The USA

#helpme

June 30, 2014

Methodology

Top 10 : World and major regions / countries

•World

•USA

•China

•Australia

•Europe

Zoom on your country:

•The forums analysed

•The Top 10

•Notable categories outside the Top 10

•Details of each of the 10 categories

Summary

We selected forums on Google, pretending to be the average Internet user browsing the Web for information on travel. We used the following search terms: ‘forum + tourism’, ‘forum + travel’, and ‘forum + holidays’.

We selected only the most highly referenced forums that met the following criteria: popularity as measured by Google ranking, forums with a dedicated space for tourism, presence of cross-cutting topics (as opposed to topics based on destination), and lastly, forums containing comments coming from the nationals of the countries being analysed.

When the nationality of a forum’s users was uncertain, these forums were excluded.

We selected 5 to 10 forums per country, depending on the results and on the size of each country.

Several million comments from the past five years were analysed in the selected forums, addressing a large variety of topics.

Methodology

Top 10 World

1. Air transport & airlines

2. Looking for a travel companion

3. Sea travel and cruises

4. Bargain travel

5. Camping

6. Loyalty and mileage programmes

7. Travel agencies

8. Equipment

9. Work, study and live abroad

10. Rights and laws

Top 10 Europe

1. Air transport & Air Companies

2. Look for a travel companion

3. Sea travel and cruises

4. Camping

5. Travel agencies

6. Bargain travel

7. Rights and laws

8. Travelling with children

9. Equipment

10. Photo/video

Top 10 Australia

1. Loyalty and mileage programmes

2. Air transport & airlines

3. Road trips

4. Must-see locations

5. Travelling alone

6. Bargain travel

7. Travelling with technology

8. Looking for a travel companion

9. Travel tips

10. Photo/video

Top 10 China

1. Travelling with parents

2. Looking for a travel companion

3. Photo/video

4. Equipment

5. Outdoor activities

6. Fee-based activities

7. Snow sports

8. Travelling in China

9. Travelling by car

10. Sea travel and cruises

We highlighted the categories of discussions that generate the most comments.

This ranking is based on more than 12 million comments posted on 10 forums in the United States.

The forums breakdown is as follows:

10 forums specialising in travel:o Tripadvisor

o Fodors

o Flyertalk

o Travbuddy

o Lonelyplanet

o Travelblog

o Myfamilytravels

o Ricksteeves

o Delphiforums

o slowtalk

Focus on the United States: The forums analysed

Americans’ posts can be divided into a hundred different categories of discussions.

The ten most discussed categories by number of messages are :

1. Loyalty and mileage programmes

2. Safety/security travel

3. Air transport & airlines

4. Bargain travel

5. Travelling with technology

6. Food and restaurants

7. Car rental programmes/partners

8. Travellers’ news

9. Online travel booking and bidding agencies

10. Equipment

Focus on the United States: List of top 10 categories

Relative distribution of the 10 categories:

Focus on the United States : List of top 10 categories

Road trip

This section includes comments about hitting the road and road trips in general. Travellers of any age group talk about their desire to travel freely.

Family Travel

This category shows that family trips are important for American travellers. People want to discover the world with their family and organise their trips well in advance.

Focus on the United States: Notable categories in the Top 20

Older travellers

Older people are now active travellers and want to enjoy life to the full in their retirement. This is an interesting consequence of demographic change.

Focus on the United States : Notable categories in the Top 20

This section includes comments about rewards, miles and points programmes. Travellers who travel with the same companies several times a year can earn points or miles (for airlines). Travellers discuss the best loyalty programs and share tips.

As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that generated a great deal of comments:

Let's post successful Swagbucks codes here

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/s-p-m/922762-lets-post-successful-swagbucks-codes-here.html

Focus on the United States – Topic 1: ‘Loyalty and mileage programmes (POINTS, REWARDS AND MILES)’

My Coke Reward Points

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/s-p-m/668470-my-coke-reward-points-master-thread.html

A3*G Challenge: who have the most creative routing to achieve *G in shortest time?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/aegean-airlines-miles-bonus/1289389-a3-g-challenge-who-have-most-creative-routing-achieve-g-shortest-time.html

RTW for about $950; Alitalia Europe/asia combo deal

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mileage-run-discussion/1579003-fare-gone-rtw-about-950-alitalia-europe-asia-combo-deal.html

The special credit card offers master thread

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/credit-card-programs/1177334-special-credit-card-offers-master-thread-subscription.html

Focus on the United States - Topic 1: ‘Loyalty and mileage programmes (POINTS, REWARDS AND MILES)’

This section includes all comments about travel safety and security. Travellers looking for information about security during their trip or safety instructions in dangerous countries. They talk about their experiences and share their opinions about security and safety policies.

As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high number of comments:

Don't read books about airplanes while on an airplane.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/checkpoints-borders-policy-debate/1251203-dont-read-books-about-airplanes-while-airplane.html

Focus on the United States - Topic 2: ‘Travel safety/security’

AUH is finally open US pre-clearance facility

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/checkpoints-borders-policy-debate/1545037-auh-finally-open-us-pre-clearance-facility.html

Traveling with Nitro Pills

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/checkpoints-borders-policy-debate/1583918-traveling-nitro-pills.html

Global entry program-processing time?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trusted-travelers/1066899-global-entry-program-processing-time.html

Wallets at Body Scan Machines

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/practical-travel-safety-issues/1107328-wallets-body-scan-machines.html

Focus on the United States - Topic 2: ‘Travel safety/security’

This section includes all comments about air travel. Travellers discuss the airlines, weather, planes and flight conditions. They also give their own opinions on air travel and share their experiences with the others.

As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high number of comments:

Liquid limitations in hand luggage.

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i10702-k7493439-Liquid_limitations_in_hand_luggage-Air_Travel.html

Focus on the United States - Topic 3: ‘Air transport & Airlines’

Getting a refund from Airlines?

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i10702-k7371835-Getting_a_refund_from_Airfasttickets_co_uk-Air_Travel.html

Air travel and hearing aids.

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i10702-k7535896-Air_travel_and_hearing_aids-Air_Travel.html

Do wheels count against the size of carry-on bags?

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i10702-k7531194-Do_wheels_count_against_the_size_of_carry_on_bags-Air_Travel.html

Customs at JFK- how long?

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i10702-k7521433-Customs_at_JFK_how_long-Air_Travel.html

Focus on the United States - Topic 3: ‘Air transport & Airlines’

This section includes comments about bargain travel. Travellers share tips on travelling more cheaply and spending less on travel services. They also talk about countries with a low cost of living.

As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high number of comments:

lastminute.com, any reviews ?

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i12290-k4118412-Lastminute_com_any_reviews-Bargain_Travel.html

Focus on the United States - Topic 4: ‘Bargain Travel’

Help with Europe on a budget

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1560258-help-europe-budget.html

Couchsurfing - have you used it?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/836136-couchsurfing-have-you-used.html

Eurotrip in May 2015 - Suggestions of place

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/travel-on-a-shoestring/topics/eurotrip-in-may-2015-suggestions-of-place

Cheapest way to fly from Europe to South America

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/travel-on-a-shoestring/topics/cheapest-way-to-fly-from-europe-to-south-america

Focus on the United States - Topic 4: ‘Bargain Travel’

This section includes comments about travel technologies. Travellers talk about their passion for new technologies, including travel applications. They share news about products and apps.

As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high number of comments:

Keeping US Number and Maximizing US Calls While Moving Abroad

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-technology/1575137-keeping-us-number-maximizing-us-calls-while-moving-abroad.html

Focus on the United States - Topic 5: ‘Travelling with technology’

Yet Another Laptop Purchase Question For College Student

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-technology/1583151-yet-another-laptop-purchase-question-college-student.html

World's Smallest Wireless Router for Hotel Rooms

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-technology/1350472-worlds-smallest-wireless-router-hotel-rooms.html

Ejecting USB Device

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/travel-tech/topics/ejecting-usb-device

New compact

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/travel-tech/topics/new-compact

Focus on the United States - Topic 5: ‘Travelling with technology’

This section includes comments about world recipes and dishes from different countries. Travellers who like cooking discuss dishes that they have discovered during their trips, how to cook specials ingredients and what type of food they can expect to find during their journey.

As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high number of comments:

Where does the back bit go?

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/get-stuffed/topics/where-does-the-back-bit-go

Focus on the United States - Topic 6: ‘Food and restaurants’

Saigon Baguette

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/get-stuffed/topics/saigon-baguette

What's in Your Beer Fridge Right Now?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/diningbuzz/1020043-whats-your-beer-fridge-right-now.html

Are you a "Foodie" that flies somewhere JUST to eat the best meal?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/diningbuzz/1577578-you-foodie-flies-somewhere-just-eat-best-meal.html

What Restaurants Do You Miss ?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/diningbuzz/1540009-what-restaurants-do-you-miss.html

Focus on the United States - Topic 6: ‘Food and restaurants’

This section includes comments about car rental. Travellers share tips about the cheapest ways to rent a car. They also talk about services offered by car rental agencies and global companies.

As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high number of comments:

Problems with PlatePass

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hertz-gold-plus-rewards/655491-problems-platepass.html

Focus on the United States - Topic 7: ‘Car Rental Programmes/Partners’

Two Slot 634s at LAX Hertz?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hertz-gold-plus-rewards/1581505-two-slot-634s-lax-hertz.html

Need help rental car for cheap

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/avis-preferred/1581941-need-help-rental-car-cheap.html

SIXT @ Cologne Hilton

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/sixt/1580357-sixt-cologne-hilton.html

Cars at YYZ

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/national-emerald-club/1155728-cars-yyz.html

Focus on the United States - Topic 7: ‘Car Rental Programmes/Partners’

This section includes comments about news and current events around the world. Travellers who are involved with some countries or just want to plan a safe journey, discuss news and politics around the world.

As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high number of comments:

How Airlines Make Less Than $6 Per Passenger

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-news/1582406-how-airlines-make-less-than-6-per-passenger.html

Focus on the United States - Topic 8: ‘Travellers’ news’

Gunmen attack Karachi's Jinnah International Airport

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-news/1583766-gunmen-attack-karachis-jinnah-international-airport.html

Flying With the One Percent

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-news/1577118-flying-one-percent.html

Virtual Nursing....from home

http://forums.delphiforums.com/travelnurses/messages

Whistleblower virologists from Merck....

http://forums.delphiforums.com/travelnurses/messages?msg=88102.1

Focus on the United States - Topic 8: ‘Travellers news’

This section includes comments about online travel booking and bidding agencies. Travellers talk about their favourite travel agencies and share tips on spending less.

As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high number of comments:

Need a company that works local to NC

http://forums.delphiforums.com/travelnurses/messages

Focus on the United States - Topic 9: ‘Online travel booking and bidding agencies’

Duped into Booking a "Hot-Rate" that was Retail

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/online-travel-booking-bidding-agencies/1580057-duped-into-booking-hot-rate-retail.html

Priceline bidding price finder

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/online-travel-booking-bidding-agencies/1468470-priceline-bidding-price-finder-bidpricecheck.html

Travel Agency booked connecting flight on separate PNR. First flight overbooked.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/online-travel-booking-bidding-agencies/1582396-travel-agency-booked-connecting-flight-separate-pnr-first-flight-overbooked.html

Professional Nursing Services??

http://forums.delphiforums.com/travelnurses/messages

Focus on the United States - Topic 9: ‘Online travel booking and bidding agencies’

This section includes comment about equipment, technology, gadgets and gear.

As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high number of comments:

Adrenaline in the nature of Phuket

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/activities-gear/topics/adrenaline-in-the-nature-of-phuket

Focus on the United States – Topic 10: ‘Equipment’

How do people get around?

http://www.travbuddy.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=56775

USB Battery Packs

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-technology/1507478-usb-battery-packs.html

What is your Travel Photography Equipment?

http://www.travbuddy.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=55076

How Backup Photos while traveling without computer/internet

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12530-k7212936-How_Backup_Photos_while_traveling_without_computer_internet-Travel_Gadgets_and_Gear.html

Focus on the United States – Topic 10: ‘Equipment’

This section includes comments about hitting the road and road trips in general. Travellers of any age group talk about their desire to travel freely.

The more experienced people give advice to the others and give them all the tips to enjoy their trips in the best conditions.

As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that were highly commented:

Inside Passage to Alaska and back, live Trip Report and Blog

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12567-k7503931-Inside_Passage_to_Alaska_and_back_live_Trip_Report_and_Blog-Road_Trips.html

Focus on the United States - Notable category: ‘Road trip’

Trip report.......Another US road trip - another 8 weeks

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12567-k7491659-Trip_report_Another_US_road_trip_another_8_weeks-Road_Trips.html

Driving in USA a UK perspective

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12567-k4420371-Driving_in_USA_a_UK_perspective-Road_Trips.html

Full Circuit of the US in 5 weeks.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12567-k7386306-Full_Circuit_of_the_US_in_5_weeks-Road_Trips.html

USA roadtrip

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12567-k7360141-USA_roadtrip-Road_Trips.html

Focus on the United States - Notable category : “Road trip”

This section includes comments about travel with kids and relatives. Travellers, often parents, ask questions about the best destinations to visit with children, activities to do with them, and travel conditions for young children and babies.

As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high number of comments:

Travelling with a family

http://forums.delphiforums.com/travelnurses/messages

Focus on the United States - Notable category : “Family travel”

Why are family holidays so expensive this year?

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i9658-k7451377-Why_are_family_holidays_so_expensive_this_year-Family_Travel.html

Need Vacation ideas for Family with 3 teens and a Budget!!

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i9658-k6398827-Need_Vacation_ideas_for_Family_with_3_teens_and_a_Budget-Family_Travel.html

Teen Travel Scholarships for 2014

http://myfamilytravels.com/forum/thread/60595

Pre-baby trip!

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/kids-to-go/topics/pre-baby-trip

Focus on the United States - Notable category: ‘Family travel’

This section includes comments about travel for older people. Older travellers look for special activities to do, and for locations that are adapted for their age group.

As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high number of comments:

Excellent London City and Greater London Itineraries / trips.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/older-travellers/topics/excellent-london-city-and-greater-london-itineraries-trips

Focus on the United States - Notable category: ‘Older travellers’

OAT - Overseas Adventure Travel

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i13626-k3471426-OAT_Overseas_Adventure_Travel-Senior_Travel.html

Tauck Tours - How good are they?

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i13626-k4817919-Tauck_Tours_How_good_are_they-Senior_Travel.html

Partner for panama trip

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/older-travellers/topics/partner-for-panama-trip

Colombia or Ecuador ?

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/older-travellers/topics/colombia-or-ecuador-48fab6a8-5269-492a-8795-6bf754477097

Focus on the United States - Notable category: ‘Older travellers’