Expedia is an online travel agency that might come up in your search to find deals on all types of travel, including flights, hotels and rental cars. But how does it compare to other booking options? Is Expedia a good deal or more reliable compared to booking with other OTAs, let alone versus booking directly with a travel company?

Let’s take a look at how Expedia works and whether it’ll save you money.

How does Expedia work?

Because Expedia is a travel agency, its website or app's travel search features will return you results from multiple companies. For instance, if you search for a hotel in Miami, Expedia will display options from brands like Marriott, IHG, Hilton and Hyatt, and even boutique hotels.

Booking on Expedia is much faster than going to each company’s individual website, since it can be a good way to compare prices from multiple options at once.

How to find and book travel on Expedia

Like other OTAs, you’ll book travel using Expedia’s website or app.

If you’re on a computer, once you’re on the site’s homepage, you can enter your search details. Expedia allows you to book hotels, flights, rental cars, cruises, vacation packages and even things to do.

Once you’ve completed your searching, you’ll be taken through the booking process. As an OTA, Expedia acts as the intermediary between you and the actual travel operators.