More and more people seem to be trying to crowdsource their vacations by asking the wrong people for advice. Instead of asking an expert, they’re asking people who have very different needs, budgets, and travel styles.
Crowdsourcing can be useful when you’re asking people for a local plumber who might be available on a Sunday for an emergency or for a bakery that has vegan cupcakes. But when you need advice about real estate, taxes, or travel, you should ask an expert.
Asking the Wrong People
Querying your friends and acquaintances for resort or destination recommendations is similar to asking them “What’s the best wine?”. You’ll get a huge range of answers that don’t really do much to help you. Some people love white wine, and some people who love red. There will be some who prefer sweet wine, and some who like dry. And yes, there will be some with terrible taste in wine and those with very refined palates. Virtually none of these answers are helpful to you, since your tastes, needs, and budget are undoubtedly different from theirs.
It would be far more helpful to visit your favorites wine store, talk to their wine expert, provide some information about your tastes, the occasion, and your budget. You’ll no doubt be shown 2 or 3 good options that fit your needs.
Social Media Confusion
People are making Social Media posts that ask questions such as “What’s the best Caribbean island for families?” or “Best Mexican resort? And go!” The answers they receive just end up causing additional confusion, since the answers cover a such a wide range of possibilities. I saw one post asking for resort recommendations in Tulum. She ended up with answers ranging from 2 star to 5 star properties, many of which were not actually in Tulum.
I’ve also spoken with people who seem to rely solely on online reviews. This is very similar to polling complete strangers – most of whom have nothing in common with you. In addition, it was recently determined that about one third of the reviews on a popular review website were fake.
Ask An Expert
Rather than listening to your best friend’s cousin who recently went to one resort (and thought it was “ah-mazing”), why not consult an expert who’s visited or is familiar with hundreds of resorts? Tell your specialist who is traveling, where you’d like to go, what you’d like to do, and what your preferences are. This will lead to a few curated recommendations that are tailored exclusively for you.
Your vacation time is valuable, and, unlike a bottle of wine, you can’t return a vacation or simply buy another. Talk to a travel advisor who specializes in what you’d like to do, and know that they have vested interest in delivering exactly the experience that you’re seeking. Once you’re working with an expert, stop asking for your friend’s, neighbor’s, or family’s advice. I can guarantee that this will lead to greater satisfaction with your next trip.
Contact Us
FNS Travel Group creates unique, memorable, and stress-free custom getaways to Europe, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Please call us at 1-855-557-5588, or visit us on the web for more information.
