There’s no better way to anticipate your Budget Traveler’s needs than asking them outright about their preferences.

So I posted the following request on Simbi to get feedback from travelers about their favorite Travel Guide.

“Whether you like to travel or are just an armchair traveller, what’s your favourite travel guide and why? Are there specific things you like in your guide (history, pictures, maps, sample itineraries etc.), or is there a particular brand of travel guide usually buy? Also .. let me know what kind of traveller your are — e.g. budget, mid-range, luxury, back-packer, etc.”

Here’s the response from Josh, a Budget traveler:

When I travel I usually use Facebook or other social media to start making friends in that city. I ask cab drivers, or at my accommodation I ask the maids, bartenders or waiters where they recommend (never the front desk).

I like the lessor-known hole in the wall places that have the best food for the best price. It’s all about immersing myself in the culture and learning about from the locals when I travel.

So Travel Writers, how does this help you?

If you want to get under the skin of a destination you need to connect with the locals. I’ve encountered many travel bloggers that measure success by the number of countries they’ve visited, or how many daring adventures they’ve been on. But what makes a trip memorable for a travel writer or for a traveler is the people we meet along the way. Step out from behind your mobile device or computer long enough to make some local connections and get insider tips to share with your audience.

Feel free to leave me a comment and let me know all about your favorite type or line of travel guides.