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The 30 countries with the best weather in the world

Welcome, weather enthusiasts! Let's embark on a global weather tour, shall we? From pristine beaches to charming cities, we'll explore the top 30 countries where Mother Nature has mastered the art of perfect weather. Whether you're seeking perpetual sunshine or a balanced climate, this guide is your passport to ideal conditions. So get that sunblock ready and start your adventure engines as we dive in! Swipe through to see this list of 30 countries that have the most welcoming weather.

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.

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.

Cities that were rebuilt after being completely destroyed

Throughout history, many natural and man-made changes have altered how cities were originally laid out. From fires that consumed them, to devastating tsunamis and wars that turned them into rubble, you'd be surprised to learn that many popular cities were totally destroyed at some point in history. With many totally collapsing to the ground, it's impressive to see how they managed to rise and rebuild themselves. Click on to discover the cities that moved past catastrophe to be reborn from the ashes.

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.

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.

Top Travel Hacks of 2024

Uncover 38 travel hacks that will help make planning your next trip easier. From racking up airline points and choosing the right credit card, to where to sit on the plane and when to fly, these lesser-known tips will not only save you time, but money as well.

Explore the essence of Hoi An with Renaissance Hoi An Resort & Spa

Let Renaissance Hoi An Resort & Spa paint the perfect picture for your getaway with an array of attractive offers that you won't want to miss. Explore the essence of Hoi An with Renaissance Hoi An Resort & Spa Located on Cua Dai Beach, one of Vietnam's most beautiful stretches of coastline, Renaissance Hoi An Resort & Spa is the first 5-star Renaissance-brand beachfront resort in Vietnam. Merging the laid-back style of a beach resort with the...

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.

The 30 greatest rock bands of all time

Are you a fan of rock music? If so, you're in luck: in this gallery, we take a road trip down the rock 'n' roll history highway! We're looking at the best of the best. From AC/DC to Metallica, this is a true roll call of the greatest-ever bands. Ready? Then click on!

The history of braille in 20 points

Created by a teenage boy almost 200 years ago, one of the most recognizable tactile writing systems, braille helps give people who are blind or have low vision equal access to the written word. Let’s trace its fascinating history in the following 20 points.

Disneyland performers complain about painful costumes, low pay, and inflexible management as part of push to unionize

Disneyland performers in California say they face painful costumes, inadequate pay, and inflexible management, in a video pushing for a union.

Incredible Hindu temples: architecture of exquisite beauty

Hinduism, originating from ancient Vedic culture around 3000 BCE, is one of the world's oldest religions and ranks as the third-largest globally, after Christianity and Islam. Followers refer to it as Sanatana Dharma, meaning Eternal Law in Sanskrit. With its primary presence in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, Hinduism influences social and political structures, including the caste system. Temples of diverse styles and colors in various locations are central to Hindu worship, embodying the beauty of this ancient faith. Explore this gallery and wonder at these remarkable religious structures.

Facts that sound like lies but are completely true

From the deepest depths of the ocean to the highest mountaintops, the world we live in is full of beautiful wonders and mysteries. And while we've attempted to make sense of this planet for centuries, there are still plenty of things that many of us don't know. For instance, did you know that the Pacific Ocean is shrinking every year? Or that the Himalayan mountains are growing? Intrigued? Click on for some incredible geography facts that will make you see the world in a whole new light.

One of Britain's most iconic villages could be overrun with tourists

Families in one of Britain's most photographed idyllic villages could be overrun with tourists if a trout farm is developed into a 'full-blown theme park'.

How to: The ultimate Tassie road trip in three days

Tasmania - once considered the end of the earth and an isolated island popular among retirees.

Keep America weird: unusual facts about each state

The United States is a big, vast place where sometimes (a lot of times) weird things happen. Jokes about Florida's strangeness abound, as evidenced by the amount of Twitter accounts dedicated to poking fun at the absurd things that take place in the Sunshine State. But Florida is far from being alone. Check out these strange facts about American states that will increase your random knowledge and your chances of winning trivia games.

Take a tour of the 'perfect' English town built by King Charles

Constructed in classic English architectural style, Poundbury is King Charle's vision of a model town. Discover more about the Dorset community the monarch built from scratch

The world's most stunning archipelagos

Scattered around the globe are some truly amazing archipelagos, island groups, or chains of extraordinary beauty and incredible biodiversity. Many are popular tourist destinations, while others are remote and remain in the realm of wildlife. Browse the gallery for a fantastically colorful journey to some of the world's most stunning archipelagos.

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

Yes, it's time to plan a trip!

Mist rains down on airplane passengers, utterly soaking their clothes

An aircraft bound for New York appeared to dump a thick mist on its passengers through it's air vents, drenching their clothes and leaving them wet for the duration of the flight.

22 Adults-Only Resorts for a Well-Deserved Vacation

These romantic retreats have everything you need—except children.

The Best Roadside Attraction to Check Out in Every State (and D.C.)

Slow down long enough to visit the nation's sometimes humorous, often bizarre and always-worth-a-selfie roadside attractions.

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

Wanderlust is not a deadly sin.

Selfish tourist topples historic 113 year-old Death Valley tram tower

An unknown driver knocked over a historic tram tower in Death Valley, California. Officials believe they used a winch to pull their vehicle out of mud, using the tower as an 'anchor.'

Eternal youth: The myth and mystery of the fountain of immortality

We've all heard about the fountain of youth, but how much do we know about it, really? What are the origins of the story, how did it spread, and, more importantly, is it real? Is this a mythological place, or is there such a thing as a fountain with rejuvenating properties? If so, where is it? Browse through the following gallery and discover the answer to these and many more questions about the fountain of youth.

Most Beautiful Places in America To Live on $3,000 a Month

While $3,000 may not seem like a lot to live on every month - especially with inflation, housing prices and grocery costs rising - you might be surprised to find that you can live quite comfortably in...

25 Beautiful Cities Around the World to Add to Your Travel Bucket List

These skylines will give you a surge of inspiration.

Historic 1820 Indiana log cabin goes on a road trip to new home

The historic Navarre Cabin, the oldest structure in St. Joseph County, moved from the park where it's sat for 120 years. The History Museum, the cabin's owner since saving the structure from demolition in 1895, moved the 1820 home from Leeper Park to the museum's campus on Wednesday. Museum leaders plan to make the cabin the center of an immersive exhibit about the lives of pioneers and Native Americans in the early 19th century.

The Mirage casino on Las Vegas Strip which opened in 1989 is closing

The Mirage hotel-casino which opened in 1989 in Las Vegas will close on July 17 for major renovations, reopening in 2027 as Hard Rock Las Vegas with a guitar-shaped tower.

Singapore Airlines CEO says travel out of China not yet recovered

By Lisa Barrington SEOUL (Reuters) - Air travel demand from China is not back to pre-pandemic levels for Singapore Airlines, but a visa-free scheme for Chinese citizens to the Asian hub has helped fill seats and the airline will add more China capacity this year, its CEO said on Thursday. Global aviation capacity returned to pre-pandemic levels this year, but recovery has been slower in Asia's

The best cities to visit with kids

City breaks tend to be hugely popular with child-free singles, couples, and groups of friends, but parents with young kids often ditch the big cities in favor of beach resorts or trips to the countryside. But having kids, toddlers, or babies along for the ride really doesn't have to mean taking city breaks off the travel agenda. Many cities around the world have a host of attractions aimed squarely at family visitors, along with stroller-friendly sidewalks and restaurants that make junior diners feel like valued customers. Ready for some inspo for your next family trip? Click through the gallery to discover the best cities to visit with kids.

These Dog-Friendly Hotels Will Pamper Your Pup in Luxury

Save this for your next road trip.

Visa's major changes will see Americans carrying fewer credit 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.

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.

Failure to launch: Aircraft that couldn't succeed

Throughout modern history, many aircraft have, for one reason or another, failed to succeed in the world of aviation. Browse through this gallery and get to know these aircraft failures. Click on.

American island paradise is unveiled as country's most popular city

This tropical capital is known for its beaches as much as its mountains and everything in between.

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

You might get starstruck at these luxury properties.

I've stayed in Airbnbs around the world by myself. My top tip for solo travelers is to book for 2 people — even if it costs more.

Business Insider's reporter books Airbnbs for two while traveling solo so hosts don't know she's alone. This practice helps her feel safer.

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.

The most iconic rock couples ever

Hulu's hit show 'Pam & Tommy' reignited the world's interest in famous rock and roll couples of the recent past. Indeed, there was a time when these two and other rock couples made the covers of magazines, and later, the internet. Their whirlwind romances and wild lifestyles fascinated fans everywhere. In honor of these fiery flings, we bring you the most iconic rock couples through the years. Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee are just one of the many famous duos you'll find in this gallery. Click on!

This is the world's stupidest airport, according to a famous British 'Top Gear' presenter

After 3 years in Thailand, I moved back to New York. It didn't feel like home anymore, so I took off again.

While living in Thailand, Elizabeth Lavis was always craving comfort food from her town in New York. When she got back, she found her tastebuds had changed.

10 of the Most Unique Museums In the United States

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

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

From lunar-like landscapes to European-style castles.

These abandoned locations have been reclaimed by Mother Nature

The power of Nature easily surpasses any man-made structure. It may have taken years, but Mother Nature has reclaimed these abandoned places that were once used by humans for all sorts of reasons. From China to Ukraine, different species of fauna and flora have taken over these locations, turning some of them into tourist attractions. Click here to see the abandoned places that have been reclaimed by Mother Nature.

Cities with the highest average salaries in the world

In a world of diverse opportunities and economic landscapes, certain cities stand out as havens of financial success. These urban centers offer a lot, including the promise of substantial incomes. In this gallery, join us as we explore these top destinations, where soaring skyscrapers are matched only by the impressive figures on residents' paychecks. From the bustling streets of global metropolises to the tranquil shores of idyllic islands, these cities embody the aspirations of those who seek not just a place to live but a place to thrive. Click on to discover them. All figures are monthly and in USD.

Ancient sites worth visiting

History has left us with some truly remarkable visitor attractions, many of which date back to antiquity. Whether standing alone as a singular piece of architecture or as part of a wider archaeological site, these ancient wonders inspire and educate in equal measure. But where in the world can you find some of the most illustrious of these extraordinary hand-built treasures? Click though and marvel at these ancient sites worth visiting.

Are you brave enough to ride one of these record-breaking roller coasters?

From the world's fastest roller coaster to the oldest, we've rounded up the rides that have made the record books.

8 abandoned homes rescued from ruin

These abandoned mansions, homes and castles were saved from the wrecking ball and faithfully restored and renovated by their resourceful new owners