What fact-checking means at The Travels Tip

Fact-checking is the process of testing the statements a reader may rely on. The level of checking depends on the claim. A hotel neighbourhood description, a visa rule, a flight schedule and a personal restaurant opinion require different evidence.

Before an article enters review

A complete submission should identify the author, category, headline, main story, relevant images, source links where needed and the SEO or sharing information required by the CMS. Incomplete work should remain a draft rather than being pushed through publication.

Claims we check closely

  • names of places, businesses, organisations and people;
  • dates, prices, opening hours, route information and schedules when stated as facts;
  • entry, visa, health, safety or legal information that can materially affect a trip;
  • statistics, rankings, awards and superlative claims;
  • quoted statements and attribution;
  • commercial claims supplied by hotels, airlines, tourism boards or other partners.

Source hierarchy

Where a primary source exists and is appropriate, it should normally be preferred for rules, policies and operational facts. Secondary sources can add context, comparison or independent analysis but should not replace the authority that controls a rule or service.

Images, captions and alternative text

Review includes checking that an image is relevant to the page, not misleading, lawfully available to the publication and accompanied by useful alternative text. Credits should be retained when required. Social sharing images should represent the content accurately.

Links and references

Source links should resolve to the intended document or page and should not be added merely to make an article look researched. Internal links should help the reader continue a logical planning journey rather than exist only for search optimization.

Review outcomes

A reviewer can approve an article, request changes or reject the current revision. Feedback should identify the problem clearly enough for the writer to fix it. Repeated unsupported claims, fabricated evidence, plagiarism or misrepresented experience may lead to rejection or account action.

After publication

Publication does not end the verification process. Readers, writers and editors may identify information that needs updating. Time-sensitive articles should be reviewed when events or official guidance change.

Related publication information