Blog Archives

How to Use Tripadvisor

Posted on by Chris

Related to my previous post on how to critically read consumer reviews –

Conde Nast asked  Tripadvisor executives how to best utilize their site.  Their advice:

–         Don’t automatically pick the #1 rated hotel.  Delve a bit into the reviews and pick one that suits your travel style and budget best.

–         Ask questions – privately message the reviewer or post a question in the forums.

–         Look at the pictures that reviewers post.  The pictures you view on a company’s website are going to be fabulous;  you’ll see how things actually are by looking at reviewers’ photos.

–         Read the Tripadvisor travel guides.

–         Connect your Tripadvisor account to your Facebook account to see reviews that your friends have written.

You can read what else the executive had to say here.

How do you use Tripadvisor?  Do you follow any of these suggestions?

 

Bad Travel Advice

Posted on by Chris

Budget Travel recently asked its readers to submit the worst travel advice they’ve ever received.  The interesting submissions ranged from “take traveler’s checks with you” to “skip the Eiffel Tower in Paris.”  From personal experience, however, I wouldn’t characterize “don’t eat the street food” as advice that is bad, just cautious.  As with all opinions, they must be coupled with common sense – and research.  I can’t remember ever receiving travel advice that could be described as bad;  though a trip or two would have been better if I had heeded some good advice (don’t go to Disney the day after Christmas!!).  Many times, however, less than perfect undertakings can make one a well-seasoned traveler and make great learning experiences!  To read other bad advice that travelers have received visit Budget Travel’s blog.