How to Book with Expedia

Planning a holiday or a business trip? Looking for a simple way to book flights, hotels, and more, all in one place? Expedia might be just what you need. As one of the largest online travel platforms in the world, Expedia allows travellers to compare and book a wide range of services with ease.
In this step-by-step guide, explore how to book with Expedia, whether you’re after a quick flight, a luxury hotel, or a complete holiday package. Whether you’re a first-time user or someone who hasn’t used the site in a while, this guide will help you book with confidence.

What Is Expedia?

Expedia is an online travel agency where you can book nearly every aspect of your trip in one place. That includes:

• Flights

• Hotels and holiday rentals

• Car hire

• Holiday packages (e.g., flight + hotel)

• Cruises

• Things to do (tours, experiences, attraction tickets)

It’s a one-stop shop for travel planning, offering competitive prices and flexible options for every budget.

Step 1: Visit the Expedia Website

Head over to the official website: Expedia. You can also download the Expedia mobile app for on-the-go booking.

The homepage presents a search panel where you can choose what type of service you want to book: flights, hotels, cars, or a combination.

Step 2: Choose What You Want to Book

Expedia allows you to book different parts of your trip separately or together. You can:

• Book a hotel only

• Book a flight only

• Combine flights and hotels in one package

• Add a car rental

• Browse activities and tours

For example, if you're planning a holiday abroad, you might choose “Bundle and Save”, which means booking a flight and hotel together, often at a discounted rate.

Step 3: Enter Your Travel Details

Once you’ve selected what type of booking you want to make, it’s time to enter your travel details. This includes:

• Destination (city or airport)

• Travel dates (departure and return)

• Number of travellers (adults, children, infants)

• Room preferences (for hotels)

Click “Search” and Expedia will show you a list of available options that match your criteria.

Step 4: Use Filters to Narrow Down Results

Expedia will likely show hundreds of results. To make things easier, use the filters on the side of the page to narrow down your choices.
Common filters include:

• Price range

• Star rating

• Guest rating

• Amenities (e.g., free breakfast, pool, free Wi-Fi)

• Property type (hotel, apartment, resort, etc.)

• Location on the map

For flights, you can also filter by:

• Airline

• Number of stops

• Departure/arrival times

Using filters will help you find the most suitable options faster, based on your preferences and budget.

Step 5: Compare Options and Read Reviews

Once you’ve narrowed your list, click on individual options to see more details. If it’s a hotel, you’ll find:

• A photo gallery

• Room types

• Facilities and amenities

• Hotel policies

• Location map

• Guest reviews

Reading reviews from past travellers can be especially helpful when choosing where to stay. Expedia displays ratings and comments that give you insight into cleanliness, customer service, location, and more.

Step 6: Select Your Booking

After reviewing the options, select the one that suits you best. For hotels, choose the room type and rate (some may include breakfast or free cancellation).
For flights, check:

• Baggage allowance

• Seat selection options

• Layover duration (if it’s not a direct flight)

You can often add extras at this stage, such as car hire, airport transfers, or travel insurance.

Step 7: Enter Traveller and Payment Details

Now it’s time to enter your personal information:

• Full name (as it appears on your ID or passport)

• Date of birth

• Email address (to receive booking confirmation)

• Phone number

Next, enter your payment information. Expedia accepts most major credit and debit cards. In some cases, you may also see options to:

• Pay now or

• Pay later at the property

Be sure to check the cancellation policy before confirming. Some bookings are refundable, while others are not.

Step 8: Confirm Your Booking

Once you’ve reviewed all the details, click “Complete Booking”. You’ll receive a confirmation email with all your booking details, including:

• Booking reference number

• Itinerary

• Contact details for the airline or hotel

If you’ve signed in to an Expedia account, your booking will also appear in your account dashboard for easy access.

Step 9: Manage Your Booking

Expedia makes it easy to manage your trip after booking. Log in to your account or use the app to:

• View or change your booking

• Cancel if needed (depending on the policy)

• Contact customer service

• Add extras like airport transport or tours

If you booked a package (e.g. hotel + flight), all elements of your trip will be in one place.

Step 10: Join Expedia Rewards (Optional but Recommended)

If you’re planning to travel more than once, it’s worth signing up for Expedia Rewards — a free loyalty programme that lets you:

• Earn points on every booking

• Get instant discounts on select hotels (called “Member Prices”)

• Redeem points for future bookings

It’s simple to join and can lead to valuable savings over time.

Top Tips for Using Expedia

• Book early for the best prices, especially during peak travel seasons.

• Compare with other platforms occasionally to ensure you're getting the best deal.

• Bundle services (like flights and hotels) to unlock savings.

• Always check baggage policies for flights, especially budget airlines.

• Set price alerts if you're waiting for prices to drop.

Expedia is a user-friendly platform that takes the stress out of travel planning. With just a few clicks, you can book flights, hotels, cars, and more — all in one place. So whether you’re off on a beach break, a business trip, or a spontaneous weekend away, Expedia has you covered.