12 Travel Facts You Didn't Know: Moving Trucks and Beyond
At Penske, we help families and businesses move hundreds of miles to their new destinations every day. Whether you're relocating to a new home or heading out on an adventurous cross-country journey, our trucks are designed to ensure your move stays smooth and hassle-free. As you plan your next trip, enjoy these fascinating travel tidbits that might inspire your journey or at least spark some interesting conversations along the way. From the history of moving trucks to the global language of airports, here are some travel facts you probably didn’t know.
1. The First Moving Trucks
The concept of a moving truck dates back to the early 20th century, with the first organized moving companies created in the early 1900s. Before that, people relied on horse-drawn wagons or trains to move their belongings. These innovations marked the beginning of modern moving services, paving the way for companies like Penske to provide reliable and efficient moving solutions.
2. Moving Is Common in the U.S.
Did you know that the average American moves 11.7 times in their lifetime? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 28 million Americans moved in 2022. Just another reason to book your rental truck early so you’re prepared on moving day.
3. The Longest Road in the World
If you’re planning a road trip and aren’t sure where to go, consider the Pan-American Highway. Stretching from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska to Ushuaia in Argentina, this network of roads spans nearly 19,000 miles, making it the longest road in the world. However, because of the challenging terrain of the road — which passes through 14 countries, two continents and six time zones — it can take several months to complete the entire journey.
4. Space Travel: The Final Frontier
While it might seem far-fetched, space travel is becoming more accessible. Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are pioneering commercial space flights, making the dream of traveling to space a reality. Although we’re not moving homes to Mars just yet, the advancements in space travel remind us how endless the possibilities of exploration truly are.
5. The World's Busiest Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located in Atlanta, GA, is the world’s busiest airport, serving over 100 million passengers each year. The airport has held this #1 spot since 1998, except for 2020, when passenger numbers dipped for a year due to COVID-19 and related travel restrictions. Though it is now a major hub for domestic and international flights, ATL was originally built on an abandoned racetrack.
6. The Birth of the Wheeled Suitcase
Although the modern suitcase with wheels seems like an afterthought these days, Bernard Sadow’s invention in 1970 revolutionized the way people pack, making it easier to navigate airports, train stations and travel in general. Though Sadow was credited with and patented the invention, it is well-documented that other travelers, as many as 40 years prior to Sadow’s invention, were using luggage with homemade wheels for easy transport during travel.
7. The Tallest Hotel
If you love a great view and aren’t afraid of heights, you may want to visit the tallest hotel in the world. The Gevora Hotel in Dubai, standing at 1,169 feet with 75 floors, boasts amenities such as a state-of-the-art pool deck and three restaurants, including a rooftop option that offers 360-degree views of the city below. Dubai is known for its luxurious and record-breaking architecture, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking unique experiences.
8. Underwater Hotels and More
For a unique travel experience, some hotels offer underwater rooms. The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, for instance, features an underwater suite located 16 feet below sea level, offering stunning views of marine life. Prefer to enjoy the underwater views while awake? Though you won’t be able to sleep with the fish at the Hurawalhi Island Resort, you can eat with them in the largest all-glass underwater restaurant in the world.
9. The Longest Flight
As of 2024, Singapore Airlines operates the longest non-stop commercial flight between Singapore and New York, New York. The flight covers approximately 9,537 miles and takes just under 19 hours.
10. Remote Destinations
Looking to visit one of the most remote places in the world? Tristan da Cunha is a small island in the South Atlantic Ocean. Located over 1,700 miles from Cape Town, it is only accessible by a seven-day boat trip from South Africa, making it one of the most isolated communities on the planet.
11. The Shortest Commercial Flight
We talked about the longest flight, but if you’re hoping to spend less time in the air, hop aboard the shortest commercial flight in the world. It operates between the Scottish islands of Westray and Papa Westray and is only 1.7 miles long, taking about 1.5 minutes.
12. The Global Language of Airports
Did you know that English is the universal language of aviation? Regardless of the country of origin, all pilots and air traffic controllers must speak Aviation English, ensuring clear communication and safety in international airspace.
Whether moving to a new home or visiting a different country, traveling is filled with interesting facts and tidbits. From the evolution of moving trucks to the mysteries of underwater hotels and the future of space travel, these facts improve our understanding of the world around us. Next time you rent a Penske truck or board a plane, you’ll have some fun trivia to share along the way. And with unlimited miles on all one-way moves at Penske, you’ll also have the time to explore somewhere new.
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