The Future of Travel Booking: How Expedia Group and Other OTAs Are Building All-in-One Holiday Planning Experiences

Written By: Salini Nandi

Salini Nandi

I am a professional content writer with over three years of experience creating engaging, SEO-focused content for digital platforms. I specialize in writing blogs, website content, travel and tourism articles, visa guides, educational content, product descriptions, and business pages. My goal is to produce content that is informative, easy to understand, and optimized for search engines while meeting the needs of readers.

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August 19, 2026 8:49 PM |

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The Future of Travel Booking: How Expedia Group and Other OTAs Are Building All-in-One Holiday Planning Experiences is being shaped by a major shift in traveller behaviour, as customers increasingly prefer platforms that allow them to plan, book and manage entire journeys from one place. Online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Expedia Group, Booking Holdings, Trip.com Group, Airbnb, and Traveloka are expanding beyond simple flight or hotel bookings to create complete travel ecosystems combining accommodation, transport, activities, rewards and personalised recommendations.

Expedia Group is at the centre of this transformation through its three major consumer brands — Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo — which serve different traveller needs, from complete trip planning and hotel savings to private holiday homes for families and groups. The company’s research shows that travellers are increasingly interested in booking multiple parts of their journey through a single trusted platform, with 77% of surveyed travellers indicating they are likely to book more than one trip element on the same platform.

Through this news, travellers will learn how leading OTAs are competing to simplify holiday planning, reduce booking stress and provide more personalised travel experiences in 2026. These platforms are becoming increasingly relevant because modern travellers expect convenience, flexibility and digital solutions that bring flights, stays, activities and other travel services together in one seamless journey.

The comparison will help readers understand why companies like Expedia Group, Booking Holdings, Trip.com Group, Airbnb, and Traveloka are investing in technology, loyalty programmes and connected travel services to become the preferred digital partner for future travellers.

Expedia Group: How Three Travel Brands Are Creating an All-in-One Journey for Global Travellers

Expedia Group is one of the world’s leading online travel companies, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, United States. The company operates a global travel ecosystem designed to help travellers discover, compare and book different parts of their journeys through digital platforms. Its three major consumer brands — Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo — target different traveller needs, from complete holiday planning and hotel savings to private accommodation experiences.

Rather than making travellers use multiple platforms for every part of a trip, Expedia Group connects flights, accommodation and holiday stays through specialised brands.

Expedia: A One-Stop Platform for Complete Trip Planning

Expedia helps travellers organise multiple parts of their journey from a single platform, making it easier to plan holidays, business trips and family vacations.

Key ways Expedia supports travellers:

• Flights and accommodation together: Travellers can search and book flights, hotels and holiday packages in one place instead of managing separate websites.
• Complete trip management: Customers can organise different travel requirements through one account, helping reduce the stress of handling multiple booking confirmations.
• Holiday packages and savings: Travellers can combine services such as flights and hotels, which can provide more convenient options compared with booking every element separately.

Real-life example:
A family planning a summer holiday from London to Spain can use Expedia to find flights, select a beachfront hotel and arrange the trip together. Instead of comparing different websites for flights and accommodation separately, the family can manage the main parts of the holiday through one platform.

Hotels.com: Helping Travellers Find Value Through Hotel Rewards and Deals

Hotels.com focuses specifically on accommodation and supports travellers who prioritise hotel choices, savings and rewards.

Key benefits include:

• Large hotel selection: Travellers can compare different accommodation options based on location, price and preferences.
• Rewards-focused booking: Frequent travellers can benefit from loyalty programmes and savings opportunities.
• Flexible accommodation choices: Customers can choose hotels based on their travel style, whether they need budget stays, business accommodation or leisure hotels.

Real-life example:
A business traveller visiting several cities throughout the year can use Hotels.com to compare hotels and benefit from rewards when repeatedly booking accommodation.

Vrbo: Creating Private Holiday Experiences for Families and Groups

Vrbo specialises in private holiday homes, offering an alternative to traditional hotel stays, especially for families and groups.

Key ways Vrbo helps travellers:

• Private spaces: Travellers can book entire homes rather than individual hotel rooms.
• Group-friendly accommodation: Larger families and groups of friends can stay together under one roof.
• More personalised stays: Homes often provide kitchens, living spaces and facilities suitable for longer holidays.

Real-life example:
A group of eight friends travelling for a beach holiday can choose a private villa through Vrbo, giving everyone shared space, more privacy and a home-style experience.

Together, Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo create a connected travel ecosystem designed to make planning easier, provide more choices and match different traveller expectations.

Expedia Group UK Media Relations Lead Highlights How Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo Are Simplifying Travel Planning at IMM UK 2026

Natascha Sao Osorio, UK Media Relations Lead at Expedia Group, highlighted how Expedia Group’s travel platforms are transforming the way travellers plan and book their journeys during an interview at IMM UK 2026 in London. She explained how Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo serve different traveller segments by offering solutions ranging from complete trip planning to hotel rewards and private holiday accommodation.

During the conversation, Sao Osorio explained that Expedia Group operates three major consumer travel brands — Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo — each designed to meet different travel needs. She described Expedia as a “one-stop shop” where travellers can organise multiple parts of their journey in one place.

According to Sao Osorio, Expedia focuses on helping travellers plan complete trips, allowing customers to search and arrange different travel services through a single platform. This approach aims to reduce the complexity of managing separate bookings across multiple websites.

She also explained that Hotels.com is designed for travellers who mainly focus on accommodation, particularly those looking for hotel rewards and savings opportunities. The platform continues to attract customers who prioritise value and benefits when booking stays.

Highlighting the role of Vrbo, Sao Osorio said the holiday-home platform is particularly suited for families and groups of friends who want a private space during their trips. Unlike traditional hotel stays, private holiday homes allow travellers to enjoy more personal accommodation experiences.

Sao Osorio also shared her positive experience attending IMM, explaining that the event provides valuable opportunities to meet industry contacts and strengthen relationships with the UK media community. She said she attends the event regularly and appreciates the connections created through the marketplace.

The interview demonstrated Expedia Group’s wider strategy of using different brands to address changing traveller expectations, from convenient travel planning and accommodation savings to personalised stays for families and groups.

Through Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo, the company continues to focus on making travel booking more accessible, flexible and convenient for different types of travellers.

Booking Holdings: How a Global Travel Technology Giant Helps Travellers Plan Complete Journeys Worldwide

Booking Holdings is one of the world’s largest online travel companies, headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, United States. The company operates a global network of travel platforms that help millions of travellers search, compare and book accommodation, flights, transport and experiences. Through brands such as Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, KAYAK and OpenTable, Booking Holdings provides travellers with digital tools to organise different parts of their journeys.

Similar to Expedia Group’s approach, Booking Holdings focuses on creating a connected travel ecosystem where customers can discover destinations, find stays, arrange transport and manage bookings through online platforms.

Booking.com: Making Global Accommodation Booking Easier for Every Traveller

For a traveller arriving in a new country, finding a trusted place to stay can often be the biggest challenge. Booking.com helps simplify this process by connecting travellers with hotels, resorts, apartments, guesthouses and other accommodation providers worldwide.

Key ways Booking.com helps travellers:

• Wide range of accommodation choices: Travellers can compare hotels, apartments, villas and unique stays based on location, budget and preferences.
• Global travel access: The platform supports travellers searching for accommodation across thousands of destinations worldwide.
• Flexible booking options: Customers can choose stays with different cancellation policies and payment options depending on their needs.
• Reviews and ratings: Traveller feedback helps customers make informed decisions before booking.

Real-life example:
A couple planning a European holiday across Paris, Rome and Barcelona can use Booking.com to compare different hotels in each city, check traveller reviews, select locations near attractions and arrange accommodation before departure through one platform.

Priceline: Helping Travellers Find Affordable Travel Deals

Priceline focuses on helping travellers search for competitive prices across hotels, flights, rental cars and holiday packages, particularly those looking for value-focused travel options.

Key ways Priceline supports travellers:

• Price comparison: Travellers can explore different options to find deals that match their budget.
• Discount-focused bookings: The platform offers options designed for travellers seeking lower-cost stays and transport.
• Multiple travel services: Customers can combine accommodation, flights and car rentals when planning trips.

Real-life example:
A budget-conscious traveller planning a weekend trip in the United States can use Priceline to compare hotel prices, find affordable flight options and arrange a rental car without visiting multiple websites.

Agoda: Supporting Travellers Exploring Asia and Global Destinations

Agoda is particularly recognised for its strong presence in Asia and provides accommodation, flights and travel services for international travellers.

Key ways Agoda helps travellers:

• Accommodation variety: Offers hotels, resorts and private stays across major tourist destinations.
• Regional expertise: Helps travellers discover accommodation options in Asian markets and beyond.
• Mobile-friendly booking: Supports travellers who prefer managing trips through smartphones.

Real-life example:
A traveller visiting Thailand, Japan or Indonesia can use Agoda to find local hotels, compare prices and secure accommodation quickly while planning an international holiday.

Through its different brands, Booking Holdings creates a broad travel ecosystem that helps travellers move from destination discovery to completed bookings with greater convenience, choice and flexibility.

Trip.com Group: How a Global Travel Technology Leader Helps Travellers Discover, Book and Experience the World

Trip.com Group is one of the world’s largest online travel companies, headquartered in Singapore, with its origins in China. The company operates a global travel ecosystem through brands such as Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner and Qunar, helping travellers search, compare and book flights, hotels, train tickets, holiday packages, car rentals and attractions.

Similar to Expedia Group’s approach, Trip.com Group aims to become an all-in-one travel platform where travellers can manage multiple parts of their journey through digital services. Its strong presence across Asia and growing international network make it a major competitor in the global online travel market.

Trip.com: Creating an All-in-One Platform for Flights, Hotels and Experiences

For travellers planning international journeys, managing flights, accommodation and activities separately can be time-consuming. Trip.com brings these services together by allowing customers to organise different parts of their trips through one platform.

Key ways Trip.com helps travellers:

• Complete travel booking: Travellers can search and book flights, hotels, trains, airport transfers, tours and attractions.
• Global travel options: The platform connects customers with travel services across multiple countries and destinations.
• Integrated trip planning: Users can manage different bookings and travel arrangements in one digital ecosystem.
• Local experiences: Travellers can discover activities, sightseeing options and attractions at their destination.

Real-life example:
A traveller planning a holiday from London to Japan can use Trip.com to book flights, reserve a Tokyo hotel, arrange train tickets between cities and discover local attractions without switching between different travel websites.

Ctrip: Supporting Chinese Travellers and International Tourism Demand

Ctrip, Trip.com Group’s flagship brand in China, focuses on helping Chinese travellers plan domestic and international trips while connecting global destinations with one of the world’s largest travel markets.

Key ways Ctrip supports travellers:

• Domestic and international bookings: Helps travellers arrange flights, hotels and transport within China and overseas.
• Travel packages: Offers holiday packages designed for different traveller preferences.
• Business and leisure travel solutions: Supports both corporate travellers and holidaymakers.

Real-life example:
A Chinese family planning a European vacation can use Ctrip to arrange international flights, select hotels in several cities and organise sightseeing activities before leaving China.

Skyscanner: Helping Travellers Find Better Travel Options

Skyscanner specialises in travel search and comparison, helping travellers discover flights, hotels and car rental options from different providers.

Key ways Skyscanner helps travellers:

• Price comparison: Allows users to compare flight prices across different airlines.
• Flexible search tools: Helps travellers find cheaper travel dates and destinations.
• Global discovery: Supports travellers searching for routes and destinations worldwide.

Real-life example:
A student planning a budget trip across Europe can use Skyscanner to compare flight prices, identify cheaper travel dates and choose the most affordable route.

Through Trip.com, Ctrip and Skyscanner, Trip.com Group provides travellers with a connected digital travel ecosystem focused on convenience, affordability and wider access to global journeys.

Airbnb: How a Global Home-Sharing Platform Is Changing the Way Travellers Experience Destinations

Airbnb is a global online travel platform headquartered in San Francisco, California, United States. Founded as a home-sharing marketplace, Airbnb connects travellers with hosts offering private accommodation such as homes, apartments, villas and unique stays across destinations worldwide.

Unlike traditional online travel agencies that mainly focus on hotels and flights, Airbnb specialises in alternative accommodation experiences, giving travellers the opportunity to stay in local neighbourhoods and enjoy more personalised travel experiences. The platform has become a major competitor to Expedia Group’s Vrbo, particularly in the private holiday home segment.

Airbnb: Helping Travellers Find Unique Homes and Local Experiences

For many travellers, accommodation is no longer only about finding a place to sleep. They increasingly look for spaces that offer privacy, comfort and a connection with the destination. Airbnb helps meet this demand by allowing travellers to book entire homes, private rooms and distinctive properties directly through its platform.

Key ways Airbnb helps travellers:

• Private accommodation choices: Travellers can book entire homes, apartments, villas or private rooms depending on their needs.
• More space for groups and families: Larger groups can choose properties with multiple bedrooms, kitchens and shared living areas instead of booking several hotel rooms.
• Local neighbourhood experiences: Airbnb allows travellers to stay in residential areas and experience destinations beyond traditional tourist zones.
• Unique stays: The platform offers unusual accommodation options such as countryside homes, beachfront properties and architect-designed houses.

Real-life example:
A family of six travelling to Italy for a two-week holiday may find that booking an Airbnb villa provides more space, a kitchen for preparing meals and a shared living area where everyone can stay together. Instead of reserving multiple hotel rooms, the family can enjoy a home-like experience while exploring the destination.

Airbnb Experiences: Connecting Travellers With Local Activities

Beyond accommodation, Airbnb also helps travellers discover activities hosted by local experts, allowing visitors to explore destinations through cultural, culinary and adventure-based experiences.

Key ways Airbnb Experiences support travellers:

• Local-led activities: Travellers can join experiences organised by people who understand their destination.
• Cultural discovery: Visitors can explore local traditions, food, art and hidden attractions.
• Personalised travel moments: Experiences allow travellers to create more memorable journeys beyond standard sightseeing.

Real-life example:
A visitor staying in Paris can book a local-guided food experience, learn about neighbourhood culture and discover places that may not appear in traditional tourist guides.

Through its accommodation marketplace and local experiences, Airbnb focuses on creating personalised journeys where travellers can stay differently, explore locally and experience destinations in a more flexible way.

Traveloka: How Southeast Asia’s Leading Travel Platform Helps Travellers Build Complete Digital Journeys

Traveloka is one of Southeast Asia’s leading online travel platforms, headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia. Founded in 2012, the company helps travellers search, compare and book a wide range of travel services, including flights, hotels, activities, airport transfers, attractions and lifestyle experiences.

Similar to Expedia Group’s all-in-one travel ecosystem, Traveloka focuses on making travel planning easier by bringing multiple services together on one digital platform. The company mainly serves travellers across Southeast Asia while also supporting international trips through its expanding travel network.

Traveloka: Connecting Flights, Hotels and Experiences Through One Platform

For many travellers, planning a holiday requires managing different bookings across multiple websites. Traveloka helps simplify this process by combining essential travel services, allowing customers to organise their journeys from one place.

Key ways Traveloka helps travellers:

• Flight booking convenience: Travellers can search and compare domestic and international flights from different airlines based on routes, schedules and prices.
• Hotel and accommodation options: The platform provides access to hotels, resorts, apartments and other stays across Southeast Asia and global destinations.
• Travel activities and attractions: Customers can discover sightseeing options, entertainment activities and local experiences before reaching their destination.
• Integrated travel planning: Travellers can manage different parts of their journey, including flights, accommodation and activities through a single account.

Real-life example:
A traveller from Singapore planning a holiday to Bali can use Traveloka to book flights, select a beachfront hotel, reserve airport transfers and find local activities such as cultural tours or attractions without moving between multiple travel websites.

Traveloka: Supporting Regional Tourism Through Local Travel Solutions

Southeast Asia has diverse destinations, from island escapes to cultural cities, and travellers often need flexible options suited to different budgets and travel styles. Traveloka supports this demand by providing digital access to regional travel services.

Key ways Traveloka supports travellers:

• Strong regional destination coverage: Helps travellers discover hotels, flights and experiences across countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and other Southeast Asian markets.
• Options for different budgets: Offers choices ranging from affordable accommodation to premium hotels and resorts.
• Local travel discovery: Helps visitors find attractions and activities that allow them to explore destinations beyond traditional sightseeing.

Real-life example:
A family from Malaysia planning a holiday to Thailand can compare hotel options, book transport, select family-friendly attractions and organise the trip according to their budget and preferred travel style.

Traveloka: Using Digital Technology to Make Travel More Accessible

As travellers increasingly rely on mobile platforms, Traveloka uses technology to make travel booking faster and more convenient.

Key technology benefits include:

• Mobile-first booking: Allows travellers to search and manage trips through smartphones.
• Easy comparison tools: Helps customers review prices, services and options before making decisions.
• Digital travel management: Keeps booking details and travel information organised in one place.

Real-life example:
A business traveller visiting several Southeast Asian cities can quickly arrange flights, hotels and transport through the Traveloka app, reducing the time needed to manage multiple travel arrangements.

Through flights, accommodation, activities and digital travel services, Traveloka is building a connected travel ecosystem that helps modern travellers plan easier, more flexible and more personalised journeys.

Global Travel Platforms: How Many Travellers Use Expedia Group, Booking Holdings, Trip.com Group, Airbnb and Traveloka?

Expedia Group (United States)

Brands: Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo

• Gross bookings: Expedia Group recorded US$119.6 billion in total gross bookings in 2025, showing the scale of travel transactions processed through its platforms.
• Room nights booked: The company recorded 415.4 million booked room nights in 2025, an increase of 8% compared with 2024.
• Accommodation supply: Expedia Group offered approximately 3.6 million lodging properties globally, including around 2.4 million alternative accommodations through Vrbo.
• Traveller reach: The company serves global leisure and business travellers through its consumer brands, with Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo forming its main consumer travel ecosystem.

Booking Holdings (United States)

Brands: Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, KAYAK, OpenTable

• Countries covered: Booking Holdings operates across 220+ countries and territories.
• Accommodation listings: The company offered around 4.4 million properties through Booking.com at the end of 2025, including hotels, homes, apartments and unique stays.
• Room nights booked: Travellers booked approximately 1.235 billion room nights through Booking Holdings platforms in 2025.
• Gross travel bookings: The company generated approximately US$186.1 billion in gross travel bookings in 2025.
• Air travel bookings: The group processed around 68 million airline tickets in 2025.

Trip.com Group (China/Singapore)

Brands: Trip.com, Ctrip, Qunar, Skyscanner

• Global travel platform: Trip.com Group operates as a global one-stop travel platform covering accommodation, transportation, packaged tours and corporate travel.
• International OTA growth: The company reported that its international OTA platform bookings increased by around 60% year-on-year in 2025.
• Inbound traveller reach: Trip.com Group served approximately 20 million inbound travellers in 2025.
• Accommodation network: The platform provided approximately 1.7 million global accommodation listings in 2025.
• Air connectivity: Trip.com offered flight options from more than 680 airlines covering over 3,500 airports across 220+ countries and regions.

Airbnb (United States)

Focus: Homes, private stays and travel experiences

• Global host network: Airbnb has grown to a community of more than 5 million hosts worldwide.
• Guest arrivals: The platform has supported more than 2.5 billion guest arrivals globally since its launch.
• Global coverage: Airbnb operates across more than 220 countries and regions.
• Accommodation model: The platform connects travellers with private homes, apartments, unique stays and experiences rather than traditional hotel-only inventory.

Traveloka (Indonesia)

Focus: Flights, hotels, activities and regional travel

• Regional position: Traveloka is one of Southeast Asia’s leading digital travel platforms, offering flights, accommodation, activities and travel services.
• Travel ecosystem: The platform combines travel products including flights, hotels, attractions and lifestyle services through one digital marketplace.
• Mobile-first approach: Traveloka focuses heavily on smartphone-based travel booking, supporting travellers across Southeast Asian markets.
• Market reach: The company has expanded beyond Indonesia into markets including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and other regional destinations.

Note: Traveloka does not publicly disclose the same level of user numbers or booking volume as listed companies such as Expedia Group, Booking Holdings, Airbnb, Trip.com Group and MakeMyTrip.

Future Outlook: How OTAs Will Shape the Next Era of Travel Booking

The future of travel booking will be driven by connected digital ecosystems where travellers can plan, book and manage complete journeys through one trusted platform. Expedia Group and other major OTAs are moving beyond traditional flight and hotel bookings by integrating accommodation, transport, activities, rewards and personalised recommendations into a single experience. Expedia Group research shows that 77% of travellers are likely to book more than one part of their trip on the same platform, highlighting the growing demand for full-trip planning solutions.

In the coming years, AI-powered recommendations, personalised itineraries and seamless digital services are expected to become key factors shaping traveller decisions. Expedia Group is already expanding AI-driven travel tools and connected marketplace solutions to help travellers discover, decide and manage trips more easily.

For travellers in 2026 and beyond, platforms such as Expedia Group, Booking Holdings, Trip.com Group, Airbnb and Traveloka will compete by offering greater convenience, flexibility and personalised experiences. The winners in the evolving travel technology landscape will be those that can combine technology with trust, making every stage of the journey simpler from inspiration to arrival.