z13) 10 Fun Travel Facts You Probably Didn't Know

 10 Fun Travel Facts You Probably Didn't Know

Traveling the world can lead to some fascinating discoveries and surprises. Whether it's a quirky local custom or an unbelievable historical fact, there's always something new to learn. Here are 10 fun travel facts that will amaze you and make your next trip even more interesting!

1. It’s Still 2016 in Ethiopia Right Now

Ethiopia runs on its own unique calendar that is about seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar used by most of the world. This is because the Ethiopian calendar is based on the Coptic Orthodox Church's ancient calculations and consists of 13 months—12 months of 30 days each and a 13th month called "Pagumē" of five or six days depending on whether it's a leap year. 

2. The Shortest Commercial Passenger Flight Lasts Just 1.5 Minutes

The shortest commercial passenger flight in the world takes place between the Scottish islands of Westray and Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands. The flight, operated by Loganair, covers a distance of just 1.7 miles (2.7 km) and lasts about 90 seconds. 

3. The Island of Yap Uses Rocks as Currency

On the remote island of Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia, they use giant limestone discs called Rai stones as currency. These stones can be as large as 12 feet in diameter and weigh several tons. The value of each stone is based on its size, craftsmanship, and history. 

4. Italy Has a Free, 24/7 Wine Fountain

For wine lovers, Italy offers a special treat: a free, 24/7 wine fountain! Located in the small town of Ortona in the Abruzzo region, the "Fontana del Vino" was created for pilgrims walking the Cammino di San Tommaso pilgrimage route. 

5. Iceland is a Mosquito-Free Country

If you’re looking for a place where you don’t have to worry about pesky mosquito bites, Iceland is the destination for you! Due to its cold climate and lack of stagnant water bodies, Iceland is entirely free of mosquitoes. This makes it an ideal travel destination for those who prefer to enjoy the outdoors without the annoyance of insect bites. 

6. The Village Once Called “Fucking” in Austria Changed Its Name

Believe it or not, there was a small village in Austria called "Fucking," and its residents were known as "The Fuckingers." The name attracted a lot of attention from tourists, leading to repeated thefts of the town's sign. After years of dealing with this, the village decided to change its name to "Fugging" in 2021. 

7. Every Coin Thrown Into Rome’s Trevi Fountain is Collected and Donated to Charity

The Trevi Fountain in Rome is not just a popular tourist spot; it's also a source of charity. It's estimated that around €1.5 million is thrown into the fountain every year by visitors making a wish. Every night, the coins are collected and donated to a local charity called Caritas, which helps support Rome's underprivileged communities.

8. Bulgarians Shake Their Heads to Mean “Yes” and Nod to Say “No”

In Bulgaria, you might experience a bit of culture shock when it comes to body language. Bulgarians shake their heads from side to side (like we do for "no") to mean "yes" and nod their heads up and down (like we do for "yes") to mean "no." This opposite interpretation can be confusing for travelers at first, but it’s a unique and fun fact to keep in mind when visiting the country. 

9. Lower Air Pressure and Dryness on Planes Reduces Your Taste Buds’ Sensitivity by 30%

Ever wondered why airplane food often tastes bland? It turns out that lower air pressure and dry conditions in a plane cabin reduce your taste buds' sensitivity to sweet and salty foods by about 30%. 

10. Pilots and Co-Pilots Are Advised Not to Eat the Same Meal

For safety reasons, pilots and co-pilots are often advised not to eat the same meal during a flight. The rationale behind this rule is to prevent both pilots from becoming ill in case the food is contaminated. By eating different meals, the likelihood of both pilots being affected is significantly reduced, ensuring that at least one pilot is always capable of safely operating the aircraft. 

These 10 fun travel facts are just a glimpse into the many unique and fascinating aspects of our world. From quirky cultural practices to surprising historical tidbits, travel is full of surprises that make exploring new places even more rewarding.

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