Cebu City is just a neighboring island to where I am from –six hours via an overnight ferry, or three hours’ ride on a fast craft. I’ve been there numerous times, mostly to catch a flight where Tacloban airport doesn’t have route to, or another ferry to Cagayan de Oro. Stepping outside of the port has been a crucial time for each of my visit. And in the very few occasions that I’ve been to the City to attend a personal event, Google Maps saved me entirely –that in return makes me want to contribute all the more.
It transforms my fear of being lost (even in other cities and provinces) to having a huge amount of confidence. As I would always joke, “Everyone else may leave me hanging, but I trust that Google Map won’t”, when I’m asked whether or not I know where to go.
Much so, that in my latest trip to the City, I’ve relied so much on reviews for a group accommodation that can meet the needs of my relatives. I was able to plan out an itinerary considering the time and distance of our stay and the different spots we would like to visit. Google Maps has made it easier for everyone who knows how to maximize its purpose.
However, it’s not all accurate and thus requires constant updating. My cousins and I once got lost looking for this particular accommodation, and we have walked under the scorching heat of the summer sun only to find out that the location is totally wrong. We were already at the pinned location, and yet the accommodation is nowhere near –we were literally standing at the center of the road. It was a funny experience nonetheless, and we were able to locate the hotel a couple more blocks away.
It’s occasions like this where photos and phone numbers always come to the rescue. Personal experiences like mine makes life simpler to others although it’s often left unacknowledged. Seeing the views on my posts about places I’ve been to, accommodations I’ve tried (not for free), food I liked to have again, or experiences worth sharing gives me a happy vibe. It’s really good to know that someone somewhere is able to use what I shared online. It’s a very positive community to be a part of.
That, although the city maybe hours away from where I’m at, Google Maps almost always doesn’t fail to provide details I need the most to get the best deal and value for money (as time is equally important) and this is why I would continue to happily share my thoughts for those who need it –travelers and non-travelers alike.