On google maps and local/guides program, I love sharing amazing travel experiences that I’m lucky enough to be on regularly. The media in the US unfortunately portrays the countries in the Caribbean as violent crime hot-spots where undoubtedly any one from the US will surely fall victim, however the truth couldn’t be further from their message.
In my career, I’m lucky enough to regularly travel throughout the Caribbean, and much of it to Cancun and Riviera Maya in Mexico. But if I were to listen to the US Media talk about Mexico, I wouldn’t dare leave the safety and comfort of my own home in the US. By sharing photos, reviews, and experiences thru google maps, I am able to provide first-hand account of what these countries are REALLY like, and how US tourists are having a great time enjoying everything instead of what the US media decides to portray: That you are taking your life into your hands if you travel to these countries.
I love to provide reviews and tons of photos of a lot of the resorts I visit. Specifically, using my pixel 3 to do 360 photos on property to help show people what the rooms look like, what the beaches look like, and what the pools and all look like. It helps make sure people pick the perfect place for their hard-earned vacation! I also love putting my drone up and taking some aerials of the properties as well to provide some unique content on google. - And I’m always up at sunrise so I can show people how unbelievably beautiful sunrises in these locations are as well! ?
Brooke Davis plays in the water on Akumal Beach in Mexico at sunrise
Sunrise at El Dorado Casitas Royale in Puerto Morelos, Mexico
Sabrina Wehner watches sunrise at El Dorado Royale in Puerto Morelos, Mexico.
Often, our clients will even send us photos as well of their experiences, but they dont share them on google – and with their permission, we are happy to share those on google as well.
Sunrise at The Fives Azul Beach Resort in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico - Photo by Leigh Messett.
Additionally, I love to provide photos of places most hotel guests don’t even know exist, like this beautiful swimming hole:
Sabrina Wehner swims in a cenote at Bonanza Ranch in Puerto Morelos, Mexico
Often, I will also even provide the first photos of completely new locations as I’ll provide regular updates on the construction process of new resorts! ?
Construction continues on the new Nickelodeon Hotel and Resort Riviera Maya.
With much of my business in weddings, and a background as a wedding photographer, I also love to share photos in the locations of my couples to show others what their wedding could look like:
Celina & Ryan on wedding day at Dreams Playa Mujeres in Mexico.
Chris & Angela enjoy a sunrise on the beach following their wedding at El Dorado Royale in Puerto Morelos, Mexico
Having been a photographer before I got into the travel industry helps – but I think photos are so powerful, and help show just how amazing these places are!
The truth is, these communities count on tourism to sustain themselves, and when they are treated unfairly by the media, it impacts their community hard. The salaries paid in these areas are low, and the more I can personally do to help battle the unfair biases against these areas and people, the more I am bettering their lives.
I am so happy that google local guides gives those of us who are actually on the ground in the destination a voice to share just how wonderful these locations are, how rich their culture is, and fight back against the stereotypes and negative preconceived notions of what these countries have to offer.
For me, google local guides is not about the individual places, as much as it is about the promoting and supporting the entire region / country.
Sorry for the mix-up, but I edited the post a good bit to bring in photos and tell a little more about why I like being a google local guide!