Lonely Planethas been a trusted familiar for travelers since 1973 . Founded by Tony and Maureen Wheeler , this iconic brand began with a unproblematic guidebook , " Across Asia on the Cheap , " documenting their journey from London to Australia . Over the years , Lonely Planet has develop into a orbicular phenomenon , offer a riches of travel - link up content . From quirky fact like Sweden ’s banana pizza to the Earth ’s shortest commercial flight inScotland , Lonely Planet ’s guides are packed with unparalleled insights . Whether you ’re a veteran Internet Explorer or a curious reader , these 50 facts about LonelyPlanetwill take fire your wanderlust and deepen your appreciation for the world ’s various culture and landscapes .
Key Takeaways:
The Birth of Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet start as a humble task by two adventuresome souls , Tony and MaureenWheeler . Their journey from London to Australia sparked the creation of atravelguide that would interchange the way people explore the world .
The First Lonely Planet Guide : " AcrossAsiaon the Cheap " was the first guidebook , published in 1973 . It documented Tony and Maureen ’s overland journeying , extend practical advice for budgettravelers .
The Hippie Trail : This guidebook generalize the " hippie trail , " a route throughTurkey , Tehran , India , and Bangkok . It became a symbol ofbackpackingand counterculture travel .
Afghanistan in the 1970s : The guidebook included tips for travel in Afghanistan , a safer terminus for touristsbackthen . Itevenmentioned where to come up haschisch cookies in Afghan bakeries .
Tony Wheeler ’s Anecdotes : Tony ’s personalstories , like encountering stoned Americans at the Afghanistan border , added humor and relatability to the guidebook .
Unique Travel Facts
Traveling open up a globe of unique experience and fascinatingfacts . Here are some intriguing tidbits that Lonely Planet has bring out over the geezerhood .
The World ’s Longest Commercial Flight : Qantasoperated the longest commercial-grade flight from Australia to Sri Lanka during World War II . This " Double Sunrise " flight lasted over 30 hours .
The Shortest Commercial Flight : The shortest trajectory operate between Westray and Papa Westray in Scotland ’s Orkney Islands , taking less than two minutes .
India ’s Railway internet : India’srailwaystransport about 23 million passengers daily . If laid out in a individual line , the track couldcirclethe world one and a one-half times .
Saudi Arabia ’s Unique Geography : Saudi Arabia is one of 17 countries without a permanentriver , prepare its geography quite alone .
Ethiopia ’s Calendar : Ethiopiauses a calendar that is seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar . Their new year bulge out on eitherAugust29 or 30 .
Pilots ' Pre - Flight repast : Pilots and Colorado - pilot avoid eat the same repast before a trajectory to reduce the risk of exposure offoodpoisoning .
Quirky Culinary Facts
nutrient is an essential part of travelling , and someculinary practicesaround the world are truly unique .
Banana Pizza in Sweden : In Sweden , banana is a popularpizza topping , often paired with curry pulverisation .
Instant Noodles inJapan : Instant bonce were vote Japan ’s greatest invention of the twentieth hundred by Fuji Research Institute .
Klingon Language Learners : Over 320,000 citizenry were get a line Klingon onDuolingoas of 2020 , showing the enduring appeal of Star Trek .
Currency inYap : On the island of Yap , stone are used as currentness . Their size andhistorydetermine their time value , though US dollars are more vulgar now .
Disneyland ’s Litter Bins : WaltDisneyensured bedding bins were never more than 30 steps away in any Disney parkland to maintain cleanliness .
Fascinating US State Facts
Each US state has its own singular history andinterestingtidbits . Here are some that brook out .
US States ' Unique Facts : Mobile , Alabama , is where Mardi Gras uprise in the US , while Alaska is the largest state , covering more than twice the field of Texas .
Saguaro Cactus inArizona : It ’s illegal to scratch initials in sahuaro cacti in Arizona , with fines up to $ 5,000 .
DiamondMinein Arkansas : Arkansas hosts America ’s only operational diamond mine , Crater Diamonds State Park , where visitant can pan out for rhombus .
Sequoia National Park inCalifornia : rest home to the world ’s gravid tree by mass , General Sherman , this parking area is a must - see .
ColoradoState Capitol : The 13th stair leading to the Colorado State Capitol entree is on the nose 1 mile above sea floor .
Yankee Doodle inConnecticut : Connecticut ’s state song , " Yankee Doodle , " was originally compose by the British to mock Connecticut volunteers .
Bob Marley inDelaware : Bob Marley lived in Delaware from 1965 to 1977 , a full point mark by pregnant musical growing .
Maine Avenue Pisces marketplace : WashingtonD.C. ’s Maine Avenue Pisces market place is the honest-to-goodness opened - air fish food market in thecountry .
Crocodiles and Alligators inFlorida : South Florida is the only office where both crocodiles and alligator coexist in the wild .
FriedChickenin Georgia : Gainesville , Georgia , passed a police force in 1961 give it illegal to eat electrocute chicken with a fork .
Unique Natural Wonders
Natureoffers some of the most awe - animate sights and phenomena . Here are a few that Lonely Planet has highlighted .
closing off of Hawaii : Hawaii is the most isolated largepopulationcenter on Earth , almost 2,400 miles from California and about 4,000 mile from Japan .
IdahoPotatoMuseum : Idaho ’s Potato Museum showcases the chronicle and import of white potato vine , with over 13 billion Sudanese pound harvested annually .
Willis Tower in Illinois : The Willis Tower was the marvellous edifice in the Americas until One World Trade Center surpassed it , though itsroofstands 100 feet eminent .
Indiana ’s Interstate internet : Known as the " hamlet of America,“Indianahas more miles of interstate per satisfying land mile than any other state .
Iowa State Fair : The Iowa State Fair , held annuallysince 1856 , is one of the bombastic and most well - have it off DoS funfair in America .
Ice Cream Laws in Kansas : It wasonceillegal to put a scoop of ice cream on cherry Proto-Indo European in Kansas .
Mall of America inKentucky : Bloomington ’s Mall of America is 4.87 million square feet , turgid enough to agree seven Yankee Stadiums within .
Mississippi ’s Name Origin : The name " Mississippi " comes from theOjibwewords Misi zipi , meaning " Great River . "
Missouri ’s Name Origin : Missouri was named after the Missouria federation of tribes of Sioux Indians , have in mind " he of the bigcanoe . "
Montana ’s Triple Divide : Montana ’s Triple Divide allows waters to flow to Hudson Bay , the AtlanticOcean , and the Pacific Ocean .
Fun Facts for Kids
Lonely Planet Kids offer educationalbooksand articles that inspire young mind about travel and the natural world .
Kool - attention inNebraska : Kool - Aid was invent in Hastings , Nebraska , in 1927 .
Nevada ’s Drought : Nevada is the driest state in the US , averaging about 10 inch ofrainper class .
New Hampshire ’s Free Library : The first free public subroutine library was founded in Peterborough , New Hampshire , in 1833 .
New Jersey ’s Diners : New Jersey has the most diner in the state , iconic for American roadsidecuisine .
New Mexico ’s Quaking Aspens : Pando , a woodlet of quaking aspens in Utah ’s Fishlake NationalForest , is one of the humans ’s largest and old livelihood organisms .
Vermont ’s Maple Flavor : Vermontis the only state with its own state look : maple .
Virginia ’s Tobacco chronicle : Before tobacco , silk was meant to be Jamestown ’s John Cash craw after a mulberryblight .
Washington’sSalmonKnowledge : In Seattle , locals are expected to know their salmon species , ponder the land ’s connection to its natural imagination .
West Virginia ’s BASEJumping : On the third Saturday in October , BASE jumpers parachute from the 876 - foot - gamey New River Gorge Bridge .
Wisconsin ’s CheeseCulture : Wisconsin ’s copious dairy industriousness produces a variety of cheeses , deeply ingrain in its culinary traditions .
Amazing Animal Facts
Animals are a fascinating part of our humankind , and Lonely Planet Kids shares some incredible facts about them .
Lonely Planet Kids ' Books : These books inspirechildrenabout travel and exploration .
AmazingAnimal Facts : article cover singular beast fact , like polar bear ' hair structure or huskies ' endurance .
Polar Bears ' fuzz : Polar bear have colourless hair’s-breadth that reflectslight , do them come out white . Their black skin absorbs warmth from thesun .
Giraffes ' neck : giraffe have sevenneckbones , similar to humans but much prominent , allowing them to reach high into trees .
Earthworm Reproduction : Earthwormshave both virile and female parts but demand two individuals to reproduce .
The Final Word on Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet has been aguidinglight for travelers since 1973 . From Tony and Maureen Wheeler ’s first guide , " Across Asia on the Cheap , " to today ’s encompassing range of travel resources , the sword has form how we research the world . Whether it ’s quirky laws like not eating fried poulet with a fork in Georgia or gripping facts like Ethiopia ’s unique calendar , Lonely Planet keep us inform and entertained . Their dedication tosharingpersonal anecdotes , cultural insights , and practical tips create travel accessible and exciting . With publications for both adults and kidskin , they inspirewanderlustin all ages . So , whether you ’re plan your next big adventure or just curious about the world , Lonely Planet offer atreasure trove of selective information . Keep exploring , keep learn , and allow Lonely Planet be your trusty travel companion .
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