SEGARRA: When you are considering a destination, how helpful is social media - is - like, seeing where your friends are going or where influencers are going? Is it a good idea to follow those trends?

ARIKOGLU: I think it can be useful in picking things you want to do once you're there, particularly if it's, like, based around, like, big events or openings. You know, we have our best places to go list that runs every year. It could be, like, new train routes, new hiking routes, new museums that have opened, things that are happening in destinations centered around an anniversary. So, you know, kind of consulting those sorts of lists and rounds up as well can be very helpful. But I think, you know, going back to what we were talking about in terms of over tourism or overcrowding - you know, on social media, you will see people at the same spots time and time again. And they're usually spots where just around the corner, there's also something equally beautiful to see.

SEGARRA: Yeah. Like, I remember when Santorini was really popular. And it's like, whew - like, if you could actually see what was going on behind that photo, like, you would hate being there because it's so - it's just way too many people...

ARIKOGLU: Right. Right.

SEGARRA: ...All lining up to take a picture in - against that beautiful backdrop.

ARIKOGLU: Exactly. And, you know, it's Santorini. It's all beautiful. It's all amazing.

SEGARRA: OK. So takeaway five is to choose a destination. And cast a wide net when you're brainstorming 'cause you never know what's going to catch your eye. Also, Lale says, do your best to think outside of the current travel trends. Though you can use them for inspiration.

So once you've got a destination in mind, how can you start to sketch out the details of the trip? And I guess I should say, how much detail do you really need to figure out?

ARIKOGLU: So I was going to say, don't overschedule yourself, and don't overbook yourself. I think I've been guilty of doing that before, and then you realize that you have no downtime. It might seem like you're being really efficient, but you need a little bit of spontaneity on your trip. Don't overschedule. If there are a few key things you really want to do that you feel you will be crushed if you don't get to do it, then book it. Make sure that's arranged all in advance. So maybe it's finding one thing on each day of your trip. That's what you center your day around and you can frame your itinerary around that, but I wouldn't overschedule.

SEGARRA: Yeah. And then I think when you look at these things potentially sketched out on different days, then you say like, you know, that seems too busy. What's the most important to me here? Like, which of these activities do I want to book ahead?

ARIKOGLU: Right. You know, if you're suddenly realizing - you're like, I am cramming a lot in if I try to go to these three places, then choosing which one to let go.

SEGARRA: Yeah. 'Cause that's always a consideration, too. Like, if you're flying somewhere far, you might think, well, I'm already going to Poland, should I also do Germany?

SEGARRA: There's that impulse, you know? Or I'm going to Poland, so I want to see all of Poland. But that can make for a very frenetic kind of trip.

ARIKOGLU: And you wouldn't tell someone who was visiting America to be like, well, you've come all the way to America, so if you're going to New York, then you also need to go to New Orleans.

SEGARRA: Right, right. Exactly. That's Takeaway 6 - keep your schedule light and malleable. Lally recommends picking only one activity to do for each day of your trip and then building a flexible itinerary around those.

You know, it occurs to me that another element of a big trip when I'm going into them - I know that something's going to go awry during it.

ARIKOGLU: Always (laughter).

SEGARRA: Yeah.

SEGARRA: I remember being in Barcelona when I was in college. I went by myself for, like, a week. And I speak Spanish, but it wasn't fluent at the time. And I just got - I just missed being able to easily say what I wanted to say, and I went into, like, a Wendy's or something because I just wanted something kind of American. And I got some chicken nuggets. I couldn't think how to say nuggets in Spanish. Like, I was like, is that even a word, like, in Spanish, or did they just say nuggets? And I just broke and started speaking in English because I was trying to only speak Spanish. And I was like, I give up. Like, can I get some chicken nuggets, please?

ARIKOGLU: The true American in you comes out screaming at chicken nuggets in a foreign McDonald's.

SEGARRA: Yeah, yeah, give me my nuggies.

ARIKOGLU: (Laughter).

SEGARRA: Yeah, I just - like, sometimes you just need to go roll up into a ball and eat your chicken nuggies and be by yourself for a minute and then come back out, you know?

ARIKOGLU: Yeah. I mean, like, travel so much of the time is sort of, like, infantilizing because you're so powerless. But it's, like, the same in an airport. You're just sort of powerless at a certain extent when things go wrong. And I think my approach to it - to sort of very taxing and challenging air travel schedules, with connections and potential miss flights and lost luggage and all the things that come with that - is to sort of just give myself up to the airport gods, and just as soon as I'm, like, through TSA, just be like, what will be will be. I'll get there eventually and just, like, I'm powerless. And that's been, like, for me, quite liberating. And it also means that I'm not the person screaming at some poor gate agent when things go wrong.

SEGARRA: Yeah, it's a moment of - it's actually an opportunity for mindfulness. Like, I think that could even be helpful going into a big trip, to tell yourself, like, something is going to go wrong. Yeah, just keep that in mind.

ARIKOGLU: Oh, my God, so much of travel is about being tired and hungry.

SEGARRA: We're really selling this.

ARIKOGLU: I know.

SEGARRA: (Laughter).

ARIKOGLU: I'm like, my whole job is to travel. It's great.

SEGARRA: Isn't it terrible? Yeah.

SEGARRA: I try to remind myself, like - what is the point? - like, go back to those goals. What is the point of this? It's to have a good experience, to meet those needs, to give myself what I've been craving.

ARIKOGLU: Exactly. And I don't know. This sounds a little cheesy and a little trite, but anyone who gets to travel is really lucky. Ultimately, it's a real privilege that you get to do it. And it's such a freedom and it's such a special thing.Don't make it stressful.

SEGARRA: That's our final takeaway. Something on your trip is bound to go wrong. So once you're there, sit back and try to surrender. After all, traveling in the first place is a treat.

SEGARRA: OK, jet-setters, time for a recap. First, figure out what you want from this vacation. Decide your budget and time constraints. Commit to traveling ethically. Make sure you're aligned with the people you're traveling with. When you choose a destination, cast a wide net and have fun with the research. Don't overschedule yourself, and once you're there, relax and roll with the punches. For more LIFE KIT, check out our other episodes. We've got one on how to find cheap flights and another on how to pack your suitcase like a pro. You can find those at np.org/lifekit. And if you love LIFE KIT and you just cannot get enough, subscribe to our newsletter at np.org/lifekitnewsletter. Also, we love hearing from you, so if you have episode ideas or feedback you want to share, e-mail us at [email protected].

This episode of LIFE KIT was produced by Margaret Cirino. Our visuals editor is Beck Harlan and our digital editor is Malaka Gharib. Meghan Keane is our supervising editor and Beth Donovan is our executive producer. Our production team also includes Andee Tagle, Clare Marie Schneider and Sylvie Douglis. Engineering support comes from Robert Rodriguez. I'm Marielle Segarra. Thanks for listening.

Copyright © 2024 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

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7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner

• As a travel planner, my clients seem to be increasingly interested in all-inclusive trips .
• Some of my favorite luxury resorts are in Costa Rica, the Maldives, and Isla Mujeres.
• Cruises, group tours, and adults-only lodgings can also come with all-inclusive options. 

As a travel planner at Marvelous Mouse Travels , I know vacations are expensive — especially if you're looking to go somewhere this summer . But all-inclusive travel is often a great way to get the most value out of a luxury experience.

I've been on several all-inclusive vacations with my family, friends, and work, and I've helped other people book them in destinations around the world .

Here are some of the best all-inclusive experiences I'm recommending to my clients this year.

Try a split-stay vacation to see the best of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is one of the most sought-after vacations , and for good reason. It's great for both relaxation and adventure.

I recommend booking a split stay, starting at an all-inclusive resort in Guanacaste near the beach for some fun in the sun and moving to a resort near the famous Arenal Volcano for a jungle adventure.

Some of my favorite resorts in Costa Rica are the Westin Reserva Conchal and the Dreams Las Mareas. And if you're looking for an even more unique experience, check out the glorious swim-out suites with private pools at Dreams.

Baglioni Maldives is one of my favorite all-inclusive resorts.

The Maldives, a remote set of islands in the Indian Ocean, offers a plethora of resort options for couples and families, but Baglioni Maldives is my favorite.

For many in the US, getting to the islands can be daunting — there are very few direct commercial flights, and it can take almost an entire day. But it's hard to beat the country's luxury accommodations and gorgeous landscape.

The Maldives also has some of the most beautiful marine life and coveted spots for snorkeling and scuba diving.

No matter where you go, overwater bungalows are the ultimate all-inclusive splurge.

Overwater bungalows — villas standing on poles over open ocean water — are prevalent at all-inclusive resorts in destinations like the Maldives, Fiji, and Bali.

But I've also come across the luxurious accommodations at select adults-only Sandals Resorts throughout the Caribbean.

I think having a private villa on the water is the perfect way to unwind and relax.

Adults-only vacations are on the rise.

Traveling with kids can be a blast, but I also think it's important for adults to take a much-needed break on their own.

Adults-only resorts have been a total respite for me and my husband after hectic months of juggling work with our kids' school and sports schedules.

If you're looking to unwind with a partner, relax on a girls' trip, or even connect with your adult children, there are countless adults-only, all-inclusive resorts to choose from, depending on where you're looking to visit.

Some properties, including Sandals and Beaches Resorts, also offer butler service. Designated staff members can help with anything from room requests and dining reservations to cabana rentals and transportation coordination.

I upgraded to the service at my favorite adults-only spot, Le Blanc Los Cabos, and I felt totally pampered.

Isla Mujeres is pure luxury.

Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancún, is known for its crystal-clear, turquoise water and peaceful vibe. It's also home to Playa Norte, one of the best beaches in Mexico .

Impressions Isla Mujeres by Secrets is a gorgeous all-inclusive resort on the island. It offers luxury at its finest, but with only 125 rooms, it has a boutique feel.

One of my favorite features of the resort is the waterslide that leads right into the beautiful ocean.

There are plenty of all-inclusive packages at sea.

Cruising is one of the most popular vacations , whether it's an epic adventure on a Royal Caribbean Cruise, a couples-only journey on Virgin Voyages, or a regal tour of Europe on Viking River Cruises.

Although cruises aren't traditionally considered all-inclusive, with the right booking, they can have the same feel as a luxury resort.

Most cruise bookings include food, nonalcoholic drinks, and live entertainment. If you add beverage packages and excursions in advance, your trip should be fully paid for before you depart.

Book a small-group or private tour if you're looking for adventure.

Group travel is a great way to explore new places while soaking up culture and history.

Popular destinations include Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, and Alaska, and many travel companies take care of everything for you, essentially making it all-inclusive.

I like Adventures by Disney , which offers small-group travel all over the world facilitated by seasoned guides. All the trip details are taken care of, including experiences, food, lodging, and transportation.

Additionally, Kensington Tours offers luxury private travel where every facet of the trip is meticulously planned for you.

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