When planning a trip, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. Travelocity was once a go-to platform for booking flights, hotels, and rental cars, but its demise has left many travelers searching for alternative options. Fortunately, the travel industry is saturated with competing websites that offer similar, if not better, services. Here are five sites like Travelocity that can help you plan and book your next adventure:
1. Expedia
Expedia is one of the most recognizable names in the travel booking industry. It offers a wide range of services, including flight, hotel, car rental, and package deal bookings. Expedia’s platform is user-friendly, allowing you to filter search results based on your preferences, such as price, location, and amenities. One of its standout features is the “Expedia Rewards” program, which lets you earn points for every booking you make, redeemable for discounts on future trips.
2. Kayak
Kayak operates a bit differently than traditional booking sites. Instead of booking directly through Kayak, it acts as a search engine, scouring hundreds of travel sites to find the best deals for you. This approach gives you a comprehensive view of your options, helping you make informed decisions. Kayak also offers a “Price Forecast” tool, which predicts whether prices for your desired trip are likely to increase or decrease, and a “Price Alert” feature that notifies you when prices drop.
3. Booking.com
While primarily known for its vast inventory of bookable accommodations, including hotels, apartments, and vacation homes, Booking.com has expanded its services to include car rentals and flight bookings as well. It boasts an enormous database of properties worldwide, often with very competitive pricing and a user-friendly booking process. Booking.com also features a “Genius” program for frequent bookers, offering discounts and other perks.
4. Orbitz
Orbitz is another full-service travel booking site where you can find deals on flights, hotels, package vacations, and car rentals. It’s known for its rewards program, which allows you to earn Orbucks on your bookings, redeemable for future travel. Orbitz also features a price match guarantee, ensuring you get the best possible price for your travel plans. Its interface is straightforward, making it easy to compare prices across different travel components.
5. Priceline
Priceline is unique in that it offers a “Name Your Own Price” feature for hotel bookings, flights, and car rentals, where you bid on your travel, although this feature has evolved over time. Beyond this, Priceline operates similarly to other travel booking sites, allowing you to search and book travel components at competitive rates. It also features an “Express Deals” section for deeply discounted, non-refundable bookings, which can be a great option for those with flexible travel plans.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Travel Booking Site
- Flexibility: Some sites offer more flexibility in terms of booking options, such as the ability to book now and pay later, or to modify your itinerary with minimal fees.
- Rewards Programs: If you’re a frequent traveler, consider sites with robust rewards programs that can help you save money or upgrade your travel experience over time.
- Price Match Policies: Look for sites that guarantee the best prices and will refund you if the price drops after booking.
- User Interface: A site that’s easy to navigate can make a big difference in finding what you’re looking for quickly and efficiently.
- Customer Service: Good customer service can be a lifesaver if things go wrong during your trip. Look for sites with 24⁄7 support.
Travel planning should be as enjoyable as the trip itself. By leveraging the right tools and platforms, you can find the best deals, book with confidence, and look forward to a stress-free travel experience. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first adventure, there’s a travel booking site out there that can cater to your needs and preferences.
