Has social media changed the travel experience for the better or worst

I just want to take a little time out from my usual style of blogging to pose a serious question that has arisen out of my current travel project.  Has social media changed the travel experience for the better or worst?

The journey thus far has lead me not only to some interesting places in Trinidad but my research has also lead me to discover a lot of different information circulating on the web about travel and social media. I came across this one article in particular that has peaked my interest.

The article states that social media and technology have not only enhanced the way we travel but it has also changed it completely. Those persons who once depended on friends advice or pictures from their vacation photo album to determine if they wanted to visit a destination have moved away from word of mouth information and rely solely on the information they receive from their different social media outlets. You now have applications that tell you when is the best time to travel, what the weather is like, many different sites to compare rates and get the best and cheapest prices, among other things.

Social media in this situation is not only taking away the "experience" that goes along with planning a trip but it takes away the "social" portion of the experience. We no longer have to go to a travel agency to book a ticket, all we need is a cell phone with internet and a travel app on our smartphone and we are basically set. According to the article "More than 80% of international vacationers use their smartphones while abroad." 

Is this what a vacation constitutes of now? Using the app Foursquare to tell the world where you are or posting a photograph of everything you do on Facebook, or maybe tweeting every single thing you eat...... 

Just to drive the point home a bit, have we become so much attached to our smartphones and devices that we have integrated it into our very way of life?

Geez and crackers..... Was it really necessary for Bmobile to install 4G coverage on Maracas Beach, a place meant for relaxation? Is this what we have come to? Are we really so wrapped up in social media that we no longer have time to be social?????

What do you think?

Feel free to read the article below

http://mashable.com/2012/03/24/how-tech-is-changing-travel-infographic/

In memory of

Everyday as a little girl my parents would take the same route to drop me to school; over the Lady Young road, around the Savannah and down Victoria Avenue. Just before we would hit Frederick street I would see a great big park on my left with towering trees and freshly cut green grass and wonder to myself "Why couldn't we stop there and play?"

After almost 18 years of wondering I have finally got my answer; the grounds of the Memorial park were to be paid tribute to and not trampled on.

Situated in what could be seen as the recreational centre of Port of Spain, the Memorial park is truly a sight to see.  With the great big trees that I remember from my childhood and green grass that looks like something out of a painting, the Memorial Park is as beautiful as it is peaceful. A great contrast to the hustle and bustle that takes place on the roadways surrounding the park; it is truly a sanctuary in our chaotic everyday lives. A historical monument with cultural and spiritual significance.

The Cenotaph (empty tomb) serves as a constant reminder to everyone around that our right to freedom though free, needs to be defended at times. Adorned with statues of what may be Guardian angels scraping the sky and well crafted soldiers up in arms, this location is truly an artistic wonder and a must see destination.

Follow my journey at:

http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Trini-Travel-Girl/

http://www.facebook.com/TriniTravelGuide?fref=ts

http://www.youtube.com/user/VergeMarketingAgency?feature=mhee

The "other" Heart of Port of Spain

This week's journey took me to a place that all of us know but may not truly appreciate for all that it is. It has played a very significant role in the Trinidad we know today. 

Are you wondering where can this place be????? I'm talking about the "other" heart of Port of Spain; The Queen's Park Savannah. The world's largest and greenest traffic roundabout located just north of the capital city of Port of Spain.

These 296 acres of greenery holds a lot of historical and cultural significance to this place we call home. The Savannah was originally part of a Sugar cane plantation called Paradise Estate up until the early 1800's. It was bought over in 1817 by then Governor Sir Ralph Woodford and deemed a place of recreation, exercise and amusement for all to enjoy. It is today still known for its recreational and cultural purposes amongst other things.

This 200 year old park has seen the likes of animal grazing, sporting events, Carnival celebrations, a horse racing track, an exercise space and even survived the 1934 landing of Graf Zeppelin; a German airship. 

(Sang about by Calypsonian Atilla the Hun http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-xcUzC0LXM)

Not only is this space one of our national treasures but its surrounding landscaping and architecture also have a great story to tell. With surrounding sites such as (NAPA) the National Academy for the Performing Arts, Knowsley Building, the Memorial Park, The Botanical Gardens and most notably a group of architecturally flamboyant style of mansions termed  the Magnificent Seven. 

These are; Queen's Royal College, the residences of the Anglican bishop and the Roman Catholic archbishop, Whitehall, the office of the Prime Minister, Mille Fleurs, Roomor, and Stollmeyer's Castle.

The QPS offers beautiful scenery, architecture, recreation, sports, Carnival, history, culture and so much more. What else can you ask of a perfect vacation destination?????

Follow my Journey at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2cT3-C8GPQ

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.356359321120923.83138.349690828454439&type=1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen's_Park_Savannah

http://caribbeanhistoryarchives.blogspot.com/2011/08/queens-park-savannah.html

A Panoramic View (Lady Young Rd Lookout)

I found myself once again driving through the curves and 

bends of the Northern Range to find myself at destination five; The Lady Young Road Lookout nestled in the quiet community of Morvant. 

To get to the Lady young road look out I had to take the Lady Young road from Morvant Junction for about five minutes worth of driving.

This particular spot is famous for its panoramic view of the capital city of Port-of-Spain as we can see on the right.

It is not often that you can find a place in this busy country of Trinidad where you can go and be at peace with yourself and with your thoughts. 

Though the Lady Young Road lookout does not necessarily have any great historical or cultural significance in Trinidad, it definitely does the job of adding to this nation's beauty and splendour.

Surrounded by what appears to be a never ending expanse of greenery and blue skies in the daytime this is the perfect place to visit if you just needed to get away or even wanted to get a little bit closer to the heavens and the stars at night.   

                          

My Drive up to the Lady Young Road Lookout through Morvant

Follow my Journey at:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.354687157954806.82669.349690828454439&type=3
http://www.youtube.com/user/VergeMarketingAgency?feature=mhee
https://foursquare.com/v/lady-young-road/4cf5171899c6236a7f324967
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?cat=lady%20young%20road&city=Port-of-Spain&country=TT#bffb60dca138e0010592b519