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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.

13 Nostalgic Photos of Vintage Amusement Parks

What a thrill.

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.

I traveled beyond the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Lights. Here are 4 things to know before you go.

I spent $3,000 to travel to a tiny Arctic village in Finland for a chance to see the northern lights. Here's what you should know for your own trip.

Strange foods you won't believe people used to eat

Our ancestors had some unusual tastes. There was very little regard for wildlife preservation, so the entire animal kingdom was theirs to sample. From the most decadent delicacies of medieval royals, to the money-saving innovations of WWII Britain, there's a true assault on the senses ahead. Click on and feast your eyes upon these culinary wonders...

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.

The air travel secrets every passenger should know

Traveling by air is one of the great luxuries of the modern age. It can also be one of the great trials, what with crowded airports, overbooked flights and questionable food. To make your next flying experience more enjoyable, we’re letting you in on air travel secrets every passenger should know. Whether it’s getting through security faster or knowing which part of plane it’s best to sit in during turbulence, we’ve got you covered.

Flight attendant reveals why plane passengers should NEVER fall asleep before take off

Ale Pedroza, who lives in Orlando, Florida, took to TikTok to share her advice with her 47,500 followers. She dished on 'what not to do on an airplane' including urging travelers not to sleep too early.

Amazing natural wonders that could soon be lost forever

Whether its the imminent threat of climate change, destructive weather systems or the toll of human impact, some of Earth's most incredible, important and enchanting corners are facing a precarious future.

The northern lights in Barcelona and other unusual places

Santa Muerte and the rise of "narco saints"

Mexico, like most Latin American countries, has deep roots in Catholicism. But the country also has a strong pagan tradition that dates back thousands of years. In a country plagued by considerable social issues, poverty, crime, and religion can be a dangerous mix, especially when drug cartels believe their saints make it okay to commit atrocious acts, and even protect them! But these "narco saints," as they are known, are also worshiped by regular, law-abiding citizens—and the cult is growing. So, what's going on, after all? Click through this gallery and delve into the world of Santa Muerte and other narco saints.

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.

The safest communities in America

Living a peaceful life in the US seems to be somewhat of a fading dream for many individuals living in once-peaceful cities. Crime rates are on the rise, complemented by the inability to make ends meet as the cost of living continues to increase. Many American states are seeing higher crime rates, unemployment, and homelessness than ever before. This begs the question: "Where is it safe to live these days?" Well, we've got the answer(s). The cities, towns, and villages on this list are all competing for the coveted honor of being the safest in America. Swipe through to see which has taken the crown.

Things you should never do on an airplane

From remembering your passport to packing the right things, traveling can be stressful. That's why it's important to remember some small things that can make a huge difference in your flight and potentially your health, while also maintaining common courtesy towards fellow passengers. Click through this gallery to find out what you should never do while airborne.

10 of the Most Unique Museums In the United States

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

Eerie abandoned islands the world forgot

The planet's most curious abandoned islands and their secrets.

50 Best and Worst Retirement Towns

For many of us, the town we retire to isn't a difficult choice. After all, living near family and friends is often one of the most important elements of what most people envision for their golden...

22 Adults-Only Resorts for a Well-Deserved Vacation

These romantic retreats have everything you need—except children.

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 secret codewords that cabin crews don't want you to know

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of your flight? Here we reveal all...

Monuments Men: The group of soldiers who recovered five million works of art stolen during WWII

The widespread looting of European art by the Third Reich before and during the Second World War was one of the most shameful chapters of art history. The Nazis systematically stole thousands of paintings from individuals, and confiscated many thousands more from museums and other cultural institutions. Beside artworks, gold, silver, currency, jewelry, books, and religious treasures were also plundered. Most of these looted items were recovered and restituted after the war. But many thousands of pieces of art were never retrieved by their rightful owners. Click through and read the shameful story of Nazi plunder.

Heading to Milan? These Are the 21 Travel Essentials to Pack

Don’t leave the house without these jet-setter must-haves.

Another yacht goes down: Why orcas are evil geniuses

Despite being dubbed the "killer whale," the orca has enjoyed a pretty family-friendly image, whether it's putting on shows with humans at Sea World or starring in 'Free Willy.' But just like how its classification as a whale is misleading (it's actually the largest subspecies of the dolphin family), so too is its friendly reputation. Orcas live in all the world's oceans, from the Arctic Ocean and Antarctica to warmer tropical seas, and in every single one they are menaces, apex predators at the top of the food chain, ruling with an iron fin! Massive, agile, and extremely intelligent, they are the most powerful and deadly animals in the water. And as if that weren't enough, there have been increasing reports in recent years of their species serial killing, vengefully sinking boats, torturing other animals for sport, and more. The most recent incident was more serious than the average boat attack. A 50 ft (15 m) yacht was rammed off course in the Strait of Gibraltar by orcas and eventually sank due to the damage. The two passengers aboard the boat, named the Alboran Cognac, began to feel heavy blows to the hull and rudder around 9 AM local time on Saturday. The yacht began taking on water and they radioed for assistance. Thankfully, an oil tanker in the area took them aboard and brought them to Gibraltar. In the meantime, the yacht slowly sank—another victory for the killer whales. Orca rammings have become common in this area, and are attributed to a subpopulation of around 15 whales collectively named Gladis. Have we got your attention? Then click through to learn more about the evil genius of orcas.

Things that are considered normal in the US but are bizarre in the rest of the world

The US is a diverse country, filled with unique quirks and traditions that vary from region to region. But certain customs are common nationwide. And while they might seem normal stateside, in other parts of the world they're thought of as completely strange. For example, the average American may be used to takeaway coffee, but to many foreigners that's far from the norm! Curious to find out what's considered normal in the US, but not in the rest of the world? Then check out this gallery.

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

You might get starstruck at these luxury properties.

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.

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 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.

Everlane’s New Vacation Collection Will Inspire You To Book A Flight ASAP

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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.

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.

It's Official: We Found the 40 Prettiest Flowers in the World

How many of these breathtaking beauties do you recognize? As is often the case with beautiful things, we've given flowers meaning—so much so that even looking at one can make you feel more alive. A plain red rose has become a romantic expression of love and sunny daffodils represent the rebirth of the planet every spring. Of course, because they're plants, we also use them in more practical ways: Silky flower petals have been crushed and distilled into essential oils and perfumes for centuries, and we've figured out how to eat some of them and make tea with select leaves, stalks, and blooms. But to put it simply, the joy of admiring a gorgeous, colorful flower is unmatched. (Though we should note that some are best admired from afar because of toxicity.) Not to mention, no two flowers are exactly the same. Some rise out of the water to bloom while others sprout vines that go where they want…permanently decorating the side of your house. Even low bushes can produce incredible blossoms, like giant peonies, and if you've ever sat under a cherry blossom tree with a cool breeze blowing tiny petals around you, you know how magnificent flowering trees can be. A person who loves flowers is called an "anthophile," and if this describes you, you'll probably recognize most—if not all—of the flowers below. Rare or common, bright or soft, simple or complex, these beautiful flowers from around the world are certainly sights to behold.

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

Yes, it's time to plan a trip!

India's impressive World Heritage Sites

Visiting India is to discover a vast land rich in culture and tradition. A sumptuous mix of spiritual beliefs and architecture, plus some of the most important wildlife hotspots on the planet, has led UNESCO to designate no less than 40 World Heritage Sites within India's borders. These must-see destinations include magnificent palaces, decorative monuments, and evocative temples. Also listed is an entire mountain range and a state capital! So, are you ready to start ticking off India's most significant tourist attractions? Click through and delve into the country's cultural, historic, scientific, and natural world.

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.

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 contemporary designs, sunlit rooms, hot tubs, and more. In this gallery, we take you on a journey to some of Europe's finest cruise destinations. Click on to discover the best barge canal holiday destinations on the continent!

Europe's most underrated cities, according to travel experts

Think of European cities and a plethora of well-known destinations spring to mind. There's no shortage of places to discover the history and culture of this continent. But don't overlook its smaller, less explored cities. Many are hidden gems, far from the hectic crowds, that offer visitors a much more intimate, unspoiled experience. Condé Nast Traveller asked their seasoned contributors to put together a list of Europe's most underrated cities. Using their network of travel specialists and European-based writers, they compiled a list of places you might not have considered—or heard of at all—based on their recommendations. Curious? Click on to uncover Europe's most underrated cities.

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.'

Manchester University's museum is 'vandalized' with red paint

The Manchester Museum, which dates back to 1887, was heavily vandalized with dark red spray paint. The Grade II Listed building is opposite a student encampment at Brunswick Park.

Why fish in Florida are spinning to death and washing up on beaches

Toxic algae could be causing dozens of species of fish to spin in the sea before dying off the coast of Key West. The algae causes neurological issues and there have been 500 reports of this behavior.

In pictures: Kyiv before the war

Hong Kong’s bun festival on Cheung Chau may attract 60,000 visitors amid ramped-up promotion drive: organisers

The organisers of Hong Kong’s annual bun festival on Cheung Chau are expecting about 60,000 visitors for Wednesday’s event, hoping to beat last year’s figure with help of the city’s recent promotion efforts targeting mainland Chinese tourists. But a local bun maker has said he is less optimistic since the festival, which takes place on Buddha’s Birthday, will not fall on a Friday unlike the year before, meaning most people will need to work the...

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

The most vegetarian-friendly countries in the world

For vegetarians, traveling can be a frustrating experience. There are some nations that simply don't cater well for the non-meat eater. Fortunately, globe-trotting herbivores have an index at hand to the most vegetarian-friendly countries in the world. The Global Vegetarian Index, compiled by Oliver's Travels, lists countries that are best for vegetarians. Click through the following gallery and ruminate over these veggie-friendly culinary destinations.

Beautiful Cities in Greece That Deserve More Love

Don't overlook these hidden gems!

Why Qantas is axing its only flights direct to mainland China

The airline will ditch their Sydney to Shanghai service from July 28 due to 'low demand'. The flights were paused for over three years during the Covid-19 pandemic and were only restarted in late October.

30 capital cities with the best air in the world (America’s represented)

Everyone knows bad air quality when they breathe it in, but how does it measure and compare across different capital cities? To get this information, the amount of particulate matter is measured to arrive at a number the residents are breathing in over a period of time. In 2023, IQAir released their World Air Quality Report, looking at the concentration of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) in capital cities around the world. The report applied population-based adjustments to standardize its results and calculated an annual average of the data. If a city exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) safety guideline of five micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) for annual average PM2.5 levels, it meant potential health risks for its residents. So, how did your capital city do? Click on to check out the top 30. (Pictured: CopenHill, Copenhagen, a waste-to-energy plant that doubles as a recreational space, featuring a ski slope on its roof, exemplifying the integration of sustainability and public engagement.)

16 Unexpected Things I Never Board a Cruise Ship Without

From wildlife viewing and keeping your cabin organized to getting an excellent night's sleep and avoiding seasickness, these must-pack products will ensure smooth sailing on your next vacation. The post 16 Unexpected Things I Never Board a Cruise Ship Without appeared first on Reader's Digest. Over the past couple of decades, I’ve taken plenty of cruises—16 to be exact, on more than half-a-dozen different cruise lines. (Want to become a frequent cruiser too? Follow these secrets to save up to 40% on every booking.) Early on, I would spend days leading up to each trip frantically trying to decide what to pack for a cruise to ensure the best experience for myself and my guest. On many of those sailings, I felt some regret about what I failed to bring and was even annoyed by some things I packed that I didn’t actually need. With each cruise, I kept incrementally improving the contents of my suitcase, weeding out items that were a waste of space and making room for my non-negotiables. Now I’m proud to say that through plenty of trial and error, I have finally perfected my cruise packing game—in fact, I’ve just returned from an Alaskan cruise on the Majestic Princess and it was a perfect pack if I do say so myself. I’ve finally managed to hone in on every amenity needed to make travel a breeze, enhance cabin organization, bring me the ultimate relaxation and ensure I’m prepared for life at sea. I have two more cruises coming up this year, and each of these items will tour Europe on Holland America Line and the Middle East on Windstar Cruises with me.

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

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

These skylines will give you a surge of inspiration.