The global online travel industry surged in 2023, reaching nearly $600 billion in revenue. With travel affiliate marketing growing at 10% annually between 2021-2027, there are huge earning opportunities for creators like you. Some of the best affiliate programs offer commissions of up to 20%, making it an ideal way to monetize your content.
In this article, we’ll cover the top 10 best US travel influencer affiliate programs, highlighting features, commission rates, pros, cons, and how to join. As digital influencers sway 40% of millennial travel decisions, your role in shaping travel trends is more impactful than ever.
Booking.com is one of the largest online travel agencies globally, offering over 28 million accommodation listings across 220 countries. With an annual revenue of over $21 billion as of 2022, it remains a go-to for travelers worldwide.
Session-based
Booking.com’s extensive inventory and brand recognition result in high conversion rates, maximizing your commission potential. Real-time analytics help you optimize your performance.
Commission rates are lower compared to niche travel programs, and affiliate approval can be competitive.
Booking.com’s global presence and wide range of accommodations give you access to a massive audience with diverse travel needs.
Booking.com frequently offers seasonal promotions and deals, providing additional opportunities for increased conversions.
Travel content creators with a focus on accommodations, adventure, luxury travel, or budget travel, especially those with an engaged social media or blog audience.
https://www.booking.com/affiliate-program/v2/index.html
Expedia, a leading global travel company, offers an extensive range of travel-related services, including flights, hotels, vacation packages, and car rentals. With annual revenue of over $12 billion as of 2023, Expedia is a trusted brand in the travel industry.
7 days
Expedia’s broad range of services allows you to cater to multiple aspects of travel, increasing your potential for conversions. The affiliate portal provides robust analytics to track performance.
The cookie duration is shorter compared to other programs, which may limit earnings from delayed purchases.
Expedia offers higher commission rates on vacation packages, giving you the chance to earn more on bundled bookings.
Expedia frequently runs seasonal promotions and provides a variety of creatives, including banners and deep linking tools.
Travel bloggers and content creators who focus on comprehensive travel experiences, from booking flights to exploring destinations.
https://affiliates.expediagroup.com/en-us/home
TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel guidance platform, featuring over 859 million reviews on accommodations, flights, and activities. With over 463 million monthly users, it’s a top resource for travel inspiration.
14 days
TripAdvisor’s massive database of reviews and global recognition provide high credibility, increasing your chances of successful referrals.
Commission is based on the revenue TripAdvisor receives, which can vary depending on partner deals, resulting in lower or unpredictable payouts.
TripAdvisor’s affiliate program offers unparalleled access to user-generated content, helping you build trust with your audience.
The program includes an API that allows you to access their data, enabling personalized content and recommendations for your audience.
Content creators who specialize in destination guides, restaurant reviews, and local experiences that highlight accommodations and activities.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/affiliates
Since launching a global brand refresh, Skyscanner has surpassed the 100 million travelers monthly. It aggregates travel deals across airlines, hotels, and car rentals, and its revenue streams come from commissions, sponsored placements, and travel APIs.
30 days
Skyscanner’s focus on flight deals can drive higher conversions for travel content creators. The ability to link directly to searches provides a seamless user experience.
Flight commissions may be lower compared to other travel services, and competition in the flight comparison market can be high.
Skyscanner’s unique flight comparison technology and user-friendly interface attract price-conscious travelers, boosting your potential for conversions.
The Skyscanner API allows you to embed search functionalities directly on your website or blog, enhancing the user experience.
Travel creators who focus on flight deals, budget travel, and comprehensive travel planning, particularly those who cater to savvy, cost-conscious travelers.
https://www.partners.skyscanner.net/product/affiliates
Travelpayouts provides a single platform where you can join affiliate programs and access tools from the most popular travel brands, like Booking.com, Viator, and GetYourGuide, remaining one of the most versatile travel programs.
Your earnings depend on the program, how much traffic you drive, and how well your referrals convert. Here are some reward rates provided by Travelpayouts’s partners:
Varies by partner.
Travelpayouts gives you the flexibility to promote multiple travel services through a single dashboard, making it a versatile solution for travel creators.
Payouts depend on the partner’s commission structure, which may result in varied earnings based on the service being promoted. You may also encounter limited filter options.
Travelpayouts offers an extensive selection of travel services, allowing you to diversify your content and target different travel needs.
The platform provides affiliate training, helping new and experienced creators optimize their campaigns for better performance.
Travel bloggers and influencers with broad or niche audiences who want to promote a variety of travel services, from flights to local tours.
https://www.travelpayouts.com
Marriott International is one of the largest hotel chains in the world, with over 7,000 properties in 130 countries. Marriott’s annual revenue for 2023 was $23.713B, a 14.15% increase from 2022, making it a leading name in hospitality.
7 days
Marriott’s global presence and luxury offerings increase credibility, driving more traffic and conversions for your content. The wide selection of hotels appeals to a broad audience.
The 7-day cookie duration is shorter compared to some other programs, potentially limiting earning opportunities from delayed bookings.
Marriott's loyalty program, Bonvoy, offers unique value by targeting frequent travelers who are looking to earn points on their bookings.
Marriott's reputation for quality and its wide range of properties—from budget to luxury—make it a versatile affiliate choice for any type of travel content.
Luxury travel bloggers and influencers with a focus on premium travel experiences, frequent travelers, and those promoting destination getaways.
https://www.marriott.com/marriott/affiliateprogram.mi
Hilton is a leading global hospitality company with over 6,400 properties across 119 countries. With a 10.66% increase year-over-year, Hilton Worldwide Holdings’ revenue for the twelve months ending June 2024 was $10.806B, a 10.66% increase year-over-year.
30 days
Hilton’s strong global presence and variety of hotel categories make it easy to appeal to a wide audience, from budget travelers to luxury vacationers.
When dealing with popularity and status, high competition is easy to find, especially in a niche as wide as traveling. Furthermore, reaching the high minimum payout threshold of up to $1,000 can take a while, especially for beginners.
Hilton is known for its high standards of service, and its Honors loyalty program provides additional value to travelers looking to accumulate points for future stays.
Hilton often runs seasonal promotions, which can help you capture higher conversions during peak travel times.
Influencers focusing on luxury, business, and family travel, with a strong presence in promoting hotel accommodations and destination experiences.
https://ui.awin.com/merchant-profile/3624
TravelGuard is a top travel insurance provider under AIG, offering various travel coverage plans for both domestic and international trips. TravelGuard serves millions of travelers annually, helping them protect their investments.
30 days
TravelGuard’s high commission rates and comprehensive insurance offerings allow you to provide added value to your audience, particularly for those concerned with trip protection.
Niche focus on travel insurance, which might not appeal to all types of travel audiences.
TravelGuard offers some of the highest commissions in the travel affiliate market, making it attractive to those promoting comprehensive travel solutions.
The program is ideal for content creators who want to add an extra layer of value by promoting travel safety and insurance alongside other travel services.
Content creators who specialize in full-trip planning and travel safety, including adventure travel, family travel, and senior travelers.
https://www.travelguard.com/affiliate-program
Sandals Resorts is a leader in luxury all-inclusive Caribbean vacations, offering 16 resorts across seven islands and known for its upscale offerings.
60 days
Sandals’ focus on high-end, all-inclusive vacations makes it ideal for influencers promoting luxury travel and romantic getaways. The 60-day cookie duration allows for longer earning potential.
Limited to specific destinations in the Caribbean, which might not appeal to all audiences. The commission rate is also lower than some other programs.
Sandals is synonymous with luxury and exclusivity in the Caribbean, which sets it apart from other resort affiliate programs.
Sandals frequently offers special discounts on honeymoon packages, making it an attractive option for creators targeting couples and newlyweds.
Luxury travel influencers, particularly those focusing on romantic getaways, honeymoons, and high-end family vacations.
https://www.sandals.com/affiliates/
Priceline is a popular online travel agency offering discounted travel services, including flights, hotels, and car rentals. Known for its "Name Your Own Price" tool, Priceline generated $3.2 billion in revenue in 2022.
30 days
Priceline’s focus on discounted travel services makes it attractive to budget-conscious travelers, giving you access to a wider audience.
Lower commission rates compared to other programs, and the "Name Your Own Price" feature may result in varying commission payouts.
Priceline’s unique bidding feature and access to last-minute deals make it a favorite for spontaneous and budget travelers.
Priceline frequently offers flash sales and special discounts that you can promote to help increase conversions.
Content creators focused on budget travel, last-minute deals, and spontaneous adventures, as well as those promoting affordable family trips.
https://pricelinepartnersolutions.com/
The travel industry offers endless opportunities for content creators like you to monetize your influence. According to Statista, by 2028 the travel industry will reach a market volume of $1.063 billion. Whether you're promoting luxury resorts, budget-friendly flights, or comprehensive travel insurance, these affiliate programs provide diverse options to match your audience's needs. With commissions reaching up to 20%, you can earn substantial income by partnering with top brands, and boost your revenue while helping your followers book unforgettable travel experiences.