The difference between a good trip and a great trip often comes down to research. But not all sources are created equal. Here's how to dig beyond surface-level tourist information.
Beyond TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor has its place, but limitations:
- Reviews skew toward tourist-oriented businesses
- Popular doesn't mean best (or best value)
- Rankings can be manipulated
- Local gems often have few reviews
Use it as one input, not your primary source.
Finding Local Knowledge
Reddit Communities
City and country-specific subreddits offer insider perspectives:
- r/[CityName] for local discussions
- r/travel and r/solotravel for traveler experiences
- Search function for specific questions
- Ask questions—locals often respond helpfully
Local Blogs
Expats and locals who write about their cities provide depth:
- Search "[City] expat blog" or "[City] food blog"
- More authentic recommendations than tourist sites
- Often reveal neighborhoods tourists miss
Instagram Locations
Search location tags for recent, real photos:
- See what places actually look like now
- Discover spots that don't make guide books
- Check crowd levels at different times
Timing Research
When matters as much as where:
- Weather history: Check historical data, not just averages
- Local events: Festivals can enhance or overwhelm a visit
- School holidays: Determine crowd levels
- Religious holidays: May affect what's open
- Business patterns: Some attractions close specific days
Budget-Specific Research
- Numbeo: Cost of living comparisons
- Budget travel blogs: Real spending breakdowns
- Hostel reviews: Often mention local cheap eats
- Google Maps: Search "cheap food near [location]"
Safety Research
- Government travel advisories: Start here but don't end here (often overly cautious)
- Recent news: Current situation vs. historical reputation
- Traveler forums: Real experiences from recent visitors
- Neighborhood-specific info: Cities aren't uniformly safe or dangerous
Building Your Research System
- Create a document or folder: Centralize your findings
- Save links: Bookmark useful sources
- Map it: Create a Google Map with saved places
- Categorize: Separate "must-do" from "if time allows"
- Note details: Opening hours, costs, tips
When to Stop Researching
Research has diminishing returns:
- Don't plan every meal—leave room for discovery
- Over-scheduled itineraries create stress
- Some of the best experiences are unplanned
- Trust yourself to figure things out on arrival
Research enough to feel prepared, not so much that spontaneity disappears.