Lifestyle

China extends visa-free travel for 12 countries until 2025

China has extended its visa-free travel programme for citizens of 12 countries until December 31, 2025. This visa waiver extension aims to boost tourism and cultural exchange between China and these nations. Nationals from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland can now visit China for short-term trips free of visa restraints. China had dropped visa requirements for...

The high-flying history of bomber aircraft

The history of aviation took a sinister turn on November 1, 1911, when an Italian pilot had the idea of dropping grenades over the battlefield during the Italo-Turkish War. While his improvised attacks on Ottoman positions had little impact, his actions ushered in the era of air-to-ground weaponry and the emergence of the heavy bomber. These military combat aircraft played a vital though highly destructive role in all the major wars of the 20th century. And while the intercontinental ballistic missile eventually superseded the bomber as a long-range weapon platform of choice, there are still a handful of countries operating these aircraft. But how exactly did the bomber evolve, and what are the most iconic examples ever to take off? Click through and read up on the high-flying history of the bomber aircraft.

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.

Climate change is making it harder to have a smooth flight

British tourists fight with each other in a Majorcan tourist resort

Footage shows the shocking moment two British tourists fight each other in a Majorcan tourist resort, Mabu-Hay. The women are seen grabbing each other while a man tries to separate them.

The Most Beautiful Small Towns In Every State

Why yes, we would love to reside in a place where we can pan for sapphires.

Discover the hottest 15 cities for digital nomads in 2024

The digital nomad bonanza really took off on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many of the most unlikely places creating their own niche versions of remote working experiences, often dangling enticing lifestyle carrots such as tax breaks or visas to attract a steadily growing army of digital nomads to their cities. But just where are these places? In this gallery, we've curated a top 15 based on Nomad Capitalist's findings. Click on to discover them all!

30 Rare Photographs Taken at Chateau Marmont

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

Here Are 5 Things You Should Only Pay For in Cash

Banks issue rewards credit cards for all kinds of spending categories, from flights, hotels, rental cars and entertainment to groceries, dining, warehouse clubs and e-commerce. With all of the various...

The fascinating tale behind America's most mysterious castle

Contrary to popular belief, Europe is not the only place to find impressive castles. From 1923 to 1951, one man single-handedly constructed a magnificent castle out of 1,100 tons of coral rock as a testament to true love. The Coral Castle in southern Florida remains an architectural anomaly that continues to baffle designers and scientists around the world. Click through to dive into the enchanting story of one of America's captivating structures.

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.

12 Surprisingly Affordable Cities With Great Weather for Retirees

If you're looking to pull up your roots and head somewhere new in retirement, it makes sense to relocate somewhere where the cost of living won't strain your budget -- and you can also enjoy spending...

Tour the world's small but mighty tiny homes

From a floating micro-home to a state-of-the-art pod, the world's best tiny homes that don't compromise on anything.

Are These Bucket List Trips Actually Worth The Hype?

You might just have to see it to believe it.

13 Beautiful City Skyline Photos Snapped Around the World

Dazzling views from the top await.

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!

Plane forced to make emergency landing at Manchester Airport

The plane's four hour journey from Istanbul to Manchester came to a dramatic end yesterday as the plane was forced to abort its first landing following 'hydraulic issues.'

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

From lunar-like landscapes to European-style castles.

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

These skylines will give you a surge of inspiration.

New York to Dublin portal is used for offensive 9/11 jokes

The New York City Portal is in front of the Flatiron Building on Fifth Avenue and Dublin's on O'Connell Street in front of the GPO and the Spire, but it didn't take long to hijack it.

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.

Japan to introduce online booking for Mount Fuji trail

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. The system will guarantee people entry through a new gate, "allowing them to plan ahead," Katsuhiro Iwama, an official from the Yamanashi regional government, told AFP. Online bookings open on May 20 for the July-September hiking season.

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

Yes, it's time to plan a trip!

In US national parks, a historical wound begins to heal

When Raeshaun Ramon first donned the distinctive green and gray uniform of a US National Park Service ranger, he feared his Native American tribe would judge him for his choice. Ramon is the first ranger at Saguaro to belong to the Tohono O'odham nation -- literally, the "desert people" -- even though the park is their historic territory.

22 Adults-Only Resorts for a Well-Deserved Vacation

These romantic retreats have everything you need—except children.

18 priceless treasures people found in their homes

From the lost Rembrandt painting in a family dining room to a set of rare gold coins unearthed in a cottage, discover some of the most incredible treasures found in people's homes.

Beautiful Cities in Greece That Deserve More Love

Don't overlook these hidden gems!

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.

Get ready for flights to space! $1.4bn 'plane' is about to liftoff

After more than a decade in development, 'Dream Chaser' - which can land horizontally on a runway like a traditional aircraft - has completed testing, report Colorado developer Sierra Space.

Swimming carnival disrupted after a fire breaks out at aquatic centre

Hundreds of children who were attending a swimming carnival at a major sporting and recreational facility were forced to get out of the building after a fire broke out.

The least-visited country in the world may be the first to disappear

One of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world is also one of the least visited, but most of us may never get to visit before the nation disappears. Tuvalu is an island country in the west-central Pacific Ocean, sitting about halfway between Australia and Hawaii. It’s a coral atoll nation, which means it sits on a ring-shaped coral reef encircling a lagoon, with islands along the rim. The country is a stunning oasis, but faces the threat of disappearing completely from the face of the Earth. Click through to find out about the people, the culture, the devastation it faces, and more about this unique community.

The Best Place To Live on a $100,000 Salary in Every State

Are there any states in the land of opportunity where a $100,000 salary goes the distance? The answer is yes. In fact, there's a city in every state where that much money allows for comfortable...

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

Wanderlust is not a deadly sin.

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...

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.

These Dog-Friendly Hotels Will Pamper Your Pup in Luxury

Save this for your next road trip.

The 15 Best Mother-Daughter Trips to Take Together

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

Best places to see Northern Lights in the US if you missed them

The jaw-dropping spectacle of the Northern Lights could be visible across the United States once again tonight, according to the latest predictions by the NOAA.

Sea at Brighton turns a murky brown colour

The sea along the south coast of England has turned a filthy brown colour amid public fury at sewage-dumping on the country's most celebrated beaches.

Student visits Barcelona 11 hours and spends less than a day in London

Jade Taylor, from Manchester, decided to spend a random Tuesday abroad, as she jetted off for an 11 hour holiday to Barcelona because it was a lot cheaper than a day trip to London

Vatican Museums staff challenge the pope with a legal bid for better terms and treatment

ROME (AP) — Forty-nine employees of the Vatican Museums have filed a class-action complaint with the Vatican administration demanding better seniority, leave and overtime benefits in an unusual, public challenge to Pope Francis’ governance. The complaint, dated April 23 and made public this weekend in Italian newspapers, also alleged that staff faced health and security risks due to cost-saving and apparent profit-generating initiatives at the...

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

You might get starstruck at these luxury properties.

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!

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.

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.

25 known mysteries solved with a simple explanation

Have you ever wondered whether aliens are really behind crop circles, how the Easter Island heads were made and transported, how the pyramids were built or what the Bermuda Triangle really is? For decades, in some cases centuries, the answers to these questions belonged to the realm of mystery, and there are plenty of historical and scientific mysteries that we still don’t fully understand. Others, though, have surprisingly simple explanations. Let’s explore some of the “solved mysteries” of science and history.

These Small Towns in California Are Bursting With Beauty and Charm

Nope, this isn't Italy.

How Frugal People Use Credit Cards: 6 Tips for Thrifty Credit Management

Credit cards are a great way to rack up rewards such as cash back on purchases and travel benefits. They also offer a lot of convenience. But because of credit cards' high interest rates, these...

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.

Creepy and fascinating ghost towns you can actually visit

Desolate landscapes, abandoned houses, and dilapidated buildings aren't just the settings of horror movies—they're also somewhat commonly found all over the world. Once bustling locations can become ghost towns for various reasons. Curious to discover some of them? Then click through and take a look at the world's eeriest ghost towns that were left to rot.