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The travel industry presents numerous enticing affiliate marketing opportunities due to the diversity and potential of destinations worldwide. A travel content creator can share their experiences, helpful tips, successful strategies, interesting aspects, a list of attractive travel destinations, information about culinary delights, nightlife, exciting journeys, reviews of travel services, and even travel reward cards. This article focuses on the best travel affiliate programs suitable for both beginners and experienced marketers.
Millions of people travel annually for relaxation or business purposes, contributing to the significant development and economic value of the travel and tourism industry, which amounts to trillions of dollars. However, the profit margins for many travel products and services tend to be small, limiting the advertisers’ ability to provide substantial payments to their affiliate partners. Consequently, commission rates for affiliate marketing in the travel industry typically range from single-digit to low double-digit percentages.
FlexOffers and CJ Affiliate offer robust selections of advertisers in various travel niches, whereas Impact, ShareASale, and Rakuten Advertising have over 100 programs each. 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.
Travel Affiliate Programs
1. Booking.com
Booking customers have the convenience of securing a wide range of travel essentials, from accommodations and flights to car rentals, attractions, airport taxis, and beyond. The platform enables users to narrow down their search based on the type of property they’re seeking, encompassing options like hotels, apartments, resorts, villas, cabins, guest houses, B&Bs, and cottages. Additionally, Booking presents travelers with regular travel deals that kick off at an enticing 15% discount. For added connectivity, users can engage with fellow travelers in diverse online communities.
The Booking affiliate program offers an array of enticing incentives:
- Commission Rate: 4%
- Cookie Duration: Session-based
- Affiliate Software/Network: CJ Affiliate and in-house
2. Momondo
Momondo stands as a unique travel search engine and comparison platform, primarily catering to flight options while also encompassing accommodations, car rentals, activities, bundled packages, and even train reservations. Distinguished from conventional travel websites, Momondo primarily operates as a click-through conduit, guiding users to external platforms for finalizing their bookings. With a commitment to environmental awareness, users also have the option to search for travel options based on CO2 emissions, facilitating more sustainable choices.
Affiliates embracing the Momondo affiliate program enjoy the following benefits:
- Commission Rate: Up to $0.55
- Cookie Duration: Session-based
- Affiliate Software/Network: CJ Affiliate
3. Expedia
Expedia provides an array of enticing offers encompassing accommodations, flights, car rentals, vacation packages, activities, and even cruise options. Tailoring their approach to diverse user profiles, Expedia caters to niche travel preferences. With the Expedia Rewards program, members unlock advantages such as reduced rates on select hotels, points for booking savings, and additional travel perks. Interestingly, the company’s origins trace back to 1996 as a subsidiary of Microsoft, a fact that might surprise many.
The Expedia affiliate program stands out due to the following reasons:
- Commission Rate: 6%
- Cookie Duration: 30 days
- Affiliate Software/Network: CJ Affiliate
4. Orbitz
Orbitz has deals on stays, flights, cars, packages, activities, and cruises. On its homepage, it markets to the LGBTQ+ community. Last-minute deals, all-inclusive resorts, and flights under $199 are standard categories in its featured offers section. 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
5. Priceline
Priceline offers discounts on hotels, cars, flights, and cruises. Its “Bundle + Save” allows users to combine two travel items for savings: hotel and flight. Additionally, Priceline provides free cancellation on most flights, hotels, and car bookings.
Priceline VIP is a membership program offering exclusive discounts with 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
6. 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
7. 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. Skyscanner pays a 50 percent commission rate.
Marketers get the following with the Skyscanner affiliate program:
- Commission rate: Up to 50%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
8. Agoda
Agoda stands as a rapidly expanding global online platform for hotel bookings, boasting an extensive listing of hundreds of thousands of hotels. Beyond accommodations, Agoda also extends enticing discounts on vacation rentals, flights, and convenient airport transfers.
The Agoda affiliate program offers affiliates the following advantages:
- Commission Rate: Up to 7%
- Cookie Duration: 30 days
- Affiliate Software/Network: ShareASale and in-house
9. 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
10. 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
11. Hostelworld
Hostelworld is a leading online travel agent focusing on the hostel market, inspiring 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
12. 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
13. 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
14. 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
15. 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
16. 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
17. 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
18. Plum Guide
Plum Guide is building the definitive collection of the world’s most remarkable holiday homes. It picks only the top 3 percent 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
19. 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
20. Discover Cars
Discover Cars make 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
21. Localrent.com
Localrent.com aggregates car rental companies for Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Montenegro, Thailand, and seven other countries. In addition, it 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
22. 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 percent.
23. 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
24. 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
25. 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
26. 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
27. 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
28. 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, helping 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
29. Walt Disney
Walt Disney World is a dream holiday destination for all ages, including families and adults. Walt Disney World 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
30. 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
31. 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
YOUR NEXT MOVE
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.
