Have You Heard of These Bizarre Laws From Around the Globe?

If an international vacation is in your future, you'd be well advised to read on. Here, we've compiled six zany, wacky laws from countries all across the globe.

1. In France, 70% of radio music played between 8 a.m. and 8 a.m. must be by French composers. Another weird French law? You must carry a portable Breathalyzer in your car at all times — or risk having to pay a fine. (Yes, this law applies to tourists, too!)

2. Better bring a cover-up if you're headed to the beaches of Barcelona: It's illegal to wear swimsuits off the beaches of this Spanish city.

3. If you're a woman traveling in Saudi Arabia, make note: You must be escorted by a male relative or guardian at all times, and you're not allowed behind the wheel.

4. Don't empty your piggy bag to pay a public debt in Canada. Any debt exceeding 25 cents may not be paid in pennies.

5. In Australia, performing psychic or tarot card readings is considered witchcraft, and engaging in either activity is illegal.

6. Don't bring your cigarettes and chewing gum to Singapore. Here, smoking in public places is punishable by a hefty fine, and chewing gum while riding this Asian country's public transit is also against the law.

Strange Laws From Around the World [Nat Geo]
13 Funny International Laws You’d Never Know Were Real [Reader's Digest]
International Weird Laws [Law Guru]

Caffeinate Your Morning at These Two Austin Cafes

Although Austin is probably better known for its barbecue, the city's gourmet coffee scene is rapidly catching up. For those who love to treat themselves to a premium cup of joe in the mornings, you have more than a few options from which to choose. Here are just two of Austin’s best coffee shops to fuel your morning.

Epoch Coffee
If you’re searching for the hippest coffee shop in Austin to people watch, surf the web, and get caffeinated, Epoch just may be it. Epoch features the rustic, urban decor that Austin is known for combined with a menu of strong brewed blends and simple espresso drinks. While you won’t find a sugary, blended coffee here, you will find great roasts for coffee purists.
221 W. North Loop Blvd., Austin, TX 78751; (512) 454-3762

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Mozart’s offers your morning cuppa with a stunning view on the side. The cafe’s outdoor patio overlooks a crystal clear lake, while inside friendly baristas create elaborate flavored lattes, seasonal coffee blends, and iced espresso drinks in a wide variety of styles. Although Mozart’s is best known for its sweet beverages, the shop offers more traditional cappuccinos and brewed coffees, as well. Order a coffee and a housemade pastry and enjoy it all while watching the sunrise over the lake outside.
3825 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin, TX 78703; (512) 477-2900

Five of the World’s Most Unusual Hotels

Make your vacation a little more interesting by staying in one of these five unusual and unique hotels. We bet you've never stayed in any hotel like these! 

La Balade des Gnomes
Relive your childhood by staying in a fairy tale-inspired hotel in Durbuy, Belgium. La Balade des Gnomes features ten rooms, each inspired by myths and fairy tales. Each room is a completely unique and different experience. Bunk with a troll in a cave-like room, or sleep in a Trojan Horse. In the morning, enjoy a delicious breakfast full of local specialties. 

Treehotel
Looking to connect with the great outdoors? Stay at the Treehotel in Harads, Sweden, in one of the five tree houses built in the middle of nature. You'll sleep among the tree tops and take in the serenity of nature. Each tree house is unique, with names like The Cabin, Bird's Nest, and UFO. 

Propeller Island City Lodge
Located in Berlin, Germany, this hotel has something different in store for every guest. Each of the 30 rooms is unique in its own way. One room may appear normal — if you were standing on your head! Another room features a king bed cut in half by a guillotine. There is even a room that uses coffins as beds.

Hotel de Glace
Do you love the cold? Stay in a hotel made entirely of ice just outside of Quebec City in Canada. Hotel de Glace is only open in the winter, when each room is constructed from ice. Even though the hotel may be cold, you'll still be warm with fireplaces and comfy blankets. You don't have to stay the night to enjoy the hotel, you can stop by the popular ice bar for a drink or even get married in the wedding chapel.

Featherbed Railroad
You don't need to travel outside of the United States to find an unusual hotel. On the shore of Clear Lake in Northern California, you will find this charming bed and breakfast. Each room is made out of an old railroad car. Each antique caboose has a different theme, like the Orient Express and Casablanca. 

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