Buzz
While travel for leisure may not be an option right now, the global lockdown is only temporary. Soon, people will be traveling again to some of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Destinations like New York City, the tropical islands of Hawaii, and the historic lands of Italy, Spain, and Turkey are some of the most sought-after places to visit. Each of these locations has its own unique charm or quirky feature that attracts tourists. This list includes 15 fascinating facts that might inspire you to plan your next getaway.
15. The Safest Destination for Babies: Iceland
Iceland, often referred to as the land of fire and ice, is renowned for its massive volcanoes and glaciers. But it's also recognized as one of the safest countries in the world.
Iceland doesn't have a standing army or air force. With a remarkably low crime rate, their police officers don’t even carry firearms. The country is so safe that mothers often leave their babies napping in strollers outside shops and restaurants while they run errands.
14. Fordlandia, Brazil
Brazil is internationally famous for the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, the lively Rio de Janeiro, world-renowned soccer players, and vibrant carnivals, making it a top travel destination.
Not everyone knows that hidden within the Amazon rainforest are the remnants of an industrial town called Fordlandia. This town, founded by Henry Ford in 1928, was home to workers who harvested rubber for Ford cars.
13. Saint Patrick May Not Be Who You Think He Is: Ireland
When you think of Ireland, you might picture beer and four-leaf clovers. But did you know Ireland also gave birth to the famous ’90s boy band, Westlife, and boasts the fourth largest stadium in all of Europe?
And speaking of beer, it may surprise you to learn that Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, was not actually Irish. He hailed from mainland Britain, likely what is now modern-day Wales.
At the age of 16, Saint Patrick was captured by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland, where he was held captive for six years before managing to escape. He later spent 15 years as a priest, eventually returning to Ireland as a missionary.
12. Generosity in Italy: Charity through Coins
While it's common knowledge that Italy ranks as the fifth most-visited country in the world, and that millions of visitors flock to the Sistine Chapel every day, there are lesser-known aspects of this beloved destination.
For example, approximately £1 million in coins is tossed into the Trevi Fountain each year. These coins are periodically collected and donated to charity. Additionally, Italy is the birthplace of two significant inventions: batteries and eyeglasses.
11. Post-a-Nut: Hawaii
If you're ever vacationing in Hawaii and want to show off to your friends, you can send them a coconut from the small Hoolehua Post Office on Molokai Island. Yes, an actual coconut.
The Post-a-Nut program, which began in 1991, remains a popular tourist attraction. By 2016, around 3,000 coconuts were mailed annually, with about 700 sent to countries abroad. Best of all, the coconut itself is free, and you only need to cover the postage.
10. The Eyeballs of Einstein: New York City
New York City, famously known as ‘The City That Never Sleeps,’ is the destination for those aspiring to make it big on Broadway. It's also home to Central Park, the most visited urban park in the United States.
What many may not know is that Albert Einstein’s eyeballs are stored in a safe-deposit box somewhere in New York City. Following an illegal autopsy on Einstein's body, his brain was divided into approximately 200 pieces. His eyeballs were also removed and given to his eye doctor.
There is some uncertainty regarding whether the eye doctor’s name was Henry Adams or Henry Abrams. However, an interview with Abrams was published in the South Florida Sun Sentinel in 1994, so we’ll refer to him by that name.
Abrams made sure the eyeballs were placed in an undisclosed safe-deposit box. According to one source, the cunning doctor lived to be 97, passing away in 2009.
9. Sand Galore: Dubai
The United Arab Emirates was featured prominently in films like Geostorm (before disaster struck with a tsunami in Dubai) and Furious 7 (before Vin Diesel flew a car through three skyscrapers in Abu Dhabi). Dubai is home to over 200 nationalities and attracts millions of tourists every year. Visitors flock to its iconic artificial palm islands and other world-renowned attractions.
The artificial palm islands in Dubai contain enough sand to fill nearly three Empire State Buildings, totaling 94 million cubic meters (3,320 million cubic feet). To create the first island, approximately 3 billion cubic meters (106 billion cubic feet) of sand was dredged from the seafloor starting in 2001.
8. Baobab Bar: South Africa
Located at the southern tip of Africa, South Africa is renowned for its rich wildlife, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. In Cape Town, also known as the 'Mother City,' you can explore a historic castle or visit the bustling V&A Waterfront for a meal or a pirate ship cruise. You can also take a cable car ride up to Table Mountain.
At Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town, you'll find a colony of over 3,000 African penguins. In Bathurst, located in the Eastern Cape, you can visit a giant pineapple and explore the region’s pineapple industry.
A quirky spot can be found in Modjadjiskloof, a small town in Limpopo province, where you can enjoy a drink (or two) inside a giant baobab tree. The Sunland Baobab Pub, operating since 1933, can accommodate up to 15 visitors at a time.
7. Don’t Make A Mistake: Mexico
Mexico is famous for its incredible cuisine and tequila. The country also honors its deceased through The Day of the Dead, a holiday that has been depicted in numerous films and TV shows. Over 300 languages and dialects are spoken in Mexico, and it is home to North America's oldest university.
If you ever find yourself in Mexico and are invited to perform the national anthem, be sure to do it perfectly. The Mexican government enforces fines for anyone who makes a mistake while singing the anthem. In some cases, a fine might not be sufficient, and the individual may even be required to apologize to the entire nation for the blunder.
6. Mythical National Animal: Scotland
Scotland is a land of enchantment. Who knows, there could be a legendary monster hiding in Loch Ness, which lies in the Scottish Highlands. The country boasts medieval castles, revered historical sites, men in kilts, and bagpipes that fill the air. The Scottish accent is truly unique and captivating.
In fact, Scotland is so steeped in folklore that it’s no surprise that its national animal is the mythical unicorn.
In Celtic mythology, the unicorn is a representation of both purity and strength. The symbol of the unicorn was first adopted in the 12th century on the royal coat of arms of Scotland by William I.
5. Sheep: New Zealand
New Zealand is a land full of unique charm and wonder. The country has the highest sheep-to-human ratio in the world, with around 5.6 sheep for every person. In 2012, to celebrate the premiere of The Hobbit, New Zealand even aired a weather report in the Elvish language.
Though New Zealand has more land than the United Kingdom, it only has about 7 percent of the UK’s population. The rest of its residents are mostly animals. And, there are no native snakes in New Zealand!
4. No Unusual Baby Names Allowed Germany
Germany is well-known for Oktoberfest, its impressive soccer team, delicious sauerkraut, and top-notch car brands. During the Christmas season, the country is transformed with enchanting Christmas markets. Additionally, there are numerous historic castles to explore throughout the year.
On a more peculiar note, Germany has strict rules when it comes to baby names. The government mandates that names must clearly indicate the gender of the child. As a result, the local registration office has the authority to reject names that don’t meet these gender-specific criteria.
3. The Longest Name Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand, is a global hotspot for tourists. Visitors flock to this vibrant city to see landmarks like Wat Arun (“The Temple of Dawn”), the Grand Palace, Sky Bar, the lush Bang Krachao gardens, the famous statue of a three-headed elephant, and so much more.
A fun fact about Bangkok is that the locals refer to it as Krung Thep, meaning 'City of Angels.' However, its full name is quite a mouthful: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.
This lengthy name holds the title of being the longest city name in the world.
2. Alpaca Lunch Peru
Tourism in Peru is booming, with projections from the tourism board in 2017 predicting that by 2021, around seven million visitors would flock to the country. Peru is renowned for the breathtaking Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Lima, the capital, offers fantastic markets and exceptional cuisine. Tourists can even embark on cruises that include visits to ancient Inca ruins.
A fun fact about Peru: Out of the estimated 4.4 million alpacas worldwide, approximately 87 percent of them are found in this country. Alpacas are known for their friendly nature and can even be house-trained. Another incredible creature found here is the giant Andean condor, the largest flying bird on Earth.
1. Royal Vampire? England
When you think of England, your mind might immediately jump to tea and crumpets. But the country offers so much more: iconic red buses, the Beatles, Shakespeare, Wimbledon, Big Ben, and Stonehenge are just a few highlights.
A lesser-known fact about England's history is that Queen Elizabeth II is a distant relative of Vlad the Impaler, the infamous figure who inspired the Dracula legend.
In 2011, Prince Charles discussed a genealogical link between Vlad the Impaler and his own mother. Of course, this sparked wild theories, with some speculating that Queen Elizabeth's youthful appearance might be due to her being a vampire. Yes, you read that correctly – a vampire.
