Every time I try and go on a holiday in my country or abroad, everyone I reach out to or every website that I try and search on, are so busy trying to sell the destination. Receiving a fair review to help me with my decision on the destination is nearly impossible. I have always felt the shortcoming of finding adequate, intimate, balanced and objective information regarding the people, places and cuisine of the region. Most travel agencies are full of only praises. They have a fixed itinerary which has succeeded for them over time and they are reluctant to change it. Little do they realise or care, that going off the beaten track is the better part of the holiday. The insights into the region such offbeat experiences provide, truly enrich any holiday. This is where I see Google maps in partnership with Local Guides being of great help to travelers seeking the authentic experience. It can be evolved into a strong and effective primary source of information.
Local guides can fill in the blank places on the Maps. We can tell you about the cosy local park where you can sit in the sun and watch the squirrels and birds while you munch on your Kachori and Samosa(local hot snacks) bought from the nearby vendor that too you can get from the List of ‘best street vendors’ for that city, also from Google Maps.
I love sharing the ‘alternate experience’ that a tourist can have if they choose to get off the beaten track. The various tourist guides will recommend the largest temple in my city as a must visit destination. Alternatively, you could read my post as a Local Guide and stop by at the nearby temple during the evening prayers and enjoy the communal singing of the devotees along with the heady incense – such a cathartic and liberating experience! You can also see the deity in colourful dresses and garlands. You will realise that often the dress worn is according to the season just as it is for the devotees. In winter it is a delightful sight to see the quilted jackets and thick shawls that they are dressed in.
An area I would like to see Google Maps evolve in is recognizing and showing the different modes of alternate local transports that are available in some countries. In India although taxis and ride hailing companies are becoming more accessible, but the new modes of transport like the electric rickshaw should also be marked on the map when giving directions. They are such a fun way of seeing a city. On the other hand, just showing the time taken by buses between destinations has less relevance in India. Public transports often run late and are very crowded. If you use them, all you get is a sweaty ride without any visibility of the tourist sights. A pillion ride on a motorcycle taxi provides more pleasure than driving around in a four wheeler. The wind on your face and the eyes watering while sightseeing has a more intimate level of enjoyment. Google Maps needs to evolve and capture these nuances to enhance the traveler experience?