In 2019, consumers spent $1.1 trillion on travel. Are you looking to finally take that dream trip? If so, you are probably starting your research on the perfect destination, lodging, activities, and so on.
How can you find the best travel review sites?
Table of Contents
Follow this guide to help you understand what you should be looking for from the top sites out there to get you that vacation
Finding the Best Deal
This is probably at the top of everyone’s mind as they begin searching for their trip on travel-based websites. One of the best ways to know that you found the right deal is to shop around. You may have to check various sites and ask a travel agent.
If you can be flexible on travel dates, you can find some of the best deals. If you move your travel date by a few months, you may miss the peak season in your desired destination. Consider flying out on a Tuesday or Wednesday for lower airfare as well.
Picking the Travel Destination
Finding the right destination is really about your preference and personal travel style. If you are looking for the cheapest spot, you may want to try destinations with new hotels or flights. The providers often use introductory rates with a discount.
If you are worried about safety, you should check the destination by searching the U.S. State Department’s site. It will list all information and advisories concerning safety, health, and crime for each country.
Be sure to study the details to know of any problem areas. Some countries may only have specific problem areas, so you don’t have to dismiss an entire destination until you know your facts. You can also watch the news and look for travel forums.
Know Your Fees
It’s essential to keep up with your fees as you look for your destination. Make sure you check your airline’s policy on bag fees. Check out any travel review blogs that help breakdown the fine print in easy-to-understand terms.
You should also be wary of a travel site that charges a membership fee. Most reliable sites won’t charge you for travel reviews.
Always read the fine print and look for a complete breakdown of travel fees, including hotel, airline, and rental cars. If you are booking through a travel agency, find out their costs upfront. Most fees are similar to booking through an online site, so always pay close attention.
Reading Travel Review Sites
It’s not uncommon to head to sites like TripAdvisor or Yelp for the latest reviews to see what people think. However, use your best judgment on whether these reviews are legitimate. If most reviews are negative, but there is one gleaming positive, you may want to take the law of averages.
It’s easy to get inspiration for travel ideas from various reviews. If you find a company that offers deals and reviews, make sure you read through the site and do your research—don’t get too excited by a good deal.
Some sites will have ads for travel deals. Before booking with someone, always check out the reviews on the company through the internet. Are the deals too good to be true? Is the site accredited?
Always trust your gut and avoid paying for something in full before knowing all the details.
Planning Your Next Trip
Start planning your trip by reading travel review sites for inspiration. Find out the best destinations, deals, fees, and experiences. Be sure to look at the whole picture and not just one or two comments.
Keep checking out our website for more travel advice in the Travel Section.
