• Always keep the map facing north: Google Maps often aligns the map with your orientation. If you prefer having the north always at the top, navigate to Google Maps settings > Navigation and activate ‘Keep map north up’.

• Review your navigation settings: To avoid unexpected detours or delays due to changed navigation settings, it’s advisable to periodically review these settings under Settings > Navigation.

• Make accessibility options more prominent: Enable ‘Accessible places’ in Settings > Accessibility to highlight accessibility information prominently for every listing on the app.

• Incognito mode: Prevent Google Maps from logging your searches and location data by activating incognito mode.

• Pause location history: To stop Google Maps from recording your location history, navigate to Your data in Maps > Location History.

• Get rid of unwanted notifications: Customize your alert preferences in Settings > Notifications.

• Download maps for offline use: For areas with poor internet connectivity, download maps for offline use via Offline maps in the profile icon.

• Plot routes with multiple stops: Simulate your journey more accurately by adding stops to the route.

• Set a reminder to leave: Google Maps can notify you when it’s time to leave in order to reach your destination as per schedule.

• Change vehicle icon: For a fun tweak, change the default blue arrow vehicle icon.

• Tell Google Maps which EV plugs you use: Specify your EV’s compatible charging plugs in Settings > Electric vehicle settings > Add plugs.

• Customize public transit options: Tailor your route options with preferences like ‘Wheelchair accessible’ and ‘Lowest cost’.

• Disable autoplaying videos: Stop automatic video previews by disabling ‘Allow autoplay’ in Video settings.

• Share your location in real time: Share your real time location with selected contacts for safety or coordination purposes through Location sharing.

• Learn more about local businesses: Tap the ‘About’ tab after searching for a business to discover useful details like wheelchair accessibility, gender-neutral restrooms, or minority ownership status.

1. African Safari

Through the magic of Wild Earth safari livestream, you can dive into the vibrant wildlife of Africa. Offering a front-row seat to the everyday lives of Africa’s most iconic animals in their natural habitats, Wild Earth is the next best thing to being there in person. You can even interact with expert game rangers hosting the safari!

Related: Outdoor Virtual Tours To Get Back To Nature With Hikes, Dives, And Spelunking

2. The White House

Explore the grandeur of the White House without worrying about the Secret Service. Thanks to Google Arts and Culture, you can enjoy a tour through the most famous residence in the US, with its stunning architecture and rich history.

Related: Virtual Field Trips That Make History Come Alive

3. Discover India

With the official Indian government’s immersive Audio Odigos app, you can virtually visit the Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb, and Mahabodhi Temple, among other iconic Indian sites. The best part? Once the app is downloaded, it doesn’t require Wi-Fi or an Internet connection!

Audio Odigos for Android | iOS

4. Sydney Opera House

Enjoy the exquisite performances at the Sydney Opera House from your living room. With live streams of original digital programming, you can experience the magic of one of the world’s most iconic performance spaces for free.

5. Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

Norway’s lights over Lapland project lets you experience the mesmerizing Northern Lights via VR. Despite a good display typically lasting 15-30 minutes, you can enjoy the Aurora Borealis anytime, anywhere.

6. The Grand Canyon

With Google’s Street View Trek, you can virtually hike the most popular trail into the Grand Canyon – the Bright Angel Trail.

7. Paris Catacombs

The mysterious and macabre Paris Catacombs house the bones of 6 million people. Now, you can experience the eerie fascination of this underground city with a virtual tour.

Related: The Best Virtual Tours Of The Human Body For Interactive Anatomy

8. Christ the Redeemer Statue

The towering Christ the Redeemer statue, the world’s largest art deco statue, offers stunning views of Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy a breathtaking virtual tour from the comfort of your home.

9. Roman Colosseum

Explore the ancient Roman Colosseum and imagine the gladiator fights that once occurred here. A virtual visit will take you on a journey through time.

10. Brooks Falls, Alaska

Experience the incredible sight of brown bears feasting on salmon at Brooks Falls in Alaska’s Katmai National Park through Explore.org, the largest live nature cam network on the planet.

11. New York Times Square

How about a visit to the ‘Crossroads of the World’ right now? EarthCam takes you on an aerial and street-level tour of Times Square in New York, complete with audio.

12. Marine Life Virtual Dive

America’s National Marine Sanctuary System offers virtual dives that let you explore the undersea world in amazing detail. Just click, drag, and immerse yourself in 360 degrees of aquatic wonder.

Virtual tourism offers a fantastic way to explore and learn about new places. While nothing can replace the thrill of physically traveling, virtual tours provide a wonderful alternative to satisfy your wanderlust. So why wait? Start your virtual adventure today!

1. Sir Winston Churchill

Known as the “British Bulldog,” Sir Winston Churchill was one of the world’s most notable short sleepers. A war correspondent in his youth, Churchill ascended to the highest ranks of British politics, serving as the Lord of Admiralty during WW1 and eventually leading as Prime Minister during WW2. His unusual sleep habits, including late-night work hours and only about 4-5 hours of sleep supplemented by daytime naps, were famous, as was his fondness for alcohol. Despite his drinking habits, he asserted that he rarely got drunk. His unyielding determination and leadership during WW2 solidified him as one of the 20th century’s most influential figures.

2. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who transformed an empire’s ashes into a nation, is still the embodiment of modern Turkey. A contemporary of Sir Winston Churchill, Ataturk also had minimal sleep habits, with accounts suggesting he only slept 4 to 5 hours a day. Like Churchill, Ataturk’s dedication to his nation and tireless work ethic, despite limited sleep, left a lasting impression.

3. Baroness Margaret Thatcher

Baroness Margaret Thatcher, the UK’s first female Prime Minister, was notorious for her unflagging work ethic. She famously kept an intense schedule, operating on just 4-5 hours of sleep per night without the need for daytime naps. This reflected her firm belief in self-discipline and personal responsibility. Her staunch commitment to her work earned her the nickname “The Iron Lady.”

4. Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison, one of the most prolific inventors in history, was known for his relentless work ethic and unconventional sleeping habits. He reportedly slept for only 3-4 hours at night, preferring to take short power naps throughout the day. This “polyphasic” sleep pattern allowed him more waking hours to dedicate to his work. Edison’s tireless, almost obsessive, drive and willingness to learn from his failures were key to his success.

5. Nikola Tesla

Visionary inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla was known for his extraordinary work ethic and minimal sleep habits. Reportedly, he only slept for about two hours each night, supplemented with occasional short naps. Tesla’s intense dedication and pursuit of innovation, sometimes to the point of self-neglect, have shaped his legacy as one of the most influential minds in science and technology history.

6. Leonardo Da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci, the quintessential Renaissance man, was known for his insatiable curiosity and tireless work habits. He reportedly practiced a polyphasic sleep schedule, sleeping 15 minutes every four hours, totaling just 1.5-2 hours per day. This unconventional sleep pattern was likely fueled by his relentless pursuit of knowledge in various disciplines, from art and anatomy to engineering and botany.

7. Napoleon Bonaparte

Dynamic French military and political leader Napoleon Bonaparte was known for his strategic brilliance and relentless work ethic. He reportedly slept only about four to six hours, often working late into the night and waking up early. His sleep pattern was irregular and often interrupted by his demanding duties. His rigorous work ethic, marked by detailed planning and hands-on approach, contributed significantly to his ability to manage his vast empire.

8. Florence Nightingale

Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing, was known for her unwavering dedication to patient care. Reportedly, she slept very few hours a night, often working through the night to tend to the sick. This earned her the nickname “The Lady with the Lamp.”

9. Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler, the dictator who led Nazi Germany, had highly irregular sleep patterns, often working late into the night and day, with estimates of only a few hours of sleep per night. His working style was impulsive and erratic, often influenced by his intake of various drugs. Hitler’s work ethic, driven by his extremist ideologies, was marked by a ruthless focus on his goals. His intense and obsessive nature likely influenced his ability to function on minimal sleep, ultimately leading to the immense destruction of his rule.