- Expedia launched a new feature called Travel Shops that allows users to book travel accommodations based on recommendations from celebrities and other influencers.
- Expedia plans to allow all users to create and monetize their own Travel Shops starting in 2025.
- The platform emphasizes unique experiences and aims to combat the pitfalls of generic travel itineraries.
Travelers are increasingly turning to social media for recommendations on authentic vacation spots, but booking a place you’ve only seen online can still feel risky.
Travel booking platform Expedia is looking to meet the demand for unique and trusted experiences with Travel Shops. The recently launched feature on the Expedia app gives travelers the option to book accommodations handpicked by celebrities and influencers – and even create their own virtual stores. These personal Travel Shops offer users a platform to share their own travel recommendations and earn a commission, allowing for a more customized booking experience.
Actor and avid traveler Jaime Camil, best known for his role on “Jane the Virgin” and Pixar’s “Coco,” partnered with Expedia to showcase some of his favorite travel destinations.
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“That’s the beauty of the platform,” Camil told USA TODAY. “You can actually search for authentic experiences or traditional things tied to heritage.”
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His Travel Shop features a curated selection of hotels that resonate with his experiences, especially those with deep cultural ties. For example, his picks include spots like the Maja Hotel Boutique in Morelia, which he recommends for its “authentic Día De Los Muertos experience,” and the Otro Hotel in Oaxaca, where the vibrant atmosphere during Day of the Dead celebrations creates an immersive experience for visitors.
Camil said his choices reflect his desire to explore destinations in a meaningful way, honoring local traditions and connecting with the community. The shops are for travelers to explore a place’s culture deeply by following curated experiences.
What makes Travel Shops unique?
Each creator’s storefront offers a glimpse into their travel preferences, ranging from relaxing beach getaways to preferred hotels. For instance, Camil’s heritage-inspired recommendations cater to travelers interested in culturally rich trips, such as attending a carnival in Brazil or exploring Oaxaca’s Día De Los Muertos festivities.
Expedia’s strategy taps into the growing influence of social media on travel planning. “Every day, people are liking and buying products recommended by influencers they trust, but until now there hasn’t been a simple way to shop travel recommendations,” Lauri Metrose, Expedia Group’s Senior Vice President of Global Communications, said in a news release.
Expedia’s platform also provides creators with a way to monetize their travel insights. Creators who have been invited to the exclusive beta launch can generate links to their Travel Shops and earn commissions when followers book through their recommendations.
For travelers interested in avoiding tourist traps and finding authentic experiences, Camil said that Expedia’s vetting process ensures quality and reliability. “They really vet the hotels thoroughly,” he said, describing how the platform verifies each recommendation to maintain high standards.
Expedia confirmed it applies a “constant and rigorous verification process” to guarantee standard compliance across all recommended properties.
Starting in 2025, any traveler can create their own Travel Shop to share and earn commissions.
Josh Rivera is USA TODAY’s Travel editor.
This post was originally published on here
