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why travel ratings matter & how to evaluate them
September 25, 2022
The process of preparing to book a vacation can often seem like an overwhelming task. With so many reservations and experiences to choose from, it is easy to be tempted to book at first glance. Unfortunately, picking the wrong option can lead to a less than ideal vacation. When traveling, it is important to consider your options and make a list of your priorities to help you narrow down the possibilities.
Travel ratings and reviews can be a valuable way to determine the best possible vacation. You get to see what actual travelers and guests thought of their experiences and not just a provider’s description of their products, offerings, or facilities.
Reviews can also provide additional input that you otherwise might not get on listing sites. They can provide insight from real people who are willing to share their own experiences. Let’s face it, property listings and websites are often written to entice guests to book and they may not be entirely accurate. Both owners and property managers, including well-meaning ones, love their properties and may carry certain biases. In addition to this, your own personal preference matters when it comes to selecting experiences to book. If safety is a top priority it is important to use tools like the OZZI travel safety app to check whether or not your ideal vacation matches your safety preferences.
Once you have the proper tools in place to help evaluate online travel rankings it is helpful to have a system that helps you make decisions based on reviews. Here are a few things to keep in mind when using travel ratings to book your next trip:
Consider the source.
Not all travel ratings are created equal. Some sites focus on luxury destinations, while others cater to budget-minded travelers. When reading travel ratings, it’s important to consider the type of travel that is being reviewed and if it aligns with your ideal vacation experience. Decide on what’s most important to you, like safety for example, and find a source that is dependable. For instance, the OZZI app combines millions of global sources into one place to provide you with the most relevant safety information in real-time. Not only does the OZZI app provide you with a peace of mind, it can also make traveling less overwhelming knowing that it’s a one-stop-shop for travel safety with detailed ratings, timely alerts, safety maps, and local guides.
Read between the lines.
On booking sites, a five-star rating doesn’t always mean that a destination is perfect. And conversely, just because a location has a low rating, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a terrible choice. When reading travel ratings, pay attention to the language used in the review. Some reviews may be overly positive or negative, which can skew the overall rating. Reading several reviews at a time can give you a better idea of what to accurately expect from a destination.
Look for trends.
If you’re seeing a lot of similar comments in different reviews, it’s likely that there’s some truth to them. For example, if several reviewers mention that a particular hotel is dirty or run-down, it’s probably best to avoid staying there. On the other hand, if multiple reviewers rave about the amazing views from their room, it’s likely that the hotel is worth checking out.
Take everything with a grain of salt.
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that everyone has different travel preferences. What one person loves about a destination might not be what another person is looking for. When reading travel ratings, take everything with a grain of salt and use your best judgment.
Travel ratings can be a helpful tool when planning a vacation. But it’s important to keep in mind that not all ratings are created equal. Be sure to consider the source, read between the lines, and look for trends when using travel ratings to book your next trip.