Ever heard someone say something about travel that made you raise an eyebrow? As a travel writer (among others), I’ve encountered countless misconceptions about travel and bizarre beliefs about traveling. Here’s a collection of the funniest, strangest, and most unusual things people say about travel.
From travel misconceptions to superstitions, here are …… gems that will make you laugh, scratch your head, or wonder how these ideas even exist.
As a note, I am including them here also in the hope of raising awareness on these topics and letting people know about these lies about travel so that more people will start to plan trips 🙂
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 actually speed up the aging process, but wouldn’t that make time travel more exciting?
The only thing that happens is that traveling westward gains you a day – and vice-versa – due to different time zones. But that does not mean that you age faster! So this is a great example of travel misconceptions people have!
2. “You can see the Great Wall of China from space.”
This China affirmation is one of the tourism myths we have all heard many times. Sorry, folks, but astronauts have debunked this myth. It’s no more visible than a highway from space.
3. “All plane food tastes bad because of the altitude.”
This is one of the top misconceptions about flying – and, I would say, a travel myth. While altitude affects your taste buds, the quality of the food plays a big role too.
The food 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 travel superstitions and one of them is – not surprising at all! – connected to the moon. Full moons have inspired myths for centuries, but your travel plans are safe—unless you’re a werewolf.
I never consider when it is a full moon and when it is not when I travel.
5. “Drinking tap water abroad will immediately make you sick.”
Another thing on this list of wrong beliefs about travel that people have is that you should never drink tap water.
While this can be true in some places, not every country’s tap water is hazardous. Research is key.
Plus, even in countries where tap water is safe, you may still get sick because it is very different from the water your body is used to. But you can also be completely safe while drinking public water – we drank last year in Budapest from a public tap and we were fine.
In Norway, however, you will only have bottle water from anywhere in the world – no tap water is served.
6. “The locals will hate you if you don’t speak their language.”
Most locals appreciate even a simple attempt at their language. It’s the effort that counts! So this is another travel myth debunked!
I do not speak Czech – and I have been to the Czech Republic. No one hated me – as I have been polite, and mindful and we understood ourselves in English or German.
7. “WiFi abroad always costs a fortune.”
You can find many free WiFi hotspots in almost any city now. And there are numerous apps that can be downloaded and used offline – so you will be covered.
8. “Pickpockets will automatically target you if you look like a tourist.”
One of the common misconceptions about travel is that people will steal your things while traveling.
While being aware of your surroundings is important, wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a camera doesn’t automatically make you a target.
Besides, you can be mugged in your hometown too – if that type of criminality is developed there.
That being said, you need to do some research in advance, to see the usual scam schemes in the area you will be visiting, and to see if it is a crime-free city or not. You should always do your due diligence in advance and you should always take care of your belongings no matter where you are!
9. “You need to carry cash everywhere because ATMs don’t work in foreign countries.”
Money is at the center of another common misconception about travel. Most major cities worldwide have reliable ATMs, but carrying some cash is always a good backup plan.
I use my phone to pay anywhere in the world – BUT I have some cash in case there is an issue with a POS or if I visit a country where some museums might not accept my card.
So: ATMs work, you can also carry cash, but not a lot. Also, do some research in advance – because there are countries where cash is not needed – like Norway, for example.
10. “You’ll be arrested for chewing gum in Singapore.”
It’s not illegal to chew gum in Singapore; the laws are about importing and selling it. But if you are not addicted to chewing gum, you can skip this habit while visiting the country.
11. “Hostels are only for young, broke backpackers.”
Hostels cater to a wide range of travelers, including families and senior travelers. You can always look for online reviews, articles by bloggers who stayed there and decide what is best for you!
12. “All countries in Europe are the same.”
Europe is incredibly diverse, with unique languages, cultures, and cuisines in every country.
We (I am from Romania, so I am a European) have different pasts, a wide variety of cultures, customs, and even foods. Yes, there are some similarities between some countries (ex-communist countries, for instance, share that past), but even THAT is DIFFERENT from one country to another.
13. “If you flush an airplane toilet while sitting, you’ll get stuck.”
Airplane toilets aren’t that strong. But there have been cases (depending on the altitude and position on the toilet seat.) So, while there are arguments and examples on both sides, maybe you could avoid doing that – flushing while sitting.
14. “It’s always dangerous to visit a country with a different religion than yours.”
Respect and understanding go a long way in most places. It’s ignorance, not religion, that causes issues.
That said, you should always research and see what is allowed and what is forbidden in the country you are visiting, especially if it is one with a very different culture than yours. Look for travel guides written by locals and articles about things to know before visiting X destination (I have many on this site too!)
Some are more open than others, but being mindful of the local customs and rules is always a good idea!
15. “Every place has Uber or Lyft, so you don’t need to check.”
I would advise against generalizing. Some cities have banned (some) ride-sharing apps, so always check local transport options.
Plus, there are always exits from different countries – companies that decide to close their operations in certain countries – so you may want to check what ride-sharing companies are currently active in the country you are visiting.
16. “Taking a photo of someone steals their soul.”
While this is rooted in folklore, most people are more concerned about how they look in the photo!
But if you travel to some African and Caribbean cultures where this is a deep-rooted belief, you may want to avoid taking pictures of the locals.
17. “You can get sunburned on a plane.”
Many people love flying so it is no surprise that one of the things people say about travel is that you will get sunburned on the airplane.
According to specialists, if you fly occasionally and not on very long flights you are safe. Pilots, on the other hand, are more exposed.
As a funny story, we traveled for about 4 hours by car – during summer. I did not apply sunscreen – windows are, partially at least – blocking rays. But… I had a red-ish skin after that trip – especially on my right hand (my husband drives). So, since then, I apply sunscreen in the summer even if on a trip by car.
You will see this travel myth in the negative form too – meaning you cannot get sunburned in airplanes. As mentioned above, there are different situations and, depending on your flight (length, the seat you have, etc.) you may want to apply sunscreen.
18. “If you eat local street food, you’ll definitely get sick.”
Street food can be some of the best food—just make sure it’s fresh and from a clean stall.
Also, make sure you are not allergic to different ingredients used (including raw).
19. “You’ll automatically gain weight if you eat carbs in Italy.”
Walking through cobblestone streets and piazzas helps burn off those delicious pastas and pizzas. But avoid excesses of all types, including carbs!
20. “Souvenirs are always overpriced junk.”
While some are, many souvenirs are crafted by local artisans and hold cultural significance.
I buy a few souvenirs – usually a fridge magnet, but I also buy mugs, and hand fans, and, depending on the place I am visiting and the offer, I buy keychains, Christmas ornaments, sweets, and more (NOT all from the same place!)
21. “Africa is just one big safari”
This misconception reduces an entire continent of 54 countries, thousands of cultures, and modern cities to a single type of tourist experience.
As I mentioned above about Europe, there are false impressions about other continents too. Africa offers the best safaris in the world, home to the Big Five, but there is a lot more to be discovered here!
22. “Locals avoid tourist attractions”
Some people proudly avoid famous sites, not realizing that locals often enjoy their city’s attractions during off-peak times (and not only).
For instance, when we visited the Technical Museum in Germany – Deutsches Museum – many locals were visiting with their kids. That museum offers yearly subscriptions, because it is big, so, going multiple times, you can explore each section and learn more about each exhibit.
So, yes, I learn what the most famous attractions are and I pick many of them to see when I visit a city. I enjoy walking, discovering neighborhoods, and going off-the-beaten-path, but I also like famous things to do somewhere.
23. “You need a visa for every country.”
Visa requirements vary widely, and many countries offer visa-free entry or visas on arrival for certain nationalities.
Always check the required documents and permits for each country you want to visit. You may have pleasant surprises!
24. “All-inclusive resorts mean everything is free.”
“All-inclusive” might have limits, so read the fine print before ordering ten cocktails.
25. “Planes drop their waste mid-flight.”
I heard this one being a child. It was… surprising, to say the least.
This travel myth is still spread though. So let me debunk it. No, airplane toilets don’t eject waste into the sky. Everything is stored safely until landing.
26. “Travel insurance is a waste of money.”
Until you need it! Medical emergencies or trip cancellations make it invaluable.
Like blood work: even if you have to pay for some tests, it is worth hearing that everything is ok and there is no issue.
27. “You’ll get kidnapped if you travel solo.”
Solo travel can be safe with proper precautions, and many people find it empowering.
Yes, you need to check the country you are visiting and the city, you need to find out if there are neighborhoods that you should avoid and you should take safety measures, but there are many places in this world that you can visit safely as a solo traveler!
28. “All hotel rooms have hidden cameras.”
I also heard this growing up. It was…. well…. disturbing. While rare cases exist, it’s not a universal problem. Still, stay vigilant.
29. “The Leaning Tower of Pisa will fall soon.”
Engineers stabilized it in the 90’s, so it’s not going to. Bam. Another travel myth debunked!
30. “Travel is expensive.”
Last but not least, on this list of travel myths debunked is the misconception that traveling is expensive.
Now, I am not saying that if you want the ultimate hotels and the most luxurious destinations it will be cheap. I am saying though that there are affordable destinations and cheap options to get there too.
So, as long as you want to travel, there is a way!
Conclusion
This is my list of travel misconceptions and travel myths debunked.
As for travel superstitions, here is a slippery slope. As long as you truly believe something, you give it power over you, and becomes a wish fulfilled. So, if you have superstitions, be mindful of them.
For the superstitions locals have, the same advice applies: be respectful. It may not make much sense to you, but if it is relevant to them, be kind and understanding and respect the locals – customs and culture.
Photo sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 pin 2 photo
