Traveler Insights-Report
Traveler Insights-Report
Traveler Insights-Report
TM
18 Inspiration
24 Research
28 Planning
32 Booking
42 Methodology
& about Expedia Group
Travel is a force for good
— it broadens horizons, bridges divides, are travelers spending with online travel
and opens the world. At Expedia Group, content, and what is influencing traveler
we power global travel for everyone, decisions? What, where, and how do we
everywhere. This starts with a deep need to show up to have the most impact?
globe. To do that, we draw from our To explore these questions and uncover the
wealth of trip search and booking data, myriad opportunities in the traveler path to
encompassing the 6.5 million visitors purchase, we partnered with Luth Research
on average to our traveler apps and to conduct a digital study and consumer
experiences each day and the custom survey in seven countries around the world:
requested research topics is the traveler The aggregated research findings reveal
and travel industry are increasingly throughout the online shopping journey
fragmented, online content consumption and illustrate where and how they plan
continues to rise, and the touchpoints for and book travel. From typical travel website
traveler influence and engagement seem visits and page views to destination
endless. The way people are inspired considerations, resources, and influences
to travel, research, and book trips has at every stage, this research provides
changed in recent years, along with actionable insights to help you reach,
the content that influences their travel inspire, engage, and convert travelers
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Canada
United Kingdom
France
United States
Japan
Mexico
Australia
The path to purchase study includes: Online travel resource categories (web and app) in the survey and digital study
• Airline (e.g., Delta, Lufthansa) • Online travel agency or OTA (e.g., Costco Travel,
Digital Data Survey Data • Car (e.g., Avis, Hertz) Expedia, Hotels.com)
• Destination website or DMO (e.g., Tourism Panama, • Search engines (e.g., Bing, Google)
Luth digital data tracked and Luth issued a survey asking about
Visit California) • Social media (e.g., Instagram, TikTok)
evaluated traveler behavior in the motivations and influences driving • Financial services (e.g., Affirm, MasterCard, PayPal) • Train/rail (e.g., Amtrak)
• Hotel (e.g., Accor, Marriott, Hilton) • Travel media (e.g., Travel + Leisure)
45 days before a trip booking a recent trip • Meta travel websites (e.g., Google Flights, Kayak, • Vacation rentals (e.g., Airbnb, Vrbo, Vacasa)
Tripadvisor)
• 70,000+ digital data panel • 5,713 survey respondents Note: In the digital study, vacation rentals are
included in the OTA resource category. In the
• Based on those who booked travel • Based on those who booked travel consumer survey, OTAs and vacation rentals are
separate resource categories.
in the last 12 months in the past six months
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Travel Content Consumption Average number of page views per day
30
As travelers near their purchase date, page views
Page Views
each day working, shopping, scrolling 15
online behavior leading up to a travel Furthermore, four in five travelers visit an OTA
On average, travelers
purchase, insights from the digital data at some point before making a travel purchase,
view 141 pages of travel
panel provided a quantitative view of indicating that even if travelers ultimately book
content in the 45 days
how much and what type of content on another website, they likely visited an OTA
prior to booking a trip
travelers interact with throughout the for inspiration, research, or planning purposes.
booking journey.
nearly half of these page views (67 pages),
followed by airline websites (33 pages), Travelers spend an extensive amount of time
On average across the seven countries, with travel content during the 45 days prior
hotel websites (16 pages), and meta travel
travelers view 141 pages of travel content 2.5 page views per day. As travelers near to booking — 303 minutes on average, or
websites (16 pages).
in the 45 days prior to booking a trip — their purchase date, page views increase just over 5 hours. To put that in context, this is
and as high as 277 pages for travelers in slightly and then increase exponentially in longer than the average time it takes to run a
Looking at the percentage of travelers that
the U.S. These page views are distributed the few days prior to a booking, ending marathon or about the time it takes to fly direct
use each resource — or website category —
throughout their path to purchase. with 25 page views on the day of purchase. from Toronto to Mexico City.
in the 45 days leading up to their purchase,
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On average, travelers
Resources used leading up to a travel purchase
Looking at the percentage of travelers that use each resource in the 45 days leading up to their purchase, OTAs are used by most travelers.
consume 303 minutes of
travel content in the 45
OTA
80% days prior to booking a trip
Search engine
61%
Social media
58%
Airline site Time spent with resources used on the path to purchase
54% Of travelers that used the resource, they spent the longest amount
Meta travel site of time with OTAs, airline websites, and meta travel websites.
51%
Hotel site
purchase type. Travelers in the U.S. spend a travel content on OTAs, 128 minutes on airline limited mobile app visibility). This was also 95 min.
whopping 524 minutes with travel content, websites, and 120 minutes on meta travel true for individual sessions (or visits), as
Car rental site
or 8 hours and 44 minutes. Vacation rental websites. While the time spent on hotel and on average, mobile web sessions lasted
55 min.
guests spend 511 minutes, or 8 hours and car rental websites was lower overall, those about half the time of desktop sessions.
31 minutes, with travel content, significantly that did use these resources spent upwards This indicates that travelers are doing more
Travel media
longer than the average travel booker. of 90 minutes on hotel websites and nearly of their intensive research on desktop, or 23 min.
60 minutes on car rental websites. that those using mobile web are finding
Destination site
We then went deeper into the time spent the information they need and making
17 min.
with each online resource — or website Across all travel website categories, the total decisions quickly or spending time with
category — and specifically those travelers amount of time travelers spent with content mobile apps.
who used each resource. On average, on desktop was considerably higher than on
travelers spent 160 minutes consuming mobile web (the digital data panel included
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The traveler Travel purchase journey length 33 days
purchase journey The average trip consideration window
— when a traveler started thinking
Inspiration
When travelers first start
about a trip to booking — is 71 days
thinking about a trip
Knowing that the travel shopping journey Japanese travelers are taking much shorter (33 in inspiration, 38 in research and
planning). The post-purchase window
is complex and multifaceted, we surveyed trips that take less time to plan. Business travel- — the time between booking and
travelers to more deeply understand key ers also have a condensed purchase path with
taking the trip — is 73 days on average.
38 days
touchpoints, influences, resources, and 52 days in inspiration and planning phases Research
Early in the process, when travelers
behaviors throughout various stages of the and 43 days between booking and trip start. are browsing and narrowing options
Through the survey, which asked respon- compared to 61 days for domestic trips, and Booking
Final step, when travelers
dents about a recently booked trip, we a longer post-purchase window — 94 days make a purchase
found that the average path to purchase or for international trips compared to 60 days
73 days
trip consideration window — when a travel- for domestic trips. Vacation rental guests also
er started thinking about a trip to booking have a long inspiration and planning window Post purchase
The time between booking and
— is 71 days, with 33 days in the inspiration (83 days) and they book their accommodations taking the trip
phase and 38 days in the research and over three months before trip start.
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A dynamic and complex path to purchase search engines, meta travel websites, and websites or apps. Once travelers start to
With an average path To better understand engagement OTAs are used the most for inspiration. narrow their options, resource use slowly
to purchase more than opportunities throughout the shopping path declines across all categories. Travelers then
two months long, travel and to look beyond the digital panel data, As travelers go through the early research turn to trusted resources including OTAs and
brands have a significant we asked travelers how they use various phases and begin to compare options, travel providers — including airline, car, hotel,
runway to influence resources when planning and booking trips. search engines and meta travel websites rail, and vacation rental websites and apps —
traveler booking decisions The survey revealed that social media along jump to the top, followed by destination to book travel.
with other resources like destination websites, websites, OTAs, and vacation rental
Social media
60%
Destination site
Search engine
40%
OTA
Rail site/app
Hotel site/app
Airline site/app
0%
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Inspiration Resources used for trip inspiration
Throughout this early phase, travelers use and draw inspiration from multiple resources.
Destination site
45%
The initial spark of inspiration is the first not have a specific destination in mind or
Search engine
41%
opportunity to influence traveler decisions considered multiple destinations. More than
Meta travel site
— a critical 33-day period, according to the 80% of travelers from Mexico and 62% of 36%
OTA
survey data. And trip inspiration can come travelers from the U.K. were undecided on their 35%
from anywhere, so how can destinations destination, indicating that these travelers may Vacation rental site/app
28%
and travel providers ensure that they be even more open to destination inspiration.
break through and remain top of mind for Of the 13% of travelers who considered more
destination is often undecided during the path, particularly given the path to purchase that are turning to these resources during
inspiration stage. Before selecting where is more than two months long — and nearly Resource use during the inspiration phase the path to purchase.
to go on their trip, 59% of travelers did three months long for international trips. Throughout this early phase, travelers
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The role of social media authentic stories. They turn to social media Advertising impact and influence Influential aspects of advertising
Travelers using social media prior to to look for destination inspiration, lodging Travel advertising can also be extremely
booking a trip are using it for inspiration recommendations, and inspiration, and to view influential, especially at the start of the 52%
Beautiful images
and recommendations, and Instagram, travel content, look for trip deals, and more. travel shopping journey. On average,
Facebook, and YouTube are the top three nearly one in five (19%) travelers said 46%
→ When promoting your destination, property, or Promotions
social media platforms used throughout the offering, consider combining inspirational social advertising influenced their decision to or ideas
planning process. content with discounted rates or promotional deals book a trip. This number was highest
41%
to make it even more compelling, or use influencers
among travelers from Mexico at 40%. Content highlighting
interesting experiences
to offer promo links and codes that further sweeten
Travelers want real examples of other the deal for travelers. Furthermore, leveraging Vacation rental guests (26%) and hotel
people's experiences as well as their reviews user-generated content in social campaigns guests (22%) are also more likely than
may resonate with travelers seeking authentic,
or feedback on a specific hotel, activity, or average to be influenced by advertising.
trustworthy information from other travelers.
destination, and social media is an effective
platform for sharing and consuming those Among those, more than two-thirds (67%)
How travelers use social media in the path to purchase (39%) during the middle of the shopping
Travelers using social media prior to booking a trip are using it for inspiration and recommendations, as well as viewing content from both
journey, and 7% late in the process, shortly
friends and family and influencers.
Destination inspiration
before booking. Travelers from the U.S.
65%
are particularly likely to notice influential
Lodging recommendations & inspiration
49%
ads during the inspiration phase (81%),
Content from friends/family
41% while those in the U.K. are more likely to
Content from influencers/celebrities
40% notice ads during the consideration and
Asked for feedback from friends/family planning phase (47%).
35%
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Research
Early in the process, when travelers are
browsing and narrowing options
After the inspiration phase, on average, media, followed by destination websites of travelers are most likely to visit
travelers spend 38 days researching and and OTAs. As travelers shop around and an OTA next. And, after visiting an
planning their trip. Throughout the research compare options, vacation rental, hotel, OTA, most travelers (89%) visit another
phase, travelers are actively looking at and transportation websites or apps, such travel website, such as an airline, hotel,
various options, gathering information, and as car rental, rail, and airline are also utilized or meta travel website.
Australia | Japan
25%
0%
Canada | Mexico | United States
Search Meta Social Destination OTA Vacation Hotel Car rental Rail site/ Airline
engine travel media site rental site/app site/app app site/app
site site/app
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OTAs are used for cross shopping regardless of where purchase is made
The digital data shows that most travelers use OTAs in the path to purchase, regardless of where they book.
The digital data shows that most travelers → This speaks to the importance of having a brand
presence not just on your owned websites, but
use OTAs for research, regardless of where
across other channels and platforms like OTAs and
they book. When looking at those who ensuring your rates and inventory are accurate
booked on a hotel website or app, nearly everywhere to stay top of mind with travelers.
travel needs.
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Planning
Right before booking, when travelers
are considering final options
At the end of the consideration window illustrates how travelers are using these online digital wallets, redeeming loyalty points,
and prior to booking, travelers move into resources to help further narrow their options availability of travel packages, and even
the planning phase. During this key period, and lock in key details like location, price, travel ratings and reviews.
they are mapping out trip details and dates, and activities.
considering their final options from those Nearly half (49%) of travelers said getting
identified during the research phase. the best price is an important factor when
become the top online resource for travel Beyond researching various aspects of their third (31%) consider their positive previous
planning, with meta travel websites close trip, travelers are also considering where and experience with a travel brand (37% in
behind. Travelers also use car, hotel, and rail how to book their trip during the planning the U.S.), and 28% look for travel brands
websites or apps, as well as vacation rental phase. This could include access to various that offer flexible cancellation policies or
websites or apps, and social media. This payment options such as financing or refundable rates.
Australia | Japan
25%
France | United Kingdom
OTA Meta Car rental Hotel Vacation Rail site/ Social Search Airline Destination
travel site/app site/app rental app media engine site/app site
site site/app
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The most important factors differ slightly
ratings and reviews are more important factors include best prices on travel and an
easy to use website. However, other important
to vacation rental guests, while flight factors differ slightly when looking at the type
of travel purchase.
shoppers are more concerned with 25%
Hotel
→ For travel suppliers, this is an opportunity to
0%
highlight features, flexibility, and transparency Vacation rental
Best prices Easy to use No hidden Positive Payment Travel Flexible Personal Trust Easy to
in your messaging and content across the Package on travel website fees previous options ratings & cancellation data is provider use mobile
shopping journey. experience reviews secure will deliver app
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Booking
Final step, when travelers make
a purchase
When asked about their most recent trip, Nearly four in five travelers (78%) had prior (69%) are more likely than travelers from
more than half (51%) of travelers booked booking experience with the website they other countries to book using a computer.
on an OTA (69% in Japan), 37% booked on booked on, indicating that familiarity is a
an airline website or app, and 23% booked key booking consideration. More than three- Nearly one-third (32%) of travelers booked
on a hotel website or app. It’s important to quarters (76%) of travelers who booked their on a mobile device using a website and
note that some travelers booked multiple trip on an OTA had previously booked travel 23% booked using a mobile app, with
trip elements across multiple travel websites. through an OTA. travelers from Mexico being the most likely
The potential for booking across different to book using a mobile device (39% on
websites or resources further emphasizes Of those who booked multiple trip mobile web, 36% via mobile app). Among
the importance of your brand showing up components, 43% booked their flight first hotel guests, more than one-third (34%)
beyond your owned channels. — as many as 55% in Australia and 53% booked their trip via mobile web and 25%
in Mexico — while 27% booked a hotel first. booked via a mobile app.
Digging into booking devices, 59% of travelers continues to evolve but remains an important
23% 13%
Hotel Vacation used a computer to book an element of their factor in booking decisions. Among travelers
site/app rental
site/app trip, making it the most popular device for who are members of a travel rewards
booking. Travelers from Canada and the U.S. program, 79% feel it’s important to book with a
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Travel rewards membership considerations Interest in loyalty program features
Loyalty members find it important to book with their memberships and are often willing to pay more to prioritize brand preference. Loyalty members are most interested in price discounts and gaining points and rewards for future travel.
Price discounts
73%
Importance of booking with membership Willingness to pay more to book with membership
Gaining points/rewards for future travel
61%
16% 30% 33% 36% 46%
Slightly Moderately Very No Yes, only slightly more Member deals
56%
5% 17% 6% 12%
Not at all Extremely Not sure Yes, even if Complimentary upgrades
significantly 55%
more
Perks and amentities
48%
Prioritized access
39%
brand where they’re a loyalty member and pay more to book with a brand where to other regions, travelers from Canada
earn perks like points for future bookings. Of they are a loyalty member, and this and the U.S. are more likely to be interested
those 79%, 17% said it’s extremely important. number climbs for travelers booking in earning rewards for future travel and
vacation rentals (65%) and flights (63%). receiving perks or amenity access through
Loyalty member travelers are less price However, their willingness to pay more only their loyalty programs.
conscious and may prioritize brand goes so far, which indicates that for most
→ Whether travelers are booking with their
preference over price. Nearly three in five loyalty travelers, if travel options with their
preferred OTA, hotel website, airline website,
travelers (58%) said they would be willing to loyalty programs are too expensive, they or elsewhere, both travel brand loyalty and
will look to other options. familiarity influences where travelers choose
to book. However, price sensitivity and deals or
discounts play a larger role in influencing booking
8 in 10 travel rewards But, when their preferred travel brand offers decisions, indicating that travelers are ultimately
program members feel them a deal, that’s even sweeter: price looking for the option that has the best overall
with a brand where (56%) are some of the top reasons travel
they’re a loyalty member rewards members are interested in loyalty
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Turning insights
into action Influence travelers with
inspiration and information
Stand out in a
crowded landscape
Implement an
omnipresent approach
How to reach and Whether it’s a social media post, Travelers consume a lot of travel Travelers are using multiple resources
chats with family, or an intriguing content: 141 pages and 303 minutes throughout the path to purchase,
engage travelers online promotion, travel inspiration leading up to booking, to be exact. which makes it essential to show up
throughout today’s can happen anytime and anywhere. This provides an opportunity for beyond your brand’s owned channels.
path to purchase Yet after this initial point of inspiration, you to find ways to stand out from Explore cross-channel and cross-
there’s still opportunity to influence the crowd and elevate your content platform strategies to leverage the
aspirational and informative content their travel searches. Optimize extend your reach and presence.
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OTAs are for more Incorporate deals Lean in
than booking and incentives to loyalty
Travelers turn to OTAs to be inspired, Five in 10 travelers said getting the Nearly 50% of travelers are members
plan, research, comparison shop, best price is an important factor when of a travel rewards program, and
and book. When it comes to our deciding where to shop and book their nearly 3 in 5 of those members would
travel brands, we provide travelers trip. When developing your advertising be willing to pay more to book with
around the world with everything and marketing strategy, consider a brand where they are a member.
needed throughout the path to leading with a promotional discount Promote your loyalty benefits in your
purchase for all types of travel, or offering supported by content that content and channels and consider
which brings our partners demand. spotlights the uniqueness of your offering exclusive discounts for your
For partners who want to offer location or interesting activities to loyal travelers.
technology to you.
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Methodology
This consumer survey was conducted by Luth Research between March 24-April 19, 2023, among
5,713 participants 18 years and older in seven markets: Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Mexico,
and the U.K. and U.S. who booked online travel within the last six months.
The behavioral digital study used Luth Research’s ZQ Intelligence passive metering technology
and its database of digital behaviors to analyze the travel path to purchase for 70,000+
participants 18 years and older in seven markets: Australia, Canada, France, Japan,
Mexico, and the U.K. and U.S. The digital data panel spanned 12 months and evaluated
traveler behavior and influences in the 45 days leading up to booking a trip, looking across
desktop and mobile devices, with limited mobile app visibility. Online visits to relevant travel
sites within the past 12 months were identified, and the digital data from 45 days prior to
booking was extracted and analyzed.
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