The single thing I like best about Fodors is that asked a question like that, most people make a list (and, knowiing you lot, probably store it on your hard disc in case you need it again:))

In other words, it's the people.

And sometimes (tho' not often) that's what I like least too.

Now that I've specifically mentioned laclaire, I feel bad that I didn't mention maribel, too.

What a luxury to have them and others like them!

People !! :)

For me, it is that even when I'm staying at home I can enjoy travel experiences through someone else's eyes.

blushing.

The <b>travel tips</b> that I've received, in response to my questions - or those asked by others. My trips in the past year have been enriched by the little things I picked up from Fodorites and worked into our plans. Hotels, meals, transportation, shows, museums, and. . .

Without a doubt, the people.

Amen to all of the above.

I only found this site about a year ago but I have thoroughly enjoyed the interchange - even when it gets fiesty!

And it is truly a way to relax and escape to far away places for a while - priceless entertainment absolutely free!

I have a friend who is looking for an educational trip for her son (17)for summer 2007.His school is not going anywhere,he would like to join an exisisting group,any suggestions?We are from Texas,Thanks

can't single out, sorry

* the simplicity of the lay-out (user-friendly)

* the posters (and lots and lots of them ;) )

I'm with Noe...

The travel tips that make our trips that much better than they would have been. I am a bigger user of the US board and have had several trips out West great enhanced by advice from others about little things--good restaurants, great drives, what to wear, obscure places that are terrific.

And then the Fodorites themselves make the list. You're all terrific!

It feels like family.

The kindness of complete strangers who give so freely of their time and expertise and before long they seem like friends rather than strangers. So yes, the people do it for me.

The spectrum of experience from the most veteran (sometimes jaded!) oldtimers to the greenest newbie, brimming with enthusiasm and that hard-to-reproduce gee-whiz awe at learning, seeing and experiencing.

And... the almost certainty that you can find someone with <i>fresh</i> experience...

Travel information is so inherently perishable - - the observations from someone who was <u>just</u> there... are more valid than the most experienced traveler who hasn't been &quot;<i>there</i>&quot; anytime recently.

Best wishes,

Rex

The generosity of fellow travelers to share information. Most recently to Laclaire for her recommendations for restaurants in Barcelona. We had the best dinner on my husband's birthday at El Quatre Gats thanks to her.

We also stayed at a wonderful small hotel in Venice after reading so many praises from Fodorites.

This truly is a wonderful travel resource.

Thanks Fodorites.

The fact that I can get better recommendations here from people I “know” and trust than from any of the many guidebooks in my library.

I am a particularly fan of those wonderful people with a passion for Spain, both locals and travelers, who took the time to help me plan two incredible trips there this year. Thank you all - it would have been a poorer experience without your expert advice!

The discussion of many topics among people with diverse points of view but all of whom share an interest in travel and culture. This makes it likely that many of the discussions will be interesting to me, even when not travel related, because they are being conducted by people who already have some things in common but who can give the different viewpoints that come from living in different countries and having a wide range of experience.

I have learned more about cultural similarities and differences by frequenting this message board than from any other source of information.

I'd like to add that besides the posters who give us valuable information
on ALL the European countries and those who write such wonderful trip reports, my own personal feeling is that it is a CARING group.

The enthusiasm about travel and new things .

I like the fact that you can ask ANYTHING about travel and get an answer, almost immediately!