The article presents ten supposed travel mysteries, explaining how unfamiliar routines and local customs can make ordinary holiday experiences feel unusual or more enjoyable.

– Holiday drinking may seem to cause fewer hangovers because reduced stress, more walking and better sleep can aid recovery.
– Japan has few public bins partly because they were removed after the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack; people are expected to carry rubbish home.
– Foreign supermarkets can feel exciting because unfamiliar products, packaging and language provide novelty and stimulate interest.
– Travel exposes visitors to differing customs, such as later dinner times in Madrid and different names for familiar drinks.