I’m still a rookie when it comes to being a Local Guide. For me it all started when, by accident, I took my first solo trip back in September 2019. After a series of unfortunate events I found myself having to spend a few days alone in Rotterdam, a city I didn’t know much about and which I thought wouldn’t have much to offer. I’m still thankful for the moment I decided to open Google Maps and use to explore and look for interesting places to visit.
Thanks to the recommendations of ‘strangers’ I was able to have one of my best trips ever, first in Rotterdam and later in other cities before finally meeting my friends. I found great places to eat delicious food and enjoy amazing drinks (I’m a cocktails lover), discovered beautiful attractions to visit and even got tips on spots to take the best photos of the city.
It was after this trip when I discovered the Local Guides program and decided to join it to be able to help thousands of people the same way they had helped me; and even when I’ve only been active for the last couple of months, now I consider myself a big fan of it.
I changed my Sundays of Netflix and chill, for exploring Sundays. Now I’m always walking around my neighborhood looking for new places to review, for spots to take photos, for roads to add or edit. I passed from being the one person that most likely would reject a plan to being the one always asking my friends and family to join me in going everywhere. And this is what the Local Guides program means to me. It represents the opportunity of opening yourself to new experiences, of discovering amazing places you probably wouldn’t have gone to, and above all, the opportunity of helping others while doing all of these. Now when I go to a place it’s like I’ve already been there before thanks to everyone’s contributions; and even if I haven’t visited some place yet, all the photos and reviews are extremely helpful to imagine what it’s like.
Though this application process I have also discovered several other features and perks of being a Local Guide, such as the Connect forum and everything it has to offer.
I wish the best to all of you and I’m definitely looking forward to keep increasing my contributions and connect further with this amazing community.