A LinkedIn search helped me plan my trip to Lisbon. Not Google. Not TripAdvisor. Not ChatGPT.
Just… people. Real people with real lives in the city I’m about to visit.
Here’s the full story.
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My LinkedIn Strategy
Here’s exactly what I did:
1. I opened LinkedIn and filtered my 1st-degree connections by location: Lisbon, Portugal.
2. Then I messaged about 20 of them with one simple ask:
Quick one [Name]—what’s your favorite thing to do in Lisbon? I’m visiting for the first time this June and would love to get some ideas. Thx!
I kept the approach intentionally casual and personal. No formal requests, no lengthy explanations—just a friendly ask between connections.
The Responses
The replies? Pure gold.
Allan suggested a coastal drive to Cascais, with a stop for a beer at a beach restaurant called Adamastor.
Thalita told me about a walking path between Carcavelos and Cascais lined with forts, cafés, and stunning sea views.
Todd shared a mix of hidden gems—from Estrela Park to Miradouro Lisboa.
Teresa insisted I visit Sintra, explore the castles, and soak in the history.
I received 15 responses packed with genuine, heartfelt recommendations. From people who actually live there. From friends. From connections who care.
This Beats AI
Sure, AI could’ve delivered a polished itinerary in 10 seconds. But it wouldn’t have felt like this—like community, like conversation, like a warm welcome before I even land.
The difference wasn’t just in the quality of recommendations, though those were exceptional. It was in the human element that no algorithm can replicate.
To everyone who replied—thank you. You made this trip feel human before it even began.
Lisbon, see you in two weeks.