Hello, Local Guides! 
Continuing our Women & Allied Series, today we’re excited to introduce Yulia, a passionate Level 7 Local Guide from Lithuania (earlier lived in Ukraine).
Yulia has been making an impact by contributing to Google Maps and sharing her travel experiences! She is a big yoga lover also adores the ocean. She has crossed Europe from Lithuania to Portugal and back twice by car !
Let’s get to know her! Here is a candid Rendezvous with @Yulia_Tikhanycheva !
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey as a Local Guide?
[Yulia]: It all started when two years ago I decided to travel from Lithuania to the south of Portugal by car. The weather in Lithuania is usually terrible in winter, but I wanted the sun and to see the ocean for the first time! I have always dreamed of living by the ocean, but as often happens, we skillfully give up our desires or postpone their fulfillment for an indefinite period called “well, maybe someday in retirement.” We are two women, 2 children, a dog and a cat. Trying not to put unnecessary expectations into the trip, we boarded the Klaipeda-Kiel ferry and ended up in Germany. This is how our journey began. We traveled through Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Spain. We traveled for 5 days and spent 4 nights in incredible places and were happy). When we arrived in Portimao (a city in the south of Portugal), we were so used to the car that it was a little strange that we didn’t have to go anywhere. I fell in love with this country with all my soul, with its magnificent nature, varied beaches, beautiful ancient cities and architecture. This encouraged me to tell people about the places where I was so happy. There are hundreds of different beaches in Portugal, I loved visiting and sharing my impressions and photographs of these beauties, so that as many people as possible would know the beauty that surrounds us. At first I didn’t take it very seriously, but I watched as my reviews and photos received views. When my photos received a million views in less than a year, I realized that people needed it. Gradually it became my big hobby. I travel a lot. A special love is solo trips. Now, wherever I am, I always think about telling the world about the beautiful places I visit. I especially love to review places of nature, parks, museums, churches, in general, those places that I am most interested in! After all, this results in a double benefit - I try to be more interested in the history of places and give more reviews.
What inspires you to be a Local Guide?
[Yulia]: For me it is more than just sharing my experience, I love to think that some of my reviews and photos can really motivate people to travel and discover more about our beautiful planet). I like to make accurate reviews and attach videos from all sides so that people have a clearer understanding.
What’s your favorite feature of Google Maps?
[Yulia]: Real time traffic updates. Find the best route when driving and many others!
What message would you give to other Women Local Guides or anyone considering joining our Local Guides program ?
[Yulia]: Women you are incredible! Local Guides community needs you !
Join the Movement!
Inspired by Yulia’s journey? Join the Local Guides community today and start making an impact! Together, we can create a more inclusive, accessible, and well-documented world through Google Maps!
#WomenAndAlliedSeries #LocalGuides #LetsGuide #MapsForAll #WomenInLocalGuides
Your travel journey and the photos and articles you have written on Connect really inspire me to come to Europe ! You are an amazing traveller ! Sending hugs and best wishes from India !
