Travel

The secret codewords that cabin crews don't want you to know

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of your flight? Here we reveal all...

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

The most haunted castles in Europe

Europe is peppered with ancient castles, many of them wonderfully fairy-tale in appearance. Others, however, are possessed of a more mystical appeal, with some hiding dark secrets and a violent past. These are the spooky strongholds that will make you shiver, mysterious medieval seats of power where dastardly deeds took place in an atmosphere of fear and repression. Hundreds of years later, these creepy castles are scenes of ghostly goings-on where specters and phantoms tease and torment with malevolent glee. But where can you find the most frightening fortifications? Click through if you dare and get ready to be haunted!

You’ll soon be able to check-in to a stunning St Regis resort in Oman

It’s set to welcome guests from June 1… Get ready for a short-haul getaway: a stunning new resort is set to open in Oman next month. From June 1, travellers will be able to enjoy the five-star spoils of The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, which will open on the edge of the 18-hole […]

Letizia of Spain wows in a pink jacket and wide leg white trouser

The royal, 51, showed off her natural beauty with a lowkey make-up look, pairing lashings of black mascara with pink eye shadow and and a diamond earring stud.

The best cities in America for dog owners

If you have a dog, then you need to live somewhere that’s great for both you and your pooch. It needs to have open space for your pup to exercise, other dogs for your pup to socialize with, and it would be nice if you could keep your furry friend by your side when you go out to eat. So where should you and your good boy or girl settle? Try one of these great cities!

Nature's deadliest assassins

For all its mesmerizing splendor, the animal kingdom can be a dangerous place to live. Among its millions of diverse residents are some truly menacing creatures: mammals, birds, and insects that can end life in an instant. And guess what? There are species of carnivorous plants out there, too. These natural born killers have devised ingenious ways to lure and capture their prey to make them nature's deadliest assassins. Indeed, they number some of the most fearsome predators on the planet. Intrigued? Click through and be in awe of wildlife with the sneakiest kill tactics.

The festivals to look forward to in the UAE 2024 and 2025

Party like its 20-2024… The second half of 2024 is looking rather promising in the UAE, there are plenty of festivals that we can still look forward to. Whether you’re a fashion lover, eco-conscious or just looking for a good time out, we have got you covered. Here are all of the festivals to look […]

Today's best photos: From demolition of Baltimore bridge to rainbow over Kuwait City

The National picks the most striking images from around the world

America's love affair with the car captured in amazing historic images

Drive into the past with these photos of America's old highways.

Travel spending not slowing down anytime soon, says Michelle Meyer

Michelle Meyer, chief U.S. economist at Mastercard Economics Institute, joins CNBC's 'The Exchange' to discuss travel spending trends, what new Mastercard data shows about the strength of the consumer, and more.

Tourism income surpasses Q1 targets — report

AMMAN — The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has released its first-quarter report for 2024, providing a detailed overview of income, visitor statistics and strategic objectives for the upcoming year. The report highlighted a 9.7 per cent decrease in tourist arrivals compared with the same period in 2023, with the total number of visitors reaching 1.334 million, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The report attributed the decline in...

Tickets, more artists announced for Korea’s WATERBOMB Festival in Dubai this June

Run, not walk, to Dubai Festival City… Not right now, obviously. When the time comes, in June, for your dose of all things K-Pop, EDM and one big water fight. The WATERBOMB Festival is one of Korea’s biggest coming together of the two genres and a lot of water, and will be landing in Dubai […]

Star attraction: a guide to stargazing in the UAE

Wonder is written in the stars… For the entirety of their existence, humans have stared into the space above their heads and attempted to draw meaning from the yawning chasm of the cosmos. Some of us see the fingerprints of deities and intelligent design, or alien worlds and ancestral planes; others – Big Dippers, constellations […]

Dreamy days: 7 of the most unique daycations in the UAE

Here’s to sun-soaked sands and fully redeemable pool days… The UAE is a wonderland waiting to be discovered. There are plenty of incredible places that are completely unique for a staycation but if you haven’t got the time, these unique daycations in the UAE are a gorgeous option just waiting to be discovered. Here are […]

The world's most fascinating fortresses

Humans have been building fortresses since the dawn of time. From strategically placed castles to facilities where certain activities can be conducted in a safe environment, the world is full of formidable fortresses. But which exactly are the most fascinating ones and why? In this gallery, we present you with a selection of amazing structures, from hilltop castles to underground military bases. Browse through and discover the world's most fascinating fortresses.

'Absolutely yes': Indian travelers boycotting the Maldives is helping Sri Lanka, says tourism minister

Indian travelers' boycott of the Maldives is benefiting Sri Lanka, says Sri Lanka's Tourism Minister Harin Fernando, citing the countries tight relationship.

Things you should never do on an airplane

From remembering your passport to packing the right things, traveling can be stressful. That's why it's important to remember some small things that can make a huge difference in your flight and potentially your health, while also maintaining common courtesy towards fellow passengers. Click through this gallery to find out what you should never do while airborne.

I'm an American living in Italy - the locals can spot tourists just by the way you walk

In a recent TikTok, Rachael Sullivan, from Tampa, Florida, reveals what to look out for when it comes to spotting an American in Italy. She has been living overseas since January.

Houses of horror and other true crime locations

The morbid fascination with those who murder often extends to learning more about the locations in which the killings take place. Houses, apartments, compounds, highways, theaters, and schools are among the places where some of the most heinous crimes have been committed. Many of these properties are rightly demolished after the event, their continued existence otherwise providing an all too painful reminder of what took place inside. But there are scenes of crime that have survived, some as private residences, others as historic landmarks. Intrigued? Click through and discover houses of horror and other true crime locations.

I live in a $250,000 houseboat in Toronto, Canada: Take a look inside

Kate Fincham, 35, has lived in a houseboat in Toronto, Canada for the past three years. She purchased her home for $250,000. Kate is a content writer and lives with her two cats.

How King Charles red fiery painting 'tells multiple stories'

The 8.5ft-tall oil on canvas by Jonathan Yeo was revealed to the public and the Royal family at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace today.

Incredible ancient Roman landmarks you can still see today

The Romans oversaw one of the largest and most important empires in history – these are the most extraordinary treasures they left behind.

Eerie abandoned islands the world forgot

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

What does an IQ test actually measure?

Diving into the world of IQ tests is like unpacking a mystery box. These tests started off as a simple way to spot kids who needed a bit of extra help in school. But boy, did things get complicated fast! From classroom aids to measuring 'smarts,' IQ tests have had quite the journey. This gallery is all about that wild ride. We'll check out where these tests came from, what they're supposed to tell us, and why they're still causing a stir today. Click through and let's get the lowdown on the highs and lows of IQ tests!

Did you know these strange and surprising facts about Disney?

More Than 130 Million Americans Are Breathing Unhealthy Air, New Report Shows

Fact checked by Nick Blackmer News Takeaway About four in 10 people in the U.S. are living in places with air pollution that threatens their health, a new report has found.The report shows 11.7 million more people are now living in places with poor air quality compared to last year’s data.Climate change is a driving force behind worsening air quali...

Can't face the crowds at Yosemite and Yellowstone? These eight lesser-known national parks offer stunning scenery but with far fewer visitors

Fed-up of the seemingly endless influx of travelers at Yosemite and Yellowstone? Good news - there's hundreds of other national parks to choose from, scattered about the US.

Celebrities at the Bridgerton World Premiere!

The Bridgerton Season 3 world premiere was glamorous Monday night in New York City where the cast donned their best for the premiere of the Netflix show. All images from the @bridgertonnetflix Instagram page

What life is really like on world's most crowded island

The island, which is barely half the size of a football pitch, is located on the north eastern side of Lake Victoria and it sits on the the border between Uganda and Kenya.

Things humans do that dogs hate

Dogs are fairly easy to please, and they can quickly become our best friends. They love food, walks, and attention from their favorite people. However, we don't always make it easy for them. Sometimes, we might do things that they actually hate. And while some dogs are more tolerant and laid-back than others, most of them will become fairly upset and stressed with these human actions. After all, how would you feel if someone gave you an unwanted hug? Want to discover other things dogs simply can't stand? Then click on and check out the following gallery.

Curious countries that changed their capital cities

Rome, London, Tokyo: some capital cities are so iconic that they capture the entire spirit of a country. However, sometimes a country changes its capital city completely, moving the nation's history in an exciting new direction. For a brief lesson on the matter (and even travel inspiration), click on to find out which countries changed their capital.

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.

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.

Anti-tourism graffiti spreads across Athens in demands to end tourism

Greece issued a plea for 'no more tourism' as the stunning city - and home to iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis - is becoming increasingly swamped with British holidaymakers.

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...

The world's natural and cultural wonders we could lose forever

Whether through war, climate change or other threats, some of the world's most important and most beloved landmarks are at serious risk of destruction. Take a look at all 56 sites included on UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger.

40 Things That Didn't Exist 40 Years Ago

The world really was a different place back then.

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.

Snapped: Celebrities spotted in the UAE this week

From tennis legends to EDM masters… Dubai is no stranger to celebrities and famous faces coming down for a visit, and with the season fully underway, they’re flocking to sunny UAE now more than ever. If you have spotted any celebrities in the UAE, send us a DM on Instagram to let us know. Roger Federer View this post […]

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.

UAE weather: Yellow alert issued for dust; rain may hit some areas this afternoon

Temperatures may reach 43 degrees Celsius in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

The strangest medieval pet advice

The Middle Ages are also known as the Dark Ages, but how dark were they for pets, really? Luckily, there are still a few documents around that give us some insight as to how pets were perceived and treated in medieval times. In fact, there were even laws that applied to pets, so it seems like they were taken seriously, at least in some parts of the world. Curious to find out what pieces of advice people had back then regarding pets? Click on!

Moment pod of dolphins jump out the water up close to jet skiers

Lola Richardson, 17, and her six friends enjoyed a front row seat to a 'once in a lifetime' performance from three bottlenose dolphins for around an hour near Bournemouth Pier, Dorset.

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. […]

New train station could serve Amazon development

A consultation has opened on a proposed transport interchange between North Ferriby and Brough.

These animals are associated with the devil

There are some animals that, despite being perfectly harmless and innocent of any wrongdoing, are forever associated with evil. These are creatures that some cultures and religions depict as being symbolic of Satan. They are nature's villains, misrepresented and demonized for their appearance and behavior—victims of our own prejudice and superstition. But what beasts are we so afraid of, and why? Click through and get to know the devil's pets.

This Italian Town Is the World Capital of Violin Making — How to Plan a Music-focused Trip

For centuries, the Italian town of Cremona has been home to the great instrument makers, and its streets continue to ring with music.

What you didn't know about bedbugs

We've all heard the familiar children's rhyme about bedbugs. But there's nothing like having to deal with an actual bedbug infestation! With the recent news of how bedbugs are crawling all over Paris, these pesky pests are making everyone worried ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics. But while it's normal to be completely creeped out by them, it's also important to note that bedbug outbreaks are incredibly common. What's more, having all your facts in order is important to properly deal with a bedbug outbreak. Check out this gallery to learn everything you need to know about bedbugs.

You can get the Eye of Sauron in Lego form with the new Barad-dûr set

It even comes with a little Lego Sauron