ExpertFlyer Hot Topics — Where the rubber meets the runway
Aside from the more popular and obvious travel meta search engines, how can business and consumer travelers harness the power of social media to source useful travel information, make appropriate business connections and uncover other hidden gems of information?
Crowd-sourcing is a term that has gained momentum in the social media era, but how does one effectively use the power of the crowd on Facebook and Twitter to get their business or personal travel off the ground?
Rob Flynn is VP & Global Travel Publisher Frommer’s Travel, as well as a social media marketing expert. We asked Rob to give us his take in 140 words or less.
“Friends, colleagues, and the people you interact with in social networks can all be great sources of inspiration and practical advice when you travel – if you go about involving them in the right way.” Here are Rob’s 5 tips for getting the most from social media before you go:
1. Use your networks wisely: Be selective and reach out to a few people at a time rather than spamming everyone you know with the same question.
2. Don’t be lazy: Do some basic research yourself to put advice into perspective.
3. Be specific: Don’t ask: “Can anyone recommend a good restaurant in Paris.” Do ask: “Any ideas for a romantic dinner for two with views of the Seine?”
4. Be courteous: Ask politely. Acknowledge responses.
5. Give back: Post while you’re on the road or offer advice once you get back.
ExpertFlyer Suggested Reading…
The First ‘Social Media Travel Guide’ (The Independent.com)
Amadeus, CLIA Survey Shows Agents’ Growing Use of Social Media (TravelPulse.com)
How to: Use Social Media for Travel Research (Mashable)
