The travel industry is thriving with opportunities. In 2023 alone, global spending on leisure tourism surpassed $2.9 trillion, according to Statista. The staggering figure hosted over 1.4 billion international tourists. Our affiliate marketing data shows that travel websites earn an average of nearly $14,000 per month. Grab the chance to earn while sharing your love for travel!

Travel affiliate programs offer a pathway for individuals or businesses to earn commissions by promoting and selling travel-related products and services. These programs typically involve partnerships with travel companies like airlines, hotels, booking platforms, and tour operators.

Affiliates in travel programs can earn commissions for successful referrals or sales generated through their unique affiliate links. This may include bookings for flights, accommodations, car rentals, and travel packages. The travel niche is popular among affiliates due to its global appeal and the diverse range of services offered.

Affiliate marketers can utilize their websites, blogs, social media platforms, or email lists to promote travel deals and earn commissions on resulting bookings. Successful travel affiliates often create engaging content, share travel tips, and showcase enticing destinations to attract and convert their audience.

In this piece, we'll delve into profitable travel affiliate programs that offer a chance for individuals to make a living as affiliates.

Let's dive in immediately to check out these travel affiliate programs!

Amazon Associates

Travel is more than just flights and hotels; there is a shopping list for a successful trip, including luggage, adaptors, clothes, and sunglasses. And where's the go-to place for last-minute grabs? Amazon.

Now, for affiliate marketers, Amazon Associates isn't handing out the grand prizes. Commissions vary: 4% for clothing, 3% for sports gear, and only 1% for health and personal care products.

However, the cookie window is only valid for 24 hours. If your referrals aren't spot-on, no earnings for you.

But on the bright side, Amazon's a giant, trusted brand. Convincing people to buy? Not a difficult job.

Bonus: You receive a percentage of any sales made by your referrals during that 24-hour period, which could result in an unexpected commission. It's not just shopping; it's commission potential with Amazon!

Checkout Amazon Associates program for affiliates 

Booking.com

Booking.com is an online platform for travel stuff like hotels, flights, and cars.

It's super popular, with about 30 million rooms in over 2.5 million places around the world. Booking.com has strong partner relationships, so you don't pay booking fees, giving it an edge over others.

Because of its big brand and wide offerings, Booking.com has a famous travel affiliate program with over 12,500 affiliates. Whether you're a travel blogger, influencer, or anyone else, you can earn 4% on all bookings. With a seven-day EPC of $160+, it's one of the best-paying travel affiliate programs.

Affiliates receive cool features such as an offer search box, banner options, and deep linking. But, there's a bit of a downside, the cookie window is session-based. You only make money if someone clicks on your link and books right away. So, send only interested visitors to Booking.com!

Check out the affiliate link here.

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor might be a familiar name to you for reviews: it's the go-to place with a staggering 884 million reviews by the end of 2020.

But here's the thing: Tripadvisor isn't just for reviews; you can also book hotels and activities through it.

Now, the Tripadvisor affiliate program focuses only on accommodation. As an affiliate, you get a 50% cut of what Tripadvisor earns from hotel bookings. They don't give commissions for flights, restaurants, rentals, or attractions. The 50% commission is already good, and it can even go up to 80% during special campaigns.

What's cool is you don't need people to book for you to earn – you make money every time someone from your site clicks to Tripadvisor and then to any of its booking partners. With conversion rates over 30%, Tripadvisor's program can be one of the top-paying ones in the travel niche (if you can bring in enough traffic).

You can check out the Tripadvisor affiliate program and sign up.

G Adventures

This affiliate program ranks first for small-group adventure travel. Instead of typical beach vacations, their customers crave living like a local in the Amazon or trekking mountains in Nepal.

Despite being a niche market, adventure travel is expected to grow to $1.6 trillion by 2026, making G Adventures a top choice for adventure travel blogs.

It is necessary to note that G Adventure trips are often more expensive because they are once-in-a-lifetime experiences. People aren't just looking for the cheapest option.

Now, the 6% commission might not sound mind-blowing, but when you find out that G Adventures' average order value is $2,600, it suddenly becomes way more attractive.

You can check out the G Adventure affiliates program to join.

Hotels.com

Hotels.com is a big player in the hotel game, offering over a million stays in 200 countries. Whether you want a fancy resort or a cozy bed-and-breakfast, you'll likely find it here.

They've got 85 websites in more than 35 languages, making it easy to reach people worldwide. But here's the thing: Hotels.com has multiple affiliate programs running through the Commission Junction network, each aimed at a specific market.

For example, if you sign up for the US Canada programs, you'll only earn commissions on bookings from those areas. But the good news is, that Hotels.com lets affiliate marketers promote special voucher codes with great discounts, making things more exciting.

You can check out the Hotels.com website to sign up for the affiliate program.

Travelpayouts

Unlike the other travel sites here with their affiliate programs, Travelpayouts stands out. It is a pay-per-action affiliate network that offers a variety of referral programs, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and insurance.

Travelpayouts gives access to over 90 travel affiliate programs, including exclusive ones from brands like Vrbo, Tripadvisor, and Hilton Honors.

Since 2011, they've paid over $27 million to around 350,000 affiliates. The best part: Travelpayouts shares up to 70% of its earnings with referral partners.

You can check out the Travelpayouts affiliate program here and join.

Viator

Viator is like a treasure trove for experiences, offering over 395,000 things to do in 2,500 destinations – making your travel all about those unique moments.

Making things super easy, Viator supports 35 languages, has a million reviews for smart decisions, and allows cancellations up to 24 hours in advance for 85% of its affiliate marketing products. This means affiliate marketers have a smoother path to turning their referrals into earnings.

For travel bloggers and content partners, the deal gets sweeter with an 8% commission on every booking. Plus, the 30-day cookie is more generous compared to many other referral programs out there. It's a win-win for turning your travel passion into profits!

In simpler terms, affiliate marketers can earn around 1.1% to 1.15% of the total booking value on flights and 4% to 5% on hotels. It's a bit of a no-brainer!

You can check out the Viator affiliate program here and join.

Kayak

Let's dive into the world of affiliate networks, starting with Kayak.

Here's the scoop – Kayak owns several brands, like HotelsCombined and Momondo, making it its travel affiliate network. Together, these brands handle over six billion travel searches per year, collaborate with two million properties, and generate $76 million in annual affiliate revenue.

It's a sweet deal because you get access to multiple travel affiliate programs with just one sign-up. And the cherry on top? Kayak's commission rate is a solid 50%.

However, there is one catch: you will not receive your commissions until you reach the $500 earnings threshold. But once you get there, it's cashing in time!

You can check out the Kayak affiliate program here and join.

World Nomads

Meet World Nomads, your first stop for travel insurance.

True to its name, World Nomads caters to the adventurous souls in what they call the "intrepid" travel market. Their travel insurance covers over 200 activities and safeguards against trip cancellations and medical emergencies.

Big travel brands like Lonely Planet vouch for them, adding a major trust factor. What sets them apart? Their ethical touch – more than 70% of customers make a micro-donation when getting a travel insurance policy.

In the spirit of giving back, World Nomads has raised over $3 million, supporting 100+ projects worldwide. Now, here's the sweet deal for affiliate marketers: World Nomads' affiliate program pays $0.83 per qualified sale and has a generous 60-day cookie window. It's not just insurance; it's a journey with a purpose!

You can check out the World Nomads affiliate program here and join.

GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide can help you improve your vacation experience by providing local insights. Based in Berlin, it's your go-to online travel agency for tours and excursions. With over 34,000 options worldwide, including big names like the Sistine Chapel and the Louvre Museum, it's like having a local guide wherever you go.

Here's the deal for affiliate marketers: the GetYourGuide travel affiliate program pays a solid 8% commission, with the potential for higher rates depending on your partnership. To sweeten the pot, the brand runs regular promotions, guarantees lower prices, and allows last-minute bookings, making it a win-win for both affiliates and travelers.

You can check out the GetYourGuide partner program here and join.

REI

When it comes to specialized outdoor gear, Amazon might be the quick stop, but REI is the real deal.

REI has been in the outdoor industry for over eight decades and has 165 stores across the United States. Whether you're after a new backpack, hiking boots, or a trekking pole, REI's got you covered.

While this is not your typical travel affiliate program, there are numerous opportunities for travel bloggers to make money. Sure, 5% commission doesn't sound like a jackpot, but with an average order value exceeding $120, it's a much better deal.

Wait, there is more: free pickup at REI stores and shipping on orders over $50 give readers a compelling reason to click your links. It's not just gear; it's a savvy adventure!

You can check out the REI affiliate program here and join.

Also Read: Top 15 Best Daily Paying Affiliate Programs of 2024

InsureMyTrip

Meet InsureMyTrip, your go-to destination for travel insurance, but with a twist.

Unlike World Nomads, InsureMyTrip is like the matchmaker of travel insurance. It collaborates with numerous providers, including AIG, AXA, and IMG.

To help travelers choose wisely, it dishes out over 100,000 ratings and reviews from folks who've been there, done that.

Here's the cool part: the InsureMyTrip affiliate program is not one-size-fits-all. You get to pick from referral-based or commission-based models. The details? That is similar to a secret handshake; it is decided on an individual basis. Simply fill out a quick form online and chat with their affiliate manager to unlock your earning potential. It's insurance made uniquely yours!

You can check out the InsureMyTrip affiliate program here and join.

Take Walks

Meet Take Walks, your go-to tour booking service with a twist.

They team up with around 600 guides in 13 vibrant cities worldwide – from Paris and Rome to New Orleans and New York. These guided tours have been a hit, with over a million travelers booking their adventures.

Sure, the prices aren't your budget-friendly kind – think $44 to $252 for a Paris tour. But here's the catch – they focus on small groups and often throw in special access to big attractions, sometimes with the bonus of skipping the lines.

Now, why does this affiliate program shine? Picture this – a 15% commission on a $250 booking. It's like a golden ticket for travel bloggers. Who wouldn't want a slice of that premium pie?

You can check out the Take Walks affiliate program here and join.

TrustedHouseSitters

Leaving your furry friend behind during vacations is a bummer.

Enter TrustHousesitters – a lifesaver! You pick a sitter who moves into your place, taking care of your pets while you're off making memories.

The magic? They've got property owners in 130 countries, from London townhouses to Hawaiian beachfront homes.

Now, here's the deal: users pay a membership fee, which starts at $129 per year, and they have two options:

Bid to be live-in pet sitters for free stay

Get unlimited pet and home care from verified sitters

Either way, it's a win-win!

Guess what? TrustedHouseSitters runs two separate travel affiliate programs. Just like Airbnb had one for hosts and one for guests, affiliate marketers can snag up to a 40% commission for referring sitters, owners, or both to TrustedHousesitters. It's not just pet sitting; it's a tail-wagging opportunity for affiliate earnings!

You can check out the TrustedHouseSiters affiliate program here and join.

SafetyWing

SafetyWing is your go-to for travel insurance, and here's the unique twist – they've got two special audiences in mind:

Digital nomads
Remote teams and entrepreneurs

These are markets not usually covered by mainstream insurance providers, giving your qualified readers a good reason to click that affiliate link and grab a policy.

Now let us talk about the perks. No matter which policy you shout about, the SafetyWing affiliate program is dishing out a solid 10% commission rate. But wait, there is more: they have the longest cookie window on this list, at 365 days.

As the cherry on top, SafetyWing keeps it simple. You get paid once a month through PayPal, hitting your pocket when you hit a minimum earning of just $10. It's not just insurance; it's peace of mind with a paycheck!

You can check out the SafetyWing affiliate program here and join.

Hostelworld

Hostelworld stands out in the big world of travel booking platforms. While Booking.com and Expedia cover it all, Hostelworld zeroes in on the hostel experience, boasting a lineup of over 36,000 hostels across 179 countries.

Here's the smart move: they have over 13 million verified guest reviews to help travelers make an informed decision.

Now, what makes Hostelworld's affiliate program a winner? Well, big names like Culture Trip, Lonely Planet, and Tripadvisor, along with top-notch travel bloggers like The Broke Backpacker, are already on board. That's a sign you're in good company.

What about the money part? Hostelworld's affiliate program dishes out commissions on a CPA basis, calculated as up to 40% of the deposit they earn for each booking. It's not just a place to stay; it's a profitable adventure for affiliates!

You can check out the Hostelworld affiliate program here and join.

Rate Hawk

Rate Hawk's affiliate program distinguishes it as a go-to travel website for travel industry professionals. They're the leaders in accommodation, offering a whopping 2.5 million+ hotels globally from 230+ suppliers, along with air tickets, transfers, car rentals, and more.

Now, let's talk about Rate Hawk affiliate program.

Agoda

Agoda is a familiar name for finding your perfect stay. They've got everything from family-friendly resorts to cozy hidden gems.

As an affiliate marketer, you get to team up with this trusted brand and earn some income.

Here's the deal – this travel affiliate program is website-exclusive; no social media posts allowed. It adds a bit of a challenge to qualify, but the potential is there. If you manage more than 299 bookings per month, you could snag up to a 5% commission on completed bookings. It's all about the art of marketing for some lucrative gains!

You can check out the Agoda affiliate program here and join.

Klook

Klook is your go-to platform for hassle-free ticket bookings to attractions and events.

Here's the cool part: if you join the Klook Affiliate Program, you will receive commissions on attractions, shows, tours, transportation, and dining experiences.

While Klook is based in Hong Kong, rocking lots of activities in Asian countries, it's also expanded its game in North America and Europe. With a whopping 100,000+ activities and excursions, there's something for everyone in your audience.

Oh, there is more: the Klook Kreator Program allows social media influencers to earn passive income through commissions and unique promo codes. It's not just bookings; it's your ticket to affiliate success with Klook!

You can check out the Klook affiliate program here and join.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner, the go-to platform for over 100 million monthly trip planners, is a global brand you can trust. What's in it for you? A sweet commission every time someone books through your link.

Here's the catch: joining Skyscanner's Affiliate Program requires more than just wanderlust. A working website with HTTPS status is a must. Plus, you've got to attract over 5,000 unique visitors monthly and deliver top-notch content with a user-friendly experience.

But hey, if you've got all that, Skyscanner opens its doors to you. Expect up to a generous 20% commission on bookings made through your referral links. It's not just about travel plans; it's your ticket to reliable affiliate earnings with Skyscanner!

You can check out the Skyscanner affiliate program here and join.

Summary

In summary, travel affiliate programs present a lucrative opportunity for individuals passionate about travel to monetize their online presence while helping others discover and book exciting travel experiences.