When I was thinking about features for a new phone, GPS was one that strongly piqued my interest. This is because when I explore the world, I like to be able to share recommendations of sights, places to stay, places to eat, etc. with others Combining GPS and a camera would make it easy to create such recommendations, with pictures and geo-tagging all in one.
However, I didn’t get such a camera.
But my interest in sharing recommendations continues. Recently, a friend told me he was heading to Tokyo and was going to browse my entries for suggestions of where to go and where to eat. Great idea, I thought. Unfortunately, not every entry actually provided specific locations for things.
So I logged into Google Maps and created a Tokyo Map that has all my recommendations plotted out, complete with links and pictures. I’m not the first to think of this by any means. My friend Daniel created such a map of Montreal for another friend who was visiting there in December. I’ve also found a map like this for Krungthep, with lots of restaurants I want to explore.
Since these things take a fair bit of work, it is a shame that they don’t see more use. Because of that, I’ve added a new feature to my blog: travel guides. It will take a while to pull them together, but when I’ve traveled somewhere (or a friend shares a map and recommendations with me), I’ll post the information here in the hopes that you or a friend of yours will find it useful. This new feature is on the left-hand column on my blog.
I hope these are helpful and I encourage you to add your recommendations, too. I’m not going to recreate TripAdvisor by any means, nor would I want to since the recommendations there aren’t always very discerning.
christao408 
I usually get a copy of Lonely Planet when I travel somewhere. Nice idea Chris.
yeah… i am thinking of GPS on camera too… or at least the details of the pictures that will be shown would have the info of venue added in with the date, time, effect, etcas for the map… i think most of the developed countries will provide free maps/brochure to tourists… i would just tell my friends get those stuff at the airport or train station and search for the tourist sites, restaurant, etcof course the best is the phone GPS like what i used to rely on when i travel around japan 4yrs ago… damn again…i swear i can use my phone here!!
@Dezinerdreams – @lcfu – Yes, Lonely Planet and local free tourist maps can be very good. But there are always places that locals know about and can recommend that might not be on those maps and in those guides. I’m thinking of something more personalized and something is a little less touristy.
fantastic! thank you!
Great idea!!! I should have my husband come and check your guides out and see if he would like to do something about the places that we have been here in the States!!! Hmmmm Ruth Ann
This is cool.I should create one for LA and other places I’ve lived in…
@Wangium – That would be great. You know who else should create one for LA? Curry69Curry (Gary) – he’s always going to this restaurants with great looking food.@Redlegsix – One for places in the US would be wonderful. Let me know if he does create it; I’d be happy to put a link to it here.@yang1815 – You’re responsible for Omaha, my friend.
That’s a great idea! It would be kinda like a more personalized version of Yelp. Maybe I can do this for So Cal.
@Rm2046 – Would totally appreciate it. There are a few places I know from my more recent visits there, but am sure there are several gaps. I also need to do one for SF as I’m asked for recommendations all the time.
Great idea! sweet =)
@christao408 – haha I will when I have time 😉
Having personalized travel plans and knowing all the details from someone like you, will be awesome. Such a great idea Chris.
@ZSA_MD – Thank you. You’re responsible for making a map of recommendations for your recent travels abroad, right? =)
I wish I were smart enough to do that. Its hard enough for me to get my photos posted without beating my head on the key board.
What a cool idea!
That is so awesome! I’m so using your map when I hit up Tokyo in September!!
@brooklyn2028 – You guys are heading to SF soon, too, right? I am in the process of pulling that map together.
@christao408 – Yes, were hitting SF too. A map would be cool although I’m sure Felix will have the places he wants to show me since he used to live there. 😛
@brooklyn2028 – That’s true… with a local connection there’s not much I could recommend he doesn’t already know. If I get the map done, I’ll let you know. Otherwise, the only recommendation I would have is Tartine, the cafe on the corner of 18th and Guerrero.