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What are the world's safest airlines right now?

Airline Ratings, the world’s only airline safety and product rating website, has published its World's Safest Airline list for 2024. In making its evaluation, Airline Ratings takes into account "a comprehensive range of factors that include serious incidents, recent fatal accidents, audits from aviation’s governing and industry bodies, profitability, industry-leading safety initiatives, expert pilot training assessment and fleet age." The results are timely, revealed shortly after the shocking Japan Airlines accident that occurred on January 2. The Airbus A350 burst into flames following a collision with a Coast Guard aircraft while landing at Tokyo's Haneda airport. Five of the six crew members on the smaller aircraft were killed, but miraculously, all 379 people aboard the Japan Airlines plane managed to escape. So, if you're planning to fly anytime soon, you might first want to browse this list of 25 airlines deemed the safest in the air. Click through and find out which airline has claimed the top spot.

Explore 60 of the most extreme locations on Earth

What is the farthest point on Earth from an ocean? Where can we find the highest human settlement or the lowest commercial airport? And where is the biggest vertical drop found? Our planet is a realm of extremes, a sphere of astonishing contradictions that both perplex and astound us. Take a look at this gallery to discover a compilation of 60 extraordinary locations on Earth that will undoubtedly leave you astounded.

How an Aussie comedian's parking meter mistake cost her $160

The costly incident happened on Friday when Diana Nguyen parked in front of her Airbnb in Bondi in Sydney's east and as it was raining, accidently left her bank card in the parking meter.

32 astonishing Ancient Egyptian treasures discovered in the last decade

Incredible ancient Egyptian discoveries uncovered in the last five years, from golden-tongued mummies to a slyly smiling sphinx.

Hong Kong’s bun festival on Cheung Chau may attract 60,000 visitors amid ramped-up promotion drive: organisers

The organisers of Hong Kong’s annual bun festival on Cheung Chau are expecting about 60,000 visitors for Wednesday’s event, hoping to beat last year’s figure with help of the city’s recent promotion efforts targeting mainland Chinese tourists. But a local bun maker has said he is less optimistic since the festival, which takes place on Buddha’s Birthday, will not fall on a Friday unlike the year before, meaning most people will need to work the...

The safest communities in America

Living a peaceful life in the US seems to be somewhat of a fading dream for many individuals living in once-peaceful cities. Crime rates are on the rise, complemented by the inability to make ends meet as the cost of living continues to increase. Many American states are seeing higher crime rates, unemployment, and homelessness than ever before. This begs the question: "Where is it safe to live these days?" Well, we've got the answer(s). The cities, towns, and villages on this list are all competing for the coveted honor of being the safest in America. Swipe through to see which has taken the crown.

Heading to Milan? These Are the 21 Travel Essentials to Pack

Don’t leave the house without these jet-setter must-haves.

15 Safest and Cheapest Cities To Live on the West Coast

When you think about living on the West Coast, "affordable" probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind -- and "safe" might not be either. But there are indeed places on the West Coast where...

20 of America's Best Historic Homes You Definitely Have to Visit

Yes, it's time to plan a trip!

Amazing natural wonders that could soon be lost forever

Whether its the imminent threat of climate change, destructive weather systems or the toll of human impact, some of Earth's most incredible, important and enchanting corners are facing a precarious future.

Mass migration: the reason birds are flocking to cities

The concept of the migratory bird is nothing new. We learn early on that birds fly south for the winter in search of shelter and food. The more interesting concept is the migration of certain birds to cities. What do they want in urban areas, and how can we help them survive? Check out this gallery to learn all about why birds flock to cities.

The biggest mistakes tourists make at national parks

In the heart of the world’s untouched wilderness, there are entire swathes of land that beckon adventurers with the promise of natural beauty. But despite the grandeur and majesty to be found in national parks, there lies a hidden trail fraught with missteps and pitfalls. From the novice wanderer to the seasoned explorer, visitors are often blind to the potential dangers that await if they aren’t careful. But what are the biggest mistakes to look out for when visiting a national park? Click through this gallery to find out.

Caught drinking alcohol in public in Ibiza? 1500 euro fine!

In the fight against mass tourism, the Spanish islands of Mallorca and Ibiza have taken new measures. Local authorities want to drastically curb the nuisance of mass tourism and the associated misuse of alcohol. In certain zones on the islands of Majorca and Ibiza, such as Palma, Magaluf, Llucmajor and Sant Antoni de Portmany, alcohol can no longer be sold in shops between 9.30pm and 8am. Another new measure is a fine for those who do not comply...

CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews The Fortune Hotel

The format's flaw is that, especially in the early stages of this nightly, eight-part show, none of the couples wants to do a swap, except for the pair lumbered with the elimination card.

Did you know the US government is hiding a secret airline?

Did you know that the US government operates a top-secret airline called Janet? The airline tends to fly under the radar, even though it operates out of commercial airports. However, if you've never noticed the discreet, unmarked aircraft fleet, you're not the only one. Janet's operations and the activities of the passengers it transports are highly classified, but take a look at what is known about the airline in the following gallery.

The 30 loudest animals in the world

Nature truly is a marvel. There are so many unbelievable sights, smells, and in this gallery, sounds. Most people have heard about the legendary howl of a wolf, or the mighty roar of the king of the jungle, yet not many have actually experienced it. The only way to truly understand the intensity of their voices would be to stand before them, but in many cases, that's not a great idea... Instead, we've decided to use the best comparison which is the decibel (represented as dB). The decibel scale shows us how intense a sound is. The higher the number of decibels is, the louder the sound. For reference, a typical car horn can reach 107–109 dB. In this gallery, you'll find 30 of the loudest animals in the world ranked in order of recorded decibels (dB). Click through and prepare to be surprised!

Socotra—an unworldly island in the Arabian Sea

Remote and isolated, the Socotra archipelago is often described as the "most alien-looking place on Earth." The islands, part of Yemen, are scattered in the Arabian Sea, with Socotra, the largest island, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But while once a discerning destination for hardcore adventure tourists, visitor numbers have dwindled since the outbreak of the Yemeni civil war in 2014. Browse this gallery and get an idea of what this unworldly island looks like.

Singapore in Top 10 list of Global Destinations for retirees in 2024

SINGAPORE: Singapore has taken its place again among top destinations worldwide—this time for favoured holiday... The post Singapore in Top 10 list of Global Destinations for retirees in 2024 appeared first on The Independent Singapore News - Latest Breaking News

The world's most powerful passports for 2024

The results of the Henley Passport Index 2024 have been published, listing this year's most powerful passports. The annual index is created by London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners, using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association. There are an incredible 34 country passports occupying the top 10 places listed in this gallery. So, where is your passport placed, and how many visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations does it afford? Click on and travel through the index to find out!

The northern lights in Barcelona and other unusual places

Santa Muerte and the rise of "narco saints"

Mexico, like most Latin American countries, has deep roots in Catholicism. But the country also has a strong pagan tradition that dates back thousands of years. In a country plagued by considerable social issues, poverty, crime, and religion can be a dangerous mix, especially when drug cartels believe their saints make it okay to commit atrocious acts, and even protect them! But these "narco saints," as they are known, are also worshiped by regular, law-abiding citizens—and the cult is growing. So, what's going on, after all? Click through this gallery and delve into the world of Santa Muerte and other narco saints.

Spectacular gravesites of famous people

While some famous people are buried in understated gravesites, others had beautiful memorials built in their memory. Browse through this gallery and find out where some of the most astonishing famous people's graves are located.

30 places where you can find peace and meditate

Do you need some time and space to just get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? A place where the stress and anxiety of the mundane seem to melt away? Well, you’re in luck! This beautiful world is full of simple yet wonderful places where you can go and relax or meditate. If you’ve been running to the point of exhaustion lately, take a moment for yourself. Finding places for peace and quiet is easier than you might think! Which location sounds the best to you? Click through to explore more.

Why Qantas is axing its only flights direct to mainland China

The airline will ditch their Sydney to Shanghai service from July 28 due to 'low demand'. The flights were paused for over three years during the Covid-19 pandemic and were only restarted in late October.

10 of the Most Unique Museums In the United States

Add these one-of-a-kind destinations to your travel bucket list.

Mount Fuji to charge US$13, cap daily climbers to 4,000 people on the Yoshida Trail, with help of online booking system

An online booking system for Mount Fuji's most popular trail was announced on Monday by Japanese authorities trying to fight overtourism on the active volcano Record numbers of overseas tourists are travelling to Japan, where in March, monthly visitors exceeded 3 million for the first time An online booking system for Mount Fuji's most popular trai...

The best modern and retro campervans and RVs ever made

Homes on the go: let's take a look at the best road-going abodes built to take on anything

The air travel secrets every passenger should know

Traveling by air is one of the great luxuries of the modern age. It can also be one of the great trials, what with crowded airports, overbooked flights and questionable food. To make your next flying experience more enjoyable, we’re letting you in on air travel secrets every passenger should know. Whether it’s getting through security faster or knowing which part of plane it’s best to sit in during turbulence, we’ve got you covered.

These Dog-Friendly Hotels Will Pamper Your Pup in Luxury

Save this for your next road trip.

Things that are considered normal in the US but are bizarre in the rest of the world

The US is a diverse country, filled with unique quirks and traditions that vary from region to region. But certain customs are common nationwide. And while they might seem normal stateside, in other parts of the world they're thought of as completely strange. For example, the average American may be used to takeaway coffee, but to many foreigners that's far from the norm! Curious to find out what's considered normal in the US, but not in the rest of the world? Then check out this gallery.

Lost treasures around the world

Throughout the ages, a huge number of priceless treasures have gone missing without a trace. Sometimes treasures are recovered, but, even after decades or centuries of searching, the whereabouts of many remain a mystery. Buried in hidden locations, stolen, or lost, a few of these artifacts are now likely destroyed, but some may still exist and one day could be recovered. Intrigued? Click on to 'discover' some lost treasures that have never been found.

4 quirky must-see Amsterdam icons, from flower bikes and gable stones to mosaic artist Fabrice Hünd’s works

Amsterdam is famous for its canals, red-light district, museums and art, but there are other must-see attractions in the Dutch capital These include Warren Gregory's colourful flower bikes - the first of which was created for his wife - and mini-libraries Amsterdam is one of the world's most visited cities, and is best known for the Van Gogh Museum...

Europe's most underrated cities, according to travel experts

Think of European cities and a plethora of well-known destinations spring to mind. There's no shortage of places to discover the history and culture of this continent. But don't overlook its smaller, less explored cities. Many are hidden gems, far from the hectic crowds, that offer visitors a much more intimate, unspoiled experience. Condé Nast Traveller asked their seasoned contributors to put together a list of Europe's most underrated cities. Using their network of travel specialists and European-based writers, they compiled a list of places you might not have considered—or heard of at all—based on their recommendations. Curious? Click on to uncover Europe's most underrated cities.

Countries that will pay you to move there

Moving to a new country can be an exciting experience. However, it can also be a costly and daunting process. Fortunately, some states, cities, and even entire countries pay you to move there and offer incentives to attract new residents, including financial compensation and tax breaks. Whatever the reason, these incentives can be a great opportunity for those looking to start a new chapter in their lives. If you're looking for a change of scenery, check out this gallery for countries that will pay you to move there.

Everlane’s New Vacation Collection Will Inspire You To Book A Flight ASAP

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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.

Would you go to work on one of these?

The golden age of transportation seems to be behind us. Apart from the advent of electric cars, and the growing use of high-speed trains, nothing very exciting has happened in the business of getting us from point A to point B. In the 20th century and earlier, everyone seemed to have their own unique ideas about the best ways to move about. Some of the more unlikely ones, like the motorized scooter, have eventually caught on, while others that might have seemed like sure bets, such as the amphibious car, quietly fizzled out. However history has treated them, all of the old ideas were pretty interesting. Read on to see some of the wacky ways people used to get around.

I traveled beyond the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Lights. Here are 4 things to know before you go.

I spent $3,000 to travel to a tiny Arctic village in Finland for a chance to see the northern lights. Here's what you should know for your own trip.

Life abroad: These are the best countries for Americans to live in

Considering a life abroad? For many, it's never anything more than a fun idea. But according to the State Department, millions of Americans are actually doing it. And while there are many nations to consider for your new home, in this gallery you'll get a list of the 15 best countries for expats by prioritizing a range of factors including safety, friendliness, quality of life, and access to culture and outdoor activities. Ready? Click on for the best countries for expats, and also discover practical tips to make your dreams come true!

The Gilded Age castle built for The 'King of New York'

Explore OHEKA Castle, the 'King of New York's 117-room stately Long Island home that is said to have inspired The Great Gatsby.

How to travel a lot more comfortably

No matter what mode of transport you are taking, traveling can be uncomfortable. Sitting in one position in a noisy and stuffy plane, train, or bus can leave you feeling drained. From not being able to sleep because of noisy passengers to feeling bored because your device has run out of battery, it can be tedious even for the most patient people. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little bit of preparation, you can avoid most annoyances experienced while traveling. Click through this gallery to learn about what you can do to make your next travel experience a lot more comfortable.

Town once called 'scam capital of America' is now best place to retire

Retirees are flocking to a stunning, but often rainy Pacific Northwest city with an exploding population and up-and-coming economy.

India's impressive World Heritage Sites

Visiting India is to discover a vast land rich in culture and tradition. A sumptuous mix of spiritual beliefs and architecture, plus some of the most important wildlife hotspots on the planet, has led UNESCO to designate no less than 40 World Heritage Sites within India's borders. These must-see destinations include magnificent palaces, decorative monuments, and evocative temples. Also listed is an entire mountain range and a state capital! So, are you ready to start ticking off India's most significant tourist attractions? Click through and delve into the country's cultural, historic, scientific, and natural world.

Olympic stadiums that cost billions and what happened to them after the games

Cities can easily spend billions on hosting the Summer Olympics, although many jaw-dropping venues are ultimately destined for destruction

30 capital cities with the best air in the world (America’s represented)

Everyone knows bad air quality when they breathe it in, but how does it measure and compare across different capital cities? To get this information, the amount of particulate matter is measured to arrive at a number the residents are breathing in over a period of time. In 2023, IQAir released their World Air Quality Report, looking at the concentration of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) in capital cities around the world. The report applied population-based adjustments to standardize its results and calculated an annual average of the data. If a city exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) safety guideline of five micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) for annual average PM2.5 levels, it meant potential health risks for its residents. So, how did your capital city do? Click on to check out the top 30. (Pictured: CopenHill, Copenhagen, a waste-to-energy plant that doubles as a recreational space, featuring a ski slope on its roof, exemplifying the integration of sustainability and public engagement.)

America's love affair with the car captured in amazing historic images

Drive into the past with these photos of America's old highways.

In pictures: Kyiv before the war

The Best Mother's Day Picnic Areas In All Each State

Discover the best picnic destination in each U.S. state. From seaside to cliffside, and everything in between, we've found the best places to lay out your blanket and soak up the afternoon.

Richest ZIP Codes in Every State

Whether you’re looking to move, settle down, retire or just want to admire mega-mansions, here's where the richest ZIP codes across the nation are located.

Beautiful Cities in Greece That Deserve More Love

Don't overlook these hidden gems!