If you have to ask what to see and do, why are you going?
Aug 14th, 2004, 03:01 PM
#41
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Well, anyway...
I think that this forum is incredibly useful for people who are planning a trip to a region they've not visited before. I personally have no problem answering any travel related questions concerning areas of which I happen to have specific knowledge.
I especially admire those who post little trip summaries just after returning from somewhere...this is the ultimate in up-to-the-minute reconnaissance! I plan to do this also, when I get back from Portugal this fall. This kind of information is genuinely useful, folks...
Just what I think, personally.
I think that this forum is incredibly useful for people who are planning a trip to a region they've not visited before. I personally have no problem answering any travel related questions concerning areas of which I happen to have specific knowledge.
I especially admire those who post little trip summaries just after returning from somewhere...this is the ultimate in up-to-the-minute reconnaissance! I plan to do this also, when I get back from Portugal this fall. This kind of information is genuinely useful, folks...
Just what I think, personally.
Aug 14th, 2004, 07:23 PM
#44
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These posts always amaze me -- yes, this same topic has been "done to death".
Of course there are two ways to look at it. If the poster is truly clueless about what to visit, then I have to agree there must have been an odd decision to go there. Would I decide to make a major trip to a place I knew NOTHING about? Never.
But I strongly suspect most are seeking MORE advice that they already have. And it is sad when people indicate that you can get all that information from a tourist office or government agency of that location. Asking for specific recommendations and receiving answers from knowledgeable travelers like one encounters on this board is FAR superior to the information one receives in those pamphlets.
Of course there are two ways to look at it. If the poster is truly clueless about what to visit, then I have to agree there must have been an odd decision to go there. Would I decide to make a major trip to a place I knew NOTHING about? Never.
But I strongly suspect most are seeking MORE advice that they already have. And it is sad when people indicate that you can get all that information from a tourist office or government agency of that location. Asking for specific recommendations and receiving answers from knowledgeable travelers like one encounters on this board is FAR superior to the information one receives in those pamphlets.
Aug 14th, 2004, 09:20 PM
#45
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I agree with the more advice comment....I am a definite planner when I go somewhere, but the places I visit arent always places I've longed to go. We are soon on our way to the races in Bristol TN, however instead of making the 14 hour drive and just doing that alone, we decided to stop in Nashville. I would never plan just a trip to Nashville because it just isnt on my list of places I really want to see....but since I'm stopping there I might as well hit the best liked spots to assure its a worthwhile stop. I know the things I might like to see in Nashville, but wonder if anyone else has any ideas that I might not find in a book. Also, books tend to generalize and dont give personal opinions. I appreciate also when people warn me what "not" to do...this is probably some of the MOST valuable information.
Aug 18th, 2004, 04:51 AM
#47
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Your question is a bit odd to me considering that this is a travel forum. I have always assumed I could ask related questions without being made to feel silly. Like others here, I travel for business quite alot and often ask for advice. I also LOVE to plan vacations. Those of us that travel the world can tell you that someone with experience will most often be truthful and give better details than a website or advertisement.
Aug 18th, 2004, 05:30 AM
#48
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I agree with Patrick and as someone who has worked with Tourism Bureaus and various Chambers of Commerce, I can honestly tell you that some times, the information you get is because that company/restaurant etc paid to have their information supplied to tourist not necessarily because it is the best place to dine or a fantastic tour to take etc.
I just adhere to my own personal rule that says "if I do not like the topic or can not contribute, I do not respond and I move on".
I just adhere to my own personal rule that says "if I do not like the topic or can not contribute, I do not respond and I move on".
Aug 18th, 2004, 06:05 AM
#49
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I'm new to the forum myself, and have found it to be a wealth of info. Of course, it's up to me to determine which info I value and find important. I certainly don't read or respond to every post!
I agree with LilyLace: This is a travel forum! Obviously there are going to be open-ended questions. If I don't like particular questions/topics, I'll ignore them.
Personally, it's my style to research a place in-depth before scheduling/going, but perhaps some people are more adventurous and less planning-oriented. Nothing wrong with that (just not my style).
And, unless certain types of questions are *against the rules* then I see nothing wrong with people asking whatever they want. There will always bee good questions and stupid questions. I guess you'll simply have to learn to deal with it!
I agree with LilyLace: This is a travel forum! Obviously there are going to be open-ended questions. If I don't like particular questions/topics, I'll ignore them.
Personally, it's my style to research a place in-depth before scheduling/going, but perhaps some people are more adventurous and less planning-oriented. Nothing wrong with that (just not my style).
And, unless certain types of questions are *against the rules* then I see nothing wrong with people asking whatever they want. There will always bee good questions and stupid questions. I guess you'll simply have to learn to deal with it!
Aug 18th, 2004, 06:51 AM
#50
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And unless complaint/vent posts are against the rules people can continue to post them, and you can choose to read them or not. I guess you'll have to learn to deal with it.
I'm amazed this thread is still alive, with people criticizing that questionmotives has nothing better to do than post this. What about the rest of you? Nothing better for you to do either? Or is it just that not every waking moment of our lives has to be spent on something that will change the world for the better?
I'm still with questionmotives on this one.
I totally don't understand a post that, in its entirety, says, "I'm coming to Chicago for vacation next week. Any must do's?"
Yes, of course there are!!!! And most must-do's can be found in a good guidebook.
It's the small stuff that you can get great tips on here. You really shouldn't need someone to tell you that when in Paris, be sure to see the Eiffel Tower.
Then again, as everyone so *kindly* (not) pointed out. People can ask the questions all they want. And people can answer or not. Nobody's saying otherwise. Just a question of why, since it doesn't make sense to so many of us.
I'm amazed this thread is still alive, with people criticizing that questionmotives has nothing better to do than post this. What about the rest of you? Nothing better for you to do either? Or is it just that not every waking moment of our lives has to be spent on something that will change the world for the better?
I'm still with questionmotives on this one.
I totally don't understand a post that, in its entirety, says, "I'm coming to Chicago for vacation next week. Any must do's?"
Yes, of course there are!!!! And most must-do's can be found in a good guidebook.
It's the small stuff that you can get great tips on here. You really shouldn't need someone to tell you that when in Paris, be sure to see the Eiffel Tower.
Then again, as everyone so *kindly* (not) pointed out. People can ask the questions all they want. And people can answer or not. Nobody's saying otherwise. Just a question of why, since it doesn't make sense to so many of us.
Aug 18th, 2004, 07:05 AM
#51
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Well I didn't read through all 50 posts so maybe my answer is redundant. If so, I apologize for that but I can think of a few reasons.
1- Your Aunt Tilly just moved there and because she is new to the area, she isn't really familiar with what there is to do. You want to visit her and are considering what you can do with her while there.
2- You best friend planned a destination wedding and you have a few extra days. Is there enough to do there to make a vacation out of the trip.
3- You are going to be travelling through area while on a trip and you are trying to find the best place to make a stopover.
4- Maybe they are considering a relocation or job change and want to check out an area for what it has to offer first.
5- Maybe they are just impulsive and decide to try out xyz-ville because they always wondered about what there is there.
Honestly, I really don't see what the problem is with any of these. No it's not for the compulsive planner but it is fine for others. In fairness though, I also don't think there's a problem with being a compulsive planner either. As they say, TO EACH HIS OWN.
1- Your Aunt Tilly just moved there and because she is new to the area, she isn't really familiar with what there is to do. You want to visit her and are considering what you can do with her while there.
2- You best friend planned a destination wedding and you have a few extra days. Is there enough to do there to make a vacation out of the trip.
3- You are going to be travelling through area while on a trip and you are trying to find the best place to make a stopover.
4- Maybe they are considering a relocation or job change and want to check out an area for what it has to offer first.
5- Maybe they are just impulsive and decide to try out xyz-ville because they always wondered about what there is there.
Honestly, I really don't see what the problem is with any of these. No it's not for the compulsive planner but it is fine for others. In fairness though, I also don't think there's a problem with being a compulsive planner either. As they say, TO EACH HIS OWN.
Aug 18th, 2004, 07:24 AM
#52
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"And unless complaint/vent posts are against the rules people can continue to post them, and you can choose to read them or not. I guess you'll have to learn to deal with it."
I agree, jim_mi.
I responded to this thread because I found it interesting. And I can see how this would be a bigger deal to a veteran Fodorite than a newbie.
BTW, my post wasn't intended to be unkind.
I agree, jim_mi.
I responded to this thread because I found it interesting. And I can see how this would be a bigger deal to a veteran Fodorite than a newbie.
BTW, my post wasn't intended to be unkind.
Aug 18th, 2004, 07:28 AM
#53
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After you receive the list of hotels from the CVB you will realize every hotel for the town is listed. The CVB is required usually to list all hotels, even the one across the street from the smelting plant or the hotel that has become a home for the crack house prostitutes. This place is good to ask if you are staying in a decent area. I've seen answers here of don't stay there, trains go by all hours of the night.
Maybe your office is sending you to San Jose, Ca. and you want to know what to do while there besides sing Dionne Warwick songs.
Maybe the questioner has been banned from the public library and all bookstores and can't look up the info for his/herself.
Maybe the questioner's secretary has quit and the person doesn't know how to function in society without help.
I've also seen travel articles where the writer will mention cheap airflight that must be purchased within a few days, maybe the person wants some idea if it's worthwhile to go there.
Maybe your office is sending you to San Jose, Ca. and you want to know what to do while there besides sing Dionne Warwick songs.
Maybe the questioner has been banned from the public library and all bookstores and can't look up the info for his/herself.
Maybe the questioner's secretary has quit and the person doesn't know how to function in society without help.
I've also seen travel articles where the writer will mention cheap airflight that must be purchased within a few days, maybe the person wants some idea if it's worthwhile to go there.
Aug 18th, 2004, 07:29 AM
#54
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I gotta go with rockhopper7 on this. I think yours is a belittling question and discourages people asking for help. Part of being in a community is willingness to share.
Could be they picked a place to visit, and don't really trust Fodor's Frommer's and Rick Steves to tell you the most fun or interesting places to visit. Best guidance is from an unedited communal viewpoint.
Adventurous. Looking for someplace new to visit, choose, then think, wow I need to figure out what to do.
Confirmation. They've done all the research, made their choices, but aren't confident in their selection.
Could be they picked a place to visit, and don't really trust Fodor's Frommer's and Rick Steves to tell you the most fun or interesting places to visit. Best guidance is from an unedited communal viewpoint.
Adventurous. Looking for someplace new to visit, choose, then think, wow I need to figure out what to do.
Confirmation. They've done all the research, made their choices, but aren't confident in their selection.
Aug 18th, 2004, 07:57 AM
#55
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Tribeleader; I agree. My fist reaction to the original post was to wonder if this forum wasn't what I thought. I ask lots of questions about my travel destinations AND I do know something about the places other than what I get from members. I personally like hearing ideas from locals or people who have had experience with my destination. About the idea that "newbies" might actually be TA's; most likely they are people like me who just don't have the time to be here every day. Sorry, I do ask more questions than I answer. Sometimes I don't answer out of intimidation by a few posters who get rather mean in their replies.
Aug 23rd, 2004, 11:10 AM
#56
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Excuse me , mis-use of lingo , this is a travel forum not a chat site , beg your pardon !! I still say , since this is a " travel forum " that indicates it is here for people who are searching for advice ,seeking help , extra info. , etc. on their destination .No - one can control how they word their questions , what they ask or if it is in depth enough to suit someone who might answer . If someones question annoys you , and you think it is a waste of your time to answer , dont .
Aug 23rd, 2004, 11:29 AM
#57
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1. I think they already have an itinerary planned, but just want to get second opinions by other folks. See if they missed anything.
2. They're just happy and want to express themselves by posting here.
Either way, fine with me.
2. They're just happy and want to express themselves by posting here.
Either way, fine with me.
Aug 23rd, 2004, 11:40 AM
#58
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I think the original question was sappy. Numerous times we've read some short piece about a place, or it figured in a novel, or served as a scene in a film. Whatever. We were drawn to it, and wished to see for ourselves. Now any good planner plans, and that always includes seeking input. One asks what to see and do, there's no big mystery, don't you agree. Like I said, it was a weak question, but it served a purpose, to provoke interesting answers.
