Social Media use for travel information
Our last blog provided guidance on finding reputable sources of information online, through websites. The world of Social Media is a completely different scenario. It can provide amazing assistance, although everything is subjective. You have to carefully consider the information to be able to extract good, useful information for your needs.
Groups on Facebook is my preferred method of finding out useful information. There are many groups devoted to travel in general, and many devoted to an individual country, or region, or city.
I have joined many groups and regularly see information of interest, in general, and specific to a country / area. I save / bookmark very useful info. When I plan my travels, it is usually a few months in advance. I will join FB groups on that country / area. I will monitor it, check out the flow.
If you see a lot of solicitation by drivers, accommodations, etc. that typically shows a group that isn’t careful about monitoring its content, perhaps accepting money to allow these ads disguised as posts.
There are many destination groups where there are many locals and expats living there who are happy to help new travelers. Many expats rely on info from groups like this for their research and are providing their input to help others. If you ask questions, try to avoid basics that you can find online easily (such as weather and distance between two points). Other questions may have been answered already, so try using the search function. You will come across well if you post a question and start by saying "I searched for this question before asking and still have questions".
I have had locals offer to meet me and show me around. Some have been legitimate, honestly interested in showing their beloved home-town to travelers. Also, to practice their English skills. I am fine with paying for lunch after spending the morning with an enthusiastic local or ex pat happy to show me around. I am still friends with people I have met this way years ago!
There is some “fishing” for companionship for financial gain,. There is a saying in SE Asia that older western guys are “walking ATM’s”. More often than not, many times (especially from younger ladies) the key motivation is for them to find a gullible lonely tourist they can extract money from.
Use social media wisely and you will reap the benefits! Be careful, don’t provide personal information online and use caution at all times!
This touches upon security concerns, which is a huge consideration. General safety throughout the country / region you wish to visit. Safety of your belongings as well as yourself. Financial security, being safe in all eventualities. How to not get scammed.
This is a huge subject so I will wrap this post up, focusing on Social Media. Tune in for my next post with more info on keeping safe and secure as possible while traveling!!
“There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign” – Robert Louis Stevenson
