Social media has changed the way people travel - and for the better, in most cases. In fact, a survey conducted in the United Kingdom indicated that nearly 85% of social media users are turning to their support networks to plan trips or share their experiences online. If it is a search for last minute flights to the Caribbean or a photo of an incredible sunset or a nicely this meal, most of us can't resist turning to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or another site to share our thoughts.
But what many of us fail to realize is that it use social media properly can actually improve our trips beyond simply sharing what we are up to. To interact with the use of hashtags on Twitter hotels to find benefits, social do can mean often boasting a better trip.
You are directed to the Mexico to celebrate the anniversary of your bff? Share information about Twitter, and tag your hotel using the @ sign and handle of the hotel. Many properties monitor their food constantly for the entries and will most likely see your post in a few minutes. Mentioning that you plan a special celebration to their property could stimulate to contact you for more information or to put a note on your reservation, leading to special benefits such as room upgrades, free champagne, spa treatments and more. Of course, the benefits are not guaranteed, but you have a better chance when you interact on social media.
Interaction with your favorite hotels, restaurants and other places on social media can also help you solve problems or take care of last-minute issues, as a demand for a late start or a particular soil. Some brands have even devoted Twitter RSS specifically to respond to customer questions, and if you think that you get an answer faster by sending your request via tweet of waiting on hold to speak to an agent.
Everyone wants to save money, and social media can help you do so. Use hashtags to search Twitter or Facebook to find the inside scoop on special offers in your destination. You can find information about the offers directly from your hotel or resort, but you might also find the local scoop on a case of great two for an aperitif at a hot restaurant or the track from indoors on a discount for the activities you want to do.
Hundreds of companies use social media to attract customers through "Facebook only" or "Twitter" only special offers and promotions, and travel providers are among the leaders of the trend. Follow or agencies of travel as your favorite - including hotels, airlines, travel and restaurants - and check your feeds for promotions. You might find free nights, discounts or other advantages just for being a loyal fan.
When you are planning your trip, don't forget the "social" part of social media and ask for help. When you send a query on the pizza of Chicago or pedicure in NYC, get ready to get bombarded with opinions, advice and suggestions. This is when sites like Pinterest or Yelp can come handy. Use as a Yelp review sites to try to find a consensus on the tasks that you plan and determine whether to add places to your itinerary. Once you have a few ideas, using Pinterest to keep them organized. When you're on the road, simply pull the top of your table to refresh your memory on this amazing coffee that you want to try.
Marking your messages of social media with hashtags (# before a term important) allows others to find your posts and respond with ideas and information. For example, tweeting "you are looking for an excellent breakfast in #Dallas" will attract the attention of all those who are looking for messages indicating the city in Texas, and you will probably get the answers from anyone who sees your post and has something to add.
When you use social media to plan and improve your trip, don't forget not one or two points. First of all, always recognize the support that you receive, even if you choose not to use the advice. Then, share your discoveries with others - after you get home. Share what was great and isn't so big on your trip will help others who are looking for information for their own travels. Just be careful to oversharing. Not only you will adversely affect your experience when you're constantly tweeting, sharing and communicating with others through your smartphone, letting the world know that you're far from home could leave vulnerable to a break-in.
In the contrary, tweet, post case, PIN and shooting - it could lead to an unforgettable vacation!
About the author: Hannah Jackson is a social media maven who blogs about emerging trends and how to get the most popular social sites. She is currently planning a trip to San Francisco and I look for the best deals on Facebook and Twitter.
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