Hey Reader,

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​If you’ve ever used online reviews to search for the perfect hotel or activity, you’ve probably run into this:
One reviewer calls it a hidden gem. Another says it’s overrated. A third found bugs in their bed. The next reviewer says they’re booking again next year.

I love planning our trips, but I often spend way more time researching than is necessary. When that happens, I usually end up in analysis paralysis. It happens when comparing hotels, destinations, vacation rentals, tours and excursions, and just about every other detail of our itinerary.

Online reviews are everywhere. TripAdvisor, Yelp, Booking, Expedia, and especially Google. Throw in travel blogs, Reddit threads, Facebook groups, and influencers for more opinions and confusion.

Reading online reviews can help you make better decisions, but only if you know how to use them without falling into a spiral.

Here’s what I do to shorten the time I spend scouring online reviews for the info I need.
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Start with what matters to you

Before you read a single review, get clear on what actually matters for this trip.

Are you trying to stay somewhere quiet? Close to the action? Do you care about pool access, kitchen space, strong Wi-Fi, or free parking?
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🔁 Look for patterns

Good or bad, a single review doesn’t say much. What matters is repeated feedback from different people.

If several reviewers mention the same issue or praise the same feature, it’s likely to be accurate.

• Noise complaints from rooms near elevators or busy streets
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• Praise for staff friendliness or response times
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• Comments about cleanliness across different seasons
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🔍 Use the search bar

Most review platforms let you search within listings. This is one of the fastest ways to find the info that matters to you.

Search for words like parking, pets, breakfast, shuttle, security, pool, Wi-Fi, or laundry. For vacation rentals, try keywords like host, neighborhood, or location.
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📅 Check the date

A review from four years ago might be totally irrelevant today. Prioritize reviews written in the last year or two.

Watch for:

• Renovations
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• Management changes
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• Seasonal trends (peak season crowds vs. off-season calm)
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💬 Read between the lines

Not every review is worth reading. Skip vague comments, generic praise, or dramatic rants. Same with reviews meant to shame brands into comping free travel or other perks. These are typically outliers, but use your best judgement.

The most helpful reviews usually explain:

• What the person liked or didn’t like
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• Why it mattered for their trip
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• How the experience compared to expectations​
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🔄 Compare across platforms

Check multiple sources. If Booking, TripAdvisor, and Google all say similar things, the consensus is probably legit.

You might also find:

• Better photos
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• More recent updates
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• Location-specific tips​
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🗂 Keep it organized

If you’re comparing multiple hotels, tours, or experiences, track what you’re finding so you don’t end up going in circles.

You can:

• Jot quick notes in your phone
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• Start a Google Doc or spreadsheet just for the trip
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• Use the save or favorite feature if you have an account on that site
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🚦 Know when to stop

If you’ve read 10 or 15 reviews and they’re all pointing in the same direction, trust that.

You don’t need to keep going until your brain goes numb. Good enough is usually good enough.

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What matters most when you’re reading reviews?

Join the fun and vote in this week's Packing List poll, and let me know what you're looking for when reading online reviews.

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To a life well-traveled,
Kevin

7604 Alan Pkwy, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130-6403
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