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What do you like about planning a trip?What is the biggest pain point to planning a trip?What device(s) do you use during the travel research/planning process?What sites or products do you use to find points of interest/restaurants/activities?If you ask friends or relatives for travel recommendations, how do they give them to you?What tools do you use to organize your trip information?What do you like or dislike about these tools?Would you be willing to share travel recommendations if a friend or relative asked you? Why or why not?NameAgeGenderEthnicityOccupation
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Picking out what I'm going to doSequencing / routingLaptop computer, Tablet, Mobile phoneGoogle search, Google Maps, TripAdvisor, Yelp, Instagram, Airbnb, Lonely PlanetWord of mouth, Text message, Email, Google Doc/Sheet, Yelp linkGoogle Sheets, Google Maps, TripIt, EvernoteNothing recommends a sequenceI do it all the timeCharles Taira25–29MaleAsianSr. Product Manager
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The anticipation and excitement of exploring new places and food at another location Finding cheap flights, looking for strategies to get the most of my money when it comes to flights (e.g. researching credit cards that rewards points, constantly searching deals in different sites, finding peak and low seasons, etc)Laptop computer, Mobile phoneGoogle search, Google Maps, TripAdvisor, Yelp, Facebook, Instagram, Airbnb, Expedia, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, Local tourism websites, Blogs, Printed travel guide books, anything and everything, I like to be thoroughWord of mouth, Text message, Email, Facebook comment/message, Instagram comment/message, Google Doc/Sheet, Yelp linkGoogle Docs, Google Sheets, Google Maps, Google My Maps, Calendar, Evernote, Printed mapsLike: they're accessible on desktop and mobile, I can share the docs with other people who are part of the trip

Dislike: Google Sheets looks hideous on mobile, bad user experience interacting with itinerary on Google Sheets in mobile
Yes, because I like to share experiences that I've enjoyed with others so that they can enjoy them as well.Betty25–29FemaleAsian, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific islanderStudent
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Finding interesting places to goResearching more obscure and design related activities Laptop computer, Mobile phoneGoogle search, TripAdvisor, Yelp, Lonely Planet, Local tourism websites, BlogsWord of mouth, Text message, EmailNotebook/paper and penI don’t use any digital tools for planning a trip, pen and paper seems to work fineUsually yes, some things I keep to myself if I don’t know the person wellSean 30–39MaleWhiteProfessor
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Looking at potential places to stay and eat. Researching points of interest to visit.I'm always looking for great places to eat, but it's challenging to know whether I can trust ratings since sometimes they can be inflated by tourists or manipulation. I love to find local spots that are genuinely good, but it is hard to figure out what those are.Laptop computer, Mobile phoneGoogle search, Google Maps, Yelp, AirbnbWord of mouth, Text message, Email, Google Doc/Sheet, Yelp linkGoogle Sheets, Google Maps, Notebook/paper and penI often organize things via google sheets, which works great for including multiple people into the planning process, but embedding URL links into the sheets are clumsy.Of course! I love sharing travel recommendations and do it frequently.Bradford30–39MaleAsianGraphic Designer/Educator
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NothingFiguring out housing and transportation Laptop computerGoogle search, Google Maps, TripAdvisor, Yelp, Airbnb, BlogsText message, Email, Google Doc/SheetGoogle Docs, Google Sheets, Google Maps, Google My MapsYes. Sharing is caringCarol’s friend25–29Asian
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I don’t love planning a trip except the idea that I’ll be able to experience new things. It’s provably because I tend to be a procrastinator and like to just go with the flow. Building an itinerary no matter how loose it is. You don’t know if you should do more or less or whether it’s even something worth doing. So you have to constantly research and it gets overwhelming. Laptop computer, Mobile phoneGoogle search, Google Maps, TripAdvisor, Yelp, Airbnb, Blogs, Friends and familyWord of mouth, Text message, Email, Google Doc/SheetGoogle Maps, Google My Maps, TripItNothing - they’re all pretty useful in my opinion and work sufficiently for me. But I don’t overload my itineraryYes. I want to give them a perspective that might not be readily available doing your research via Google Search. You don’t know how lists are built (could be copied and generally they’re paid to write content). Plus I would hope that they generally trust meGina Han30–39FemaleAsianMarketing
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Finding great prices on popular destinationsNot having an easy way to compare prices to other search engines.Desktop computer, Laptop computer, Mobile phoneGoogle Maps, Yelp, Facebook, Instagram, Airbnb, Local tourism websitesWord of mouth, Text message, Facebook comment/message, Instagram comment/message, Yelp linkGoogle Sheets, Google Maps, Calendar, Microsoft Word, Microsoft ExcelI only use it when I need to share plans with other individuals. When I travel a lone, then I rarely use tools. I share recommendations only when I know the friend or relative is interested in the same things I am interested in. Dennis Nguyen25–29MaleAsianEducation Administrator
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Looking at all the options of places to exploreCoordinating time at places and between places Laptop computer, Mobile phoneInstagram, Local tourism websites, Blogs, PinterestWord of mouth, Text message, Facebook comment/message, Instagram comment/messageMicrosoft Excel, Notebook/paper and pen, Printed mapsYesKenia25–29FemaleOtherExport manager
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Knowing what to do and expect before I arrive to my destination, which saves time and maximizes play time Looking through multiple sites for information Laptop computer, Mobile phoneGoogle search, TripAdvisor, Yelp, Instagram, BlogsWord of mouth, Email, Google Doc/SheetGoogle DocsNothing Yes because I’m awesome Nhi 25–29FemaleAsianBest eye doc
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The anticipation of going. Budgeting Laptop computer, Mobile phoneGoogle search, Google Maps, TripAdvisor, Yelp, Instagram, Airbnb, Roadtripper appWord of mouth, Text messageGoogle Maps, Notes appEasy and convenient. Yes. Because I want them to have a good time. Poopie25–29FemaleWhiteStudent/bartender/teacher
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Making a list of things to do and see at the new placeDays off, money, find a flight at the time we wantDesktop computer, Laptop computerGoogle search, Google Maps, Airbnb, Expedia, Fodor’s, Local tourism websitesI don’t ask my friends or relatives for travel recommendationsGoogle Sheets, Google Maps, Microsoft ExcelLike about google sheets - organized, can share with my partner and access them during the travel. Dislike - pain to edit, prefer use Microsoft excel and then upload the ready product to google sheets .Yes, but, honestly, each person is interested in different things, so whatever I like might not necessarily be what THEY like25–29FemaleWhite
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The excitement of seeing all the opportunities/options layed out!Using multiple platforms to find the best deals, only to find that you didn't have all of the information (extra baggage fees, etc)Laptop computer, Mobile phoneGoogle search, Google Maps, TripAdvisor, Yelp, Instagram, Airbnb, Blogs, Word of mouth from friends/familyWord of mouth, Text message, Email, Facebook comment/message, Instagram comment/message, Paper and penGoogle Docs, Google Sheets, Google Maps, Calendar, Microsoft Excel, Notebook/paper and penSo many things in so many places!Yes; always happy to share my favorite (or not so favorite) things!30–39FemaleOtherHigher Education
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The excitement of seeing something new.Making a route of the things that you want to see. Laptop computer, Mobile phoneGoogle search, Google Maps, TripAdvisor, Yelp, Instagram, Airbnb, Expedia, BlogsWord of mouth, Text messageGoogle MapsI like how easy you can compare prices. I like how you can add destinations into google map but I don’t like that you can’t save routes by days. Yes I would share recommendations.Jonathan25–29MaleHispanic or LatinoSupervisor
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Looking forward to the trip and learning about cool things you can do in the new placeNot knowing if you’re buying at the best priceLaptop computer, Tablet, Mobile phoneGoogle search, TripAdvisor, Airbnb, Expedia, Lonely Planet, Fodor’s, Local tourism websites, BlogsWord of mouth, Text message, Email, Google Doc/Sheet, Yelp linkGoogle Docs, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, EvernoteIt would be cool to have an app that syncs my confirmationsYes because it’s a nice thing to doKelly Phe25–29FemaleAsianAccountant
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Creating an itinerary of what I am going to see each dayDeciding on the best housing option, which can be difficult when you do not know the layout of the city (i.e. which areas to avoid, which areas will be most convenient to the things you want to do)Laptop computer, TabletGoogle search, TripAdvisor, Instagram, Airbnb, BlogsWord of mouth, Text message, Email, Google Doc/SheetGoogle Docs, Google Maps, Google My MapsI like to use Google Docs because I can share them with the people I am traveling with. I also like that you can download maps for use offline.Yes! I try to keep complete itineraries of places I go so that I can share them with others. I rely a lot on the recommendations of others and I want to be sure they can count on me for the same when they are planning a trip.Sarah18–24FemaleWhiteStudent Advisor
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You have an opportunity to discover and visit new places to see, and activities to do. Timing/scheduling your itinerary Laptop computer, Mobile phoneTripAdvisor, Yelp, Instagram, Airbnb, Blogs, YouTube VlogsWord of mouth, Instagram comment/message, Google Doc/SheetCalendar, Microsoft ExcelNoneYes. If you're willing to recommend something, you typically want that person to experience what you've experienced. Mainly because it was one of the best things you've ever seen or done in your life. Sharing is caring. Marco Togade30–39MaleAsianRegisterd Nurse
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I actually don’t like planning a trip. I leave that up to my wifeTrying to make sure we have a great time and our schedules align and we don’t over book or under book ourselvesLaptop computerGoogle search, TripAdvisor, YelpText messageGoogle DocsYeah, we try to share all the cool spots we’ve been tooVu 30–39MaleAsianVP of IT
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GoingMoney, finding cheap fares Laptop computer, Mobile phoneGoogle search, Yelp, AirbnbWord of mouth, Yelp linkCalendar, TripIt, Notes app, Onenote Yeah bc why notShivam25–29MaleAsianBaller
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I like knowing what the plan is ahead of time. I like my plan to be broken down by time. Inquiring about the places I wish to visit. Laptop computer, Tablet, Mobile phoneGoogle search, Google Maps, TripAdvisor, InstagramWord of mouth, Text message, Instagram comment/messageGoogle Maps, Microsoft Word, Notes appEverything is efficient. Yes, I believe that god blessed us with a beautiful home. Many invest their time in working and not on traveling. 25–29MaleHispanic or LatinoCase manager/UR
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Learning about a different placeToo many options/risk of making a bad choiceLaptop computer, Mobile phoneGoogle search, Google Maps, TripAdvisor, Yelp, Local tourism websites, BlogsWord of mouth, Text message, Instagram comment/message, Paper and penNotebook/paper and penAbility to jot ideas down quickly Yes. I have very good tasteMichael Han30–39MaleAsianRegistered Nurse
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Exploring new areas, types of people and potential activities Finding properly curated material to research. Initial general searches usually yield mainly tourist traps so you have to do a lot of deeper looking to actually find more interesting things/areas to explore. Laptop computer, Mobile phoneGoogle searchWord of mouth, EmailGoogle Docs, Microsoft WordThere is no integration between the tools I use to research things and where I compile my info. Yes I would. But I am forgetful so it’s hard to remember to find time to compile emails about recommendations. Alex30–39MaleWhiteEnvironmental consultant.
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Researching the points of interest at the destination I'm going to. Learning about a place, and then trying to figure out how to best optimize your route and itinerary is something I actually enjoy. In particular, I love learning about the food of a new place.There are more than one for me. One: figuring out transportation logistics, especially in a foreign country when you're dealing with local transit. Two: finding experiences that are not too touristy and are authentic. Three: it's not an issue for me, but many people will struggle a lot with cell service in a foreign country. Namely, whether you get it, and if not, setting up a temporary local line.Laptop computer, Mobile phoneGoogle search, Google Maps, TripAdvisor, Yelp, Airbnb, Expedia, Lonely Planet, Local tourism websites, Blogs, Printed travel guide books, Wikipedia, to read about historyWord of mouth, Text message, Email, Facebook comment/message, Google Doc/Sheet, Yelp link, Paper and penGoogle Docs, Google Maps, Google My Maps, Evernote, Notebook/paper and penGoogle My Maps: I use it to mark places I want to visit or eat at, and add notes. Then I can share it with anyone else who's going. Makes it a great tool for needing to improvise, which I often do in my travel style. As long as I have cell service, which I do in most countries under my plan, I can access it to see what's nearby.

Google Docs: I use it for writing out itineraries to share with other folks in the group, so we can reference it relatively easily during a trip.

Evernote: It's just what I use for personal note taking, so I use it to think and write things down. It's more of a personal note taking purpose.

Notebooks/paper pen: It's still the most immediate way to jot things down when people mention them. I wish it were easy to digitize and become searchable.
I love sharing travel recommendations, because usually I would want the same. I think they are asking because they likely trust my judgement, and I really enjoy sharing my experiences and opinions about where to go so they will enjoy a place as much as I do. My hope is that it helps cut down their research time.Wesley Hsu30–39MaleAsianUI/UX Designer
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