When planning your next vacation, it’s easy to default to the tried-and-true destinations—think Paris, Rome, or New York. But what if you could go beyond the typical tourist traps and discover hidden gems, all with the help of one tool? Enter Expedia, the travel platform that offers more than just flight and hotel bookings. With a wealth of features designed to personalize your trip and uncover off-the-beaten-path experiences, Expedia can be your key to a more authentic, exciting, and unique adventure.
Here’s how to unlock Expedia’s best features to uncover hidden gems and enhance every leg of your journey.
1. Start with Smart Search: Go Beyond the Obvious
When you visit Expedia’s homepage, the default search options prompt you to input your destination, dates, and type of travel (flight, hotel, car, etc.). But the magic lies in how you use the search.
Pro Tips:
- Search by Region or Interest: Instead of typing “France,” try “Southwest France wine regions” or “lesser-known European coastal towns.” Expedia’s algorithm will serve up suggestions that go beyond the mainstream.
- Flexible Dates = More Options: Use the “flexible dates” filter to discover cheaper flights and hotels that may correspond with local events or less-crowded travel periods—ideal times to explore hidden gems.
2. Tap into the “Things to Do” Section
Most travelers overlook the “Things to Do” tab on Expedia, which is a goldmine for discovering local experiences. It includes everything from guided tours to cooking classes, day trips, and unique local attractions.
What Makes It Special?
- Local Experiences: Expedia partners with local tour operators, so you’ll find immersive activities like truffle hunting in Italy, underground art tours in Berlin, or hidden temples in Kyoto.
- User Reviews: Filter experiences by reviews and star ratings to ensure authenticity and quality.
- Hidden Neighborhoods: Search by city and explore experiences in lesser-known districts. For example, instead of staying in Bangkok’s central tourist area, discover walking food tours in Bang Rak or creative spaces in Ari.
3. Filter with Purpose
Expedia’s search filters are more powerful than they appear. With the right combinations, you can zero in on under-the-radar destinations and accommodations.
Key Filters to Use:
- “Unique Properties”: This brings up boutique hotels, historic inns, eco-lodges, and other hidden stays you wouldn’t find on typical searches.
- “Guest Ratings” + “Distance from City Center”: Find places that are loved by travelers but slightly outside the busy core—perfect for more authentic, local experiences.
- “Sort by Lowest Price + Highest Rating”: This combo helps you find value gems: budget-friendly places that punch above their weight in service and quality.
4. Bundle for Bonus Benefits
Expedia’s bundling feature is usually promoted for saving money (which it does), but it also opens up opportunities for discovery.
How It Helps:
- Mix and Match Locations: When bundling flights and hotels, Expedia may suggest “stay in nearby city” options that can take you somewhere unexpected.
- Car Rentals Open Doors: Add a car rental to your bundle and get the freedom to explore surrounding areas—vineyards, hidden beaches, mountain villages—that aren’t accessible by public transport.
- Activity Bundles: You can also bundle activities with your trip, often finding niche experiences that aren’t listed individually.
5. Use “Explore” Features for Inspiration
Expedia has a built-in trip inspiration engine that many travelers miss: the “Explore” or “Get Inspired” sections, often found in the main navigation or footer of the website.
What to Look For:
- Top Picks for You: Based on your browsing history and preferences, Expedia recommends unique places and experiences you might not consider.
- Trending Hidden Destinations: These often feature up-and-coming spots like the Azores, Slovenia, or Oaxaca.
- Seasonal Recommendations: Find lesser-known places that shine during off-peak months, like autumn in the Scottish Highlands or spring in the Dolomites.
6. Read the Reviews with a Detective’s Eye
Expedia reviews are more than just star ratings—they can be your compass to discovering special places and experiences.
How to Dig Deeper:
- Search for Keywords: Look for terms like “hidden gem,” “off the beaten path,” or “local feel” in reviews.
- Filter by Traveler Type: Want romantic spots? Choose “couples.” Traveling solo? Filter reviews from solo travelers to find safe and enriching experiences.
- Check the Low Ratings Too: Oddly enough, the lower-rated reviews often reveal interesting truths—like a quiet, remote location (great if you’re avoiding crowds), or that a hotel isn’t touristy (which could be a pro!).
7. Mobile App = Local Deals and Alerts
Expedia’s mobile app isn’t just for convenience. It can be your secret weapon once you’re already on the road.
Key Features:
- App-Only Discounts: Many hidden boutique hotels and local operators offer mobile-only deals to attract on-the-ground travelers.
- Last-Minute Gems: Book same-day stays or activities for steep discounts—often in less popular but still stunning locations.
- Trip Notifications: Get real-time updates on travel disruptions, suggestions for nearby attractions, and weather alerts, so you can pivot quickly and find alternatives.
8. Use Expedia Rewards for Access and Upgrades
Expedia’s Rewards program is often overlooked, but it can be a game-changer when hunting for better trips.
How Rewards Help You Find Hidden Gems:
- Member Prices: Unlock special pricing on niche accommodations or tours.
- Free Perks: Many hotels offer late check-out, free breakfast, or room upgrades to Rewards members—sometimes at small, locally owned properties.
- Points for Experiences: You earn points not just on flights and hotels, but also on “Things to Do,” which you can redeem for future trips exploring even more off-the-grid spots.
9. Look at Alternative Airports and Routes
One of the best ways to unlock hidden gems is to change how you get to your destination.
Hacks to Try:
- Search Nearby Airports: Flying into a secondary airport (like Girona instead of Barcelona, or Bologna instead of Florence) can lead to quieter, more authentic towns and lower prices.
- Multi-City Itineraries: Use Expedia’s “multi-city” flight search to build your own route—like flying into Zurich and out of Ljubljana, discovering gems like Lake Bled and Swiss mountain towns in between.
- Mix Airlines: Expedia shows combinations of budget and full-service airlines—sometimes you can stitch together affordable routes to lesser-known destinations.
10. Check the Blogs and Travel Guides
Expedia has a surprisingly rich library of travel content that’s curated by local experts, bloggers, and industry insiders.
Use These Guides To:
- Discover neighborhoods and towns you’ve never heard of.
- Find hidden foodie spots, like vegan cafes in Bali or mezcal tasting rooms in Oaxaca.
- Explore theme-based itineraries, such as ghost towns in the U.S. Southwest or secret beaches in Thailand.
You’ll often find experiences that aren’t bookable elsewhere—or even listed in guidebooks—especially if you follow links directly from their blogs into the booking engine.
11. Customize Your Stay
Once you’ve found a hotel or experience, Expedia often gives you the option to customize your reservation.
Look for:
- Room Upgrades with View: Sometimes, a “partial ocean view” room is just $10 more than standard, and puts you in a quieter, more scenic part of the hotel.
- Add-ons: Many properties let you add perks like airport transfers, late check-out, spa access, or breakfast with local ingredients—all great ways to experience local culture.
- Custom Notes: You can leave notes for the property (e.g., “celebrating anniversary”)—which may lead to surprises like wine or local treats.
12. Use Maps to Visualize Your Trip
Expedia’s interactive maps aren’t just for navigation—they can guide you to areas less traveled.
Map Tricks:
- Zoom In on Unfamiliar Areas: This can reveal accommodations, attractions, and restaurants that don’t pop up in the main search list.
- Check Public Transport & Distance to Attractions: Look for hidden spots that are still accessible—like a scenic mountain town an hour by train from a major city.
- Layer Views: Toggle between “things to do,” “restaurants,” and “stays” to plan an immersive neighborhood-based itinerary.
Final Thoughts: Travel Smarter, Travel Deeper
Expedia is more than a travel booking site—it’s a gateway to experiences that deepen your connection with the places you visit. By fully using its features—whether that’s filtering strategically, reading between the lines in reviews, or bundling with purpose—you can uncover the kind of travel moments that others miss.
The hidden gems are out there. You just need the right tools—and now you’ve got them. So the next time you plan a trip, don’t just search. Explore.
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