How to Overcome Expensive Travel and Get Reliable Expedia Savings

Travel seems to get pricier every year, but you can reliably cut costs on your dream vacation by pairing Expedia discounts with Rakuten coupons and Cash Back. The formula is simple: Research Expedia bundle deals and promos on your favorite destinations, check Rakuten for Expedia travel coupons and promo codes, and then start your Expedia booking journey through Rakuten to activate Cash Back and stack it on top of all the other deals you’ve uncovered. 

It’s that easy to start the trip of a lifetime with a little extra cash in your pocket for a beachside margarita or pot of aprés-ski fondue!

This guide takes you step by step from sign-up to final confirmation so you can earn rewards on every eligible Expedia purchase and avoid common travel-booking pitfalls along the way. Follow the advice below and Rakuten can help you turn every Expedia booking into a Cash Back machine.

Sign Up and Save With Rakuten

Creating a free Rakuten account is the fastest way to unlock savings at Expedia and over 3,500 other retailers. How is Rakuten able to send its members Cash Back? Easy. Those 3,500 brands partner with Rakuten to send them shoppers. They pay Rakuten, and Rakuten shares that money with its members as Cash Back (a percentage of your purchase subtotal credited back to your Rakuten account).

Once you’ve signed up, it’s super easy to start earning Cash Back. You can go to Rakuten’s website or mobile App, search for the store you want to shop at and click the Shop Now button. You’ll be taken to that retailer’s site, where you shop as normal and your Cash Back is applied automatically.

Simple, right? Well, there’s an even simpler way to save: the Rakuten Browser Extension. Once you download the extension, you’ll be alerted to available Cash Back and coupons at any eligible store you shop at, including Expedia, and the Cash Back will be applied to your account automatically. It almost literally couldn’t get any easier.

What’s better than saving money? At Rakuten, we would argue that the answer is “absolutely nothing.” But if there’s one thing, it may be the excitement that comes with planning the perfect vacation. Now that you’ve got your Rakuten account set up, it’s time to start dreaming!

Do Your Research: Tips for Maximizing Savings and Avoiding Pitfalls

You’ve decided on a destination, and now you’re antsy to book your flight and make a reservation at the perfect hotel. The excitement is getting the best of you. We totally understand. But there are plenty of ways to set yourself up for savings before you click “Book.”

You’ve signed up for a Rakuten account, which is a great first step. But now it’s time to take a breath and do some research. Try these things to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

• Watch the rate: Rakuten’s Cash Back rates can change or be temporarily boosted. The Cash Back rate for Expedia hotels or travel packages may be 2% one day and 6% the next. Monitor Rakuten’s Expedia page each day, and strike when the Cash Back rate is high.
• Set price alerts: Track airfare to your destination with tools such as Google Flights, so you can be sure you’re getting the best possible price on your flight. Try to plan for shoulder season; the weather is usually just as good as peak season, but the prices are lower and the crowds are smaller.
• Be aware of exclusions: Some types of tickets, such as prepaid, nonrefundable or deeply discounted rates, may earn reduced Cash Back or not be eligible at all. Review the terms on Rakuten before you book.

Compare Expedia Bundle Deals and App Discounts

Travel packages and bundles are where you can really save on your vacation. Check for flight-and-hotel packages on Expedia to see if you can get a better deal by booking them together than if you booked each piece separately. You almost always can. You may be able to score even more savings if you add more elements, such as a car rental or activities, to your package. 

Make sure to check both Expedia’s website and its app, because the app often has exclusive offers you can’t find anywhere else. (If you find the best deal using Expedia’s app, don’t forget to go through Rakuten’s app first to make sure you earn Cash Back on your booking.) It may seem like a lot of checking, double-checking and triple-checking, but the vacation savings will be worth it!

Use this quick comparison to decide your path:

Access Expedia Through Rakuten to Activate Cash Back

All your daydreaming and meticulous planning and comparison shopping has led you to this moment: It’s time to book your dream trip. But wait! First make sure you start your booking journey at Rakuten to activate Cash Back (or, if you’ve smartly downloaded the Rakuten browser extension, you can just let it take the wheel and handle everything automatically). 

• Go to Rakuten’s Expedia page and click the Shop Now button.
• That will activate Cash Back and take you to Expedia’s website. 
• Find your flight, hotel, excursion or vacation package and complete your booking in the same session. (Don’t open another tab or window to complete your booking, because it could bypass the tracking that applies Cash Back to your account.)
• Apply any Expedia coupons or promo codes on the checkout page. (See below for more.)
• After Expedia verifies your trip, your Cash Back will be applied automatically to your Rakuten account. This usually happens after you’ve completed your travel.

Apply Expedia Promo Codes

Before you check out on Expedia, see whether there are any travel promo codes or coupons that may apply to your booking. Expedia has an expansive library of daily deals to choose from, and Rakuten frequently has a selection of vacation promo codes.

Stacking these coupons with Rakuten Cash Back is the best way to enhance your vacation savings. Once you’re on the checkout page, look for the promo code field. Type or paste in your code, and watch the savings rack up!

Use Smart Payment Strategies and Manage Your Rewards

You’ve stacked Rakuten Cash Back on top of travel coupons, but there’s one more layer of savings and perks that will maximize your vacation value: credit card rewards.

• Redeem points: Some credit card rewards points, such as AmEx Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou points, can be applied directly to some Expedia bookings.
• Double-dip on rewards: Using a travel rewards or cash back credit card to pay for your Expedia booking will allow you to earn those card-based rewards on top of Rakuten Cash Back. You just doubled your rewards!
• Plan your payout: Rakuten pays out Cash Back every three months via either check, PayPal or AmEx Membership Rewards points. Perhaps you should start saving it for your next trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Rakuten Cash Back work with Expedia bookings?

Rakuten tracks your booking when you click through its platform or use the Rakuten browser extension, and then pays a percentage back after Expedia verifies your trip.

Can I use Expedia promo codes together with Rakuten Cash Back?

Yes. Expedia promo codes and Rakuten Cash Back can typically be stacked on eligible bookings to maximize savings.

What are the best ways to find reliable Expedia discounts?

Check Rakuten for current Cash Back offers, explore Expedia’s Daily Deals, browse Expedia’s bundle deals and app-only rates, and apply a verified promo code before checkout.

How much can I save using Rakuten for travel purchases?

It varies by retailer, but travelers often see between 1% and 10% Cash Back through Rakuten, with higher returns during special promotions.

Are there any restrictions or exclusions when earning Cash Back on Expedia?

Yes. Final-sale or heavily discounted bookings may earn lower Cash Back or be ineligible for Cash Back altogether. Always review the terms on Rakuten’s Expedia page.