Beyond Travelocity: The Brave New World of Online Travel Guides

Some sites are user-generated, some are professionally written – and some are a mixture of both.

But what most of the newer sites – including Matador – have in common is the ability to network with the people providing the advice. After all, doesn’t it make sense to know a little bit about the person who’s just recommended a restaurant or a tour? If you know their style, you’re better able to tell whether it might be your style, too.

Here are a couple of new travel communities we’ve come across recently. They’re worth checking out – after you’re done browsing Matador, of course!

Viatribe: Viatribe is a “competitive community of travel writers” offering reviews of accommodation, eating and drinking options worldwide. Browse their reviews and rate your favorites – or, if you’re interested in travel writing, consider signing up to contribute reviews of your own. Details are a little vague, but payment is involved – that’s where the reader ratings and the “competitive” aspect come in.

Tripwolf: Tripwolf is a “social guide for the discerning traveler” – members can browse reviews and listings from both professionals and other users, and can create a personalized 10-20 page guide for their trips, using their favorite content from the site. Unlike many indie travel sites, which are only available in English, Tripwolf aspires to exist in several languages; so far it’s also available in German.