1.
It’s been a busy year for North Korea, which unveiled its first ski resort at the beginning of 2014. But what issue plagued the attraction?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
With no snow, no customers and a lack of interest from locals (who are more concerned about eating than hitting the slopes), the resort didn’t get off to the best of starts.
2.
Why did masses of Viking hordes descend upon the English town of York in February 2014?
Correct Answer
C. To await the apocalypse
Explanation
Norsemen from across the UK arrived at the historic town for the final bloody battle with the inhabitants of Hel, as predicted in Norse Mythology.
3.
Officials in Berkhamsted, England were left red-faced this summer when they released a tourist map that resembled what?
Correct Answer
C. A penis
Explanation
“We didn’t notice it. Somebody should have seen it,” lamented one tourism official, as the phallic map went viral. Any publicity is good publicity, right?
4.
In July we rounded up the 20 islands you never knew existed, including Isla de las Muecas in Mexico, but what gives the island its eerie charm?
Correct Answer
A. Dismembered dolls hang from trees
Explanation
Rumour has it that the dolls were originally hung from trees by a former islander after witnessing a local girl drown in a canal. For more about this island, and the other 19 that made the cut, read the full article.
5.
Two savvy Australian passengers got out of an excess baggage fine of US$130 by doing what this summer?
Correct Answer
B. Wearing all their clothes
Explanation
The duo got round Scoot airline’s baggage limit by donning all their clothes for the Sydney to Singapore flight. It was a sweaty victory.
6.
In 2014 we witnessed a number of wild animals running amok in some of the world’s major cities, but which of the following never really happened?
Correct Answer
C. An ostrich causing mayhem in London
Explanation
Sadly an ostrich is yet to find itself wandering the streets of London. However strange, all of those other scenarios did genuinely happen in 2014.
7.
In September we published the story of Jennie Wagstaff, who got stranded in the Salar de Uyuni. But in which country are these salt flats located?
Correct Answer
B. Bolivia
Explanation
The Bolivian salt flats, the largest in the world, are a major tourist attraction. You can read more about Jennie’s harrowing experience here.
8.
What controversial New Zealand landmark lost the support of local authorities back in November?
Correct Answer
B. The Cardrona bra fence
Explanation
Officials stripped the so-called Cardrona bra fence of its garments – created by hundreds of bra donors – because of fears it could distract drivers.
9.
Earlier this December Scientists found that mosquitoes, the arch enemy of the intrepid traveller, are attracted to which trait?
Correct Answer
B. Bad body odour
Explanation
According to research mosquitoes have a craving for the waft of human BO, which could explain why so many people are bitten on or around their feet.
10.
Officials in Pairs erected a Christmas tree in November that caused condemnation amongst the usually jovial locals. Why was it so unpopular?
Correct Answer
D. It looked like a giant sex toy
Explanation
According to Parisians, the structure, that was later vandalised, resembled a giant sex toy.