When it comes to foodie travel treats, 74% of people said that of the foods they look forward to most when on holiday, it is ice-cream that is top of their list, proving more popular than other options such as trying local delicacies, all-you-can-eat buffets and cocktails. Furthermore, according to some recent holiday makers, the best way to enjoy ice-cream is to have it for breakfast! A Sicilian tradition is to kick-start your day with a brioche bun filled with ice-cream!

Few things are as popular across the world as ice-cream and after being a luxury only the wealthiest in society could enjoy, the chilly treat is now available to each and every one of us, in all shapes and sizes.

Here is Travel Republic's list of the tastiest, strangest and brightest frozen desserts on offer worldwide, along with some cool facts:

Ice-cream is thought to originate from China

Many countries have laid claim to being the masterminds behind the frozen treat, but it's probably China who invented the original concoction in 200 BC. Rumour has it that it was Marco Polo who brought it back and introduced it to the Italians.

The world's tallest ice-cream cone was made in Norway

Measuring over 3 metres tall, the strawberry-flavoured ice-cream managed to scoop up a Guinness World Records title. The cone itself weighed almost a tonne!

The most expensive ice-cream can be found in Dubai

A country known for lavish indulgences, Dubai is home to an ice-cream made of the finest vanilla, saffron and black truffle. Topped with 23 Carat gold and served in a Versace bowl, one single scoop will cost you a whopping £530!

Traditional ice-creams

Gelato, Italy

What makes a traditional Italian-style scoop different from its chilly, cream-based counterpart is that it contains less milk fat and is churned differently, making it a thicker, tasty treat.

Kulfi, India

Strikingly similar to the UK's frozen custard, kulfi can be traced back all the way to the Mughal Empire.

Clotted cream ice-cream, England

Many a place around the UK has claimed ownership of the clotted cream-ice cream. With a high fat content and a velvety texture, it's a rich dessert best paired up with a cup of your favourite tea.

Frozen yoghurt, USA

Opting for regular milk instead of cream, fro-yo is a healthier alternative that comes in almost any flavour imaginable.

Flavours for the brave

Fish ice-cream, Japan

Known in Japanese as saury, this saltwater fish is drowned in brandy to mask the potent scent. It's a popular flavour in the country, so look out for it in ice-cream parlours and stores.

Crocodile egg ice-cream, Philippines

Introduced by an ice-cream parlour in Davo City, ice-cream made with crocodile eggs instead of ordinary ones from a chicken has proven to be a glowing success.

Akutaq, Alaska

Instead of cream, animal fat is used to create this classic local delicacy, with berries added for flavouring. Enjoyed as a dessert or a meal in its own right, it's definitely something for the bucket list!

Ice-creams with a splash of colour

Glow in the dark ice-cream, Australia

Ever wondered what eating ice-cream in the dark would be like?

Liquid nitrogen ice-cream comes in three fluorescent flavours, creating the perfect opportunity to match your snack with your threads at a rave.

Brunch, Ireland

This national treasure, a bright-pink ice lolly covered in biscuit crumbs, can only be described as the sweet version of Marmite – you either love it or you hate it.

Cool and chilly venues

Heladería Coromoto, Venezuela

Thanks to an impressive 860 flavours in store, this venue has been featured in The Guinness Book of World Records.

Pet Pavilion, UK

Ice-cream for dogs is originally from the US, but is spreading like wildfire across the world.

This fancy London gelateria is a perfect pitstop for pet pooches looking to treat themselves on a sunny afternoon.

For those special occasions

Turron ice-cream, Spain

Made from ground almonds and honey, Turron is a staple for any Spanish Christmas meal. In fact, it's so popular that a Turron-flavoured ice-cream has popped up as well.

Cinnamon ice-cream, Malta

Served at weddings, this is the dessert to make the church bells ring and taste buds sing.