Travelling, it’s something that connects people from different parts of the world. No matter where you go, there is always something new waiting for you. Some places hold secrets, some have shocking traditions and some have just bizarre laws that make no sense. Today, let’s explore some crazy travel facts that will make you see the world differently.
Travel By Numbers – Some Surprising Stats
Before jumping into the facts, let’s take a look at some interesting statistics that might surprise you about global travel.
| Fact | Number |
| People who travel internationally yearly | Over 1.4 Billion |
| Most visited country | France (90 Million visitors) |
| Country with most islands | Sweden (over 267,000 islands) |
| Fastest growing tourism destination | Albania (up 55% in recent years) |
| Most expensive city to visit | Singapore |
1. A City with No Cemeteries? Yes, It Exists
You might think every place must have cemeteries, but not in Vatican City. The world’s smallest country has no graveyards because of its limited space. When people die, they are usually buried in Rome or somewhere else. Imagine a city without any graveyards—strange but true.
2. Japan’s Train System Is Beyond Precise
If you have ever waited for a delayed train, then Japan’s railway system will amaze you. Trains in Japan are so punctual that if one arrives even 30 seconds late, it’s considered a problem. Employees even apologize for small delays. In 2017, one train company apologized for leaving 20 seconds early!
3. Antarctica Has No Time Zone
There are no official time zones in Antarctica. Since the continent is mostly covered in research stations, people there follow the time zone of their home country or the supply station they get resources from. Imagine living in a place where time is just a suggestion!
4. Canada Has More Lakes Than the Rest of the World Combined
When you think of lakes, countries like Finland and Norway might come to mind. But Canada? It’s home to more than half of the world’s lakes! With over 3 million lakes, it has more than all other countries together. If you love nature, Canada should be on your travel list.
5. There’s a Town with a Ban on Death
It sounds unreal, but there’s a place where dying is not allowed! In Longyearbyen, Norway, due to permafrost, dead bodies do not decompose. So, burials have been banned there since 1950. If someone is seriously ill, they have to move to mainland Norway. Weird rule, but it makes sense in a frozen town.
6. The Shortest Flight in the World Lasts 57 Seconds
Have you ever been on a flight that lasts less than a minute? In Scotland, there’s a flight between two islands, Westray and Papa Westray, that takes just 57 seconds under good weather conditions. It covers only 2.7 km, making it the shortest commercial flight in the world.
7. Thailand Has a Festival Just for Monkeys
In Lopburi, Thailand, locals celebrate an annual festival where they prepare a buffet for monkeys. Yes, you heard it right! Thousands of monkeys gather to feast on fruits, nuts, and other treats as part of the Monkey Buffet Festival. This tradition is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
8. The Eiffel Tower Grows in Summer
The famous Eiffel Tower is not always the same height. In summer, due to heat, the metal expands, and the tower grows by about 15 cm. When winter comes, it shrinks back to its normal size. It’s like the Eiffel Tower breathes with the seasons.
9. A Beach That Glows in the Dark
There are beaches in the Maldives that light up at night. It happens due to bioluminescent plankton, which emit a blue glow when the waves touch the shore. Walking on this beach at night feels like stepping into a dreamland. It’s one of nature’s most magical sights.
10. The World’s Most Isolated Post Office
If you love writing postcards, you might want to visit Antarctica’s Port Lockroy. It’s the world’s most remote post office. Tourists who visit can send postcards from there, which take weeks or months to reach their destination. It’s a bucket-list place for many travelers!
11. A Town That Lives Underground
Coober Pedy, Australia, is a town where people live underground. Why? Because the temperatures above can go as high as 50°C. To escape the extreme heat, people built their homes, hotels, and even churches beneath the surface. It’s like a real-life underground city.
12. The Country with No Traffic Lights
Bhutan, the happiest country in the world, has no traffic lights in its capital, Thimphu. Instead, policemen control traffic with hand signals. The city believes traffic lights ruin the beauty and simplicity of the place. So far, the system works smoothly without them.
A Final Note to Readers
The world is an endless source of wonder, packed with unexpected traditions, astonishing facts, and incredible stories that make every journey an adventure. No matter where you go, there’s always something fascinating waiting to be uncovered, from quirky local customs to baffling historical events. So the next time you pack your bags and set off to explore a new land, be sure to stay curious—you never know what surprising fact or peculiar discovery might be just around the corner.