Why do we do what we do?

Having a good guide to help you navigate a city can really make or break a trip. This may take the form of a local guide such as a couchsurfing guide, the workers in a hostel or a map. Young travellers are increasingly looking for authentic experiences in a city and as such are seeking locals tips and advice. Additionally, they trust information which comes from someone they perceive as similar to them i.e. friends or other young travellers. USE-IT maps are made by young locals with an interest in travelling and provide local tips on how best to experience the city.

Why USE-IT maps?

USE-IT maps differ from traditional guide books and maps in a number of ways. The main benefits of these maps compared to others are that:

• they are targeted accurately at younger travellers as opposed to all travelers, like the majority of tourist resources
• they are made by the locals of a city and feature places that are actually popular with local residents.
• they are ad free. Places are featured because they are popular not because they have sponsored a link to their business.
• they are aimed specifically at the budget conscious traveller and feature places that are good on a tight budget, offer advice about using public transport and provide the locations of supermarkets
• they are foldaway and free unlike many guide books which are currently available

Why not other maps?

Comparing USE-IT maps to what is currently offered it is clear that no one currently offers such a product for the young traveller market in Glasgow.

1. Welcome to Glasgow tourist map

Pros – Small and pocket sized with a detailed map providing information for the city centre, merchant city and part of the West end

Cons – There is no information for the tourist about where to visit – restaurants and tourist attractions shown are ads. No clear guide to what the keys mean. Car parks are shown but it is assumed the budget conscious traveler does not have a car. Only half of the West end is shown which is arguably one of the main places which a traveler should visit. Map is made from cheap paper which would fall apart in rain

2. Citysightseeing Glasgow

Pros – Colourful pocket sized map showing the main streets in the city centre, glossy paper and main tourist attractions are outlined. A more detailed map of the city centre is also shown

Cons – all pubs, restaurants and sights shown are clearly advertisements. Not enough information provided about the outlined tourist attractions and why you should visit them. Much information relates specifically to the bus tour including bus timetables

3. Glasgow: Scotland with style map

Pros – no adverts shown, large map of Glasgow and more detailed map of the city centre. Big name shops are shown. Train stations, subways stations and stops for the airport bus are also shown

Cons – aimed primarily at the shopping market – though tourist activities, pubs and restaurants are shown on the map no further information is provided

4. Explore Glasgow map

Pros – colourful, glossy leaflet which provides detailed maps for the city centre, West end and the Merchant city. Tourist attractions, wifi hotspots, post offices and toilets are shown. Transport information is also shown. Further information is provided for all shops, restaurants and pubs shown

Cons – all information provided about stores etc. is by advertisements. No information is provided about budget activities – the places advertised assume that the tourist has money to spend and do not provide a unique view of the city

5. Free map provided by the largest hostel in Glasgow

Pros – pocket sized and colourful with a detailed map of Glasgow city centre

Cons – there are two maps – one on the front and back but both are the same. Advertisements surround the maps with arrows to where these are located on the map making it hard to read

6. Enjoy Glasgow leaflet

Pros – provides information on restaurants, shopping and attractions including some which are unique to Glasgow. The map is of the city centre, Merchant city and the West end

Cons – information is provided by way of advertisement, many of the places featured are high end and do not suit a backpackers budget. Additionally, the map is small and does not highlight all main streets in Glasgow meaning it would be easy for a tourist to get lost. The map is dull and does not convey the vibe of the city

7. Greater Glasgow & the Clyde Valley booklet

Pros – comprehensive guide which provides an overview to the city and its surroundings. Information is split by places to visit, shopping, food & drink, leisure activities, tours, car/vehicle hire, events & festivals

Cons – though much of the information is useful you can’t help feeling that it is aimed at the family market with an emphasis placed on parks, galleries and more expensive restaurants than a budget traveler can stretch to. Additionally, as so much information is provided it is not clear which are the ‘must-do’ activities and which are the ‘nice-to-do’ ones.

Still wanting more information? Well contact us! You can get us on Glasgow@USE-IT.travel. Or why not try good old Facebook? www.facebook.com/USEITGlasgow.