TripAdvisor is a must for me

If you've followed my posts it will be evident that I am obsessed with TripAdvisor.com. I use this collection of reviews as a major resource while researching my personal travel planning. I know it has become the bane of some hotelier/restaurateur's existence, but I think it is great for expressing your opinion and reading about specific nuances and charms of locales that engaged other like minded travelers.

One of the major draws to me is their stratification of reviews based on geography, activities, restaurants, lodging (B&B and hotels), and now flights. For example, when I look for a hotel I use the map display feature to locate hotels in a specific section of town. I then further discriminate based on costs and popularity. I will compile a list of the top 6 or so places that look interesting to me, read the individual reviews, and most importantly look at pictures that the reviewers have posted.

To me the pictures posted by the reviewers, not the operators, offer the most revealing look into what you will be getting for your hard earned cash (click this link to see what I mean). Reviewers do not gloss over small cramped quarters, dirty bathrooms, soiled bed cloths, or room views overlooking commercial air conditioners. Instead they show both the deficiencies and the things that make the lodgings wonderful. Beautiful room decor (I like exposed wood beams and the European glass partial shower shields), comfortable furniture, unique ambiance, and those special touches that make the stay that much more enjoyable.

In addition to the reviews, I find TripAdvisor's travel forums to be constantly active, with participants immersed in mostly friendly conversation seeking information, relaying recommendations, and providing trip reports. The members of these forums are not limited to American's, but also include foreign travelers and locals as well, who provide their own unique insights regarding where you are looking at visiting. If you are looking for information about a travel destination, foreign or domestic, try out TripAdvisor yourself and see if you agree with me.

Theming a travel plan

For those that like to get off the beaten path, the idea of themed travel may hold a certain appeal. I have recently begun looking at my own travel plans and have noticed some common trends. I tend to group my perspective for planning around common themes, especially food and drink (i.e., Lambic beer, wine, etc...). In a recent conversation about travel, the idea of culinary travel was brought up. This travel theme has become more prevalent with travel shows and writers, providing an intimate immersion in a foreign culture that can be started at home. I know I have personal researched the countries I will be visiting by watching movies, reading books, and eating food central to the stereotypes of the cultures. I find this is a good way to excite myself and gain a little more understanding and respect for the locales I will be traveling to.

For my own trip to Europe, I have planned a major theme of cycling tours. Last time I was in Paris I watched groups of tourists happily engaged in group bike tours. They were smiling and peddling, while burning off their epicurean delights of the day. I decided for my next trip I must participate in one of these tours. After some further research I was able to locate several reputable tours for the three cities we will be traveling to, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris. For me the idea of getting out amongst the locales, at the street level is very appealing. In the end I was able add five cycle tours to my trip. The first is a day tour of the city of Amsterdam, which will feature major tourist sites, some local history, and orient me in the city for future visits. The second is a countryside tour of the area outside Amsterdam along the Amstel River featuring houseboats, farms, and of course windmills. The third is a city tour of Brussels, featuring local sights and a stop at a local pub for their world famous Belgian Frites. The fourth will be a city tour of Paris, featuring the common elements of the other city tours and a picnic lunch in a park. The final will be a day trip to the Palace of Versailles.

Everyone’s personal interests vary, but identifying themes of interest can definitely improve your own travel experience. Instead of focusing on other people’s “must see” sites, find items that interest you and incorporate them into your own itinerary. Before you set out to develop your plan, take some introspective time to think about what you love, art, food, drink, architecture, language, or any other elements of a locale. Take the time to research these and you will be able to define your own tour, resulting in a appreciation of what makes these cultures so unique.

If you are interested in learning more about the specific bike tours I will be taking, here are the web sites:

Amsterdam City Bike Tour
http://www.mikesbiketoursamsterdam.com/Default.aspx?tabid=41

Amsterdam Countryside Bike Tour

http://www.mikesbiketoursamsterdam.com/Default.aspx?tabid=24

Brussels City Bike Tour

http://www.brusselsbiketours.com/

Paris City Tour
http://fattirebiketours.com/paris/tours/paris-day-bike

Versailles Bike Day Trip
http://fattirebiketours.com/paris/tours/versailles-bike