Why Does Travel Work So Well Online?

This was a conversation I was having with a friend today.  It's an odd one.  The fact of the matter is that nothing should be able to compensate for the experience of traveling, particularly when you are sitting behind a computer.  Yet travel does so well online.  Price comparison, review website, social networks, photo and video sharing.  Why?

As far as I can determine there are two key reasons:

Firstly there is such a large lead in time with travel that you have plenty of time to learn and research about the place you're going.  Also, the fact that it is such a relatively large financial outlay means that people are going to spend more time preparing and researching than they would if they were picking up a new digital camera.  Thus we have the proliferation of price comparison, booking services, and online guide books. 

However, this doesn't explain why people are so generous in donating their time and energy by sharing their own experiences.  For me the answer here lies in the answer to a much greater question.  What does it mean to travel?  Travel is about connecting with new people, learning about new cultures and more generally being nice to your common brothers and sisters.  This is why the social travel websites do so well.  Share experiences through photo and video sites, stay connected with the people you meet using social networking, and help others out through reviews and travel tips.

When you think about travel and the net in this way it makes a whole lot of sense.  But what do I know, why do you think travel is so successful online?

Comments

[Willy Volk]

I think people are mildly suspicious of guide books -- especially those written by a single author. Who knows if that writer got something in exchange for a favorable write-up? Alternatively, what if their taste is just wildly different from mine?

The beauty in learning about travel options online is that you can quickly, easily, and cheaply investigate a number of opinions. If numerous reviews ALL point to something interesting-sounding, you're on to something. If there isn't much consensus on a destination/event, then maybe you need to think about if it's right for you. Click over to another site and check it out. The boss won't care.

[Daniel Bower]

I couldn't agree more, eloquently put.

[Pierre]

"However, this doesn't explain why people are so generous in donating their time and energy by sharing their own experiences." What if you could do it for all the right reasons (as stated by yourself) and get paid for the privilege?

The trivago approach translates into a vast amount of high quality non-commercial travel information and the most detailed and largest European hotel database. All provided by community members who write personalized reviews and upload their own photos as well as develop, approve, and manage content. The more experienced a member is the more responsibilities he/she receives.

In return for their efforts, members not only benefit by meeting great people from all over the world, but they also make money; trivago distributes nearly half of the revenues it generates via bookings to community members on a bi-monthly basis. Now that works for me ;-))

[FloraParks33]

Have no money to buy some real estate? You should not worry, because that is real to get the credit loans to work out such kind of problems. So get a short term loan to buy everything you need.

[Opatija apartmani Hrvatska]

Naturally, when you share your traveling experience, you'll get some inner satisfaction and happiness.And that happiness is possible only through internet where you can share your thoughts and feelings.