Travel

Santa Muerte and the rise of "narco saints"

Mexico, like most Latin American countries, has deep roots in Catholicism. But the country also has a strong pagan tradition that dates back thousands of years. In a country plagued by considerable social issues, poverty, crime, and religion can be a dangerous mix, especially when drug cartels believe their saints make it okay to commit atrocious acts, and even protect them! But these "narco saints," as they are known, are also worshiped by regular, law-abiding citizens—and the cult is growing. So, what's going on, after all? Click through this gallery and delve into the world of Santa Muerte and other narco saints.

What exactly was the Summer of Love?

The Summer of Love was a social phenomenon that took place for a few brief months in 1967 when between 75,000 and 100,000 people converged on San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district. Quickly dubbed "hippies" by the press, this youthful throng represented a new revolutionary movement and the counterculture that was sweeping across the West Coast of the United States and beyond, in fact as far away as New York City, the aim of which was to cast off conservative social values and instead embrace peace, love, and freedom of expression. This utopian ideal was played out to a psychedelic soundtrack, composed by bands such as the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane. By autumn, however, the scene had soured and darkened. Discord replaced harmony, and what was initially seen as a significant cultural event ended as a commercialized media spectacle. So, how did the sun rise and set over the Summer of Love? Click through and put some flowers in your hair.

Dog enthusiasts descend on NYC for Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Dog enthusiasts descended on New York City 's Arthur Ashe stadium today to take part in the 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Fascinating facts about ancient Rome that will surprise you

Beginning in the eighth century BCE, ancient Rome grew from a small town into an empire that at its peak covered most of continental Europe, Britain, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. It left an enormous legacy, from the widespread use of the Romance languages to the alphabet and the calendar. When we think of ancient Rome, visions of emperors, gladiators, and astonishing architecture appear, but still there are so many things we might not be familiar with about this astonishing empire. Want to discover more about ancient Rome? Then check out the following gallery.

The hidden secrets in famous works of art

Many works of art hide mysteries and secrets that we are not aware of at first glance. Behind the canvases of great artists, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, or Pablo Picasso are subliminal messages, hidden secrets, and details that you never knew were there. Uncover the greatest secrets hidden in classic works of art in the following gallery!

Tell us about a garden in Europe – you could win a holiday voucher

From the Renaissance splendour and symmetry of the Boboli gardens in Florence to the trickling fountains and rose gardens of the Alhambra in Spain, Europe has no shortage of “must see” gardens, but a tranquil escape from the tourist crowds they are not. Instead, we’d love to hear about your favourite “secret gardens” in continental Europe; oases of green that offer cool respite from a busy sightseeing itinerary and where you won’t be jostling...

40 Things That Didn't Exist 40 Years Ago

The world really was a different place back then.

Things that are considered normal in the US but are bizarre in the rest of the world

The US is a diverse country, filled with unique quirks and traditions that vary from region to region. But certain customs are common nationwide. And while they might seem normal stateside, in other parts of the world they're thought of as completely strange. For example, the average American may be used to takeaway coffee, but to many foreigners that's far from the norm! Curious to find out what's considered normal in the US, but not in the rest of the world? Then check out this gallery.

The best stadiums to watch sports in the world

Sports stadiums are hallowed grounds for eager sports fans. The bump of the crowd, the rhythm of the game, the silence of a pass in mid-air. But not all stadiums are created equal. In this gallery, we highlight the stadiums with the most iconic atmospheres in sport today. These are the arenas that define the essence of sports culture, inviting you to witness the magic that unfolds within their storied walls. Ready? Swipe through to take a look at sports' most sacred stadiums.

Will NYC see the Northern lights Monday night?

The spectacular aurora borealis that millions of sky gazers have witnessed will return tonight-but it may not be in New York.

Hairdresser introduces chat-free 'silent service'

Kati Hakomeri has introduced the special booking option for her clients in Helsinki who would prefer not to make polite chit-chat about their future holidays, weekend plans or the weather.

The Gilded Age castle built for The 'King of New York'

Explore OHEKA Castle, the 'King of New York's 117-room stately Long Island home that is said to have inspired The Great Gatsby.

I traveled beyond the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Lights. Here are 4 things to know before you go.

I spent $3,000 to travel to a tiny Arctic village in Finland for a chance to see the northern lights. Here's what you should know for your own trip.

Did you know the US government is hiding a secret airline?

Did you know that the US government operates a top-secret airline called Janet? The airline tends to fly under the radar, even though it operates out of commercial airports. However, if you've never noticed the discreet, unmarked aircraft fleet, you're not the only one. Janet's operations and the activities of the passengers it transports are highly classified, but take a look at what is known about the airline in the following gallery.

13 Nostalgic Photos of Vintage Amusement Parks

What a thrill.

Entrepreneurs, students and tourists to benefit from new EU-GCC visa rules

Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman are now all entitled to a five-year multiple-entry visa to the Schengen area upon their first request

When my son turned 20, we took a hike to reflect on our relationship. I learned the power of growing alongside your children.

A mother and her son took a hike together when he turned 13 and 20. On those hikes, they tracked each other's growth and bonded in a new way.

Europe's most underrated cities, according to travel experts

Think of European cities and a plethora of well-known destinations spring to mind. There's no shortage of places to discover the history and culture of this continent. But don't overlook its smaller, less explored cities. Many are hidden gems, far from the hectic crowds, that offer visitors a much more intimate, unspoiled experience. Condé Nast Traveller asked their seasoned contributors to put together a list of Europe's most underrated cities. Using their network of travel specialists and European-based writers, they compiled a list of places you might not have considered—or heard of at all—based on their recommendations. Curious? Click on to uncover Europe's most underrated cities.

Harry and Meghan hint more quasi-royal tours are in the pipeline

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been flying back to California after leaving Abuja yesterday following a three-day visit to Nigeria at the invitation of the country's military.

Eerie abandoned islands the world forgot

The planet's most curious abandoned islands and their secrets.

What are the world's safest airlines right now?

Airline Ratings, the world’s only airline safety and product rating website, has published its World's Safest Airline list for 2024. In making its evaluation, Airline Ratings takes into account "a comprehensive range of factors that include serious incidents, recent fatal accidents, audits from aviation’s governing and industry bodies, profitability, industry-leading safety initiatives, expert pilot training assessment and fleet age." The results are timely, revealed shortly after the shocking Japan Airlines accident that occurred on January 2. The Airbus A350 burst into flames following a collision with a Coast Guard aircraft while landing at Tokyo's Haneda airport. Five of the six crew members on the smaller aircraft were killed, but miraculously, all 379 people aboard the Japan Airlines plane managed to escape. So, if you're planning to fly anytime soon, you might first want to browse this list of 25 airlines deemed the safest in the air. Click through and find out which airline has claimed the top spot.

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.

Life abroad: These are the best countries for Americans to live in

Considering a life abroad? For many, it's never anything more than a fun idea. But according to the State Department, millions of Americans are actually doing it. And while there are many nations to consider for your new home, in this gallery you'll get a list of the 15 best countries for expats by prioritizing a range of factors including safety, friendliness, quality of life, and access to culture and outdoor activities. Ready? Click on for the best countries for expats, and also discover practical tips to make your dreams come true!

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.

This Pattern-Filled Maine Summer House Will Give You Major Vacation Envy

At this former inn, the perfect June day is every day.

The safest communities in America

Living a peaceful life in the US seems to be somewhat of a fading dream for many individuals living in once-peaceful cities. Crime rates are on the rise, complemented by the inability to make ends meet as the cost of living continues to increase. Many American states are seeing higher crime rates, unemployment, and homelessness than ever before. This begs the question: "Where is it safe to live these days?" Well, we've got the answer(s). The cities, towns, and villages on this list are all competing for the coveted honor of being the safest in America. Swipe through to see which has taken the crown.

Here’s how you can visit Louvre Abu Dhabi for free this weekend

Save your dirhams… If visiting the wonderful Louvre Abu Dhabi has been on your to-do list, now’s the time to finally tick it off. This week on Saturday, May 18, 2024, the iconic art museum on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi is offering free entry to all UAE residents. Why? Because it’s International Museum Day. […]

11 huge historical mysteries that will probably never be solved

Will we ever find Cleopatra's tomb or the Ark of the Covenant? Some mysteries may never be resolved.

10 of the Most Unique Museums In the United States

Add these one-of-a-kind destinations to your travel bucket list.

Mass migration: the reason birds are flocking to cities

The concept of the migratory bird is nothing new. We learn early on that birds fly south for the winter in search of shelter and food. The more interesting concept is the migration of certain birds to cities. What do they want in urban areas, and how can we help them survive? Check out this gallery to learn all about why birds flock to cities.

Discover the hottest 15 cities for digital nomads in 2024

The digital nomad bonanza really took off on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many of the most unlikely places creating their own niche versions of remote working experiences, often dangling enticing lifestyle carrots such as tax breaks or visas to attract a steadily growing army of digital nomads to their cities. But just where are these places? In this gallery, we've curated a top 15 based on Nomad Capitalist's findings. Click on to discover them all!

Dubai: Enjoy a day out with your gal pals with these offers

Have the best time with the girl gang at these restaurants across the city

The air travel secrets 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.

Flying up to 15 hours from Dubai? It’s likely you’ll be on Emirates’ new A350 jet

Emirates plans to use its new Airbus A350 jets to serve ultra-long-haul destinations in the US, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand – all up to 15 hours of flying time from Dubai – following the initial launch of the wide-body jets on mainly regional routes. The first batch of deliveries – with a capacity of 312 seats and expected in August th...

Revealed: what homes looked like through the decades

Times have certainly changed since your grandparents were young! Let's take a look back at what your grandparents' homes might have looked like way back when...

Libya customs officers arrested over 26-tonne gold shipment

The gold bars worth $1.9 billion were seized during an attempt to traffic them through the international airport of Misrata

Calls of the Day: Delta Air Lines, Netflix, Qualcomm, Intel, Huntington, Visa & Mastercard

The Investment Committee discuss the latest Calls of the Day.

The Oldest Biblical Artifacts of All Time

Outsmart the sun: common sun safety myths and facts

Summer is upon us, which means more time outdoors, enjoying those lovely moments in the sun. However, before you go outside, you’ll want to protect yourself and your family from the type of sun exposure that can put you at risk. It’s important to outsmart the sun, as overexposure contributes to the risk of skin cancer. To help keep your skin healthy and reduce the risk of any serious sun damage, check out this gallery for the most common sun safety myths and facts. Simply click on.

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.

The biggest mistakes tourists make at national parks

In the heart of the world’s untouched wilderness, there are entire swathes of land that beckon adventurers with the promise of natural beauty. But despite the grandeur and majesty to be found in national parks, there lies a hidden trail fraught with missteps and pitfalls. From the novice wanderer to the seasoned explorer, visitors are often blind to the potential dangers that await if they aren’t careful. But what are the biggest mistakes to look out for when visiting a national park? Click through this gallery to find out.

Olympic stadiums that cost billions and what happened to them after the games

Cities can easily spend billions on hosting the Summer Olympics, although many jaw-dropping venues are ultimately destined for destruction

18 priceless treasures people found in their homes

From the lost Rembrandt painting in a family dining room to a set of rare gold coins unearthed in a cottage, discover some of the most incredible treasures found in people's homes.

30 capital cities with the best air in the world (America’s represented)

Everyone knows bad air quality when they breathe it in, but how does it measure and compare across different capital cities? To get this information, the amount of particulate matter is measured to arrive at a number the residents are breathing in over a period of time. In 2023, IQAir released their World Air Quality Report, looking at the concentration of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) in capital cities around the world. The report applied population-based adjustments to standardize its results and calculated an annual average of the data. If a city exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) safety guideline of five micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) for annual average PM2.5 levels, it meant potential health risks for its residents. So, how did your capital city do? Click on to check out the top 30. (Pictured: CopenHill, Copenhagen, a waste-to-energy plant that doubles as a recreational space, featuring a ski slope on its roof, exemplifying the integration of sustainability and public engagement.)

Nostalgia: did you know these things about Knight Rider?

Need points for holiday travel? Now is the time to sign up for a new credit card

If you can earn travel rewards now, you can make your travel bookings early, saving you money and stress.

Emirates airline chalks record annual profit as travel demand booms

The airline's best-ever financial performance figures were "driven by the voracious appetite for travel across customer segments," the Emirates Group said.

New attraction: The sustainable waterfall in Hatta to open soon

Hatta is the place to be… Hatta: A road trip to this beautiful exclave is always exciting for residents and visitors alike and there’s always something new to explore. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Hatta is home to picturesque mountain views and fun activities. And if you think you’ve seen it […]

The least-visited country in the world may be the first to disappear

One of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world is also one of the least visited, but most of us may never get to visit before the nation disappears. Tuvalu is an island country in the west-central Pacific Ocean, sitting about halfway between Australia and Hawaii. It’s a coral atoll nation, which means it sits on a ring-shaped coral reef encircling a lagoon, with islands along the rim. The country is a stunning oasis, but faces the threat of disappearing completely from the face of the Earth. Click through to find out about the people, the culture, the devastation it faces, and more about this unique community.

Would you go to work on one of these?

The golden age of transportation seems to be behind us. Apart from the advent of electric cars, and the growing use of high-speed trains, nothing very exciting has happened in the business of getting us from point A to point B. In the 20th century and earlier, everyone seemed to have their own unique ideas about the best ways to move about. Some of the more unlikely ones, like the motorized scooter, have eventually caught on, while others that might have seemed like sure bets, such as the amphibious car, quietly fizzled out. However history has treated them, all of the old ideas were pretty interesting. Read on to see some of the wacky ways people used to get around.