You might find better deals by calling hotels and airlines directly

[Larry1]

For many years now most travelers have generally found the best hotel rates through online travel agencies such as Expedia, Orbitz, and Priceline. But perhaps we can find a better deal by contacting the hotel directly:

Forget Expedia: It's Becoming Cheaper to Book Hotels Directly

National hotel chains have to pay a hefty 15% fee to online travel agencies like Expedia, Travelocity, and Hotels.com. As a result, many hotels are effectively saying "screw that" and bribing guests to book directly with them. The savings are substantial, if you know how to take advantage.

Online travel agencies (OTAs) insist on rate parity, which means a hotel cannot offer a rate cheaper than it gives OTAs. This "rule" only applies to rates posted on the web, though. So if you call a hotel directly, or subscribe to a hotel email newsletter, they can offer whatever rate they choose.

By booking your room directly, you can score incentives like free room upgrades, beverage and food credits, and in many cases a flat 10% discount to undercut OTAs.

http://twocents.lifehacker.com/forget-expedia-its-becoming-cheaper-to-book-hotels-dir-1693390583/+andyoooo

This article goes into a bit more detail about what kinds of perks you might get by calling the hotel directly and also discusses perks you can get by booking directly with airlines.

Mark Spring, a general manager at a Montana Quality Inn, says bluntly: "Absolutely the best rates are available at my property by direct bookings. If as a hotelier I am paying 18% to 25% on Booking.com or Expedia, wouldn't it only be prudent to discount 10% directly to the guest?"

http://www.mainstreet.com/article/why-its-time-to-book-travel-directly-again-with-hotels-airlines

[AC]

Very good article Larry.  It also helps to join their in-house club.  For example I am a member of Hilton Honors rewards club and I suspect it may help in getting the best rate.

[alex330]

I am sure it works with some but I have not had much success with reduced rates by going direct. I do use some social engineering and other life hacking tricks with success though.

[Anathema]

I used to use Expedia to book flights but I just use the airline's website now.  It's usually cheaper.  I've always booked hotels directly.

[AC]

I used to use Expedia to book flights but I just use the airline's website now.  It's usually cheaper.  I've always booked hotels directly.

I found Expedia to usually have the highest rates.  I found better rates on Travelocity and a few others.