CASE STUDY
Company size
Website
Expedia approached JAR at a pivotal moment. Despite being a household name in digital travel, the brand’s identity was largely transactional in the eyes of consumers — seen primarily as a booking platform rather than a travel companion. With podcasting on their radar, Expedia was looking for a way to shift perceptions and create deeper value for travel enthusiasts.
They didn’t just want another travel podcast. They wanted a show that would stand out — and stick.
In an overcrowded market of travel content, Expedia set out to reposition itself as more than a deal provider. The goal was to become a trusted, helpful voice for travellers, offering actionable insights and tapping into the company’s extensive internal expertise.
“We wanted to be seen not just as a travel service, but as a brand that empowers travellers with knowledge.”
— Expedia
Expedia brought an unparalleled depth of resources to the table: proprietary travel data, access to over 20,000 industry professionals, and years of market insight. JAR’s role was to translate this into a show format that offered genuine value—and cut through the noise.
Together, we created Out Travel the System, a podcast designed to arm listeners with practical advice, hidden travel hacks, and behind-the-scenes expertise. Our approach prioritized flexibility and relevance: each episode functioned as a self-contained guide, solving a real travel question or pain point.
We avoided a linear narrative format and instead focused on standalone episodes, allowing users to dip into the topics most relevant to them—whether planning a solo trip to Tokyo or navigating holiday travel with kids. Using JAR’s proprietary remote recording system, we ensured professional-grade audio despite guests being spread across the globe.
Strategically, the podcast blended Expedia’s internal experts with engaging hosts and carefully curated guests, offering authentic perspectives without slipping into promotional territory. It was a show built to serve, not to sell.
Expedia’s foray into podcasting proved both timely and transformative. Out Travel the System didn’t just capture attention—it built trust. With a 95% listen-through rate and a 300% year-over-year increase in listenership, the show quickly positioned Expedia as more than a booking site. It became a go-to travel companion, offering real utility and insider knowledge in a crowded content landscape.
What set the podcast apart was its authenticity. By drawing on Expedia’s deep bench of in-house experts and pairing them with strong editorial direction, the show delivered actionable advice without veering into salesy territory. Listeners came for the hacks—but stayed for the guidance, credibility, and consistency. For Expedia, the podcast not only boosted engagement but reinforced a strategic shift toward brand trust and long-term customer loyalty.
“It became a true resource for our audience — something they looked forward to, shared, and relied on.”
— Expedia
“Out Travel the System is designed to help you dig under the system and get everything you need to book travel that fits your schedule, tastes and budget.”
Nisreene Atassi — Director of Global Communications, Expedia
