So what makes a great trip report?

[joellybaby]

There's some great trip reports on here! I think Patmex has raised the bar, so I'm thinking I'd better be already planning mine out in my head whilst I'm there so I don't end up wishing I'd photographed a particular thing or noted a price down or whatever.

I know part of the charm comes from different strengths, and some people will be hotter on including useful details whilst others may be great photographers or wonderfully evocative writers.

But I reckon this could be a useful question to ask all the same: what makes a really good trip report? I can guess a few of the answers already but I'll hold off for now.

[austxdan]

Great question joelly,

I think a great Trip Report serves two purposes, at least it does to me. On one hand it provides great information to those doing research for an upcoming trip. It also provides a way to reminisce (sp?) for those that have been there before. And I like to use it as a way to remember my trip. OK, so that's 3 purposes :rolleyes: .

I like to take notes in a little journal that I either bring with me (this year) or that I buy down there (last year). I'll summarize while sitting on the beach, sipping an icy cold Sol while watching my sweetie nap next to me. Ahh - peaceful bliss.

Then when I get back I review my notes and . . . um, embellish the details as best as my flaky memory can recall. My report last year - posted on LG, was quite lengthy as I can, apparently, be somewhat verbose.

I like to write a report like I'm sitting across from you at a table and telling you about my vacation. Hence, the lengthy part. Some folks like to just provide facts. Either way helps the researchers out. I like the "story" aspect of a trip report, so that others can close their eyes and relive their trip through my words.

See - already getting lengthy. But's that's just me :o .


Dan

PS - Oh, and pictures always help tell a good story

[joellybaby]

That sounds like what I'm planning to do. I've never written one before but already quite looking forward to it somehow! It's nice knowing there are people who will be genuinely interested to read it, rather than just my friends and family who like to hear a bit and want to know I had a nice time but really can't be bothered with the detail.

[AdGuy]

Dan hit it on the head. I think it's a combination of "memories" and "motivators". The photos and detail that folks provide are loved by those who have been there, done that as they remind the reader of the great stay, meal, adventure, or purchase they made when they were down there last. It's a way to enjoy Tulum from the discomfort of your current surroundings.

For those who have not experienced a particular hotel, restaurant, cenote, ruin, or stretch of beach, it's an opportunity to learn more about a new experience. Armed with new information, they might decide to explore the monkey farm, visit Ek Balam, or travel down that strange road that they've passed by before.

You've probably heard the line "there's no dumb questions" and the same is true for trip reports...there's no bad ones, just some are better than others. We can't wait to read yours!!! :)

[austxdan]

Let's make sure our paths cross so that my trip report can say "We met joelle and adam on their honeymoon and they are great folks" and yours can say something like "You'll not believe the stupid thing this guy Dan did".

Maybe swap some emails as our date gets closer.

I'll try to be good. :D


Dan

[joellybaby]

Dan - Yep, let's do so. I'll PM you.

[beachreader]

I agree completely with what the guys said. In addition, I like trip reports because they give me news of an area I love. New hotel openings or closings, a beach with a bad problem (or seeing that the problem has cleared up, as I learned in PatMex's report showing a pic of Maya Tulum), gossip about the airport or Azul Blue, all that stuff.

Not that you should try to make your report that way, it'll happen naturally if you come across any news.

It's just kind of like hearing about old friends.

And I really really really want to come with you!

[patmex]

Thanks, y'all. I got lots and lots of inspiration from Lee's trip reports when he returned -- and lots and lots of valuable info, so I wanted to return the favor.

That day that I sat at Ana y Jose's Beach Club (Wednesday), I handwrote a trip report for Sunday-Wednesday morning. Then each morning I'd add to it. I had about 20 pages of notebook paper so I actually had to pare it down a bit for the board.

I just took notes for the random observations, and I was SO impressed by Hechizo and Trecelunas that I handwrote up a report about them, too.

I finished it on the flight home, as there wasn't much else to do.

Thanks!

And I can't wait to read yours, Dan, when you return. And everybody else's!

[joellybaby]

And I really really really want to come with you!


Let's make sure our paths cross so that my trip report can say "We met joel and adam on their honeymoon and they are great folks" and yours can say something like "You'll not believe the stupid thing this guy Dan did".


Thanks, y'all. I got lots and lots of inspiration from Lee's trip reports when he returned -- and lots and lots of valuable info, so I wanted to return the favor.....And I can't wait to read yours, Dan, when you return. And everybody else's!


You've probably heard the line "there's no dumb questions" and the same is true for trip reports...there's no bad ones, just some are better than others. We can't wait to read yours!!! :)

More examples of the friendly attitude that makes this forum a place to engage with and return to often rather than just skim through for info. :) That's part of what makes people write good trip reports too, I reckon, so you can all pat yourselves on the back.

[SassyGirl]

Details, details, details punctuated by lots of photos!

[firecop680]

I think these trip reports take those of us that have been there, back to a place that made an unforgettable memory for each one of us and it makes those that have never been want to make that memory, as we did. I think if you feel it while you are writing your trip report, no matter how it is written, you are on the right track!!! Have fun writing!!!! I thought I wouldn't have 2 sentences and then 2 hours later I was finished...

[minniemex]

A trip to Tulum is a good trip report !

[Gale in KY]

Can't think of much to add about the content etc..you guys have described it all perfectly. A great trip report for me "takes me there"..let's me live your experience in my mind"..

All I can say is we have many talented writers here...and also many talented photographers...we are all very fortunate, because we get to go to Tulum over and over again, thru the eyes of our forum members!!!:D

[PhyllisB]

Okay okay, stop raising the bar so high! I can't take the pressure! :D

[austxdan]

Okay okay, stop raising the bar so high! I can't take the pressure! :D

Then it sounds like you need another trip, and therefore another Trip Report! :cool:

It all starts with a ticker on the bottom.



Dan

[PhyllisB]

Seriously, some of us are less eloquent than others!

I know I need a ticker.... *sigh*
Just don't know if it's gonna happen this year or not. :(

[beachreader]

C'mon, Phyl, I thought you were coming with me in the Fall! Go ahead, start a ticker like mine, and it will happen! I haven't booked a trip yet, but I know that's when I'm planning on going again, and I can't stand not having a ticker.

[PhyllisB]

Hmmmmm, that's not a bad idea BR! Hopefully I can get back in the fall, and in the mean time maybe a ticker will help me dream about it.... not that I need any help with that though, haha!

Then I'll put you in charge of the trip report! hehehehe :)

[HthreeO]

A good trip report is a good trip!

My sentiments exactly Minniemex!!! A good trip makes a good trip report!!

Joellybaby- I'll take anything in the form of a trip report. I practically drool in anticipation for the next installment when the trip is reported in multiple posts.

Just post it and that is a good trip report!!

[beachreader]

Then I'll put you in charge of the trip report! hehehehe :)


Buy me a few margaritas at Mayan Grill and I'll make you a goddess in the trip report!

[PhyllisB]

Buy me a few margaritas at Mayan Grill and I'll make you a goddess in the trip report!


YOU'RE ON!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :D

[beachreader]

:cool: :cool: :cool: Chicas on the loose in Tulum.

Whatever happened to that thread with all the girl-trip talk? Come on Gale, Minnie, Pat, everyone, let's take the town over in the off season!

Check my ticker and match it!

[PhyllisB]

:cool: :cool: :cool: Chicas on the loose in Tulum.

Whatever happened to that thread with all the girl-trip talk? Come on Gale, Minnie, Pat, everyone, let's take the town over in the off season!

Check my ticker and match it!


Okay okay, I set up the ticker!

I'd LOVE to start planning a trip.... just don't know when/if I'll have the resources, so not sure when I could officially commit. But maybe we should start thinking about where folks would want to stay! In a new thread of course....

p.