how do you really plan a trip to a new country?

Last week, I spent hours trying to figure out the best way to plan my trip to Bogota, Colombia. You’d think with all the travel blogs and apps out there, it’d be easy, but honestly, I just ended up with a headache and a dozen open tabs. I tried TripAdvisor, but half the reviews seemed fake, and Google Maps sent me to a coffee shop that closed two years ago! I even downloaded a couple of travel apps, but they wanted me to pay for basic info. I want to know how other folks my age actually get reliable info before visiting a new country. Do you trust recommendations from Facebook groups, or do you have a go-to website that never lets you down? Maybe you’ve got a favorite guidebook that’s never steered you wrong? I’m especially interested in the little details—like which neighborhoods are safe to stay in, or where to find the best local food that isn’t just for tourists. It’s tough to tell what’s real and what’s just hype online these days. Sometimes I feel like I spend more time researching than actually enjoying the trip! If you’ve cracked the code, I’d love to hear how you do it. Planning shouldn’t be this stressful, right? #travelplanning #over50travel #realadvice #Travel