Artificial intelligence is moving beyond searching for travel options to planning entire holidays, as digital platforms seek to take on more of the process before and during a trip. As part of this shift, Expedia Group has announced more than 30 new and upgraded features across Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo, covering everything from planning and booking to payments and traveller support.
The new services allow users to search for accommodation by describing exactly what they want in their own words, compare hotels based on their individual needs and organise activities at their destination. New payment and support options are also being introduced, with a particular focus on families and groups travelling together.
Travel searches tailored to individual needs
Expedia’s redesigned homepage aims to offer a more personalised experience, displaying recommendations, deals and information based on where travellers are in their journey, from the initial search to preparing for departure.
One of the most significant additions is Activity Planner, a tool that helps users organise their itinerary after booking a trip. Based on their interests and trip details, it suggests activities, restaurants, events and local attractions. Travellers can save their choices and build a daily itinerary.
The Property Expert tool also allows users to ask specific questions about a property. Its AI-generated answers draw on property information, guest reviews and, where relevant, booking details.
Expedia is also expanding its multi-room booking capabilities, making it easier for families and larger groups to choose different room types at the same hotel, pay for them together and manage the booking through a single trip itinerary.
Vrbo: Flexible payments and improved customer service
On Vrbo, which specialises in holiday homes and accommodation for groups, the new Natural Language Search feature allows users to search using everyday descriptions. Instead of applying a series of filters, users can, for example, search for a beachfront home in Hawaii with a fully equipped kitchen and an outdoor gathering space.
Another addition is Reserve Now, Pay Later, which is expected to allow travellers to book selected homes without paying upfront. Travellers will be able to secure a property, giving them more time to confirm who is joining the group and collect the money for the stay. The option will be available for eligible bookings and will require a credit card.
Pre-arrival information is also being improved, bringing together property access instructions, entry codes, check-in and check-out times, and house rules.
Vrbo is also introducing an AI voice assistant, which will handle routine customer service requests and connect travellers with a representative when needed. The aim is to reduce waiting times and minimise the need to repeat the same information.
Hotel features
On Hotels.com, the upgraded AI Compare feature allows travellers to compare properties they have already shortlisted. The platform presents comparisons in plain language, taking into account factors such as location, amenities, price and booking terms.
Users can also ask follow-up questions to better understand the differences between the available options and decide which hotel best meets their needs.
The Hotels.com homepage also adapts to the type of trip. For business travel, for example, it makes it easier to manage bookings and access receipts, while for leisure trips it may display options to extend the stay.
A focus on families and travel value
Many of the new features focus on family holidays, where coordinating the needs of different family members can make planning more difficult. Expedia is adding interactive maps that highlight areas with beaches, playgrounds and restaurants, helping families choose the right location for their stay.
According to the Family Travel Association’s US Family Travel Survey 2025, more than a third of parents find it particularly stressful to identify fun and original activities for the whole family, while more than half of family travellers place considerable importance on room layout.
The new benefits also include discounts for One Key members on expedited airport security services in the US, as well as lounge access for eligible travellers in higher membership tiers when their flight is delayed by at least 90 minutes, subject to specific terms.
Overall, Expedia Group aims to turn its digital travel platforms from search and booking tools into comprehensive travel assistants throughout the journey. However, several of the new features are initially available in the US, so their availability in other markets will depend on a gradual rollout.
