How to Discover Saint Martin like a Local – My New Local’s Guide is HERE!
After living on the stunning island of Saint Martin for the past 23 years, 4 of which I spent helping visitors find their way to the best experiences on the island, I’ve finally done it—I’ve created an eBook that answers all your burning questions about visiting this paradise. Whether you’re planning your first trip or you’re a seasoned visitor, my eBook, “The Ultimate Local’s Guide,” is packed with personal recommendations, insider tips, and exclusive offers to make your visit unforgettable.
The idea for this eBook has been swimming around in my head for a while and thanks to the popularity of my YouTube videos, I became the go-to person for everything Saint Martin. Soon friends, family, and random visitors were approaching me for advice on the best places to eat, stay, and explore here. I started taking guests on private island tours, helping visitors plan their vacation with online consultations as well as with my concierge service. My inbox was filled with questions from those who discovered my content while planning their trip to Saint Martin and it was usually the same questions: Where should we stay? What’s the best time to visit? What is the best beach? Where should we eat?. So I thought, instead of repeating myself, why not put everything into one comprehensive guide, right? Well, friend, I can tell you now that creating it was anything but easy.
BEFORE WE BEGIN, I WANT TO BE COMPLETELY HONEST WITH YOU. THIS BLOG POST IS ALL ABOUT MY OWN EXPERIENCES AND THOUGHTS. YOU MIGHT COME ACROSS SOME LINKS TO PRODUCTS OR SERVICES I RECOMMEND. JUST SO YOU KNOW, IF YOU BUY ANYTHING THROUGH THESE LINKS, I MIGHT EARN A COMMISSION. IT WON’T COST YOU EXTRA. THANKS A LOT FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
The Struggle: Procrastination and Limiting Beliefs
I have to be honest—the road to completing this eBook was paved with procrastination and self-doubt. There were days when I found myself scrolling through social media and binge-watching new Netflix shows instead of writing. I just couldn’t bring myself to start. I had all the info in my head but the thought of sitting down to organize my knowledge and ideas was overwhelming. “Who am I to write an eBook?” I’d think. “There are already so many SXM travel guides out there.”
But then, I remembered the countless times I had helped visitors discover the hidden gems of Saint Martin. My unique perspective as a local on this beautiful island could offer something special. I realized that my insights could make someone’s trip truly memorable and authentic. I could help someone discover the island of Saint Martin like a local, which was something other guidebooks could not offer even if they tried!
Besides procrastination, there was another challenge. I had never before written a book in my life. Sure, I’ve written for travel magazines such as Insider and AFAR, and I write here on my blog all the time but I didn’t have a clue about writing an actual eBook, designing it, or selling it.
Overcoming Obstacles: A Mindset Shift
We live in a wonderful time when everything we need is a quick online search away. So, I turned to YouTube and Skillshare. There, I found courses and how-to videos that gave me the knowledge I needed to write this guide. Podcasts by Lewis Howes, Cathy Heller, Mel Robbins, and countless others helped me change my mindset and overcome my limiting beliefs. while one particular podcast, the Mindset Mentor with Rob Dial, gave me a foolproof way to kick procrastination in the butt. I also read books like You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero and Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan, which gave me the push I needed o go for what I wanted.
I learned to break down the project into manageable chunks and set realistic deadlines. One of my favorite tips was to start with just 15 minutes a day—before I knew it, I was on a roll.
The Writing Process: From Chaos to Clarity
Creating the eBook was a journey of its own. Here’s a peek behind the scenes:
- Brainstorming and Research: I started by jotting down all the topics I wanted to cover—everything from the best beaches and restaurants to cultural events and local customs. I also spent time researching and verifying facts to ensure the information was accurate and up-to-date.
- AI to the Rescue: Next, I consulted with my best biz pal, Chat GPT and I asked it for layout suggestions so that I could make sure I wasn’t missing anything.
- Writing and Editing: This was the most time-consuming part, obviously. I spent time writing bits and pieces every other day. Bits and pieces soon became chapters. I wrote each section, adding personal anecdotes and insider knowledge. Then came the editing. I had to continuously remind myself who I was writing the guide for. It’s easy to get lost in your own experiences views and forget that those who will be interested in this eBook are very much unlike you and have their own expectations and .needs when it comes to this guide.
- Designing the eBook: For me., this was the fun part. I love designing and wanted the eBook to be both visually appealing and easy to navigate, so I spent time selecting photos and designing the layout. I used Canva to create a clean, professional look.
Highlights of the eBook
“The Ultimate Local’s Guide to Saint Martin” is more than just a travel guide—it’s a personal invitation to experience the island through my eyes. It’s a labor of love and proof that I accomplished something I never thought I could. My favorite highlights:
- The Do’s and Don’ts: Saint Martin is known as the Friendly Island but many times visitors forget that we have our own values, beliefs , and traditions and can can unknowingly disrespect or insult a local which can lead to the local than coming across as unfriendly. So, I added a list of do’s and don’ts, which is something many guides don’t include.
- Frequently Asked Questions: It goes without saying that the frequently asked questions should be included but I thought it essential to add a some not-so-frequently asked questions as well. Things that visitors definitely should know about before getting here but never thought to ask.
- Pets and Weddings: Regular guides only focus purely on facts about the destination. I used to own an event planning company and have planned some destination weddings in my time. I also used to volunteer at a local vet clinic. Because of these two previous experiences I added a section on pet travel to Saint Martin as well as one about getting married on the island.
- Food Obsession: It’s a fact that saint Martin is THE Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean. Naturally, I had to dedicate a complete chapter to food. From how and what to order to my personal recommendations of restaurants you should visit, the food chapter is quite in-depth.
- Exclusive Offers and Bonus Content: As a thank you for purchasing the eBook, I’ve included exclusive discounts on local tours, hotels, and more plus a bonus section on visiting the neighboring Anguilla for the day
Why You Need This eBook
Saint Martin is a diverse and vibrant island with so much to offer, but it can be overwhelming to plan a trip here without insider knowledge. My eBook simplifies the process, providing you with all the information you need in one place. It’s like having a local friend guide you around!
Plus, buying this eBook supports a local islander—me! Your purchase helps me continue doing what I love: sharing the beauty of Saint Martin with the world.
Tips for Aspiring Writers
If you’re thinking about creating your own eBook, here are a few mindset tips that helped me:
- Start Small: Break down the project into manageable tasks. Focus on one section at a time.
- Stay Positive: Believe in the value you’re providing. Your unique perspective matters.
- Seek Support: Use resources like Skillshare to improve your skills and stay motivated.
- Keep it Fun: Don’t take it too seriously. Enjoy the process and let your personality shine through.
Final Thoughts
Although creating “The Ultimate Local’s Guide to Saint Martin” was challenging to make but the end result is something I’m incredibly proud of. I hope this guide helps you fall in love with my island home, Saint Martin, just as much as I have and continue to do today.
If you’re ready to discover the island like a true local, grab your copy of my eBook today and start planning your dream vacation! Get your guide here!
Thank you for reading this blog post. Your time is precious and I am truly grateful for you taking a few minutes to read this. If you are thinking of or already have purchased a copy of the eBook, I thank you for your support. It truly means the world to me. Now, Go and Enjoy my beautiful paradise, Saint Martin.
