Wanderlust Influencers' Gateway to Profit: The Top Travel Affiliate Programs
Are you an intrepid influencer with insatiable wanderlust, yearning to transform your passion for travel into a thriving business?
Look no further! Embracing the enchanting world of travel-related affiliate programs is the key to unlocking endless possibilities.
As a wanderlust-driven influencer, you possess a unique power—the ability to inspire and guide your followers on their journeys around the globe. By joining hands with travel affiliate programs, you can seamlessly recommend exceptional services and products, enriching your audience's travel experiences and your financial gains.
The allure of the travel industry is undeniable. According to recent reports, the global leisure travel market's meteoric rise reached an astounding USD 804.4 Billion in 2022. The trajectory shows no signs of slowing down, with projections predicting a remarkable ascent to US$ 1,330.5 Billion by 2028, exhibiting a phenomenal CAGR of 8.75% from 2022 to 2028. These staggering figures unequivocally underscore the highly lucrative potential of the travel niche within the realm of affiliate marketing.
So, seize the opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of captivating destinations, breathtaking adventures, and enriching experiences, while also forging a profitable path for yourself. To assist you on this remarkable journey, we present our comprehensive round-up of the 15 best travel affiliate programs available for you to sign up for now.
Top 15 Travel Affiliate Programs to Join Right Away
Here are the top 15 programs for the traveling affiliate marketing niche -
- Booking.com
- Agoda
- Tripadvisor
- Hotels.com
- GAdventures
- Viator
- GetYourGuide
- REI
- TrustedHousesitters
- Hostelworld
- SafetyWing
- RentalCars
- Klook
- Skyscanner
- Momondo
- Omio
1. Booking.com Affiliate Marketing Program
Booking.com is a renowned online platform catering to all your travel needs, from hotel bookings to airline tickets and car rentals, Booking.com has earned its stripes as one of the most sought-after travel comparison sites worldwide. With an extensive array of over 30 million bookable rooms, spanning more than 2.5 million properties, this platform ensures your audience is spoiled for choice.
What sets Booking.com apart is its strong partner relationships, enabling users to steer clear of booking fees and revel in the best travel deals around. This advantage consistently places it ahead of its competition, making it an enticing choice for travel affiliates.
Boasting an impressive roster of over 12,500 travel affiliates, the popularity of Booking.com's affiliate program speaks volumes. Whether you're a travel blogger, influencer, or anyone else seeking to capitalize on this opportunity, you stand to earn a generous 4% commission on every booking made through your referral.
But that's not all—prepare to be astounded by the program's earning potential, with a remarkable seven-day EPC (Earnings Per Click) exceeding $160, ranking it among the highest-paying affiliate programs in the travel niche. Additionally, affiliates gain access to an arsenal of valuable resources, including an offers search box, banner integration options, and deep linking capabilities.
However, as with any venture, a word of caution is in order. The cookie window operates on a session-based system, implying that your commission hinges on a user's immediate conversion after clicking your referral link. As a result, it is vital to direct warm, pre-qualified traffic to Booking.com to maximize your earnings and foster a thriving partnership.
2. Agoda Affiliate Program
Agoda Affiliate Program is a stalwart in the online travel accommodation sphere. With an extensive network of over two million vacation rentals and hotel bookings, Agoda offers an unparalleled spectrum of options catering to business, leisure, solo, and family travelers, ranging from grandiose resorts to hidden gems awaiting discovery. For travel bloggers seeking diverse audiences to captivate, Agoda presents an exciting prospect.
Agoda's travel affiliate program is tailor-made for travel bloggers, extending exclusive invitations only to individuals with their own websites. Unfortunately, social influencers are not eligible for participation in this particular program.
For qualifying participants, the rewards are significant—a chance to earn generous commissions of up to 7% for each successful referral. This offering outshines what other major booking portals present, setting Agoda apart as a preferred choice for travel affiliates aiming to boost their earnings.
Empowering affiliates to excel in their marketing endeavors, Agoda grants access to an array of valuable tools, including hotel power ads, text links, and more. These resources act as catalysts, propelling your affiliate marketing commissions to new heights.
As you venture forth into this promising partnership, remember to wield your influence responsibly, directing your audience towards remarkable travel experiences that align with their preferences.
3. Tripadvisor Affiliate Program
You're likely well-acquainted with Tripadvisor, the unrivaled online platform renowned for its extensive repository of reviews. With a staggering one billion reviews under its belt by the close of 2022, Tripadvisor indisputably excels in its primary mission—to provide invaluable insights and recommendations to travelers worldwide.
Yet, Tripadvisor's capabilities extend beyond reviews; it serves as a gateway to booking hotels and engages in various activities. However, it's crucial to note that the focus of the Tripadvisor affiliate program lies solely on accommodation. Here, affiliate marketers are in for a treat, earning an impressive 50% split of the revenue derived from hotel bookings—a generous commission indeed.
While flights, restaurants, vacation rentals, and tourist attractions remain outside the scope of the commission, there's a captivating twist in this affiliate program. Your potential earnings soar during incentive campaigns, reaching an extraordinary 80% commission. Furthermore, Tripadvisor's affiliate program harbors a unique peculiarity—commission is not contingent upon a completed booking. Instead, you earn every time a user referred from your site clicks out to any of Tripadvisor's booking partners.
The conversion rates of 30%+ augment the allure of the Tripadvisor program, potentially making it one of the most lucrative affiliate programs within the travel niche—provided you can channel sufficient traffic.
4. Hotels.com Affiliate Program
Hotels.com Affiliate Program is a major player in the realm of hotel accommodation. Boasting an impressive portfolio encompassing over one million properties across 200 countries, Hotels.com caters to every traveler's desire—whether seeking a lavish resort or a cozy bed-and-breakfast.
A key advantage of the Hotels.com program lies in its extensive reach. Operating 85 localized websites, accessible in more than 35 languages, it beckons to a truly global audience. This wide-reaching potential allows affiliate marketers to tap into diverse markets and connect with audiences spanning the globe.
However, it's important to note that Hotels.com administers multiple affiliate programs through the Commission Junction affiliate network, each tailored to specific traveler markets. Should you opt for the US & Canada affiliate program, your commissions will exclusively stem from bookings made by customers in those regions.
For added convenience and competitiveness, Hotels.com empowers affiliate marketers to promote exclusive voucher codes offering enticing discounts. These marketing tools act as catalysts, elevating your potential earnings while delivering exceptional value to your audience.
5. G Adventures Affiliate Program
Distinguished as a trailblazer in small group adventure travel, G Adventures beckons to a distinctive breed of explorers. Its customers seek experiences that transcend the ordinary—living like locals in the Amazon, traversing North Asia by rail, or trekking through Nepal's majestic mountains. Positioned in a relatively niche market, G Adventures nonetheless embraces a thriving sector projected to be worth a staggering $1.6 trillion by 2026, making it an optimal choice for adventure travel blogs seeking the best affiliate programs.
One captivating aspect of the adventure travel niche lies in its premium prices. With many trips being once-in-a-lifetime experiences, customers prioritize the quality of the journey over the lowest cost.
While the 6% commission rate may not initially appear extraordinary, it becomes substantially more enticing once you consider that G Adventures' average order value stands at a remarkable $2,600. This exceptional value translates into significant rewards for affiliate marketers looking to capitalize on this unparalleled opportunity.
6. Viator Affiliate Program
For travelers seeking to immerse themselves in unforgettable experiences, Viator stands as the quintessential one-stop shop. Boasting an extensive catalog of over 395,000 attractions and activities across 2,500 destinations, Viator caters to the wanderlust of explorers worldwide.
With a keen focus on streamlining the path to conversion, Viator supports over 35 languages, empowers customers with a repository of more than one million reviews to facilitate informed decision-making, and offers flexible cancellations on 85% of its affiliate products, up to 24 hours in advance. This customer-centric approach enhances the ease of monetizing traffic for affiliate marketers, paving the way for lucrative opportunities.
Travel bloggers and content partners are in for a treat, as Viator's affiliate program rewards them with an enticing 8% commission on each booking. The program's 30-day cookie duration is also notably more generous compared to many other referral programs, ensuring that marketers have ample time to maximize their earnings potential.
7. GetYourGuide Affiliate Program
GetYourGuide is an esteemed online travel agency and marketplace, headquartered in Berlin. GetYourGuide is a treasure trove, housing a vast catalog of more than 34,000 tours and activities spanning the globe. From iconic landmarks like the Sistine Chapel to renowned institutions like the Louvre Museum, the platform offers a myriad of opportunities to explore and savor enriching experiences.
Affiliate marketers are primed for success, earning enticing 8% commissions through the GetYourGuide travel affiliate program, with the potential for even higher rates based on individual partnerships. To bolster affiliate sales, the brand consistently rolls out engaging promotions, offers a compelling lower-price guarantee, and facilitates last-minute bookings. These initiatives synergistically drive success, empowering both travelers and affiliate marketers to thrive in their pursuit of memorable adventures.
8. REI Affiliate Program
While Amazon may reign as the go-to destination for general last-minute travel purchases, REI stands as the ultimate haven for specialist outdoor gear. With over eight decades of prominence in the outdoor industry and an extensive network of 165 retail stores across the US, REI boasts an indomitable brand presence.
For adventurers in need of top-notch gear, whether a new backpack, a pair of hiking boots, or a reliable trekking pole, REI houses an impressive selection to cater to every outdoor aspiration.
Though not a conventional travel affiliate program, travel blogs can uncover abundant monetization opportunities through REI. While a 5% commission might not initially seem extravagant, the site's average order value exceeding $120 significantly enhances its allure. Moreover, REI's customer-centric approach, offering free pickups from stores and complimentary shipping on orders of $50+, serves as a compelling incentive for readers to engage with affiliate links.
9. TrustedHousesitters Affiliate Program
Leave behind the worry of parting with your furry friend during holidays, as TrustedHousesitters presents the ideal solution—an avenue to choose caring sitters who move into your house and look after your pets while you're away.
With an impressive presence of property owners in 130 countries, from charming London townhouses to idyllic Hawaiian beachfront homes, TrustedHousesitters ensures your beloved pets receive the utmost care and attention.
The platform operates two separate travel affiliate programs, catering to different user needs:
- Earn a rewarding 20% commission for referring new sitters to TrustedHousesitters.
- Secure up to $100 for referring property owners.
For pet lovers and travel enthusiasts alike, TrustedHousesitters epitomizes the perfect harmony of heartfelt compassion and delightful travel experiences. With the comfort of your pets assured, embark on unforgettable journeys with TrustedHousesitters by your side.
10. Hostelworld Affiliate Program
Hostelworld is a prominent travel booking platform that specializes in delivering the ultimate hostel experience. With an extensive offering of over 36,000 hostels spread across 179 countries, Hostelworld caters to a diverse array of budget-conscious travelers seeking affordable and vibrant accommodations.
To ensure travelers make informed choices, Hostelworld's listings boast the backing of more than 13 million verified guest reviews, enriching the decision-making process.
Recognized for its excellence, Hostelworld's affiliate program is favored by esteemed members such as Culture Trip, Lonely Planet, and Tripadvisor, along with celebrated travel bloggers like The Broke Backpacker. This star-studded lineup of affiliates serves as a testament to the program's worth and desirability.
Affiliate marketers stand to gain significant earnings through Hostelworld's Commission-Per-Action (CPA) model, with commissions reaching up to an enticing 40% of the deposit earned by Hostelworld for each successful booking.
11. RentalCars Affiliate Program
Unlock the potential of transportation opportunities as a travel blogger affiliate with RentalCars.com.
This expansive rental car comparison website boasts impressive brand recognition and offers an array of enticing deals for travelers seeking road trips or a more socially distanced travel experience.
In the realm of rental car affiliate programs, RentalCars.com and Discover Cars stand out as prominent contenders, each catering to distinct audiences. By testing both options, affiliates can discern which program resonates more effectively with their readers, thus optimizing their potential for conversions.
12. Klook Affiliate Program
For travel bloggers with a focus on Asian countries like Japan, Korea, Singapore, China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, Klook stands as an ideal partner. Hailing from Hong Kong, Klook offers a wide array of travel tours and experiences that immerse travelers in captivating cultures and vibrant landscapes.
As international tourism in Asia underwent a shift due to the pandemic, Klook directed its focus toward Europe and North America as target markets, expanding its appeal to a global audience. Travel bloggers can discover the perfect match for their audience's interests by exploring offerings from Klook, Viator, and GetYourGuide.
With a diverse portfolio spanning tours, activities, train tickets, WiFi rentals, and SIM cards, Klook affords travel bloggers an array of products and conveniences to introduce to their readers, ensuring unforgettable journeys and seamless travel experiences.
13. Skyscanner Affiliate Program
Skyscanner is a metasearch engine and esteemed travel agency hailing from Scotland. With a staggering average of over 100 million monthly site visits, Skyscanner specializes in empowering travelers to effortlessly search, compare, and book from a vast array of flight, hotel, and car hire deals sourced from more than 1,200 travel providers. Present in 35 languages across 60 countries, Skyscanner has earned the trust of countless regular travelers, solidifying its position as a reputable and recognizable brand in the industry.
Joining forces with Skyscanner's airline affiliate program proves to be a lucrative venture, offering commissions on sales of flights and hotel bookings. These commissions are derived from a share of the earnings received by Skyscanner from their valued travel partners. Anticipate earning approximately 20% commissions for each booking, cementing Skyscanner's appeal as a reliable source for travel deals and a treasure trove of diverse travel products.
Affiliates have a myriad of options to promote Skyscanner's offerings, from embedding widgets on their websites to utilizing text links, banners, or even generating unique referral links. For those with an innovative spark, Skyscanner's Flights API enables the creation of cutting-edge travel websites or apps.
14. Momondo Affiliate Program
Momondo excels in searching and presenting affordable fares for tickets, accommodations, car rentals, and experiences.
Momondo's affiliate program extends a warm welcome to even smaller blogs, offering an excellent opportunity for budding affiliates. Content sites, established travel platforms, and email marketers with pre-approved content are all eligible to join.
Enrolling in the affiliate program through any of the associate affiliate network partners unlocks the potential to earn up to US$0.65 per click on desktops and tablets, and US$0.45 per click on mobile searches. Currently focusing on flights, Momondo's affiliate product awaits eager participants. Furthermore, if your website attracts more than 200,000 unique visitors each month, reach out to the brand directly for exclusive deals and additional support.
15. Omio Affiliate Program
Omio is an all-encompassing platform for booking various modes of transportation. From trains and buses to flights and ferries, Omio serves as a one-stop shop, simplifying travel planning for your readers.
When crafting travel guides or itineraries on your blog, such as "Paris to Versailles," the Omio affiliate program becomes a seamless plug for train, bus, and flight bookings. However, it's essential to consider that transportation affiliate programs catering to car rentals and travel tours often offer higher percentage commissions on similar order values.
Offering a diverse array of options and measuring their performance in terms of clicks and conversions allows you to optimize your affiliate marketing strategy. With commissions ranging from 2-8% based on customer location, Omio stands ready to enhance your readers' travel experiences.
Over to You!
In conclusion, the realm of travel affiliate marketing offers a plethora of high-quality programs with immense income-generating potential. However, it's crucial to recognize that success in this competitive landscape demands dedication and hard work. Aspiring travel bloggers must embark on a journey of building their websites, conducting comprehensive keyword research, and crafting high-quality content to stand out among seasoned travel bloggers.
The road to earning passive income through affiliate marketing may seem challenging, but it is far from impossible. Many travel affiliate marketers have successfully navigated this path, and with perseverance and the right resources, you can too. Our guide on becoming a successful product review blogger can provide valuable insights on how to succeed in this endeavor.
Moreover, managing affiliate commissions spread across multiple platforms can be cumbersome. This is where Shopper.com enters the picture, offering a streamlined solution to efficiently monitor, test, and optimize affiliate links. With a single account, you can gain a comprehensive overview of your affiliate performance, receive notifications for broken links, and access detailed analytical dashboards to track your earnings.
So, take the leap and explore the realm of travel affiliate marketing with determination and the right tools by your side. Success awaits those who are willing to embrace the journey and unleash their potential in this dynamic and rewarding field.
Get started with Shopper.com today to elevate your affiliate marketing endeavors and maximize your earning potential.