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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.

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.'

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.

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.

What is Buddha’s Birthday and where can you celebrate the holiday in Hong Kong in 2024?

Buddha's Birthday is celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, which this year lands on May 15 - a public holiday in Hong Kong Events to celebrate the festival will take place across the city, including Buddha bathing rituals, lantern lighting, and the Cheung Chau Bun Festival In Hong Kong, Buddha's Birthday is celebrated on the eight...

4 Places To Retire That Are Better Than Florida — and Way Cheaper

Florida has long been considered one of the most ideal places to retire. Read Next: Retirement 2024: These Are the 10 Worst Places To Retire in North Carolina Find Out: Owe Money to the IRS? Most...

13 Beautiful City Skyline Photos Snapped Around the World

Dazzling views from the top await.

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.

Moment plane catches fire on runway after landing

'Drop your belongings, unbuckle, and head to the exits': This is the moment Delta Flight 604 suffered a mechanical malfunction after landing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport from Cancun, Mexico, which caused a fire near the plane's nose area.

Fly-tipping van repurposed to deter offenders

Middlesbrough Council tries a new tactic to combat its fly-tipping problems.

Places Americans don’t visit—but definitely should

Even though Americans still carry the stereotype of people who don’t travel overseas, this is far from the truth. Yes, US citizens may not travel internationally as frequently as other cultures, particularly Europeans, but Americans are going abroad like never before. Popular destinations among Americans include our neighboring Mexico and Canada, as well as the UK in Europe, according to the Department of Commerce’s National Travel and Tourism Office. But what about the countries not featured in the list? There are some real gems out there that Americans have left untapped. What are some amazing destinations abroad that Americans should start visiting? Click through the gallery to find out.

Amazing creatures with sixth senses

The animal kingdom holds so many wonders and mysteries, and there are new discoveries all the time that shed more light on how certain animals work the way they do, and the unique and beautiful ways they interact with the world. As humans, it's hard for us to imagine having a sensory relationship with the world different from the one we have. It's hard to conceptualize feeling the magnetic pull of the earth, or tasting our surroundings with every part of our body. We are so accustomed to our five senses and the way they help us perceive the world around us, but so many animals experience that same world in completely unique ways. All different species of mammals, birds, fish, and even microscopic organisms possess wondrous powers of perception that would leave us humans in awe. Curious? Read on to find out more about the fascinating extra senses that animals use to navigate the world.

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.

21 Creative Ways to Use Rocks in Your Landscaping

Carve out naturally beautiful borders, stairs, and sitting areas.

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

Wanderlust is not a deadly sin.

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

30 countries with no sign of McDonald's

Wherever you are in the world, there's usually a McDonald's nearby – unless you're in one of these countries.

These Dog-Friendly Hotels Will Pamper Your Pup in Luxury

Save this for your next road trip.

We've found the 30 most beautiful small towns in Australia

Head away from the big cities and you'll find a different side to Australia: here are some of the most beautiful towns and villages around the country.

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

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.

97 amazing travel experiences to add to your bucket list

From amazing adventures to dream destinations, here are 99 of the world's most unmissable travel experiences for this year.

The 15 Best Mother-Daughter Trips to Take Together

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

A tourist bus service has been cancelled due to the curse of potholes

It is arguably the least used road in the country - partly because it goes through a bomb range. But the minibus service which takes tourists to remote Cape Wrath, has had to stop because of potholes.

What are the differences between expats and immigrants?

Imagine leaving the country where you were born and lived for years of your life, possibly even decades, to start a new life elsewhere. You’ve likely heard the terms before and perhaps even thought they were the same thing, however, "expats" and "immigrants" are actually two distinct groups. While the two do have commonalities, many things differentiate them. Whether you fall into one of these groups yourself, know someone who does, or are simply curious about the words you hear in the news, this guide will break down the characteristics of each group for you. Simply click through to learn more.

The northern lights in Barcelona and other unusual places

These Small Towns in California Are Bursting With Beauty and Charm

Nope, this isn't Italy.

Mysterious structures discovered near Egypt's Great Pyramid of Giza

Archaeologists uncovered two structures hiding below the sands in Egypt that were constructed 4,500 years ago - at the same time as the iconic Great Pyramid.

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.

Pictured: The world's longest underground slide, which is hidden inside a MOUNTAIN in Graz in Austria

The attraction, called the Schlossberg Slide, is completely hidden inside the tree-covered Schlossberg mountain, which lords it over Austria's second-largest city, Graz, at a height of 1,551ft.

Trump's $100m Boeing clipped another corporate jet at Florida airport

Donald Trump 's private Boeing 757 clipped another corporate jet while taxiing at West Palm Beach International Airport in Florida on Sunday, a source familiar with the incident said.

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.

20 Family-Friendly Activities to Do This June School Holidays

Running out of activites to keep the kids occupied with during the June Holidays? Here are 20 ideas to utilize your child's holiday to its maximum potential of fun.

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.

Wayfarers Chapel will be dismantled after being damaged by landslide

The shrine has seen a steady flow of tourists, weddings and funerals since it opened in 1951. However, officials say the deteriorating ground leaves them no choice.

Ranked: Europe’s most extraordinary archaeological discoveries

From the storied shores of Scandinavia to the ancient cities of the Mediterranean, we've picked out Europe's 30 most compelling archaeological finds.

The world's largest artificial islands

Man-made islands are a testament to our capacity as humans. In modern times, artificial islands are usually formed by land reclamation or the incidental isolation of existing land, and these islands were created to serve varying purposes. Click through the gallery to find out more about the world’s largest artificial islands.

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

You might get starstruck at these luxury properties.

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

Yes, it's time to plan a trip!

ONE OK ROCK Announces ‘Premonition' Stadium & Arena World Tour: See the Dates

This global trek will be the largest ever for the "Make It Out Alive" rock band.

Update after man and his dog went missing during Grand Canyon visit

The body of a man, believed to be Thomas L. Robison, 58, of Santa Fe, was found in the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park on Friday.

30 Rare Photographs Taken at Chateau Marmont

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

Harry and Meghan land in LA after 18-hour flight from Nigeria

The couple, who left Abuja yesterday following a three-day visit, were pictured being whisked away by a car at Los Angeles International Airport's 'Private Suites' facility.

Mona Lisa background's real-life location thought to be pinpointed for the first time

The studies resulting in this finding have the potential to be groundbreaking in art history.

13 Amusement Parks in the U.S. That Are Completely Free to Enter

A few even charge you nothing for parking and entertainment. Amusement parks are synonymous with so many wonderful things: fun in the sun, rollercoasters and carousels, games galore and delicious food. And all in a colorful, jubilant, family-friendly setting. The only issue? Joy like that does not typically come cheap. Or can it? Well, at these 13 amusement parks across the U.S., from the Golden to the Garden States, you can save on one very important front: entry. While the vast majority of amusement parks — including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens — require tickets just to walk through the gates, these resorts and parks do not. Of course, if you want to ride the rides or snack on the snacks, you'll still have to open your wallet. (A good thing can only go so far!) But if you're someone who's more about the vibes than the rides, this is the list for you. Make sure you scroll to the bottom: There's one very famous park that's about to go "open gate" with its water parks for guests staying on property. (Hint: It's home to a special mouse!)

The incredible history behind your favourite desserts

We reveal the surprising roots of 15 of the world's classic desserts including the Victoria sponge cake.

10 of the Best Places to Retire in Arizona

Retirement living choices abound in the Grand Canyon State's big cities, small towns, forested mountains, sun-drenched desert and even a beach resort.

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...

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.

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.