Travel
Discover facts about travel. Small discoveries that change the way you see familiar things.
Travel
Japanese television features bizarre game shows
Some Japanese game shows have contestants bite household objects to identify chocolate or flee reptiles while attached to bungee cords.
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Spain's evening can begin when visitors expect bedtime
Late dinners shift the rhythm of the night: meeting for drinks or going out can happen after an early-dining visitor would normally head home. The surprise is…
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Why Swiss hikers greet everyone on the trail
On busy trails, that means greeting everyone you pass with a cheerful “Grüezi”—and repeating it all the way to the summit.
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In Greece, an upward nod can mean no
In Greece, a quick upward jerk of the head—sometimes with a clicking sound—can mean no, the opposite of what many visitors expect from a nod.
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British residents use sarcasm as a defense mechanism
British understatement often uses dry sarcasm to soften bad news: calling a major failure a “minor hiccup” can make a disaster sound almost manageable.
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Why Scottish summers come with biting clouds
In summer, swarms of tiny biting insects gather in dense clouds across Scotland’s glens. Their itchy bites can turn a scenic walk into a frantic search for…
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British queuing functions as a competitive sport
Cutting ahead may not start a fight, but it can earn you a chorus of sighs, tutting, and pointed stares.
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Why British small talk starts with the weather
The weather offers a low-stakes icebreaker, often through a comment about rain or temperature.
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China's public squares become neighborhood dance floors
Groups of older women gather for synchronized routines, often with amplified music. The open space becomes an accessible place to exercise and socialize…
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Finnish saunas involve naked socializing
In Finland, nudity is common in the sauna, which can be a relaxed social space shared by friends, family, and sometimes coworkers. Customs vary, though, and…
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Why Swedes stop for Fika twice a day
Traditionally, people pause for Fika twice a day to share coffee and something sweet, often a cinnamon bun. The ritual is as much about stopping together as…
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The giant horns Swiss farmers used to call across valleys
Alpine farmers used 12-foot wooden alphorns to send messages across valleys; their deep tones can carry for miles.
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Why Australians turn words into mozzies and brekkies
Australian English often shortens words and adds an “o” or “y”: mosquito becomes “mozzie,” breakfast becomes “brekkie,” and service station becomes “servo.”
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Spanish siestas simply pause society for hours
In some parts of Spain, businesses close for a long midday break so workers can eat and avoid the afternoon heat; it doesn’t mean everyone is asleep.
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Australian outback flies demand constant swatting
The constant swatting has a name: the “Aussie salute,” a repeated wave across the face to fend off flies around the eyes and mouth.
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Swiss alpine cows wear exceptionally loud bells
The heavy brass bells help farmers keep track of their herds as the cows wander through alpine meadows.
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French locals actively refuse your broken English
A greeting in French can help: some people may expect you to try before switching to English, even if they understand your request.
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Carry your partner, win their weight in beer
Competitors race through water hazards and sand traps with a partner slung over their shoulders. The winner takes home the carried partner's weight in beer.
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Sweden's midsummer frog dance includes imaginary ears and tails
Små grodorna is a playful song about little frogs, accompanied by gestures and hopping around the midsummer pole. Its lyrics mention the ears and tails frogs…
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Why Dutch birthday parties form a circle
Guests sit in a ring, and birthday greetings go to everyone in it—not just the person celebrating. Small pieces of cheese are often served, too.
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Why an Irish goodbye can take forever
Announcing you're leaving can trigger another 45 minutes of conversation at the door, followed by more chatting on the way to your car.
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How Norwegians make winter darkness cozy
Koselig is about making indoor life warm and inviting, with candles, wool blankets, and fireplaces offering comfort during the dark winter.
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Why complaining can be a French bonding ritual
In some French social settings, airing complaints about the weather, politicians, or the local baker can be a way to bond. Constant cheerfulness, by contrast,…
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In Thailand, a greeting can show exactly how much respect you mean
Thumbs held at chest level signal respect for an equal; raised toward the nose, they show greater deference to elders and monks.
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