Expedia Launches Industry-First Feature That Turns Instagram Reels into Bookable Travel Itineraries

Rhea-AI Summary

Expedia (EXPE) has launched Expedia® Trip Matching, an innovative AI-powered feature that converts Instagram Reels into bookable travel itineraries. The first-of-its-kind tool allows users to share any public travel-related Reel with Expedia and receive customized travel recommendations and booking options. This integration makes Expedia the first Online Travel Agency (OTA) to offer real-time, AI-powered travel planning directly within Instagram.

The feature works by letting users share inspiring travel Reels with @Expedia, which then responds with AI-generated personalized recommendations and bookable itineraries. According to Expedia, 80% of millennials rely on social media for travel decisions. The service is currently in beta and will be available to U.S. travelers in the coming weeks through Expedia.com/tripmatching.com.

Positive

• First OTA to integrate AI-powered travel planning directly with Instagram, showing technological leadership
• Targets millennial demographic where 80% rely on social media for travel decisions
• Creates new revenue stream by converting social media inspiration directly into bookings
• Streamlines the customer journey from inspiration to booking, potentially increasing conversion rates

Negative

• Initial rollout limited to U.S. market only
• Beta phase implementation may have early technical challenges
• Dependency on Instagram platform and Meta's policies

New trip matching tool uses AI to convert social media inspiration into real-world travel plans—all within Instagram

SEATTLE, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Expedia® today announced Expedia® Trip Matching, a first-of-its-kind feature that allows travelers to seamlessly build an itinerary based on an Instagram Reel and then book directly on Expedia. Travelers can share any publicly available travel-related Reel—whether from content creators they follow or trending posts—directly with Expedia and receive customized itineraries, destination ideas, and travel tips based on the video. Powered by AI, this new experience transforms inspiration into real-world travel plans, making it easier than ever to book travel directly from Instagram.

"It's no secret people are getting their news, inspiration and travel ideas from influencers and content creators, with a recent study showing that 80% of millennials rely on social media for travel decisions*," said Jochen Koedijk, Chief Marketing Officer, Expedia Group. "We want to be where consumers get their inspiration, which is through social media. Now with Expedia® Trip Matching, travelers can seamlessly build an itinerary based on an Instagram Reel and book it directly on Expedia."

How Expedia® Trip Matching works:

• Find inspiration: While scrolling Instagram, a user finds a Reel featuring a destination or experience they love.
• Share it with Expedia: They tap the share icon on the Reel, search for the @Expedia account, and send the video.
• Receive fast results: Expedia replies with AI-generated, personalized travel recommendations, itineraries, and trip-planning resources based on the video.
• Book when ready: Travelers can review and book directly from the customized itinerary—seamlessly bridging social discovery with real-world booking.

Expedia® Trip Matching is now open for beta access by visiting Expedia.com/tripmatching.com. The feature will be available to U.S. travelers in the upcoming weeks. Through the new trip matching feature, Expedia becomes the first OTA to integrate 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.

ABOUT EXPEDIA
Expedia^® is one of the world's leading full-service travel brands, with a mission of helping travelers get the most out of every trip they take by providing everything they need all in one place, ensuring they are getting the most out of every trip they take, and above all else, feel supported every step of the way.   

Our commitment to insights matched with our unprecedented scale allows us to understand our travelers better than anyone else, delivering exactly what they need, when they need it. Our personalized experiences, backed by incredible technology, enable us to deliver the widest selection of product offerings across accommodations, transportation, activities and experiences that help you get the most out of your journey.   

Use our mobile app or visit www.expedia.com to plan your journey with us.   

© 2025 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved. Expedia and the Expedia logo are trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. CST# 2029030-50.
Follow Expedia on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube. 

* Source: Klook Pulse study, November 2023

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SOURCE Expedia

FAQ

What is Expedia Trip Matching and how does it work?

Expedia Trip Matching is an AI-powered feature that converts Instagram Reels into bookable travel itineraries. Users share travel-related Reels with @Expedia, and the system generates personalized travel recommendations and booking options based on the video content.

When will Expedia's (EXPE) Instagram booking feature be available?

The feature is currently in beta access and will be available to U.S. travelers in the upcoming weeks through Expedia.com/tripmatching.com.

How does Expedia's new Instagram feature benefit travelers?

The feature allows travelers to seamlessly convert travel inspiration from Instagram Reels into actionable, bookable itineraries, streamlining the process from discovery to booking all within the Instagram platform.

What percentage of millennials use social media for travel decisions according to Expedia?

According to Expedia's study, 80% of millennials rely on social media for their travel decisions.

Is Expedia Trip Matching available worldwide?

No, the feature will initially only be available to U.S. travelers, with beta access through Expedia.com/tripmatching.com.