Travel is more than just visiting places; it’s about experiences, surprises, and those little details that make a journey special. Some facts about travel are so unbelievable that they change how we see the world. Did you know that France is the most visited country? Or that the world’s shortest commercial flight lasts only a couple of minutes? Let’s dive into some astonishing travel facts that will make you want to pack your bags right away!
Global Travel Statistics
| Fact | Number/Detail |
| Most Visited Country | France (89 million tourists) |
| Shortest Flight Duration | 57 seconds (Westray to Papa Westray, Scotland) |
| Longest Flight Duration | 18 hours 50 minutes (Singapore to New York) |
| Country with Most Airports | USA (more than 13,000) |
| Largest Hotel in the World | First World Hotel, Malaysia (7,351 rooms) |
1. There’s a Town Where Dead People Cannot Be Buried
Longyearbyen, a small town in Norway, has a law that forbids people from being buried there. The reason? The permafrost prevents bodies from decomposing, which could spread diseases. If someone falls terminally ill, they are flown elsewhere to pass away. Now, imagine living in a place where even death has travel restrictions!
2. A Country with No Rivers
You might think every country has at least one river, but Saudi Arabia has none. Despite its massive land area, there are no permanent rivers, only seasonal wadis that fill up after rains. Most of the country’s water supply comes from desalination plants and underground reservoirs.
3. Japan Has More Vending Machines Than People in Some Areas
Japan is famous for its technology, but did you know it has over 5 million vending machines? That means you can find one every few meters in major cities. They don’t just sell snacks and drinks; you can get hot meals, umbrellas, and even fresh eggs from vending machines.
4. The Great Wall of China is Not Visible from Space
There’s a myth that the Great Wall of China can be seen from space. Astronauts have confirmed that it is nearly impossible to spot with the naked eye due to its thin structure blending with natural landscapes. However, large cities, deserts, and riverbeds are more visible from space.
5. Canada Has More Lakes Than the Rest of the World Combined
Water lovers, take note! Canada is home to more than 50% of the world’s natural lakes. There are around 31,700 lakes larger than 3 square kilometers, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.
Number of Lakes in Different Countries
| Country | Approximate Number of Lakes |
| Canada | 2 million+ |
| Russia | 200,000+ |
| USA | 102,500+ |
| Finland | 188,000+ |
| Sweden | 100,000+ |
6. The Most Expensive City to Live In is Not What You Think
Many would assume New York or London, but the most expensive city as of recent years is Singapore. It ranks at the top due to high real estate prices, living costs, and expensive transportation. Living in Singapore is a luxury few can afford, but visiting is definitely worth it!
7. Antarctica is the Driest, Windiest, and Coldest Place on Earth
Antarctica is known for being cold, but did you know it’s also the driest continent? Some parts of the region have not seen rain in millions of years. The wind speed can reach up to 200 mph, making it nearly impossible to survive without the right gear. This icy desert is also home to unique wildlife, like emperor penguins and Weddell seals.
8. The Passport With the Most Power
Not all passports hold the same value. Some let you travel almost anywhere without a visa, while others have heavy restrictions. The Japanese passport has been ranked as the most powerful in the world, allowing its holders to enter over 193 countries visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival. That’s almost the entire planet!
9. You Can Walk from Russia to Alaska in Winter
There’s a small stretch of ocean known as the Bering Strait separating Russia and Alaska. In winter, when the sea freezes, an ice bridge sometimes forms between the two. While it’s highly dangerous and not recommended, theoretically, one could walk from one continent to another!
Distance Between Closest Points
| Location | Distance |
| Russia to Alaska | 82 km (51 miles) |
| Spain to Morocco | 13 km (8 miles) |
| UK to France | 34 km (21 miles) |
| Australia to Papua New Guinea | 150 km (93 miles) |
10. There’s an Island That Bans Women
Greece’s Mount Athos is home to over 2,000 monks who follow strict religious traditions. Women (and even female animals) are banned from stepping foot on the island, a rule enforced by Byzantine emperors and maintained by the Greek government. The restriction has been in place for over 1,000 years, with the reasoning being to preserve the monastic way of life and avoid any distractions for the monks. Only men over the age of 18 with special permits are allowed to visit, and even they must follow strict guidelines. Imagine a place where centuries-old traditions still dictate who can and cannot enter!
Get Ready to Explore these cities yourself!
The world is full of surprises, and these travel facts prove it. Whether it’s a town where people can’t be buried, a country without rivers, or a frozen ocean you can walk on, every corner of the Earth has a story to tell. So, next time you travel, keep an eye out for the strange, the amazing, and the unbelievable things that make our planet truly one of a kind!