Read Travel Reviews
The internet, social media and user review sites have transformed how we plan for travel, giving us a smorgasbord of options at our fingertips. But the system isn’t foolproof. Read reviews before you book your travel – but use some good old fashioned common sense.
Read between the lines. Does the reviewer focus on the negative? Does s/he sound like a hard-to-please traveler or someone who experienced a singularly bad experience?- Read a handful of reviews, paying close attention to the ones that are in the middle of the love/hate scale – they’re often the most helpful.
- How recent are the reviews you’re reading. An old problem may no longer be a concern if new management is in place.
- Look closely at reviewer photos – a picture can fill in the gaps
- Give more weight to review sites that guarantee the traveler actually stayed/ate there. OpenTable.com and TheBookingTruth.com are good places to start.
Have a travel tip to share with your GoGirlfriends? Send us your tips, tricks and strategies and we'll publish them here. Email us or connect with us on Twitter and Facebook. Let's continue the conversation!
Read Travel Blogs
Before you travel, read, read, read!
Travel writers and bloggers offer a more detailed review of the places they’ve been than user-generated sites – and the commentary is often more balanced. Most writers have been trained to look at the bigger picture, providing readers with enough information to know whether their choice is a good fit.
Use Google Blog Search to ferret out blogger reviews of the places you’re considering- Read multiple reviews from each blogger – some bloggers only write about places they’ve been paid to visit, which may skew review ratings.
- When you find a travel blogger you like/trust, contact them via email or social media to ask more specific questions – best veggie restaurant near the hotel, for example.
Have a travel tip to share with your GoGirlfriends? Send us your tips, tricks and strategies and we'll publish them here. Email us or connect with us on Twitter and Facebook. Let's continue the conversation!
Take Pictures of Your Kids in the Morning
Take a photo of the children from your mobile device each day before you begin your day. This way you know exactly what the kids are wearing and have a recent photo to share in the event they get separated from you. In the midst of chaos, you may have a difficult time recalling specifics (color, brand, etc.) of what your child is wearing that could help authorities. By taking the photo with your mobile device, chances are you’ll have the photo handy at all times whereas a camera may be left behind to lighten the load.
Tip courtesy the founders of TweenHood ~ @tweenhood and @AppHipMom
Have a travel tip to share with your GoGirlfriends? Send us your tips, tricks and strategies and we'll publish them here. Email us or connect with us on Twitter and Facebook. Let's continue the conversation!
Check Your Passport
Don’t assume that just because your passport has another 6 months of life in it that you’re good to travel. Some countries require your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months from the time you leave home. Check the country (or countries if you’re cruising) to ensure you won’t be stopped at customs.
Have a travel tip to share with your GoGirlfriends? Send us your tips, tricks and strategies and we'll publish them here. Email us or connect with us on Twitter and Facebook. Let's continue the conversation!
Have Map, Will Travel
I need my smart phone as much as I need the bra I’m wearing – without them, I’m pretty much a wreck. But when I’m traveling, I bring a backup to that snazzy phone – an old school map. Just in case the battery dies or some other catastrophic event occurs, having a paper map ensures I never lose my way. And before I leave my hotel or step out of a cab or bus, I’ve got myself oriented to the direction I need to travel. Nothing says “Tourist Target” like a lone woman standing on a street corner looking confused.
Have a travel tip to share with your GoGirlfriends? Send us your tips, tricks and strategies and we'll publish them here. Email us or connect with us on Twitter and Facebook. Let's continue the conversation!
Anniversary Travel Perks
Booking a getaway for you and your lover to celebrate a special anniversary? Getting away with your gal pals for your 40th birthday? Email the General Manager when you book your room or let the front desk know when you check in. They may offer a free upgrade or perk to make your stay more memorable. Hint: if you get lucky with a free perk, let the hotel know how grateful you are by sharing on Facebook or Pinterest. You never know, they might do it again the next time you visit!
Have a travel tip to share with your GoGirlfriends? Send us your tips, tricks and strategies and we'll publish them here. Email us or connect with us on Twitter and Facebook. Let's continue the conversation!
Share My Vacation
Looking to save some money on your next vacation? Check out these website that encourage sharing:
- Campinmygarden.com – Lists backyards where
travelers can pitch their tents. It’s UK-based site but see big things coming for this company. - Spinlister.com – Connects travelers (in more than 40 countries) with locals who rent their bikes for as little as $10 a day.
- Parkatmyhouse.com – Offers visitors parking spots at homes and businesses.
Have a travel tip to share with your GoGirlfriends? Send us your tips, tricks and strategies and we'll publish them here. Email us or connect with us on Twitter and Facebook. Let's continue the conversation!
Check out our