Introduce Yourself — December 2025

[AngieYC]

Hi everyone! Welcome to Local Guides Connect. Please take a moment to introduce yourself to our community.

As “Introduce Yourself” threads can be lengthy, we start a new one each month and lock past threads. You can check previous threads, like November’s, to see who recently joined and where they’re from. We’ll merge any “I’m new” and “Hello world” posts we find elsewhere with this thread to keep things organized.

Do you want to be featured in our monthly Introduce Yourself posts? Share your introduction in the comments, following the five prompts below, and a horizontal photo of yourself (in landscape mode). The best introductions will be considered for future Introduce Yourself posts. Please note: Your response may be edited for clarity. By taking part in this challenge, you agree to allow us to share your answers and photo(s) publicly here on Connect.

This month, meet @luanabedin! Luana is a Local Guide Level 8, and here’s what she shared.

1. Name: Luana Bedin

2. Location: Itapema, Brazil

3. What led you to become a Local Guide: I often miss finding certain important details about places I want to visit, so I try to write reviews that include this kind of useful information for others.

4. My favorite thing to explore: I enjoy discovering more “local” spots — the kind of places where residents usually go — although I also visit many popular ones.

5. Fun fact about me: I love cats and specialty coffee — they usually decide where I stop next. I’ve been traveling through several countries for almost a year now, and only recently realized how much I enjoy writing reviews. If I’d started sooner, I’d probably be a few levels higher by now… but hey, better late than never, right?

Nice to meet you, Luana! Local Guides, don’t miss the chance to say hi to Luana in the comments below and share your introduction, too.

[SharmaK]

@luanabedin, welcome to Local Guides Connect, and congratulations on being featured in the December Introduction post! Thank you, @AngieYC, for introducing Luana Bedin to us.

[SharmaK]

Hi @Khaledssnp32, @riapadthai, @Ig.rishikesh_raj, @aaaaachan, @PJReviews, @xray, @Hitesh1, @Joyscoop, @JuanPa, @Suresh3, @iocomprotoscano, @Marcoisrael, @deuxgoo, @Masud1, @Lav, @Russellchy, @Alamin1234, @Helga, @MdShofikul.Islam, @Liyog, @tanaka_osamu3, @Alimdar, @Arveesidhu, @heidi_sudbury, @Bunnylady11, @rekrap, @DarleneKIRK, @Lokendrasingh, @Eyedaq, @ThomasMondal, @Leatha_journey, @Dikarinakuki, @Nilelifcansin, @P.arda, @leolin1994, @Christopherlbs, @AzizArda, @sevm, @StahlKind, @Usame, @HUZUR, @Effan, @GDLocalGuide – welcome to Local Guides Connect!

Congratulations on your badge reward! Special shoutout to @iocomprotoscano, @Russellchy, @rekrap, @P.arda, @AzizArda, @GDLocalGuide for earning 3 badges: New Friend, Newly Popular, and New Writer!

Since January 2025, we’ve been celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Local Guides Program and the 20th anniversary of Google Maps. You’ve joined at a remarkable milestone—let’s celebrate together!

Here’s how you can get started:

• Introduce Yourself: Share your story! Check out Introduce Yourself — December 2025

• Attend Meetups: Connect with fellow Local Guides.

Support Sustainable Development Goals:

As a Local Guide, our contributions can help achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Here are simple ways to support sustainability on Maps as described by Googler TiffanyBnyc in her post 5 ways to support sustainability on Google Maps:

1. Update Recycling Attributes: Highlight businesses that recycle plastics, batteries, and electronics.

2. Add Sustainability Details to Reviews: Share eco-friendly practices of your favorite places.

3. Map Recycling Centers & Drop-Off Locations: Help your community easily find recycling points.

4. Create Dedicated Lists: Include EV charging stations, reusable packaging points, or recycling centers.

5. Share Photos of Green Options: Make sustainable choices visible for everyone in your community.

Learn more from her post here: 5 Ways to Support Sustainability on Google Maps

Question for you:

Have you ever used Google Maps to find eco-friendly places or recycling points in your city?

• Yes
• No

How do you personally support sustainability in your community? Share your experiences by creating a post and selecting tag sustainability!

Keep exploring, keep sharing, and keep guiding! Together, we can make Local Guides a force for a more sustainable and climate-friendly world.

[SharmaK]

Welcome Back & Congratulations!

Hello @Karnshashwat! A big shoutout to you for earning the ‘New Friend’ badge on Local Guides Connect!

Even if you’ve been part of Connect before, seeing you engage again—starting with your first like—is always a joy. Every small interaction helps make our community stronger!

Whether you’re returning after a break or exploring Connect more deeply now, we’re thrilled to have you back. Connect isn’t just a platform—it’s a community, and every interaction counts.

And there’s no better time to rejoin the celebration! 2025 marks 10 years of the Local Guides Program and 20 years of Google Maps—a perfect moment for renewed engagement!

By connecting and sharing responsibly, Local Guides help others make sustainable choices in their daily lives—aligning with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. As highlighted in Googler Julie_A’s post “Help others choose sustainability with Google Maps”, every contribution we make can inspire others to live and travel more sustainably, making each effort truly meaningful.

Ways to Keep the Momentum Going:
Introduce Yourself: Haven’t done it yet? Jump into the December 2025 ‘Introduce Yourself’ thread.
Attend Meetups: Discover or host virtual/in-person events to connect with fellow Local Guides.

Welcome back, and here’s to many more milestones! Let’s keep guiding, connecting, and promoting sustainability together!

[KashifMisidia]

Hello @luanabedin
And welcome.
Great to know about you

[Sr-Navi-Gator]

Hello! My name is Bill, and I am in the coastal south of the United States. I travel between Louisiana and Alabama frequently.

Reason for Becoming a Local Guide:

I enjoy helping people find places and navigate to them. I am also a Waze Map volunteer editor. Updating both allows me to find errors with the maps and attempt to correct both. Finding differences usually will point to incorrect data for one or both.

I am motivated to contribute to the community and enjoy helping people.

[mahatokoushik623]

Hey there @Sr-Navi-Gator welcome to the LG Connect family

We’re really glad to have you here. This is a place where Local Guides from all around share their experiences, stories, and discoveries …. helping others explore the world through genuine insights.

As Local Guides, our small contributions … reviews, photos, and answers make a big difference on Google Maps. So, before you dive in, please take a moment to introduce yourself using this short format⬇️

1. Name:

2. Location:

3. What I love about being a Local Guide:

4. My favorite thing to explore:

5. Fun fact about me:

[ Add a horizontal pic]

Pro tip: You can also read the Connect community guidelines to understand how the community works and how we keep it friendly and helpful for everyone.

[KashifMisidia]

Hello @Sr-Navi-Gator and Welcome to Local Guides Connect.

I want to inform you that I’m merging your post to our monthly feature Introduce Yourself — December 2025 to you , where you can meet local guides from around the world.

Moreover, Here you can follow the five prompts below and share your introduction In this thread including your photo (in landscape mode).

1.Name:

2.Location:

3.What I love about being a Local Guide:

4.My favorite thing to explore:

5.Fun Fact about me:

A landscape photo of you with a brief description.

I also wanted to recommend to you, check Read first! Connect community guidelines for more information on Connect redesign FAQ: Your questions answered!,
& You can also Visit Community guidelines page for in-depth resources on the Connect features.

and many more

[Eyedaq]

I’ll be posting news and updates from Myeong-dong, Seoul more frequently.

Wishing you a lovely day!

[NunungAfuah]

Hi @Eyedaq welcome to Connect. Nice to meet you here. Korea is always my favorite country to learn.

[KashifMisidia]

Hello @Eyedaq and Welcome to Local Guides Connect.

I want to inform you that I’m merging your post to our monthly feature Introduce Yourself — December 2025 to you , where you can meet local guides from around the world.

Moreover, Here you can follow the five prompts below and share your introduction In this thread including your photo (in landscape mode).

1.Name:

2.Location:

3.What I love about being a Local Guide:

4.My favorite thing to explore:

5.Fun Fact about me:

A landscape photo of you with a brief description.

I also wanted to recommend to you, check Read first! Connect community guidelines for more information on Connect redesign FAQ: Your questions answered!,
& You can also Visit Community guidelines page for in-depth resources on the Connect features.

and many more

[anon64801222]

Great post @AngieYC for introducing new local guides. @luanabedin , welcome to this global platform and I wish you success for your upcoming contributions journey

[RICKY0919]

Self-Introduction:

Hello! My name is Ricky, and I’m someone who loves exploring new places, meeting new people, and discovering unique local experiences. I enjoy learning about different cultures, trying new foods, and sharing my journey with others. I believe that every place has a story, and I love capturing those moments through writing and photos.

Reason for Becoming a Local Guide:

I want to become a Local Guide because I enjoy helping people find the best places around them—whether it’s a hidden food stall, a beautiful sightseeing spot, or a helpful service. By sharing my honest experiences and reviews, I hope I can make traveling and exploring easier for others. Being a Local Guide also motivates me to keep learning, exploring, and contributing to the community

[KashifMisidia]

Hello @RICKY0919 and Welcome to Local Guides Connect.

I want to inform you that I’m merging your post to our monthly feature Introduce Yourself — December 2025 to you , where you can meet local guides from around the world.

Moreover, Here you can follow the five prompts below and share your introduction In this thread including your photo (in landscape mode).

1.Name:

2.Location:

3.What I love about being a Local Guide:

4.My favorite thing to explore:

5.Fun Fact about me:

A landscape photo of you with a brief description.

I also wanted to recommend to you, check Read first! Connect community guidelines for more information on Connect redesign FAQ: Your questions answered!,
& You can also Visit Community guidelines page for in-depth resources on the Connect features.

and many more

[boucharebramdane]

Je souhaiterais visiter les pays européens, seriez-vous prêt à m’accueillir ?

seriez-vous prêt à m’accueillir ?

[Usame]

يا أهلا وسهلا بأهل الجزائر لنا منكم كل التحية والسلام والاحترام والتقدير

[TusharSuradkar]

Hello @boucharebramdane

It is heartening to know that you are willing to meet local guides in Europe.

If you know a specific country, then you can filter out posts and meetups from those regions and try to connect with local guides during the meetup.

Alternatively, you can host a meetup in Europe as well.
I did this recently during my visit to Detroit and hosted a meetup with local guides there, successfully.

Alternatively, here are some more tips to connect with local guides in Europe.

[KashifMisidia]

Hello @boucharebramdane and Welcome to Local Guides Connect.

I want to inform you that I’m merging your post to our monthly feature Introduce Yourself — December 2025 to you , where you can meet local guides from around the world.

Moreover, Here you can follow the five prompts below and share your introduction In this thread including your photo (in landscape mode).

1.Name:

2.Location:

3.What I love about being a Local Guide:

4.My favorite thing to explore:

5.Fun Fact about me:

A landscape photo of you with a brief description.

I also wanted to recommend to you, check Read first! Connect community guidelines for more information on Connect redesign FAQ: Your questions answered!,
& You can also Visit Community guidelines page for in-depth resources on the Connect features.

and many more

[RJ26]

I’m someone who loves to travel and has a deep passion for sharing the beauty, stories, and experiences I encounter along the way. Every destination inspires me, and I enjoy capturing those moments.

[mahatokoushik623]

Hey there @RJ26 , welcome to the LG Connect family​:bouquet:

We’re really glad to have you here. This is a place where Local Guides from all around share their experiences, stories, and discoveries …. helping others explore the world through genuine insights.

As Local Guides, our small contributions … reviews, photos, and answers make a big difference on Google Maps. So, before you dive in, please take a moment to introduce yourself using this short format

1. Name:

2. Location:

3. What I love about being a Local Guide:

4. My favorite thing to explore:

5. Fun fact about me

[ Add a horizontal pic]

Pro tip: You can also read the Connect community guidelines to understand how the community works and how we keep it friendly and helpful for everyone.