I’m not talking about your old school foursquare, with chalk, a ball and too much aggression. I’m about about the moblie app, and web site designed for people on the move and who wish to explore.

For the longest time Foursquare was limited to a list of cities. If your city wasn’t on the list, then it was pretty much pointless to have the app.  Since then it’s been upgraded to the “Elsewhere” mode, where you can check-in no matter where you are.  People from all over, including my isolated self, can check in, give updates, become mayor and provide suggestions of things to do.   Yet the question is, why should I even bother?  What,  I really enjoy about this concept is that it is away to explore new cities while traveling, as well as the place you have lived all your life.  I found a wonderful coffee shop in the middle of nowhere because someone had checked in there and recommended the food. I also found an amazing used bookstore, and a bakery in the middle of a national park. Of course, when you find something cool, that you think others should enjoy then why not share? Also, many places are offering discounts, or specials if you are the mayor or check in to their establishment such as: a free beer, discounts on food, theater, events and many others.  Also, if you are using the app on your smartphone, then when you are close to these places, it will tell you what you have to do, or what the specials are.  Click the link if you wish to have a full list of mayor specials.

One of the biggest questions is “how do you check in?” Of course there are many ways, one way is to download the app for your iPhone, Android, or Blackberry .  If you don’t have one of these fun smartphones, then you can still check in using the web application on your phone.  You arrive at a place, check in and it notifies all your friends on Foursquare where you are.

Though it sounds like a little bit like Big Brother from 1984, there are ways for you to check in while, being “Off the grid”  This way you can get the points to check in, receive badges and become mayor even if you are on a date or want to keep a low profile for studying.
Also, Foursquare can be connected to your Facebook or Twitter account in order to let ever you tech loving friends where you too.

In the end, what does all this mean? Well, its a great interactive way to explore cities, find specials, and to let friends in on where you too, and what to expect when you get there.

Links:
Foursquare
Mayor Specials