6 Surprising Facts About the Eiffel Tower
| June 17, 2015
High Voltage / Shutterstock
4. One of the First Parachutes Was Tested Off the Eiffel Tower
In 1912, Franz Reichelt, who was a tailor from Vienna, invented a suit that he believed could be used by aviators as a wearable parachute. After a lot of negotiation, he succeeded in getting permission to test his prototype by using it to jump off the Eiffel Tower. On a cold, windy day in February, he climbed up to the second level, and cheerily waved to his friends and said “À bientôt” before jumping off. The suit only deployed halfway, and Reichert was rushed to the Necker hospital before being pronounced dead.
SHARE ON
Advertisement
11 Great Hostels to Stay In
For budget-minded travelers in search of a cheap place to stay, hostels can be the perfect option. Generally, hostels offer much better value than hotels and short-term apartment rentals. Because less money is spent on accommodations, it allows globetrotters to designate a larger portion of their budget to good food and sightseeing activities instead.
11 Great Hostels in Europe to Stay In
If you’re a budget-minded backpacker interested in meeting fellow travelers along the way, hostels are an exceptional alternative. Intimate, community-minded, and affordable, hostels have exploded in popularity and really come a long way. From shared open-concept spaces to private ensuites, it’s easy to find a mix of both communal and secluded accommodations.
The 10 Most Historic Prisons
While jail time isn’t a walk in the park for any convicted felon, many tourists flock to historical prisons around the world when traveling. This is due to their mystic, history, and eerie ambiance. While it may seem a little crazy, visiting a local prison can provide a ton of insight on a region’s roots and culture.
