Hi, I’m Blake Addaman, founder of World Maps. I’ve always been the friend people turned to when planning trips. If someone needed to know the best way to get from the airport to their hotel, I had three options ready—Uber, bus schedules, and even the most scenic walking routes. I loved every part of it: researching cities, finding hidden gems, and making detailed itineraries. But, as much as I enjoyed it, I began to see a pattern: no matter how well I planned, something always went sideways.
It could be as small as getting confused over or realizing the museum closed an hour early. And every time that happened, I found myself scrambling to fix things—googling, asking locals, or searching for nearby alternatives. That got me thinking: Travel can be stressful, and the little things—those day-to-day logistics—are often what tip the scale from enjoyable to exhausting. What if there was a way to make these moments less overwhelming?
That’s when the idea for World Maps began to form.
The Aha Moment
It was on a solo trip to Lisbon when the idea really took shape. I was at a bustling train station, trying to figure out when and which platform I needed to be on. The signboards were only half in English, my phone data was sketchy, and all the locals seemed in too much of a rush to stop and help. I eventually made it to my train, but the stress of those few moments lingered, making me wonder:Why isn’t there a simple way to get these small but important answers?
When I got back home, I kept turning the problem over in my mind. I tried many different travel apps, but each one that I tried just related to flights or hotels. Few offered comprehensive, on-the-ground guidance that could help travelers navigate new environments with ease. I thought, What if there was an app that gave real-time, practical advice? Not just which attractions to visit, but what public transport to take, how local tipping customs work, or even where to find a nearby pharmacy. Something that solved the little problems in real time.
Building World Maps
With that thought, World Maps was born. My vision was to create a platform that served as a pocket guide for travelers—always available to assist, no matter the situation. I wanted it to combine everything I used to research
manually: transportation options, local events, cultural customs, and practical information, all in one easy-to-use place.
The goal was simple: make travel stress-free by providing relevant information exactly when it’s needed. You open the app, and whether you need directions to the nearest tram station, details about a festival happening nearby, or a heads-up on local laws, it’s all right there.
I teamed up with some brilliant developers and travel experts who shared my passion. Together, we built the foundation of the app—something intuitive and responsive, able to adapt to each user’s location and needs. The idea was to focus on small but meaningful aspects of travel that often get overlooked, ensuring that even the most inexperienced traveler could feel confident and prepared.
Why World Maps Matters
I believe travel should be about discovery, not anxiety. World Maps isn’t just a tool—it’s a companion for your adventures. Whether you’re navigating a foreign city or looking for a place to grab a bite, the app assist you needs.
What excites me the most is how World Maps can transform someone’s experience. No more fumbling with Google searches or wondering if you’re tipping correctly. Our app makes sure the small stuff never gets in the way of enjoying the bigger picture.
Every action we make assist to the vision I had on a world where travel is smooth, exciting, and stress-free. And I couldn’t be more thrilled to share that with you.
Here’s to more adventures and fewer headaches. Safe travels, and welcome to World Maps!