by James Johnson

Created on: August 23, 2009

Writing a website review can often be controversial. This is because everybody has their own idea as to what is best. Some prefer websites with fancy videos, changing graphics and lots of information that can be sorted through over time. Some abide by the KIS principle, Keep It Simple The TripAdvisor Website is and excellent compromise.

TripAdvisor.com is a huge website sponsored by

Expedia that covered travel and accommodations around the world. For such a large undertaking, it is a reasonably simple website that provides a tremendous amount of information. It "keeps it simple" but provides all the data needed to make informed decisions.

The first page is attractively laid out with six main tabs. You can sort by hotels, look for specific flights or just check out travel ideas. There is also a world map in case one wishes to research certain regions. There are different types of graphics with some lovely photos which change over time for those "techies" and yet some very simple and standard items for the technologically challenged. You can use either the tabs, or go to individual boxes that will show what other areas are popular.

If you are more interested in a topic, such as hiking or pirates rather than an area or country, type it into the search bar. The TripAdvisor will then sort through insider pages, trip reviews, and go to lists to give you an assortment of data on those topics. The main problem you may have with this function is sorting through the excessive amount of data that it provides. For that, you need to understand the different categories and links.

Sponsored links are just that, sponsored links or paid advertisements. They are what the hotels or destinations want you to see. Insider pages are less glamorous but more factual, written by people who live or frequent the locales. The reviews are from people who traveled there and are their experiences, good or bad. And if this isn't enough and one still has questions, TripAdvisor has forums for one to ask them, and you will get answers.

Is all the information on TripAdvisor.com always accurate? With a website of this type, it can't be. The sponsored links are obviously going to be biased and reviews will vary as one person had a wonderful experience while the other was visiting when the place had a bad week. The variety is what makes the website valuable.

That is the TripAdvisor website summarized. It is a good, simple website that provides a massive amount of information about travel destinations around the world. Easy to find, easy to use, and the most popular of its type on the Internet today.

Learn more about this author, James Johnson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.