Like almost everyone else who has a smartphone, I use Google Maps to navigate my way around, especially that my sense of directions is far from horrible.
I was a typical user of Google Maps, until one day, about one year ago, when I wanted to save a location on my Google Maps, so I would know how to go to later on. Yet, another simple feature that when I discovered I was so happy.
From that moment forward, whenever, I want to travel to a new place, let’s say Barcelona, I would get recommendations from my friends on where to go and save it, so I can go when I travel. I have a list on my phone for every city I visited along with all the places I have been to.
But it doesn’t stop here, I saved the location, let’s say a newly discovered Indian hidden gem restaurant that has one of the best Indian dishes I ever had in my life. I am not Indian, and therefore, I can’t remember the name of the dish! The same happens when I try Thai,when I try Cuban or any other cuisine that I am not accustomed to. So, what happens if I want to come again and order that same dish? What happens if I want to take my friends who are visiting the city to the best places that offer the most amazing dishes, but then, after going, I have no clue what to order?
I forgot to mention. Just like I am horrible with directions, I have a fish-sized memory. I will disappoint you when it comes to remembering things. So, here Google Maps helped me–grateful for every memory it kept for me.
Unlike the many other review portals that I can share my opinion, Google Maps is so simple to use. I don’t have to wait until I am back home to write about my experience. It’s a few clicks away, and my review is there. Google Maps helps me save the location of the place, write about my experience and share pictures! What not to like? That way when I have friends visiting, I can take them to my favourite Indian restaurant, and then show the waiter the picture from my review on my favourite dish. And then, you know, we eat delicious food… Yummm…
But to be honest with you, Google Maps is not just about food for me. It’s about every place I go, whether it’s the beach, a spa, a hotel, a recreation or an adventure place or even a service centre.
I love travelling, and as much as I can, I like to do it. But do you know how disappointing it is when you travel and go to a restaurant to find out that you can’t even taste the food after the first bite? If you haven’t been through this experience, I am telling you, it’s frustrating. So, what do I do? I look at Google Maps reviews! I choose high ratings, then have a quick scan on the reviews to check if there is anything that is out of line. If all is good, then I go ahead and try the place, I take pictures and then write my own review. For that, I am grateful to all Local Guides around the globe!
Since I started writing Google Maps reviews about one year ago, I have written reviews on all the places I have been to, including Dubai where I live, Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain, Muscat, Cairo, AlGouna, Madrid, Alicante, Barcelona, Munich, Athens, Naxos, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Nairobi, Mombasa, Diani, Istanbul, and many more to come.
Didn’t I tell you it’s a path down my memory lane?
I love it. I love every bit of it. I love sharing all the places I have been to, all the dishes I have tried, and even if I didn’t have the chance to come again, I will be able to scroll down my reviews and recreate all my memories. Part of me does it because I am selfish and want to keep all my memories, part of me wants to recommend to others what to order or what to do… but the thing I am most grateful for is the amazing experiences I have had just because I read a Local Guide review before visiting a new place. As much as I can, I would love to help others in their experiences as well.