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23 Types of Water Transport To Keep You Afloat

There are many different types of water transport that form part of the wider transport industry. In this article I will teach you what these different types of water transport are and how they work. Ready to learn more? Read on…

What is water transport?

Runabout boat, pontoon boat, rigid inflatable boat, ship’s tender, cruise ship, personal watercraft, types of water transport- further reading.

Water transport is any form of transportational vehicle which is primarily used to travel by water. There are many different types of water transport, used for both cargo and passengers, which travel on many different waterways. You can find out more about all of the different types below…

One of the main types of water transport is a boat. This is the most likely form of vehicle you would use to travel on water, regardless of whether you’re on a canal or in the middle of the ocean . However, there are of course a lot of different types of boats. We can generally split boats into three categories:

Unpowered or human-powered boats
Sailboats
Motorboats

Each category has many boats within it, all serving different purposes.

These boats, as the name suggests, have a deck area. They are generally small, but have seating areas for groups of people – their main purpose is for leisure and sightseeing, or as a vessel from which to enter the water for swimming or other watersports. With a V-shaped hull, these boats are usually 25-35 feet in length.

A catamaran is a type of boat which has two hulls. They are generally small-ish boats used for fishing or cruising, but this style of boat has been known to be used for car ferries too given their stability.

As the name suggests, these are boats on which people live. They are not motorised because they are usually moored in one place, floating. Often they are built to look more like a house than a boat, but some definitely retain their boat style. You tend to find them on canals or larger lakes, and many people live in houseboats year round. They are also rented out to tourists looking for something a bit different!

These small open boats are an entry-level kind of vessel, used for casual boating and sporting activities. They have a steering wheel and small control panel.

A lifeboat is a small rigid or inflatable boat, generally attached to a larger boat or ship, used for sea rescue when necessary. Ships legally have to have a certain number of lifeboats corresponding with the number of people on board.

This type of boat is used mostly on inland waters, and they are incredibly stable due to their wide and flat shape. They rely on tubes known as pontoons to float on the water. With sensible seating, they are used for sightseeing and fishing.

A barge is a type of water transport used on canals – it is also often called a canal boat. They are long and flat-bottomed, and used either for carrying cargo or as recreational passenger boats. The insides can fit beds, kitchens, seating areas and more.

An airboat is a small, flat-bottomed vessel which is powered by an aircraft-style propeller. They are used for tourist and fishing purposes in marshy and shallow waters – particularly the Everglades in Florida .

These are mostly used for tourist purposes now, particularly on the Nile. They are Eastern Mediterranean wooden sailing boats, seating around 10 passengers with 2-3 crew members.

A hovercraft is one of a few types of water transport which can also travel over land, through mud and on ice. They use special blowers in order to produce a large volume of air under the hull which is slightly above atmospheric pressure – this lifts the vessel allowing it to move. They have many uses.

This is a small narrow boat propelled by the use of double-ended paddles. They are most commonly used for recreational purposes on small bodies of water.

A liner is a very large boat designed to transport cargo or passengers long-distance from point A to point B, usually without stopping unless there is a need to refuel. They are generally not used these days, with flying being the optimal choice. The RMS Queen Mary 2 is the only ocean liner still in regular use, often completing trans-Atlantic journeys.

There is no standard definition of a yacht but they are generally 33ft+ in length with overnight facilities, used for pleasure and usually the height of luxury. You tend to find yachts moored at places like Puerto Banus in Marbella, or Cannes in France . People often make an activity out of celebrity-yacht-spotting!

A ferry is a type of boat generally used to carry passengers short-distance from A-B. They are used within waterside cities as public transport, such as the ferries in Venice or the ‘ferry across the Mersey’ in Liverpool. There are also ferries which travel a longer distance, from the UK to France for example, which also hold cars; these tend to have many more amenities on board such as cabins for sleeping, restaurants and bars, small cinemas and more.

This type of boat is small and flat-bottomed with a square-cut bow; it is propelled by the use of a pole which is pushed against the riverbed. The person doing this is called a ‘punter’, and they will be stood on the boat at the back. Punts are used for recreational purposes mostly.

Also known as a RIB, these tiny boats are – as the name suggests – rigid and inflatable. They are lightweight, high-capacity and unsinkable. RIBs are usually used as work boats; however, they are also used by scuba divers to reach dive sites which are in areas where larger boats can’t get to for whatever reason. They travel fast.

This is one of the most useful types of water transport because a ship’s tender is used to transport people or goods from a large ship to a dock, where there is not enough space to dock the ship itself.

A water taxi is used like land public transport to get people from one point to various other points. They will make multiple stops. Water taxis are used for commuting and also by tourists; you’ll find them in cities like Venice, Liverpool, Istanbul, Brussels, New Orleans and Budapest.

Other types of water transport

There are other types of water transport which are not technically boats, or are not referred to as such. This might be because they’re too big for that category, or too small, or simply operate in an entirely different manner.

A ship is a large water vessel, reserved for travelling the oceans. Ships generally have to be 95ft+ long; they can typically stay at sea for much longer than boats and, as the saying goes, a ship could carry a boat but a boat could not carry a ship. All of that being said, there is no set legal definition of a ship versus a boat.

There are many types of ships, including but not limited to:

High-speed craft
Off-shore oil vessels
Motorised fishing trawlers
Factory ships
Cable layers
Cry cargo ships
Liquid cargo ships
Passenger carrying vessels
Special purpose vessels
Aircraft carriers
Minesweepers
Deep sea survey vessels

One of the most well-known and exciting types of water transport is the cruise ship; they are, obviously, classed as ships – they are passenger carrying vessels, designed for staying at sea for an extended period of time. They differ from liners in that they stop at multiple ports as part of a round-trip. On board you’ll find a range of amenities including cabins, restaurants, shops, theatres, cinemas, bars, nightclubs, tattoo shops, water slides, go-karting tracks and much more. Not ever cruise ship has all of these, but this is just an example of how incredible cruise ships can be.

You can read more about cruising in my article, The 8 Major Types of Cruise.

A surfboard is a tricky one to categorise as one of the types of water transport, but it is listed on many websites as being a form of transport despite not generally being used to go from point A to point B in any way. A surfboard is a narrow plank used to allow surfers to ride a wave for fun.

A PWC is also known as a Jet Ski, which is actually a brand name (owned by Kawasaki) which has become synonymous with this kind of vessel. These differ from boats in that you stand or sit ON them, not in them. They are used for recreation mostly. However, law enforcement also use them due to their speed – and PWC fishing is a fast-growing industry.

And the last of the types of water transport is the submarine. These vessels are used for underwater exploration. There are small two-person submarines which can be submerged for a couple of hours, and there are massive submarines which remain under the water for up to 6 months. These vessels can go much deeper than human divers, allowing for discovery and anti-surface warfare.

If you enjoyed this article on the different types of transport then I am sure that you will love these too!

Cruise tourism explained: What, why and where
15 Types of Rail Transport To Take You Away
20 Popular Types of Hotels Around The World
The 3 Major Types Of Airlines + How They Work
50 types of transport from around the world

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10 Interesting Things About Water

Water could be the key to finding life.

There aren’t many qualities that are true of all life on Earth, but the need for water is one of them. It’s in all living things, whether they live at the bottom of the ocean or the driest desert. Water made life possible on Earth. Because of this, astrobiologists (scientists who search for life on other planets) think our best bet for finding life is to search for water.

Almost all Earth’s water is in the oceans.

A whopping 96.5 percent of water on Earth is in our oceans, covering 71 percent of the surface of our planet. And at any given time, about 0.001 percent is floating above us in the atmosphere. If all of that water fell as rain at once, the whole planet would get about 1 inch of rain.

Most freshwater is in ice.

Just 3.5 percent of Earth’s water is fresh—that is, with few salts in it. You can find Earth’s freshwater in our lakes, rivers, and streams, but don’t forget groundwater and glaciers. Over 68 percent of Earth’s freshwater is locked up in ice and glaciers. And another 30 percent is in groundwater.

The amount of salt in salt water varies.

In a gallon of average ocean water, there is about 1 cup of salt. But it does vary. The Atlantic Ocean is saltier than the Pacific Ocean, for instance. Most of the salt in the ocean is the same kind of salt we put on our food: sodium chloride. The saltiest water in the world is found in Antarctica in a small lake named Don Juan Pond.

A lot can live in one drop of water.

There can be a lot going on in a single drop of ocean water. It will most likely have millions (yes, millions!) of bacteria and viruses. And it could also have fish eggs, baby crabs, plankton, or even small worms.

Some water may have come from comets.

The rocky material that formed Earth contained some water. But that probably doesn't account for all the water we see today. Comets are mostly water ice. It’s possible that comets made regular water deliveries to Earth. It would take a lot of comets to fill the ocean, but comets could well have made a big contribution.

It’s really great that ice floats.

Usually when solids form, atoms get closer together to form something denser. This is why most solids sink in water. But solid water, or ice, is actually less dense. This is unusual. The water molecules form rings when water freezes. All that space makes ice less dense. This is why it floats. This is great because ice floating on top of a body of water lets the rest of it stay liquid. If ice sank, whole oceans could freeze solid!

Our bodies are mostly water.

A newborn baby is 78 percent water. Adults are 55-60 percent water. Water is involved in just about everything our body does. It’s a big part of the blood that brings nutrients to all our cells. We use it to get rid of wastes. It helps us regulate our body temperature. It acts as a shock absorber for our brain and spinal cord. We are very dependent on water.

In plants, water defies gravity.

Water has an interesting characteristic. It’s sort of “sticky.” It likes to stick to itself and other things. That’s why water forms round droplets. Not all liquids do that. This “stickiness” helps get water from the roots of plants up to the leaves. Water molecules travel up thin straws called xylem in the plant by holding onto each other and the walls of the tube. They’re pulled upwards as water evaporates from the leaves at the top.

We get to see water in three different states, and that’s odd.

We experience water in all three states: solid ice, liquid water, and gas water vapor. That’s actually pretty unusual. While all substances can be solid, liquid, or gas, a lot of them only change states at extreme temperatures. You probably don’t see liquid silver or solid oxygen very much because their melting points and freezing points are at temperatures that would kill us.

Next: 10 Interesting Things About Earth

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ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY

Water cycle.

The water cycle is the endless process that connects all of the water on Earth.

Conservation, Earth Science, Meteorology

Deer Streams National Park Mist

A misty cloud rises over Deer Streams National Park. The water cycle contains more steps than just rain and evaporation, fog and mist are other ways for water to be returned to the ground.

Photograph by Redline96

Water is one of the key ingredients to life on Earth. About 75 percent of our planet is covered by water or ice. The water cycle is the endless process that connects all of that water. It joins Earth’s oceans, land, and atmosphere.

Earth’s water cycle began about 3.8 billion years ago when rain fell on a cooling Earth, forming the oceans. The rain came from water vapor that escaped the magma in Earth’s molten core into the atmosphere. Energy from the sun helped power the water cycle and Earth’s gravity kept water in the atmosphere from leaving the planet.

The oceans hold about 97 percent of the water on Earth. About 1.7 percent of Earth’s water is stored in polar ice caps and glaciers. Rivers, lakes, and soil hold approximately 1.7 percent. A tiny fraction—just 0.001 percent—exists in Earth’s atmosphere as water vapor.

When molecules of water vapor return to liquid or solid form, they create cloud droplets that can fall back to Earth as rain or snow—a process called condensation . Most precipitation lands in the oceans. Precipitation that falls onto land flows into rivers, streams, and lakes. Some of it seeps into the soil where it is held underground as groundwater.

When warmed by the sun, water on the surface of oceans and freshwater bodies evaporates, forming a vapor. Water vapor rises into the atmosphere, where it condenses, forming clouds. It then falls back to the ground as precipitation. Moisture can also enter the atmosphere directly from ice or snow. In a process called sublimation , solid water, such as ice or snow, can transform directly into water vapor without first becoming a liquid.

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On the Water

January 4, 2019.

Boats and ships carry people and things across water. They are used for business. They are also used for fun! Here are some ways to travel on water. Have you ever been on a boat?

This is a sailboat.

Its sails catch the wind. That pushes the boat forward. The sails must change direction with the wind.

This is a ferry.

This is a cargo ship.

This is a rowboat.

Did You Know?

Not all boats travel above water. This is a submarine. It’s built to travel below the surface. Submarines let people explore the deep sea. Glub!

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Where does the Mississippi River start, where is it deepest, answers to key questions about one of Wisconsin's most important waterways

Wisconsin has one of the world's most important bodies of water right next door.

Nope, we're not talking about Lake Michigan, or Lake Superior. We're talking about the Mississippi River.

The river runs more than 200 miles along Wisconsin's western border and continues through America's heartland. It provides habitat for hundreds of fish and wildlife species, charts the course of millions of tons of goods exported from the U.S. and has a rich cultural history, featured in many beloved books and songs.

It's facing big environmental challenges: nitrate and phosphorus pollution, forest loss, invasive species and prolonged and excessive flooding, to name a few. But it could also provide nature-based solutions to some of those problems, as scientists, politicians and citizens learn more about what can be done to protect it.

How much do you know about the Mississippi? You can brush up on the basics here.

More: High water and prolonged flooding are changing the ecosystem of the Upper Mississippi River, a new report finds

Where does the Mississippi River start and finish?

The Mississippi River begins as a small, knee-deep river flowing out of Lake Itasca in northwestern Minnesota. At just 18 feet wide, it's easy to walk across.

More: The Mississippi River is central to America's story. Why doesn't it get more love?

It flows hundreds of miles across Minnesota, including through the Twin Cities, before it reaches the Wisconsin border. Then it heads south, running alongside major cities like St. Louis, Memphis and New Orleans.

The river ends about 100 miles downstream from New Orleans , where it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. It takes 90 days for a single drop of water to travel from the headwaters to the Gulf.

Mississippi River tributaries: Where does the Wisconsin River connect to the Mississippi?

The Wisconsin River — the state's longest river — meets the Mississippi near Prairie du Chien. Wyalusing State Park provides a view of the rivers' meeting point.

There are other, bigger rivers , known as tributaries, that flow into the Mississippi and add to its volume. Those include the Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Arkansas and Red rivers.

Mississippi River map: How big is the Mississippi River basin?

The Mississippi River basin drains more than 40% of the continental U.S. In other words, any drop of rain or snow that falls across a large part of the country ends up in the Mississippi. It includes 31 states — some fully and some partially — and two Canadian provinces.

Most of the precipitation in the state of Wisconsin ends up in the Mississippi River. About 60% of Wisconsin residents live in the river basin. The rest of the state drains to Lakes Michigan or Superior.

Because water travels over so much land before it reaches the Mississippi River, land use is an important determinant of the river's health. Industry and agriculture have both played a role in polluting the river, resulting in what's known as the Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico — a massive area where nutrient pollution chokes off oxygen for fish and plants.

More: Mississippi River basin residents worry about the environment and want change, study finds. But many don't know they're in the basin.

More: What is a watershed and why should you care?

Is the Mississippi River the longest river in the United States?

No. The Mississippi River flows about 2,350 miles, according to the National Park Service . The Missouri River flows about 100 miles longer, making it America's longest river.

The Missouri River stretches from the Rocky Mountains in southwest Montana to St. Louis, where it meets the Mississippi.

More: Mississippi River lock-and-dam system is outdated and in disrepair. What if it fails?

Both rivers' lengths can change slightly as their deltas grow or shrink from sedimentation or erosion. The Mississippi River delta in particular has lost approximately 70% of its land area since 1932 due to coastal erosion, sea level rise and human activities like oil and gas extraction.

Is the Mississippi River one of the longest rivers in the world? How does it compare to the Amazon and Nile?

Most lists of the world's longest rivers combine the Missouri and the Mississippi, since they join up. By that measure, the river is the fourth-longest in the world , behind the Nile, the Amazon and the Yangtze rivers.

By volume, the Mississippi River is the 15th-largest in the world. It discharges close to 600,000 cubic feet of water per second into the Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Park Service .

Where is the Mississippi River deepest?

The river's deepest point is near Algiers Point in New Orleans , measuring about 200 feet deep. That's a far cry from its depth at the headwaters, which is about 18 inches, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources .

Do people drink from the Mississippi River?

Yes. The river provides drinking water for almost 20 million people in more than 50 municipalities, according to the environmental advocacy group American Rivers .

More: Climate change imperils the upper Mississippi River backwaters. Now nature needs human help.

People who live in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs , for example, get their drinking water from the Mississippi.

What cargo does it transport? Is the Mississippi River drying out?

The Mississippi River is a major player in worldwide shipping and commerce. It carries around 500 million short tons per year of goods , including corn, soy, fertilizer, road salt, coal and petroleum products.

More than 90% of the nation's agricultural exports are grown in the Mississippi River basin; 60% of all grain exported from the U.S. is shipped on the river.

Periods of drought or flooding — which are expected to get more frequent as the climate changes — can stall shipping on the river. For example, near-record low water levels caused by drought caused barges to run aground on the lower Mississippi in fall 2022.

More: As Mississippi River swings between historic highs and lows, shipping industry struggles to adapt

More: Extreme rainfall and historic floods are transforming life in the vast Mississippi River basin. The challenge: How do we respond?

Is the Mississippi River important for wildlife?

The river ecosystem is vital for a wide variety of birds, fish and other animals. Each year, it provides a place to rest, breed and eat for more than 325 species of migrating birds . The upper Mississippi alone is home to over 119 species of fish, and its surrounding backwaters, wetlands and forests provide habitat for a multitude of other animals as well.

These important habitats are threatened by climate change and human activities. For example, prolonged and frequent flooding on the upper Mississippi caused by more precipitation and land use changes in the basin is killing floodplain forests and disturbing habitat for fish .

More: Abundant food, safe resting grounds bring thousands of tundra swans to the Mississippi River in late fall

More: The Mississippi River's floodplain forests are dying. The race is on to bring them back.

How did the Mississippi River get its name?

"Mississippi" comes from the French interpretation of the Ojibwe name for the river. That name was Misi-Ziibi , which means "great river."

The river is known by a variety of nicknames too, such as the Father of Waters.

Have other questions about the Mississippi River? Email Madeline Heim at [email protected]. Heim is a Report for America corps reporter who writes about environmental issues in the Mississippi River watershed and across Wisconsin.

Please consider supporting journalism that informs our democracy with a tax-deductible gift to this reporting effort at jsonline.com/RFA or by check made out to The GroundTruth Project with subject line Report for America Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Campaign. Address: The GroundTruth Project, Lockbox Services, 9450 SW Gemini Dr, PMB 46837, Beaverton, Oregon 97008-7105.

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Nine Unique Ways to Explore the World by Water

Search a multi-stop route.

A lot has been said about how harmful air travel is to the environment, not only because of the sheer number of planes flying every day, but because of the fact that green house gasses are emitted directly into the atmosphere. Much has also been said about how train travel is a greener way of exploring the world. But water travel, though admittedly not as eco-friendly as catching a train, is another alternative to flying. Apart from that, it is also terribly fun, and can grant you access to some of the most beautiful corners of the world. Are you already itching to step aboard? Here are nine ideas about where a boat can take you.

Go beyond Bali

You’re already in paradise, but somehow still crave more and want to travel further. Who can blame you, since just a bit beyond South East Bali, you have the opportunity to go to places with even whiter beaches and thinner crowds via an inexpensive boat ride.

Start by catching a public boat, a Perama tourist boat or a Scoot from Bali’s Sanur to Nusa Lembongan. The trip will take between 30 minutes to two hours depending on the type of boat you choose, and prices will also differ slightly. On Nusa Lembongan, it’s all about walking or cycling to pretty beaches, enjoying the mellow atmosphere, and if you like, diving and surfing.

From Jungutbatu in Nusa Lembongan, catch another boat to Nusa Penida, an island even less-touristy than your previous stop. Once again, take your time to enjoy the beach, dive, or cycle around the flat coast road.

From Nusa Lembongan you will need to back-track to Bali’s Sanur, from where a boat will take you to Lombok’s Gili Islands and another fantastic opportunity for island hopping. From here, you can either call it a day, or travel further onto Lombok.

>> Look for airfare to Bali >> Find hotels in Bali >> Plan your trip with our Bali travel guide

Island hopping in the Mediterranean

What better way to spend your summer than on a sailing boat heading from one beautiful Mediterranean island to the next, with so many that your options are limitless? It would take years to explore all the Greek and Croatian islands, and then you would have only covered the Eastern part of this sea, with all the gems of the West still left to explore. Since these islands are pretty much what makes the area so famous, the ferry system tends to be well-organized and comprehensive.

Having said that, to make this trip one of a life time, you might want to consider renting a sailboat with a skipper (unless of course, you’re fully qualified yourself). While the cost of this is obviously not small, it can be affordable if you get a few friends to join in and split the cost. And when you remember that onboard accommodation is included in the price, then a week or two sailing across the Mediterranean becomes a doable trip.

>> Check out the best Greek islands >> Choose the best Italian island for you >> Discover 8 small and beautiful Italian islands you’ve probably never heard of >> Learn about ferries in Greece

Travel the world on a freight ship

Nowadays, travelers keen on not stepping foot on a plane are opting for transport by freight ship, through which you can quite literally travel around the world. While a trans-Atlantic trip is what comes to mind when one things of this sort of transport, in fact there are as many options as there are sea and ocean routes, and your trip could take you anything from a few days to a couple of months. This sort of travel is of course not for everyone, given that a journey you’d make by plane in a few hours will take you days, and that the entire voyage will cost you more than an air ticket.

Sailing the seas on a freight ship is, in short, more about the journey itself than the destination.

>> Learn about how to travel by cargo ship >> Read about the pros and cons of small-ship cruising

Sail Europe’s canals and rivers

There is something very alluring about sailing in the heart of Europe on a long boat, and exploring without having to worry about whether you’ll find accommodation or not. Luckily, Europe is filled with countries and cities with extensive canal networks, and these include Birmingham in the UK, Hamburg and Berlin in Germany, and of course, Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Added to this, you can also cross from the Atlantic through Europe all the way down to the Mediterranean along canal routes.

If you would like just to sample some bits of these rivers and canals, once again ferries and private boats are easy to find due to their appeal to tourists. Just to mention one example, you can travel from Vienna to Bratislava and then finally to Budapest by catching a hydrofoil .

>> Read more about staying in a narrowboat in London and houseboats in Amsterdam >> Check out nine more quirky accommodation options in Europe

Istanbul’s ferry cruises

Many would argue that what makes Istanbul so picturesque and romantic is its location right by the sea, and the locals surely have made the most of this by embracing commuting by boat. For the passing traveller, going on a couple of day trips on Istanbul’s ferries is not only dirt cheap (prices need to appeal to locals first and foremost) but also full of delights.

A Bosphorus ferry cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes (one way). Starting from Eminonu, the trip takes you up the Bosphorus strait where Europe and Asia seem to almost touch. The trip is done is segments, so you can stop at various points along the way to explore the various mosques, palaces and neighbourhoods which you come across. Alternatively, you can opt for a shorter Golden Horn cruise which cuts, as it were, into the very Western tip of Europe. Take this trip if you’re looking for a less touristy Istanbul. Finally, a 1-hour boat trip will take you into the Sea of Marmara to the Princes’ Islands, a group of car-free and nicely forested islands which are perfect for a day off from the chaos of mainland Istanbul.

>> Find hostels in Istanbul >> Search for cheap airfare to Istanbul >> Read about 10 experiences not to miss in Turkey

Sail through the world’s longest rivers

With their multi-country-straddling quality, the Nile and the Amazon are gateways to two fascinating continents. A cruise up the former can be started from Cairo, although a more popular route is the Aswan to Luxor one. Depending on which cruise you choose, you might get the chance to tour the Aswan Dam, Lake Nasser (the world’s largest man-made lake) and several ancient temples.

Your experience along the Amazon will of course be completely different, as you’ll be making your way through lush forest rather than scorching desert. You can start your cruise from countries like Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, and you guessed it, it’s all about the rainforest here as you make your way into natural reserves and take excursions into the jungle.

The daily full-board rates of these cruises are usually similar to mid-range/top-end hotel prices, but you might be able to get some sort of deal if you shop around.

>> Find Amazon adventure tours >> Look for guided tours in Egypt >> Check out 10 places in South America to escape the North American winter

Discover the Galapagos

While exploring the Galapagos by boat might make you feel like you’ve landed on a completely different planet, the truth is that on such trips you cannot really get off the beaten track. Trips to this area need to usually be booked as a tour, and the accompanying tour guide will tell you what you can see and do on each particular island. Though this may sound like a pain for the independent traveler, it is done to make sure that tourism impacts the islands’ ecosystems as little as possible.

If you can get used to the idea of always having to stick with your group and group leader, you will be rewarded with close up encounters with wildlife (animals don’t see humans as a threat and don’t usually run away), Martian-like volcanic landscapes and activities like snorkeling in a pristine environment (depending on what tour you book).

The costs of doing this trip include the flight from the mainland, the actual time on the boat and the tour guide service, plus the entrance fee, which at present is 100 dollars. Travelers often report that despite the high cost, the experience is more than worth it.

>> Look for airfare to Ecuador >> Check out Galapagos adventure tours

Cruising the Swiss Lakes

Switzerland is infamous for how expensive it is, but the good news is that if you invest in a Swiss transport pass, you will be able to travel for free on most of the ferries which serve its many beautiful, mountain-surrounded lakes (as well as trains, trams and buses run by the national railway company). Start by exploring Zurich and then spend a few hours cruising along its clear long lake. While the spots around the lake are mostly residential and lack interesting sites, the lake and the ice-covered mountain views on clear days are attractions in themselves.

Next, go to Luzern for an even more dramatic lake cruise surrounded by mountains which you can track up to. Then, keep heading West to Lake Geneva, where you can go city hopping by ferry to pretty little spots like Lausanne, Montreux, Nyon and Vevey. Along the way you will come across fairytale-like Chateuax, beautiful countryside and even wine tasting opportunities.

>> Search for cheap flights to Switzerland >> Read about culinary experiences not to miss in Switzerland

Explore East Asia

This trip will take you across three countries with very distinct cultures without having to leave ground level. If you find yourself half-way across the world in Shanghai and have no rush to return home, you can catch a boat from here and cross all the way to South Korea, one of the most underrated countries in this part of Asia.

From your arrival port in Incheon, the Korean capital of Seoul is just 1 hour away, and you’ll need at least a week to explore it properly. From here, you can either travel to the Eastern city of Sokcho and hop on a boat to Russia, or you can catch a train all the way down to the South and head to Japan from Busan. Many travellers opt to get to Japan via South Korea in order to save money on their plane tickets, as Japan is a notoriously expensive country to fly into.

>> Search for flights to Japan >> Read about ways to save money on your next trip to Japan >> Discover an unexpected side of Japan in Okinawa

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25 surprising travel facts that’ll make you see the world in a whole new light

Apr 2, 2020 • 7 min read

Travel: we sort of know all about it, right? Wrong. Scratch beneath the surface and it turns out we know nothing of this world. Do you know how long the world’s shortest commercial flight lasts, for example? (clue: shorter than the time it takes to boil an egg.) How about which country has no rivers? Or what unconventional pizza topping is popular in Sweden ?

An image of the world from space showing one of the green continents.

With international travel currently off the table, why not use this time to swat up on surprising travel trivia, offering a few precious minutes of sweet relief from the constant news cycle and providing some fun facts to fill awkward pauses during video calls with friends and family; trust us, nothing plugs a silence better than a stat about how many steps from the nearest trash bin you are in Disneyland at all times.

Without further ado, here’s 25 travel facts that are certain to shock and surprise.

A stationary blue train in India, with passengers sitting and leaning out of the doorway and looking through the train's windows.

Trains, planes and automobiles...

1. The world’s longest commercial flight took around 30 hours.

The so-called ‘Double Sunrise’ service by Qantas, which ran from Australia to Sri Lanka from 1943-45, often lasted over 30 hours, with passengers seeing the sunrise twice. Today the longest commercial flight is the Singapore Airlines Singapore to New York route, with an average journey time of 17 hours and 50 minutes.

2. The shortest commercial flight takes less than two minutes.

Incredibly, the shortest commercial flight, operating between the neighbouring islands of Westray and Papa Westray in Scotland ’s Orkney islands , takes around one and a half minutes. With the fastest recorded flight taking less than 50 seconds.

3. Japanese railways hand out ‘certificates’ for delays of more than five minutes.

Japanese trains, reputedly the most punctual in the world, issue passengers with a ‘delay certificate’ if a train is running more than five minutes behind schedule. The documents can be shown to bosses or teachers to explain a passenger’s lateness. Delay certificates are also issued on some trains in Germany and in Paris .

4. The most expensive airport to city taxi ride costs around £190.

Any budget traveller worth their salt attempts to avoid airport taxis at all costs, but anyone keeping an eye on their finances should certainly avoid jumping in a cab from Tokyo ’s Narita Airport. According to a study by Moneycorp (a currency exchange company), the ride is the most expensive airport-to-city transfer in the world, costing an average of £191/$235 one way.

5. India’s trains transport roughly 23 million passengers each day.

That’s the entire population of Australia . Additionally, if laid out in a single line, the tracks from India’s railway network could circle the world one and a half times.

An aerial view of Niagara Falls, a group of three waterfalls at the southern end of Niagara Gorge.

Things you didn’t know about countries…

6. Saudi Arabia has no rivers.

The country in the Arabian peninsula has no permanent rivers. It is one of the 17 countries in the world without a single river flowing through it.

7. In Ethiopia the current year is 2013.

Ethiopia maintains its own calendar, which, due to a difference in the perceived date of the Annunciation (the proclamation of the birth of Christ), is seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar (which is used as standard across most of the world). In Ethiopia the new year also begins on either August 29 or August 30.

8. It is the same time at both ends of China.

Despite spanning five geographical time zones, China only has one set time, which is observed throughout the country. China Standard Time is UTC+8.

9. The UK has the world’s longest country name.

The UK ’s official title of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland makes it the longest recognised country name in the world.

10. Alaska is both the westernmost and easternmost state in the USA.

Alaska ’s Aleutian Islands are actually located west of the 180th Meridian (the line that divides the eastern and western hemisphere), making it the only US state to be partly located in the eastern hemisphere.

A large seafood pizza displayed on a wooden board. The tomato and cheese pizza is topped with squid, muscles and other shellfish.

Foodie facts...

11. The most ordered meal on Deliveroo, a leading takeout app, in 2019 was a Hawaiian dish of raw fish.

Of all the restaurants served by the app, which operates in over 200 cities around the world, the most ordered meal was the Poké Signature Super Protéiné – a Hawaiian dish with raw fish as the core ingredient – from restaurant Pokawa in the city of Paris . Less exotic, a humble cheeseburger from the London branch of chain restaurant Five Guys was the second most ordered dish on the app.

12. Russia only classified beer as an alcoholic drink in 2011

Remarkably before then any drink with less than 10% alcohol was considered a ‘foodstuff’.

13. Pilots and co-pilots do not eat the same meal before a flight.

As part of standard convention, pilots and co-pilots do not eat the same food before a flight in case of food poisoning (or worse). If one of the pilots is incapacitated (unable to leave the bathroom) then the other pilot can take over.

14. Banana is a popular pizza topping in Sweden.

Often paired with curry powder believe it or not.

15. Instant noodles topped a Japanese poll of the country’s greatest inventions of the 20th century.

In the poll, conducted in the year 2000 by Fuji Research Institute, respondents placed instant noodles at the top of the list, followed by karaoke in second place. Incidentally karaoke translates from Japanese into English as ‘empty orchestra’.

The Eiffel Tower as viewed from across the Seine and framed neatly by two leafy trees in autumn colours

Lesser-known aspects of famous landmarks...

16. Despite what people say, the Great Wall of China is not visible from space.

Even from low Earth orbit the structure requires magnification to be seen by the human eye.

17. The Eiffel Tower was initially greatly disliked by the Parisian art community upon opening.

The iconic tower was labelled as ‘monstrous’ and ‘ridiculous’ after it was unveiled to the world. It’s even claimed that contemporary writer Guy de Maupassant disliked the structure so much that he ate lunch in the tower every day because it was the only place in Paris where the landmark was not visible.

18. The scenic Great Ocean Road, that sweeps along the coast of Victoria, Australia, is actually a war memorial.

Built by soldiers and dedicated to those who lost their lives in WWI, the road serves as the largest war memorial in the world.

19. Sudan has more ancient pyramids than Egypt.

Sources vary, but Sudan is claimed to be home to around 250 pyramid structures, that were built by the rulers of the ancient Kushite kingdoms between 2500BC to 300AD. Egypt is thought to have just over 100 pyramids.

20. The minarets of the Taj Mahal lean outwards slightly.

This was done deliberately to ensure that if the structure collapsed the minarets would fall away from the central tomb, and not destroy it. It’s also true that a team of 20,000 artisans and craftsmen built the iconic structure, but the popular story about them all being amputated by Shah Jahan, the ruler who commissioned it, upon completion (so they’d never build anything as beautiful), is most likely a myth.

An actress dressed as Mary Poppins smiles at a young child as she leads a line of children in song and dance in front of Cinderella's castle during Disney's 60th Diamond Celebration at Disneyland California.

Everything else...

21. There are currently 320,000 people learning ‘Klingon’ (the fictional language featured in television show Star Trek ) on language app Duolingo.

English is the most popular language on the app, with 34 million people undertaking lessons since the beginning of 2020.

22. On the island of Yap, a state of Micronesia, rocks are used as currency.

Each rock’s worth is based on its size and its history (where it came from). Though US dollars have now started to be used for everyday purchases on the island, rocks are still used for ceremonial transactions (during weddings, for example). Yap also uses turmeric, shells and cloth as official currency.

23. If it was as densely populated as New York City, the entire world's population could fit into the US state of Texas.

We wouldn’t have all that much room, but, with the rest of the planet uninhabited, there’d be plenty of places to go to escape the crowds.

24. You’re never more than 30 steps away from a trash can in Disneyland.

The story goes that Walt Disney used to observe visitors in the park and see how many steps they took before littering, as a result a litter bin is never more than 30 steps away in any Disney park. Another of Walt’s lesser-known Disneyland additions was the creation of a secret bar hidden inside the – then otherwise 'dry' – park, which he used to entertain personal guests and sponsors. The speakeasy-style venue, located behind a large door in the New Orleans Square section of the park, now runs as a private members club with an annual membership fee of $10,000.

25. You don't need to wait an hour after eating before you can swim safely.

Despite what your mother always told you, there is no medical data that suggests you can’t swim on a full stomach. It can, however, feel uncomfortable, and potentially lead to a feeling of nausea, so it’s best to take a short pause after polishing off your sandwich before you go crashing into the surf.

You might also like: Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel Quiz The amazing history of the London Tube Relax and unwind with these 7 Slow TV travel vids

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5 Best Things About Traveling On Water (& 5 Of The Worst)

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7 Places In North Carolina Bad For Retirement But Perfect For A Vacation

7 national parks where an outdoor survival class is recommended, skip rocky mountain for this rugged state park.

There are many different ways in which you can travel around the world, but one that seems to divide opinions more often than not is water transportation. Whether you're swimming, on a boat, or just messing around on something fun, it's a method that is both exciting and terrifying all at the same time.

RELATED: Under The Sea: 10 Majestic Shipwrecks You Should See In Person

Today, we're going to take a look at some of the many pros and cons that can be associated with this sort of thing, as well as how we personally feel about it all. But I think we can all agree that a jellyfish sting is the worst experience ever.

10 BEST - Water Sports

Water sports can mean anything from surfing to jet skis and beyond, and it’s something we’ve spoken about quite a bit. If you just want to take some time to yourself and have a bit of fun away from the stress of traveling, then there’s really no better way to do it than by challenging yourself in a new and different format.

Everyone loves a good adrenaline rush, and we all know that’s what this kind of form of entertainment provides people with. It’s silly to some but great to others.

9 WORST - Movie Stereotypes

Films like Jaws and Sharknado are incredibly different in their depiction of how ‘water’ works and how the sea functions, but with Jaws especially, a lot of folks received some lasting damage with that when it came to being a little bit fearful.

Movie stereotypes come and go as we all well know, but they stick with some more so than others, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Unfortunately, the fact of the matter is that there is an awful lot of stuff down there which we just don’t understand or perhaps don’t even know exists.

8 BEST - Peaceful

There’s barely anything to listen to or take on board (pun not intended), and instead, there’s just this sense of serenity that you don’t really get from all too many other forms of travel. You are quite literally away from the majority of human beings that you may know and love and while we’ve said that in a fairly daunting way, the premise behind it isn’t actually all that concerning in our opinion.

RELATED: 10 Coolest Water Parks In The World

Being at peace with yourself and whatever it is you’re doing is now, and will forever be, a powerful emotion.

7 WORST - Nothing But Sea

In the same manner, as the last entry was positive for a similar reason, this one is also a little bit negative. When looking north, it’s just sea. When looking south, it’s just sea. When looking east and west – you kind of get the picture.

This idea that there’s no form of civilization within a certain radius is kind of terrifying, and it’s one of the best functions that come with using air travel as opposed to a boat in order to get around. It sounds a bit pathetic, but it’s the truth.

6 BEST - Glass Bottom Boat

You probably aren’t going to see sharks down there, so we wouldn’t hesitate to say that a glass-bottom boat will be absolutely fine in terms of safety.

One of the great parts about it is that it gives people a better view of the ocean and all of the wonders that lie beneath it. From the colorful fish to just generally seeing how day to day life works for the guys and girls down there, it’s a lot of fun to immerse yourself in this different world. You may never do it again, but even having a go as a one-off can be beneficial.

5 WORST - Storms

It doesn’t just happen in TV shows: storms are a very real threat at all times when out on the water and it’s about time that people start coming to terms with that. So many travelers at sea underestimate the power and function of these storms, to the point where they risk losing their lives more often than not.

RELATED: The 10 Cities With The Cleanest Water

It’s all about being smart and not stepping over any boundaries because if you do, and orders aren’t followed, it can get a little bit sketchy and that’s the last thing you want.

4 BEST - Fishing

It doesn’t matter what the type of fish is, because fishing is an activity that goes back years upon years – and it never gets old. Whether it be with friends, on your own or perhaps even with some colleagues, there’s no better feeling than getting out there in the open waters and just going for it.

Some are better than others at fishing on a boat, and you could argue there would be no time for this during a travel expedition, but we’d suggest there is always time to stop and smell the roses (or, you know, catch some fish).

3 WORST - The Temperature

There are certain places you could visit where the water, in the shallow depths of the sea, is pretty warm , and that’s fair enough. Predominantly, though, you’ll find yourself in a situation whereby it’s going to be pretty cold most of the time, and that’s a burden we all have to deal with.

Falling or jumping into waters that cold can often send your body into a state of shock and if the person in question isn’t careful, it could lead to a series of lasting repercussions in the long run.

2 BEST - Building Relationships

Having spent time at sea ourselves, we can confirm that it’s one of the best places to build and nurture a relationship. That can be a literal relationship with your partner, or perhaps just a forming of a friendship that you previously didn’t even consider to be a possibility.

RELATED: The 10 Most Photogenic Water Falls In The United States

The activities that people take part in when out at sea doesn’t really matter in this regard, because it can be whatever you want it to be. Open your mind up to new possibilities, and you may just be surprised by what you discover.

1 WORST - No Escape

It sounds scary and that isn’t our intention here, because we’re trying to take a more comedic approach with this last entry. When we say that there’s no escape, we mean that if you happen to be on a ferry or form of transport with folks you don’t like, it’s not like you can get off at the next step or go and hide away.

The odds are pretty strong that you’ll have to spend a significant amount of time with them, and it will quite literally feel like you’re trapped. Good luck with that!

NEXT: 10 Asian Beaches So Gorgeous They Look Fake

Water Facts

Written by Michael Bryan

Modified & Updated: 28 Apr 2024

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

Physical Sciences
Aquatic Facts
Conservation Facts
Drought Facts
Freshwater Facts
Hydration Facts
Irrigation Facts
Marine Facts
Water Cycle Facts

Water is life. All known lifeforms are dependent on it. According to studies, if we continue our current lifestyle, worsening water pollution and severe water shortage will affect the entire planet by 2040. Theoretically speaking, the world won’t run out of water. And the amount of water on earth has been the same for thousands of years now. However, we can run out of usable water one day. The current desalination technology we have to convert seawater to fresh water is very costly. And it can even worsen climate change. Everyone can make an impact if we start to conserve and enjoy water responsibly starting now. Here are 120 water facts you can read up to be in the know!

Water is the only substance that occurs in three states of matter.

Water is the only substance on Earth that comes in three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. Ice is water in a solid state and retains shape even if removed from the container. Meanwhile, liquid water is the form we are most familiar with. In this state, water has several uses including washing and drinking. The gas state of water, which is the moisture in the air, is also known as water vapor.

Water controls the Earth’s temperature.

Large bodies of water such as seas, huge lakes, and oceans, affect the climate of its nearby area. The water heats and cools more slowly than land. That’s why during summer, the coastal regions will stay cooler and typically have warmer winters.

Only 3.5% of the water on Earth is fresh.

Only 3.5% of the water on Earth is fresh and can be found on lakes, rivers, and streams, and wetlands. Freshwater includes icebergs, ice caps, and glaciers. Thus, much of the freshwater on Earth is not suitable for human consumption if not treated.

One of the most important uses of water is for agriculture.

One of the most substantial uses of water is for irrigation. In several regions in the world, around 70% of freshwater is for agriculture. Water makes it possible for fruits and plants to grow as well as to raise livestock.

Groundwater is the most abundant freshwater resource.

There are several types of water resources and one of these is the groundwater resource. Groundwater resource is the most abundant source of freshwater followed by rivers and lakes. Despite this, humans seldom use groundwater resources (water that fills the layers and cracks of soil, clay, and rock) because it is difficult to reach. Groundwater resources contain sediments that need to go through filtration to become drinkable.

Filtering stormwater is beneficial.

Stormwater resources or also known as runoff or rainwater come from extreme weather like hail, snow, and rain. When the water runs over the land and flows, it collects different types of pollutants like pesticides, engine oil, and fertilizer. The water from it could be harmful, but if it undergoes a series of filters that can remove dangerous toxins, it will effectively improve the water supply on land and lessen the pollutants as it flows back to the ocean.

Surface water resource exists in lakes and streams.

Surface water is the kind of water that is in streams and lakes. This is commonly used for clean water supply, irrigation, recreation, livestock, industry, hydroelectric energy, and transportation. Around 63% of the public or human water supply comes from surface water. Hence, the conservation of surface water is really important.

Water regulates body temperature.

Drinking water is vital to maintain body temperature. During physical activities and hot environments, the body loses water through sweating. The sweat keeps the body cool, however, the temperature of the body will rise if water is not replenished, it is because the body loses electrolytes (minerals in the body) and plasma (carries nutrients to the different parts of the body) when dehydrated.

Water helps the kidney to function efficiently.

Water helps the kidneys release waste products in the form of urine. It also aids to keep the blood vessels open so the blood can flow freely to the kidneys and deliver essential nutrients. The kidney needs to function well or waste products and excess fluid could build up inside the body.

Drinking water may improve mood and memory.

According to research, hydration affects the brain as well as the body. Light dehydration may change one’s mood or memory and can also increase anxiety. For some individuals, lack of water sometimes triggers migraines and headaches.

Drinking enough water may help you lose weight.

One of the benefits of drinking enough water is that it may help you lose weight. Evidence suggests that drinking water increases metabolism, which can help to burn calories. Drinking water half an hour before eating is more effective as this will make you feel fuller.

pH measures the quality of water.

pH or potential of hydrogen or power of hydrogen measures how acidic or basic water is. It ranges from 0 to 14, and 7 being neutral while less than 7 shows acidity. The pH of water is important because it tells if the water contains chemicals like phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon, as well as heavy metals such as lead, and copper.

Purified water is a type of water that goes through filtration.

Purified water is a kind of water that goes through filtration to remove different kinds of impurities. Some of the impurities and contaminants that have to be removed during filtration are bacteria, fungi, algae, chemical pollutants, and metals like lead and copper. To be identified as purified, it needs to have less than 10 ppm (part per million) which means that 99% of contaminants have been removed.

Tap water comes from the faucet.

As the name suggests, tap water comes directly from the faucet or tap. Unfortunately, it does not undergo purification, distillation, or any treatment. In the United States, tap water usually comes from three resources — rivers, lakes, or underground. Tap water serves different purposes like drinking, cooking , washing, and toilet flushing, and in a country like the United States, tap water is generally safe to drink because they follow strict compliances.

Distilled water is a kind of purified water.

Distilled water is a type of purified water that can be produced from the distillation process. The process of distillation is boiling pure water or H2O to remove contaminants. As the water is boiled, the water becomes steam or vapor which will be collected and cooled. Water treatment, like distillation, is important especially in places where water is not drinkable without chemical treatment or boiling.

More than 50% of illnesses are due to poor water and sanitation.

In some developing countries, about 80% of illnesses occur because of poor water and sanitation. Globally, 1 out of every 5 deaths below 5 years old is due to a water-related disease. Small worms and bacteria live in water naturally that is why safe and clean water is essential.

Water-borne diseases are spread by drinking contaminated water.

Humans may get water-related diseases by drinking contaminated water which contains microbes or bacteria . Some of the common water-borne diseases are cholera, hepatitis, malnutrition, typhoid fever, dysentery or severe diarrhea, and giardia or infection in the small intestine.

About 70% of the ice sheet in Antarctica is freshwater.

The present Antarctic ice sheet accounts for 90 percent of Earth’s total ice volume and about 70 percent of its freshwater. It houses enough water to raise the global sea level by 200 feet if completely melted. The ice sheet at the Pole is nearly two miles thick and constantly shifting.

Americans use about 5.7 billion gallons of clean water for toilet flushing.

On average, Americans flush the toilet around five times a day, which can be equivalent to 18.5 gallons of water. Daily, Americans use around 5.7 billion gallons of clean drinking water for toilet flushing. Thus, more water is consumed for toilet flushing than cooking or washing dishes.

A 10-minute bath can consume around 25 gallons of water.

Of all the indoor water use, half of it happens in the bathroom, and perhaps one of the most important activities that consumes it is bathing. This implies that a brief shower only uses 25 gallons of water while a full shower can utilize around 70 gallons of water.

Turning off the faucet while washing hands can save about 6 gallons of water every day.

Typically, an American washes their hands almost nine times each day. If you follow rules to clean your hands with a cleanser for approximately 20 seconds, you could save at any rate 6 gallons each day by turning off the tap while you rub and cleanse your hands.

You’ll save more water by using a dishwasher.

Generally, a dishwasher only uses about 4 gallons of water for every cycle, meanwhile, washing the dishes by hand would take about 20 gallons. If you do not have a dishwasher but still want to conserve water, just throw your leftovers into the rubbish, fill the sink with water, and wash the dishes at the same time as opposed to washing dishes individually under continuously flowing water. It’s important to take note that you’ll save a lot of water from your dishwasher if you only use it once it’s fully loaded.

Washing fruits and vegetables in a pan saves water.

To conserve water in cooking, instead of running water from the faucet, wash vegetables and fruits in a pan of water. Similarly, thawing food in the refrigerator instead of using water will even save more. When boiling food , only use sufficient water to fill the pot which will likewise preserve flavor and supplements.

A small drip from a faucet can waste around 20 gallons of water per day.

It is important to check the faucet and pipes for leaks. The little drip from the tap can waste around 20 gallons of water per day while bigger holes can throw away several gallons. Some faucet and pipe leaks can easily be identified while others require more effort such as asking or calling a skilled technician for help.

Water shortage is the lack of a safe water supply.

Water shortage is water insufficiency or an absence of safe water supplies. As the population in the world increases and climate change further affects the environment, it may result in the continuous diminishing of safe potable water which greatly affects families and their communities.

Climate change affects water resources.

Climate change has been affecting the intensity and frequency of rainfall which may result in either flooding or drought. Moreover, when disasters occur, this may destroy water supplies and make them polluted or contaminated that can risk the lives of millions of people.

Water shortage may lead to scarcity.

Besides the lack of drinking water, hunger is perhaps the greatest impact of water shortage. Water deficiencies straightforwardly add to bringing down crop yields and the death of domesticated animals. This can prompt food deficiencies and may lead to starvation.

Water pollution occurs when chemical substances contaminate the water.

Contamination happens when harmful substances like synthetic compounds (man-made products) or microorganisms affect streams, waterways, lakes, seas, springs, and other waterways. These contaminants are toxic to aquatic life as they ruin the organism’s life span, reproduction, and food chain.

Industrial waste is a major contributor to water pollution.

Industrial waste or waste products from the manufacturing and industrial sectors is a major contributor to water pollution . Several industrial sites produce toxic chemical wastes and pollutants, and although some are regulated, other facilities do not have proper waste management systems. In some rare cases, industries dispose of their wastes through nearby streams and lakes which easily pollute freshwater resources.

Ocean dumping results in water pollution.

Marine dumping or ocean dumping is the deliberate disposal of waste from vessels, aircraft, and other man-made structures in the ocean or sea. The waste materials that flow to the ocean allow algae to bloom and block waterways, resulting in seagrass and seaweeds, which affect and even cause death to the whole ecosystem.

One factor that causes water pollution is oil spills and leaks.

Oil is still arguably the most important energy source in the world but several accidents while transferring oil to vessels have immensely caused water contamination. Oil is denser, thus it floats and rapidly spreads out on the water surface. Furthermore, oil contains several toxic compounds which are harmful to sea creatures, birds, and humans.

Carbonated water has carbon dioxide gas.

The other names for carbonated water are sparkling water, club soda, soda water, seltzer water, and fizzy water. Carbonated water contains carbon dioxide gas (carbon dioxide gas has no odor but in high concentrations, it can have a sharp, acidic smell). Drinking carbonated water gives the same sensation as drinking soda but without calories and less sugar.

Rice water can make hair healthier and stronger.

Using rice water (a suspension of starch obtained by draining boiled rice ) as a hair care product will detangle your hair and make it smoother, shinier, and longer according to rice water enthusiasts. Rice water is also rich in vitamin B, vitamin E, fiber, magnesium, manganese, and zinc.

Tonic water is a carbonated soft drink.

Tonic water is a carbonated drink that contains a little amount of quinine. Quinine is a bitter-tasting, odorless medicine that is a treatment for fevers caused by malaria. Tonic water is commonly used as a drink mixer or non-alcoholic drink for cocktails like gin and tonic.

A gallon of water weighs around 8.34 pounds.

The exact weight varies on the level of density which depends on storage temperature. In the US, a gallon contains 128 ounces (3.785 liters) of water and weighs around 8.34 lbs or 3.78 kg at 62 °F (17 °C). While in the United Kingdom, a gallon has 160 fluid ounces, or 4.546 liters, and weighs about 10.022 lbs (4.546 kg).

The density of water is more or less 1 gram per milliliter.

The word density means the weight of a substance for a specific volume. The density of water is approximately 1 gram per milliliter. However, density changes with temperature and if there are substances diffused in it.

Ice is less dense than water.

Ice has a different structure from liquid water. The molecules in ice expand which results in its decreased density. This means that ice will have more volume compared to liquid water, making it lighter and able to float.

An Olympic-sized swimming pool can hold 660,430 gallons of water.

An Olympic-sized swimming pool measures 50 meters long, 25 meters wide, and a minimum of 2 meters deep. This kind of swimming pool typically holds 2,500,000 liters (2.5 megalitres of water) or 660,430 gallons of water. With this kind of water volume, it is roughly equal to 7 million cans of soda.

90% of the cost of bottled water is the bottle itself.

Did you know that the average time for a plastic bottle to completely degrade is more than 400 years? Interestingly, 90% of the cost of bottled water is the bottle itself and more than 25 million plastic bottles go to landfills each year in the United States alone. Meanwhile, 80% of these plastic bottles never get recycled.

Most people in the US believe that bottled water is cleaner.

People in the United States commonly believe that bottled water is purer, cleaner, and safer than tap water. These beliefs could also be attributed to how convenient it is to simply buy a small bottle of water wherever and whenever. Aquafina is one of the top-selling brands (if not the best selling brand) of bottled water in the United States where it generates more than $2.5 billion in sales annually.

Pepsi, Coca-Cola , and Nestlé are the world’s biggest bottled water companies.

As of 2020, Aquafina, Dasani, and Nestlé are the world’s top 3 leading brands of water bottle business. Aquafina is owned by PepsiCo, Dasani by Coca-Cola Company, and the Swiss multinational food and drinks processing conglomerate, Nestlé has its own bottled water products too. Other notable companies that are also on the list are Danone, Glaceau Smartwater, Poland Spring, Elmsford, Fiji Water, Ozarka, Perrier, and Évian.

The United Kingdom’s Holywell Bottling Plant is the oldest bottling plant in the world.

In 1621, the first bottled water appeared in United Kingdom’s Holy Well bottling plant. The bottling of mineral spring water became popular across Europe and eventually reached the United State in the 1700s. Drinking from bottled water coming from natural springs was believed to have healing and therapeutic effects thus making it easier to sell.

The boiling point of water is 100 °C.

The boiling point (the temperature at which a liquid boils and turns to vapor) of water is 100°C or 212°F. When the water reaches the temperature of 100°C, this is the time where we can see the bubbles starting to burst spontaneously and rapidly. Apart from cooking purposes, it can also be used for sanitation because boiling water kills or inactivates viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and other pathogens. On the flip side, water starts to freeze or becomes ice at 0°C or °F.

It takes 10 minutes to cook the classic hard-boiled egg.

Boiling an egg to perfection comes to your preference and may vary from 5 minutes to 10 minutes. Boiling an egg for 5 minutes will give you a set white and runny yolk; a liquid yolk for 6 minutes; almost set and deliciously sticky for 7 minutes; softly set for 8 minutes (good for Scotch eggs); 10 minutes for the classic hard-boiled egg which is mashable but not dry and chalky.

You can boil water in the microwave for as fast as 1 minute.

The waiting time for boiling water depends on your kitchen equipment. To boil 4 cups of water or 1 liter, it takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes in a pot on the stove with high heat and the lid on, but for a 1 liter of water that’s placed in an electric kettle, boiling takes between 4 to 5 minutes. Using a microwave is the fastest way to boil 1 liter of water in about 1 to 3 minutes.

Experts continue to stick with the “8×8 rule” for water intake.

There are tons of different opinions and theories on just how much water you should be drinking each day. Nonetheless, health experts generally recommend eight 8-ounce glasses or about 1.8 to 2 liters per day, also known as the “8×8 rule” which is very easy to remember.

You should be drinking every 20 minutes if you’re in a desert.

In a desert climate, the human body will significantly demand more water to stay hydrated. And if you’re traveling around on foot, experts suggest drinking 5 to 7 ounces of water every 20 minutes to replace the fluids necessary to stay hydrated.

Electrolytes are important to stay hydrated.

Most people assume that dehydration is caused by lack of water, and while it’s true to a certain degree, keep in mind that the depletion of electrolytes can also occur at the same time. Electrolytes not only hydrate the body but also maintain muscle function and repair damaged tissue. Some of the foods that are high in electrolytes are Swiss cheese, celery, lettuce, olives, tomatoes, unsweetened soymilk, low-fat yogurt, and of course, coconut water.

A sports drink is a good alternative for water after an exhausting exercise.

Gatorade is arguably the most popular sports drink on earth. This sports drink is filled with electrolytes that can help you recover after a grueling exercise, but keep in mind that it also contains sugar (although sugar will help your body absorb the electrolytes more efficiently), you may also try its new product line that has zero sugar if you’re trying to reduce or cut one from your diet. Gatorade’s main ingredients are water, sucrose (table sugar), dextrose, citric acid, natural flavor, sodium chloride (table salt), sodium citrate, monopotassium phosphate, and flavoring/coloring ingredients.

Make your sports drink using water, honey, salt, and fresh orange juice.

Did you know that it’s not that hard to make your own sports drinks? After all, water is its based ingredient. To begin, you need 8 cups fresh cold water, 3 tablespoons honey, 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt or sea salt, 3/4 teaspoon calcium magnesium powder, pinch cayenne, 3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, and 2 lemons.

Numerous people reported having more radiant skin after increasing their water intake.

Struggling from pimples and acne? Several kinds of toxins may have clogged the small pores on your epidermis and can cause concerns such as acne and pimples. Drinking more water will give you an edge in preventing severe pimples and acne because the more hydrated your skin is, the less your pores will clog.

Water keeps every system in your body functioning properly.

The most common benefits of drinking the right amount of water are the flushing of bacteria from your bladder, carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells, aiding digestion, preventing constipation, stabilizing the heartbeat, normalizing blood pressure, and regulating the body temperature.

The human tongue can detect a unique taste of water.

In contrast to the idea that “waster is a tasteless liquid,” experts have found that the human tongue can detect a unique taste of water using its sour-sensing cells. Moreover, some people reported that they can figure out the water’s taste, saying that some water can be sweeter, bitter, saltier, etc, depending on where it comes from, and believe that water does taste different in every country.

The water cycle is a constant motion of water above and below the surface of the Earth.

The constant motion of water inside our atmosphere and Earth is exhibited by the water cycle, which is an intricate operation involving a variety of procedures – liquid evaporates and turns into a cloud, bringing about rain or snow in the process.

Hard water has a dense amount of minerals.

Hard water is made when water filters gradually through sediments of chalk, gypsum, or limestone, which contain a large amount of calcium and magnesium. In some cases, consuming hard water can also be beneficial to the body.

Drinking hard water is safe.

In general, drinking hard water is safe. Moreover, it may even have extra benefits to your health since it carries essential minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. Although hard water may be safe to drink, the effect of hard water on your skin, hair, and other parts of the body is another story. Taking a hard water shower can cause dryness on your skin, along with other hair problems such as dandruff.

Hard water can be a challenge at home.

If you have hard water that’s running in your house, it will be very common for you to see stains in places where it usually flows or runs, plus, hard water can clog your pipes, decreasing water pressure. Furthermore, hard water can ruin water heater appliances because the higher the temperature, the more calcium and magnesium will harden into solid deposits. That is why it’s fairly common to see corrosion on water heater tanks in just a few months or years, thus reducing its lifespan or causing it to fail sooner than expected.

You can use a water softener if your water is too hard.

Soft water is water that does not have or only has a low concentration of calcium carbonate and other ions in it. If you have problems with hard water in your home, especially in your pipes, using a filtration system or water softener that removes build-up caused by minerals, is a good strategy.

Most of the tortoises’ moisture intake is coming from the grasses.

Adult tortoises can survive several weeks (some according to reports even up to 1 year) without drinking water. Most of the tortoises’ moisture intake comes from the grasses and wildflowers they consume in the spring. Moreover, they also hold water in their bladder and use it to rehydrate themselves. Generally, a tortoise can last a week without drinking fresh water granted they are in areas that are damped or with low humidity.

Kangaroo rats can survive without ever drinking any water.

Kangaroo rats live in a variety of desert niches such as open desert scrub, open grasslands, washes, and sandy soils. Native to western North America, kangaroo rats are small (mostly nocturnal) rodents that can survive without ever drinking any water. They don’t sweat, get their needed moisture from their seed diet, and their kidneys can generate concentrated urine. Some of its species may have the ability to lower their metabolic rates so they lose less moisture through breathing.

Some water-holding frogs can store water in its body for more than 2 years.

A water-holding frog can keep water in its body and live underground for many months. Whenever it rains, the water-holding frog absorbs all the water it needs and stores them in its bladder and pockets of its skin. They can hibernate underground and wait for another rainy season. Some water-holding frogs can store water in their bladder for more than 2 years.

A camel can survive a week without water and up to 5 months without food.

Contrary to popular belief, a camel’s hump is not for water storage, instead, they store water in their bloodstream. A camel can survive a week without water and up to 5 months without food. They can survive more than 35% percent body weight loss. In fact, they can drink up to 32 gallons or 145 liters of water at one drinking. The camel’s iconic humps are for their fat storage which they use to get energy when food and water are limited.

China uses more water than any other country.

Water has an extremely important role in the world economy. More than 65% of the freshwater that we use goes to agriculture. China is the leading country that uses most of the water (at least 362 trillion gallons per year), followed by the United States (216 trillion gallons), Brazil (95 trillion gallons), Russia (71 trillion gallons), and Mexico (53 trillion gallons).

India uses the least amount of water per person.

Out of the world’s top 10 countries that use the most water, India (1.4 billion in population) uses the least amount of water per person. India ranks 6th in the world that uses the most water (at least 30 trillion gallons per year), then England (20 trillion gallons), France (20 trillion gallons), Canada (19 trillion gallons), and Australia (12 trillion gallons). With a population of 332 million, the United States uses the most water per person out of all the top 10 countries.

Many commodities are transported in bodies of water.

Fishing in both salt and fresh water is a major source of food for many countries on our planet. Every day, people use bodies of water such as oceans, rivers, and lakes to transport their commodities, from food, manufactured products, oil, etc. This long-distance trade of commodities started since humans discovered how to travel from place to place by water and this practice will continue to remain the same for a very long time, if not in perpetuity.

We made a sport, entertainment, and recreation in and around water.

Water, snow, and ice are also pivotal to many sports and other forms of entertainment. Swimming is one of the most popular water sports, along with sport fishing, boating, surfing, boat racing, diving, ice skating, and skiing.

Humans developed the ability to detect a water’s potability.

Pure water usually tastes and smells nothing. Nonetheless, we humans have the ability to detect when water is inside our mouths. Interestingly, us humans and other animals have evolved senses that allow us to distinguish what water is drinkable or not.

Seawater holds about 3.5% sodium chloride.

On average, seawater holds about 3.5% sodium chloride including smaller amounts of other substances. The physical properties of seawater are not the same as freshwater. In general, seawater freezes at about -2°C or 28.4°F because of the salt in it, while freshwater freezes at 0°C or 32°F.

Don Juan Pond has a salinity of over 40%.

The world’s saltiest water is located in Antarctica. Don Juan Pond has more than 40 percent salinity, so it never freezes even at temperatures as low as -30°C or -22°F. To compare, the Dead Sea has a salinity of 34 percent which is roughly 8.6 times saltier than ocean water.

The moon ‘s gravitational pull creates high and low tides.

The moon affects the ocean’s tides. When one of the earth’s side is closer to the moon, the stronger the moon’s gravitational pull will be, which will then cause the oceans to rise, thus creating high tides.

Water is essential to all forms of life.

In terms of biology, water has a lot of unique components that are essential for the growth of life. It does this job by enabling organic compounds to behave in a manner that will eventually permit duplication.

Plasma is the liquid part of blood that is made of 92% water.

Liquids and solids make up the human blood, and plasma is the liquid part of that blood. As the largest part of the blood, plasma contains at least 92% of water, with the rest of it being salts and enzymes. On the other hand, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, comprise the solid part of the blood.

Water is a fundamental part of photosynthesis.

Water is a fundamental part of photosynthesis, the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and energy. Throughout the process of photosynthesis, 6 molecules of carbon dioxide and 6 molecules of water react in the presence of sunlight to form one glucose molecule and six molecules of oxygen. The purpose of water is to deliver oxygen from the water molecule into the atmosphere in the form of oxygen gas.

The oldest life forms appeared in the water.

Earth’s water surface is filled with life and the oldest life forms appeared in it. Almost all fish live completely in water, along with certain types of marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins. Several kinds of animals, such as amphibians (a group of vertebrates that has adapted to live in both water and on land), are known to spend their lifetime in and out of water.

Kelp and algae grow in water.

Plants, such as kelp and algae, grow in water. They are the foundation for underwater ecosystems along with plankton, which is a diverse collection of organisms living in water that are unable to move against a current. Planktons perform a very important role in the oceanic food chain.

Vertebrates that are living in water require oxygen to survive.

Fish have gills instead of lungs. We humans cannot breathe underwater since our lungs do not have enough surface area to absorb enough oxygen from water. The human lungs have adapted to handle air better than water.

Interestingly, some species of fish have both gills and lungs. The lungfish is a type of freshwater fish that can live on land without water for many months. In fact, they can even drown if they stay underwater for a long time.

The ancient river civilizations began 5,000 years ago.

Roughly 5,000 years ago, the first civilizations that lived near water arose along the banks of large rivers. The Tigris and the Euphrates in Mesopotamia (now known as Iraq), the Indus River in India, the River Nile in Egypt, and the Yellow and Blue rivers in China were the first river civilizations.

More than 1 billion people live without enough clean water.

Although the earth may seem to be filled with so much water, it’s crucial to remember that clean fresh water will not always be available when humans need it. Furthermore, more than half of the world’s freshwater is located only in six countries (Brazil, Russia, Canada, Indonesia, China, and Colombia) and more than 1 billion people live without enough clean water.

Singapore spent billions to develop innovative ways to solve its water demands.

Currently, there are 17 reservoirs in Singapore. The country has two separate systems to collect rainwater and used water. Rainwater is gathered through a sophisticated network of drains, canals, and rivers and routed to the reservoirs before it is treated for drinking. Due to its limited natural resources, the Lion City has spent billions to develop innovative ways to solve its water demands. Singapore even imports water from Malaysia through a large pipeline over the causeway.

Singapore is one of the world leaders in desalination technology.

The “obsession” to have abundant freshwater drove the country to become one of the leaders in desalination technology. In simpler terms, desalination is a process that removes the surplus of salt from saltwater and turns it into something drinkable. Singapore currently has 4 desalination plants.

Desalination can be a threat to the environment.

Some people would argue that using desalination technology is the answer to water shortage. This is because the earth is extremely abundant with it. However, the energy requirements for desalination are too high that the cost for a lot of countries would be unbearable.

Moreover, desalination can even possibly increase fossil fuel dependence, increase greenhouse gas emissions, and worsen climate change. These unless renewable energy sources are used for freshwater production.

China uses a water grading system.

China breaks down its water resources into six grades. The “top three” are safe for human use, and the lowest is grade VI or unfit even for industrial or irrigation purposes. Currently, more than 70% of China’s water is estimated to be in the top 3 grades, while 6.9% is Grade V to Grade VI quality.

Water scarcity is a threat in China.

Several factors lead to China’s water problems. These include the severely growing population and the rapid economic expansion that has led to water shortages in some of its places. According to some reports, the biggest challenge for China is how to distribute its water rather than the lack of it, because more than 75% of China’s water supply lies in southern China. However, it can’t be denied that China’s rivers are also drying up over the past 25 years.

Humanity is facing a water crisis more than ever.

Water scarcity is also known as water crisis or water stress. The water crisis is the lack of freshwater resources to match the standard water demand. Humanity is facing a water crisis more than ever because of unequal distribution (worsened by climate change) that led to some very dry and very wet geographic locations.

An average person drinks about 30,000 gallons of water in their lifetime.

If a person drinks 1 gallon of water each day or 3.7 liters and lives for approximately 82 years, this will be 30,000 gallons of water consumed in a lifetime. 30,000 gallons of water is enough to fill a 20 ft x 40 ft swimming pool with an average depth of 5 ft.

Tim Cocker is the world’s fastest water drinker.

Tim Cocker holds the Guinness World Record of being the fastest water drinker. He made this feat on December 9, 2015, during the XFM Breakfast Show in London where drank 500ml of water in just 1.75 seconds.

2 billion people around the world could be drinking contaminated water.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 2 billion people around the world drink contaminated water. WHO estimates that in 2025, half of the earth’s population will be living in water-stressed areas.

person holding contaminated water in a bottle

More than 20% of health care facilities have no water services.

In the least developed countries across the globe such as Sudan, Togo, and Uganda, more than 20% of health care facilities have no water, sanitation, and waste management services. Extreme lack of water supply and desertification makes life even harder in Sudan. Ironically, at least 70% of Sudanese work and rely on agriculture, which accounts for about 90% of its water use.

Some people in Uganda spend about 20% of their income to buy water.

Roughly 8 million Ugandan citizens don’t have access to safe water. Also, 27 million of their people don’t have access to advanced sanitation facilities. Furthermore, due to differences in water access in the country, urban people living in poverty pay about 20% of their income to access clean water from water vendors.

Vectors multiply mostly in clean water.

Insects that breed in water usually transmit diseases such as dengue fever and malaria. Few of these insects, known as vectors, multiply mostly in clean water rather than dirty water. In fact, household water containers can serve as breeding areas for these insects. Each one of us can fight and prevent this by simply covering water storage containers and keeping our surroundings dry and clean.

Having clean water access will bring greater productivity.

When people have direct access to clean water sources, they spend less time and effort physically collecting it. In other words, each individual will drastically improve their productivity if they have clean water access. Above all, having a clean water source will result in a safer environment. This will also lessen expenditure on medical bills, or at the very least, peace of mind.

American Water is one of the world’s biggest water companies.

American Water (a publicly traded company listed on NYSE as AWK) is one of the world’s biggest water companies. Headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, American Water or AWK has more than 7,000 employees and currently provides services to roughly 14 million people in 46 American states. Water companies such as AWK are amongst what hedge fund managers call “defensive stock”— regardless of whether the economy is up or down, people would still need to drink, take a bath, and wash their dishes thus water companies should be poised to continue banking steady profits.

Companies in the water industry are also responsible for wastewater services.

The big water companies usually don’t just give supply water to households. They are also responsible for wastewater services, including sewage treatment. The most basic water supply facilities today are water wells, water tanks, cisterns for rainwater harvesting, water supply networks, water purification facilities, water towers, and water pipes. Drinking water is often obtained at springs, extracted from borings (drilling a hole to make a well), or pumped from rivers and lakes.

The water industry could be operated by the government, private sector, or under co-operative ownership.

There is a diversity of organizational structures in the water industry. However, it’s very common for a country to have a monopoly, which usually changes over time depending on their contract. In some places, the ownership of water infrastructure/operations is under a local or national government. In developing and developed countries, it’s normal to see private ownership in the water industry to give its services to the people, and there are a few out there under co-operative ownerships or non-profit organizations as well.

The human brain is 75% water.

The human brain and a living tree have something in common — they are both 75% water. For humans, this means that dehydration (for as low as 2%) can harm brain functions. Dehydration, lack of sodium, and electrolytes can cause fatigue, headaches, stress, sleep issues, and concentration.

In the U.S., restaurants have no legal obligation to serve free drinking water to customers.

In the United States, the law does not require restaurants to serve free drinking water to their customers. However, most restaurants throughout the country offer it as a courtesy. They provide complimentary drinking water or “house water.” The average cost for water supplied to a residential property in the U.S. is at least $2.00 for 1,000 gallons or equal to 5 gallons for a penny.

Based on the Mpemba effect, hot water freezes faster than cold water.

According to some experiments, there are times when hot water can freeze faster than cold water under some conditions. However, it’s still subject to debate why it happens or if it really happens. The Mpemba effect is the term for the “hot water will freeze faster than cold water.”

Water is available on Mars in the form of ice.

Water is available on Mars in the form of ice under the regolith and at the poles. A series of evidence shows that water is abundant on the Red Planet way back. This has played a significant role in Mar’s geological history. It is believed that water flowed on Mars. Ancient river valley networks and lake beds that went dry after being carved by floods show its possibility.

Currently, Mar’s water inventory is estimated from spacecraft images and surface investigations by landers and rovers sent there.

Water is a fundamental part of most religions.

Most religions consider water as a purifier. Judaism , Hinduism , Taoism, Shinto, Wicca, and Christianity includes ritual washing in their faiths. Water immersion of an individual is a fundamental sacrament of Christianity or popularly known as baptism. This practice is also part of the rituals of other religions.

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30 Travel Facts You Probably Didn't know

With the rise of global connectivity and social media apps like Instagram allowing for stunning images and videos to be shared from all corners of the earth, travel is now more popular than ever. People travel for a variety of reasons, with curiosity and intrigue generally being at the forefront of everyones desire to explore foreign lands. The coronavirus pandemic has halted the plans of many would-be globe trotters and left many fires burning in the minds of those with endless wanderlust. To help keep your wanderlust somewhat satiated we have put together a list of quirky travel facts you probably didn’t know:

1. Jet lag is worse when travelling from west to east

Jet lag is probably the worst part of travelling and It’s almost impossible to prepare against it. Research shows that human beings struggle more to adapt to shorter days rather than longer ones. Since our internal clock seems to be just over 24 hours, travelling from west to east shortens the day and therefore is harder to adapt to.

2.The world’s shortest international flight is 15 minutes (literally)

The shortest international flight possible is a 15 minute flip from the Dutch territory, Saint Maarten to Anguilla, a British territory in the Caribbean.

3.Bangkok is not the Thai capital’s full name

View this post on Instagram A post shared by мιимιи 📸 (@phantomminn)

Bangkok is the English name for the capital of Thailand . Written out fully in Thai it is way, way longer. Here it is in all its glory:

Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit

It directly translates to:

The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (unlike Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn.

4. Å, Norway

There is a town in Norway simply called ‘Å’, pronounced ‘aw’.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Davide Campagna (@davcampa)

5. Australia, a beach paradise

Sydney isn’t the only Australian city with a beach, the massive island continent boasts over 10,000 beaches and 25,760km of coastline.

6. New wanderlust

Wanderlust has become severely overused and almost cliche (guilty), from questionable tattoos to smart phone wallpapers. If you’re looking for another way to express your burning desire for adventure, why not try the German ‘fernweh’ which means ‘far sickness’ or an intense urge to travel.

7. Kiribati conquering

The Pacific island of Kiribati is the only country to lie all four hemispheres as it sits over the equator and stretches across the western and eastern hemispheres.

8. Saudi Arabia is dry

This is not just a reference to the lack of alcohol (legally) but Saudi has no official rivers.

9. We’re not that different

4% of all the world’s languages are spoken by 96% of its population.

10. French Time

France covers more timezones than any other country in the world. This might not make any sense at first glance, but remember, France owns a fair few islands across the world.

11. Russia is bigger than Pluto

Maybe not such an impressive feat since Pluto was stripped of its planet status, but either way, Russia is pretty damn big.

12. Linguistically gifted Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea has over 820 languages listed as spoken in the country. And to think most of us struggle to learn a second language.

13. Fountain of Philanthropy

Every coin thrown into Rome’s Trevi Fountain is collected and donated to various charitable organisations. So go on, toss that coin! It’s for a good cause!

14. Stilt city

Ganvie in Benin is Africa’s largest city built entirely on stilts.

15. Busiest Airport

You’d probably expect a central travel hub like Dubai or London Heathrow to hold the title of the world’s busiest airport, but in reality the busiest airport in the world is Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta, USA .

16 . Las Vegas

Even the most avid lover of nightlife could never sleep in every hotel in Sin City – it would take 400 years to do that.

17. When goats climb

There’s a village in Morocco where goats regularly climb trees to eat the argan berries? It most definitely requires a second look.

18. Florida Strikes Again

South Florida is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist naturally in the wild. Might be worth giving it a skip if you’re a water lover!

19. Kentucky Bourbon

The number of bourbon barrels in Kentucky outnumbers its population by more than two million.

20. Cappadocia’s Underground Cities

The underground caves in Cappadocia , Turkey are a massive drawcard for tourists thanks to their surreal beauty which create an incredible landscape. But did you know they were once inhabited cities? The deepest was Derinkuyu, at 279ft deep, which, at its peak, may have housed up to 20,000 christians trying to flee persecution from the Roman Empire.

21. Lightning can strike twice

Venezuela’s Lake Maracaibo has the highest density of lightning on the planet . There are 150 nights of lightning per annum, 10 hours a day and approximately 280 strikes per hour.

22. The island capital

Sweden is reportedly home to the world’s most islands, boasting 267,570 of them. This makes it the world’s ‘island capital’.

23. Squaremelons

Did you know that in Japan watermelons are square? Apparently this growing method was developed for organisational convenience in people’s fridges. The melons are grown in boxes and assume the shape of the container. They tend to appeal to wealthy or fashionable consumers because they cost anywhere from two to three times of what a normal watermelon does.

24. Not local in Singapore

Singapore is the largest country in the world that has no farms. The country’s five million residents consume food that is entirely imported. This purely comes down to the island being so developed that there is no space for agricultural land.

25. Canadian Water

Canada is the second largest country in the world and boasts over 60 per cent of all the world’s natural lakes – which means its home to more water than the rest of the world combined.

26. The driest place on earth is full of ice?

No one would argue with you if you thought the Sahara Desert was the driest place on Earth – but that accolade actually goes to Ross Island in Antarctica, where it hasn’t rained for millions of years.

27. Monaco Money

Monaco might be the second smallest country in the world by area (Vatican City is the smallest) but its population packs a punch. Along with being the most densely-populated country in the world, it is home to the largest number of millionaires and billionaires in the world per capita.

28. Road Trip

A fan of road trips? Well why not tackle the Pan-American Highway, the world’s longest drivable road. It stretches a whopping 30,000 miles long, and runs from Canada to South America.

29. Going Up? Oui, oui

The Eiffel Tower in Paris is so popular that its lifts travel a combined distance of 64,000 miles every year.

Dubai is not only home to 20 per cent of the world’s cranes, but it also boasts the world’s tallest structure (the 2,716 ft-high Burj Khalifa), the world’s tallest hotel (the 72-storey, 1,165 ft JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Hotel), the world’s largest shopping centre (the Dubai Mall), and the world’s biggest aquarium (in the Dubai Mall). None of these are that surprising to be fair.

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9 Amazing Facts About River Otters

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

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Animal Rights
Endangered Species

North American river otters are semi-aquatic mammals endemic to the U.S. and Canada. Three other species: southern river otters, neotropical river otters, and marine otters are found in Central and South America and Mexico. North American river otters are classified as least concern by IUCN, while southern and marine river otters are endangered and neotropical river otters are near threatened.

River otters make their homes near lakes, rivers, swamps, and estuaries. They are adaptable thanks to long, thin bodies, thick fur, and webbed feet. An indicator species, they provide information about the health of their habitat. From amazing diving skills to bone-crushing teeth, discover the most interesting facts about North American river otters.

1. River Otters Are Not Sea Otters

North American river otters are not to be mistaken for sea otters, which live exclusively in the ocean. River otters, which weigh 20 to 25 pounds on average, are much smaller than sea otters, which weigh between 50 and 100 pounds. River otters spend part of their time on land and live in dens, while sea otters rarely come on shore. You can also tell a river otter by its long, sleek body, webbed and clawed feet, and long, muscular tail that is slightly flattened and tapers toward the end.

2. They Are Strong Swimmers

River otters are amazing swimmers. They can stay underwater for almost eight minutes and swim at a rate of nearly seven miles per hour. In a single dive, a river otter can travel as deep as 60 feet.

The eyes and ears of river otters are well-placed high on their heads for surface swimming. River otters swim on their bellies, and both their ears and nostrils can be closed for underwater swimming and diving.

3. They Can Also Walk on Land

Though brilliant swimmers, river otters are as comfortable on land as they are in the water. River otters can walk and run easily on land, traveling as fast as 15 miles per hour. They are even agile maneuvering through vegetation, and are known to slide on slippery surfaces, like ice and mud, as a speedy way of getting from one place to another.

River otters typically inhabit a range area of three to 15 square miles, but may travel as far as 10 to 18 miles a day to search for their favorite aquatic foods.

4. River Otters Are Social Creatures

River otters are playful, social animals. Depending on their location, river otters may live alone, in pairs, or in small groups. Females live with their pups, and in some areas, males live in groups with other males. They often engage in group social behaviors like playing in the snow and wrestling each other in the water. This behavior not only creates bonds among the animals, it also allows young otters to learn and practice skills needed for hunting and survival.

Vocal animals, they communicate with sounds that include chirps, chuckles, whistles, and screams. River otters also leave scent markings in their area to convey information to their group.

5. They Build Cozy Dens

River otters build their dens strategically. Dens are located close to the water line of rivers and lakes, and have multiple entrances underwater and on dry land. They are often excavated under trees or rocks, or in burrows abandoned by beavers or muskrats. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass.

Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. Young pups are born helpless, and remain in the den until they are weaned at about three months.

6. River Otters Are Both Predator and Prey

Fast, agile swimmers with a mean bite, river otters have few natural predators when they are in the water. On land, however, they must be wary of predators such as bobcats, coyotes, mountain lions, wolves, black bears, and alligators. Even domestic dogs pose a threat to the river otter on land.

River otters use their long vibrissae, or whiskers, to locate prey in murky water. Carnivores, they feed primarily on aquatic creatures including fish, turtles, and crabs, and occasionally prey on birds and their eggs and small mammals.

7. They Have Bone-Crushing Teeth

River otters are equipped with 36 large, impressive teeth. Once they catch their prey, river otters use their powerful jaws and sharp teeth to make short work of their meal, even crustaceans. They have canines that deliver a lethal bite, and molars that are adapted for grinding and crushing prey, including those with shells, like mollusks.

They may consume smaller fish and prey at the water’s surface, but will bring larger fish to shore to eat.

8. They Are an Indicator Species

River otters play an important ecological role in their habitat. As apex predators that eat at the top of the food web, when pollutants enter their watershed habitat, river otters are the first to show signs of the existence of contaminants.

In addition, a strong and active river otter population is an indicator of a healthy habitat for otters, humans, and other species.

9. Some River Otters Are at Risk

While North American river otters have a stable population and are not considered at risk, the biggest threat to all river otters is humans. Southern river otters and marine otters are endangered, and neotropical river otters are near threatened. River otters have been hunted for their pelts since the 1500s, and in some areas they are still trapped for their fur.

By the late 1800s and early 1900s, river otters had disappeared from much of their historic range. Conservation projects to bring river otters back to their natural habitats have proven to be successful. However, oil spills, water pollution, ecosystem stresses, and habitat destruction continue to be threats to this semi-aquatic mammal. They are also accidentally caught in fishing nets and in traps set for beavers and raccoons.

Save the River Otters

Vote for and support environmental legislation that protects the environment.
Support the River Otter Ecology Project by making a donation or adopting an otter.
Donate to the Otter Specialist Group to support otter conservation and research programs.

" North American River Otter: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species ." International Union for Conservation of Nature .

" North American River Otter. " The National Wildlife Federation .

" Seven Quick Facts About River Otters ." National Forest Foundation .

" North American River Otter ." Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute .

Rostein, Regan, et al. " Why Do River Otters Scent-Mark? An Experimental Test of Several Hypotheses ." Animal Behaviour , vol. 68, no. 4, 2004, pp. 703-711, doi:10.1016/j.anbehav.2003.10.027

" Understanding Watersheds ." The River Otter Ecology Project .

" Marine Otter ." International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species .

" Neotropical Otter ." International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species .

" Southern River Otter ." International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species .

" North American River Otter ." Otter Specialist Group .

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Great Wolf Lodge is coming to Florida soon. Here are 12 fun facts about water park resort

W hile some South Florida residents love having the beach in their backyard, others might want a taste of the mountains every once in a while. Luckily, they're getting their wish in time for the holiday season .

Florida's first Great Wolf Lodge resort in Naples is set to open at the beginning of the fall, hosting a grand opening on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Sitting near the Interstate 75 and Collier Boulevard interchange , the 20-acre resort includes 500 suites, multiple eateries and hosts several family-friendly attractions, including the 100,000-square-foot indoor water park.

Here are some fun facts about the waterpark and wilderness resort company before Florida residents book their stay:

Great Wolf Lodge was founded in Wisconsin

Great Wolf Lodge at first had a slightly different name when it came onto the scene.

Great Wolf Lodge originally began as a small indoor water park resort called Black Wolf Lodge, founded in 1997 by brothers Jack and Andrew "Turk" Waterman, the original owners of Noah's Ark Water Park in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

The name change didn't happen until a few years later when Black Wolf Lodge was purchased by The Great Lakes Companies Inc in 1999. In 2000, president and founder, Craig A. Stark, and the team changed the name to Great Wolf Lodge, and its company headquarters was established in Madison, Wisconsin.

Great Wolf operates North America's largest family of indoor water park resorts

The biggest attraction at Great Wolf Lodge is its huge indoor water park that can be enjoyed by all ages at any time of the year. Today’s Great Wolf Lodges typically have over 75,000 square feet along with water park space that includes several attractions and different size slides.

The resorts tie local environment to its theming

As it is in its name, Great Wolf Lodge does tend to focus on wolves within their branding and merchandise; however, while the Great Wolf Lodge doesn't share a specific location for their usual theming, some reports share that designers will tie in the location around them to their overall design.

So in Naples, we could see some alligators or panthers motifs pop up around the resort. Maybe a lizard or two, not counting the anoles that sneak into the resort from outside.

In 26 years, Great Wolf Lodge has grown to 20 locations across the country

In addition to Naples, the company will open a location in the Houston area next month and has another targeted in Mashantucket, Connecticut that's slated to open in early 2025. Work for a Jackson, Tennessee venue was delayed at the end of last year, with the latest updates from Jackson Sun showing the city's planning department hoping to complete the design phase.

Here are 20 locations currently open:

Anaheim, CA
Bloomington, MN
Concord, NC
Colorado Springs, CO
Fitchburg, MA
Grand Mound, WA
Grapevine, TX
LaGrange, GA
Kansas City, KS
Manteca, CA
Mason, OH .
Niagara Falls, ON
Perryville, MD
Pocono Mountains, PA
Sandusky, OH
Scottsdale, AZ
Traverse City, MI
Williamsburg, VA
Wisconsin Dells, WI

More water parks to consider: Water parks might be the way to escape Florida’s brutal heat. 17 to consider

Great Wolf goes international: Sites planned, considered in Canada and England

The water park resort will be expanding beyond the United States. Back in 2021 , it was announced that Great Wolf Lodge would be coming to Chesterton in Bicester. According its website , the intended completion date for the first European resort's construction is scheduled for late 2024.

As other potential sites besides the U.S., other contenders over the years have been said to include:

Squamish, British Canada
Cornwall, Ontario
Basingstoke, Hampshire, England

The biggest Great Wolf Lodge is in Maryland

Perryville's Great Wolf Lodge opened last year boasting winding water slides, obstacle courses, interactive "quests" and more.

The over $250 million project is the biggest waterpark in the chain's history so far, taking up 48 acres of space with 128,000 square feet of waterparks, 57,000 square feet of family entertainment, and a 700-room resort.

You can go to the water park without spending the night

Most of Great Wolf's resorts offer day passes to its water park.

While a price has not been set locally for Naples, day passes in more recent resorts have been priced at $80 for a weekday pass per person and $120 for Saturday or Sunday. Children 2 and younger can get the passes for free.

However, Florida guests should hang tight since it won't be available immediately when it opens. Officials said there are more than 800 parking spots for the 500-room resort but they want to understand what the guest pattern is first.

"The best way to experience Great Wolf is to stay overnight, and be able to enjoy our restaurants, our 61,000-square-foot adventure park, in addition to the water park," said Jason Bays , the Great Wolf Lodge South Florida general manager who comes to Florida after leading the chain's Atlanta area site.

The best age to stay at the resort is between 7 to 13, experts say

While there's something fun and exciting available for every single age group, experts at Coupon Craving recommend that the best age to enjoy Great Wolf Lodge is those between the ages of 7 to 13.

It costs between $300 to $700 to spend the night at the lodge in Florida, but there are deals

Depending on the size of the room, the number of guests, and the season , patrons can book a vacation for roughly $300–$700 per night.

The Naples Daily News previously reported that participating in clubs like AAA can save you up to $100 or so, depending on the day, and your membership number from those is required for reservations. They also highlight using promo codes when booking and checking discount sites, such as Groupon, first.

Currently, the resort is offering a grand opening sale with up to 30% off, you have have to use the promo code "GRAND." The deal applies to dates from Sept. 25, 2024 until Jan. 2, 2025.

Resorts turn into 'Snowland' during holidays

This year, Floridians will be howlin' for the holiday traditions at Great Wolf Lodge.

Great Wolf Lodge's rings in the holidays with their annual " Snowland " celebrations, with whimsical holiday décor around their grand lobbies as snowflakes "suspend from the ceiling and snow blankets cover the resort’s famous fireplace."

The lobby is home to a nightly snowfall celebration, an interactive holiday show that invites families to gather to ring jingle bells, sing seasonal melodies, and participate in a festive dance party to conjure magical snow flurries, its site says.

Resort was featured on an episode of 'Undercover Boss'

In 2010, Great Wolf Lodge’s CEO, Kim Schaefer, appeared on the CBS reality show “Undercover Boss," which features heads of companies posing as employees of the company while being secretly filmed.

Schaefer posed as a stay-at-home mom returning to the workforce as she visited several Great Wolf Lodge branches. She worked as a lifeguard supervisor, a front desk clerk, wait staff at the Lodge’s restaurant, and as part of the children’s programs.

In the end, Schaefer was so touched by one of the employees that Schaefer worked with, Deanna Lyons. She said she was moved by her dedication and enthusiasm for her job that Lyons was promoted and received a salary increase.

For any fans of magic quests, they have their own interactive wand system

Great Wolf Lodge has a special scavenger hunt game called Magi Quest for guests to uncover secret quests throughout the resort.

If you wish to purchase a special Magi Quest wand, you can use the wand with interactive devices located throughout the entire lodge. During your journey, you’ll collect magical items, learn powerful Runes, and then use them to complete fantastic adventures. You can also heal the Pixie in her enchanted garden or face the fiery wrath of the Red Dragon.

The game can take up to nine hours if you go through all of the quests and can also be used with interactive devices located in the themed guest suites.

Mickey Mouse and Minions step aside — they have their own mascots

Like any amusement park, Great Wolf Lodge has mascots that show up for children’s activities and at character breakfast buffets. The mascots include Wiley Wolf, Violet Wolf, Oliver Raccoon, Rachel Raccoon, Brinley Bear, and Sammy Squirrel.

At the Lodge’s Clubhouse Crew, kids can choose from the mascots and make one for themselves in the gift shop. These interactive stuffed animals can be used with devices throughout the resort and in the themed guest rooms.

Speaking of mascots, they have appeared in an animated movie

Great Wolf Entertainment and 6 Point Harness produced an animated film called " The Great Wolf Pack: A Call to Adventure ," which premiered at Great Wolf Resorts in 2022.

The film, directed by former Disney animator Chris Bailey ( Runaway Brain ), follows the adventure of five newly-redesigned versions of mascot characters Wiley Wolf, Violet Wolf, Oliver Raccoon, Brinley Bear, and Sammy Squirrel.

Contributing: Phil Fernandez, Naples Daily News

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Great Wolf Lodge is coming to Florida soon. Here are 12 fun facts about water park resort

Families and guests at Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine participate in an evening storytime in the Grand Lobby.

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