Lifestyle

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

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

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.

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.

Memorable epitaphs from famous gravestones

Words are one of the many forms through which we honor the deceased. Epitaphs come in all sorts of formats, depending on the person they are written for, and by whom. There are some famous dead people who have pretty unique epitaphs craved on their headstones, from poetic to funny. Despite the variety of styles, they all have something in common—they're memorable. In this gallery, you'll discover some of the most beautiful and quirky epitaphs from famous gravesites. Click on.

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.

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.

10 of America’s Best Water Parks

Make a splash at these fun-filled oases.

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.

Monuments Men: The group of soldiers who recovered five million works of art stolen during WWII

The widespread looting of European art by the Third Reich before and during the Second World War was one of the most shameful chapters of art history. The Nazis systematically stole thousands of paintings from individuals, and confiscated many thousands more from museums and other cultural institutions. Beside artworks, gold, silver, currency, jewelry, books, and religious treasures were also plundered. Most of these looted items were recovered and restituted after the war. But many thousands of pieces of art were never retrieved by their rightful owners. Click through and read the shameful story of Nazi plunder.

The weirdest reasons for airplane turnarounds

Flying is stressful, no doubt about it. There's the competitive prices, the complications of packing, and that all-important airport sprint. When you're on the plane, you can only pray you're not stuck in front of some bratty kicking kid, or behind a rude reclining pensioner. However, none of that could equal the amount of stress in these ridiculous stories. On a recent flight from Tokyo to Seattle, one passenger must have been having a pretty bad day, because he ended up biting a flight attendant. The plane took off at 9:47 pm local time on January 16 but was forced to return to Tokyo’s Haneda airport approximately one hour later. A representative for the Japanese airline revealed that a male American passenger had bitten a female flight attendant and was arrested as soon as the plane landed in Tokyo. She is reported to have sustained minor injuries. This isn't the first time biting has caused major disruptions during a flight. In 2022, two separate incidents occurred in which a passenger bit cabin crew or other passengers on flights with US carriers American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Both aggressors were fined around US$80,000 by the Federal Aviation Administration—the highest penalties ever issued by the agency. From bees in the cargo to drunken celebrities and forgotten babies, there are countless stories of planes turning around for the strangest reasons. Click through the gallery to hear all about them.

Private school to welcome girls for the first time

Abingdon School is currently an independent day and boarding school for boys.

25 Beautiful Cities Around the World to Add to Your Travel Bucket List

These skylines will give you a surge of inspiration.

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.

Fifa World Cup 2022 host Qatar aims to increase tourism through more sports, arts and other events, and medical tourism

Visitor numbers to Qatar rose 39 per cent in 2023 after it hosted the Fifa World Cup in 2022, and the nation plans to draw more tourists in the coming years While sporting events help draw the crowds, Qatar is aiming to lure families, medical tourists, business travellers, art lovers and fashion fans as well Qatar plans to liberalise its hospitalit...

Inside the world's cutest homes, from cottages to cabins

From a tiny treehouse tucked away in an English woodland to a 100-year-old cottage in picturesque Alabama, these are the world's cutest homes

10 of the Most Unique Museums In the United States

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

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.

6 Cities in the US Where You Can Vacation Comfortably on $3K-$4K for 2 Weeks

Summer vacation is here! Where are you planning to go? Are you going to take a trip all by yourself to somewhere in the United States that you've always wanted to visit? Or are you planning to pack up...

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.

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.

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

Are These Bucket List Trips Actually Worth The Hype?

You might just have to see it to believe it.

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.

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!)

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

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.

Moment Delta plane catches fire as passengers flee down emergency exit

A dramatic new video shows a Delta-operated Airbus plane bursting into flames after it landed at Seattle-Tacoma airport on Monday, May 6. All 189 passengers were evacuated in minutes.

21 Creative Ways to Use Rocks in Your Landscaping

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

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 in Barcelona and other unusual places

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.

South West Trains passengers win £25m in huge class action payout

An estimated 1.4 million people who travelled on mainline trains operated by Stagecoach South Western Trains (SSWT) to Waterloo are in line for up to £100 each after the case was settled.

These Dog-Friendly Hotels Will Pamper Your Pup in Luxury

Save this for your next road trip.

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.

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.

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.

Us' Complete Guide to Summer's Biggest Blockbuster Movies

Jay Maidment/20th Century Studios/MARVEL ;Dan McFadden/CTMG, Inc ; Universal From action adventure to heartbreaking romance, there is a summer blockbuster for every type of cinephile this year, and Us Weekly has your complete guide to all of them. Potentially the most anticipated movie of the season, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, serves as the fifth […]

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.

Councillors back ship getting Freedom of the City

HMS Protector is a wave closer to being given freedom of a landlocked city.

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.

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.

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.

30 Rare Photographs Taken at Chateau Marmont

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

Vintage photos of famous cities

Have you ever wondered how some of the world's biggest cities looked like decades ago? Well, this is your chance! In this gallery, we compiled the most amazing vintage photos of numerous capital cities and other major cities. From Europe to North America, and Asia to Africa and further, we've covered many big cities across the globe. Browse through and marvel at these retro pictures of famous cities.

Did you know these American cities changed their names?

Many iconic cities in the US used to have different names. America is a vast land, and one where explorers and settlers have fought over territory. From Native American names to those adopted after the United States became a country, there are plenty of examples that are worth a mention. For instance, did you know that New York City used to be called New Amsterdam? Click through the following gallery to find out all about the original names of big American cities.

Torch tour event marks D-Day anniversary

A ceremony in Oxford is part of the national Lighting Their Legacy D-Day torch tour.

What would happen if we didn't have the moon?

The moon is just one of those things that we take for granted. It has always been there and it will likely be there for millions of years to come. We're so used to looking up to the night sky and seeing Earth's satellite, that it's difficult to imagine our planet without it. But what would our world be like if there was no moon? Click through to find out.

The 28 Best Westerns of All Time

Saddle up for a trip to Hollywood's version of the Wild West.

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.