Smart Living

Here's What You Need to Know About Memorial Day Flag Etiquette

The holiday has its own rules! 🇺🇸

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.

Places Americans don’t visit—but definitely should

Even though Americans still carry the stereotype of people who don’t travel overseas, this is far from the truth. Yes, US citizens may not travel internationally as frequently as other cultures, particularly Europeans, but Americans are going abroad like never before. Popular destinations among Americans include our neighboring Mexico and Canada, as well as the UK in Europe, according to the Department of Commerce’s National Travel and Tourism Office. But what about the countries not featured in the list? There are some real gems out there that Americans have left untapped. What are some amazing destinations abroad that Americans should start visiting? Click through the gallery to find out.

The most mysterious shipwrecks in history

History and archaeology enthusiasts, treasure hunters, and divers alike love a good shipwreck! Indeed, we have been using vessels for millennia; these have been instrumental for our survival and our fun, from battles to travel. It's safe to say that our oceans are full of shipwrecks. Some have been found, and some have been explored, but many remain there, untouched. Click through the following gallery and dive deep into the most mysterious shipwrecks in history.

Are These Bucket List Trips Actually Worth The Hype?

You might just have to see it to believe it.

Did you know these American cities changed their names?

Many iconic cities in the US used to have different names. America is a vast land, and one where explorers and settlers have fought over territory. From Native American names to those adopted after the United States became a country, there are plenty of examples that are worth a mention. For instance, did you know that New York City used to be called New Amsterdam? Click through the following gallery to find out all about the original names of big American cities.

30 Rare Photographs Taken at Chateau Marmont

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

We've found the 30 most beautiful small towns in Australia

Head away from the big cities and you'll find a different side to Australia: here are some of the most beautiful towns and villages around the country.

ONE OK ROCK Announces ‘Premonition' Stadium & Arena World Tour: See the Dates

This global trek will be the largest ever for the "Make It Out Alive" rock band.

34 Rare Vintage Photos of The Plaza Hotel

It’s always been the place to be.

6 Cities in the US Where You Can Vacation Comfortably on $3K-$4K for 2 Weeks

Summer vacation is here! Where are you planning to go? Are you going to take a trip all by yourself to somewhere in the United States that you've always wanted to visit? Or are you planning to pack up...

The world's most fascinating fortresses

Humans have been building fortresses since the dawn of time. From strategically placed castles to facilities where certain activities can be conducted in a safe environment, the world is full of formidable fortresses. But which exactly are the most fascinating ones and why? In this gallery, we present you with a selection of amazing structures, from hilltop castles to underground military bases. Browse through and discover the world's most fascinating fortresses.

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.

Ohio rollercoaster is forced to shut just days after opening

A rollercoaster that had been billed as the tallest and fastest in the world was abruptly shut down just a week after it opened at an Ohio theme park. The ride must undergo a 'mechanical modification.'

These Dog-Friendly Hotels Will Pamper Your Pup in Luxury

Save this for your next road trip.

Harry and Meghan land in LA after 18-hour flight from Nigeria

The couple, who left Abuja yesterday following a three-day visit, were pictured being whisked away by a car at Los Angeles International Airport's 'Private Suites' facility.

The northern lights in Barcelona and other unusual places

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

From lunar-like landscapes to European-style castles.

Beautiful Cities in Greece That Deserve More Love

Don't overlook these hidden gems!

10 of the Best Places to Retire in Arizona

Retirement living choices abound in the Grand Canyon State's big cities, small towns, forested mountains, sun-drenched desert and even a beach resort.

The 28 Best Westerns of All Time

Saddle up for a trip to Hollywood's version of the Wild West.

Update after man and his dog went missing during Grand Canyon visit

The body of a man, believed to be Thomas L. Robison, 58, of Santa Fe, was found in the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park on Friday.

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.

The world's natural and cultural wonders we could lose forever

Whether through war, climate change or other threats, some of the world's most important and most beloved landmarks are at serious risk of destruction. Take a look at all 56 sites included on UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger.

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

Wanderlust is not a deadly sin.

Trump's $100m Boeing clipped another corporate jet at Florida airport

Donald Trump 's private Boeing 757 clipped another corporate jet while taxiing at West Palm Beach International Airport in Florida on Sunday, a source familiar with the incident said.

The world's costliest countries to live: does Singapore make the list?

As the cost of living crisis bites around the world, find out where people pay the most to get by.

Things Americans find strange about Europe

Europe is incredibly diverse, with various cultures and customs across different countries. But there is one thing most people can agree on about the continent: it's very different from the US. Many Americans have traveled to Europe and found themselves perplexed at different customs and societal norms, and they've shared their experiences online. Mind you, there are many things that are considered normal in the US that are weird for the rest of the world as well. But that's the fun of traveling! You get to see the norms and lifestyles of other people, cracking open the narrow perception of our own lives. So, click through and enjoy all the things Americans find strange when they're in Europe.

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

Yes, it's time to plan a trip!

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.

30 countries with no sign of McDonald's

Wherever you are in the world, there's usually a McDonald's nearby – unless you're in one of these countries.

The most haunted castles in Europe

Europe is peppered with ancient castles, many of them wonderfully fairy-tale in appearance. Others, however, are possessed of a more mystical appeal, with some hiding dark secrets and a violent past. These are the spooky strongholds that will make you shiver, mysterious medieval seats of power where dastardly deeds took place in an atmosphere of fear and repression. Hundreds of years later, these creepy castles are scenes of ghostly goings-on where specters and phantoms tease and torment with malevolent glee. But where can you find the most frightening fortifications? Click through if you dare and get ready to be haunted!

The northern lights: nature's most beautiful phenomenon

The aurora borealis is a stunning natural phenomenon that blows away anyone lucky enough to catch a glimpse of it. Science says it is the result of sun particles colliding with the Earth's atmosphere, but Icelandic legends say the magical lights are angels dancing in the sky! This spectacular natural light show is usually associated with Europe's most northern countries like Iceland, Sweden, and Denmark, where it's most visible. However, this aurora season, the world is getting an extra-special visit. The northern lights have been visible in locations across northern US and Europe where residents rarely see the northern lights, and certainly not with this level of visibility. Now a powerful solar storm could potentially allow residents in the upper Midwest US to see the lights, spanning an impressive 17 states including parts of Illinois and Indiana. According to the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, the areas near Milwaukee and Minneapolis may see the lights overhead, and areas as far south as Chicago and Indianapolis could see them on the far northern horizon, likely in July. Click on for dazzling photos of the phenomena and learn all about the aurora borealis.

US airlines challenge Biden admin over fee transparency rule

US airlines are challenging the Biden administration’s new regulation on airline fee transparency. The rule... The post US airlines challenge Biden admin over fee transparency rule appeared first on The Independent Singapore News - Latest Breaking News

Torch tour event marks D-Day anniversary

A ceremony in Oxford is part of the national Lighting Their Legacy D-Day torch tour.

How the sinking of the Titanic built this huge mansion

Take a tour of this spectacular New Jersey mansion, built from the fortunes of Macy's founding family after they tragically perished on the RMS Titanic

White House's Sullivan to travel to Saudi Arabia and Israel

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan plans to travel to Saudi Arabia and Israel this weekend, a U.S. official said on Tuesday as Israeli tanks pushed deeper into eastern Rafah, stoking fears of additional civilian deaths. Additional details on his trip were not available. The visit would come as the United States continues to press Israel to hold off on a

21 Creative Ways to Use Rocks in Your Landscaping

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

Anti-tourism graffiti spreads across Athens in demands to end tourism

Greece issued a plea for 'no more tourism' as the stunning city - and home to iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis - is becoming increasingly swamped with British holidaymakers.

Mysterious structures discovered near Egypt's Great Pyramid of Giza

Archaeologists uncovered two structures hiding below the sands in Egypt that were constructed 4,500 years ago - at the same time as the iconic Great Pyramid.

What happened to Red Lobster? Why the iconic restaurants are closing

The weirdest reasons for airplane turnarounds

Flying is stressful, no doubt about it. There's the competitive prices, the complications of packing, and that all-important airport sprint. When you're on the plane, you can only pray you're not stuck in front of some bratty kicking kid, or behind a rude reclining pensioner. However, none of that could equal the amount of stress in these ridiculous stories. On a recent flight from Tokyo to Seattle, one passenger must have been having a pretty bad day, because he ended up biting a flight attendant. The plane took off at 9:47 pm local time on January 16 but was forced to return to Tokyo’s Haneda airport approximately one hour later. A representative for the Japanese airline revealed that a male American passenger had bitten a female flight attendant and was arrested as soon as the plane landed in Tokyo. She is reported to have sustained minor injuries. This isn't the first time biting has caused major disruptions during a flight. In 2022, two separate incidents occurred in which a passenger bit cabin crew or other passengers on flights with US carriers American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Both aggressors were fined around US$80,000 by the Federal Aviation Administration—the highest penalties ever issued by the agency. From bees in the cargo to drunken celebrities and forgotten babies, there are countless stories of planes turning around for the strangest reasons. Click through the gallery to hear all about them.

13 Beautiful City Skyline Photos Snapped Around the World

Dazzling views from the top await.

I'm an American living in Italy - the locals can spot tourists just by the way you walk

In a recent TikTok, Rachael Sullivan, from Tampa, Florida, reveals what to look out for when it comes to spotting an American in Italy. She has been living overseas since January.

Campaign to ban London's 'floating' bus stops

The National Federation of the Blind wants an end to the "chaotic and downright dangerous" design.

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!)

A woman whose husband died snorkeling in Hawaii is suing its tourism board, saying it failed to warn them of the risk

A Michigan woman is suing Hawaii's tourism board over the snorkeling death of her husband in Maui, saying it failed to warn them of the risks.

22 Adults-Only Resorts for a Well-Deserved Vacation

These romantic retreats have everything you need—except children.

4 Places To Retire That Are Better Than Florida — and Way Cheaper

Florida has long been considered one of the most ideal places to retire. Read Next: Retirement 2024: These Are the 10 Worst Places To Retire in North Carolina Find Out: Owe Money to the IRS? Most...

Harry and Meghan hint more quasi-royal tours are in the pipeline

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been flying back to California after leaving Abuja yesterday following a three-day visit to Nigeria at the invitation of the country's military.