There are risks but Expedia looks like a good long-term bet

There are risks but Expedia looks like a good long-term bet - Sep. 1, 2005: "the U.S. online travel business may be maturing, Expedia still has ample opportunity in lucrative markets abroad. Gross bookings (the value of travel orders placed on the company's sites) and revenue from international segments accounted for about 20 percent of total gross bookings and sales in the first half of 2005.

But the online travel business outside of the U.S. is more rapidly growing. In the second quarter, international gross bookings increased 73 percent from a year ago while revenue increased 58 percent.

Expedia already owns a majority stake in Chinese travel firm eLong (Research). And now that the company is a pure play online travel firm and not a part of IAC/InterActive, it should be easier for the company to make more acquisitions.

So even though it may be a turbulent time for Expedia and the travel industry right now, there appears to be enough growth ahead to ensure a smooth long-term ride for investors. "