I use a mix of TA and Fodors which I find makes for the most well-planned trip. I think the trip reports are most helpful on Fodors and I also think the people who post are hard core travelers with a real love of the countries they visit and the people who inhabit them. The advice given is invaluable. TA is great for hotel and restaurant suggestions. I ignore one time posters who give overly glowing reviews and also don't pay attention to the fact that the more expensive hotels are lower rated. Because I travel with kids often, its useful to look up reviews where travelers have checked that they traveled with their families. Also great to look up last minute reviews on restaurants when you are literally looking for a place that moment. Lastly, I usually review a lot of the places I have stayed at or restaurants I've visited honestly and legitimately, so I have to assume that most people do too. Great to have both.

I use TA frequently for advice about hotels and activities, but I'm a snob about whose reviews to believe. I always read between the lines, taking note of where the reviewers are from and checking out their other travel experiences.

For many parts of the world, TA has more experts who supply speedier responses than on this site. For example: when researching boats for a Galapagos trip, I got quick feedback from posters who had been on all of the ships we were considering, while it took days to hear back from anyone here, and when I did, it was general information.

Another factor re TA is ...sometimes reviewers will note a specific room or area as being a good choice. We have often asked for the same room and been more than pleased with the info. It is considered research info in our house, not the Bible.

I use TA and am on those forums. I love the PM section and have gotten lots of PMs over the years as when I get them, those who PM have commented to me that they PM when they're tired of all the snarkiness that can show up on the regular forums. They just want to ask a question and have it answered and then move on.

Of course, I have to weed through some of the stuff posted there as I've been weeding though some of the stuff posted here on Fodors, and on Frommers, and Lonely Planet. But, there I find that I get a wider range of traveler types and a wider range of accommodation types.

I don't post as much on TA as I used to, but then again, I don't post much anywhere as I'm busy. But, I still check my PM section on TA.

Happy Travels!

Greetings jobin,

Can't offer any current opinions or usage of 'TA'. Nothing against the site in particular; rather, an increase and ongoing changes to my Asia and transpacific business travel over the past ~ two years have led me to utilize other forums, including the luxury hotel board on flyertalk, as well as the milepoint forum. Certain business (and holiday) travellers on those boards are most gracious with their knowledge. And, have never failed to glean precious nuggets of wisdom from some fine individuals over on SQTalk; Singapore Airlines remains my (our) primary - and preferred - business and occasional holiday carrier.

Perhaps some of you well-travelled Fodorites can partially relate when I mention that the most priceless bits of travel wisdom I've savoured over the years have come from the loved one and her family and colleagues, my rather well-travelled parents and grandparents, some Singapore and Scotland dwelling relatives, a Bangkok-based uncle, some fun-loving business colleagues, some long-ago and cherished mountaineering buddies, and my beloved sister #2. In particular, said sister is a joy with her degree of travel wisdom and humour. My brief mention of her on my profile page hotel review of the Four Seasons Tokyo at Marunouchi doesn't begin the capture the laughs and love exchanged that evening. Indeed, the main reason I post reviews on Fodor's is to bring back personal memories of particular business and holiday times. (Owing to ongoing paucity of extended holidays from work, they are my version of 'trip reports'.) Should others benefit, all the better -- and do remember your cheque book at The Siam in Bangkok.

Work and future (SQ) flights beckon; joyous times and travels to you and all,

macintosh (robert)


... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...