Expedia Family Getaway Sale: Save 25% on hotel bookings, travel packages
Through this rare Expedia sale, you can save 25% or more on all-inclusive travel bookings, select hotel stays and vacation bundles to destinations like Hawaii and Cancun--so long as you book by Monday, May 26 and travel by September 30, 2025. Shop the travel sale and learn more about Expedia's loyalty program, below:
? More: So, you got your REAL ID--here are 13 flight essentials to buy before your next trip
Expedia One Key
Enjoy Expedia One Key member prices when you sign up for Expedia's loyalty program and get access to the limited-time Family Getaway Sale.
Save 25% on Expedia travel bookings
Save 25% at Expedia
More: Away just launched kid-friendly luggage that's designed to make family travel easier
What is Expedia One Key?
Expedia.com is an online travel agency that offers a more streamlined way to book travel--for both domestic and international getaways. From exclusive flight deals to savings on hotels and discounts on vacation packages to tourist destinations like Hawaii and Cancun, it's a one-stop shop for travel offerings you won't find anywhere else.
One Key is Expedia's loyalty program that offers a rewards-based system where members can seamlessly book trips and keep booking details organized in one place, earn rewards, enjoy exclusive deals and redeem rewards that can be applied toward flights, hotel bookings and more. When you sign up for Expedia One Key, the program is free to join and members will be rewarded 2% OneKeyCash for every dollar they spend through Expedia, Vrbo and Hotels.com.
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What kind of travel deals does Expedia One Key offer?
Expedia One Key members can access a range of exclusive travel deals and offers. The ongoing Family Getaway Sale is one of many such sales, and gives Expedia members the opportunity to save more than 25% on travels booked by May 26 through Expedia. The savings can be applied to select all-inclusive vacation packages, hotel stays and travel bundles. For more information on included offerings, visit Expedia's Family Getaway Sale page.
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The Herald Scotland
12 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Beat the crowds this summer with Scotland's top 12 travel 'dupes'
Step forward the concept of 'destination dupes'. The term was first coined by travel firm Expedia in 2023. It gained traction as social media influencers and bloggers sought out quieter and less expensive locations with wow-inducing scenery. This idea of 'dupes' – short for 'duplicate' – refers, in general terms, to a more affordable or accessible alternative to a high-end or popular product, aiming to replicate its look and feel. And it is something that is swiftly catching on within the travel world. There is a growing movement among holidaymakers, particularly the younger generations, who are keen to seek out pastures new away from overcrowded hotspots and well-trodden paths. In Europe, this has seen Albania dubbed 'the new Croatia' and Plovdiv in Bulgaria being widely touted as a city break substitute for major capitals such as Paris and Berlin. As for closer to home? Here, we list some of our favourite 'destination dupes' around Scotland, from secluded beaches and island escapes to epic driving routes. A clutch of gems that are well-worth discovering – or becoming reacquainted with – this summer and beyond. Crail is great - but have you thought about swapping it for the Banffshire coast? (Image: free) Banffshire coast Dupe for: East Neuk of Fife With its string of picturesque fishing villages and historic harbours, including Portsoy, Sandend, Cullen, Portknockie, Findochty and Buckie, the Banffshire coast certainly packs in the charm. Extending some 30 miles (48km) along the Moray Firth from Spey Bay to Cullykhan Bay, it boasts a long list of must-see landmarks, such as Findlater Castle, St Comb's Well, Bow Fiddle Rock and Craigmin Bridge to name but a few. There are cracking beaches, both golden sands and shingle beauties. Wildlife lovers are in for a treat too, with the area known for sightings of dolphins, porpoises, minke whales, basking sharks and orcas. Foodies will delight at the cluster of heavenly ice cream shops – Portsoy Ice Cream, the Ice Cream Shop in Cullen and the Ice Cream Cabin in Buckie – to sample as you explore. Also try: The Rhins of Galloway (see below) The Great Glen (Image: free) Great Glen Way Dupe for: West Highland Way There's no denying the West Highland Way is a bucket list adventure, although, through the summer months, it can feel as busy as Buchanan Street, leading to ongoing concerns about path erosion, particularly in sections around Loch Lomond and Conic Hill. Superb alternatives include tackling the Great Glen Way, which connects the end of the West Highland Way at Fort William with Inverness, covering 75 miles (120km). It traverses the Great Glen fault line, following the Caledonian Canal towpaths, forest tracks and drovers' roads, taking in Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness. You can observe Thomas Telford's remarkable feat of canal engineering, Neptune's Staircase, at close quarters and, with a short detour, visit the Clan Cameron Museum in the grounds of Achnacarry Estate, used as the Commando Basic Training Centre during the Second World War. Also try: The slightly more under-the-radar East Highland Way, which runs 82 miles (132km) from Fort William to Aviemore. And not forgetting the Kintyre Way, Southern Upland Way, John Muir Way, Cateran Trail, Rob Roy Way and Ayrshire Coastal Path. Seilebost (Image: free) Horgabost and Seilebost, Harris Dupe for: Luskentyre, Harris We're not saying to skip Luskentyre, but it is worth remembering that, when it comes to pristine white sands and turquoise waters, this corner of South Harris is no slouch in that department. Horgabost and Seilebost are neighbours to Luskentyre – often likened to the Caribbean – with the trio of beaches sharing the same photogenic coastal road. Dotted further along the A859, you will find Nisabost, followed by Traigh Mhor and Scarista. While glorious for a stroll and to enjoy the views, do exercise caution if taking a dip, with reports of visitors getting into trouble in strong currents, particularly around Traigh Mhor. North Harris, meanwhile, has Huisinis, where the milky-hued sands and azure seas are accessed along a 12-mile (19km), twisting single-track road. Its secluded location means that, at times, you'll only have grazing Highland coos for company. Also try: St Ninian's Isle tombolo in Shetland and the Orkney island of Sanday which, as the name suggests, abounds with gorgeous sandy beaches and dunes. Dundonald Castle, Ayrshire (Image: Getty Images) Dundonald Castle, Ayrshire Dupe for: The shortbread tin castles Think Scottish castles and it is likely Edinburgh, quickly followed by Eilean Donan, that springs to mind. If you're an Outlander fan, Doune Castle is probably in the mix too. Not to forget Stirling, Urquhart and Dunnottar. Yet, a bit like our myriad, lesser-known lochs and lochans, Scotland has no dearth of castles – an estimated 1,500, give or take, at the last count. Dundonald Castle in Ayrshire is part of the Historic Environment Scotland portfolio. Locals, though, have been pitching in to raise its profile too, with Friends of Dundonald Castle, hailed by VisitScotland as a pioneer for community-run tourism. The latter organisation has 15 staff and more than 65 passionate volunteers who have helped turn the 14th-century castle into a year-round hub of activity, hosting everything from open-air musicals to ceilidhs. It has an excellent visitor centre with cafe. Also try: Caerlaverock Castle near Dumfries and Aberdour Castle in Fife. Wanlockhead is Scotland's highest village (Image: JULIE HOWDEN) Mennock Pass, Dumfriesshire Dupe for: Bealach na Ba, Applecross If you crave a stunningly scenic stretch of road for a dramatic drive – or challenging cycle – then the Mennock Pass is a sure-fire winner. Climbing through the Lowther Hills along the B797, from the junction at Mennock to its highest point near Wanlockhead, it packs a punch, ascending to 1,535 feet (468m) above sea level. Among the highlights is Scotland's highest village Wanlockhead which, in addition to its fascinating background of lead mining and gold panning, can lay claim to the second-oldest subscription library in Europe. Also try: Mam Ratagan Pass from the A87 at Shiel Bridge to Glenelg, an ancient route used by drovers to take cattle to market. Glenfinnan can be busy so try somewhere further south (Image: free) Almond Valley Viaduct, West Lothian Dupe for: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Lochaber You might be wondering what madness is this? Sending you to the farthest reaches of Edinburgh where it meets with the outer fringes of Broxburn, yet the Almond Valley Viaduct is an oft-overlooked engineering marvel. If you've ever caught the train from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh, via Falkirk High, Polmont and Linlithgow, you will have likely passed along the top of it. It might not be frequented by the Hogwarts Express, or 'Harry Potter train' as the Jacobite Steam Train is colloquially known, but the Almond Valley Viaduct is an impressive sight to behold, best appreciated from ground level. Opened in 1842, it comprises 36 arches and stretches 1.5 miles (2.4km), making it one of the longest in Scotland. Glenfinnan has a mere 21 arches by comparison. Also try: The Leaderfoot Viaduct over the River Tweed, near Melrose, in the Scottish Borders and the Culloden Viaduct, east of Inverness. Yesnaby Castle (Image: Getty Images) The Bunnet Stane, near Gateside, Fife Dupe for: The Old Man of Storr, Skye The Trotternish peninsula of Skye is famed for its eye-catching geological wonders, from the Old Man of Storr to the mighty Quiraing and pleated basalt columns of Kilt Rock. It does, though, much to the chagrin of many locals, become a tad congested around these parts at certain times, especially during peak holiday season. If quirky rock formations are your thing, then there are plenty of others to check out around Scotland. Such as The Bunnet Stane near Gateside in Fife which, sitting at the foot of West Lomond, can be reached on a 1.6-mile (2.6km) out-and-back trail. The Bunnet Stane – which arguably looks more like a giant mushroom – is formed from grey sandstone and perches jauntily on an outcrop of calciferous red sandstone. Maiden's Bower, a small, man-made cave at the base, has inspired legends and folklore. Space at the nearby nearby car parks is limited, so do be respectful. If full, leave and return later – or on another day. Don't park on grass verges or at field gates. Also try: Yesnaby Castle, a majestic sea stack off the Orkney mainland, which is a wonderful spot to watch the sunset, accompanied by a magical soundtrack of bird calls and the crashing waves of the Atlantic. Greyfriars Bobby has a rival in Montrose (Image: Getty Images) Bamse, Montrose, Angus Dupe for: Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh A jokey comment – reputedly made by a tour guide – that rubbing the nose of the Greyfriars Bobby statue brings good luck, has caught on almost as fast as the Scott Monument being gifted the contemporary, daft nickname of 'the gothic rocket'. While the latter was a tongue-in-cheek remark, widely credited to travel writer Bill Bryson, the former has seen the bronze memorial to the celebrated Skye terrier, at the junction of George IV Bridge and Candlemaker Row in Edinburgh, sustain repeated expensive damage. The shaggy dog story of how Greyfriars Bobby sat by his late master's grave is globally renowned. But did you know that Montrose has a statue that commemorates Bamse, a loyal and brave St Bernard who served as the mascot of the Free Norwegian Forces during the Second World War? Paws off his conk, please. Also try: A life-size statue of Noble, Queen Victoria's beloved collie, can be found on the Balmoral Estate, Aberdeenshire. Loch Long, Argyll (Image: Getty Images) Loch Long, Argyll Dupe for: Loch Lomond Yep, I know if the sun is shining and, in particular, you live in and around Glasgow, Loch Lomond is like a homing beacon, calling you to its magnificent shores. Why not make a left at the outskirts of Dumbarton and plump for Loch Long instead? Now, I appreciate that Loch Lomond is a freshwater loch and Loch Long is a sea loch, which is a bit like comparing apples and oranges, but if you are going for vibe, rather than salinity, hear me out. Loch Long, in the west of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, is a fjord-esque finger of water extending 20 miles (32km), from Arrochar at its head to the Firth of Clyde at the most southern tip. You have the Cowal peninsula on one side and the Rosneath peninsula on the other. The views of the Arrochar Alps, home to Munros and Corbetts alike, are simply sublime. There are ample paths for shoreline and woodland walks. Not to mention decent cafes for pit stops. Loch Long is brilliant for having fun on, or in, too, be it kayaking, paddleboarding, diving, fishing or wild swimming. Also try: Neighbouring Loch Goil where the Cormonachan Community Woodlands, with its ancient Atlantic oak and hazel, is designated part of Scotland's rainforest. Heart 200 Dupe for: North Coast 500 As the moniker alludes to, this 200-mile (322km) circular route showcases the heart of Scotland, taking in the Trossachs and Highland Perthshire, along with cities such as Stirling and Perth. It can be done clockwise or anticlockwise, with Crieff, Dunblane, Callander, Aberfoyle, Loch Katrine, Strathyre, Loch Earn, Killin, Aberfeldy, Tummel Bridge, Blair Atholl, Killiecrankie, Pitlochry and Dunkeld, part of its meandering route. Another epic road trip based within a similar vicinity is the Crieff Cloverleaf, a four-day tour aimed primarily at motorcyclists, which, all in, covers 878 miles (1,413km). Visualise a clover, with Crieff at the centre and the plant's leaves looping in north, east, south and west directions. It takes in the Cairngorms and the rolling hills of the Borders, as well as roads with picture-postcard coastline, patchwork fields and lochs. Also try: South West Coastal 300, the Kintyre 66, North East 250 and The Coig, a quintet of touring routes around Ayrshire and Arran. Rhins of Galloway Dupe for: Kintyre This isn't an either/or scenario, rather a suggestion that if you love the wild, rugged beauty of Kintyre, then chances are the Rhins of Galloway will tick many of the right boxes The hammerhead-shaped peninsula proffers diverse coastline, beaches and archaeological sites, with the Mull of Galloway – the most southerly point in Scotland – home to a RSPB nature reserve and Robert Stevenson-designed lighthouse. The area's website, run by the Mull of Galloway Trust, variously describes it as 'one of the best kept secrets in the UK' and 'an unspoiled paradise for visitors on the lookout for peace and tranquillity'. I couldn't have put it better myself. Also try: Ardnamurchan peninsula, Lochaber. Tobermory harbour on Mull The Small Isles Dupe for: Skye Lying to the south of Skye, each of the main Small Isles – Rum, Eigg, Canna and Muck – has its own distinctive personality. Or as the author Alexander McCall Smith put it when talking to The Herald earlier this year, 'these islands are the Hebrides as imagined by central casting'. There are oodles of fun-packed activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Rum is newly designated as Scotland's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary making it a great spot for stargazers, while Eigg and Muck both feature on the recently created Small Isles Snorkel Trail. Canna is an ornithological dream, providing a haven to some 20,000 breeding seabirds, including puffins, kittiwakes and guillemots, who nest on its cliffs and sea stacks. All four islands are owned and managed differently: Eigg operates through a community trust; Rum is overseen jointly by a community trust and NatureScot; Canna belongs to the National Trust for Scotland; and Muck remains privately owned. Also try: Mull with its heart-soaring vistas, mountains, beaches and the colourful Tobermory harbour.
Daily Mail
14-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Walmart and Amazon looking at creating their own cryptocoins
By Retail giants including Walmart and Amazon are reportedly exploring a bold plan to bypass traditional banks — by creating their own currency. The move to create their a so-capped stablecoin would allow the companies to handle payments with a form of cryptocurrency pegged to the US dollar. Walmart and Amazon could then cut out middlemen like Visa, Mastercard, and major financial institutions. The shift could save retailers billions of dollars annually in card processing and interchange fees — but experts warn it could trigger a crisis for the banking system. 'Big retailers moving away from traditional payment systems would be a huge blow for banks and payment providers,' Neil Saunders, managing director of retail at GlobalData, told the Daily Mail. 'Banks and credit card providers make huge profits from things like interchange fees. That is the reason for the interest from retailers – they want to reduce these costs.' Other companies are looking at a stablecoin too, including Expedia and airlines, according to the report by The Wall Street Journal . Any innovation currently depends on a bill , called the Genius Act, which would establish a regulatory framework for stablecoin. The cryptocurrency legislation wouldn't just enable companies to launch stablecoins — it's also key to convincing consumers the new payment system is safe. There is a level of skepticism around the safety of digital assets and currencies, including stablecoin. The bill still needs to clear the Senate and the House if any major changes are to become a reality. Stablecoins could allow retailers to avoid traditional payment systems which cost them billions of dollars in fees every year, including interchange fees which they pay when shoppers make purchases using their debit or credit card. They could also offer merchants a quicker process for receiving proceeds from sales. Currently, payments can sometimes take days to settle. It would offer an alternative to the card-based system which is dominated by Visa and Mastercard. Interchange fees, or 'swipe' fees, for Visa and Mastercard totaled $111.2 billion in 2024, up from $100 billion the year before, according to the Merchants Payments Coalition. The group of retailers has been meeting with lawmakers in recent months to push for the Genius Act to be made law. They believe that a regulatory framework for stablecoin could help end the 'duopoly' of Visa and Mastercard. 'More choice and more innovation is a good thing,' Doug Kantor, member of the Merchants Payments Coalition's executive committee, told the Daily Mail. 'There has been no innovation in 40 years.' For Kantor, stablecoins are a positive step as they mean more competition for Visa and Mastercard, and they could make payments more efficient and more convenient for merchants and customers. However he notes that there are many things that need to happen before stablecoin payments could become a reality in stores across the US. Not only is regulation needed for consumers so they can see it is a safe payment method, but Visa or Mastercard could potentially take control of or kill any stablecoin venture in order to maintain their dominance, he said. 'They have an incentive to stop innovation,' Kantor explained. There could also be difficulties in convincing consumers to adopt new technology, or traditional banks could simply adapt to the changes, said Bankrate financial analyst Stephen Kates. 'A large shift from the traditional banking and payment systems would create a huge crisis for the mainstays of the industry, such as JPMorgan Chase or Bank of America in banking, or Visa and Mastercard in payments,' he told the Daily Mail. 'However, at this early stage, it is easy to assume that the banks and payment processors could shift their businesses to accommodate the changes in merchant and consumer behavior. 'However, it is not yet clear how big of a move there would truly be. The introduction of pay-by-bank options at retailers has not meaningfully reduced credit card volumes, given the entrenched use of cards and the ease and comfort of the swipe.' He said if retailers made a forcible move towards card alternatives, such as a store-brand or third-party issued stablecoin, it would most likely be used primarily online, where there are already many competing payment options, such as PayPal or Buy-Now-Pay-Later. 'Credit card companies and banks aren't yet challenged by these new entrants and would most likely not be immediately challenged by stablecoins either,' he continued. Whether or not these changes would be good for the consumer remains to be seen, Kates added. Third-party institutions like Visa or Mastercard offer proven security and muscle for consumers who are victims of fraud, he said, but stablecoins offer none of this. 'While companies like Walmart or Amazon have the financial resources to stand behind any future branded stablecoins, there are open questions about how stablecoin use or misuse might impact the stability of the broader financial system. 'Stablecoins, similar to other non-bank, non-FDIC insured products like money markets, are susceptible to runs, which can become panic-inducing for consumers and financial institutions when they occur.' Plus, it is unlikely to mean that lower costs from reduced interchange fees are passed down to the consumer. 'It's possible that the overall cost of goods might fall slightly, but it is more likely that there would be a discount for consumers who use it similar to the cash discount seen at certain retailers,' said Kates. Amazon's efforts to integrate stablecoins are still in the early stages, a person familiar with the discussions told The Wall Street Journal, and some of the talks have centered on having the company's own coin for online purchases.
Daily Mail
14-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Walmart and Amazon plot astonishing move that would upend the whole banking system
Retail giants including Walmart and Amazon are reportedly exploring a bold plan to bypass traditional banks — by creating their own currency. The move to create their a so-capped stablecoin would allow the companies to handle payments with a form of cryptocurrency pegged to the US dollar. Walmart and Amazon could then cut out middlemen like Visa, Mastercard, and major financial institutions. The shift could save retailers billions of dollars annually in card processing and interchange fees — but experts warn it could trigger a crisis for the banking system. 'Big retailers moving away from traditional payment systems would be a huge blow for banks and payment providers,' Neil Saunders, managing director of retail at GlobalData, told the Daily Mail. 'Banks and credit card providers make huge profits from things like interchange fees. That is the reason for the interest from retailers – they want to reduce these costs.' Other companies are looking at a stablecoin too, including Expedia and airlines, according to the report by The Wall Street Journal. Any innovation currently depends on a bill, called the Genius Act, which would establish a regulatory framework for stablecoin. The cryptocurrency legislation wouldn't just enable companies to launch stablecoins — it's also key to convincing consumers the new payment system is safe. There is a level of skepticism around the safety of digital assets and currencies, including stablecoin. The bill still needs to clear the Senate and the House if any major changes are to become a reality. Stablecoins could allow retailers to avoid traditional payment systems which cost them billions of dollars in fees every year, including interchange fees which they pay when shoppers make purchases using their debit or credit card. They could also offer merchants a quicker process for receiving proceeds from sales. Currently, payments can sometimes take days to settle. It would offer an alternative to the card-based system which is dominated by Visa and Mastercard. Interchange fees, or 'swipe' fees, for Visa and Mastercard totaled $111.2 billion in 2024, up from $100 billion the year before, according to the Merchants Payments Coalition. The group of retailers has been meeting with lawmakers in recent months to push for the Genius Act to be made law. They believe that a regulatory framework for stablecoin could help end the 'duopoly' of Visa and Mastercard. 'Big retailers moving away from traditional payment systems would be a huge blow for banks and payment providers,' said Neil Saunders, managing director of retail at GlobalData Interchange fees, or 'swipe' fees, for Visa and Mastercard totaled $111.2 billion in 2024, up from $100 billion the year before, according to the Merchants Payments Coalition 'More choice and more innovation is a good thing,' Doug Kantor, member of the Merchants Payments Coalition's executive committee, told the Daily Mail. 'There has been no innovation in 40 years.' For Kantor, stablecoins are a positive step as they mean more competition for Visa and Mastercard, and they could make payments more efficient and more convenient for merchants and customers. However he notes that there are many things that need to happen before stablecoin payments could become a reality in stores across the US. Not only is regulation needed for consumers so they can see it is a safe payment method, but Visa or Mastercard could potentially take control of or kill any stablecoin venture in order to maintain their dominance, he said. 'They have an incentive to stop innovation,' Kantor explained. There could also be difficulties in convincing consumers to adopt new technology, or traditional banks could simply adapt to the changes, said Bankrate financial analyst Stephen Kates. 'A large shift from the traditional banking and payment systems would create a huge crisis for the mainstays of the industry, such as JPMorgan Chase or Bank of America in banking, or Visa and Mastercard in payments,' he told the Daily Mail. 'However, at this early stage, it is easy to assume that the banks and payment processors could shift their businesses to accommodate the changes in merchant and consumer behavior. 'However, it is not yet clear how big of a move there would truly be. The introduction of pay-by-bank options at retailers has not meaningfully reduced credit card volumes, given the entrenched use of cards and the ease and comfort of the swipe.' 'More choice and more innovation is a good thing,' Doug Kantor, member of the Merchants Payments Coalition's executive committee, told the Daily Mail Amazon's efforts to integrate stablecoins are still in the early stages, a person familiar with the discussions told The Wall Street Journal He said if retailers made a forcible move towards card alternatives, such as a store-brand or third-party issued stablecoin, it would most likely be used primarily online, where there are already many competing payment options, such as PayPal or Buy-Now-Pay-Later. 'Credit card companies and banks aren't yet challenged by these new entrants and would most likely not be immediately challenged by stablecoins either,' he continued. Whether or not these changes would be good for the consumer remains to be seen, Kates added. Third-party institutions like Visa or Mastercard offer proven security and muscle for consumers who are victims of fraud, he said, but stablecoins offer none of this. 'While companies like Walmart or Amazon have the financial resources to stand behind any future branded stablecoins, there are open questions about how stablecoin use or misuse might impact the stability of the broader financial system. 'Stablecoins, similar to other non-bank, non-FDIC insured products like money markets, are susceptible to runs, which can become panic-inducing for consumers and financial institutions when they occur.' Plus, it is unlikely to mean that lower costs from reduced interchange fees are passed down to the consumer. 'It's possible that the overall cost of goods might fall slightly, but it is more likely that there would be a discount for consumers who use it similar to the cash discount seen at certain retailers,' said Kates. Amazon's efforts to integrate stablecoins are still in the early stages, a person familiar with the discussions told The Wall Street Journal, and some of the talks have centered on having the company's own coin for online purchases. Walmart has lobbied for adding a separate amendment to the Genius Act, people familiar with the matter told the outlet. It would introduce more competition in the credit-card sector.
