If you search travel or Disney blogs, you’ll get hundreds, thousands… well – a LOT of results! So how do you know which ones to follow and/or how to utilize the information to benefit your travel needs? In this article I will explain how we use the information as well as what I look for in blogs/social media accounts I follow. I follow the Disney Parks Blog and Disney accounts on social media – so I do already get any/all “official” announcements made. That is my starting point…
#1: What is the information shared?
The first thing I look at is what information the person (or group) is sharing. Are they simply reposting press releases/info that is widely available? If so, I already get this! In addition to not following accounts that simply repost official statements, I do not follow accounts that are rumor happy. It can be confusing enough keeping up with facts and regulations when traveling, I don’t need to add rumors and maybes into the mix. I am looking for facts, personal experience, great photos or videos, and advice that helps me plan my trips.
#2: What is the tone/outlook shared?
I like a blogger that is positive and whose approach to travel is similar or at least compatible with mine. I’m looking for someone who can share helpful information in a (usually) positive way that will add to my planning or trip experience. I do not enjoy blog where there is a condescending tone, or those who travel so often that they forget what it’s like for us regular folks who don’t vacation monthly.
#3: How up to date are they?
I admit – I’m still balancing out the scheduling and content on this blog! But really, how up to date is the content, information, and relevant details shared? I do not want to read about how to get tickets for an event and find out the information is five years ago – that the new procedures are quite different. For this criteria I try to read through a few posts and find fact(s) that I know for myself and compare to what is written.
#4: Do I enjoy what they write?
This really is the bottom line! I need to enjoy the tone, frequency, and overall content of the blog or social media account.
How do I use the information shared?
To each their own – but I use travel and Disney blog information a few ways:
Eliminate places/activities: Positive or negative review – often it will tell me enough about a place or activity to make a choice if it matches up with what will be good for us. Just because someone says it is “a must” doesn’t mean it is for me! I look for details to see what can be eliminated, or what would add something to my ‘must’ list for the family.
Tips and tricks: This is the big one. Everything from maximizing my time to packing tips to best times to book things… well I am all about the tips and tricks! I’ve learned so much from the fact that yes, you should log right on and book when your window opens (especially Disney!) to how to minimize waiting in lines – this is definitely what I get the most from reading up! In fact, I was warned about a “time share area” you pass through in the Puerto Vallarta airport and how it would seem official and as though you had to stop after customs, but don’t. These little tips that I learn add up to making a big difference in my vacation!
Day/Trip planning: I love reading day plans and trip reports as they help me figure out what is/isn’t realistic about my own plans!
Forever the foodie: We are a food loving family. So reading about good food, and the why not just “good” “not good” – is always a plus. We love knowing where the great places are to eat, and why people recommend them.
Overall, we don’t put all our trust into any one source of information but rather gather information based on our current trip planning needs. I like instagram for keeping up with a lot of bloggers/social media users who post regularly as it doesn’t take much time and gives me a glimpse of things going on places I may or may not be visiting any time soon. Our hope here at Adventureland Girls is to bring you our own experiences combined with what worked or didn’t, and the why behind it!