Retargeter

Using Social Media While Traveling

Before going on a trip, many people plan out as much as they can for the journey; hotels get booked, airlines reserved, itineraries planned, packing lists created…but one thing many people may forget to take into consideration is social media. While we spend countless hours at home uploading photos to Facebook, sharing links with our followers on Twitter, and letting the world know what restaurant we’re dining in that on Foursquare, these tools can actually be helpful in our travels as well.
Staying Connected

Instead of paying a fortune on international calling, why not use social media to let everyone know how you’re doing? It’ll also relieve you from having to make 100 separate calls. You can easily upload photos to Facebook and send one group message to your loved ones, or even send a quick Tweet to let your followers know what you’re up to and that you’re okay.

You Become a Tour Guide for the World

Have you ever dreamt of being the next Samantha Brown or Anthony Bourdain? Well, now is your chance. Use your social media accounts to post tips, reviews, videos, photos, and advice on a particular aspect of a destination. Who knows, maybe you’ll realize it’s something you’re good at and begin your very own travel blog or YouTube channel that you can eventually use to help fund future travels.

Keep Yourself Organized

It always seems to happen that when you go on vacation and take 1,000 photos, you always forget what you were looking at as soon as you get home. Utilizing social media sites like Facebook and Flickr allow you to upload your photos to labeled albums as you’re traveling so that you can create descriptions for them while you can still remember what they are.

Get Deals

Nowadays, travel companies use social media to promote contests, deals, and giveaways. Being connected through sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Foursquare will allow you to be the first to know about these opportunities and take part. Foursquare is exceptionally good for this, as by using the site you’ll be rewarded with things like discounts and free drinks at venues you may be frequenting on your trip.

Get Trusted Reviews

You can utilize your social media accounts while traveling to get tips and advice on your destination. Not sure where to eat in Barcelona or what sites to see in Buenos Aires? Send out a quick Tweet, make a status on Facebook, or head over to one of the social forums like TripAdvisor where you can get trusted information you wouldn’t be able to find in guidebooks.

A Fun Alternative to Keeping a Journal

Many people enjoy keeping detailed records of their trips through journaling. However, there are some drawbacks to the old paper and pen method of note-taking; cramped up hands, running ink, and a book that takes up extra space in your bag. Using social media, you can effortlessly remember all of your trip details through Facebook posts, Tweets, check-ins, or keeping a blog.

Marketing Your Business

Being away from home does not mean you need to neglect your business. In this technology-fueled world, social media has become the most efficient way to market your business. Luckily, you can do this while you’re on the road or at home thanks to the portability of the internet. Keep clients up to date on industry news and developments and share new website content via your social accounts.

Networking

Connecting with potential clients and business partners doesn’t have to stop while you’re on the road. Twitter and LinkedIn are two great social media sites for business networking that allow you to quickly search for and scan profiles of people and organizations you may want to work with. Being away from the office tends to allow for creative ideas to break through, and you’ll want to put these plans into action as soon as possible. Using social media, you can.

About the Author

Jessica Festa holds a BA/MA in Communication & Rhetoric from the State University of New York at Albany. She writes about travel at her site, Jessie on a Journey, and is in charge of social media and blogging for the social travel booking site, inBed.me.