This is such a good point! I have hesitated when giving recommendations and always try to give some context. These are the quick eats, these are the ones for when you have more time, this is the longer/shorter way to do something, etc.
I had never thought of it this way before but it makes so much sense. I'm often hesitant to give travel recommendations even to people I know well, and I think this explains why.
Yes, and essentially everything travel-related is advice, since it's all based on experience. Even tourist brochures are a broad attempt at 'you will like this thing when you visit.'
I think when you actually know the person, you have a much better chance of hitting the mark. And it does feel so good when you hear they had a great time with it.
Whatever is based on people’s insight can be valuable. Soon, we will be debating AI’s contribution, as it is something “new,” and many people are already choosing to follow its advice over that of real travelers.
I think there is another factor in recommendations: the effort required. We spent a wonderful month in the San Lorenzo neighbourhood of Rome a couple of years ago, discovering two great restaurants that we visited at least twice each, and some interesting bars that we were almost regulars in by the time we left Rome.
Would I recommend them to someone staying closer to the centre of Rome? Nope.
They were good, but not 20+ minutes on a crowded bus good, especially when there are plenty of places just as good in every neighbourhood of that city.
Some very good points here. Realizations like this are always in the back of my mind when I meet someone on the road and recommend them about this or that. I've no idea if they will have anything close to my experience. Maybe they will be sick. Maybe it will pour with rain. Different day, different experience.
Oh yes, so many times I wonder how a recommendation worked out for someone I met. But the people I think about most are those where I made a mistake in my advice, like when someone asks how many stops until X station and I say 'oh, five' only to realize after getting off that I forgot to mention the line change. I wonder if that person is still somewhere roaming the city, or cursing me haha.
The person who planned the trip isnt the person who takes it is such a good point! I think that's why its so important to keep some flexibility in trips! Forcing something you're not feeling just because you planned it already won't make the experience better
This is such a good point! I have hesitated when giving recommendations and always try to give some context. These are the quick eats, these are the ones for when you have more time, this is the longer/shorter way to do something, etc.
Context is king!
It seems to me that most advice for travellers is simply written for the writer themselves.
Very well said, Alexander!
Oh, gosh, all your points are salient in my travel experience. Well done. I look forward to reading more of your work.
Thank you, Karen.
I love this: Explorers. Travelers. Tourists. That's it, in a nutshell!
I had never thought of it this way before but it makes so much sense. I'm often hesitant to give travel recommendations even to people I know well, and I think this explains why.
Me too, I usually don’t give it out unless I really know they person and can be more sure they enjoy it but even then it’s not always guaranteed.
Has happened to me, as well. But sometimes a good recommendation counts, people have thanked me for sharing one.
Yes, and essentially everything travel-related is advice, since it's all based on experience. Even tourist brochures are a broad attempt at 'you will like this thing when you visit.'
I think when you actually know the person, you have a much better chance of hitting the mark. And it does feel so good when you hear they had a great time with it.
Whatever is based on people’s insight can be valuable. Soon, we will be debating AI’s contribution, as it is something “new,” and many people are already choosing to follow its advice over that of real travelers.
The answer is "Don't ask for advice" - including this advice.
The best advice is the advice we never gave along the way.
A great article Scott.
I think there is another factor in recommendations: the effort required. We spent a wonderful month in the San Lorenzo neighbourhood of Rome a couple of years ago, discovering two great restaurants that we visited at least twice each, and some interesting bars that we were almost regulars in by the time we left Rome.
Would I recommend them to someone staying closer to the centre of Rome? Nope.
They were good, but not 20+ minutes on a crowded bus good, especially when there are plenty of places just as good in every neighbourhood of that city.
Thanks, this is very true and akin to the energy. Definitely a big factor but sounds like you found some great spots.
Some very good points here. Realizations like this are always in the back of my mind when I meet someone on the road and recommend them about this or that. I've no idea if they will have anything close to my experience. Maybe they will be sick. Maybe it will pour with rain. Different day, different experience.
Oh yes, so many times I wonder how a recommendation worked out for someone I met. But the people I think about most are those where I made a mistake in my advice, like when someone asks how many stops until X station and I say 'oh, five' only to realize after getting off that I forgot to mention the line change. I wonder if that person is still somewhere roaming the city, or cursing me haha.
The person who planned the trip isnt the person who takes it is such a good point! I think that's why its so important to keep some flexibility in trips! Forcing something you're not feeling just because you planned it already won't make the experience better
Flexibly is so very important as is being forgiving of your current self for just not feeling it anymore.