Photos

Creepy facts about the Middle Ages

Did you know that archery at one time was mandatory? Or that you could actually pay your rent in eels? These represent just some of the shocking happenings during the Middle Ages. While this period of time is often referred to as the Dark Ages, this gallery is here to shed some light on life in the Medieval period. Click through to find out some fascinating, odd, and downright gross facts about the Middle Ages.

Selfies on canvas: Self-portraits of great artists

As far back as the 16th century, people were creating selfies. Except that these self-portraits were made by some of the most celebrated painters in history. Browse this gallery and admire the likeness of some of the world's greatest artists.

Coffees from around the world you will want to try

A simple espresso shot you may be familiar with. But what is a ristretto, lungo, doppio, or macchiato? This is where it starts to get complicated. And did you know that in Vietnam they drink coffee mixed with eggs? Click through the gallery and never again be confused at your local coffee shop. Plus, discover some neat java drinks from different countries around the world.

You won't believe how disgusting royal palaces used to be

When we think of the royal dynasties in European history, we think of kings and queens with absolute power ruling over vast empires, living in unchecked luxury. Many of the palaces they built are still some of the most impressive architectural wonders in existence. From the French Palace of Versailles to London’s Kensington Palace, tourists walk the halls and marvel at the beauty and grandeur of these royal homes. However, these restored palaces leave out a few key details. When they were first built and actually hosted royal courts, they were worse than pigsties! Visitors of the Louvre Palace today are spared the harsh realities of centuries gone by: ungodly smells, rat infestations, and piles of human feces littering the floor. Click through the gallery to find out what it was really like to live in a royal palace of the past.

Things you should never buy at the airport

We can all agree: flying is already expensive enough without falling for those pre-flight temptations. And while you can find practically anything and everything past security, your time waiting at the airport can quickly add on extra costs. This is especially true if you spend on certain things without thinking it through. From drinks to neck pillows, some things are simply not worth buying, be it for your wallet and even your health. So before you fly, check out this gallery for the things you should always avoid spending money on at the airport.

A guide to taking your dog on a road trip

Road trips are fun, so it's only natural that you don't want to leave your four-legged friend behind when you go on one. Dogs make great travel buddies, but it requires quite a bit of prep to take your pooch on a road trip. From what to do beforehand, to essential things such as what to pack and what to do during the road trip, we cover it all in this gallery. Browse through and check out our guide on taking your dog on a road trip.

BYO fork? Cathay Pacific asks business class customers if they would bring their own CUTLERY on flights in bid to eliminate wastage

Cathay Pacific has stirred up debate among its business class passengers after asking if they would be willing to bring their own cutlery on flights - with some flyers blasting the idea as 'ridiculous.'

14 remarkable underwater creatures caught on camera

The book 'The World Beneath: The Life and Times of Unknown Sea Creatures and Coral Reefs' by Dr Richard Smith throws the spotlight on the mysteries of the intricate underwater ecosystems.

These are the most dangerous roads in the US

With 4.19 million miles (6.74 million km) of roads, the US is a country built for driving. However, with that many routes to ride on, you can be sure that some roads are going to be less safe than others. In fact, roughly 36,000 people die on American roads each year. And while you can't blame the roads alone, there are certainly some that host more than their fair share of fatal accidents. With this in mind, click on to discover the most dangerous roads in the US.

Latest anti-tourist graffiti appears beneath Tenerife's Teide volcano

The graffiti appeared painted in white on the tarmac of one of the access roads to the 12,188ft Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain and a must-see tourist attraction in Tenerife.

'Grand send off' for explorer who named Australia

Matthew Flinders, who named Australia, is due to be buried in Lincolnshire this summer.

Fall in love again: Paris' best romantic hideaways

Discover the best destinations for flower lovers

The end of winter brings with it the beauty and magic of spring. Blooming flowers make truly magnificent landscapes that seem to belong in the pages of a story book. Tourists flock from all over the world to observe and appreciate spring flowers. Take a look through the following gallery to discover the best destinations for flower lovers.

Tennessee has banned 'chemtrails' in the state with bizarre new law

See wildflowers blooming in the hottest and driest place in America

See pictures of rare vegetation that bloomed in Death Valley, California.

Free-flowing drinks and majestic views of the American Rockies: Is this the most spectacular train ride in the world?

Tom Chesshyre hops aboard and experiences Rocky Mountaineer's first US train route, a 370-mile journey between Denver, Colorado, and the town of Moab in Utah.

Medieval cities around the world steeped in history

Join us on a tour of charming medieval cities around the globe, from Hallstatt to Hanoi and many places in between.

Would YOU try it? Hilton launches a £40 'taste of zero waste' menu

Zero waste menus are launching at Hiltons in London, Manchester and Brighton, featuring unusual delicacies such as ox heart, salmon cheeks and cod tongues.

30 adventure destinations for thrill-seekers

Calling all adrenaline junkies, thrill-seekers, and adventurers alike! From scaling towering peaks to diving into the depths of the ocean, there are adventures that offer unique thrills all around the world. Some adventures are not for the faint-hearted, and others even require some training. In this gallery, we'll embark on an exhilarating journey as we take a look through the world of adventure and daring exploits! Be warned though: some of these adventures might make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up! Without further ago, click on and let's dive in!

Get to know the Penguin Post Office

Are you fascinated by Antarctica, the frozen continent at the end of the world? Would you like to learn more about its history, wildlife, and attractions? Then you might be interested in Port Lockroy, a bay and former British research station that is now a museum and post office. Indeed, Port Lockroy is one of the most visited places in Antarctica, and attracts thousands of tourists every year who visit its historic buildings, gift shop, and cute penguins! In this gallery, we're sharing facts about Port Lockroy, as well as incredible images that will make you want to visit this amazing place. You will learn how Port Lockroy was named, who lived and worked there, what kind of scientific research was done on site, how the penguins are monitored and protected, and much more. You will also learn how to send a postcard from Antarctica, sponsor a penguin, or even apply for a job at Port Lockroy yourself! Without further ado, read on and enjoy this gallery of picturesque photos and curious facts about Port Lockroy.

The best pictures of Phish at the Sphere: An impressive light show and more

See the best photos of jam band Phish at the Sphere in Las Vegas during a four-night run.

Former lifeboat becomes glamping 'yellow submarine'

Found adrift in the Atlantic after a pirate attack, it cost £10k to convert into accommodation.

Pilot died in mid-air gliding competition crash

A report is released into the collision which claimed the life of an experienced pilot.

Delving into the mysterious underground world of the bunker

Reinforced defensive fortifications known as bunkers can be found all over the world. Designed to protect people or valued materials from missile strikes, aerial bombardment, or other attacks, bunkers are fascinating examples of military architecture. Many of these structures now lie in ruins. Others have been preserved as monuments or memorials, or have become unusual tourist attractions. Click through the gallery and delve into the mysterious underground world of the bunker.

‘It’s magical’: prehistoric mines in Norfolk to reopen to visitors

Nine metres below the grass level of an undulating Norfolk field, at the bottom of a very deep hole, Jennifer Wexler is talking about what makes this subterranean space particularly special. “I’ve spent a lot of time crawling around [down here], and you can go into certain spaces where you see someone’s tool and think: someone just put that down 4,500 years ago, and it’s still here,” she says. “You can literally see their marks on the wall, the...

Why have wildlife populations declined by 69%?

The Living Planet Report published by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Zoological Society of London provides a snapshot of the health of our natural world. It makes for grim reading. Within its pages are genuine causes for dismay, with our fragile planet facing the double, interlinked emergencies of human-induced climate change and the loss of biodiversity. There is still time to act, but this requires measures that go beyond conservation. Instead, we must all adopt what the WWF describes as a nature-positive attitude. The authors hope their report will inspire you to be part of this challenging resolution. So, what are they saying? Click through for a summary of the main outcomes of the Living Planet Report.

Moulin Rouge's windmill sails fall off and crash onto the street

The blades of the world-famous windmill at the Moulin Rouge cabaret club fell off and crashed onto the street below during the night. The sails were wrapped in plastic on the ground in front of the building started to be removed from sidewalk.

History's most baffling mysteries we STILL don't have the answers to

These pictures reveal the breathtaking work of the ancient world but also raise far more questions than answers...

Popular destinations to scatter ashes

Choosing what to do with your loved one's ashes after cremation can be a very personal decision. But there is little established protocol, theology, or religious significance relating to the scattering of ashes. Indeed, if your religion permits cremation, the significance of scattering ashes tends to be largely cultural. What always needs to be considered though is where best to carry out this spiritual act of setting someone free. Click through the following gallery and take a look at some memorable locations where the scattering of ashes has taken place.

Food facts that airlines don't want you to know

Taking a flight soon? Worried about what you're eating? Fear not, this gallery will answer most (if not all) your questions about airline food. Read on for trivia about why airlines use undercooked meats and why you will never eat raw food in flights.

Extraordinary photos show how the world has ACTUALLY changed

They say that the Age of Discovery is never over when you are the discoverer but there’s no denying that the world we live in are constantly changing. These images show how much the world has changed for the better... and the worse.

Discover the delight that is Denmark

Denmark belies its diminutive size with a collection of vibrant cities and standout landmarks that showcase this Scandinavian country in all its fairy-tale appeal. One of the happiest and most livable nations in the world, Denmark lures the visitor with its picturesque palaces and castles, world-class museums, and a culinary scene that's sent Michelin into a spin. This land of Lego is also renowned for its literary and artistic heritage, as well as wide-open landscapes that are wonderfully understated in their purity and simplicity. In fact, this is a nation in harmony with itself and possessed of a character all its own. So, are you looking to do Denmark? Click through for the definitive sightseeing itinerary.

Scary video shows Boeing 747 bounce hard off LAX runway twice

A terrifying video captured the moment a Boeing 747 bounced hard off the runway at LAX. The pilot was forced to abort the landing. An aviation expert called it the 'roughest' landing he'd ever seen.

Singaporean youths embrace independent travel before turning 18

SINGAPORE: Nearly half of Singaporean youths take their first self-funded trip before the age of... The post Singaporean youths embrace independent travel before turning 18 appeared first on The Independent Singapore News - Latest Breaking News

Meet the indigenous tribes of Southern Africa

If you venture to the Southern end of the African continent, you will find a land that is influenced by many diverse cultures. Modernism has mixed with tradition in this part of the world, and while there are some interesting facts about indigenous people as a whole, the tribes from Southern Africa are truly unique due to the African continent’s geography and history of colonialism. Intrigued? Click through this gallery to read up on some of the tribes from this area of the world.

22 Adults-Only Resorts for a Well-Deserved Vacation

These romantic retreats have everything you need—except children.

Extreme living: meet the real people living at the ends of the Earth

Meet the pioneering people living in the world's most remote locations, from a yurt in the wilderness of Canada and an off-grid tiny house in the US to the man who lives on top of the Katskhi Pillar in Georgia.

You'll be surprised by the most random things foreigners dub as "American"

It is undeniable that America has some foods, products, and customs that are just, well, American. Either based on stereotypes, movies, or pure fact, other countries dub countless things as being something unique to the US all the time. Some are painfully accurate, while others will leave you dumbfounded and looking for answers. For your reading pleasure, here are some of the most hilarious things the rest of the world has decided are American.

Venice's old mayor tells tourists NOT to pay €5 fee introduced today

Venice will become the first city in the world to charge an entry fee for day-tripper tourists, aimed at reducing the number of short-stay visitors who cause congestion

Miller & Carter divides opinion by asking traveller customer for ID

A TikTok clip shared to the account @gypsytravellerleague showed a manager at the Epping branch telling traveller customers they needed to present ID to order food.

The best things to do in El Gouna, Egypt: what to see, do and eat

We round up the best things to do, see and eat in El Gouna, a hidden gem built around lagoons on Egypt's Red Sea coast – from snorkelling and scuba diving to sunset horse rides and the best restaurants and places to stay.

These are the best cities in the world for your health

London pubgoers warned pints will soon hit £8 with price hikes ahead

The Victoria-era Trafalgar Tavern which sits on the Thames in Greenwich, south London, was highlighted as one of many pubs across the capital charging much more than the UK average of £4.70.

The most beautiful vineyards in the world

While the highlight of visiting a vineyard tends to be the experience of tasting and trying several delicious wines, many are located in such a beautiful setting that you could go just for the views. From wineries in Spain, featuring breathtaking architecture, to those in Australia, dating back to the 1800s, these are the vineyards any wine lover should add to their travel list.

Airline boss has no concerns over accident crew

Investigation underway after Aurigny plane leaves the runway at Guernsey Airport on Tuesday evening.

France's air traffic control strikes ground flights across Europe

PARIS/LONDON (Reuters) - Delays and flight cancellations were set to impact swathes of Europe on Thursday, after authorities failed to reach a deal with some French air traffic control workers to avert a strike. France's DGAC civil aviation authority said on Wednesday it had asked airlines to cancel 75% of Thursday's flights at Paris Orly airport, 55% of flights at Paris Charles-De-Gaulle and 65%

Don’t mess with Singapore’s No.1 airport status - Changi is a source of pride for a nation obsessed with rankings

THE daft travellers involved with the Skytrax World Airport Awardshave no idea what they’ve done. They’ve tampered with one of Singapore’s Infinity Stones. Changi Airport. Our Jewel at the end of the ECP. And a nation is wounded as a consequence. Let’s be honest, we don’t have that many Infinity Stones to begin with. There’s Changi Airport, food, s...

The forgotten art of calligraphy

The word calligraphy literally means to write with beauty, based on the Greek origin of the word. And perfecting calligraphy, or the art of decorative handwriting or handwritten lettering, is indeed a fine art. But who can we thank for developing this expressive, ornamental, and harmonious method of communication, and is it a lost art form? Click through the following gallery and find out more about the decorative art of the written word.

Ryanair cancels 300 flights affecting 50,000 passengers

Thousands of British flyers are set to be impacted after Ryanair has cancelled more than 300 flights.

Incredible new submarine looks like UFO

The Triton 660/9 AVA has been launched as the ultimate vessel for deep sea sightseeing. Florida-based Triton say their craft features the world's first submersible with a free-form acrylic pressure hull. It has been specifically designed for the cruise and hospitality sectors, with the ability to dive to 200m.