Travel

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.

Today's best photos: From buffalo herding in Sudan to skateboarding in Shanghai

The National picks the most striking images from around the world

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

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.

How high jewellery cashed in on Cannes as the film festival became a fashion stage

The scene is set. Superyachts are anchored in the bay, movie moguls are arriving on their private jets and the grand hotels of Cannes are fully booked with Hollywood stars. The red carpet has been rolled out from La Croisette to the Palais des Festivals for this year’s international film festival. Beginning this week and running until May 25, the F...

Another of the world's best airlines is giving its staff a huge bonus after a 2nd year of record profits

Singapore Airlines posted record profits for the second year running. Bloomberg reports it will give staff a bonus of eight months's salary.

The sudden death of Reita from Japanese rock band The GazettE

Famous Christian symbols explained

When we think about Christian symbols, the cross usually comes to mind. Indeed, it's safe to say that the cross is the most recognizable Christian icon in the world, but the truth is that there are a lot more. Did you know, for instance, that the Eye of Providence is actually a Christian symbol? Browse through the following gallery and learn more about enigmatic Christian symbols.

120 years of Rolls-Royce

Big cities on the brink of natural disaster

Weather plays a big role when picking somewhere to live or travel. Mediterranean countries attract thousands thanks to their warm water, while Scandinavian nations benefit from having ice cold temperatures. However, some destinations have different climates entirely. You may think Tokyo and New York City are some tempting locations, but did you know that they are both cities on the brink of natural disaster? That's right, there are super cities across the globe that are vulnerable to typhoons, tsunamis, wildfires, or even earthquakes. Click on to explore the places where mother nature could strike at any minute, wreaking untold havoc on super-sized cities across the atlas.

International Museum Day offers in the UAE, from free entry to workshops

International Museum Day on Saturday will be a special one in the UAE – with a new cultural attraction set to open in Dubai. To celebrate the launch of Expo 2020 Dubai Museum, visitors will be able to enter for free. In a similar vein to mark the annual celebration on May 18, museums across the UAE will offer complimentary access. The day is also a...

Mind-blowing answers to things you’ve always wondered about

There are so many things in our everyday lives that we take for granted, partly because we don't have time to learn how everything works, and partly because we never had to think too hard about it. But when you start paying attention, you're sure to find many questions and not many answers. Centuries of developments, technologies, and phenomena have informed the experiences, gadgets, and large-scale cultures of today, and it's absolutely fascinating to try to wrap your head around the reasons why things are the way they are—especially when the answers are so unexpected! Curious? Click through to see all the things you've ever (or never) wondered about, explained.

Absolutely incredible places to visit in Central America

Central America is generally regarded as being composed of seven countries—Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Nicaragua. That's seven wonderfully compelling vacation destination options famed for stunningly varied ecosystems, culturally significant historic ruins, and some of the best beaches around. But where do you start? If this part of the world is on your must-see bucket list, click through this gallery for ideas on where to go and what to see!

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.

Where to travel based on your personality type

The Myers-Briggs personality test has been used for many years to assess people's personalities. It assesses different preferences to determine key aspects of our personality, and its results are often quite accurate. People look for different things when they travel, and these things are often influenced by their attitudes and actions in life. These influence the way they perceive the world and what they enjoy doing during a trip. An introverted person will most likely have a different approach to traveling when compared to an extroverted one, for instance. With this in mind, we've compiled a number of destinations specifically tailored for each Myers-Briggs result. If you haven't taken the test, do so to find the perfect travel destination for your bucket list! Click through the gallery and get to know the best destinations based on your personality type.

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.

These Resort-ready Styles Look Way More Expensive Than Their Under-$45 Price Tags, Per Target Shoppers

Score styles for as little as $8.

Mastering the art of grilling: BBQ secrets unveiled

Embark on a journey to master the art of grilling with our comprehensive guide. Explore diverse grilling techniques, from low and slow smoking to creating gourmet culinary masterpieces. Discover the secrets of perfecting grilled desserts, pairing beer with BBQ, and even grilling breakfast favorites! Elevate your skills with global flavors, vegetarian delights, and reflections on your grilling journey. Ready? Swipe through this gallery to master the grill and create wonderful memories.

Canada's most beautiful natural beauty spots you need to visit

These parks, refuges and natural areas are ideal for anyone looking for the ultimate Canadian experience.

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.

From Jumeirah Zoo to Clock Tower: 10 Dubai icons that are set to get historic status

Glitzy towers and mega structures may have reshaped the emirate's skyline, but these prominent sites will always have a special place in the heart of the city

20 unusual US attractions to add to your bucket list

The United States offers life-altering experiences and incredible sights in every state. Out of the countless tourist attractions across the country, there are some that are truly iconic. From culture-rich to downright chilling, each of these locations should be included on your bucket list of required American experiences to have before you die.

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.

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.

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.

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.

American Airlines sparks uproar after making early morning demand of plane passengers at Barcelona airport

The conversation was started by an anonymous user on Reddit's popular American Airlines thread. The original post explained how the operator had asked customers to arrive four hours early.

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.

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.

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.

Darkness ahead: Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea destination to be an International Dark Sky Reserve

In the Middle East, there has long been a special association with the night sky. For millennia, stories of star-filled inky skies have been told by explorers, pilgrims and trade caravans, all of whom used the celestial map to navigate these desert lands. Hundreds of stars have names derived from Arabic, including some of the brightest in the sky, ...

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 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.

Step back in time with these historic images of the world's capital cities

Take a trip back in time with us as we dig through some of the oldest photographic images ever taken of the world’s capital cities, ranging across six continents.

The best places in the world to enjoy the Northern Lights (aurora borealis)

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.

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'.

EasyJet CEO Lundgren Explains Why He's Stepping Down

EasyJet CEO Johan Lundgren will step down and leave the low-cost airline in early 2025, to be replaced by CFO Kenton Jarvis. Lundgren, who has been running EasyJet for seven years, explains the decision in an interview on Bloomberg Television as the carrier reported a pretax loss £350 million ($444 million) in the six months through March.

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.

Could you live on one of the world's most remote inhabited islands?

From palm-fringed atolls in the blue Pacific to scientific research outposts in the frigid Antarctic wastes, these are the most remote islands that people call home.

7 fabulous Dubai spa day deals for your next girls’ day out

Complete with lunch, pool access and some much-needed pampering… If you’re looking for a relaxing day that doesn’t break the bank, then look no further than these spa day deals in Dubai. As well as offering a pampering choice of treatment, many come with lunch or afternoon tea included, and some also offer pool and […]

I'm an American mom living in Germany. Here schools days are shorter and there are more vacations throughout the year.

I'm an American living in Germany with my kids. Their experience of elementary school is so different to what I had in the US.

Places where it never gets cold

While some people embrace the bite in the air that comes with late fall, others simply dread the onset of winter. Long, dark nights and chilly mornings can be tough for sun lovers, and the lack of sunshine and vitamin D can have a very real impact on mood. But while winter is an inevitability for much of the world, some places are lucky enough to have warm, sunny weather all year round. Ready for some travel inspo? Click through this gallery to discover some places where it just never gets cold.

Unconventional travel destinations for introverts

Introverts love to travel as much as their extrovert counterparts, but their travel needs can often differ substantially. Many introverts seek quiet, solitary destinations with minimal social stimulation and plenty of space to reflect and take in their surroundings. Browse through some unconventional destinations introverts must add to their bucket list in the following gallery.

Fun facts about wildlife that will surprise and delight you

Are you wild about wildlife? Then click through this gallery of fun facts about animals that will surprise and delight you.

11 amazing things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend: May 17 to 19

Weekend wonders in the capital… And just like that, the weekend is here. Abu Dhabi weeks may be fun, but the weekends are even more fun. You’ll see, just from this list. Three days, unmissable events, foodie experiences, outdoor fun and more. Thank God it’ll be Friday soon. Here are 11 exciting things to do […]

Game over: abandoned sports venues that will never host again

Natural disasters, economic hardship and safety failings can spell the end for even the grandest sports venues. Find out why these desolate stadiums, arenas and complexes filled with history have been left to rot.

Discover some of the world's most dangerous volcanoes

For those who live close to a volcano, the possibility of an eruption is one of their greatest fears. Although most are inactive, there are some that erupt occasionally and others that are constantly active. Click on the gallery and get to know some of the world's most dangerous volcanoes!

Why Don’t People Use Their BMW Adventure Bikes To Go Off-Road?

It’s a heckin’ great off-roader. Use it.

How you sleep is shortening your life, but here's what you can do about it

Have you ever considered that how you sleep could actually shorten your life? For most people, the answer is a resounding "no." Sleep is usually seen as restorative and a healthy part of daily life. While this is true, how you sleep can have a huge impact on the quality and longevity of your life. Sleep is one of the most impactful elements in life, as it aims to replenish our bodies' energy and set us up for the next day of activities. However, if you’re sleeping in the wrong position or not paying attention to sleeping patterns and actively countering them, you may be shaving years off your life. So, curious as to how to extend your life through sleep and wellness? Click on to find out how.