Affiliate Marketing
45 of the Best Travel Affiliate Programs for 2024
November 2, 2023
33 minutes
Looking to start a travel affiliate program? Or do you want to find the best travel affiliate programs out there? You’re in the right place.
Travel is one of the most profitable niches in the affiliate industry. If you are a travel brand, an affiliate program is an essential avenue to amplify your reach through authentic word-of-mouth promotion.
Post COVID-19, travel has seen a resurgence. The average traveler spends $1708 on a three day family vacation for a family of four.
Plus, revenue in the travel and tourism industry is set to reach $854.70 billion in 2023.
Not only that, but by 2027, 74% of total revenue for travel brands will be fueled through online sales. This is a huge opportunity for affiliate marketers and brands alike to gain a competitive advantage.
What is a Travel Affiliate Program?
In simple terms, they are partnerships where travel brands pay individuals or other companies (also known as affiliates) for sending paying customers their way.
Think of it like a friend recommending a hotel or a travel agency to you. If you book a room or a trip because of your friend’s recommendation, and your friend gets a small ‘thank you’ payment from the hotel or agency, that’s basically how an affiliate program works, but on a much larger scale.
In the travel world, this could include recommendations from a famous travel blogger or influencer for hotels, flights, tours, or even travel insurance. They create content about travel for their audience. When someone in their audience purchases by clicking an affiliate link (or referral link) they share or using a coupon code, they will earn a commission on the sale for each successful referral. It is all tracked using affiliate tracking software like Tapfiliate.
Ready to boost your bookings? Join Tapfiliate now for a 👉 free 14-day trial and kickstart your travel affiliate program!
Benefits of Travel Affiliate Programs
Whether you are a brand or an affiliate there are several benefits to travel affiliate programs. We’ll take a deep dive for both brands and affiliates so you can make an informed decision.
For Travel Brands:
Travel brands with affiliate programs have a myriad of benefits and it doesn’t only include increased sales and revenue. Let’s dive in!
Increased Sales and Revenue: Affiliate marketing gives travel brands the opportunity to increase bookings or sales and take advantage of word of mouth marketing .
Cost-Effective Marketing, Especially for Those with Lower Margins: Marketing can be tough when you have low margins (airlines, we are looking at you!) With affiliate marketing you only pay commissions on sales made with a smaller upfront cost.
Risk Mitigation: When you are marketing your travel brand it is essential to have diverse revenue channels. By including affiliate marketing into the mix you are mitigating your risk. Additionally, the financial risk is less, because you pay for performance.
Expanded Reach and Visibility: Affiliate marketing gives you access to new audiences and increased brand awareness through word of mouth marketing.
Increased Credibility: When people talk positively about your brand with their audience it builds trust with your brand. You can build a positive image using endorsements and content from reputable affiliates.
Performance Tracking and Data Insights: Data is the additional layer you need to understand your customers and optimize your marketing strategies to increase growth. With an affiliate tracking software like Tapfiliate, you can track sales in real-time and optimize your strategies.
Strengthened Partnerships: Long-term relationships are key to a successful affiliate program. When you have developed a network of partners and influencers, ensure you create long-term relationships.
Flexibility and Scalability: An affiliate program gives you the opportunity for flexibility and scalability. As an advertiser, you can choose your own commission rate and whether you offer commission increases for your top performers. Once you start to grow you can easily scale your program.
Competitive Advantage: The travel industry is a competitive space. Your brand needs to stay ahead and stand out. An affiliate program enables you to use word of mouth to stand out from competitors.
User-Generated Content: Content generated by your affiliates is a great way to highlight your brand and promote yourself to your audience.
Take advantage of these benefits and start your travel affiliate program now with a 👉 free 14-day trial.
For Affiliates:
If you are an affiliate who is looking to join travel affiliate programs to market to your audience, there are several benefits whether you focus on business travelers or backpackers.
Additional Income to Talk About Something You Are Passionate About: If you are passionate about travel, affiliate marketing enables you to earn money without needing to create a product or service yourself.
Free Stays and Comped Trips: If you are a successful affiliate, some brands will offer complimentary stays or free products to help you promote more successfully.
Low Start-Up Costs: As an affiliate there are no costs to join an affiliate program and start promoting, so it’s accessible for anyone.
Performance-Based Earnings: You earn more when you sell more. There’s no cap on the limit you can earn.
Multiple Income Streams: When you promote a travel brand, you aren’t tied to that brand. You can promote multiple products and services giving you multiple affiliate income streams.
Networking Opportunities: When you join an affiliate program, often you talk to an affiliate program manager and sometimes they have communities for their affiliates. This is a great networking opportunity.
Training, Education and Development of Skills: To help affiliates succeed, many affiliate programs offer training, resources and support. Many affiliates hone their skills in digital marketing, content and SEO to drive additional revenue.
Flexibility and Independence: Being an affiliate gives you the ultimate flexibility. You can work from anywhere and set your own schedule. You’ll have total control over your promotional strategies and your content.
Data Insights and Performance Tracking: With many affiliate programs, you are provided with your own login area to track your sales. This gives you the opportunity to try and tweak your performance and optimize your strategy.
45 of the Best Travel Affiliate Programs
We’ve rounded up the best travel affiliate programs that you can join including some of the most popular affiliate programs. We’ve grouped them into categories: search aggregators, flights and transport, insurance, gear and guides, stays, tour companies, and cars and car rentals.
As an affiliate working with travel brands, it can sometimes be the case that you won’t get paid a commission until a booking has been completed. It means that sometimes you will wait a long time for a commission so the sooner you start promoting, the better.
Search Aggregator:
Booking.com
Cookie duration / referral window: Not listed
Commission rate: Up to 40%
Booking.com is a global leader in online travel, providing a wide selection of accommodation options from hotel bookings to vacation rentals, with search tools and customer reviews.
Their affiliate program has a tiered commission structure based on the number of bookings you get. Their top tier of commission is 40% for 501+ stays booked per month. Currently they do not pay commissions on car rentals.
Expedia
Cookie duration / referral window: 7 days
Commission rate: Up to 6%
Expedia is one of the world’s largest travel agencies, offering a wide selection of travel options including flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages.
Commission rates are based on categories and vary widely. For example, flight bookings earn $2 regardless of value, where car bookings give 2% on the sale value.
Hotels.com
Cookie length / referral window: 7 days
Commission rate: 4%
Hotels.com is a leading online hotel booking platform, providing travelers with access to hundreds of thousands of properties worldwide, ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favorites and bed & breakfasts. They offer 4% commission on sales with some exceptions including gift cards.
Skyscanner
Cookie duration / referral window: 30 days
Commission rate: 20%
Skyscanner helps travelers to find the best options for their trips with comprehensive comparisons of flight prices, hotels, and car rentals from a wide selection of providers.
Skyscanner is a household name offering searchable flights, hotels and car hire. They pay 20% commission on sales. Flights and car hire do not earn commissions. Their referral window is 30 days which is generous compared to their competitors.
Kayak
Cookie duration / referral window: 30 minutes
Commission rate: Up to 50% or $0.95 per click.
Kayak is a widely recognized travel search engine that aggregates data from hundreds of travel sites, providing users with a comprehensive view of their options for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.
When you join the Kayak affiliate program you’ll also get access to HotelsCombined, momondo and cheapflights.
TripAdvisor
Cookie duration / referral window: 14 days
Commission Rate: Up to 40%
TripAdvisor is one of the largest and most comprehensive travel platforms, offering millions of reviews, opinions, and recommendations on hotels, restaurants, attractions, and more. The platform enables travelers to make informed decisions through user-generated content, while also providing the ability to compare prices and book a wide range of travel services
The affiliate program is based on clicks and not on sales so you don’t need someone to book something to earn a commission. Tripadvisor earns a referral fee when a customer clicks out to any of the booking sites, which they then share with you, their affiliate.
Agoda
Cookie duration / referral window: Session
Commission: up to 7%
Agoda is a global online travel agency with an extensive inventory of hotels, vacation rentals, and flights, catering to travelers seeking diverse and affordable accommodation options. They offer a tiered commission rate based on the number of stays you refer. You earn 7% for 1000+ stays per month.
Cheaptickets.com
Cookie duration / referral window: 7 days
Commission rate: Up to 8%
CheapTickets is an online travel agency offering a wide range of affordable travel options, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages.
Commission rates are paid on a category basis, with some categories earning a specific dollar amount, and others a percentage of the sale. For example, event tickets earn 8% commission, and cruise bookings earn $30.
Priceline
Cookie duration / referral window: 30 days
Commission rate: 3%
Priceline is a popular online travel agency known for offering substantial discounts on hotels, flights, car rentals, and vacation packages. They offer 3% commission on the sale value, but also offer a set rate of $2 for flight bookings.
Justfly
Cookie length / referral window: 45 days
Commission rate: Up to $3 per booking.
JustFly is an online travel agency that uses its technology to offer travelers budget-friendly options for flights, hotels, and car rentals. The platform streamlines the booking process and provides access to numerous travel deals. This affiliate program offers set dollar amounts on bookings, regardless of value with international flights earning the maximum commission amount.
Cheapoair
Cookie length / referral window: 90 days
Commission rate: Up to $35 per booking.
CheapOair is an online travel agency known for offering competitive prices on flights, hotels, and car rentals, helping travelers find affordable travel options across the globe.
Their commission rates are tiered per category. For example, the highest paying category is vacation packages, and if you get 501+ sales per month you’ll get $35 per booking. For flight insurance you would get $5 per sale if you got 100 or less sales in a month.
Flights / Transport
Qatar Airways
Cookie length / referral window: 45 days
Commission rate: 2%
Qatar Airways, the state-owned flag carrier of Qatar, is renowned for its luxurious cabin offerings, hospitality, and commitment to innovation. They offer a set rate of 2% commission on all sales, regardless of whether a flight is first class or economy.
Emirates
Cookie length / referral window: 30 days
Commission rate: 1.25%
Emirates, based in Dubai, is one of the world’s leading airlines, known for its service, state-of-the-art fleet, and extensive global network connecting passengers to over 150 destinations. They offer a commission rate of 1.25% on all bookings.
Etihad Airways
Cookie length / referral window: 30 days
Commission rate: 1.6%
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is known for its luxurious services, offerings, and an extensive network connecting passengers to key destinations worldwide. Their affiliate program offers a 1.6% commission rate on all flights booked.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Cookie length / referral window: 30 days
Commission rate: Up to 1.5%
Renowned for its reliable services, extensive global network, and innovative approach to environmentally responsible flying, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines connects passengers from around the world,They offer 1.5% commission for long haul flights, and other flights booked earn 1%.
AirFrance
Cookie length / referral window: 30 days
Commission rate: 1.25%
Air France, France’s flagship airline, offers an extensive global network connecting passengers to hundreds of destinations across the globe. They offer 1.25% commission on flight bookings.
Hawaiian Airlines
Cookie length / referral window: 30 days
Commission rate:1.5%
Hawaiian Airlines operates a comprehensive network of flights that connect the Hawaiian Islands with numerous destinations in the United States, Asia, and the South Pacific, offering passengers a gateway to the unique beauty and culture of Hawaii.
They offer 1.5% commission on all flights booked.
Interrail pass / Eurail pass
Cookie length / referral window: 30 days
Commission rate: Up to 5%
Eurail and Interrail offer rail passes that provide flexible and cost-effective travel options across Europe, catering to both non-European residents (Eurail) and European residents (Interrail) respectively.
They offer different passes which enable you to travel to up to 33 countries. They offer up to 5% commission on global passes, and 3% commission on one-country passes.
Going (Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights)
Cookie length / referral window: Up to 30 days
Commission rate: Up to $40
Going, formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights, is a travel deal alert service that helps subscribers save money by notifying them of discounted and error fares for international flights.
Cookie lengths and commissions vary. For example, email verification earns $1 and the referral window is 7 days. For membership purchases you can earn $40 and the referral window from clicks is 30 days.
Dollar Flight Club
Cookie length / referral window: Up to 30 days
Commission rate: 40%
Dollar Flight Club is a subscription-based service that alerts members to low-cost flight deals, helping travelers save money on airfare to destinations worldwide. They offer a set 40% commission per sale.
FerryHopper
Cookie length / referral window: 30 days
Commission rate: 1% of gross booking value
Ferryhopper is an online platform that streamlines the process of booking ferry tickets, offering a comprehensive database of ferry routes across Europe and beyond.
They pay 1% commission on the gross booking value.
Shuttlefinder
Cookie length / referral window: 30 days
Commission rate: 20%
ShuttleFinder is an online platform that connects travelers with a variety of airport shuttle services, offering a range of options from shared rides to private vehicles. Their affiliate program offers 20% commission on sales.
Travel Insurance Affiliate Programs
World Nomads Affiliate Program
Cookie length / referral window: 60 days
Commission rate: 0.83USD per order
World Nomads is a renowned travel insurance company that caters to adventurous travelers, providing comprehensive coverage for a wide range of activities and unexpected incidents.
For affiliates they offer a flat rate of $0.83 per order, regardless of the order value. The cookie length of 60 days is pretty long considering most travel brands have shorter referral windows.
SafetyWing
Cookie length / referral window: 365 days
Commission rate: 10%
SafetyWing offers specialized travel insurance catering to digital nomads, remote workers, and frequent travelers, providing comprehensive coverage that includes medical, and travel interruption. They offer a 10% recurring commission for up to a year.
Gear & Travel Guides:
Travelpro
Cookie length / referral window: 45 days
Commission rate: Up to 10%
Travelpro is a luggage brand, regarded for its durable travel bags designed to meet the rigorous demands of frequent travelers and flight crews. With a focus on quality, functionality, and style, Travelpro offers a wide range of luggage options, ensuring travelers can find the perfect gear to suit their journey.
Their affiliate program offers a base commission rate of 8%, but commissions increase to 9% for sales of $500+, and 10% commission for sales above $1000. They also offer free products for sweepstakes.
REI
Cookie length / referral window: 15 days
Commission rate: 5%
REI is a well-established outdoor retail cooperative, providing a range of high-quality gear, apparel, and equipment for camping, hiking, cycling, and various other outdoor activities. Their travel selection includes bags, car racks, luggage and more. They offer a 5% commission on sales.
eBags
Cookie length / referral window: 14 days
Commission rate: 3%
eBags is an online retailer specializing in luggage, backpacks, and travel accessories, offering a wide range of products to suit various travel needs. The commission rate is 3% with some exceptions on specific SKUs including gift cards.
Lonely Planet
Cookie length / referral window: 30 days
Commission rate: 15%
Lonely Planet are well known for their travel guidebooks, but they also sell a variety of different travel-themed books and maps as well. They offer 15% commission on all sales.
Hotel Affiliate Programs & Stays
Accor Hotels
Cookie length / referral window: 30 days
Commission rate: 4%
Accor is a hospitality group, boasting a diverse portfolio of over 5,100 properties across luxury, mid-scale, and economy segments. Commission is 4% on the sale value, and they have programs serving Europe and the USA.
IHG Hotels and Resorts
Cookie length / referral window: 14 days
Commission rate: 3%
IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality company, boasting a broad portfolio of well-known hotel brands spanning from luxury to economy. Their affiliate program offers 3% commission with a few exceptions that don’t pay commission.
Hostelworld
Cookie length / referral window: 30 days
Commission rate: 18-22%
Hostelworld is a leading online booking platform dedicated to helping travelers find and reserve budget-friendly hostel accommodations worldwide. They offer 18-22% commission.
TrustedHousesitters
Cookie length / referral window: 30 days
Commission rate: Up to 40%
TrustedHousesitters connects homeowners with reliable sitters who provide pet care and security for their homes in exchange for accommodation. This means worry-free travel for pet owners.
For affiliates, they have a high average order value combined with a high conversion rate on their website.
Homeexchange.com
Cookie length / referral window: 30 days
Commission rate: Up to $20
Home Exchange is a global platform that enables travelers to swap their homes with others, allowing for a unique and cost-effective way to travel.
For affiliates looking to promote Home Exchange commission starts at $5 for an account signup. You’ll get $10 when a home is completed 80%, and then $20 for a subscription.
Tour Companies
Viator
Cookie length / referral window: 30 days
Commission rate: 8%
Viator, a TripAdvisor company, is an online marketplace that provides travelers with access to thousands of tours, activities, and experiences worldwide. You get 8% commission on all completed bookings.
Get Your Guide
Cookie length / referral window: 31 days
Commission rate: 8%
GetYourGuide is an online platform offering a wide array of tours, activities, and experiences worldwide, connecting travelers with local operators for memorable adventures.
G Adventures
Cookie length / referral window: 90 days
Commission rate: 6%
G Adventures is a travel company specializing in authentic, sustainable small-group tours that connect travelers to local cultures and environments around the world. Commissions are 6% on all completed trips.
City Sightseeing
Cookie length / referral window: 30 days
Commission rate: 10%
City Sightseeing is a global brand renowned for its iconic open-top, hop-on hop-off bus tours, providing flexible and convenient sightseeing options in over 100 cities worldwide. They pay 10% commission on sales.
CitysightsNY
Cookie length / referral window: 45 days
Commission rate: Up to 15%
CitySights NY provides a comprehensive range of sightseeing tours and experiences across New York City, showcasing the Big Apple’s iconic landmarks, neighborhoods, and attractions.
Car & RV Rentals:
Hertz
Cookie length / referral window: 1 day
Commission rate: 3%
Hertz is one of the most recognized car rental companies globally, renowned for its extensive fleet, numerous locations, and commitment to customer service. They offer a set 3% commission on the sale value.
RentalCars.com
Cookie length / referral window: 1 day
Commission rate: Up to 6%
Rentalcars.com is a leading online car rental service, providing customers with a wide array of vehicle options from various trusted suppliers worldwide. They offer 6% commission on bookings where the customer pays upfront, and 1% commission when a customer chooses to pay later.
Enterprise
Cookie length / referral window: 1 day
Commission rate: 1%
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a globally recognized car rental company, renowned for its extensive fleet, numerous convenient locations, and exceptional customer service. Catering to a variety of travel needs, from daily errands to road trips, Enterprise offers a wide range of vehicles. They offer 1% commission and if you are new to affiliate marketing they offer tutorials.
Discovercars.com
Cookie length / referral window: 365 days
Commission rate: 70% of car rental profit plus 30% of their full coverage revenue
DiscoverCars is a global car rental platform that offers users a comprehensive search and booking service, aggregating deals from a wide range of providers. They have a long referral window and commissions are generous.
Budget
Cookie length / referral window: Unlisted
Commission rate: Up to 4%
Budget is a globally recognized car rental company offering affordable and reliable vehicle options for both leisure and business travelers. They offer up to 4% commission on bookings. Their referral window is unlisted.
Outdoorsy
Cookie lifetime / referral window: 30 days
Commission rate: $60+
Outdoorsy is a peer-to-peer RV rental platform that connects RV owners with travelers looking to experience the freedom and adventure of an RV vacation.
RVshare
Cookie length / referral window: 30 days
Commission rate: 4% per booking or $7 for a new RV listing
RVshare stands as a leading peer-to-peer RV rental platform, facilitating connections between RV owners and travelers seeking unique and flexible travel experiences. They offer 4% per completed stay, or $7 for every new RV listing.
How to Set Up Your Travel Affiliate Program
If you are a travel brand interested in setting up your own affiliate program, this guide will help you to get set up quickly.
1. Choose the Right Affiliate Platform or Software
Opt for an affiliate platform that can adequately support travel-related products and services. Ensure the platform is user-friendly and offers robust features for tracking and reporting, allowing you to monitor bookings, cancellations, and customer interactions efficiently. Given the nature of travel planning, it’s crucial to choose a platform that permits delayed commission payouts, considering the potential gap between booking and actual travel or the potential for cancellations. An affiliate software like Tapfiliate is perfect for this because we do not have rules around payouts – you are in control.
2. Create an Attractive Commission Structure
Travel affiliates are attracted to programs that offer worthwhile incentives. Investigate what similar travel affiliate programs provide (check out our list of travel affiliate programs above) and set your commission rates competitively. You could offer enhanced commissions for high-performing affiliates or additional bonuses for promoting specific destinations during peak seasons, ensuring alignment with travel trends.
Tip: Some brands include a minimum payout amount. A minimum payout means that an affiliate has to have a specific amount of commission approved in order to receive their payout to avoid unecessary fees.
3. Create a Comprehensive Affiliate Agreement
Your affiliate agreement should be comprehensive, outlining all terms and conditions unique to travel promotions. Include specifics on commission rates, the time frame for payouts post-travel, acceptable promotional methods, and any travel-specific branding guidelines. Clarifying these aspects upfront minimizes potential misunderstandings and sets a solid foundation for the partnership.
4. Develop Marketing Materials
Supply your affiliates with a variety of marketing materials tailored to travel promotions. This can include destination-specific banners, travel deal videos, affiliate links and deep links for hotel reviews, and high-resolution images of travel spots. Ensure all materials uphold your brand image and are optimized to attract and convert travel enthusiasts.
5. Recruit Travel-Focused Affiliates
Seek out affiliates that specialize in travel content, such as travel bloggers, vloggers, and influencers with engaged audiences interested in travel. Focus on partners who have a following that aligns with your target demographic and can authentically promote your affiliate products or services.
6. Provide Support and Communication
Establish a strong line of communication with your travel affiliates, offering them the support they need to effectively promote your products. Be prompt in addressing their queries and keep them in the loop regarding any new travel deals, changes in services, or updates to your affiliate program. Regular updates and support help maintain a motivated and informed affiliate network, ensuring the success of your travel affiliate program.
By honing in on the specifics of travel affiliate marketing, you can create a program that attracts the right partners and drives successful promotions.
Transform your travel brand with Tapfiliate! Start your 👉 free 14-day trial today.
Strategies for Promoting a Travel Affiliate Program to Potential Affiliates
1. Optimize Your Program’s Landing Page:
Ensure your travel affiliate program’s landing page on your website is not just a signup form but a comprehensive resource. Highlight popular travel products or packages that affiliates can promote (for example packages for business travelers), showcase testimonials from successful travel affiliates, and clearly outline your competitive affiliate commissions structure and payout timelines.
2. Utilize Social Media:
Use your brand’s social media channels to share captivating travel content that integrates stories of successful affiliate partnerships. Create posts that showcase the unique travel experiences affiliates have helped promote, and highlight the financial and experiential benefits of joining your program.
3. Engage with Online Communities:
Identify forums and online communities where travel bloggers, influencers, and affiliate marketers gather. Participate in these spaces, sharing your travel expertise and insights. Use these interactions as opportunities to subtly introduce your affiliate program, emphasizing its unique advantages for travel content creators.
4. Content Marketing:
Develop blog posts and articles that delve into the world of travel affiliate marketing as a part of your content creation strategy. Share success stories, tips, and strategies specifically tailored to promoting travel products and services. Use these pieces to highlight how your affiliate program stands out and include clear CTAs directing readers to your affiliate signup page.
5. Email Marketing:
Segment your email list to identify individuals with a keen interest in travel and affiliate marketing. Send them tailored email campaigns that showcase the unique aspects of your travel affiliate program, share success stories, and highlight the potential earnings and travel opportunities affiliates can enjoy.
6. Host Webinars and Live Sessions:
Host webinars and live Q&A sessions specifically tailored to travel affiliates. Use these platforms to provide a walkthrough of your affiliate program, share success stories, and give insights into the best practices for promoting travel products and services. This approach helps build a community and offers a direct line of communication with potential affiliates.
7. Network at Industry Events:
Attend industry-specific events and conferences to network with potential travel affiliates. Bring materials that showcase the success of your affiliate program, and be ready to answer questions and discuss the unique advantages of your travel-specific affiliate program.
Start Your Travel Affiliate Program Today
The travel sector stands out as one of the most lucrative arenas in the affiliate industry, offering opportunities for both businesses and affiliates alike.
By integrating a travel affiliate program or referral program into your marketing strategy, you not only enhance your visibility in this competitive field but also significantly mitigate financial risks associated with traditional advertising.
For affiliates, partnering with a travel program opens doors to multiple revenue streams, complimentary stays, and a level of flexibility and independence that is hard to find with other work.
The process of setting up a travel affiliate program and affiliate tools is streamlined and user-friendly, thanks to the flexibility of affiliate software like Tapfiliate.
These platforms provide robust tracking, detailed reporting, and a user-friendly interface, ensuring that both you and your affiliates can focus on what matters most: creating unforgettable travel experiences and generating revenue.
Can’t wait to get started and set up your travel affiliate program? Start your 👉 free 14-day trial of Tapfiliate today.
