Resources for local information

[limavictor]

After our first two trips, I've been thinking a lot about the resources available for local information at a destination and wanted to hear from some of the more experienced travelers here.

Specifically, I've noticed that while my wife and I typically look at review sites like Yelp for some basic information, I am much more inclined to seek out a local for their recommendations on anything from where to eat, or the best places and current conditions for activities. Often times though, the locals we spoke with weren't necessarily the best local to ask...I found myself thinking "what I really want, is to ask someone local who likes 'this' type of food, or has 'this' activity interest and find out where they would go."

I would love to hear what you use to get local information, for anything from food to shopping to specific activities or attractions...How often do you use review sites, what do you use to supplement the forums and discussion boards?

And finally, would you be interested in a service, probably in the form of an app, that would allow you to post questions directly to locals based on shared food interests or activities, or do you know of something like this that you already use?

Thanks for your input

-Ryan

[Sudsy]

Google+

[limavictor]

Do you find the user base on Google+ to be active enough to regularly find people who are able to provide useful information?

What aspects of G+ do you interact with the most?

-Ryan

Originally Posted by Sudsy

Google+

[Sudsy]

Originally Posted by limavictor

Do you find the user base on Google+ to be active enough to regularly find people who are able to provide useful information?

What aspects of G+ do you interact with the most?

-Ryan

If we are at a new place and feel like pizza, we ask Google. Then maybe the campground owners for their opinion of the place we chose If we need fuel we ask Google for that.

The database is there. If you are out of cell range you don't need pizza!

Nothing to be invented there.

Sudsy

[Dropthejacks]

Love TripAdvisor. I've found the opinions expressed by patrons are pretty accurate, and I leave reviews on there all the time. Works great for finding local eateries. Also great for checking out campgrounds when doing research for trips. They have an easy to use phone app also.

[MikeandClaudia]

If we have never been to an area before, we always go to the Chamber of commerce. They will usually have brochures of places to see and go to, area restaurants, etc. We also find out about laundromats, grocery stores, barbershops, etc. Many times they may have coupons for different places or attractions.

On probably our 6th or 7th trip to Branson, I was on my computer one day and I looked under "Things to see and do in Branson" , I found out that the artist that drew up the original Kewpie Doll was from the Branson area, and we visited her home and learned about her history, and I bet not 5% of the people that come to Branson ever hear about her.

What did we EVER do without Google?

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

If the town has a Visitor's Center they can sometimes be really helpful! Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!