A Knot is a nautical measure of speed equaling approx. (1.852 kilometers per hour or 1.151 miles per hour. A ship traveling at 15 knots is traveling at about 27.78 kilometers per hour (km/h) (22 mph).
A knot is also the primary unit of speed on water. One nautical mph = 1.85 kilometers per hour (1.15 mph) on land.
In the travel context, a knot refers to a unit of measurement used to measure the speed of a vessel or aircraft. One knot is equal to one nautical mile per hour. Here are some examples of how knots are used in the travel industry:
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Ship speed: The speed of a ship or other vessel is often measured in knots. For example, a cruise ship may travel at a speed of 20 knots per hour.
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Aircraft speed: The speed of an aircraft is also measured in knots. For example, a commercial jet may travel at a speed of 500 knots per hour.
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Wind speed: Wind speed is also measured in knots, as it is important for the safety of vessels and aircraft. For example, a weather report may indicate that winds are blowing at 20 knots per hour.
Knots are commonly used in the travel industry as they provide an accurate measurement of speed over long distances. Nautical miles are used instead of regular miles because they are based on the circumference of the earth, which is measured in degrees of longitude. One degree of longitude is equal to 60 nautical miles, which makes it easier to calculate distances and speeds using nautical miles and knots.