Wherever you go, go with all your heart. ~Confucius
Hi, I am Gaurav from India. In real life, I am a man of few words who believes that there is learning from everyone and everything. Every now and then I find it important to step out of your comfort zone to explore and absorb the surroundings. There is so much to see in such a small life that practically, it may not even be possible to do so. However, it is important to see and experience life through other escapades. It will give you the freedom to choose and to decide what all places will you like to visit and see before you retire.
Therefore, I would want to list down 5 things for #LocalGuides to must share while traveling to make Google Maps a second home.
1. HOW TO REACH?
As a local guide, my objective is to share the tips and tricks to help a user make an informed decision. Not just the destination but the journey should be enriching. For instance, one can share about the landmarks one will cross on the way, spots for photography, restaurants, etc. This gives the user an upper hand and comfort of not just reaching a destination but also helps explore en route.
This should also include how to reach a particular spot in the destination city. Help the user by telling the best places to visit and how to visit using local travel. Taking public transportation, seeing and meeting more locals while capturing memories is a good way to own a sense of belonging.
Suggest the user places stay, show him where you stayed and how was your experience like.
2. FOOD AND RESTAURANTS
I know a lot of people from my country who are vegetarian, and I once really struggled to find vegetarian food in Thailand for them. Since then I have realized that it is important to see and read about places where you can get and enjoy different cuisines. Having meals in separate places will kill time while traveling empty stomach is not advised. Therefore, local known delicious foods and the restaurants should be a must on your list. Tag them under local cuisines, vegetarian restaurants, must try cuisines, etc.
3. DO’S AND DON’TS
At times, as a natural habit user can tend to do things which are absolutely fine and respected in his country or local city. However, it is very important to tell the user how to adapt to the culture or at least respect it by following certain things. For instance, a few could be like:
a) A word of caution, you are not allowed to eat in cabs in Dubai or else you will be fined. While in India, it is absolutely fine.
b) Doors open on left, always beware and get down from the right side and vice versa owing to the driving rules.
c) Talk more instead of making gestures, for an Indian asking for food through gestures in Italy will be considered highly offensive.
d) Talking about politics or terrorism could land you in trouble.
It boils down to respecting the culture and becoming one of their own. Not just the culture, your inputs should also include places to visit, the famous landmarks, the infamous places you loved, the joy of experience those places should be captured vividly through your pictures and content. A suggestion about whether the place is couple friendly or family friendly also helps.
4. THE CULTURE, THE VALUES, AND THE MYTHOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE
As a traveler, I have always had an interest in the mythology and the significance of how the people would have lived and survived centuries earlier. There are countries which have still preserved those values.
As a local guide, I would like to share that information and share my take on the culture in the city/country I am in. My objective will be to help in framing opinions of travelers who can see through the content, the emotions and the journey that these places and people are following.
5. CAPTURE NOT JUST PICTURES BUT MEMORIES.
A cliche indeed but then you need tell the user what are the most picturesque destinations or places to click. No one forgets to click a picture with the Burj Khalifa (the tallest tower in the world) but did you know there is a musical show right outside the building, another great spot to click pictures.
Your suggestions should probably list down the places for a great click. Something, which you have experienced and something that you cherish. Let them do the same.
To conclude, I will be happy to see more pointers from the community to make this a complete checklist of things a #LocalGuide must do to help fellow travelers, after all, we are the chosen ones.
Comments are welcome.