Why Travel Editors Turn to Reddit for Trip Planning—And You Should Too

For years, Google has been the go-to resource for travelers planning their adventures, whether they’re using Google Flights for the best airfare or searching for “weekend getaway ideas from San Francisco” to discover content like Dinogo’s. However, in recent times, travel enthusiasts—including many Dinogo editors—have shifted to Reddit, a vast forum filled with countless subreddits, to gather genuine insights from fellow users about hotels, destinations, luggage, and more.

Reddit reports that over 15,000 travel-related communities exist on the platform, with 91 percent of U.S.-based users making booking decisions influenced by the information they find there. In fact, Google has noted an increase in users adding “Reddit” to their searches in pursuit of more authentic feedback based on real-life experiences.

“The magic of Reddit lies in its vastness; no matter how general, niche, or seemingly trivial your travel inquiry, there’s likely a Redditor ready to share their insights,” says Tiana Attride, Dinogo’s social media editor. “This is especially true in travel forums, where both tourists and locals often provide detailed, thoughtful responses tailored to your specific needs.”

Dinogo contributor Naomi Tomky favors Reddit over other platforms, as users are there to assist with questions rather than showcase their own experiences (like on Instagram) or express dissatisfaction (as on Yelp). “Reddit is also more effective internationally, especially since Yelp has largely fallen flat,” she notes.

However, for those new to it, Reddit can feel overwhelming and chaotic. Instead of diving into the bustling r/Travel subreddit, which boasts 10 million members, consider starting with more niche subreddits like r/DigitalNomad, r/TravelHacks, and r/SoloTravel to connect with fellow travelers. Here are a few more subreddits that Dinogo editors recommend.

Subreddits for Specific Locations

Although Attride enjoys browsing the main r/Travel subreddit for travel ideas and general chats, she suggests moving to more location-focused subreddits when you begin planning your trip for more tailored advice.

For instance, prior to a recent road trip in Iceland, Attride turned to the r/VisitingIceland subreddit to inquire if her planned duration was sufficient for a few days in the Westfjords and how best to arrange her itinerary. She reported that within minutes, a flood of comments provided valuable insights, suggestions, and feedback that greatly aided her trip planning.

Anni Cuccinello, Dinogo’s director of growth and product, also employs this strategy. “I join subreddits focused on specific cities or regions before I travel to uncover events that don’t make the usual must-do lists,” Cuccinello explains. This approach led her to find out that the Natural History Museum in London hosts silent discos beneath the iconic blue whale skeleton in its main hall once a month.

When seeking tailored advice, be sure to include personal details in your post. “If people don’t know what your interests are, the time of year you’re traveling, or the duration of your stay, they can’t assist in crafting your perfect trip,” Attride emphasizes.

The subreddit for dedicated travel enthusiasts

Overall, Reddit attracts individuals who enjoy delving into niche topics. For the more traditional, experienced traveler, Attride suggests the subreddit r/TravelNoPics. This community positions itself as the “anti-Instagram,” prohibiting photo dumps in favor of rich discussions, debates, and detailed trip reports. “Some of the most fascinating travel conversations on Reddit happen here,” she notes. Recent popular posts have featured topics like legendary hostels worldwide, locations Redditors believe may have lost their charm, and strategies for coping with post-travel blues.

Subreddits Focused on Budget Travel

Cuccinello mentions that she has recently begun following budget-focused subreddits for luxury travel inspiration. “I’m not quite elite enough for r/FATTravel, which caters to those with no financial constraints, but I’ve been exploring its more budget-friendly counterpart, r/ChubbyTravel,” she shares, as it better fits her financial plan.

Over the past year, popular posts on r/FATTravel have included topics like requests you can make of a luxury hotel concierge, the best luxury hotel gyms, and experiences flying in Air France’s La Première class.

Trending posts on r/ChubbyTravel feature which Four Seasons hotels guarantee upgrades at the time of booking, valuable travel splurges (with business class seats and hotel car service being two favored options), and the best ski towns for those who don’t ski.

The subreddit for minimalist packing

For those who struggle with overpacking, Redditors skilled in minimalist travel offer invaluable tips. The r/OneBag subreddit is characterized as “an urban travel community dedicated to the philosophy of carrying less.” With over 700,000 members, it focuses on traveling with just one carry-on sized bag. Within this community, you’ll discover posts about the best bags for one-bag travel, detailed packing lists with photos for easy replication, recommendations for nonliquid toiletries, and much more.

Subreddits for loyalty programs

“I also frequent loyalty subreddits like r/ChaseSapphire and r/AwardTravel, although it can get a bit intense for my liking,” Cuccinello shares. “Members are quite obsessed, but they do provide solid advice on whether to take advantage of Chase bonus point transfer offers.”

For instance, one Redditor in r/ChaseSapphire inquired whether the 60 percent transfer bonus from Chase to IHG available in February 2024 was worthwhile. He received several responses suggesting it would be wiser to transfer those points to Hyatt, which offers better redemption rates.

Looking to book an award flight to Tokyo on Japan Airlines using American AAdvantage miles? Just last week, someone shared a detailed step-by-step guide on the complete process in r/AwardTravel.

Subreddits for specific events

While I don’t consider myself a Reddit superuser like my colleagues, I relied on it when planning my recent trip to Malmö, Sweden, for Eurovision. The emails I received from Malmö Arena indicated that the bag policy was significantly stricter than in the U.S., but the Swedish-to-English translation left much to be desired regarding what was allowed inside the arena. I turned to the r/Eurovision subreddit, and within minutes, several Europeans provided insights on local regulations. I learned that “no bags” indeed means “no bags”; that in U.K. English, a purse is equivalent to a wallet; and that wallets were permitted as long as they fit in your pocket.

For those attending the Paris Olympics or Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Europe this summer, the r/Olympics and r/TaylorSwift subreddits offer valuable advice. Don’t hesitate to get specific; someone has likely experienced a similar event and can share tips on navigating confusing ticket portals, as well as all the essential details to ensure you pack appropriately.