Travellers seek tips on Facebook and social media
FROM photos of their feet in exotic locations to cocktails by the pool, travellers love boasting about holidays on Facebook.
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FROM posting photos of their feet in exotic locations to cocktails by the pool and degustation dinners in the world's finest restaurants - travellers love boasting about their holiday experiences on Facebook.
And it works, with new research showing Australians are seeking their family and friends' recommendations via social media.
Half of those surveyed said they had asked for travel advice on social media, while one in 10 always ask Facebook friends before making a booking.
The research, commissioned by booking website HotelClub for the launch of its HotelClub Explorer iPad app, found photos of beautiful scenery and food were the most common travel photos to be shared.
It was followed by pictures of pools, hotels and feet.
Social media expert and Deakin University lecturer Ross Monaghan said people like sharing the exciting things happening in their lives, whether that's getting married, the joy of a new baby or going on holidays.
"People use Facebook pretty prolifically when they travel," he said.
"It gives people a way to communicate easily with their friends and family when they are away; instead of having to call half a dozen people you can let them know what you're doing on Facebook.
"It makes people feel good when they share a photo and people say 'I'm jealous' or
'It looks like you're having a good time'.
"You can update Facebook from your mobile phone and most backpackers and hotels have internet access now," he said.
"When you're travelling you don't really want to spend a lot of time writing long emails, it's shorter, sharper communication."
Monaghan said social media has a big impact on people's perceptions of travel destinations and can inspire them to take a holiday.
"People do look at what their friends are doing and they are influenced by word of mouth," he said.
"Our friends are people who have something in common with us - you like doing the same sort of things, otherwise they're not friends.
"If your friend is somewhere having a great time it's probably likely you will enjoy the same sort of things as well."
The new HotelClub Explorer app helps Australians to crowd-source travel advice from thousands of people by creating a personalised magazine with socially generated content from sites including Flickr, Twitter and Google blogs.
Click here to download the app
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