More and more travelers are looking to social media for genuine vacation recommendations. However, booking a place seen only online can still feel uncertain.

Expedia, a travel booking platform, is responding to the request for unique and reliable experiences with the introduction of Travel Shops. This newly launched feature within the Expedia app allows users to book stays selected by celebrities and influencers and even set up their own virtual shops. These personalized Travel Shops enable users to share their travel tips and earn commissions, enhancing the overall booking process.

Jaime Camil, an actor known for his roles in “Jane the Virgin” and Pixar’s “Coco,” has teamed up with Expedia to highlight some of his preferred travel locations.

“What’s great about this platform is that it lets you find genuine experiences or traditional activities linked to culture,” Camil told YSL News.

His Travel Shop showcases a thoughtful selection of hotels that reflect his cultural experiences. For instance, he recommends the Maja Hotel Boutique in Morelia, Mexico for its authentic celebration of Día De Los Muertos and Otro Hotel in Oaxaca for its lively atmosphere during the Day of the Dead festivities.

Camil’s selections are driven by his appreciation for meaningful travel that respects local traditions and fosters community ties. The shops provide a way for travelers to engage deeply with a destination’s culture through curated activities.

What sets Travel Shops apart?

Each creator’s shop reflects their travel tastes, offering insights into everything from serene beach escapes to favorite hotels. Camil’s selections focus on culturally immersive experiences, like participating in a carnival in Brazil or experiencing Oaxaca’s Día De Los Muertos.

The approach taken by Expedia capitalizes on the rising impact of social media on travel decisions. Lauri Metrose, senior vice president of Global Communications at Expedia Group, stated that “every day, people are discovering and purchasing items recommended by trusted influencers, but until now, there hasn’t been an easy method to shop for travel suggestions.”

Furthermore, Expedia’s platform allows creators to monetize their advice. Those selected for the exclusive beta phase can generate links to their Travel Shops and earn commissions when their followers book trips based on their suggestions.

Camil stressed that Expedia’s thorough vetting process helps travelers avoid tourist traps and find genuine experiences. “They meticulously evaluate each hotel,” he emphasized, outlining how the platform verifies recommendations to keep quality high.

Expedia affirmed they employ a “continuous and rigorous verification process” to ensure all recommended properties meet established standards.

Come 2025, any traveler can create their own Travel Shop to share recommendations and earn commissions.