Lodgify
Marketing

What is Kayak?

Updated 2026-05-27

Kayak is a travel metasearch engine that allows users to search for flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation rentals across hundreds of different travel websites simultaneously. Unlike an Online Travel Agency (OTA), Kayak does not typically process bookings directly.

Instead, it aggregates listings and prices from various sources, including OTAs, airline websites, and booking sites, and then redirects the user to the original platform to complete their reservation. This model provides travelers with a comprehensive overview of available options and prices in a single search, simplifying the comparison process.

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How it works

Kayak functions by querying a vast network of partner websites in real-time when a user initiates a search. It compiles the results—including pricing, availability, and property details—into a unified list.

When a traveler selects an option, they are typically redirected to the source website (e.g., Booking.com, Vrbo, or a direct hotel site) to finalize the booking. In some cases, Kayak offers a 'Book on Kayak' option, which streamlines the process by collecting payment information on its own interface while still processing the booking through the third-party provider.

Why it matters

For vacation rental managers and hosts, Kayak represents a significant source of referral traffic and increased visibility. By listing properties on OTAs and channel managers that partner with Kayak, managers can reach a wider audience of travelers who use metasearch to compare options.

Appearing in Kayak's search results can drive qualified leads to a property's listing on the booking platform, potentially increasing occupancy rates without direct integration with Kayak itself. Platforms like Lodgify can help manage listings across various channels, making it easier to be found through metasearch engines.

Examples

  • Google Travel
  • Trivago
  • Skyscanner
  • Momondo

Frequently asked questions

How is Kayak different from an OTA like Airbnb or Vrbo?+
Kayak is a metasearch engine, not an Online Travel Agency (OTA). It aggregates listings from many sources, including OTAs like Vrbo and Booking.com, but does not handle the booking itself. It sends the user to the source website to complete the transaction. In contrast, an OTA manages the entire booking process, from listing and search to payment and communication, on its own platform.
Can I list my vacation rental directly on Kayak?+
Individual hosts and property managers generally cannot list their properties directly on Kayak. Instead, visibility on Kayak is achieved by listing on one of its partner platforms, such as major OTAs (e.g., Booking.com, Vrbo) or by using a channel manager or connectivity provider that has an integration with Kayak. Your property will then appear in Kayak's search results through that partner's data feed.
Does it cost money for my property to appear on Kayak?+
There is no direct cost to have your property appear on Kayak. The costs are indirect, paid through the commissions or fees of the OTA or channel partner you use. For example, if a booking originates from a Kayak user who clicks through to your Vrbo listing, you pay Vrbo's standard commission. Kayak's revenue typically comes from advertising and referral fees paid by its partner OTAs.
Keep reading

Related terms

Marketing

Metasearch Engine

A metasearch engine is a tool that aggregates vacation rental listings and prices from multiple sources, allowing travelers to compare options in one place.

Read
Marketing

Online Travel Agency (OTA)

An Online Travel Agency (OTA) is a website or app that sells travel-related products like flights, hotels, and vacation rentals to consumers.

Read
Technology

Channel Manager

A software tool that synchronizes property listings, availability, and rates across multiple online booking platforms in real time.

Read
Industry

Booking.com

Booking.com is a major global online travel agency (OTA) that allows travelers to book various types of accommodations, including hotels, vacation homes…

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