From misconceptions about the Egyptian pyramids to changing laws that now allow for Americans to visit Cuba, it's always good to know about the place you hope to visit before you plan a major trip.

Here, MailOnline Travel debunks some of the most popular travel myths. 

1. Only tourists visit the Spanish Steps in Italy

The major tourist hotspots in any city are often (wrongly) believed to only attract foreigners - but during the off season, many locals will visit the iconic structures, as well. 

Why should it be surprising that Parisians would opt to have lunch on the steps of Sacre Coeur or that Romans would grab a gelato near the Trevi Fountain?

Elizabeth Minchilli, author of Eating Rome: Living the Good Life in the Eternal City, told USA Today that she would never tell someone not to go see monuments like the Colosseum, St. Peter's and the Pantheon.

'Yes, they are touristy, but they are also some of the most amazing sites in the world,' she explains. 

2. Norway is an Arctic country

As one of the places in the world where you can spot the Northern lights, many travellers wrongfully assume that the entire country is located in the polar region.

In actuality, it's really only the Svalbard islands that are in the Arctic area.

Most of the more populated areas have a temperate climate and are actually quite green, especially in the summer. 

3. Westerners are restricted from travelling to Iran

As of 2014, Americans, Britons and Canadian citizens are all required to obtain visas before entering Iran. 

But that's not to say that they can't visit - they just need to do so as part of a guided tour.

According to the Foreign Office, Brits travelling to Iran can only receive visas from Iran's diplomatic and consular missions and cannot get a visa upon arrival. 

4. It's illegal for Americans to visit Havana

While there was a long period of discontent between the two nations, Americans are now legally able to enter Cuba.

They can do so under one of 12 visas that are now offered as part of the Treasury Department's new rules.

One of the most popular is via a tour provider and their People-to-People licenses, which are meant to promote cultural exchange between the two countries. 

If you have never been to Australia, you might think that koalas and kangaroos are easily found round every corner.

In reality, however, the only place that a tourist is likely to run into one of the two iconic animals is at the zoo or during a desert trek.

And while we're busting misconceptions, 90 per cent of Aussies are actually urban dwellers and don't live in the country's famed Outback. 

6. Visiting Thailand is basically like stepping onto the set of The Hangover, Part 2

Sure, in some major metropolitan areas, like Bangkok, it is possible to partake in and experience some of the party sequences featured in the film.

But, many Thais, especially in more rural areas, do consider themselves to be more conservative.

And if you dare to venture off the beaten path, you will be rewarded with beautiful waterfalls, beaches and lush greenery. It's a shame that the majority of the country goes unexplored by many tourists.

7. Women must wear a headscarf while travelling through the Middle East

This one really depends on where you are.

In Saudi Arabia, for example, which is one of the most conservative of the Muslim countries, women are expected to be covered up most of the time. Headscarves will also definitely be required of anyone visiting a mosque.

But in Dubai or Morocco, lounging in a bikini at your hotel is generally acceptable - simply cover your shoulders and knees and skip the tight clothing when you're heading out on the town.

However, it is important to remember that regardless of whether or not you opt for a headscarf, it's always advisable to be respectful of the culture and dress at least moderately conservatively.

8. It’s unsafe to take the subway at night in New York City

In reality, there are thousands of people travelling at all hours on the city's MTA, so there's rarely anything to be concerned about.

However, one should always be aware of certain streets, neighbourhoods and subway stops that may be less busy during those off-peak hours. (Many places that tourists visit, however, are almost always guaranteed to be bustling - no matter the time of day.)

If you take the bus, many drivers will also drop off riders at any point along the route at night provided that they believe that the location is safe.

9. Parisians are unfriendly and rude

The French have definitely garnered an unfair reputation when it comes to the city being home to rude locals.

After all, you can certainly encounter unpleasant people anywhere that you go.

Generally, Parisians are quite friendly and helpful to tourists, but always remember to at least attempt to speak French initially - a little effort will go a long way!

10. German people put towels on sunbeds first

Contrary to the stereotype, it’s actually British holidaymakers who are most likely to hog the sunbeds on holiday.

Chris Clarkson, managing director of sunshine.co.uk, who carried out the research, said: 'Reserving sunbeds is one of the biggest holiday taboos and something which annoys the most people.

'However, that doesn't stop people from doing it themselves. To see that us Britons have overtaken Germans in the sunbed hogging stakes is a sign that our holiday etiquette has perhaps gone out the window.' 

11. There are no toilets in Turkey

Some of the country's rural areas may be a bit more primitive, but it's rare to find any sort of squat toilet in the more modern parts of the country.

Istanbul, for example, is every bit as updated as many parts of Europe.

Just look to the city's state-of-the-art malls, theatres, international airports and business district for evidence.

It's safe to stay you'll be able to find a Westernised loo there. 

12. The Egyptian Pyramids are in the middle of the desert

Many photos that are taken of the pyramids in Giza are done so from a certain angle or relatively close up, which make it seem like they're in the middle of nowhere.

Actually, they're located just a stone's throw from the bustling city.

The Sphinx even faces a T.G.I. Fridays. 

13. Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Queen

Tourists flock to London to see Buckingham Palace and take in a changing of the guards ceremony.

And while the Queen does technically live in the luxury residence in the central part of the city, Windsor Palace in Berkshire is her official residence.

It's also the largest occupied castle in the world. 

14. The Great Wall of China is the only man-made structure visible from space

Yes, China's Great Wall is the world's longest, but, contrary to popular belief, it's actually not visible from space.

This discovery was made in 2003 by Yang Liwei, a Chinese astronaut, who clarified such a misconception.

Since then, schools have vowed to take this fact out of their textbooks.

15. Toronto is the capital of Canada

As Canada's largest city and it's financial centre, it's easy to understand where this particular belief comes from.

But, the country's capital is actually Ottawa, which is located some 450km away. 

Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario. 

(dailymail.co.uk)