How to Trust Online Reviews When Travelling
The internet offers an overwhelming amount of information when it comes to travel. You’ll find reviews on just about everything: airport parking services, hotels, tourist attractions, and even the best local restaurants. But how do you know which reviews you can trust?
Start with Official Websites
Your first step should be to visit the official website of the business or service you’re interested in. Reviews on third-party sites may sometimes contain outdated or incorrect information. In some cases, reviews may even refer to a completely different company or location by mistake!
Additionally, remember that reviews can sometimes be biased. People are often more inclined to share negative experiences than positive ones. That doesn’t mean reviews aren’t valuable—many offer genuinely useful information. To get a clearer picture, cross-reference multiple review platforms and the official business website. This approach can help you avoid surprises during your trip.
For example, if you’re planning your parking at the airport, check out official pages such as Gatwick Airport parking and Manchester Airport parking to compare services and get reliable details.
Ask Friends and Family
Your friends and family can be a great source of trustworthy recommendations. If you’re planning a trip across Europe, it’s likely that someone you know has already been to popular cities like Rome, Paris, or Barcelona. You can gain valuable insights into local transport, parking, accommodation, and places to eat from their experiences.
When it comes to airport parking, for instance, preferences can vary. Some travellers favour off-site parking for its affordability, while others prefer on-site parking for convenience. If you’re unsure which option suits you, gather feedback from friends, then supplement it with online reviews to help finalise your decision. You can also visit pages like Parkos’s airport parking guide for more information on secure and affordable parking options.
What to Look for in Reviews
Not all reviews are created equal. The most helpful ones focus on things that are within a business’s control. For example, a review that criticises a hotel because of heavy city traffic isn’t really fair, since traffic is outside the hotel’s control.
When reading reviews, it’s a good idea to check both positive and negative feedback. Pay attention to reviews posted across a range of dates to get a balanced perspective. Reviews that focus on service quality, cleanliness, and amenities are often the most relevant.
Check Reviewer Consistency
Look into the activity of the reviewer. Are they an active contributor with multiple reviews, or have they only ever posted one? Reviewers who consistently leave thoughtful comments about a variety of experiences are generally more trustworthy. However, if you notice a pattern of overly positive or negative comments, it’s worth questioning the objectivity of their feedback.
Additionally, consider reviewers who balance their comments. A review that acknowledges both positive and negative aspects of an experience tends to be more reliable than one that is excessively critical or overly glowing.

Final Thoughts on Reviews
Reviews can be incredibly helpful, but it’s important to be cautious of those that are overly enthusiastic or excessively harsh. Read a variety of reviews from different platforms, including both public and professional sources like newspaper travel sections.
Asking family and friends for recommendations and visiting business websites will also help you make informed choices. If you’re planning your next trip, Parkos provides secure and convenient airport parking options across major UK airports, ensuring your travels get off to a smooth start.
Explore more tips on airport parking and travel preparation on the Parkos Blog.