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TouristLink is a travel website that helps users meet others while they are away from home. Users can join the online community and explore travel options based on interests. Users can post ratings to help others decide where to go when they travel. The site also gives users a place to meet potential travel companions. Users can pass along tips, recommendations and suggestions. Local tour guides can also be found on the site so users can request advice to optimize their itinerary. The homepage features a collection of top lists and top photo albums to inspire the user. Categories help users search for specific attractions and businesses, with destination options as well as options for nightlife, shopping, restaurants, events and outdoor activities.

TouristLink was founded in October of 2011. The application has received a few mentions among online media sources. The application is noted as a helpful tool for both travelers and local businesses because it helps them find one another. Businesses can claim their company’s profile and list traveler benefits and other information to entice travelers to make a purchase or book service. The application’s database of businesses and users continues to grow to offer more appeal to newcomers.

TouristLink offers many features that are becoming quite popular among travel websites. Rather than simply displaying destination or flight information, user can actually interact with others. TouristLink has formed an active community that covers a number of destinations. Users can ask for specific advice before they travel rather than trying to unravel the mysteries of a location on their own through less dynamic resources. The social element is what really makes TouristLink shine.

TouristLink has a pleasant, upbeat design that features smiling cartoon-esque travelers and various destinations. Fluffy white clouds litter the background, creating a whimsical atmosphere. Users will notice that TouristLink provides a great deal of information without cramming as much content as possible in front of the user. The organized layout is a big plus, especially compared to travel sites that seem to focus purely on selling services and products rather than aiding travelers in their planning efforts.

A new user can join TouristLink two ways. The first is available through a blue button along the left side of the homepage. Users who click the button can register with a Facebook account. Others can click the light blue “Register” link in the upper, right hand corner of the page. The registration form appears on the next page and asks for a username, email address and password. The user is automatically logged in and can begin editing their profile.

TouristLink benefits by having more users within its community. Charging a fee would only deter some users from signing up. Luckily the site remains accessible by providing free accounts to all users who want to sign up. There are no subscription fees and the user never has to buy anything to maintain account access. Users will have to pay for any services they purchase or book, however this is not a requirement and left entirely up to the user.

TravelLink is a convenient resource for anyone who has or will be travelling. Experienced travelers can contribute their knowledge to help other travelers make better choices about their travel plans. Others can ask specific questions, browse destination and interest themed content and interact with the site’s large online community to decide where and when to travel. The application nurtures interactions and makes travel planning a social activity for many users.

• Categories help users find content by destination or interest
• Users can share insight and tips about travelling in certain areas
• Discussions encourage users to interact on the site
• Travel services can be rated and searched
• Photo albums help users learn more about locations

TouristLink video

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