Lifestyle

‘Dream big’: fearless China teen spends US$1,600 on solo global tour, faces online bullying, sex-for-sale taunts

Adventurous teen travels alone, uses pocket money and part-time job cash Shares travel experiences online, defends herself against cyber-bullies A teenager who travelled solo to several countries on a budget of just 11,500 yuan (US$1,600) has been besieged by sex-for-sale rumours spread by people who refused to accept her success. The youngster has...

The surprising reason why almost no flags feature the colour purple

National flags might seem like a riot of colour, but there is one colour that you will almost never see on a flag and the reason comes down to the ancient trade in rare sea snails.

How to Transform Your Outdoor Space Into a Cozy Place to Hang Out

Make it instantly more inviting.

What the State You Grew Up in Says About You

Every state has its own distinctive culture and traditions.

The most dangerous (and the safest) countries for female travelers

In an attempt to determine which countries are the most dangerous for female travelers, husband and wife journalists Asher and Lyric Fergusson studied and ranked the 50 most popular countries amongst tourists. The data was compiled using sources ranging from the 2018 Gallup World Poll to Equal Measures 2030's Gender Advocates Data Hub. The Fergusson's Women’s Danger Index ranked each country based on eight factors: street safety for women, intentional homicide of women, non-partner sexual violence, intimate partner sexual violence, legal discrimination, global gender gap, gender inequality index, and violence against women attitudes. Using these metrics, their list of the 20 most dangerous countries for women emerges. Intrigued? Take a look at their findings by clicking through the following gallery.

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!)

Why were these airports left abandoned?

Unless you arrive in the dead of night, airports are usually teeming with tourists, travellers and staff members but imagine rocking up and finding nobody there. We take a look at incredible airports that all lie abandoned and forgotten.

The 14 Most Elaborate Hotel Bathrooms

The lighting for mirror selfies is impeccable.

The Grande Dames of country music

31 Rare Vintage Photos of Palm Beach

The glamorous Florida town has attracted socialites, celebs, and even royalty through the years.

California's new 'Honest Pricing Law' will require cruise lines to be transparent about fees

California's "Honest Pricing Law" makes it illegal to advertise prices for goods or services that don't include all the required fees or charges.

Are these schools 'The New Ivies'?

The Ivy League has long been exalted as the cream of the crop when it comes to American universities, but could a new set of schools be closing in on their turf?

French town apologises for not flying Union Jack in D-Day decorations

Pictures from previous years show flag bunting depicting all the nations involved in the Allied resistance to the Nazis adorning the streets of the charming town of Carentan.

The 20 Best Luggage Brands Worth Investing In

From Samsonite to Rimowa, Tumi to Away—here's what you need to know about each one.

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.

Sewage fears hitting UK beach tourism industry - Tory MP

North Devon's Selaine Saxby is demanding new laws to force the Environment Agency to carry out more sophisticated water quality tests.

21 Creative Ways to Use Rocks in Your Landscaping

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

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.

Crowds turn out for Peterborough Celebrates festival

Organisers and visitors hail the two-day Peterborough Celebrates a success.

13 Beautiful City Skyline Photos Snapped Around the World

Dazzling views from the top await.

Overrated tourist spots you should avoid

For every tourist destination worth the effort and expense to visit, there's a cheap trick that isn’t worth either and yet still, somehow, draws crowds. Check out this gallery, based on a list from Far and Wide, that will help shed light on some of the shadiest tourist traps. And keep in mind, one person's tacky trap is another's perfect Instagram!

The Most Popular Book the Year You Were Born

We had forgotten about so many of these.

‘I’m weary of repeating myself’: How do I deal with rich friends who take $22,000 cruises and book $800 hotel rooms? Prices are crazy enough already.

“When one friend made a fuss over wanting to fly business class, I threatened to cancel completely.”

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

Wanderlust is not a deadly sin.

These Garden Arches Can Transform Your Backyard Into a Beautiful Oasis

Adding visual interest to your outdoor space has never been easier.

Cruise stomach bug issue not new, passengers say

People who travelled on previous Ventura cruises say the company is "downplaying" the situation.

Beautiful and strange locations made famous by movies

Thailand's Maya Bay, better known as the gorgeous secret cove from the 2000 film 'The Beach,' has been closed to tourists indefinitely. Anyone who wants to visit the pristine white-sand beach and dive into the crystalline waters where a young Leonardo DiCaprio once acted will be disappointed. Films take great care in choosing their locations, selecting places with profound character and a lasting visual impact. So, take advantage of all that effort and check out this gallery to start compiling your travel itinerary of endlessly interesting places made famous by films.

22 Adults-Only Resorts for a Well-Deserved Vacation

These romantic retreats have everything you need—except children.

9 Things You Should Never Buy at Airports

Whether you travel for business or leisure, chances are you're going to find yourself at the airport at some point. And when you do, you might be tempted to spend money there. After all, you'll likely...

Airbnb hosts are bracing for an unpredictable summer

To beat the competition, short-term-rental owners are turning to direct bookings and influencer stays to lure guests and make money off summer travel.

These Small Towns in California Are Bursting With Beauty and Charm

Nope, this isn't Italy.

How wild swimming puts you at risk of a raft of waterborne diseases

It sounded like good news for wild swimmers. Last week, 27 new river bathing sites were added to the map of the UK's coastal and inland waterways deemed safe for use.

40 Things That Didn't Exist 40 Years Ago

The world really was a different place back then.

Beyond Machu Picchu and Cancun: Latin American wonders for a dream vacation

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

Historic, iconic, impossibly long.

Stunning Aerial Photos of the Santa Catalina Mountains

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Santa Catalina Mountains through a captivating photo gallery of stunning aerial shots. These mesmerizing images showcase the dramatic landscapes, rugged peaks, and lush valleys from a unique bird's-eye view. Each photo captures the serene majesty and vibrant colors of this iconic Arizona mountain range, offering a fresh perspective on its natural splendor. Dive into this visual journey and experience the Santa Catalina Mountains like never before.

The greatest discoveries and advancements in the history of astronomy

For as long as humans have walked the Earth, the great endless sky and the countless stars that fill it have left us in a state of awe-inspired wonderment. Similarly, the study and exploration of space have been a priority for humankind for millennia. From the ancient Assyrians and Greeks, to the greatest minds of the Renaissance, and up to the billionaire space explorers of the 21st century, incredible amounts of time and effort have gone into better understanding our celestial surroundings. And yet, despite all of the great strides that have been made to understand the great beyond, it's estimated that 95% of the universe is still undiscovered. Click through the gallery to learn about some of the greatest discoveries of astronomy and our universe.

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

You might get starstruck at these luxury properties.

10 Places To Travel That Are Like Popular European Spots but Way Cheaper

Europe is renowned for its cultural richness, historical landmarks and picturesque landscapes, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, if you are looking into cheap trips, there are...

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.

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

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

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

Yes, it's time to plan a trip!

32 Rare Vintage Shots Taken at London’s Famous Claridge’s Hotel

The famous hotel is a favorite among royalty and Hollywood stars.

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.

These Dog-Friendly Hotels Will Pamper Your Pup in Luxury

Save this for your next road trip.

FWD Travel Insurance Singapore Review (2024)

As a typical cheapo sinkie, I must confess to buying FWD travel insurance purely because it’s one of the most affordable travel insurance providers in Singapore. Ask a bunch of random Singaporean travellers, and most of them would have at least heard of FWD for its value for money travel insurance plans. Their medical coverage ranges from about $200,000 to $1,000,000. While many of us think of FWD as a no-frills, basic travel insurance option,...

30 Rare Photographs Taken at Chateau Marmont

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

The 8 Oldest Restaurants in New York City

These iconic restaurants have withstood the test of time.

The World’s 20 Most Beautiful Cities to Visit in Your Lifetime

Some standards and some surprises–all dazzling destinations to tempt you on your next trip.

The Most Beautiful Small Towns In Every State

Why yes, we would love to reside in a place where we can pan for sapphires.