Lifestyle

Inside family's holiday to Universal Studios before £2k fine

A couple fined £2k for taking their kids on holiday during term time have 'no regrets'. Rebekah Richardson and Dale Wood took their children on a holiday to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, US.

30 Rare Photographs Taken at Chateau Marmont

The iconic Hollywood hotel has been a favorite among celebrities for nearly 100 years.

The 15 Best Mother-Daughter Trips to Take Together

Celebrate mom more than once a year with these curated trips!

7 of the Most Ridiculously Long Interstates in the U.S.

Historic, iconic, impossibly long.

Do you remember these tourist spots being completely empty?

While most of us would rather forget it ever happened, the COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on everyone's lives not so long ago. Governments around the world tried to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus by decreeing lockdowns. Almost everything was shut down, and most people stayed home, including tourists. Some of the busiest tourist spots on Earth became deserted, yet photographers were there to capture those unique moments. In this gallery, we look back on what some of the world's most popular tourist spots looked like during lockdown. Click on to revisit the not-so-distant past.

Ancient 'giant' viruses are discovered in Yellowstone's Hot Springs

Researchers found giant viruses in Yellowstone Park's geothermal hot springs. The virus poses no risk to humans but could explain what the conditions on Earth were like when life formed.

The 30 most breathtaking skylines in America

The US is a wide and diverse land of intense and unique bursts of development, with higher buildings and more interesting structures popping up each year. These skylines emerge like a fingerprint of each city, revealing their characteristics through architecture, atmosphere, and culture. Check out this gallery to see the top 30 skylines in the country.

This Taco Stand Just Won a Michelin Star, and It Only Serves 4 Things

Note to self: Go to Mexico City immediately.

15 Countries Worth Visiting for an Epic Drive

Whether it's the awesome roads, incredible terrain, or lax driving laws, plan your next road trip with this guide to our international favorite driving spots.

22 Photos Of Sagada's Burial Cliffs

In the Philippines' mountain province, there is a town called Sagada, which has become a tourist site for a truly macabre reason: hanging coffins.

20 Of America’s Best Tropical Getaways

Explore 20 breathtaking tropical paradises across America! From the sun-soaked shores of Hawaii to the lush landscapes of Florida Keys, discover your perfect escape.

Essential items to pack in your travel backpack

There's an art to packing a backpack. The idea is to save space while making sure that everything you need is at hand. But knowing how to pack isn't always easy, and the destination itself often dictates what to include and what to dismiss. However there are some items that should always be ticked off your travel checklist, no matter where you're going. Browse the gallery and find out how to pack like a pro.

How Center Parcs holidays in the UK are far more expensive than Europe

The price of holidays at 32 Center Parcs sites across England, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany was found to vary wildly in peak school holiday periods, according to research by Which?

U.S. Naval Academy class climbs greased 21-foot Herndon Monument

U.S. Naval Academy class climbs greased 21-foot Herndon Monument in annual event.

Moment couple caught stealing artifacts from 1800s cowboy camp in Utah

The incident took place at Utah's Canyonlands National Park on March 23, and constitutes 'archaeological theft', according to the national park service.

13 Amusement Parks in the U.S. That Are Completely Free to Enter

A few even charge you nothing for parking and entertainment. Amusement parks are synonymous with so many wonderful things: fun in the sun, rollercoasters and carousels, games galore and delicious food. And all in a colorful, jubilant, family-friendly setting. The only issue? Joy like that does not typically come cheap. Or can it? Well, at these 13 amusement parks across the U.S., from the Golden to the Garden States, you can save on one very important front: entry. While the vast majority of amusement parks — including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens — require tickets just to walk through the gates, these resorts and parks do not. Of course, if you want to ride the rides or snack on the snacks, you'll still have to open your wallet. (A good thing can only go so far!) But if you're someone who's more about the vibes than the rides, this is the list for you. Make sure you scroll to the bottom: There's one very famous park that's about to go "open gate" with its water parks for guests staying on property. (Hint: It's home to a special mouse!)

"The Dreaming": The spirit world that accompanies our physical one

Aboriginal culture in Australia is one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world. A key concept in this culture is something anthropologists named "The Dreaming." In Aboriginal spiritual belief, the beings that were responsible for creation are as much alive today as they were in the times of mythos. The Dreaming had a beginning, but it has no foreseeable end. It presents a worldview, one that is non-linear and therefore is grounded in the idea of continuity, fluidity, and the importance of story. Intrigued? Click on to learn more about this ancient cultural worldview.

People are extending their vacations, and eco-travel experts say it could be more sustainable

A recent study found that tourists are extending their vacations. Sustainability experts say taking fewer, longer trips reduces carbon emissions.

Half of men think they can land passenger plane in case of emergency

Imagine this: you are sitting comfortably in your seat as you fly toward your vacation destination. Until a flight attendant's voice suddenly breaks the silence: Ladies and gentlemen, both pilots are incapacitated. Are there any passengers who can land this plane with the help of air traffic control? If you think you can handle this, you're actually not alone at all. Survey results released in January indicate that about one-third of adult...

Here's where you should travel this summer, according to your zodiac sign

Slab City: Life in the 'Last Free Place in America'

In California's Sonoran Desert, about 50 miles (80 km) north of the US-Mexico border, lies a squatter's paradise. Over 600 acres of rent-free land left over from a military base is now a well-established off-the-grid community where the living conditions are tough, but where freedom is guaranteed. Slab City, also called The Slabs, is a home for social outcasts, and a hot tourist spot for those who are curious about outcasts. It offers a very different alternative to how most North Americans’ daily lives work. It’s equally ambitious and artistic as it is challenging, but it has managed to maintain the spirit that it started with decades ago with every generation of transient, freedom-seeking people. The community has both been a home for people who had to run away, and also a home for people who wanted something to run to. Click through to see what life is like in this fascinating community, what challenges they face, and what they've been able to achieve so far.

21 Creative Ways to Use Rocks in Your Landscaping

Carve out naturally beautiful borders, stairs, and sitting areas.

The most bizarre TripAdvisor reviews

TripAdvisor, which was founded in 2007, is the world's most visited travel website. The forum is used for travelers to post reviews of various restaurants, hotels, landmarks, and locations all around the world. Well, some of those reviews are quite intriguing! Browse through the following gallery to read some of the most bizarre reviews ever left on TripAdvisor.

The foods Americans miss the most when abroad

One of the best aspects of traveling or living abroad is getting to try new cuisines and broaden your palette. Even so, Americans miss many things from back home—with food definitely topping the list. A list of some of the most-missed all-American foods follows in the gallery. Make sure not to read this with an empty stomach!

Things you shouldn’t do while staying in a hotel

Staying in a hotel can be a great experience, but there are some behaviors you want to avoid during your stay. And while most of us know the dos and don'ts of staying in a hotel, there are a few things that will leave you surprised. For example, did you know that you shouldn't touch the remote control? The hotel staff, and even your wallet, will thank you for most of these. Check out the gallery for more.

The best barge canal holiday destinations in Europe

Barges, for those who don't know, are flat-bottomed, slow-travel vessels that come in all shapes and sizes, typically hosting between six to 12 passengers. And barge cruising just got a lot cooler, as the newest barges on Europe's canals mimic cozy boutique hotel suites, featuring comfy contemporary design, bright sunlit rooms and even hot tubs. In this gallery, we take you on a slow journey to some of Europe's finest cruise destinations. Click on to discover the best barge canal holiday destinations on the continent!

15 Stunning Sandbars in the U.S.

Discover 15 of the best sandbars within the United States. From epic boat parties to relaxing solitudes, there's a sandy paradise for everyone.

Black history told through amazing (and disturbing) objects

The National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) chronicles a people's journey and a nation's story. Located in Washington, D.C., this world-class cultural facility, a Smithsonian Institution, features an outstanding collection of exhibits related to the African-American community, family, the visual and performing arts, religion, civil rights, slavery, and segregation. Indeed, the museum provides visitors with a fascinating and deeply moving illustrative diary of the richness and diversity of the African-American experience. It also records darker chapters in the African-American timeline. So, are you interested in learning more? Click through and ponder some of the museum's standout pieces.

Why this device commonly taken on flights must be packed VERY carefully - otherwise it could 'explode'

They are used by around 82m people worldwide, and so are taken on millions of flights. But many fliers may be unaware of the danger they pose. Here are the do's and don'ts.

Is this the scariest place in Japan? Decide for yourself...

Is a haunted house a bit too cliché for you? Well then how about a whole island! Hashima Island in Japan was originally a coal-mining community, but nowadays it floats abandoned—and many people believe it's haunted. Its huge, completely deserted buildings are what draw the most attention, and have served as a spooky background in films before. Want to know more about this mysterious island? Click on and find out more...

Has the mystery of Egypt's pyramids finally been solved?

Archaeologists have discovered that the famous structures could have been built along a long-lost branch of the river Nile.

These Dog-Friendly Hotels Will Pamper Your Pup in Luxury

Save this for your next road trip.

Truly Fascinating Places You Won't Believe Are in the United States

From lunar-like landscapes to European-style castles.

Clever travel hack that could help you avoid paying hotel fees if you cancel your booking less than 24 hours before check-in

Sharif Ceasar, who goes by the Instagram handle @realmelaninking, broke down his apparent life hack to avoid pricey fees if you ever need to bow out of a hotel reservation at the last minute.

20 disturbing facts about whales, the giants of the sea

What do the largest animal to have ever lived, the loudest and most inventive singer in nature, one of the only animals to use tools and one of the few animals to pick a fight with a giant squid have in common? They’re all whales! Dive into these fascinating and unsettling whale facts.

Europe's prettiest hilltop towns and villages

Europe is blessed with numerous picture-perfect hilltop towns and villages. Most are centuries old, having been established during the Middle Ages as strategic hubs during times of conflict and turmoil. As rural centers for horticulture, these destinations were celebrated for their cultivation of olives, wine, and other produce. Today, many of these places serve as popular tourist destinations, blessed as they are with outstanding architecture and a tangible sense of tradition. In fact, if you're planning to explore the continent, make sure to include some of these scenic highlights in your travel itinerary. Already packed? Click through and find out where to go and what to see.

Want to Keep Deer From Eating Your Garden? Here's What to Plant

If Bambi likes to visit your garden, this list is for you.

Wheelchair-friendly? The destinations with the best accessibility facilities

Accessibility is an issue that is still rife across most urban landscapes. But did you know that there are many cities across the globe that have spent much time and money investing in making their attractions more wheelchair-friendly? If there's somewhere you've always wanted to go but that worries about accessibility have held you back from, then think again! Here is a list of the cities that offer the best options for those with mobility restrictions. Click on to discover them all.

After a Night at These Luxurious New International Hotels, You’ll Never Want to Come Home.

Wanderlust is not a deadly sin.

The scent of attraction

Have you ever had it where you are instantly attracted to someone? Or you walk by someone on the street and they smell so good, but it’s not cologne or perfume? Well, pheromones are to blame! Almost everyone is under the aromatic influence of bodily chemicals. Although it takes more than smell to make a relationship work, the initial attraction is usually due to our unique fragrances. Our sense of smell brings us memories, helps us have group reactions, and lures us to certain individuals, according to our genetics. The amazing science of pheromones is not yet very advanced, but here are the basics of odor appeal. If you want to know how you can literally sniff your partner out, click through this gallery.

Real retirement ages revealed worldwide

Which country's people typically retire earliest, and where in the world do citizens work longest?

Yes, You Can Book a Stay at These Celeb-Approved Hotels

You might get starstruck at these luxury properties.

22 Adults-Only Resorts for a Well-Deserved Vacation

These romantic retreats have everything you need—except children.

The tallest trees in the world, and where to admire them

Some of the tallest trees in the world easily beat man-made structures like the Statue of Liberty, the United States Capitol, and London's Big Ben for height. Indeed, Nature's natural towers are truly majestic in their grandeur, with some standing over 100 m (more than 325 ft) from top to toe. But who is the king of the canopy, and what are its nearest rivals? Click through and gaze up at the tallest trees in the world, then find out where to admire them.

34 Rare Vintage Photos of The Plaza Hotel

It’s always been the place to be.

‘Hollywoodland: Jewish Founders and the Making of a Movie Capital' Exhibit Debuts at the Academy Museum

Imagine it’s 1920s Los Angeles. You’re driving around town in a Model T, cruising from Echo Park’s Edendale studios to Universal City to Musso and Frank on Hollywood Boulevard. That experience comes to life for visitors at the Academy Museum’s new permanent exhibit “Hollywoodland: Jewish Founders and the Making of a Movie Capital,” which opens […]

Visa announces major changes that will see Americans carry fewer cards

Visa is changing how their debit and credit cards work in order to reduce the number of physical cards Americans need to carry around. Expect the new changes by this summer.

British Airways flight from London to Norway makes emergency landing

The flight was en route from London to Norwegian city Oslo when the Captain alerted air traffic controllers and told them the plane would need to touch down immediately.

Unconventional travel destinations for introverts

Introverts love to travel as much as their extrovert counterparts, but their travel needs can often differ substantially. Many introverts seek quiet, solitary destinations with minimal social stimulation and plenty of space to reflect and take in their surroundings. Browse through some unconventional destinations introverts must add to their bucket list in the following gallery.

FAA allows United Airlines to restart certification activities

(Reuters) - United Airlines said on Thursday the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has permitted the carrier to restart its certification activities, including new aircraft and routes. The airline's certification activities were suspended after the FAA said in March it was increasing its oversight of United following recent safety incidents. The aviation regulator said it would initiate a