Lifestyle

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

Yes, it's time to plan a trip!

The deadliest places in the world

There are some places in the world that are so inhospitable that spending just a short period of time there can have serious implications for your health. There are also places where the local inhabitants live in constant danger from threats which are both natural and man-made. From the Arctic to the Pacific Ocean, here are some of the deadliest places in the world. Click through the gallery to see more.

The risks of staying at a hotel (and the red flags to watch out for)

Have you recently stayed or thought about staying at a hotel? If so, you're in good company. People all over the world are choosing hotels over other options like Airbnb or staying with friends and family. However, staying at a hotel can come with a certain amount of risk. In this gallery, we'll explore red flags you may not have known were things to look out for. From unprofessional staff to a dusty hotel lobby and not requesting ID upon arrival, there are numerous signs you should be aware of before your next hotel booking and stay. Curious about what might indicate a bigger (and worse) problem at your hotel of choice? Click through to explore.

6 Things To Know Before Retiring in These Midwestern States

You may have heard of the charm of the Midwest. Or perhaps you know people who live there and praise the opportunity to experience the change in seasons. Maybe you've seen rankings where the Midwest...

It's all in the name: Where the US states got their names

The list of the names of the 50 US states is long, colorful, and fascinating. While some names appear to be self-explanatory, like Maryland or New York, the stories behind the names aren't always so simple. Linguists and historians have worked tirelessly for decades to decipher certain state names that appear to have their roots in old terms used by Native Americans, but its not easy work. What we have found out, however, can provide us a deeply insightful look into the cultures that thrived across North America before colonization, the importance of natural features to both Native Americans and European colonists, and the monarchs of the Age of Discovery that made the American experiment possible. Read on to learn about the origins of the names of all 50 states.

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.

Explore the world's most beautiful subway and metro stations

There are a few train stations that hide exceptional design and art installations under city streets around the world. These are our pick of the 30 most beautiful subway and metro stations you NEED to see...

The 15 biggest tourist traps in Montreal

Montreal is the ideal destination for a memorable urban getaway. From festivals and museums to terraces and parks, this incomparably vibrant city attracts visitors from all over the world. As in any major metropolis, though, you may run into a few tourist traps that risk wasting your time and money. Here are 15 tourist traps to avoid on your next visit to Montreal, so you can make the most of your stay.

Stunningly beautiful places in Europe you must see

Europe is renowned for its spectacular views and breathtaking travel destinations. Every country has its landmarks that are beautiful in their own way but certain locations in Europe really defy explanation. From national parks to picturesque scenery and historical landmarks, Europe really has it all. So, grab a pen and paper and jot down your next must-see locations! Curious about which places made the list? Click through to explore further.

How extreme heat is impacting tourism

Sweltering summers are becoming commonplace across Europe as climate change is well and truly taking hold. In July 2023, Greece faced the longest heat wave on record, lasting 16 days, and in June 2024, Italy issued level 3 heat alerts, the highest level, for the Italian cities of Rome, Perugia, and Palermo. Figuring out how the travel industry can adapt to the rising temperatures is becoming a bigger issue for countries in southern Europe, many of which rely on tourism. If you'd like to know how heat waves are impacting the travel industry, click through this informative gallery now.

30 stunning waterfalls around the world that will take your breath away

Here are some of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, from Angel Falls in Venezuela to broad beauties like Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia - deep in rainforests and thick jungle or set against backdrops of dramatic cliffs and mountains...

The most peaceful countries to live in this year

How do we measure the delicate balance of peace in a world where finding safety is perhaps the greatest challenge we face? All of the countries listed here are committed to creating a stable and comfortable environment in which their citizens can thrive and grow without living in fear of crime, terrorism, and other dangers. In this gallery, we invite you to explore the Global Peace Index results for 2024, as nations vie for the coveted title of the most peaceful country on Earth. Click through to find the answers.

The last places on Earth humans have never visited

Satellite photos, drones, far-flung travel destinations—all of these contribute to reducing the number of places on Earth where humankind has never set foot. There is, however, a handful of untouched locations, or at least almost untouched. Wouldn’t it be a good idea for them to stay that way?

Best Banks for International Travelers for September 2024

Discover the best bank accounts for international travel in September 2024. The top accounts help you save for travel or let you access money abroad.

These are the most dangerous roads in the US

With 4.19 million miles (6.74 million km) of roads, the US is a country built for driving. However, with that many routes to ride on, you can be sure that some roads are going to be less safe than others. In fact, roughly 36,000 people die on American roads each year. And while you can't blame the roads alone, there are certainly some that host more than their fair share of fatal accidents. With this in mind, click on to discover the most dangerous roads in the US.

The most polluted rivers in the world

Rivers are a vital part of our ecosystem on Earth. Not only are they homes to precious wildlife, but they also provide drinking water to billions of people across the world. However, the global scale of discharge of agricultural, municipal, and industrial pollutants is seriously damaging river ecosystems and threatening the supply of clean drinking water worldwide. On top of that, polluted rivers flowing into the ocean cause environmental issues to spread even further. Curious about the dirtiest waterways on the planet? Click on to discover the most polluted rivers in the world.

The least visited countries in the world

Blame Instagram and TikTok, but some popular holiday destinations just aren't worth visiting anymore. Big crowds, selfie sticks, and waiting in line can take some of the enjoyment out of being on holiday. But fear not: there are still places in this world you can visit that remain remote, pristine, and untouched. If you're looking for them, the 10 least visited countries in the world are a good place to start! Intrigued? Click on the following gallery to discover the places where it's a lot easier to "switch off"—if you don't mind the time it takes to reach them!

30 of the oldest things on Earth

Did you know that the world's oldest religion dates back 5,000 years? Or that the oldest country is found in Europe? And what about the oldest ship still in use, or the oldest shoe company? Yes, you'd be surprised at the age of some of the things on our planet, with a few actually spanning billions of years. So, what else is truly advanced for its age? Click through and find out why age is no barrier.

Why is flying becoming more dangerous?

The world has seen some incredibly deadly plane crashes over the decades. In the beginning, aviation laws had not been so strict in ensuring that proper maintenance was performed on planes and that strict protocols were required to ensure passenger safety. But gone are the days when planes were largely unsafe, especially as new technology has allowed aircraft to do things that were once thought impossible. So why has the news lately been full of accidents that have occurred during flight? The answer is simple: climate change. Click through this gallery to see how the world’s changing weather is making flying more hazardous.

Countries where it's easier to get citizenship

Does the allure of living abroad call to you? Have you thought more about leaving your home country and pursuing life elsewhere but find yourself stumped at how to accomplish this? While citizenship in other countries can be challenging in many ways, this guide will sort through the countries where it’s comparatively easier to get citizenship. Start planning your new life today! Click through this gallery to explore where you might call home next.

Disturbing cruise ship facts that will keep you on dry land

People have been using cruise ships for vacations since the 19th century, and while it may sound like a luxurious way of traveling the world, sometimes, it's not as idyllic as it may seem. From bedbug infestations to overflowing sewage, a cruise can be the vacation from hell. Keen to discover more facts about cruises that will keep you firmly on dry land? Click through this gallery today.

The most unique (and bizarre) buildings in the US

Next time you plan a roadtrip, make sure to include some of these strangely designed structures on your list of must-see attractions. Click through the gallery to start the tour!

Did the Chinese discover America?

The history books would have us believe that on October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus was the first person to discover the Americas. But was he really? Well, according to an ancient map, a Chinese explorer named Zheng He predated Columbus by over 70 years! Just how much do we know about this map and its supposed author? And is there any historical evidence to confirm these claims? In this gallery, we delve into the theory that states China reached the Americas first. Click on to learn all about it.

Aleutian Islands: Where Russia meets the USA

Set in the Northern Pacific Ocean, the Aleutian Islands—"Land of the Aleuts"—form an archipelago of 14 large volcanic islands and 55 smaller ones belonging to The USA and Russia. Wild and remote, these barren volcanic islands appear as stepping stones, a broken causeway that might have once linked Asia to America. Browse the gallery and island-hop these isolated outposts shared by two superpowers.

Check out California's best-kept travel secrets

From San Francisco to San Diego and everything in between, there are plenty of reasons to fall in love with the Golden State. However, many visitors get lost in tourist traps and miss out on hidden gems along the way. Click through the following gallery and discover the most astonishing attractions the California coast has to offer.

Overlooked travel destinations to discover this year

Are you tired of the crowds in your favorite cities? It might be time to take a trip somewhere a bit more low-key. There are plenty of places around the world to be explored that haven't been overrun with tourists... yet. Every year, Time Out magazine consults its trusted team of journalists to compile an updated list of the world's most underrated travel destinations. The results are usually surprising and sometimes unheard-of corners of the globe, waiting to welcome you—without the typical overcrowding! Intrigued? Click on the gallery to uncover the world's most overlooked travel destinations.

6 Hong Kong restaurant special deals, from a kilo of prawns to all-you-can-eat sushi

Hong Kong restaurants are offering some crazy deals to entice customers, from a 'kilo of prawns' night to unlimited sushi dinners Times are hard for Hong Kong's restaurants, with large numbers of outbound travellers spending elsewhere - not only overseas, but in neighbouring cities like Shenzhen, where visitors feel they are getting more bang for t...

Destinations that are even more beautiful in winter

Winter brings with it a drop in temperature and in many countries, snow—lots of it! Snowfall can transform the look of a destination. The busiest city can suddenly appear spotless and pristine. A drab-looking town is transformed into a winter wonderland, while a nondescript village becomes a picture postcard of sparkling beauty. And even the most attractive destination benefits from a dusting of snow, such is the allure of this crystalline silver frost. Browse the gallery, brave the cold, and take a look at these places that are even more beautiful in winter.

The hidden truths of hotels revealed

The majority of hotels, especially the most luxurious ones, are known for their excellent service and usually offer the best conditions to accommodate their guests. However, there are some things that happen behind the scenes at hotels that they don't want you to know about. Click through this gallery to find out more!

Things you do at hotels that staff actually hate

Hotel workers deal with a lot of people every day, which is no easy feat. You, as a reasonable and kind person, understand that it's important to be polite and follow certain etiquette rules. However, you might not realize that, even with the best intentions, some polite habits aren't as polite as you might think. In fact, they might even get in the way of hotel workers doing their jobs. From trying to help housekeeping clean to asking about the receptionist's personal life, click on to discover common etiquette missteps.

The best US cities for work-life balance in 2024

Although it can often be difficult to separate your personal life from your professional one, there are some cities out there that make it much easier to balance the two. With this in mind, CoworkingCafe recently released their annual report that ranks US cities based on their work-life balance, by considering factors such as mental health, affordability, and even commute. Curious? Click through this gallery to see which US cities made it to the top of the list!

The world's most dangerous cities to live in

In a world brimming with diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures, it's disheartening to recognize the presence of cities struggling with soaring crime rates. As we delve into this exploration of the world's most dangerous cities, we're faced with the stark reality that safety remains a distant dream for many. This gallery shines a light on 30 cities, each grappling with its unique set of challenges. Click on for more.

This Is Definitely Illegal... Magnet Fishing Gone Crazy!

Incredible photos reveal the world's earliest archaeological digs

The ancient world's secrets stayed buried until a wave of archaeological discoveries in the 19th and early 20th centuries began to fill gaps in the written records, and, with these rare archive photos, you can watch history in the making.

Slow cities: what they are, and where to find them

The city life isn't for everyone. For some, the energy, excitement, and growth of the world's major cities are attractive characteristics, but for others it sounds like a nightmare. Many cities in the world also pose environmental threats, destroying the wilderness with unchecked development projects, producing tons of trash each year, and inviting a car-centered culture that creates massive clouds of smog. Thankfully, there are a group of towns and small cities that have banded together under the guidelines of Cittaslow and have pledged to actively fight all the negative impacts that urbanization can bring. These areas, called "slow cities," are the perfect locations for anyone who prefers life at a slower pace in a greener place. Read on to learn about just a few of the many slow cities around the world.

Royally strange facts about the Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles, situated just over 12 miles (20 km) from the center of Paris, is world-famous for its stunning opulence. Around 10 million people visit the palace every year, averaging over 27,000 people per day, and yet many secrets and anecdotes have been kept relatively quiet since Louis XIV first commissioned André Le Nôtre to design the intricate grounds back in 1661. The palace has everything: grand halls, ornate furniture, priceless works of art, gardens filled with diverse plants and flowers, illustrious fountains, and more. But what makes it so rich is the history of it all, as it was passed along several rulers, played a huge role in the French Revolution, and preserves the opulence of the 17th- and 18th-century palace life. Within the many walls are a host of funny stories, bizarre facts, and fascinating quirks that you probably didn’t know about, so click through the following gallery and get acquainted with one of the most incredible palaces in the world.

Rare snapshots of the Venice Film Festival in its vintage heyday

The International Venice Film Festival, founded in 1932, is the world's oldest film festival and one of the big European three, alongside Cannes and Berlin. The annual movie showcase attracts some of the biggest names in world cinema: A-list actors, actresses, and directors, as well as a wealth of celebrity artists, entertainers, and musicians. Some of the most memorable editions of the festival took place during the 1950s and early 1960s during Hollywood's Golden Age, when familiar big-screen heartthrobs from America rubbed shoulders with the finest and most respected names working on the continent. In this gallery, let's reload the camera and admire these rare snapshots from previous editions. Click on for more.

Things you should never buy at the airport

We can all agree: flying is already expensive enough without falling for those pre-flight temptations. And while you can find practically anything and everything past security, your time waiting at the airport can quickly add on extra costs. This is especially true if you spend on certain things without thinking it through. From drinks to neck pillows, some things are simply not worth buying, be it for your wallet and even your health. So before you fly, check out this gallery for the things you should always avoid spending money on at the airport.

Incredible images reveal nature's greatest spectacles caught on camera

Discover nature's most magnificent shows - from mesmerising light displays in the sky to jaw-dropping animal migrations and more, here are some of the world's most eye-catching spectacles...

The largest uninhabited islands in the world

The world is full of countless uninhabited places, such as dense jungles, forests, or other hard-to-reach areas. And that describes some islands, too. But unlike jungles or forests, islands have little to no density in terms of both flora and fauna. Most of the uninhabited ones consist of ice caps, snow, and below-freezing temperatures. Curious to discover more about them? Then check out this gallery for insight on some of the largest uninhabited islands in the world. Simply click on.

The Old West's most wanted criminals

The American Frontier of the late 1800s and early 1900s is known as the Old West, a time and place romanticized for its freedom and feared for its violence in equal measure. Often referred to as the Wild West, this era saw an abundance of outlaws who made a living by robbing banks, stealing from trains, and ambushing stagecoaches. Some of these gunmen became legendary figures, their stories forever etched in American folklore. However, it's important to remember that most of these individuals were ruthless and brutal, living up to their reputations as dangerous gunfighters. These bandits, villains, fugitives, gunslingers, and desperados were some of the most wanted outlaws of the Wild West. Click through the gallery to get started. Click through the gallery to see them all.

The Best Vacations for Your Just-Retired Loved Ones

It’s time for that trip of a lifetime.

How much should you be spending on rent?

Navigating the world of renting can often feel like trying to find your way through a maze blindfolded, especially when it comes to figuring out how much of your paycheck should go toward your monthly rent. From the age-old 30% rule to the nuanced strategies for those living in high-cost areas, the "right" amount to spend on rent is a hotly debated topic. Add in factors like student loans, fluctuating markets, and personal financial goals, and the picture becomes even more complex. In this gallery, we'll guide you through the challenges of rent budgeting—unraveling the myths and offering expert insights. Whether you're a first-time renter or a seasoned tenant, you'll discover surprising angles and practical advice to make informed decisions about your living situation. Ready to unlock the secrets of smart rent budgeting? Click through to find out how you can tailor your housing budget to fit not just your financial situation, but your dreams and goals as well.

Can you guess the world's most livable city?

For several years running, Vienna has been crowned the world's most livable city. The Austrian capital has a long and storied past and has been an artistic and cultural hub in Europe throughout history. Today, it's also a business center with a dynamic tech scene, and maintains important social structures that support its inhabitant's well-being. How does it compare to where you live? Perhaps it's time to consider relocating to Vienna! Click on the gallery to discover everything you need to know about life in the world's most livable city.

Air travel tips 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.

Bizarre discoveries in the most unexpected places

Many fascinating discoveries have been made throughout the years, but sometimes they can be truly puzzling, especially when they're made in unlikely locations. Browse through this gallery and get to know some really weird things found in the most unexpected of places.

The weirdest things these countries are the best at

You might think you know the basics of what each country is best at. But there are probably some categories you didn't even think much about, like which country is the biggest banana producer? Or which country has the largest beer consumption per capita? And what about the country with the most Nobel Prize winners in literature? These random number ones may surprise you. So click on to discover the weirdest things different countries are number one at.

The 30 tallest US presidents in history

In America, the highest office in the land is often secured by the loftiest of individuals. Indeed, the taller the president of the United States, the greater their stature, or so it seems. The fact is that over half of those voted into the White House have stood near or over 6 ft tall. Click through and look up this gallery of the 30 tallest US presidents.

14 Large Outdoor Ornaments to Make a Statement This Holiday Season

Light up the front yard with some Christmas magic.

The mysteries of the Oracle of Delphi

One of the most important religious institutions in ancient Greece, the Oracle of Delphi represents a fascinating and mysterious chapter in history. The story tells of a prophetic priestess sat at the site of Delphi, which the ancient Greeks considered the center of the Earth. Oracles were consulted across ancient Greece, but Delphi was different. This center of prophecy in the ancient world was independent from neighboring city-states, resting atop a stunning backdrop of rolling mountains where ruins remain to this day. Intrigued? Click on to learn why the story of the Oracle of Delphi continues to captivate.