Lifestyle

Sweden's Princess Victoria wades through a marsh in snowshoes

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden looked in great spirits as she visited Store Mosse National Park in Värnamo in the south of the country on Thursday.

The most famous kidnappings in history: where are they now?

These people were abducted and survived long periods of terror and captivity. In this gallery we unveil what happened and where the victims are now. Take a look at these terrifying stories.

Countries where you have to pay to be a tourist

If you've traveled, you've likely paid a tourist tax before. However, you may have never noticed it, as it's often worked into airline tickets or the taxes you pay at your accommodation. Originally, tourist tax was introduced by certain governments with the aim of tempering over-tourism and generating income from large numbers of travelers entering the destination. Now, the money from the tax also goes to protecting natural resources and maintaining tourism facilities. Intrigued? Click on to discover the countries that charge a tourist tax.

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.

The cheapest summer holiday getaway destinations are revealed... which could save you hundreds of pounds

Families after a cheap summer getaway should head for the Costa Brava, Italy's Amalfi Coast or lesser-known Greek islands.

Foreign foods English speakers love to mispronounce

The cuisine in the English-speaking world is as varied and diverse as its population. As a result, there are terms constantly entering our vocabulary that prove to be a bit challenging with the English vernacular. With some pronunciations being a bit off and others being flat-out incorrect, here are 30 names of foods in this gallery that English speakers just can't seem to get right.

Glastonbury 2024: Your ultimate guide

The 2024 year’s Glastonbury line-up has been announced… and in its 54th year the festival has gone a bit Radio 1. Or should that be Kiss? The venerable music festival – creaking into its 54th year – has decided that, with its bus pass fast approaching, it’s time to get down with the yoff. 2024’s headliners include Gen-Z-beloved disco sensation Dua ...

Rains in UAE: Residents use makeshift boats to buy groceries, travel in flooded streets

Some were asking makeshift boat and kayak operators to transport them as it was quite a challenge to walk through fully submerged footpaths and roads

The best (and worst) US cities for immigrants

The quest for a better life, propelled by dreams of opportunity and freedom, has always been a driving force behind the wave of immigration to the United States. Yet, the experience of settling in a new country varies widely from city to city. From the tech hubs of the West Coast to the bustling streets of the East Coast, each city offers its unique blend of challenges and opportunities for immigrants. This gallery explores the best and worst American cities for immigrants, shedding light on the stark contrasts in the reception and support they might encounter. You might be surprised by the cities that top the list as welcoming havens, as well as those that present unexpected hurdles. For a closer look at what makes these cities stand out, for better or worse, click through the gallery.

Hidden attractions of South and Central America

South and Central America—often collectively referred to as Latin America— are well-trodden destinations. But hidden away in some of the 20-odd countries found from Mexico to the southern tip of the South American continent are places that still remain relatively unexplored. Click through the gallery and discover Latin America off the beaten track.

The 'golden rule' of traveling for introverts

Introverts can manage vacations better by taking private time every day, traveling in small groups and booking their own room at night, reports CNBC's Travel Editor Monica Pitrelli.

Students set record for Most Ballerinas En Pointe Simultaneously

A whopping 353 ballerinas gathered inside the Manhattan hotel and completed an en pointe all at the same time - and stunning photos show the exact moment the dancers broke the record.

Things every home in the '70s had that you rarely see today

Feeling nostalgic about the '70s? Well, it's time for a reminder of how we used to live back then. From floral patterned furniture to record players and colored Pyrex dishes, there were certain items most modern homes had at the time. But whether good, bad, or just plain tacky, homes in the 1970s were certainly unique! And if you didn't live it, then you should definitely take a look at how it was. So, if you want to step inside the time machine, click through this gallery of 30 things homes in the '70s had that you rarely see today.

Inside eerie Canadian ghost town left to rot - with just 10 residents

Kayville, in Saskatchewan, Canada , was once a bustling village with over 100 citizens and 30 businesses. But now, the dwindling community is a shell of its former self.

8 great activities at Abu Dhabi’s amazing DAZ Festival

Sponsored: This is your last chance to enjoy the wild times… This Eid Al Fitr saw the return of Abu Dhabi’s hugely popular DAZ Festival, which took over Al Ain Zoo for a special 2024 edition. And if you haven’t been able to get down there yet, the good news is that there are a […]

This is what a world without cars would be like

Indispensable on short, medium, and long trips, cars are such a part of our daily lives that we often cannot do without them. Unfortunately, they come with many disadvantages, the topmost being air pollution. What if we could implement measures that would make deciding to forgo our cars less complicated? Surely there would be numerous benefits!

Travel hotspots! Countries with the highest UV levels

The ultraviolet index (UVI) is a measure of the level of UV radiation. UVI 3 is the level above which sun protection is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). But some of the most popular vacation destinations on the planet regularly experience a UVI of anywhere between 8 and 11. This means anybody failing to cover up in such conditions runs the risk of damaging their health, not least by promoting the onset of skin cancer. But how do you interpret UVI, and where in the world are some of the worst travel hotspots? Click through and discover the countries with the greatest UV levels.

Countries with the most beauty queens and kings in the world

Top comeback cities that deserve a visit

When a city is affected by war or a natural disaster, it can take a long time for that city to recover. Cities have been known to spend years, sometimes even decades, recovering from tragedy, and during that time tourism often takes a hit. But some cities are quicker than others to put themselves back on the map. Check out this gallery to find out which cities have made a remarkable comeback and are definitely now worth a visit.

What physics says about time travel

The concept of time travel has captivated readers and moviegoers for many decades now. But while people have been fascinated by the idea, no one has managed to make the notion of time travel any more of a reality than before. It seems like a dream that's just a bit too far from reach. But in an age where science continues to push the boundaries of what's possible, do we even know—in theory—what the physics of time travel might involve? Curious? Click on to discover what we know so far about the prospect of journeying through time.

The best solo trips around the world

Solo traveling can be a daunting prospect sometimes, especially if you have no idea how the culture in your destination of choice works, or how easy it is to get around. But fear not, because the world offers many travel options for all the solo travelers out there. Click through this gallery to discover the best solo trips around the world.

Paris 2024 Olympics venues: Capacity, events and schedule

The best athletes on the planet will congregate in France this summer to take part in the biggest carnival of sports in the world – the Olympic Games. And just like the previous Games, this year's Olympics, which take place in July-August, will feel the impact of elements beyond the sporting arena. The Tokyo Olympics was held in the shadows of a gl...

Illuminating facts about the Enlightenment

The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was an intellectual and philosophical movement that occurred in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. Enlightenment thinkers in Britain, France, and throughout Europe questioned traditional authority and embraced the notion that humanity could be improved through rational change. Challenging political and religious conventions, the Enlightenment produced numerous books, essays, inventions, scientific discoveries, laws, wars, and revolutions. Intrigued? Click through the following gallery for the movement's core beliefs, and even some of its common misconceptions.

The most daring prison breaks of all time

Correctional facilities are known for their high levels of security, making it hard to believe that some inmates are able to successfully escape from prison. The act of breaking out requires a combination of luck, skill, creativity, and occasionally, sheer brute strength. Throughout history, there have been many occasions where prisoners have triumphantly managed to escape from the most heavily guarded prisons. Intrigued? Click through this gallery to discover some of the most clever methods used by prisoners to escape from jail.

Sharjah Archaeology Authority opens exhibition in Uzbekistan

SHARJAH, 18th April, 2024 (WAM) -- The Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) inaugurated today the exhibition "From Arabia to Central Asia: treasures from Sharjah at the Silk Road" at the Silk Road Art House in Samarkand, in collaboration with the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan.The event was attended by Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations (DGR)...

Dubai Food Festival 2024: A guide to discounted menus and one-off experiences

It's that time of the year again when Dubai doubles down on its gastronomic expertise, allowing the city's bustling restaurant scene to shine via special menus, celebrity chef masterclasses and dining discounts. Dubai Food Festival, now in its 11th year, kicks off on Friday and will run until May 12. Dozens of spots participate in the annual affair...

Children and other weird things sent through the mail

The parcel service revolutionized the way people sent stuff around the world. For a fee, individuals could ship all sorts of things across the country, and, in some cases, across borders. While today there are many rules on what can and cannot be posted, which include limits on size, weight, and quantity, in the early days things were a lot more ambiguous, and some people certainly took advantage of this fact! From parents posting their children to body parts being shipped out, in this gallery you'll get to know all about the weird stuff sent through the post. Click on for more.

Is your city the most powerful in the world?

There are many influential cities around the world. Each metropolis stands as a beacon of cultural, industrial, and financial importance. These urban giants boast a mix of strengths and challenges: some excel economically but are less livable, while others lead in eco-friendliness but lack cultural diversity. Measuring a city's global impact is complex given these different factors. Fortunately, the Mori Memorial Foundation has taken on the task of translating a myriad of details into understandable numbers. Since 2008, the Global Power City Index (GPCI) has meticulously assessed the influence and importance of cities around the world. In this gallery, we look at the top 27 based on their 2023 analysis. Curious? Click through the gallery and find out if your city is one of the most powerful cities in the world.

Protect yourself: Essential crime prevention tips and techniques

Safety is of the utmost importance. In crowded places, online, or just alone at night at a bus stop, the threat of crime is ever-present. So, the next logical question to ask is this: what can we do to protect ourselves from these threats? Whether it's avoiding pickpockets or making sure you're always prepared for emergencies, these tips and techniques for crime prevention are a must-knows for anyone looking to smarten up! Curious? Then click through this gallery to learn how to keep yourself and your family safe.

These historic buildings were demolished... But why?

Over time, our architectural aspirations as a society have evolved in impressively futuristic ways. However, it is important to realize that these new buildings were built on the foundations of their predecessors. Unfortunately, this means many of our old architectural marvels have not withstood the test of time. Many beautiful old buildings such as libraries, churches, theaters, and museums have either been destroyed by wars or torn down to make way for parking lots and highways. Click through this gallery and take a closer look at these remnants of architectural history to better understand our past.

Delta Is Giving Away an Epic Trip to the Paris Olympics This Summer — but You Have to Enter Soon

Très chic!

Dubai Metro rain aftermath: RTA updates you need to know

Stay in the know… The UAE was hit with unstable weather conditions this week and although it looks to be sunnier times ahead, the country is currently dealing with the aftermath. If you live in Dubai and bank on the Dubai Metro for transportation, take note of this update which will affect your travelling plans. […]

Three-Stock Lunch: Travelers, J.B. Hunt & United Airlines

Scott Nations, Nations Indexes president, joins 'Power Lunch' to discuss stock plays for three stocks, including Travelers, J.B. Hunt, and United Airlines.

Aircrafts that disappeared mysteriously

Commercial aviation accidents are rare. In fact, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), more than 30 million global passenger airline flights take off and land annually without any incident. However, they can happen. And while safety investigators are often able to determine causes of airplane crashes, their task becomes more difficult when flights failed to arrive to their destinations and when they have seem to have vanished into thin air. Click on for examples of aircraft that mysteriously disappeared.

US tourists trapped in Dubai traumatized by floods

American tourists are stuck in Dubai after the desert nation was hit with 'historic' floods that drenched the city and shut down its airport.

The secret life of bats

Bats can be found all over the globe, and are one of our greatest allies in the animal world. For instance, without bats, the world would have far fewer bananas and far more mosquito bites! As expert pollinators and insect enthusiasts, it is truly a shame that bats are still met with such scorn. Their association with the horrors of the night that began centuries ago with stories of vampires and witchcraft has ruined the reputation of these beautiful, hard-working, and generally harmless creatures. As with everything, the more you understand something, the less you fear it, so here are some bat facts to help set the record straight. Read on to learn everything you need to know about our flying nocturnal friends.

The UK seaside town with more kids in care than anywhere else - full list mapped

Worrying data has revealed one in every 52 children in this popular seaside resort have been through the care sector.

Life at Ellis Island immigration station

At the end of the 19th century, Ellis Island immigration station in New York became known as the gateway to America. Between 1892 and 1954, over 12 million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island alone. A key piece in the US immigration puzzle, Ellis Island was the point of entry for millions of people from all around the world, but mostly Europe. In this gallery, we look at what life was like at Ellis Island immigration station. Click on for a discovery!

What are eVTOL aircraft, and can they fly against the hype?

In April 2024, a Japanese company took delivery of an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, otherwise known as an eVTOL. Called Prosperity 1 and built by Chinese manufacturer AutoFlight, the aircraft is one of the very first examples of a production model eVTOL sold commercially. Fifteen years ago, the notion of an eVTOL was just a concept, with sceptics branding the idea as science fiction. Today, the sale of Prosperity 1 marks a major milestone in the development of what's known as Advanced Air Mobility, and with it the prospect of air taxis becoming a reality by the end of the decade. But who's responsible for introducing eVTOL, and how has this revolutionary method of travel evolved? Click through and launch this gallery that explains more about eVTOL aircraft.

Weather UAE live: Some inbound flights resume at Dubai airport after record rain

Aftermath of Tuesday's storms in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Heavy rain hits Dubai and Abu Dhabi

American landmarks: how many do you know?

The United States celebrates and commemorates its colorful and sometimes turbulent history with a collection of truly remarkable monuments and memorials. How many have you visited? Scroll through the gallery – and several hundred years of history – for a journey to some of America’s most dramatic and evocative cultural landmarks.

The mysterious beauty of ancient Maya monuments

The ancient Maya civilization left behind it a remarkable architectural legacy, a collection of fabulous must-see monuments found in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Browse the gallery and visit some of Central America's most outstanding archaeological sites.

Traveler, 27, tests ALL major domestic airlines and private jet carriers in the US to create ultimate ranking in week-long saga that left him in TEARS - and revealed very surprising results

Eric Decker, 27, who boasts nearly 15 million YouTube subscribers, decided to fly every one of 28 domestic airlines over one super itinerary during which he pledged to not leave the 'airport system.'

The most popular holiday spots the year you were born

Where should you travel to this year? Well, if you're looking for inspiration, why not take a look at top destinations throughout the years? You might even end up visiting the most popular tourist destination in the year you were born! Click on to find out which were the most popular vacation spots from 1950 to 2009.

Why preserving US national heritage is so important

The United States is blessed with some truly exceptional national heritage sites and cultural landmarks. Numbering numerous historic properties, these unique places connect Americans to their past. But little of this architecture would have survived the centuries were it not for the dedicated work of organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a leading member-driven movement whose aim is to support the preservation of America's diverse historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage through its programs, resources, and advocacy. Indeed, the idea is to protect the identity of a nation, where lives, stories, and memories began. Click through and visit some of America's most important cultural attractions.

Star-spangled facts about the American flag

There have been 26 official versions of the American flag spanning the more than 240 years of the nation’s history. But who thought up its iconic design, and what are the laws and regulations governing its proper use? Browse the following gallery and unfurl some amazing stories behind the Stars and Stripes.

Explore the Pinnacles, one of the world's weirdest landscapes

Nambung National Park in Western Australia is famed for the Pinnacles Desert it encloses. The desert is so named for the astonishing collection of ancient limestone rock formations that protrude from the sand like the broken fingers of a long-dead giant. These structures draw visitors far and wide to the park, which is also celebrated for its fascinating variety of flora and fauna. Browse the gallery and be amazed by one of the planet's weirdest-looking desert regions.

Extinct dog breeds you never knew existed

Humans have been breeding dogs for ages. After all, our four-legged best friends are faithful companions, and they've helped us in a number of tasks over the centuries, from hunting to herding. But like many other animals, some dog breeds went extinct. The reasons for this vary, but sadly we will never have the chance to see these dogs again. In this gallery, you will find a number of extinct dog breeds, many of which you probably never knew existed. Click on to learn all about these fascinating dogs from the past.

30 islands ranked by their highest point

The world's islands are not usually considered as featuring some of the highest points on Earth. But, in fact, some of the most impressive mountains and volcanoes, most of them active, are located on islands scattered around the globe, anywhere from Antarctica to Indonesia. And many achieve some truly impressive elevations. But where exactly on the planet can you admire the tallest and most dramatic island high points? Click through this gallery of 30 islands ranked by their highest point to discover the loftiest mountain peak of an island on Earth.

The richest fictional characters of all time

Mansions, private jets, and vacations on exotic islands–the ultra-rich certainly seem to have it all! But while the celebrities and tech giants of the real world have been amassing their millions and billions in ways we can somewhat grasp, there are other, less real characters that have impressive fortunes of their own. These fictional characters may not be real, but their bank accounts will make you believe they belong among the glittering crowd of the mega rich. Curious? Click through this gallery to see which characters are worth their weight in gold! All amounts in USD.