Being a local guide means something different to everyone.
For me, it is fulfilling in the sense that friends and colleagues know they can come to me for local and international travel destination recommendations and tips. It’s generally useful to read reviews of places on Google Maps, but when you have someone you know and trust who can give you the inside scoop, it is exponentially more beneficial. Living in Europe has taught me that sometimes the most important thing isn’t actually the destination, but getting there, and finding a place to park (if required), because who wants to spend and extra 20 minutes trying to find a car park?!
One of my most helpful reviews is for a place called A Fine Mess Smokehouse, located in Athens, Greece. It had recently opened when I visited in July 2019, after the owner had spent a great deal of time in the United States learning about how to smoke meat and operate a smokehouse restaurant. The location of the restaurant is complete off the beaten path, so I thought I would do my part and write an excellent review in hopes that it would attract more customers.
Being a local guide also gives me a chance to connect with other guides, and people from all over the world. Everyone has some level of wanderlust, and it’s extremely helpful to read reviews from other guides while out exploring all the world has to offer. It also ignites some friendly competition amongst friends!