Recently, I had the pleasure of chatting on Twitter with Steven Frischling (@flyingwithfish), Airline, Aerospace & Travel Social Media Consultant. The conversation came about as a result of my recent post, 12 Tips to Talking Travel on Twitter, where the use of hashtags was my number one tip. @flyingwithfish felt it was rather generic, and he was right. It sparked this post, and possibly will contribute to future #traveltuesday posts.

@jenn_seeley OK, #Travel chatting on #Twitter (1) Use the hashtag #Travel (2) Participate in #TTOT on Tuesday & #TNI on Thursday #SMtravel — Flying With Fish (@flyingwithfish) January 6, 2012

So let’s look more specifically at some of the best hashtags for travel conversations on Twitter.

#Travel – Begin with the obvious. Travel. Just keep in mind that a search for #travel is going to yield a broad return of results. By that same token, it’s an excellent place to start.

#SMTravel – Want to be a bit more focused? #SMTravel is more specifically ‘social media’ and ‘travel.’ Just like with #Travel, you’ll see these hashtags used frequently.

#TT – Instead of #traveltuesday, go for the more succinct (and less character hogging) #TT instead. Of course, I still plan to call today what it is – Travel Tuesday. Learn more about Travel Tuesday here.

@jenn_seeley (6) Skip #TravelTuesday and use #TT as a hashtag, it is more widely followed & gives you more space to tweet. #smtravel — Flying With Fish (@flyingwithfish) January 6, 2012

#TTOT – In long form, it’s Travel Talk on Twitter. According to @traveldudes, it is THE travel hashtag to use. Twice every Tuesday at 9:30 am & pm GMT, travel professionals and aficionados alike gather at the hashtag to talk. Discussions, questions and even the ability to suggest topic ideas are facilitated here and at the Facebook group.

#CruiseChat – Another Tuesday chat (at 2pm EST) is about all things cruising. Thank @AvidCruiser and @CruiseBuzz for getting this one going. Similar to #TTOT, a question and answer format keeps this chat hopping.

#LuxChat – Pamper yourself and join @LuxeTiffany for luxury travel conversations on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 pm EST.

#TNI – Set time aside Thursdays at 3:30 EST for the “Travelers Night In” weekly Tweetup. @ZipSetGo brings us a fast paced, conversation-packed chat. With 10 topical questions zipping by furiously while travel tweeters add in a new question every ten minutes, this is an excellent opportunity to network and find like-minded travel enthusiasts.

*bonus* #NUTS - While not specific to travel, it seems that many travel folks are enjoying a “Not so Usual Therapy Session” brought to you by Midlife Road Trip. This week will be my first convergence upon the hilarity that takes place. The great travel conversations in midst of a reprieve from every day stresses and the fun I keep hearing about that is #NUTS. I hope to see you there on Tuesdays at 3:30 EST!

While some of these hashtags appear to correspond with a specific scheduled tweet chat, people still tend to use any of them when they are relevant, regardless of the day on the calendar. Try not to tweet without them. Hashtags can play a significant part in making new, lasting connections.

I plan to be present in these conversations whenever possible. What about you? Do you attend regular travel tweet chats? Do you have a favorite not on this list? Let’s hear about it!

Jenn Seeley tweets, talks and blogs about Travel, Entertainment and Leisure. Follow her on Twitterand check out her most recent posts here.

Tags: #cruisechat, #LuxChat, #NUTS, #smtravel, #TNI, #traveltuesday, #tt, #TToT, Facebook, luxury travel, Social Media, travel, twitter