Ever heard somebody say one thing about journey that made you elevate an eyebrow? As a journey author (amongst others), I’ve encountered numerous misconceptions about journey and weird beliefs about touring. Here’s a set of the funniest, strangest, and most uncommon issues individuals say about journey.
From journey misconceptions to superstitions, listed below are …… gems that can make you snort, scratch your head, or surprise how these concepts even exist.
As a be aware, I’m together with them right here additionally within the hope of elevating consciousness on these subjects and letting individuals learn about these lies about journey in order that extra individuals will begin to plan journeys 🙂
Funniest and Most Unusual Things People Say About Travel
1. “If you fly over the International Date Line, you age faster.”
Time zones don’t really pace up the growing old course of, however wouldn’t that make time journey extra thrilling?
The solely factor that occurs is that touring westward positive aspects you a day – and vice-versa – because of totally different time zones. But that doesn’t imply that you simply age quicker! So it is a nice instance of journey misconceptions individuals have!
2. “You can see the Great Wall of China from space.”
This China affirmation is among the tourism myths we’ve all heard many instances. Sorry, people, however astronauts have debunked this delusion. It’s no extra seen than a freeway from house.
3. “All plane food tastes bad because of the altitude.”
This is among the prime misconceptions about flying – and, I might say, a journey delusion. While altitude impacts your style buds, the standard of the meals performs a giant position too.
The meals we had on our flight to Paris was tasteful.
4. “If you visit a country during a full moon, you’ll have bad luck.”
There are many journey superstitions and one in all them is – not stunning in any respect! – linked to the moon. Full moons have impressed myths for hundreds of years, however your journey plans are protected—except you’re a werewolf.
I by no means think about when it’s a full moon and when it isn’t after I journey.
5. “Drinking tap water abroad will immediately make you sick.”
Another factor on this checklist of fallacious beliefs about journey that individuals have is that you must by no means drink faucet water.
While this may be true in some locations, not each nation’s faucet water is hazardous. Research is essential.
Plus, even in international locations the place faucet water is protected, you should still get sick as a result of it is vitally totally different from the water your physique is used to. But it’s also possible to be utterly protected whereas consuming public water – we drank final yr in Budapest from a public faucet and we had been fantastic.
In Norway, nevertheless, you’ll solely have bottle water from wherever on this planet – no faucet water is served.
6. “The locals will hate you if you don’t speak their language.”
Most locals respect even a easy try at their language. It’s the trouble that counts! So that is one other journey delusion debunked!
I don’t converse Czech – and I’ve been to the Czech Republic. No one hated me – as I’ve been well mannered, and conscious and we understood ourselves in English or German.
7. “WiFi abroad always costs a fortune.”
You can discover many free WiFi hotspots in virtually any metropolis now. And there are quite a few apps that may be downloaded and used offline – so you may be lined.
8. “Pickpockets will automatically target you if you look like a tourist.”
One of the widespread misconceptions about journey is that individuals will steal your issues whereas touring.
While being conscious of your environment is essential, carrying snug footwear and carrying a digital camera doesn’t routinely make you a goal.
Besides, you might be mugged in your hometown too – if that sort of criminality is developed there.
That being stated, you want to perform a little research prematurely, to see the standard rip-off schemes within the space you may be visiting, and to see if it’s a crime-free metropolis or not. You ought to all the time do your due diligence prematurely and you must all the time deal with your belongings regardless of the place you’re!
9. “You need to carry cash everywhere because ATMs don’t work in foreign countries.”
Money is on the middle of one other widespread false impression about journey. Most main cities worldwide have dependable ATMs, however carrying some money is all the time an excellent backup plan.
I exploit my cellphone to pay wherever on this planet – BUT I’ve some money in case there is a matter with a POS or if I go to a rustic the place some museums may not settle for my card.
So: ATMs work, it’s also possible to carry money, however not loads. Also, perform some research prematurely – as a result of there are international locations the place money isn’t wanted – like Norway, for instance.
10. “You’ll be arrested for chewing gum in Singapore.”
It’s not unlawful to chew gum in Singapore; the legal guidelines are about importing and promoting it. But in case you are not hooked on chewing gum, you may skip this behavior whereas visiting the nation.
11. “Hostels are only for young, broke backpackers.”
Hostels cater to a variety of vacationers, together with households and senior vacationers. You can all the time search for on-line opinions, articles by bloggers who stayed there and determine what’s greatest for you!
12. “All countries in Europe are the same.”
Europe is extremely various, with distinctive languages, cultures, and cuisines in each nation.
We (I’m from Romania, so I’m a European) have totally different pasts, all kinds of cultures, customs, and even meals. Yes, there are some similarities between some international locations (ex-communist international locations, for example, share that previous), however even THAT is DIFFERENT from one nation to a different.
13. “If you flush an airplane toilet while sitting, you’ll get stuck.”
Airplane bathrooms aren’t that sturdy. But there have been instances (relying on the altitude and place on the bathroom seat.) So, whereas there are arguments and examples on either side, possibly you may keep away from doing that – flushing whereas sitting.
14. “It’s always dangerous to visit a country with a different religion than yours.”
Respect and understanding go a good distance in most locations. It’s ignorance, not faith, that causes points.
That stated, you must all the time analysis and see what’s allowed and what’s forbidden within the nation you’re visiting, particularly whether it is one with a really totally different tradition than yours. Look for journey guides written by locals and articles about issues to know earlier than visiting X vacation spot (I’ve many on this website too!)
Some are extra open than others, however being conscious of the native customs and guidelines is all the time a good suggestion!
15. “Every place has Uber or Lyft, so you don’t need to check.”
I might advise towards generalizing. Some cities have banned (some) experience-sharing apps, so all the time verify native transport choices.
Plus, there are all the time exits from totally different international locations – firms that determine to shut their operations in sure international locations – so it’s possible you’ll need to verify what experience-sharing firms are presently energetic within the nation you’re visiting.
16. “Taking a photo of someone steals their soul.”
While that is rooted in folklore, most individuals are extra involved about how they give the impression of being within the picture!
But when you journey to some African and Caribbean cultures the place it is a deep-rooted perception, it’s possible you’ll need to keep away from taking footage of the locals.
17. “You can get sunburned on a plane.”
Many individuals love flying so it’s no shock that one of many issues individuals say about journey is that you’re going to get sunburned on the airplane.
According to specialists, when you fly often and not on very lengthy flights you’re protected. Pilots, then again, are extra uncovered.
As a shaggy dog story, we traveled for about 4 hours by automobile – throughout summer season. I didn’t apply sunscreen – home windows are, partially a minimum of – blocking rays. But… I had a crimson-ish pores and skin after that journey – particularly on my proper hand (my husband drives). So, since then, I apply sunscreen in the summertime even when on a visit by automobile.
You will see this journey delusion within the unfavorable kind too – that means you can’t get sunburned in airplanes. As talked about above, there are totally different conditions and, relying in your flight (size, the seat you could have, and many others.) it’s possible you’ll need to apply sunscreen.
18. “If you eat local street food, you’ll definitely get sick.”
Street meals might be a few of the greatest meals—simply ensure that it’s recent and from a clear stall.
Also, be sure to should not allergic to totally different substances used (together with uncooked).
19. “You’ll automatically gain weight if you eat carbs in Italy.”
Walking by means of cobblestone streets and piazzas helps burn off these scrumptious pastas and pizzas. But keep away from excesses of all kinds, together with carbs!
20. “Souvenirs are always overpriced junk.”
While some are, many souvenirs are crafted by native artisans and maintain cultural significance.
I purchase a couple of souvenirs – normally a fridge magnet, however I additionally purchase mugs, and hand followers, and, relying on the place I’m visiting and the provide, I purchase keychains, Christmas ornaments, sweets, and extra (NOT all from the identical place!)
21. “Africa is just one big safari”
This false impression reduces a whole continent of 54 international locations, 1000’s of cultures, and fashionable cities to a single sort of vacationer expertise.
As I discussed above about Europe, there are false impressions about different continents too. Africa provides the most effective safaris on this planet, house to the Big Five, however there may be much more to be found right here!
22. “Locals avoid tourist attractions”
Some individuals proudly keep away from well-known websites, not realizing that locals typically take pleasure in their metropolis’s points of interest throughout off-peak instances (and not solely).
For occasion, after we visited the Technical Museum in Germany – Deutsches Museum – many locals had been visiting with their youngsters. That museum provides yearly subscriptions, as a result of it’s massive, so, going a number of instances, you may discover every part and study extra about every exhibit.
So, sure, I study what essentially the most well-known points of interest are and I decide a lot of them to see after I go to a metropolis. I take pleasure in strolling, discovering neighborhoods, and going off-the-crushed-path, however I additionally like well-known issues to do someplace.
23. “You need a visa for every country.”
Visa necessities fluctuate broadly, and many international locations provide visa-free entry or visas on arrival for sure nationalities.
Always verify the required paperwork and permits for every nation you need to go to. You could have nice surprises!
24. “All-inclusive resorts mean everything is free.”
“All-inclusive” might need limits, so learn the fantastic print earlier than ordering ten cocktails.
25. “Planes drop their waste mid-flight.”
I heard this one being a baby. It was… stunning, to say the least.
This journey delusion remains to be unfold although. So let me debunk it. No, airplane bathrooms don’t eject waste into the sky. Everything is saved safely till touchdown.
26. “Travel insurance is a waste of money.”
Until you want it! Medical emergencies or journey cancellations make it invaluable.
Like blood work: even when it’s a must to pay for some checks, it’s value listening to that all the things is okay and there is no such thing as a difficulty.
27. “You’ll get kidnapped if you travel solo.”
Solo journey might be protected with correct precautions, and many individuals discover it empowering.
Yes, you’ll want to verify the nation you’re visiting and town, you’ll want to discover out if there are neighborhoods that you must keep away from and you must take security measures, however there are a lot of locations on this world you could go to safely as a solo traveler!
28. “All hotel rooms have hidden cameras.”
I additionally heard this rising up. It was…. effectively…. disturbing. While uncommon instances exist, it’s not a common downside. Still, keep vigilant.
29. “The Leaning Tower of Pisa will fall soon.”
Engineers stabilized it within the 90’s, so it’s not going to. Bam. Another journey delusion debunked!
30. “Travel is expensive.”
Last however not least, on this checklist of journey myths debunked is the misunderstanding that touring is dear.
Now, I’m not saying that if you need the last word accommodations and essentially the most luxurious locations it is going to be low-cost. I’m saying although that there are reasonably priced locations and low-cost choices to get there too.
So, so long as you need to journey, there’s a approach!
Conclusion
This is my checklist of journey misconceptions and journey myths debunked.
As for journey superstitions, here’s a slippery slope. As lengthy as you really consider one thing, you give it energy over you, and turns into a want fulfilled. So, if in case you have superstitions, be conscious of them.
For the superstitions locals have, the identical recommendation applies: be respectful. It could not make a lot sense to you, however whether it is related to them, be sort and understanding and respect the locals – customs and tradition.
Photo sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 pin 2 picture
