Going through passport control when traveling can be one of the most frustrating and painful events – we’re sure you agree. But, it has to be done, doesn’t it. And a lot of us do it. According to Statista.com, The number of international tourist arrivals worldwide dropped sharply in 2020 over the previous year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, reaching around 409.5 million, the lowest figure recorded since 1989. While the volume of international tourism arrivals increased by roughly nine percent in 2021, it stayed well below pre-pandemic levels, totaling approximately 446 million. Coupled with there being over 41,700 airports globally, the statistics (and the logistics) are staggering, so kudos to those who send us all around the world.
Happily, there are some places in the world where, rather than dragging yourself through a dull and depressing queue, they look at it with a bit more fun. Read more here courtesy of 365economist.com
Yes, this is a real border, called the The Golden Triangle. It is the area where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers. The name “Golden Triangle”—coined by the CIA—is commonly used more broadly to refer to an area of approximately 950,000 square kilometres (367,000 sq mi) that overlaps the mountains of the three adjacent countries. It has been one of the largest opium-producing areas of the world since the 1950s, so maybe not for casual travelers.
Brazil and Argentina have a delightful border, but it takes some effort. Plus,the Argentina–Brazil border is approximately 1,224 km (761 mi) long. That could be quite a queue.
Another confusing example is Büsingen, the strange German village inside Switzerland. See below. (Tim has a bunch of these kinds of videos, with his sardonic, but always kind, style.)
The USA and Canada have a rather long (and peaceful) border between them, and that presents some funny and quirky opportunities to see how US cross-border relations can work. Click here for examples.
Watch this silly piece of legislature between Canada and the USA, courtesy of Tom Scott. Click here.
Fear not. The border with (Canada Tsawwassen Beach, left) is air-tight with that of the USA (in Bellingham, Washington, right) Click here to learn more about that.
Going to Asia? 12go have you covered. Easy, fast travel options all around the contintent. Click here.
Visiting Europe? OMIO has pretty much every travel method you’ll need. Click here.
Planes, trains, cars, hotels, activities – that’s Expedia. They have it all. Click here to get started.