I remember when Local Guides started, I wasn’t quite sure, what the value of it would be. Five years later, I find myself researching places to explore near by that have been submitted by fellow local guides and contributing here and there on my own.
Local Guides program, has helped me find gems in areas that I am new to and would have otherwise not known about. It has also allowed me to contribute back to the larger community as a whole, sharing some of my favorite places to eat, hike, and drink. I appreciate being able to contribute reviews and even edits to the program, so others may know where to go, what to eat, what time a place opens, and the correct address of a place.
Utilizing the collective knowledge of Local Guides, has allowed a community to grow and allow me to explore places that are not often highlighted in large guides. If I had only reviewed what has been submitted in popular travel sites, I would have missed a lot of gems when I travel and even more in my local community. It is amazing how many individuals can collectively build a powerful community.