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World's Funniest Signs

World's Funniest Signs

By Joshua Pramis

October 11, 2010

Don’t Drive Your Car off a Cliff!

It seems that this is a real possibility around Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula. After all, authorities put up a warning sign, picturing a car flying headfirst into the sea. And that sign, juxtaposed against an actual cliff in the background, makes for a great travel photo. Fortunately, a T+L member took a picture of it and submitted it to our Funny Signs photo contest.

Snapping pictures of funny signs seen while traveling is a favorite pastime for many travelers. We’ve all come across these gems: a miswritten translation; an unusual warning; or an illustration that just doesn’t seem right. It might be an official highway sign or something written on a shop awning. All are perfect for adding to your travel photo portfolio and sharing with friends. And oftentimes, photographic evidence of such a sign not only makes for a great souvenir, but also serves as proof for doubtful folks back home.

Some of these signs aren’t just funny, but absurd—like one next to the water in Mystic, CT, saying that throwing rocks will cost you 50 cents each.

Other signs are just plain confusing. We’re all familiar with building maps—like at a large mall, for example—with a big star pointing out where exactly you are. But imagine seeing one—as one of our members did in Beijing—with a bunch of points all over the map, each clearly labeled: “You are here.”

Confusing? Yep. And while this useless map was probably a cause of frustration at the time, it becomes a priceless souvenir when it’s added to the digital photo album.

Having received so many shots of signs that made us chuckle, it was a grueling task narrowing the selection down to just 10 semifinalists.

We hope that the photos on the following pages, and those in our community, inspire you to share your great travel memories with us.

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