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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 And while the intercontinental ballistic missile eventually superseded the bomber as a long-range weapon platform of choice, there are still a handful of countries operating these aircraft.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.

Little-known facts about the Titanic that will surprise you

The RMS Titanic, a large and luxurious ocean liner, collided with an iceberg on April 14, 1912. As a result, the ship sank the next day and tragically, over 1,500 individuals lost their lives. This incident remains one of the most significant maritime disasters in history. While the narrative is widely recognized and has even served as inspiration for an acclaimed Hollywood film, there may still be aspects of this tragedy that are not well-known. Explore this gallery to gain a deeper understanding of the Titanic's tragic story.

20 mystical places that may have never existed

Some places are just too good to be true : fabulous lands where knights battle monsters, gold is found on the streets, people don’t age, the gods hold sway, and wine runs in rivers. But as much as these mystical places really capture our imagination, the keys to the kingdoms elude us.

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.

13 Beautiful City Skyline Photos Snapped Around the World

Dazzling views from the top await.

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 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.

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.

Olympic stadiums that cost billions and what happened to them after the games

Cities can easily spend billions on hosting the Summer Olympics, although many jaw-dropping venues are ultimately destined for destruction

Are These Bucket List Trips Actually Worth The Hype?

You might just have to see it to believe it.

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.

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.

These Small Towns in California Are Bursting With Beauty and Charm

Nope, this isn't Italy.

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!

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...

Famous people who almost boarded the Titanic

Since the Titanic sank on its maiden voyage in April 1912, it has been the subject of endless amounts of intrigue. The ship inspired one of the most successful Hollywood movies of all time, as well as countless documentaries and books. Now considered one of the most epic failures in history, it's estimated that over 1,500 passengers died in the wreck. However, before its departure, the Titanic was seen as the greatest ship of its day. And due to its status and prestige, much of the passenger list consisted of the most affluent people of its time. Fortunately, some of those who were supposed to be on the ship backed out at the last minute. Click on to discover who these lucky people were, plus some other known figures who were booked to go on a future journey with the ship.

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.

Want to Keep Deer From Eating Your Garden? Here's What to Plant

If Bambi likes to visit your garden, this list is for you.

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...

Explore 60 of the most extreme locations on Earth

What is the farthest point on Earth from an ocean? Where can we find the highest human settlement or the lowest commercial airport? And where is the biggest vertical drop found? Our planet is a realm of extremes, a sphere of astonishing contradictions that both perplex and astound us. Take a look at this gallery to discover a compilation of 60 extraordinary locations on Earth that will undoubtedly leave you astounded.

July Luggage Review 2024: Does it Live Up to The Hype?

The wheels are so effortless and smooth that I'm embarrassed for everyone else in this airport.

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.

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 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.

The northern lights in Barcelona and other unusual places

Style or Function? Experts Pick the Best Luggage Brands for 2024

We travel a lot, so we wondered recently if we were getting all we could out of our usual road-trip luggage. To find out, we turned to the style and product experts at Esquire and Good Housekeeping for advice on the best luggage brands.

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.)

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

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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.

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!

Best Travel Insurance Policies for Places Prone to Natural Disasters (2024)

When it comes to natural disasters, Singapore is a sheltered island. How sheltered? Based on data from 2023, we have the 4th lowest disaster risk in the world. So on this island refuge, it can be easy for us to feel detached from earthquakes, tsunamis and cyclones. But it’s a different reality for many of our Asian neighbours. For example, China lies where the Eurasian, Pacific, and Indian Ocean plates meet—a region with high tectonic activity....

Singapore in Top 10 list of Global Destinations for retirees in 2024

SINGAPORE: Singapore has taken its place again among top destinations worldwide—this time for favoured holiday... The post Singapore in Top 10 list of Global Destinations for retirees in 2024 appeared first on The Independent Singapore News - Latest Breaking News

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

Historic, iconic, impossibly long.

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.

Town once called 'scam capital of America' is now best place to retire

Retirees are flocking to a stunning, but often rainy Pacific Northwest city with an exploding population and up-and-coming economy.

The 8 Oldest Restaurants in New York City

These iconic restaurants have withstood the test of time.

The Best Winery In Every State

Calling all wine connoisseurs!

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.'

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.

CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews The Fortune Hotel

The format's flaw is that, especially in the early stages of this nightly, eight-part show, none of the couples wants to do a swap, except for the pair lumbered with the elimination card.

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.

Mount Fuji to charge US$13, cap daily climbers to 4,000 people on the Yoshida Trail, with help of online booking system

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 Record numbers of overseas tourists are travelling to Japan, where in March, monthly visitors exceeded 3 million for the first time An online booking system for Mount Fuji's most popular trai...

Worst Places To Spend Your Golden Years and Where To Retire Instead

Once you retire, money takes on a brand new meaning. You become keenly attuned to every dollar of your nest egg, balancing things you may have once taken for granted while working, such as traveling,...

Vatican Museums staff start unprecedented legal action over labour conditions

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Forty-nine Vatican Museums employees have started an unprecedented labour dispute over what they say are unfair and poor conditions at their workplace, which could lead to an embarrassing lawsuit against Pope Francis' administration. The workers, mostly museum attendants, have sent a petition to the Vatican's "Governatorato", the body that administers the Vatican City

The 30 loudest animals in the world

Nature truly is a marvel. There are so many unbelievable sights, smells, and in this gallery, sounds. Most people have heard about the legendary howl of a wolf, or the mighty roar of the king of the jungle, yet not many have actually experienced it. The only way to truly understand the intensity of their voices would be to stand before them, but in many cases, that's not a great idea... Instead, we've decided to use the best comparison which is the decibel (represented as dB). The decibel scale shows us how intense a sound is. The higher the number of decibels is, the louder the sound. For reference, a typical car horn can reach 107–109 dB. In this gallery, you'll find 30 of the loudest animals in the world ranked in order of recorded decibels (dB). Click through and prepare to be surprised!

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...

Beautiful Cities in Greece That Deserve More Love

Don't overlook these hidden gems!

'Gay summer camp': How cruises create space for LGBTQ+ travelers at sea

For some LGBTQ+ travelers, gay cruises have offered a kind of haven, and the market has grown, with more options aimed at a wider range of travelers.

The 15 Best Mother-Daughter Trips to Take Together

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

13 Nostalgic Photos of Vintage Amusement Parks

What a thrill.