The USA - Alliance go

1. The USA
#helpme
June 30, 2014

2. Methodology
Top 10 : World and major regions / countries
•World
•USA
•China
•Australia
•Europe
Zoom on your country:
•The forums analysed
•The Top 10
•Notable categories outside the Top 10
•Details of each of the 10 categories
Summary

3. We selected forums on Google, pretending to be the average Internet user
browsing the Web for information on travel. We used the following search terms:
‘forum + tourism’, ‘forum + travel’, and ‘forum + holidays’.
We selected only the most highly referenced forums that met the following
criteria: popularity as measured by Google ranking, forums with a dedicated
space for tourism, presence of cross-cutting topics (as opposed to topics based
on destination), and lastly, forums containing comments coming from the
nationals of the countries being analysed.
When the nationality of a forum’s users was uncertain, these forums were
excluded.
We selected 5 to 10 forums per country, depending on the results and on the size
of each country.
Several million comments from the past five years were analysed in the selected
forums, addressing a large variety of topics.
Methodology

5. Top 10 World
1. Air transport & airlines
2. Looking for a travel companion
3. Sea travel and cruises
4. Bargain travel
5. Camping
6. Loyalty and mileage programmes
7. Travel agencies
8. Equipment
9. Work, study and live abroad
10. Rights and laws

6. Top 10 Europe
1. Air transport & Air Companies
2. Look for a travel companion
3. Sea travel and cruises
4. Camping
5. Travel agencies
6. Bargain travel
7. Rights and laws
8. Travelling with children
9. Equipment
10. Photo/video

7. Top 10 Australia
1. Loyalty and mileage programmes
2. Air transport & airlines
3. Road trips
4. Must-see locations
5. Travelling alone
6. Bargain travel
7. Travelling with technology
8. Looking for a travel companion
9. Travel tips
10. Photo/video

8. Top 10 China
1. Travelling with parents
2. Looking for a travel companion
3. Photo/video
4. Equipment
5. Outdoor activities
6. Fee-based activities
7. Snow sports
8. Travelling in China
9. Travelling by car
10. Sea travel and cruises

9. We highlighted the categories of discussions that generate the most comments.
This ranking is based on more than 12 million comments posted on 10 forums in
the United States.
The forums breakdown is as follows:
10 forums specialising in travel:
o Tripadvisor
o Fodors
o Flyertalk
o Travbuddy
o Lonelyplanet
o Travelblog
o Myfamilytravels
o Ricksteeves
o Delphiforums
o slowtalk
Focus on the United States: The forums analysed

10. Americans’ posts can be divided into a hundred different categories of
discussions.
The ten most discussed categories by number of messages are :
1. Loyalty and mileage programmes
2. Safety/security travel
3. Air transport & airlines
4. Bargain travel
5. Travelling with technology
6. Food and restaurants
7. Car rental programmes/partners
8. Travellers’ news
9. Online travel booking and bidding agencies
10. Equipment
Focus on the United States: List of top 10 categories

11. Relative distribution of the 10 categories:
Focus on the United States : List of top 10 categories

12. Road trip
This section includes comments about hitting the road and road trips
in general. Travellers of any age group talk about their desire to travel freely.
Family Travel
This category shows that family trips are important for American travellers. People
want to discover the world with their family and organise their trips well in
advance.
Focus on the United States: Notable categories in the Top 20

13. Older travellers
Older people are now active travellers and want to enjoy life to the full in their
retirement. This is an interesting consequence of demographic change.
Focus on the United States : Notable categories in the Top
20

14. This section includes comments about rewards, miles and points programmes.
Travellers who travel with the same companies several times a year can earn
points or miles (for airlines). Travellers discuss the best loyalty programs and
share tips.
As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that generated a great
deal of comments:
Let's post successful Swagbucks codes here
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/s-p-m/922762-lets-post-successful-
swagbucks-codes-here.html
Focus on the United States – Topic 1: ‘Loyalty and mileage programmes
(POINTS, REWARDS AND MILES)’

15. My Coke Reward Points
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/s-p-m/668470-my-coke-reward-points-master-thread
A3*G Challenge: who have the most creative routing to achieve *G in
shortest time?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/aegean-airlines-miles-bonus/1289389-a3-g-challeng
RTW for about $950; Alitalia Europe/asia combo deal
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mileage-run-discussion/1579003-fare-gone-rtw-abo
The special credit card offers master thread
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/credit-card-programs/1177334-special-credit-card-o
Focus on the United States - Topic 1: ‘Loyalty and mileage programmes
(POINTS, REWARDS AND MILES)’

16. This section includes all comments about travel safety and security. Travellers
looking for information about security during their trip or safety instructions in
dangerous countries. They talk about their experiences and share their
opinions about security and safety policies.
As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high
number of comments:
Don't read books about airplanes while on an airplane.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/checkpoints-borders-policy-debate/1251203-dont-re
Focus on the United States - Topic 2: ‘Travel safety/security’

17. AUH is finally open US pre-clearance facility
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/checkpoints-borders-policy-debate/1545037-auh-fin
Traveling with Nitro Pills
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/checkpoints-borders-policy-debate/1583918-travelin
Global entry program-processing time?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trusted-travelers/1066899-global-entry-program-pro
Wallets at Body Scan Machines
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/practical-travel-safety-issues/1107328-wallets-body
Focus on the United States - Topic 2: ‘Travel safety/security’

18. This section includes all comments about air travel. Travellers discuss the
airlines, weather, planes and flight conditions. They also give their own
opinions on air travel and share their experiences with the others.
As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high
number of comments:
Liquid limitations in hand luggage.
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i10702-k7493439-
Liquid_limitations_in_hand_luggage-Air_Travel.html
Focus on the United States - Topic 3: ‘Air transport & Airlines’

19. Getting a refund from Airlines?
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i10702-k7371835-Getting_a_refund_fr
Air travel and hearing aids.
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i10702-k7535896-Air_travel_and_hear
Do wheels count against the size of carry-on bags?
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i10702-k7531194-Do_wheels_count_a
Customs at JFK- how long?
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i10702-k7521433-Customs_at_JFK_h
Focus on the United States - Topic 3: ‘Air transport & Airlines’

20. This section includes comments about bargain travel. Travellers share tips on
travelling more cheaply and spending less on travel services. They also talk
about countries with a low cost of living.
As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high
number of comments:
lastminute.com, any reviews ?
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i12290-k4118412-Lastminute_com_any_reviews-
Focus on the United States - Topic 4:
‘Bargain Travel’

21. Help with Europe on a budget
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1560258-help-europe-budget.html
Couchsurfing - have you used it?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/836136-couchsurfing-have-you-used.h
Eurotrip in May 2015 - Suggestions of place
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/travel-on-a-shoestring/topics/eurot
Cheapest way to fly from Europe to South America
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/travel-on-a-shoestring/topics/cheap
Focus on the United States - Topic 4:
‘Bargain Travel’

22. This section includes comments about travel technologies. Travellers talk
about their passion for new technologies, including travel applications. They
share news about products and apps.
As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high
number of comments:
Keeping US Number and Maximizing US Calls While Moving Abroad
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-technology/1575137-keeping-us-number-max
Focus on the United States - Topic 5: ‘Travelling with
technology’

23. Yet Another Laptop Purchase Question For College Student
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-technology/1583151-yet-another-laptop-purch
World's Smallest Wireless Router for Hotel Rooms
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-technology/1350472-worlds-smallest-wireless
Ejecting USB Device
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/travel-tech/topics/ejecting-usb-devi
New compact
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/travel-tech/topics/new-compact
Focus on the United States - Topic 5: ‘Travelling with
technology’

24. This section includes comments about world recipes and dishes from different
countries. Travellers who like cooking discuss dishes that they have
discovered during their trips, how to cook specials ingredients and what type of
food they can expect to find during their journey.
As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high
number of comments:
Where does the back bit go?
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/get-stuffed/topics/where-does-the-b
Focus on the United States - Topic 6: ‘Food and restaurants’

25. Saigon Baguette
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/get-stuffed/topics/saigon-baguette
What's in Your Beer Fridge Right Now?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/diningbuzz/1020043-whats-your-beer-fridge-right-no
Are you a "Foodie" that flies somewhere JUST to eat the best meal?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/diningbuzz/1577578-you-foodie-flies-somewhere-jus
What Restaurants Do You Miss ?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/diningbuzz/1540009-what-restaurants-do-
you-miss.html
Focus on the United States - Topic 6: ‘Food and restaurants’

26. This section includes comments about car rental. Travellers share tips about
the cheapest ways to rent a car. They also talk about services offered by car
rental agencies and global companies.
As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high
number of comments:
Problems with PlatePass
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hertz-gold-plus-rewards/655491-problems-platepas
Focus on the United States - Topic 7: ‘Car Rental
Programmes/Partners’

27. Two Slot 634s at LAX Hertz?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hertz-gold-plus-rewards/1581505-two-slot-634s-lax-
Need help rental car for cheap
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/avis-preferred/1581941-need-help-rental-car-cheap.
SIXT @ Cologne Hilton
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/sixt/1580357-sixt-cologne-hilton.html
Cars at YYZ
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/national-emerald-club/1155728-cars-yyz.html
Focus on the United States - Topic 7: ‘Car Rental
Programmes/Partners’

28. This section includes comments about news and current events around the
world. Travellers who are involved with some countries or just want to plan a
safe journey, discuss news and politics around the world.
As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high
number of comments:
How Airlines Make Less Than $6 Per Passenger
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-news/1582406-how-airlines-make-less-than-6
Focus on the United States - Topic 8: ‘Travellers’ news’

29. Gunmen attack Karachi's Jinnah International Airport
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-news/1583766-gunmen-attack-karachis-jinnah
Flying With the One Percent
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-news/1577118-flying-one-percent.html
Virtual Nursing....from home
http://forums.delphiforums.com/travelnurses/messages
Whistleblower virologists from Merck....
http://forums.delphiforums.com/travelnurses/messages?msg=88102.1
Focus on the United States - Topic 8: ‘Travellers news’

30. This section includes comments about online travel booking and bidding
agencies. Travellers talk about their favourite travel agencies and share tips on
spending less.
As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high
number of comments:
Need a company that works local to NC
http://forums.delphiforums.com/travelnurses/messages
Focus on the United States - Topic 9: ‘Online travel booking
and bidding agencies’

31. Duped into Booking a "Hot-Rate" that was Retail
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/online-travel-booking-bidding-agencies/1580057-du
Priceline bidding price finder
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/online-travel-booking-bidding-agencies/1468470-pri
Travel Agency booked connecting flight on separate PNR. First flight
overbooked.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/online-travel-booking-bidding-agencies/1582396-tra
Professional Nursing Services??
http://forums.delphiforums.com/travelnurses/messages
Focus on the United States - Topic 9: ‘Online travel booking
and bidding agencies’

32. This section includes comment about equipment, technology, gadgets and
gear.
As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high
number of comments:
Adrenaline in the nature of Phuket
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/activities-gear/topics/adrenaline-in-
Focus on the United States – Topic 10: ‘Equipment’

33. How do people get around?
http://www.travbuddy.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=56775
USB Battery Packs
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-technology/1507478-usb-battery-packs.html
What is your Travel Photography Equipment?
http://www.travbuddy.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=55076
How Backup Photos while traveling without computer/internet
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12530-k7212936-How_Backup_Photos_wh
Focus on the United States – Topic 10: ‘Equipment’

34. This section includes comments about hitting the road and road trips
in general. Travellers of any age group talk about their desire to travel freely.
The more experienced people give advice to the others and give them all
the tips to enjoy their trips in the best conditions.
As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that were highly
commented:
Inside Passage to Alaska and back, live Trip Report and Blog
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12567-k7503931-Inside_Passage_to_Alask
Focus on the United States - Notable category: ‘Road trip’

35. Trip report.......Another US road trip - another 8 weeks
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12567-k7491659-
Trip_report_Another_US_road_trip_another_8_weeks-Road_Trips.html
Driving in USA a UK perspective
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12567-k4420371-
Driving_in_USA_a_UK_perspective-Road_Trips.html
Full Circuit of the US in 5 weeks.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12567-k7386306-
Full_Circuit_of_the_US_in_5_weeks-Road_Trips.html
USA roadtrip
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12567-k7360141-USA_roadtrip-
Road_Trips.html
Focus on the United States - Notable category : “Road trip”

36. This section includes comments about travel with kids and relatives.
Travellers, often parents, ask questions about the best destinations to visit with
children, activities to do with them, and travel conditions for young children and
babies.
As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high
number of comments:
Travelling with a family
http://forums.delphiforums.com/travelnurses/messages
Focus on the United States - Notable category : “Family
travel”

37. Why are family holidays so expensive this year?
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i9658-k7451377-
Why_are_family_holidays_so_expensive_this_year-Family_Travel.html
Need Vacation ideas for Family with 3 teens and a Budget!!
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i9658-k6398827-
Need_Vacation_ideas_for_Family_with_3_teens_and_a_Budget-
Family_Travel.html
Teen Travel Scholarships for 2014
http://myfamilytravels.com/forum/thread/60595
Pre-baby trip!
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/kids-to-go/topics/pre-
baby-trip
Focus on the United States - Notable category: ‘Family
travel’

38. This section includes comments about travel for older people. Older travellers
look for special activities to do, and for locations that are adapted for their age
group.
As an illustration, here are 5 examples of conversations that received a high
number of comments:
Excellent London City and Greater London Itineraries / trips.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/older-
travellers/topics/excellent-london-city-and-greater-london-itineraries-
trips
Focus on the United States - Notable category: ‘Older
travellers’

39. OAT - Overseas Adventure Travel
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i13626-k3471426-
OAT_Overseas_Adventure_Travel-Senior_Travel.html
Tauck Tours - How good are they?
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i13626-k4817919-
Tauck_Tours_How_good_are_they-Senior_Travel.html
Partner for panama trip
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/older-
travellers/topics/partner-for-panama-trip
Colombia or Ecuador ?
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/older-
travellers/topics/colombia-or-ecuador-48fab6a8-5269-492a-8795-
6bf754477097
Focus on the United States - Notable category: ‘Older
travellers’