As we become global citizens, traveling all over the world for studies, business and holidays, we’re making political and geographical boundaries melt away. Google Maps have proved to be very helpful to travelers in learning about ways to get around and find things that are very important in ensuring they enjoy their stay. From navigating through the busy roads of big cities to finding where they’ll get their best food and beverages to serve their stomachs and quench their thirst.
When I found out (from frequently using Google Maps myself) that I may also make efforts to guide those that need to find their favourite spot or get to their destination easily, I didn’t hesitate to give my time to see that I contributed my quota. For example, when I was trying to find a place to relax in Kano, I was informed of a small resort in outskirts. Even though I quickly found the place on Google Maps, I noticed there was no enough pictures to give someone wanting to visit an idea of how the place looks like. When I got myself there, I tried my best to see that I took pictures of the resort and shared on Google Maps to guide those that may want to visit. Since then, I’ve put it upon myself to always to this.
The local guide program means alot to me. It made me understand that I can contribute to how the world sees my community and tell the world what the community has for offer. It can be very hectic to find oneself in a place where there’s no one to guide them make the most of a visit to a new place, be it for study, luxury or business. Therefore, the local guide program is very important in ensuring that these visits are memorable and enjoyable.
With Google’s efforts to encourage the local guide volunteers, the program is only going to get better. We’re looking forward to seeing visitors not becoming strangers when traveling to places they’ve never been to, and finding themselves happy only by using the Google Maps’ guides.