Checking In To Your Next Trip
February 17, 2012
Right now, I’m planning a long weekend in Boston once spring hits, and outlining the trip is no small task. Though I’ve been to Beantown once before, figuring out which spots to hit in 96 hours is tricky, and I want to make sure I get the most bang for my buck. I find myself wishing that I could take a pocket travel companion with me, to turn to for advice once my feet hit New England ground.
I’ve already downloaded apps to my phone. However, these travel apps lack a very important social aspect of decision-making: approval and advice from trusted friends. That’s where foursquare comes in.
I like foursquare for two reasons: I can keep track of places I’ve been (so I can go back again… or not), and I can see what my friends have done nearby that’s worth checking out (or avoiding). And now, with foursquare’s new Explore engine, I can aggregate tips from my friends and followed brands about whatever I’m craving, from pizza to new shoes.
Imagine if more travel guides were leveraging foursquare as an extension to their popular print collections; I couldn’t find many. I’d be able to get the inside scoop as I strolled down Newbury Street, or headed out to the North End for a serious cannoli. Of course, foursquare tips are free, and brands need to make money. But, if you give me what I need when I need it, I’ll turn to you when it’s time to take my plans to the next step. I’ll sign up for your other services. I’ll refer you to my friends. Why? Because I’ll already trust you.
And in the social media era, those types of relationships are the ones that outlast Likes and RTs.