Debunking the 16 Biggest Travel Myths
We’ve all heard the travel stories that sound like they’re too good to be true. Like that Egypt has the most pyramids in the world, or that the Great Wall of China is visible from space, or even that it’s unbearably boring to travel alone. Many of these travel myths have been passed down from person to person, never checking their validity. Well, you hit the jackpot today because we’re debunking some of the biggest travel myths out there. Get ready for all your travel knowledge to be flipped upside down!
1. Egypt Has the Most Pyramids Out of Anywhere in the World
One of the most common travel myths is the belief that Egypt is home to the most amount of pyramids in the world. However, Sudan has one and a half times more pyramids than Egypt. Egypt has 138 known pyramids, whereas Sudan has closer to 250.
2. You Can Spot the Great Wall of China from Space
This myth has been told and retold time and time again. However, it isn’t true. You cannot see the Great Wall of China from orbit. In low orbit in perfect conditions, you can see some of the wall, but not all of it, and it’s very hard to make out.
3. You Can Walk from Russia to Alaska on Ice
This is half a myth. Technically, it IS possible to walk from one of the world’s largest countries to the other, but it is not without risk. In fact, only 8 people have successfully done it. From the strong current flowing straight through, the angry arctic winds, and the salt water, the conditions are less than ideal. From mainland Alaska to mainland Russia is 53 miles. But, in the middle, there are two small islands, each one belonging to one of these countries. So you can go from Little Diomede (United States) to Big Diomede (Russa) in just 2.4 miles. (But because you cross the international date line, you time travel back 21 hours!)
4. All Deserts are Hot
Most deserts are hot, but one in particular is not. Antarctica, though really chilly, is actually a desert! This is because it gets very little rain and/or snow.
5. Traveling Alone is Dangerous
The idea that traveling alone is dangerous is a persistent myth that dampens people’s independence and adventurous spirit. Most destinations are perfectly safe for solo travel, and you might actually like it more than you would think.
6. Toronto is the Capital of Canada
Toronto is the capital of its province, which is Ontario. But the capital of Canada is actually a 5-hour drive from Toronto. Ottawa, Ontario, is the capital of the nation. Toronto is one of the biggest, if not the actual biggest city in Canada.
7. The Mississippi River is the Longest in the United States
Though the Mississippi River may be the most popular in the United States, it is not the longest. The longest river is actually 100 miles, even longer than the Mississippi River. The Missouri River is the longest river in the United States.
8. Mont. Blanc is Europe’s Tallest Mountain
Contrary to popular belief, Mont. Elbrus is Europe’s tallest mountain. Its summit is 18,510 feet. If you’re planning on climbing it, make sure you prepare! The conditions can be quite treacherous.
9. Hostels are Dirty
It is a myth that hostels are dirty. Sure, you may find the odd one here or there that could do a better job in terms of cleanliness, but if you read reviews, ask your friends and family for recommendations, and do your research, you’ll find plenty of hostels that are a fantastic budget-friendly way to travel.
10. Traveling Solo is Boring
Traveling solo is anything but boring! It’s the catalyst for unimaginable personal growth, development, and freedom. You can create your itinerary exactly to your liking and change it whenever without explaining yourself. Also, you can sleep in as late as you want, which is always a plus.
11. Australians Use Kangaroos Instead of cars
While Australia is home to more than 40 million kangaroos, they do in fact use cars for travel rather than ride one. Kangaroos can be calm, docile creatures, but they can also throw a mean kick!
12. Russia is Always Cold
Russia is not always cold. Because of its large size, its’ climate changes quite a bit from place to place. It’s normal for the summer to be warm to hot and the winter to be cold to very cold.
13. Africa is a Country
Africa is the second-largest continent in the world. It’s made up of 54 countries and covers approximately <0x06> of the earth’s surface. Africa is large and not a country.
14. There Aren’t any Speed Limits in Germany
This is false. The speed limit in towns and cities is 31 mph, and on open roads that aren’t the autobahn, 62 mph. On the autobahn, some sections don’t have speed limits but instead suggest speeds. It’s a very fast-moving traffic network that has a few rules to make it function well. No passing on the right and slower traffic staying to the right are two rules that help the traffic flow. The autobahn is approximately 8,197 miles long.
15. It Never Snows in the Sahara Desert
It doesn’t snow often in the Sahara Desert, but it has happened several times in the last few decades. The most recent snow happened in January 2022.
16. England is the Same as the U.K.
England is a significant part of the U.K. but is only one of four countries that make up the United Kingdom.
Final Travel Thoughts
To conclude our debuntification (yes, we just made up a new word) of travel myths, we hope that we’ve inspired you to travel, see the sights, and know the truth behind them. It would be disappointing to travel to Mont. Blanc, thinking that you’re going to Europe’s tallest mountain when, in fact, it’s not. Always do your own research and keep our article in mind the next time you’re packing your bags and jet setting!
