Expedia is now beta testing its Expedia Trip Matching feature, which will create itineraries bookable on Expedia based on Instagram Reels.
Travelers initiate the process by clicking the share icon on an Instagram Reel, searching for the Expedia account and sending it the video. Then Expedia replies with travel recommendations, itineraries and trip-planning resources generated by artificial intelligence (AI). Travelers can book directly from the Expedia itineraries.
Expedia says it will be the first online travel agency integrating real-time, AI-powered travel planning directly into Instagram.
“The feature reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and meeting the next generation of travelers where they are — inspired, mobile and social-first,” Expedia wrote in a release about the new feature.
When I asked if the creator of the Reel will see any proceeds of booked travel, Expedia said it “won’t be offering compensation.”
Expedia Trip Matching will be available on Instagram in the coming weeks, though it is now open for beta access here.
Testing Expedia Trip Matching in Beta
I tried the beta version of Expedia Trip Matching by direct messaging Expedia on Instagram with the hashtag #tripmatchingaccess. I followed its directions by sending a Reel; in this case, I sent a Reel I created about a family trip I took to Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit.
When I only got a generic reply back, I gave it a push by reminding it I had sent a Reel. This seemed to do the trick, and it sent me a response that summarized the theme of the Reel: “Luxury Family Paradise at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit,” with a generic sentence about its upscales experiences, beachfront views and great service, along with a sentence about the best time to visit.
This was followed by a list of Top Things to Do, as well as Expedia’s Hidden Gems. Most of this was generic, but one of the “hidden gems” was a “Secret Cenote Tour,” which does not exist in Riviera Nayarit.
Expedia also sent a link to “Book With Expedia” which took me to the Expedia landing page for the resort, with the resort’s rating, reviews and more.
It also provided a five-day suggested itinerary that included a “pro tip” to reserve kids’ clubs special themed days in advance. I’m not sure if the resort’s kids’ club even offers special themed days — it didn’t when I visited. Finally, when I responded to the Expedia account with my travel days, it responded there was “an issue finding the perfect stay at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit for your dates.” It then suggested alternative options. When I said I was flexible from June to August and only wanted to stay at Grand Velas, it said there was an issue finding availability at the resort.
So, while the AI application is definitely interesting, it’s clear that there is still a bit of work that needs to be done to get the tool to actually meet customers’ needs. Expedia, too, continues to invest in human travel advisors with its Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP).
“Expedia Trip Matching and TAAP play distinct, complementary roles within the Expedia Group ecosystem,” Expedia said in a statement to TravelAge West. “Expedia TAAP empowers travel agents with access to Expedia’s inventory and commissions, while Trip Matching helps consumers turn social media inspiration into bookable itineraries. Together, these offerings reflect Expedia Group's commitment to both professionals and travelers through innovative, tailored solutions.”
