Hi everyone, I’m a technology journalist from Johannesburg and a level 7 Local Guide. I’m obsessed with this program because it has completely changed the way I travel. I love creating lists; it means I can organise my trips more efficiently like visit places close to each other in one afternoon instead of making multiple trips in large cities. I love visiting local comic books stores in every city I go to, and Local Guide reviews are essential for finding the best ones.
Local Guides also helps me be selective about where I go. As a South African with a weak currency, I want to get my money’s worth when I visit new places. When I read the reviews from other guides, I pay attention to negative reviews when the entry fee is high. This is really helpful when I have limited time in a new city when I’m travelling for business.
Being a part of the Local Guide community is a two way street for me. Aside from from using it to plan my trips, I enjoy taking photos with my smartphone. I love taking food pics the most (I have a separate Instagram account for this!) and love sharing it as a Local Guide. I don’t want you to just look at my pics, I want you to go out and order the same dish I had, or go on the same unique tour as me. This has been the most valuable feedback - my pics make people want to go and have the same experience.
I travel a lot for both work and leisure, and I’m on a mission to see 40 countries by the time I turn 40. I’ve been to 37 outside of South Africa so far and with Local Guides, I know my future travel experiences are going to be amazing.