Lifestyle

These Stunning Treehouse Hotels Let You Totally Relax

Goodbye, cell phone beeps. Hello, birdcalls.

"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.

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 8 Oldest Restaurants in New York City

These iconic restaurants have withstood the test of time.

The Best Solo Travel Destinations in the United States for an Unforgettable Adventure

Whether you're looking for nonstop activity or total relaxation. While traveling with friends and family can be a lot of fun, going somewhere alone has its perks. You get to choose everything — the destination, the hotel, the itinerary, the restaurants, how much money you spend and beyond. Only one opinion matters...yours. It's also a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone, meet new people (if you so choose), unplug, rejuvenate and bask in moments of reflection — or even just escape reality for a few days. Whether you're planning your first adventure on your own or are a solo travel veteran, choosing a destination can be overwhelming, especially if you still have a lot of places to check off your bucket list. The good news is, you don't have to go far for the adventure or relaxation you crave, because there are plenty of options across the U.S. Weighing variables such as walkability, safety, self care opportunities, number of historic sites and museums and access to nature, we've come up with a list of the best places in the U.S. for solo travelers — ranging from mountain and beach destinations to small towns and large cities. Time to book your ticket for one, plan your itinerary (or don't, remember, it's your trip!) and answer to no one except yourself for a few days.

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.

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.

The 20 Best Luggage Brands Worth Investing In

From Samsonite to Rimowa, Tumi to Away—here's what you need to know about each one.

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.

Real retirement ages revealed worldwide

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

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!

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.

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

From lunar-like landscapes to European-style castles.

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.

Castle on hill visited by thousands must come down

The man who built it stone-by-stone believes it has been a force for good, attracting thousands.

10 of the Most Unique Museums In the United States

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

The ultimate guide to creating a weekend getaway travel itinerary

Have you been craving your next adventure or thinking about where you’d go if you had the time? If you’re like most people, the answer is a resounding yes! Before you actually set foot in the destination, though, it’s important to plan. Planning involves creating a travel itinerary and, whether you’ve created one before or not, simply thinking through these questions can be very impactful. This guide will help ensure you have everything covered from start to finish, and have the greatest chance of truly enjoying your next trip. Curious about what to include in your travel itinerary? Click through to learn more.

34 Rare Vintage Photos of The Plaza Hotel

It’s always been the place to be.

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.

The World’s 20 Most Beautiful Cities to Visit in Your Lifetime

Some standards and some surprises–all dazzling destinations to tempt you on your next trip.

These Dog-Friendly Hotels Will Pamper Your Pup in Luxury

Save this for your next road trip.

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.

30 Rare Photographs Taken at Chateau Marmont

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

13 Beautiful City Skyline Photos Snapped Around the World

Dazzling views from the top await.

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

Note to self: Go to Mexico City immediately.

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.

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!

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...

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.

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?

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.

The 15 Best Mother-Daughter Trips to Take Together

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

27 fascinating things you might not know about trains

Do you know where to find the fastest trains? Which country has the largest railway network? Which countries have no railways at all? Here are some curious train truths that most people don't know.

Are These Bucket List Trips Actually Worth The Hype?

You might just have to see it to believe it.

How Much It Costs To Live Comfortably in 50 Major Midwest Cities

The Midwest offers a unique lifestyle, attracting many with its lower cost of living and a slower pace compared to other regions of the country. Many will tout the benefits of living in the Midwest...

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

Wanderlust is not a deadly sin.

The amazing red carpet of 'Furiosa' at Cannes 2024

21 Creative Ways to Use Rocks in Your Landscaping

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

DON'T Make These 32 Eating Errors While Traveling Abroad

Discover surprising dining customs from around the world – including tipping culture, where to sit and how to behave at the table.

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...

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

Historic, iconic, impossibly long.

Uncertainty over city centre fountain repair date

No date has been confirmed for the reopening of a landmark in Hull's Queen Victoria Square.

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.

Beautiful Cities in Greece That Deserve More Love

Don't overlook these hidden gems!

These Small Towns in California Are Bursting With Beauty and Charm

Nope, this isn't Italy.

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.