The Internet is a useful tool – especially when it comes to booking travel accommodations. There are so many websites that offer discounted rates and traveller reviews. Those websites offer reports of what certain hotels, airlines, or restaurants are like. This can be incredibly useful when you’re trying to plan a vacation. It allows you to get a good idea of what you can expect before you go anywhere. Unfortunately, not all reviews paint a clear and accurate picture. So, the question remains: how helpful are online travel reviews?
Consider the Source
In order to determine the helpfulness of a travel review, you’ll need to consider the source. Is the website you’re looking at popular and respected in the industry? Does it get a lot of traveller feedback? Try to stick to websites that are well known, like Travelocity, Expedia, and TripAdvisor. Since there are so many people posting on there, you can get a better idea of what to expect.
Read Reviews Thoroughly
Every travel website has tons of reviews to look through. That is why it’s important not to skimp! Really take your time and go through as many reviews as possible. Remember, the more you read, the better overall picture you’ll be able to get. Whether you’re looking for a hotel or a fun attraction, read through the reviews thoroughly. It will help you plan a fantastic trip!
Think About Accuracy
While reading reviews is an important part of booking online, you can’t take every single review seriously. It’s important to take everything you read with a grain of salt. The reality is that some people just like to complain…. about everything. Be sure to think about the accuracy of the reviews you’re reading. If someone wrote a review entirely in capitol letters, for example, maybe you shouldn’t base your decision on just that one review. Be careful not to take everything that people say as truth.
Know When to Ask for Help
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the endless reviews online? It’s okay – there is nothing wrong with asking for a little outside help. You have a few options: try posting questions on a travel forum or website – or even ask a friend or family member about their travel experiences. (Yes, word of mouth is another useful kind of review!) Asking for more information can help flesh out what you’ve learned from all of those reviews.
Use Your Best Judgement
Sometimes the best way to determine the helpfulness of an online travel review is to trust your gut. A lot of the time, you know best. The best plan? Take in the information you have in front of you and use your best judgement. It may sound simple, but you’d be surprised at how well it can work!
Are online reviews helpful? It all depends. Consider the site you’re looking at as well as the legitimacy of the reviewers. If you’re planning to book online, you’ll need to be aware of the benefits and the limitations of online travel reviews. It will help you to make a smart and informed decision every time.