Comments on: Travel Sites Still Have a Ways to Go

By: Tracy

Tracy — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 09:19:23 +0000

I used Trip Advisor as a main source of information when booking a trip to Antigua last year. A hotel site described the rooms as “tropical”, while Trip Advisor users said “totally open air rooms, which can mean mosquitoes. Bring bug spray.”
While the usability of Trip Advisor leaves a lot to be desired, the user generated content was totally on point. I credit the site with managing my expectations.

By: Brian Payea

Brian Payea — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 07:42:53 +0000

Thank your for your insights on TripAdvisor and our user experience.
We’ve grown so quickly, more than doubling the number of reviews and opinions in the last year, that we’ve spent most of our energy just staying ahead of the curve. Recently we’ve been staffing up and are working hard to constantly improve the user experience. We’ve made some changes recently, and you’ll see many more soon.
You did suggest we explore third-party content along the lines of WikiTravel. TripAdvisor Inside(TM) pages are built on a wiki concept, and cover all 24,000 destinations on TripAdvisor. Take a look.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelHome
thanks again for your feedback, and check back frequently — many new things on the horizon.
Brian Payea
Trade Relations Manager
TripAdvisor

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 09:36:05 +0000

You should check out Tripmates- similar to Trip Advisor, but more of a travel social network (not only can you read someone’s review about a place, but you can link to their profile to learn more about them or even ask a question). They also have a feature that enables you to find a trip buddy. Worth a try.

By: Graeme Thickins

Graeme Thickins — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 13:06:44 +0000

For the “Plan it” step, also check out http://www.flyspy.com
Here’s a recent Wired story: http://wired.com/news/technology/internet/0,71611-0.html?tw=wn_index_1

By: Mark

Mark — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 16:55:26 +0000

Re: John’s note about the usefullness of Trip Advisor…
I find that the comments are helful because I’d like to know the worst things people say about a location to counter-balance the puff pieces you see in most travel magazines.
For instance, I just read the reviews for a resort I am visiting in December and half of them complained about the food. Now, my expectations are appropriately set. This is very valuable feedback.

By: John

John — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 11:28:31 +0000

Tripadvisor is not as usefull as it seams. It is full of disgruntaled people’s comments that beleive they have been treated ill and want something for nothing. A bunch of crybabies that want a refund for nothing and beleive they qualify as a culinary expert or travel officianato because they visited a place once.
Too many people are eager to be “right” when they are wrong and want to punish those that provide the sevice. further there is no verification of facts just random comments even from people that have never been to a property… NOt impressed with Tripadvisor

By: John

John — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 08:00:35 +0000

Nice article. Just a tip to all travelers: Big travel agencies like EXPEDIA have a lot of complaints. EXPEDIA is listed in the top ripoff link at the bad business bureau ( http://www.ripoffreport.com ) and has two "dedicated" websites due to poor customer support and lies: http://www.victimsofexpedia.com and http://www.shameonexpedia.com Orbitz has: http://www.shameonorbitz.com Kind regards

By: Mary Jo

Mary Jo — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 06:04:27 +0000

Darn!
All your links appear not to work.

By: Mary Jo

Mary Jo — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 06:03:13 +0000

Thanks for stopping by and reading Flyaway Cafe. I hope you found it enjoyable enough to stop by again.
I enjoyed this article, because I plan much in the same way you do. I call it research. In fact, the planning part is fun, the booking part is merely routine.
Thanks for pointing out a few travel sites that I was not familiar with. I’m going to go check them out right now.