May 19, 2024
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The travel niche offers many affiliate marketing opportunities because there is so much terrain to cover. For instance, 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. Therefore, this post covers the best travel affiliate programs for beginners, bloggers, and social media marketers (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, etc.).
Millions travel annually for pleasure and business, making the trillion-dollar travel and tourism industry lucrative. However, margins are tiny for many travel products and services, negatively impacting what advertisers can pay affiliates. Therefore, commission rates tend to be single or low double digits.
Best Travel Affiliate Programs
FlexOffers and CJ Affiliate offer robust selections of high-paying advertisers in various travel niches, whereas Impact, ShareASale, and Rakuten Advertising each have over 100 programs. The minimum payout threshold for these networks ranges from $10 to $50. Once you exceed the minimum, you’ll receive your commissions.
| Affiliate Network | Merchant Listings |
| FlexOffers | 568 programs |
| CJ Affiliate | 268 programs |
| Impact | 136 programs |
| ShareASale | 116 programs |
| Rakuten Advertising | 116 programs |
Standard travel categories include accessories, accommodations, airfare, attractions, 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.
The Booking affiliate program offers the following incentives:
- Commission rate: 4%
- Cookie duration: Session-based
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate and in-house
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. The company began operations in 1996 as a division of Microsoft, which would surprise most people.
The Expedia affiliate program is lucrative for these reasons:
- Commission rate: 6%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
Kayak
Kayak’s affiliate network offers access to a global network of travel brands, including HotelsCombined, Momondo, and Cheapflights. Earn money through clicks, bookings, and ad revenue for flights, hotels, cars, and packages. Also, access deep links, widgets, search boxes, white labels, and APIs. Separately, Kayak has multiple programs on CJ Affiliate.
Kayak offers affiliates the following benefits:
- Commission rate: Up to 50%
- Cookie duration: Session-based
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
Momondo
Momondo is a travel search engine and comparison site. It mainly offers flights but also offers 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 the Momondo affiliate program:
- Commission rate: Up to $0.55
- Cookie duration: Session-based
- Affiliate software/network: 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. In addition, users 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/network: 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. Additionally, Priceline 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. Moreover, the Priceline VIP Rewards Visa Card is a travel points card.
The Priceline affiliate program is rewarding for these reasons:
- Commission rate: 3%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a leading global travel search site providing 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 the Skyscanner affiliate program:
- Commission rate: 20%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
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.
The Trip affiliate program has the following benefits:
- Commission rate: Up to 7%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: In-house and Awin
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 the Agoda affiliate program:
- Commission rate: Up to 7%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale and in-house
Best Western
Best Western operates hotels in 95 countries, each keeping an individual charm and local appeal.
The Best Western affiliate program offers the following incentives:
- Commission rate: 3%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: 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.
The Hostelworld affiliate program is profitable for these reasons:
- Commission rate: Up to 40%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: 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 the Hotels.com affiliate program:
- Commission rate: Up to 4%
- Cookie duration: 7 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
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/network: Kayak Affiliate Network
Motel 6 & Studio 6
Motel 6 offers fantastic room rates at more than 1,100 locations throughout the United States and Canada.
The Motel 6 affiliate program is rewarding for these reasons:
- Commission rate: Up to 6%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
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.
The FareHarbor affiliate program is appealing for these reasons:
- Commission: 15%
- Cookie duration: Lifetime
- Affiliate software/network: 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 the Go City affiliate program:
- Commission rate: 6%+
- Cookie duration: 90 days
- Affiliate software/network: Partnerize
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GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide helps travelers find, compare, and book sightseeing tours, attractions, excursions, things to do, and fun activities worldwide.
The GetYourGuide affiliate program has the following benefits:
- Commission rate: 8%
- Cookie duration: 31 days
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
Contiki
Contiki provides tours for 18-35s. It offers a mix of sightseeing and culture in over 40 countries across six continents.
The Contiki affiliate program is appealing for these reasons:
- Commission rate: 5%
- Cookie duration: 45 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
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 the Plum Guide affiliate program:
- Commission rate: 7%
- Cookie duration: 90 days
- Affiliate software/network: Partnerize
VBRO
VRBO is an online marketplace for vacation rentals with over 1 million properties in 190 countries.
The VBRO affiliate program offers the following incentives:
- Commission rate: $20
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: 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/network: 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.
Affiliates get the following with the Localrent.com affiliate program:
- Commission rate: Up to 50%
- Cookie duration: Up to 60 days
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
RentalCars.com
RentalCars.com is the world’s largest platform for making online car rental reservations.
The RentalCars affiliate program offers the following structure:
- Commission rate: Up to 6%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
Note: Alamo, Avis, Budget, National, and Thrifty have affiliate programs that pay up to 4%.
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OurBus
OurBus is a US private bus service aimed at changing how the world travels. Its routes are selected and based on crowdsourced requests from travelers.
The OurBus affiliate program is rewarding for these reasons:
- Commission rate: 5%
- Cookie duration: 90 days
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
SafetyWing
SafetyWing is building the first global safety net for remote-first companies, online freelancers, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads. Also, it offers travel and comprehensive health insurance at affordable prices.
Marketers get the following with the SafetyWing affiliate programs (Nomad Insurance and Remote Health):
- Commission rate: Up to 20%
- Cookie duration: 364 days
- Affiliate software/network: 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.
The Groupon affiliate program has the following benefits:
- Commission rate: Up to 10%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
SeaWorld
SeaWorld is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspire.
The SeaWorld affiliate program is appealing for these reasons:
- Commission rate: 4%
- Cookie duration: One day
- Affiliate software/network: 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.
The Travel Guard affiliate program offers the following incentives:
- Commission rate: $2
- Cookie duration: 45 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is a leader in user-generated content and price comparisons. TripAdvisor 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.
The TripAdvisor affiliate program is lucrative for these reasons:
- Commission rate: 50%
- Cookie duration: 14 days
- Affiliate software/network: Awin 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 the Walt Disney affiliate program:
- Commission rate: 3%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
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.
The Princess Cruises affiliate program offers the following structure:
- Commission rate: 4%
- Cookie duration: 60 days
- Affiliate software/network: Awin
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean International is a leading cruise holiday company with 22 ships sailing to over 240 ports worldwide.
The Royal Caribbean affiliate program is rewarding for these reasons:
- Commission rate: 4%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: TradeDoubler
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There are hundreds of travel affiliate programs, and I’ve done my best to provide the top ones based on their 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. Also, Trip isn’t too far behind.
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.
Trip.com, China’s largest online travel company, owns Skyscanner and other Chinese travel websites.
Airbnb is a market leader for accommodations and activities. However, it has since retired its affiliate and referral programs.
