Sarah Stone Archives
Does the Coriolis Effect Really Make Toilets Flush Backwards in the Southern Hemisphere?
No, the Coriolis effect doesn't change the direction a toilet flushes. Here's what it actually does, and how to see it on a small scale (outside of your bathroom)!
Did You Know There’s Canadian River That Flows Backwards? Here’s How the Saint John River Reverses Twice a Day!
The Bay of Fundy is home to the highest tides in the world, meaning that when high tide comes in, the Saint John River has nowhere to go but...backwards! Here's why that happens.
Why Are the Netherlands’ Windmills Perfectly Positioned for Instagram?Â
Long before influencers discovered the picture-perfect views at Kinderdijk and Zaanse Schans, Dutch engineers created some of the world's most photographable landscapes.
How to Order Foreign Currency for International Travel: A Step-by-Step Guide
Heading to another country? Here's why you should order local currency ahead of time, rather than relying on cards or grabbing cash from the airport ATM!
How Does Duty-Free Shopping Work? What You Can and Can’t Bring Back Home
Can you really save money on alcohol, perfume, tobacco, and other products by shopping at a duty-free store? Here's what duty-free means and how to shop smart!
The Bulgarian Buzludzha Monument: A Soviet-Era UFO That’s a Magnet for Urban Explorers
Buzludzha is a massive communist-era monument that's one of Europe's most bizarre abandoned buildings and a magnet for adventurous travelers.
The Mystery of the “Haunted Doll Island” in Mexico, Covered in Hundreds of Creepy Toys
Mexico's Isla de las Muñecas is a place where tragedy, folk beliefs, and one man's obsession created something genuinely unforgettable in the ancient waterways of Xochimilco.
What the Airport Check-In Agent Means When They Ask About Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Bags
Here's what's really happening when airport check-in agents ask about lithium-ion batteries, and how you should respond—don't worry, it's pretty straightforward!
Lost Your Wallet or Purse While Traveling? Here’s Your Step-By-Step Survival Guide
Losing your wallet or purse can be scary and stressful. Here's a step-by-step, practical guide for what to do if your belongings go missing while you're traveling.
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival 2025: Topiaries, Bonsai, and Incredible Eats!
Enjoy these highlights from the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, including an Inside-Out garden, hanging gardens, character topiaries and more!
“The World’s Most Useless Airport”: The True Story Behind St. Helena’s Airfield
What happens when an ambitious airport project doesn’t go as planned? St. Helena’s £285 million airport was supposed to be a game-changer—until planes couldn’t land safely.
One of the Most Beautiful Haunted Houses You’ll Ever See: Highlights of a South Beach Ghost Tour
If you want a delightfully creative and unexpected way to get to know South Beach and explore some of its most iconic spots, then you might just love a ghost tour!
What Does ‘Gate Check’ Mean, and When Should You Use It for Your Luggage?
Gate checking is when you check a bag at the departure gate rather than at the check-in counter. Here's when to do it and what to expect when you gate check a bag.
What Happens If Your Checked Bag Is Overweight? Do Airlines Let You Repack on the Spot?
If you find that your checked suitcase is overweight at the check-in counter, what happens? Read this quick guide on what to expect at the airport!
What’s the Difference Between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry? Which Should You Get?
TSA PreCheck speeds up security screening before flights, while Global Entry allows for quicker re-entry into the U.S. after international trips. One may be better for you than the other, depending on how and where you travel.
Why Did the Eel Cross the Road? – Exploring the Fascinating Annual Migration of New Zealand’s Longfin Eel
New Zealand is home to some of the world's strangest animals—including the longfin eel, which won't let literal roadblocks stop them from their annual migration!
The Mystery of the Singing Sand Dunes: Why Some Deserts Make Strange Noises at Night
Deep in the desert, massive sand dunes produce haunting sounds ranging from deep, resonant booms to high-pitched whistles. How does this happen, and where can you see it?
The Cave That’s So Large It Has Its Own Weather System (and a Jungle Inside!)
Vietnam's Son Doong Cave is so enormous that you could fly an airplane through it. It's also got a rainforest and microclimates—now that's impressive!
How to Manage Anxiety During Long Flights
Flight anxiety is tough, but it doesn't have to control your trip. With the right strategies, you can turn a stressful flight into a manageable, even peaceful experience.
Can You Bring a Cup of Coffee or a Water Bottle Through TSA?
What happens if you get in the TSA security line with a cup of coffee or a bottle of water? Are there exceptions for other types of liquids? Here's what to know!
What Does “Subject to Government Approval” Mean When You Book a Flight?
If you've booked a flight and see a note on your confirmation saying it's subject to government approval, what do you do? Will your flight actually happen?
How a Village in Spain Became Covered in Blue Paint Thanks to The Smurfs
Welcome to Júzcar, a tiny Andalusian village that traded its white-painted buildings for blue ones in what became a wildly successful marketing stunt.
Sandy Island: The South Pacific Island That Was Discovered by Whalers—Then Undiscovered by Ham Radio Operators
How did an island that never existed end up on world maps for over a century? This is the bizarre story of Sandy Island and how it fooled cartographers for over a hundred years.
How Early Should You Arrive at the Airport for Domestic vs. International Flights?
What's the sweet spot for getting to the airport on time and through all your checkpoints for domestic and international flights? Let's have a look!
Did You Know There’s a Japanese Spa Town Where You Can Bathe in Red Wine, Coffee, Sake or Green Tea?
Welcome to Hakone, Japan, home to Yunessun Spa—where you can soak in baths infused with your favorite drinks! It's fun and has incredible health benefits.