August 30, 2024
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The travel niche offers many affiliate marketing opportunities because there is so much terrain to cover. For example, a travel content creator can discuss her experiences, tips, hacks, things to do, places to visit, dining, nightlife, tours, reviews, travel reward cards, and more.
Millions travel annually for pleasure and business, making the travel and tourism industry lucrative. However, margins are tiny for many travel products and services, negatively impacting what advertisers can pay affiliates, amounting to commission rates in the single or low double digits. Still, many travel items sell for high-ticket prices like airfare, tours, and luggage, meaning travel affiliates can earn sizable incomes.
This post covers the best travel affiliate programs for beginners, bloggers, and social media marketers.
Best Travel Affiliate Programs
FlexOffers and Impact offer robust selections of advertisers in various travel niches. ShareASale, CJ Affiliate, Awin, and Rakuten Advertising each have many merchants to promote. Amazon, Walmart, Target, eBay, and other popular e-commerce retailers carry travel goods and have affiliate programs. The minimum payout threshold for affiliate networks ranges from $10 to $50. Once you exceed the minimum, you’ll receive your commissions.
| Affiliate Network | Merchant Listings |
| FlexOffers | 568 programs |
| Impact | 312 programs |
| CJ Affiliate | 268 programs |
| ShareASale | 168 programs |
| Rakuten Advertising | 116 programs |
Standard travel categories include accessories, accommodations, airfare, attractions, bags, car rentals, cruises, flights, hotels, insurance, luggage, parking, sightseeing, tours, transportation, and vacations. Since most merchants only pay for sales and bookings, you won’t find many pay-per-lead affiliate programs in the travel sector.
Booking.com
Booking customers can purchase accommodations, flights, car rentals, attractions, airport taxis, and more. Users can search by property type, including hotels, apartments, resorts, villas, cabins, guest houses, B&Bs, and cottages. Booking has frequent travel specials starting at 15%. Finally, users can chat with other travelers in various communities.
Booking’s affiliate program offers the following incentives:
- Commission rate: 4%
- Cookie duration: Session-based
- Affiliate software: CJ Affiliate and Awin
Expedia
Expedia offers deals on stays, flights, cars, packages, activities, and cruises. They target multiple user profiles and demographics with niche travel categories. Expedia Rewards offers members lower prices on select hotels, points to save on bookings, and more travel benefits.
Expedia’s affiliate program is lucrative for these reasons:
- Commission rate: 6%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: In-house and CJ Affiliate
Kayak Affiliate Network
Kayak’s affiliate network offers access to a global network of travel brands, including HotelsCombined, Momondo, and Cheapflights. You can earn money for clicks, bookings, and ad revenue for flights, hotels, cars, and packages. You can also access deep links, widgets, search boxes, white labels, and APIs. Separately, Kayak has multiple programs on CJ Affiliate.
Kayak’s affiliate program offers the following benefits:
- Commission rate: Up to 50%
- Cookie duration: Session-based
- Affiliate software: In-house and CJ Affiliate
Momondo
Momondo is a travel search engine and comparison site. It mainly offers flights but also provides stays, car rentals, activities, packages, and train reservations. Unlike standard travel websites, Momondo is mostly click-through, which directs users to other websites to complete their purchases. Environmentally conscious users can search by CO2 emissions for more sustainable travel.
Affiliates get the following with Momondo’s affiliate program:
- Commission rate: Up to $0.55
- Cookie duration: Session-based
- Affiliate software: CJ Affiliate
Orbitz
Orbitz offers deals on stays, flights, cars, packages, activities, and cruises. On its homepage, it markets to the LGBTQ+ community. In its featured offers section, last-minute deals, all-inclusive resorts, and flights under $199 are standard categories. Travelers can earn “Orbucks” on purchases and apply them to hotel bookings (with no blackout dates).
The Orbitz affiliate program offers the following structure:
- Commission rate: Up to 5%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: CJ Affiliate
Priceline
Priceline offers discounts on hotels, cars, flights, and cruises. Its “Bundle + Save” feature allows users to combine two travel items for savings: a hotel and a flight. It provides free cancellation on most flights, hotels, and car bookings.
Priceline VIP is a membership program offering exclusive discounts. It has four membership levels: Member, Blue, Gold, and Platinum. The Priceline VIP Rewards Visa Card is a travel points card.
Priceline’s affiliate program is rewarding for these reasons:
- Commission rate: 3%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: CJ Affiliate
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a leading global travel search site that provides instant online comparisons for flights, car rentals, and hotels. It checks 1,200 travel companies for data and pricing. Its ‘Greener Choice’ label highlights flights that emit less CO2. Skyscanner sells travel insurance separately.
Marketers get the following with Skyscanner’s affiliate program:
- Commission rate: 20%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: Impact
Going.com
Going.com is a travel service that helps users find and book low-cost flights. The platform tracks airline airfare deals and notifies subscribers of significant discounts and mistake fares for domestic and international travel. Going.com aims to make travel more affordable by connecting users with the best flight deals.
Going’s affiliate program is rewarding for these reasons:
- Commission rate: Up to $40
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: Impact
LATAM Airlines
LATAM Airlines Group is the largest airline in Latin America. The company operates a vast network of domestic and international flights across South America, North America, Europe, and Oceania. The airline is also committed to sustainability, with initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
LATAM’s affiliate program is attractive for these reasons:
- Commission rate: 1.5%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: ShareASale, FlexOffers, Impact, Awin, and Admitad
Trip.com
Trip specializes in hotels, flights, trains, cars, tours, tickets, and attractions. Users can earn and redeem “Trip Coins” to save instantly on bookings and access exclusive member-only deals. There are four membership levels: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.
Trip’s affiliate program has the following benefits:
- Commission rate: Up to 7%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: In-house and Awin
Viator
Viator specializes in booking tours, activities, and travel experiences worldwide. As a subsidiary of TripAdvisor, Viator offers a vast selection of curated experiences, ranging from guided tours and attraction tickets to unique local adventures. The platform allows travelers to browse and book activities in advance or at the last minute, often with user reviews and ratings to help them make informed decisions.
Viator’s affiliate program has the following incentives:
- Commission rate: 4%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: ShareASale, Awin, FlexOffers, and in-house
Agoda
Agoda is one of the fastest-growing online hotel booking platforms worldwide, listing hundreds of thousands of hotels. Agoda offers excellent discounts on vacation rentals, flights, and airport transfers.
Affiliates get the following benefits with Agoda’s affiliate program:
- Commission rate: Up to 7%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: ShareASale and in-house
Best Western
Best Western operates hotels in 95 countries, each keeping an individual charm and local appeal.
Best Western’s affiliate program offers the following incentives:
- Commission rate: 3%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: CJ Affiliate
Hostelworld
Hostelworld is a leading online travel agent focusing on the hostel market. It inspires adventurers to visit new places, meet new people, and return with extraordinary stories to tell.
Hostelworld’s affiliate program is profitable for these reasons:
- Commission rate: Up to 40%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: Partnerize
Hotels.com
Hotels.com offers more than 1,000,000 properties in 200 countries, from hotels and B&Bs to condos and all-inclusive resorts.
Affiliates get the following with Hotels’ affiliate program:
- Commission rate: Up to 4%
- Cookie duration: 7 days
- Affiliate software: CJ Affiliate and Sovrn
HotelsCombined
HotelsCombined looks for hotels and homes from the best travel sites worldwide in seconds. It gathers all the prices, availabilities, and rooms to enable users to filter and compare the best travel options and deals.
The HotelsCombined affiliate program offers the following structure:
- Commission rate: Up to 50%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: Kayak Affiliate Network
MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International is a global hospitality and entertainment company headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company owns and operates renowned hotels, casinos, and entertainment venues, including the Bellagio, MGM Grand, and Mandalay Bay. MGM Resorts has luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and diverse entertainment options.
MGM’s affiliate program is profitable for these reasons:
- Commission rate: 3%
- Cookie duration: 5 days
- Affiliate software: Impact
FareHarbor
FareHarbor is the leading booking platform for tour and activity operators worldwide. Their affiliate network, the FareHarbor Distribution Network (FHDN), connects you with 30,000+ providers of guided tours, outdoor activities, and other experiences in North America and Europe.
FareHarbor’s affiliate program is appealing for these reasons:
- Commission: 15%
- Cookie duration: Lifetime
- Affiliate software: In-house
Go City
Go City offers sightseeing passes for destinations around the globe, giving customers the freedom to do what they want and when they want while making incredible savings along the way. Their passes include bucket list attractions, top tours, and plenty of hidden gems, all handpicked by local experts.
Marketers get the following with Go City’s affiliate program:
- Commission rate: 6%+
- Cookie duration: 90 days
- Affiliate software: Partnerize
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GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide helps travelers find, compare, and book sightseeing tours, attractions, excursions, things to do, and fun activities worldwide.
GetYourGuide’s affiliate program has the following benefits:
- Commission rate: 8%
- Cookie duration: 31 days
- Affiliate software: In-house
Headout
Headout offers last-minute tickets and experiences for travelers. The platform provides access to activities, tours, and attractions in major cities worldwide, allowing users to book experiences quickly and conveniently. Headout enhances the travel experience by offering curated options and personalized recommendations for tourists and locals.
Headout’s affiliate program is profitable for these reasons:
- Commission rate: 5%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: Impact
Contiki
Contiki provides tours for individuals aged 18 to 35. It offers a mix of sightseeing and culture in over 40 countries across six continents.
Contiki’s affiliate program is appealing for these reasons:
- Commission rate: 5%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: Impact and Awin
Plum Guide
Plum Guide is building the definitive collection of the world’s most remarkable holiday homes. It picks only the top 3% of properties in any destination to ensure high-quality experiences for guests.
Affiliates get the following benefits with Plum Guide’s affiliate program:
- Commission rate: 7%
- Cookie duration: 90 days
- Affiliate software: Partnerize
Vegas.com
Vegas.com is a comprehensive online travel agency specializing in Las Vegas travel and entertainment. The platform offers booking services for Las Vegas hotels, flights, show tickets, tours, and other attractions. With insider knowledge and exclusive deals, Vegas.com helps visitors plan and book their entire Las Vegas experience, from accommodations to entertainment.
Vegas.com’s affiliate program is profitable for these reasons:
- Commission rate: 1% to 6%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: Impact and FlexOffers
VBRO
VRBO is an online marketplace for vacation rentals with over 1 million properties in 190 countries. It’s an excellent alternative to Airbnb, which retired its affiliate and referral programs.
VBRO’s affiliate program offers the following incentives:
- Commission rate: $20
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: CJ Affiliate
Discover Cars
Discover Cars makes renting a car easy by connecting customers globally with rental vehicles at affordable prices.
The Discover Cars affiliate program is lucrative for these reasons:
- Commission rate: 40%
- Cookie duration: 365 days
- Affiliate software: ShareASale
Localrent.com
Localrent.com aggregates car rental companies in Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Montenegro, Thailand, and seven other countries. It also works with local car suppliers to offer unique selections.
Partners get the following with the Localrent.com affiliate program:
- Commission rate: Up to 50%
- Cookie duration: Up to 60 days
- Affiliate software: In-house
RentalCars.com
RentalCars.com is the world’s largest platform for making online car rental reservations.
RentalCars’ affiliate program offers the following structure:
- Commission rate: Up to 6%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: CJ Affiliate, Awin, and In-house
Note: Alamo, Avis, Budget, National, Enterprise, and Thrifty have affiliate programs.
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OurBus
OurBus is a US private bus service that aims to change how the world travels. Its routes are selected based on crowdsourced requests from travelers.
OurBus’ affiliate program is rewarding for these reasons:
- Commission rate: 3.5%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: ShareASale and Awin
SafetyWing
SafetyWing is building the first global safety net for remote-first companies, online freelancers, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads. It also offers travel and comprehensive health insurance at affordable prices.
Marketers get the following with SafetyWing’s affiliate program (Nomad Insurance and Remote Health included):
- Commission rate: Up to 20%
- Cookie duration: 364 days
- Affiliate software: In-house
Groupon
Groupon features daily deals on the best stuff to do, see, eat, and buy in various cities across the United States and the world.
Groupon’s affiliate program has the following benefits:
- Commission rate: Up to 10%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: CJ Affiliate and Sovrn
SeaWorld
SeaWorld is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspire.
SeaWorld’s affiliate program is appealing for these reasons:
- Commission rate: 4%
- Cookie duration: One day
- Affiliate software: FlexOffers and CJ Affiliate
Travel Guard
Travel Guard is America’s leading travel security company, providing insurance, assistance, and emergency services for millions of travelers and companies worldwide.
Travel Guard’s affiliate program offers the following incentives:
- Commission rate: $2
- Cookie duration: 45 days
- Affiliate software: CJ Affiliate and Admitad
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is a leader in user-generated content and price comparisons. It offers online hotel reservations and bookings for transportation, lodging, travel experiences, and restaurants. User reviews are another feature of TripAdvisor that helps travelers plan their itineraries.
TripAdvisor’s affiliate program is lucrative for these reasons:
- Commission rate: 50%
- Cookie duration: 14 days
- Affiliate software: FlexOffers and CJ Affiliate
Walt Disney
Walt Disney World is a dream holiday destination for all ages, including families and adults. It features theme parks, rides, attractions, cartoon characters, food, and fun.
Affiliates get the following with Walt Disney’s affiliate program:
- Commission rate: 3%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: CJ Affiliate
The Disney Store and Disneyland Paris also have affiliate programs.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises allows you to be in awe of the world again. Take a cruise to the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe, and return refreshed.
Princess Cruises’ affiliate program offers the following structure:
- Commission rate: 4%
- Cookie duration: 60 days
- Affiliate software: FlexOffers and Awin
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean International is a leading cruise holiday company with 22 ships sailing to over 240 ports worldwide.
Royal Caribbean’s affiliate program is rewarding for these reasons:
- Commission rate: 4%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software: TradeDoubler
Luggage, Suitcases, and Backpacks
Almost every traveler has items to carry, making luggage and suitcase products standard purchases. The following companies have affiliate programs on ShareASale, FlexOffers, Impact, and CJ Affiliate:
- American Tourister
- Baggallini
- Briggs & Riley
- Delsey Paris
- High Sierra
- Lipault
- Luggage Online
- Monos Travel
- NOMATIC
- Osprey
- REI
- Samsonite
- Solgaard
- SOTTOS
- The North Face
- Travelpro
- Tumi
- WANDRD
Start Earning
There are thousands of travel affiliate programs, and I’ve done my best to provide the top ones based on their customer reviews, earnings per click (EPC), and website rankings. I also recommend sifting through what else is available and promoting companies and products/services you use frequently. In my case, that would be Priceline and LATAM Airlines.
You can tie in and promote goods from other categories, including books, magazines, courses, dating, relationships, entertainment, food, health, wellness, lifestyle, and personal finance. For instance, a post entitled, How to Send Money to Your Family While Traveling, could include an affiliate link to Wise. Wise helps people hold, save, transfer, and spend currencies at interbank exchange rates and low fees. It’s a product I frequently use as a globetrotter and digital nomad.
It’s worth noting that Booking Holdings and Expedia Group are the most prominent online travel agency (OTA) and booking industry players. Booking Holdings brands include Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, Kayak, Cheapflights.com, HotelsCombined.com, Rentalcars, Momondo, and OpenTable. Expedia Group brands include Expedia, VRBO, Hotels.com, Hotwire, Orbitz, Travelocity, Trivago, and CarRentals. Furthermore, almost all those websites have affiliate programs.
Thousands of travel bloggers, YouTubers, and creators explore the world while monetizing content with affiliate marketing. Will you join them?
