Comments on: Research: A Key to Great Travel Writing

By: Robbin

Robbin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:35:57 +0000

I see!

I think I’ve been using Evernote in a similar fashion. I have different notebooks for each region of Italy and then tag the note with “hotel” “restaurant” etc.

Thanks again for the article (duly uploaded to Evernote!)
Robbin´s last blog post: New York. Fabio Volo incontra i-Italy

By: Jennifer @ Approach Guides

Jennifer @ Approach Guides — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 01:34:37 +0000

Hi Robbin! Your question is a good one. By personal domain I mean that we bought a URL that is “personal” or different from our http://www.approachguides.com website. this site was password protected. The database we used was one simply organized by webpage – for example in Italy we had one page for Rome, Torino, etc and then pulled thematic subjects out of that and into a seperate page (for example baroque architecture). This strategy allowed us to view the info easily while traveling. We also loaded all of our pre-travel research notes and travel itinerary info (calendar, hotels, flights, passport copies) onto these pages.

By: Robbin

Robbin — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 03:58:27 +0000

Great article!

Can you elaborate on what you mean by “personal domain”? Also, how are you keeping your “database”? An actual FileMaker style database or just a nice tidy list in a Word doc?

Thanks!

By: Jennifer @ Approach Guides

Jennifer @ Approach Guides — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 04:17:07 +0000

Hi Julie, The library in NYC is a wonderful resource and they have great lectures too (travel and non-travel alike). Local newspapers are a great resource, but for me, they sometimes far exceed my language capabilities! They are, however, true primary research.

By: Jennifer @ Approach Guides

Jennifer @ Approach Guides — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:59:38 +0000

Hi JoAnna! I agree that tourism boards can be very helpful and offer materials that highlight unique elements about a destination. I had never thought about the coupons though…I will have to pay more attention next time!

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Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:35:43 +0000

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By: Julie

Julie — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:51:16 +0000

Solid suggestions. I also use the good old fashioned library and its extensive archives (which are pretty impressive here in NYC), both in person and online, to read up on the history of the place I’m visiting.

I also like to look at local newspapers to find out about current events happening in a place that are overlooked in my own country’s/area’s media.
Julie´s last blog post: The long-tail of the writer’s pitch

By: JoAnna

JoAnna — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:01:27 +0000

The other thing I do is check out the information available through the CVB or tourism board. I pick up lots of brochures, which often have great pictures to help recreate a scene once arriving home. Some of these brochures and magazines also have coupons, which makes traveling and participating in activities cheaper.
JoAnna´s last blog post: Birds of Huatulco, Mexico

By: Jennifer @ Approach Guides

Jennifer @ Approach Guides — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:34:22 +0000

Hi Donna, I had never thought of recording the sounds of a place — that is a great idea. I imagine that listening to a recording, especially when back in a familiar setting (like home), conjures up unique thoughts and memories. Thanks!

By: Donna Hull

Donna Hull — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:40:26 +0000

What a detailed strategy for researching and planning trips. With information overload, it’s easy to become distracted. I’ll be following this outline to make better use of my time. And, I agree, taking photos is just as valuable as taking notes. They become a memory sparker for me. Another tip, record the sounds of a place, either with a recorder or taking note of it in your journal. Terrific post, Jennifer.
Donna Hull´s last blog post: Flying in a Hot Air Balloon Over Bluff, Utah