From quirky customs and mind-boggling landmarks to unusual travel destinations and historical tidbits, we’ve gathered a treasure trove of fun and surprising facts about travel that will awaken your wanderlust and inspire your inner explorer.
-
You’re never more than 84 miles from the sea in the UK. That means a trip to the beach is always less than 14 listens to Bohemian Rhapsody away! It’s no secret that Britons love the seaside – did you know we also have the 3rd longest coastline in the world?
-
Working on holiday is worse than you think! Research shows that 68% of people work whilst on holiday, but did you know that checking in with emails or jumping on a ‘quick call’ during your vacation decreases your natural motivation towards work once you return. Plus, participating in work related activities causes you to remember less from your holiday! So the best thing you can do for yourself and for your work is enjoy your holiday!
-
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is the town with the longest name in the world. Fortunately, this town in Wales is also known as Llanfairpwllgwyngyll or simply Llanfair PG.
-
Horses, ponies, asses and donkeys all require passports according to UK law. Yet funnily enough, the King doesn’t have a passport, as they are all issued in his name (to horses!).
-
The shortest flight in the world is 53 seconds. The Loganair Westray to Papa Westray route in Orkney, Scotland is the shortest scheduled passenger flight. The short distance is only 1.7 miles and the winds are usually favourable.
-
Sticky rice holds the Great Wall of China together. Yep, you read that correctly. More than 2,000 years ago construction of the Great Wall began and sticky rice soup was mixed with slaked lime to make a strong mortar for holding the structure together.
-
Liverpool has produced the most number 1 hits globally. Known as the World Capital of Pop, Liverpool has been delivering chart-topping bangers since the 50’s. From The Beatles and Atomic Kitten to Gerry & The Pacemakers the hits have come from all genres of music.
-
Stonehenge is older than the Pyramids. That’s right, the construction of Stonehenge started between 500 – 1000 years before the Pyramids at Giza!
