Looking for the ultimate mother‑daughter getaway? These 25 best mother adventures span the globe, offering unforgettable experiences that blend fun, culture, and a dash of adventure for you and your daughter.

1 Monteverde & Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Do you like adventure in a beautiful environment? Then this is where you want to be! Monteverde is found in the Puntarenas province nestled in the striking Cordillera de Tilarán mountain range. It’s one of the nation’s biggest ecotourism travel destinations.

Playa Tamarindo is the popular beach in the tiny town of Tamarindo. After hitting the beach, go ziplining in the cloud forest. For 5,000 feet you’ll fairly fly through the clouds unable to even see the other side but hoping you will reach it. Tour the wildlife refuge too!

2 Sedona, USA

Experience the ruddy red rock peaks of the great American Southwest in Sedona, Arizona. Famous for its vortexes, this is also where you can reportedly pick up on the planet’s vibrations. Take some easy vortex hikes to Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon. In order to reach the trailheads you can either drive in from town or spend the night at Enchantment Resort within the canyon. If your daughter is at least 16, you can wind down at the Mii Amo spa thus adding a bit of self‑care to your trip.

3 Puerto Rico, USA

Travel to the US Territory of Puerto Rico and enjoy the ambiance of this Caribbean island. On this Mother and Daughter trip, you can take tropical strolls in El Yunque National Forest, complete with wild animals, verdant vegetation, and waterfalls. You can even take a cool dip in a swimming hole, or spike your adrenaline by taking a zip‑line tour through the lush forest canopy. Visit one of the three fun bioluminescent bays– Fajardo, Lajas, or Vieques. Here you can experience an “illuminating” kayak trip thanks to glowing dinoflagellates. Don’t miss Old San Juan either!

4 Lake Tahoe, USA

How about a mother and daughter trip in California? Visit Lake Tahoe. Discover the noteworthy namesake alpine lake, and shores that feature casinos, forests, hiking trails, and ski slopes.

You can ski, snowboard, and ice skate here in the winter. After a couple of hours on the mountain, enjoy an après‑ski drink as well–be it an adult beverage or hot chocolate. If you visit in the summer you can go tubing down the nearby Truckee River.

Go for nature walks in the woods. Visit Emerald Bay State Park. Picnic and play at popular Pope Beach or Kings Beach. You can slo go kayaking and paddleboarding.

5 Mendocino County, USA

Check out California’s incredible redwood trees, and take in the rugged beauty of the state’s coastline. Search for sea glass at Glass Beach, take in stunning views of the ocean and colorful wildflowers too in Mendocino Headlands State Park, and head to Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve where you can hike a great three‑mile loop trail. Finally, rest your feet as you ride the historic Skunk Train through the woods here. Pay attention to the scenery as many movies have been filmed in and around this place as well!

6 The North Shore, USA

Travel to your roving writer’s birthplace: Oahu, Hawaii. More specifically, spend some time on Oahu’s noteworthy North Shore, the section of coast between Kahuku and Ka’ena Point. Much of this area is protected and therefore features no modern complexes or ultra‑modern shopping malls.

Nestled near the pristine sands of Kawela Bay, the Turtle Bay Resort is the only large commercial hotel here. It is a mecca for surfers due to the magnificent waves here. There are other things to do here too. Optional activities include hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

7 The Mighty Five, USA

Take a Mother and daughter road trip in the state of Utah. Take a great road trip and visit these five, favored national parks — Arches, Bryce, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Lace up your hiking boots and take the Broken Arch and Sand Dune Arch hikes in Arches. See the hoodoo formations along the Queen’s Garden trail in Bryce. Visit the massive Mesa Arch in Canyonlands. Seek out the petroglyphs and see the sun set in Capitol Reef and take the Emerald Pools or Watchman Trail in Zion as well.

8 Banff, Canada

If you prefer Canada, Banff comes complete with accessible glaciers, blue‑green alpine lakes, and welcoming geothermal springs. Some veteran visitors suggest booking your room at the night‑majestic, castle‑like Fairmont Banff Springs. They praise both the beds and the on‑site eateries.

Here you can enjoy the scenic hike to the old Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse and sample their biscuits and soup. Then enjoy a soothing soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Go kayaking on Emerald or Moraine Lake and browse the numerous boutiques in Banff and Lake Louise Village too.

9 Machu Picchu, Peru

Yes, hiking the trail to the famous Incan ruins of Machu Picchu is a real adventure. Nevertheless, if you want to make it a mother and daughter trip, you’d best be prepared. You will have to hike 26 miles and the trail can be steep in places.

(Yes, some of us can and have done 20 miles in a day, but it’s challenging!) Spend a few days on the hike and cover less ground. If you’re in shape and experienced, it’s still a good idea to sign up for an expedition with a professional outfitter.

10 Mayakoba, Mexico

Mayakoba is a well‑known tropical eco‑resort destination. It is highlighted by clear blue water, lush jungle, mangroves, pristine lagoons, and wonderful white‑sand beaches. When it comes to accommodations, you can choose between four different luxury resorts.

You can go bird‑watching, take a boat ride to one of the neighboring hotels, or even have your concierge book you on a trip to see a cenote. Need more? Set aside a day to go to Tulum to explore the well‑known ancient Mayan ruins.

11 Sun Valley, USA

The state of Idaho might not immediately come to mind when you think of mother and daughter trips, but Sun Valley is actually a mountain resort that is known for its wonderful winter activities. The fresh powder here draws all levels of snowboarders and ski bums. You can also go cross‑country skiing and even take a fun horse‑drawn sleigh ride.

If you prefer the summer, you can go biking, hiking, rafting, and even fishing at nearby Redfish Lake. Visit in August and enjoy a free outdoor symphony. Grab a burger at Grumpy’s too!

12 Nairobi, Kenya

One of the most popular draws in all of Nairobi is arguably the famous Giraffe Manor. For those not yet in the know, Giraffe Manor is a 12‑room boutique hotel and a Rothschild giraffe sanctuary as well. It is nestled in a Nairobi suburb where giraffes are famous for poking their heads into the windows of your room seeking a snack. Another recommended activity is the multi‑day safari experience deep within the popular Masai Mara National Reserve. Here the various game drives often include sightings of buffalo, elephants, and wildebeest too.

13 Cruise East to West, Ireland

You begin this mother and daughter driving tour in Dublin. See a genuine Irish dance and music show, then take the Ha’penny Bridge across the River Liffey, and head into the striking Irish countryside. Check out the Rock of Cashel, buy souvenirs in Kilkenny, stop at popular Dromoland Castle located in County Clare, and stroll along the well‑known Cliffs of Moher and look for puffins. Make biscuits from scratch at Rathbaun Farm, feed baby sheep, and enjoy a real home‑cooked Irish dinner and enjoy live music while you dine.

14 Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara, Japan

Japan has an exceptional rail system. Use it as often as possible. Kids enjoy train rides and you don’t have to deal with traffic.

Visit Tokyo and experience Shibuya Crossing. Grab a bite to eat in the underground food halls and if you’re fans of the artists Hayao Miyazaki and Yayoi Kusama definitely visit both the Ghibli Museum and the Yayoi Kusama Museum. In Kyoto, you can shop at “Teapot Lane” a.k.a. Chawan‑zaka, and see the historic Kiyomizu‑dera and Kinkaku‑ji temples. Visit Nara Park and feed the sacred deer too.

15 Portland, Oregon

Fuel up at Pine State Biscuits then browse Powell’s City of Books. After seeing enough of the city, go back to nature by hiking the 2.6‑mile‑out‑and‑back Multnomah Falls trail to the eponymous attraction.

How about a 4+-mile hike to Dry Creek Falls in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area? If you need to rest, cruise the popular 35‑mile Hood River Fruit Loop. It’ll take you past vineyards, and various farm stands and includes super views of Mount Hood. If everyone is of age, try a wine tasting in Willamette Valley.

16 London, United Kingdom

See all the iconic tourist sites! Walk on Tower Bridge, hear Big Ben chime, check out Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and ride the London Eye. Take the London Underground too. Into theatre?

Catch a play at Shakespeare’s Globe, and stroll along the famous Thames. Catch your breath at the teahouse known as Sketch and visit its egg‑shaped restroom pods. Is anyone into Harry Potter? Take some pictures at the now‑famous Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station. If you like the Beatles, head out to legendary Liverpool, the band’s birthplace, before heading home too!

17 Paris, France

Veteran visitors confirm that you simply must see the iconic Eiffel Tower, the world‑famous Louvre, and Musée d’Orsay, so you can appreciate the art of Van Gogh, Renoir, and Monet. Feeling peckish? Take a food tour in Montmartre and sample cheeses, chocolates, pastries, and, age allowing, even wine as you stroll the cobbled streets here.

Take a boat cruise on the Seine. You’ll see Paris from another point of view. Interested in day trips? Stroll around the palace in Versailles. Enjoy Monet’s garden in Giverny, and explore the castles in the Loire Valley.

18 Beijing, China

Yes, despite what you might have heard, China is open for business again. If you and your daughter are foodies, you will undoubtedly enjoy just watching the cooks doing their thing through windows and glass walls. After enjoying some dumplings, between your meals, be sure to take in some history here by visiting the famous Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the prerequisite Great Wall.

Mind you, the best place to explore the Great Wall is a good hour from the city of Mutianyu.

19 Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City offers visitors an interesting urban landscape and is perfect for art lovers too. You can tour Frida Kahlo’s home, see Diego Rivera’s impressive murals in the National Palace, and see additional exhibits in the Palace of Fine Arts. Additional artistic attractions include Museo Jumex and the Museum of Modern Art.

Ah but don’t forget the tacos! Enjoy a tasty taco tour by Club Tengo Hambre and churros at the well‑known Churreria El Moro. Take a trip to the ancient city of Teotihuacan to see the Aztec ruins too.

20 New York City, USA

There’s no better place in the US to see a show than in New York City, New York. Stretch your legs and enjoy some nature in the High Line and world‑famous Central Park. Ride on the Staten Island Ferry, climb to the top of the Statue of Liberty, people‑watch in Washington Square Park, and see Times Square and the Empire State Building. Explore the Strand Book Store, take a yummy pizza tour, and be sure to grab a giant cookie at the Levain Bakery before leaving.

21 Vancouver, Canada

Mix with both the locals and other travelers at beautiful Stanley Park. Here you will find much to do with your kids. Younger kids will like riding the popular miniature train at Stanley Park Railway.

You can also visit the Vancouver Aquarium, let your kids go wild in the numerous splash areas and playgrounds, and go swimming in the big public pool. It comes complete with waterslides. Stretch your legs by crossing the suspension bridges at Lynn Canyon and Capilano Suspension Bridge Parks and take the ferry to Granville Island’s food hall.

22 Venice, Italy

Who doesn’t love gelato, pasta, and pizza? Board a gondola and see the city from its famous canals. Explore the narrow, colorful roads in Burano. Study the impressive architecture of Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Basilica, and Teatro La Fenice (a.k.a. Theatre of the Phoenix).

Tour the Jewish Ghetto and Academy Gallery and Correr Civic Museum as well. You can even take a genuine family‑friendly Italian cooking class here as well! Pay attention and soon every night at your house will be like a foodie tour of Italy.

23 Copenhagen, Denmark

The best way to explore this cool coastal city is via pedal power. Bicycling is a favorite form of conveyance here. Tour the entire harbor on an 11+-kilometer bike hike. Visit the noteworthy Nyhavn canal district.

If you’re still not tired, consider completing the almost 31‑kilometer Six Forgotten Giants route. Here you search for unmistakable wooden sculptures by Copenhagen’s own sculptor Thomas Dambo. Set aside a day to have fun at the unique amusement park called Tivoli Gardens. It’s beautiful, fun for, and even has historic value too since it’s been open since 1843.

24 Seattle and Whidbey Island, USA

This Pacific Northwest pair in Washington State offers mothers and daughters both natural attractions and urban action. See Seattle from the Space Needle’s observation deck, and snack your way through the popular Pike Place Market. Those in the know suggest sampling handheld pies at Piroshky Piroshky, cheese at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, and Greek yogurt at Ellenos.

Visit in the summer and you can get wet and wild in Jefferson Park’s splash area or perhaps in the popular Seattle Center International Fountain. Spend a weekend on Whidbey Island, where you hike, pick berries, watch whales, hit the beach, and enjoy super seafood too.

25 Austin, USA

Take a trip to the state of Texas. See the pink granite state capitol building. Plan your visit right and you can attend the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Metropolitan Park.

Cool off in Barton Springs Pool, ride the little electric train, and wander around the attractive Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum. Visit Mayfield Park and search for peacocks. Stop at lovely Lady Bird Lake where you can go canoeing, kayaking, stand‑up paddle boarding, or even take a little river cruise. Dine on Tex‑Mex cuisine too!

[WARNING: Contains some disturbing images.] When you stroll through a zoo, the usual scene is a herd of languid animals seeking shade from the scorching sun. Occasionally, luck grants you a glimpse of a big cat devouring a meal prepared by its keepers. But beneath the routine, there are moments that turn a simple outing into a nightmare.

Top 10 Horrifying Zoo Tales

10 Maqsood

A 20‑year‑old Delhi resident, known only as Maqsood, developed an unhealthy fascination with tigers after a June 2014 visit to the city’s zoo.

When he lost his porter job later that year, Maqsood began slipping into the zoo each afternoon, telling his mother and pregnant wife that he was out searching for employment.

On September 24, 2014, he entered his beloved white‑tiger enclosure. While leaning over the barrier, a guard warned him to step back.

Seizing the moment when the guard looked away, Maqsood slipped and plunged 15 feet into the moat below the enclosure.

Within minutes, a seven‑year‑old, six‑foot, 450‑pound white tiger named Vijay approached. Maqsood crouched, either pleading or praying, when Vijay clamped his jaws around the man’s neck and dragged him across the enclosure.

After a frantic fifteen‑minute effort to lure Vijay away with meat, zoo staff finally succeeded, but it was too late—Maqsood succumbed to his injuries.

The tragedy unexpectedly boosted attendance, and the white‑tiger exhibit became a crowd‑puller. Vijay remains at the zoo, and staff keep a vigilant eye on him, just in case.

9 Roger Dean Adams

On July 5, 1970, 19‑year‑old Roger Dean Adams and two buddies, after drinking a few beers, decided the Oregon Zoo would make a perfect late‑night adventure. They arrived only to discover the gates locked.

Undeterred, the trio broke in, first storming the penguin exhibit, leaping over the rail, and hurling a small penguin into its pool.

Emboldened, they moved on to the bear enclosure. Adams scaled the wall, lowered himself, and kicked a bear in the head before scrambling back out unharmed.

Their bravado peaked at the lion enclosure. Adams slipped over the barrier, clung to the wall, and kicked an 11‑year‑old lioness named Sis in the head. The enraged lioness lunged, pulling Adams into the cage as he tried to climb out.

Friends attempted to scare Sis away with rocks and bottles, but ultimately called for help. Police arrived and were forced to shoot both Sis and a 15‑year‑old male lion, Caesar.

Roger Dean Adams lay dead by the time the lions were neutralized. When asked for comment, the zoo’s president replied that his answer would be unprintable, noting the lions were exactly where they should have been.

8 Prakesh Tiwari

New Year’s Day, 1996, found two Calcutta youngsters, Prakesh Tiwari and Suresh Rai, both in their twenties, nursing a night of drinking. For reasons unknown, they chose to pay a visit to the city’s tiger exhibit.

Armed with a golden garland, they climbed into the tiger’s moat, only to encounter a 13‑year‑old Bengal tiger named Shiva.

Rai tossed the garland around Shiva’s neck. The tiger, displeased, pounced on Rai. In a desperate rescue attempt, Tiwari kicked Shiva in the face, diverting the tiger’s attention to himself.

Zoo staff quickly intervened. They managed to pull Rai to safety, but Tiwari sustained fatal injuries from Shiva’s attack.

7 Jayaprakash Bezbaruah

On December 19, 2007, 50‑year‑old Jayaprakash Bezbaruah visited the Assam State Zoo in Guwahati with his wife and two children. Seeking a perfect photo of two Bengal tigers, he ignored guard warnings and vaulted over a barrier.

He thrust his arm between the bars, prompting two tigers to seize his limb and tear it off in front of his horrified family and onlookers.

Despite rapid transport to a hospital, he bled to death.

6 Carlos Eduardo Sousa Jr.

Shortly after closing on Christmas Day, 2007, 17‑year‑old Carlos Eduardo Sousa Jr. and his two older brothers, Paul (19) and Kulbir (23), lingered at the San Francisco Zoo.

Passing the tiger grotto, they allegedly taunted a four‑year‑old Siberian tiger named Tatiana. The under‑height wall gave way, allowing Tatiana to climb out, land on the asphalt, and attack Paul first.

While the brothers tried to distract the tiger, Tatiana pounced on Carlos. The Dhaliwal brothers fled to a nearby café, shouting for help.

Police arrived and, after a chaotic chase, were forced to shoot Tatiana. Carlos died, but both Paul and Kulbir survived their injuries.

5 David Mark Wasson

On September 3, 1977, six‑year‑old David Mark Wasson accompanied his father to the Miami Serpentarium’s crocodile pit. The pair stood atop the enclosure wall, tossing sea grapes to the reptiles.

While his father fetched more grapes, David slipped and tumbled into the pit. A 12‑foot African crocodile named Cookie lunged from ten feet away, clamping his jaws around the boy’s chest.

Cookie shook David, slamming his head against the pit wall. Another man dove in, grabbing David, but Cookie’s grip dragged both toward the water, forcing the rescuer to release.

Submerged, Cookie held David underwater for roughly six minutes before releasing after a poke to its eye. David was pronounced dead en route to the hospital.

The serpentarium’s owner, shaken, shot Cookie seven times, and the massive reptile succumbed after an hour.

4 Juan Perez

May 19, 1987, 11‑year‑old Juan Perez and two friends lingered at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Zoo after hours.

They began daring each other to swim in animal enclosures, first splashing in the seal moat, then escalating to the polar‑bear cage.

After stripping, two of the boys hesitated, but Juan forced the challenge by tossing their clothes into the moat, startling the two eight‑foot, 900‑pound polar bears.

Juan slipped into the water; the bears approached. He provoked the female, prompting the male to bite his shoulder and drag him away. Juan’s screams for help echoed as his friends fled.

Police arrived minutes later, but unlocking the zoo took 20 minutes. When they finally entered, the bears were fighting over Juan’s body.

Authorities, believing more children were inside, shot the bears 20 times with a 12‑gauge and six times with a revolver, killing both.

3 Ruth Ellen Freedman

June 28, 1966, three‑year‑old Ruth Ellen Freedman visited the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison with her parents, eager to see the resident Asian elephant, Winkie, a 23‑year‑old, three‑ton giant.

She slipped beneath a guard rail, approaching the enclosure. Suddenly, Winkie wrapped his massive trunk around Ruth, slammed her against the bars, and knocked her unconscious.

Winkie then lifted her, dropped her, and dragged her into the cage, repeatedly stomping on her small body.

Ruth’s parents attempted rescue but were unable to enter. A caretaker finally intervened, stopping the elephant and pulling the lifeless child from the enclosure.

After the tragedy, Winkie was relocated to a breeding farm. One of his offspring, also named Winkie, later earned a reputation as dangerous after killing a female handler and injuring several others.

2 Julia Ann Vogt

In May 1958, the mother of 2½‑year‑old Julia Ann Vogt ferried her daughter and sister from Chilliwack, BC, to Washington D.C. to visit their grandparents.

On a bright May 16, the family toured the National Zoo. Grandfather Harry Jackson led Julia Ann to the lion exhibit, where she slipped past the guardrail.

A full‑grown male African lion named Passion seized her leg. Harry lunged to rescue her, but the lion was too powerful, pulling Julia Ann into the cage and carrying her in his jaws.

After dropping her, a lioness named Princess mauled the child, ultimately decapitating her.

Harry suffered a minor heart attack witnessing the horror. Zookeepers chased the lions away with fire extinguishers, retrieving Julia Ann’s body.

The tragedy spurred industry‑wide safety reforms. Harry survived his heart attack.

1 Maddox Derkosh

November 4, 2012, two‑year‑old Maddox Derkosh visited the painted‑dog exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo with his parents.

While his mother placed him on the railing, he slipped, bounced twice off safety nets, and fell into the enclosure.

The eleven territorial painted dogs immediately pounced, and despite nearby keepers, they could not intervene in time; Maddox was already dead.

One of the dogs had to be shot because it refused to leave the boy’s body.

Following the tragedy, the zoo relocated the painted dogs. The Derkosh family sued the zoo, with the zoo’s attorneys blaming the mother’s negligence. The parties settled in June 2014.

Space isn’t just the final frontier, it’s a logistical nightmare. Movies about space gloss over a lot of little details that people in the real world need to think about for real astronauts. Things like what happens when you’re sick, or you need to go to the bathroom, or how a lack of gravity and low temperatures affect human waste and its disposal. It’s a gross universe out there. 

10. There are 96 Bags of Human Waste on the Moon

On July 20, 1969, a human set foot on the moon for the very first time. It’s arguably one of the biggest moments in the history of our species. The astronauts who reached the moon planted the American flag and then even hit some golf balls around. Cool, right? They also left 96 bags of sewage up there, part of the 400,000 pounds of garbage we’ve already dumped on the moon. 

The moon is scattered with lunar landers from more than one country, cameras, lunar vehicles, and human waste. Fecal matter, urine and vomit, 96 bags worth, are scattered across the lunar surface awaiting the day someone decides to stick around long enough to clean the place. And there are apparently plans to one day inspect the aged space poop to see if any genetic mutations have occurred, so there’s that to look forward to. 

9. Apollo 10 was Haunted by a Mystery Floating Poop 

Hey, speaking of space poop, did you hear that Apollo 10 was haunted by a phantom poop? Because it was. If you know anything about the fundamentals of going to the bathroom in space, you know it’s an even more sensitive matter than it is on earth thanks to the lack of gravity. Astronauts need to use a specially designed apparatus to ensure waste is collected and removed efficiently.  Something went wrong during the Apollo 10 mission that can best be summed up by this line, recorded in NASA’s official transcript of the mission.

“Give me a napkin, quick, there’s a turd floating through the air.”

That line was uttered by Commander Tom Stafford when he and the rest of the crew discovered a floating turd in the cabin. No one took credit for the mishap and officially no one has ever acknowledged which of the astronauts failed to use the facilities in the proper manner. Of course, at the time, going to the bathroom just meant taping a bag to your backside and hoping for the best, so it’s not hard to see how something could have gone awry. 

8. Astronauts Have to Practice With a Toilet Cam

Now that we know the threat of escaped waste material in space is all too real, you might be wondering what NASA has done to solve the problem. The answer is toilet training. Astronauts have to use a practice toilet to learn how to go to the bathroom in space and it involves a four-inch hole with a camera inside. 

Earthbound toilets have holes between 12 and 18 inches. Lots of space to get the job done. But because a space toilet is so small, aim needs to be precise. Astronauts can see the camera feed from inside the toilet on a monitor in front of them to practice their alignment. The astronauts have to memorize their position on the seat so they know how to use it for real once they’re in space. 

7. NASA Engineers Planned a Toilet Glove

In the early days of working out the kinks of zero gravity toilet usage, one idea was for a special glove, sometimes called the Defecation Glove or something else that ended in “mitt” and rhymed. This glove, which resembled ones used by large animal veterinarians, would extend up past the elbow. Astronauts would wear it and then do their business in their own gloved hand. 

Once finished, the glove could be unrolled with the astronaut’s free hand and then pulled inside out over the waste, creating its own bag. If you’ve ever cleaned up after a dog, it works much the same way. That said, the idea was proposed, but it doesn’t seem to have ever been employed in a real test. This is likely for the best for any number of reasons that you can imagine while you cringe. 

6. Alan Shepard Peed Himself on the Launch Pad 

In 1961, Alan Shepard became the first American in space. The day of his launch was no doubt as stressful as it was busy. He started with breakfast at 1:30 in the morning and by 7:00 he was scheduled for launch. Amidst various physical tests and getting his suit on and other preparations, he neglected to do one very important thing – go to the bathroom.

Shepard’s trip to space was scheduled to last just 15 minutes, so no one expected he’d need to go to the bathroom. As such, no accommodations were made for it. The 7:00 a.m. launch was delayed due to technical issues and it would be another 86 minutes of waiting. Somewhere during that time, Shepard uttered the fateful words, “Man, I gotta pee.”

It was too late to extricate him, and it was too hard to hold it. He peed in his space suit and ended up shorting out some electronic sensors as a result. 

5. Cosmonauts Pee on the Bus that Drives Them 

Pre-launch urine isn’t just an American thing, of course. The Russian space program is slightly older than the American one and they two have had some messy adventures. 

Before Shepard went into space, Yuri Gagarin was the first human ever in space. Like Shepard, he had to pee also, but Gagarin got the urge earlier. He was being driven to the launch pad on a bus when he told the driver to pull over. Gagarin got out and peed right on the bus’s tire, because there was nowhere else to go. His flight was a success, and a tradition was born.

Ever since his flight, Russian cosmonauts made a ritual of peeing on the vehicle that takes them to their shuttle. It’s basically a good luck ritual, but in 2019, the Russian space agency introduced new spacesuits devoid of zippers, potentially putting the kibosh on the ritual. That said, they left the possibility open to add zippers if someone asked. 

4. A Pee Icicle Had to be Removed from Discovery in 1984

We’ve covered some of the interior issues related to waste in space, but the exterior issues can be just as harrowing. Liquid waste is generally jettisoned. It freezes instantly and over time, the ice crystals break apart and essentially vanish. But in 1984, the crew of the Discovery was faced with a problem. Urine had been collecting around the dump port and formed a two-foot long urine icicle.

The icicle was getting precariously close to the open payload bay doors. That could have damaged the doors, so the crew needed to rotate the orbiter towards the sun. The heat broke it down some, and they were able to use the robotic arm to knock it the rest of the way off. 

3. Some Shooting Stars Are Just Shuttle Waste

If you fancy yourself a stargazer, then you probably delight in those occasions when you see a shooting star. Comets, asteroids and other celestial bits and bobs are not all that rare and every year 40,000 metric tons of debris hits our planet. So sure, if you see a glimmery, misty trail in the night sky maybe it is a comet. But maybe not.

There have been occasions when people on the ground have seen what they thought was a comet, only to discover that it was a waste from a passing space shuttle. When urine and other wastewater is dumped into space, especially a large dump, the cascade of ice crystals can put on a real show. The end result looks like a solid object with a long tail and it’s still quite impressive, even if it isn’t all that glamorous. 

These dumps are pretty common, it’s just they aren’t always noticeable. They have to be done at the right time and the right place so that the sub can hit the ice crystals at the right angle. But any time there’s a shuttle in space, you can guarantee these are being formed. 

2. Carbonated Beverages in Space Cause “Wet Burping” 

Before things become waste, they have to be ingested and digested and that has presented its own set of problems for astronauts. This is especially true for liquids, because a liquid in zero gravity can be tricky. And with that in mind, try to imagine the logistics of drinking a carbonated beverage. 

The problem with a fizzy drink isn’t so much getting it down, it’s keeping it down there. Too much beer or soda can make the best of us burp, but gravity makes it work in a relatively simple way. Gas comes up, liquid stays down. 

In zero gravity, you’re subjected to what they call “wet burps.” The gas and liquid contents of your stomach can’t separate. So if you’re prompted to burp, the gas, solids and the liquid travel back out of your stomach together. So basically every burp is vomit. 

Astronaut Chris Hadfield confirmed that this is true and also pointed out that, as a result, gas tends to head out the back door more frequently as a result. And he also confirmed that, despite what you may think, you can’t use a space fart as a form of jet propulsion 

1. Astronauts Wear Sweaty Underwear for Days

Before any mission into space, a lot of precise calculations need to be made to ensure a safe journey. That includes things like managing the weight of every single piece of equipment, supplies, and crew that go for the trip. Things have to be lean and there’s little room for waste and excess. That means an astronaut can’t bring a lot of amenities, including space clothing.

Clothes weigh a lot, and a year-long mission requires 150 pounds of clothing per astronaut. There’s little storage space and the cost of launching things into space can be up to $10,000 per pound. As a result, astronauts are asked to wear clothing for an extended period. And this has become a serious issue because astronauts have to work out for two hours per day to keep their muscles working. That means they work up a lot of sweat and, in turn, a lot of stink. 

Clothes can’t be washed in space for obvious reasons and that means most astronauts wear dirty underwear for days. Days and days and days. Tide, the detergent, has been working on a space-friendly way to clean clothes, but that’s a very new development. 

For now, underwear gets worn until it becomes an affront to the senses. Sometimes it gets so bad they have to shoot it into space. One astronaut used a pair of old underwear as makeshift soil to grow some tomatoes and basil in space as well.