Google Earth
I’m not too sure about you, but I find this little bit of software as entertaining as it is useful. Not only is Google Earth useful and educational, but it fuels mankind’s desire to travel the globe, even if only virtually. Moreover, it not only lets you see every corner of the globe, it also makes it fun and easy to do.
Ever tried planning a trip by yourself, but were reluctant to trust hear-say, or even maps? GPS could prevent you from getting lost, but it won’t plug up that hole in your pocket. So why not use a free service that lets you view satellite images of the Earth? Not only is it more reliable than your average map, but you can also customize the data that you’re viewing at any time, printing out a homemade map, displaying what you want to see.
A homemade map of the surroundings might even come in useful during a package holiday. Having a detailed satellite image of the area helps, but having a customized one - which includes recreation areas, discos and other hot spots - will ensure that your free time will be ideally spent. During our stay in Mallorca, not only were we able to navigate our way to the nearest water park, without asking the locals I might add, but we also made record time on finding the best attractions there. This isn’t the work of a miracle sixth sense; it’s all due to the user-submitted photographs that Google Earth boasts, so you can see just what you’re getting yourself into.
And last, but by far not least, why not just spend a few hours examining the globe. The included search function allows you to find places by their names, rather than having to locate them on the map. Just try submitting a few random places that you’ve heard of and you’ll see them in a completely new light. Moreover, you could impress your friends with your newly gained information, quickly earning you the title of geography whiz. So why not have a laugh? Hurry up and try it out before they find out about it!
