COOL COUSIN (CUZ): Connecting Locals and Travelers on the Blockchain
Who Is Cool Cousin?
No, he isn't the son of your uncle who you idolize so much.
Cool Cousin is a company that started in 2016 that connects travelers to locals. There are many travel companies and platforms out there, but they stand unique and revolutionary by taking their platform to the blockchain through CUZ tokens.
@originalworks' provided a thorough introduction of Cool Cousin in their contest post. As I am not technical at all in cryptocurrencies or blockchain matters, I will write my perspective as a traveler, a local and potential user of Cool Cousin and CUZ.
Going through their website, two things caught my attention: locals and blockchain.
The Locals as the Heart of the Destination
The above photo is my @originalworks. Locals in Hanoi, VietnamCool Cousin being a decentralized travel platform gives a fair opportunity to the locals who have more knowledge of the place more than famous travel websites. According to @originalworks' post:
The locals are referred to as Cousins. The Cousins are at the heart of the platform.
This is what really made Cool Cousin so cool! For the longest time, the locals have just been in the background of the travel industry. But they are in fact, the hidden gem of the destination where we can get insider tips without the influence of advertising companies. The best and most authentic travel experiences I had were those moments I met a local. Nobody knows the place better than those people who live there.
The Locals on the Blockchain
It's about time that the real knowledge contributors get rewarded and what fast, secure and fair way it is than through the blockchain. With no middlemen involved, there wouldn't be expensive fees that adds up to the cost. This also gives security to both the locals and the travelers as the transactions will be immutable on the blockchain. Who would write fake reviews if they know they can no longer edit or delete that?
No more Tourist Traps for Travelers
The above photo is my @originalworks. Somewhere in Phuket, ThailandHow many of us travelers have gone through disappointments? We have seen scenic photos and great reviews in a travel website only to find out those were fake! In most cases, they were sponsored to write good things about a place. Why would someone write negative reviews if they're getting paid? I doubt they will get payment for that.
Travelers are lucky if they have a friend from that destination who can provide them with real information, but that isn't always the case. A platform like this would give travelers access to connect with the locals and get to know the place for real.
Revolutionizing the Way We Travel
How do people plan their trips? I would guess they search the Internet and gather as much information. But then they find out several information for one destination alone. Aside from the information overload, there will be conflicting reviews. And then they end up confused.
The above photo is my @originalworks. Yummy Char Kway Teow in Penang, MalaysiaWouldn't it be nice to ask someone from that area: Is where I can eat good and authentic Char Kway Teow? Unfortunately, you don't have a local to say No and this is where you should go. So you end up picking the site based on the most advertised restaurant.
And when you finally have your first bite, you then conclude that Char Kway Teow isn't good. When in fact, it's the best tasting stir-fried noodles ever! Sadly, no one pointed you in the right destination. Travel Fail.
This is where Cool Cousin will change the way we travel. It will also benefit travelers, and not just locals, by saving you time researching and giving you what you really need to know.
Will I use Cool Cousin?
I am a traveler and I am also a local. In both positions, I see how Cool Cousin will be very useful for me. So yes, I am a potential Cousin and User as well.
As a traveler, I love the local experience because it is where I have a real cultural experience of the place. I get to know more about the place by speaking with the locals not just for tips but getting to know what they are like. The way they talk, their views, their attitude, these are all part of the local experience. And this has made me more open to the world.
As a local, I have a lot to share about the Philippines. I am currently residing in Metro Manila which is an unavoidable lay over place for people heading to the islands. A lot of times, travelers has to go through Manila and go home with bad reviews of the place because of the traffic and the expensive tour prices. But travelers aren't aware that they can do a lot of DIY (Do-It-Yourself) side trips here in Metro Manila and nearby towns. I would love to help them organize an affordable DIY trip here.
So yes as a Cousin and yes as User. I'm excited for CUZ!
This is cool. I'll have to look further into this.
I think this will be helpful to you as you're in other countries most of the time :)
Submitted.
Thank you :)
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Pretty cool indeed!
The future of traveling! 👌🏻
Yes, excited for this one and other platforms that will change/ improve the way we travel :)