Travelocity Poll Reveals More Than Half of Travelers Share Vacation Information on Social Media Sites
Nearly 30 percent of travelers have either never thought about precautions or do not take any precautions when posting about vacations on social media web sites. Twenty-seven percent post limited vacation information, and more than 40 percent do not allow any vacation posts.
Travel Experts Advise Travelers Wait to Share Details Until They Return
Travelocity’s most recent poll shows more than half of all travelers share vacation information through social media sites. With summer vacations in full swing, many travelers are looking forward to posting the details of their trips. In today’s world, the easiest way to share is through social media, but people should be conscious of when and what they post online to avoid giving away too much information about when they’ll be away from home.
“But it’s probably safest to wait until you return to discuss the details of the trip.”
Nearly 30 percent of travelers have either never thought about precautions or do not take any precautions when posting about vacations on social media web sites. Twenty-seven percent post limited vacation information, and more than 40 percent do not allow any vacation posts.
Family Policies Regarding Vacation Plans and Social Media Sites*
| 45% | Do not allow any vacation posts | |
| 27% | Post limited vacation information | |
| 19% | Never thought about precautions | |
| 10% | Do not take any precautions posting information** | |
* Hi-res, PDF images of chart available http://www.windowseatblog.com/2010/07/travelocity-poll-more-half-travelers-share-vacation-information-social-media-sites or based on request
**Data points have been rounded, exact numbers available based on request
“It’s only natural to want to share your excitement about an upcoming trip on social media sites,” said Genevieve Shaw Brown, Travelocity’s senior editor. “But it’s probably safest to wait until you return to discuss the details of the trip.”
Travelocity’s tips for safe sharing on social media sites:
- Establish rules about how much you’ll share and make sure everyone in your household is on the same page.
- Never share details about dates you’ll be away or children who will be left home alone.
- Switch off the ‘add location to your tweets’ function if you’re tweeting from vacation.
- Deactivate Foursquare from your Twitter and Facebook accounts so it doesn’t update those sites when you check in.
Tips for sharing upon your return from vacation:
- Upon return – post away! Travel sites like IgoUgo.com make it very easy to share photos and reviews of your travels with the world.
- Upload your vacation videos to YouTube and post the link on Twitter or embed on Facebook so friends and family can watch.
- Use the geotag function on photo sharing sites like Flickr to show the world where you’ve been.
About Travelocity Global
Travelocity® is committed to being the traveler's champion -- before, during and after the trip – and provides the most comprehensive and proactive guarantee in the industry (http://www.travelocity.com/guarantee). This customer-driven focus, backed by 24/7 live phone support, competitive prices and powerful shopping technology has made Travelocity one of the largest travel companies in the world. Travelocity also owns and operates: Travelocity Business® for corporate travel; igougo.com, a leading online travel community; lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel; and ZUJI, a leader in Asia-Pacific online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation, a world leader in travel marketing and distribution.
