We all know that planning a vacation can be stressful and time-consuming. But the more time you spend researching travel destinations, the better your experience will be when you finally arrive! Doing your research also helps you travel safely and learn more about the cultures that you will interact with, so you can always remain respectful. This post is here to help you with that process. So, here are some of the top resources for finding information about destinations around the world.
disclosure: this is a partnered post
#1: Check Review Sites
The first step is to check out some review sites. Sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp are great for getting an overview of a destination, reading traveler reviews, and finding tips from locals. Be sure to read both the good and bad reviews to get a well-rounded idea of what you can expect.
This is a brilliant way to find the best restaurants and bars, and attractions to visit while you’re there. Even though it’s fun to be spontaneous, searching the best spots before you go will make for a better trip overall.
#2: Use A Virtual Travel Planner
There are some great online travel planners that can help you find the perfect place to stay and things to do. Using a visual travel planner allows you to gather all of the information about your chosen destination in one place. It’s perfect for making mood boards or putting together lists of restaurants, for example.
If you are struggling to decide where to go, you can use a travel planner to put together information about lots of different places so you can compare them. When you do finally go on your trip, you can then use the travel planner as your own personal travel guide.
#3: Look At Government Guidelines
The government of the country you’re visiting may have a website with information about travel advisories and warnings. It’s always best to be aware of any potential dangers before you go, so you can make informed decisions about your trip and ensure that you travel safely.
Some government websites also have sections on customs and etiquette so that you can be prepared for how locals will behave and what you can expect. This is very important as certain countries have very strict customs and you risk offending people if you don’t adhere to them.
#4: Check Out Guidebooks
Guidebooks are a great way to find information about different destinations. They usually have detailed descriptions of attractions, as well as maps and advice from locals. If you’re looking for ideas on what to do and see, a guidebook is a perfect resource.
However, it’s important to remember that guidebooks can be outdated, so always check the publication date of the guide you’re using. Consider the audience too because it may be aimed at people of a different age or background, so the recommendations will not be that relevant.
#5: Watch YouTube Videos
If you’re looking for a more visual representation of your chosen destination, YouTube can be a great resource. There are loads of videos filmed by travelers who have been to the places you’re interested in, so you can get a first-hand account of what it’s like.
You can also find videos about specific attractions or activities that you want to do. You just need to make sure that you’re watching videos from reputable channels and you find recent videos so the information is accurate. YouTube videos are particularly good when you are picking hotels because you can watch a full tour and get a real sense of what the place is like.
#6: Walk Around On Google Maps
If you’re struggling to choose a destination, then take a look at Google Maps. You can zoom in on different areas and explore the surroundings that way.
Google Street View allows you to virtually walk around an area so you get more of an idea about what it’s like for yourself. It’s not the same as being there, but it can give you some indication of what to expect. You can also use this method to get your bearings and find your way around a bit, so you know where things are once you arrive. You don’t need to map the whole city because that ruins the adventure, but it’s also handy to know where your basic amenities, like shops, are so you don’t waste any of your trip wandering around.
Researching travel destinations can really help you get more out of your trip and experience the destination to its full extent. It also helps you stay safe, especially when traveling alone. These are all excellent resources for researching your next destination so enjoy the process of planning your next adventure!
