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Star-spangled facts about the American flag

There have been 26 official versions of the American flag spanning the more than 240 years of the nation’s history. But who thought up its iconic design, and what are the laws and regulations governing its proper use? Browse the following gallery and unfurl some amazing stories behind the Stars and Stripes.

Astrotourism: Visit these incredible dark sky reserves around the world

In many parts of the world, especially those most densely populated, it's becoming increasingly difficult to be able to view the galaxy surrounding us in all its primordial glory, like our ancestors could for millennia. Rising levels of industry emissions and light pollution have obstructed many people's ability see one of the universe’s greatest and most awe-inspiring nightly gifts: a sky full of stars. Fortunately, organizations like the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) are working to preserve the night sky for its cultural, environmental, and scientific value, by working with countries around the world to designate protected dark sky reserves and parks. Even more fortunately, many of these places are also being made accessible for visitors, prompting a forthcoming "astrotourism" trend. An area can earn its designation by meeting a minimum criteria for sky quality and natural darkness, plus an evaluation of the peripheral area, which should also support dark sky preservation. Many of these reserves and parks also offer specific stargazing-related education opportunities, so they're perfect even for those who don't know much about it! Click through to see some of the most beautiful places to witness the dark sky with its original illumination.

The world's most dangerous cities to live in (five are in the US)

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. Join us on this journey through the most dangerous cities in the world to live in, and the communities living there that are affected every day. Click on for more.

2024 Paris Olympics: Torch relay route map and key stops

The sacred flame for the Paris 2024 Olympics, which was lit on April 16 in Olympia, birthplace of the ancient Games, will journey to the four corners of Greece before heading to France on April 27. As we eagerly anticipate the prestigious sporting event — which takes place from July 26 to August 11 — read on to find out more about the Paris Olympic torch relay route and its key stops. The stopovers will feature some of the country’s top travel...

‘The Fall Guy' Live Stunt Show Added to Universal Studios Waterworld Attraction for Limited Time

Universal Studios Hollywood will host a new live show, “The Fall Guy Stuntacular Pre-Show,” inspired by 87North’s new film “The Fall Guy,” starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. The live show, a part of the theme park’s Waterworld attraction, will open April 27 and end May 19. The entertainment performance features an original storyline that […]

Illuminating facts about the Age of Enlightenment

The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was an intellectual and philosophical movement that occurred in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. Enlightenment thinkers in Britain, France, and throughout Europe questioned traditional authority and embraced the notion that humanity could be improved through rational change. Challenging political and religious conventions, the Enlightenment produced numerous books, essays, inventions, scientific discoveries, laws, wars, and revolutions. Intrigued? Click through the following gallery for the movement's core beliefs, and even some of its common misconceptions.

The best new and upcoming Singapore attractions to visit in 2024

Singapore might be a small island city, but it’s surprisingly chockful of attractions that can keep your itinerary filled for days. From world-class attractions like Gardens by the Bay and Jewel Changi, to the world-famous Singapore Zoo, there’s much to see and be entertained with. In addition to exciting current offerings like Bird Paradise and TRIFECTA, which opened in 2023, 2024 will witness the opening of more new attractions in Singapore,...

Female crew aim to be first trio to row Pacific Ocean non-stop and unsupported

An all-female team hopes to become the first trio to row 8,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean non-stop and unsupported to "inspire young people to feel that anything is possible". Miriam Payne, 24, Lottie Hopkinson-Woolley, also 24, and Jess Rowe, 27, aim to break three records with their feat, which will see them spend up to six months at sea. The team, named Seas The Day, hopes to become the youngest group to row across the Pacific Ocean, as well as the first trio to take on the challenge non-stop and unsupported.

Emirates suspends check-in for transit through Dubai after storm

DUBAI (Reuters) -Dubai's flagship airline Emirates is suspending check-in for all customers with onward connections through the city until 2359 GMT on Friday, three days after a record storm swept the United Arab Emirates. Emirates, one of the world's biggest international airlines, said customers travelling to Dubai as their final destination may check-in and travel as usual. The suspension

Goggles, bubbles and puddles: Africa's top shots

A selection of the week's best photos from across the continent and beyond.

What's really the purpose of Camp David?

Where do US presidents escape to when they've had enough of Washington? Well, hidden away in Catoctin Mountain Park in Maryland is a rustic retreat called Camp David. This secluded sanctuary serves as a place of peace and solitude for tired and stressed-out White House incumbents. But it's not all about enjoying some well-earned rest and relaxation. Camp David has over the years hosted some truly momentous meetings between world leaders; indeed, summits and conferences that have changed the course of history. But what exactly is the function of this humble country residence, and how do presidents unwind from the pressures of the job? Click through and visit this historic presidential retreat.

These are the countries with the highest visa fees for 2024

If you’re considering international travel, take note: Australia has emerged as the country with the highest visa fees, according to a study by expat insurance portal William Russell. Australia, known as ‘The Great Southern Land’, leads the list, closely followed by global heavyweights such as the US, the UK, and Japan, securing the second, third, and fourth positions, respectively. Schengen-style visa for Southeast Asia? Thailand favours joint...

Countries that will pay you to move there

Moving to a new country can be an exciting experience. However, it can also be a costly and daunting process. Fortunately, some states, cities, and even entire countries pay you to move there and offer incentives to attract new residents, including financial compensation and tax breaks. Whatever the reason, these incentives can be a great opportunity for those looking to start a new chapter in their lives. If you're looking for a change of scenery, check out this gallery for countries that will pay you to move there.

Horror stories from Disney parks

What better place than the internet to divulge the most unbelievably wacky tales from what’s supposed to be a children’s paradise? Check out this gallery for some of the craziest things employees have revealed on Reddit about the trials and tribulations of any given day at the endlessly interesting Disney parks.

Fire breaks out at 'The Shining' hotel: Oregon's historic lodge burns

An inferno broke out inside of the historic Timberline Lodge in Oregon late on Thursday, the hotel and ski resort was made famous in 1980 as the setting for horror classic The Shining.

The daredevil pioneers of wing walking

For most of us, clambering onto the wing of an aircraft traveling at high speed several thousand feet above the ground sounds like complete idiocy. But for some intrepid individuals, this is just how they make a living. Welcome to the daredevil world of wing walking. One of the most dangerous aerial stunts ever devised, wing walking is the ultimate in extreme sports. But it's not a modern-day phenomenon. In fact, this extraordinary display of airborne antics is grounded in the barnstorming days of the 1920s. Ready to take flight and find out more? Click through and head for the skies!

Allianz Partners collaborates with MoneyHero for travel insurance

The policy is underwritten by Tokio Marine Insurance Singapore. Allianz Partners Singapore and MoneyHero’s subsidiary, SingSaver, have partnered to introduce Allianz Travel Hero. The new travel insurance aims to provide consumers with tailored insurance plans and coverage options. Allianz Travel Hero offers premiums as low as S$3.33 per day. The insurance covers unforeseen travel disruptions, accidental death and disability, loss of travel...

Cracking the mysterious codes of Freemasonry

Freemasonry, the world's oldest fraternal organization, is often shrouded in secrecy with its ancient rituals, peculiar emblems, and clandestine handshakes. But what exactly does all that symbolism mean, and where did it come from? Browse this gallery and peek inside the secretive world of the Freemasons.

World Heritage Sites that could disappear anytime

There are more than 1,000 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, about 830 of which are cultural. These are landmarks or areas that carry such strong cultural, historical, or scientific significance, that international treaties have been signed in efforts to protect them. However, more than 50 of them are currently endangered and, unless measures are put in place, could be ruined beyond repair, according to UNESCO's website. Click through the gallery to see 15 of the world's most endangered cultural sites.

Windows fell out of King Charles' plane in mid-air

The Titan Airways Airbus had three windows fall whilst 14,00ft in the air last October, after it took off from Stansted Airport on a flight to Florida .

Holiday: 10 reasons to visit Malta

Ryuhei Kitamura To Direct Roller Coaster Pic ‘Thrill Ride', Film Bridge Launching For Cannes Market

EXCLUSIVE: Ryuhei Kitamura (The Midnight Meat Train) is set to direct roller coaster thriller Thrill Ride, which Film Bridge International is launching for sales ahead of next month’s Cannes market. Production is being lined up for the fourth quarter of this year with filming due to take place in Bulgaria at Pro Cinema Studios. Penned […]

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.

‘A water world teeming with wildlife’: readers’ favourite national parks in Europe

Suddenly the Polish sky was filled with cranes One of the most incredible bird scenes in Europe took place as I hiked through the Bielawa nature reserve in northern Poland, about 40 miles north of Gdansk. I had left the village of Sławoszyno via a dirt track and was heading towards Kłanino, the open countryside and fields disappearing from my sight as the hedgerows grew taller either side of me. As I stepped forward, a gap appeared in the hedge...

What exactly was the Treaty of Tordesillas?

In June 1494, a document was created that effectively divided the newly 'discovered' lands outside Europe between the Portuguese Empire and the Spanish Empire. Known as the Treaty of Tordesillas, this agreement between the two maritime superpowers would have a profound effect on world history, and prove disastrous for millions. But what exactly did this medieval treaty entail, and who benefitted from it? Click through and find out more about this remarkable but controversial alliance.

One of three stolen masterpieces from Oxford University returned

After a four-year hunt, the Baroque painting has been recovered from an art dealer in Bucharest, Romania who is believed to have sold off the other two paintings without realising they were stolen.

Travellers set to be banned from Australia's largest lake

Visitors will no longer be able to set foot on one of Australia's premier tourist destinations under a proposed plan to protect its cultural significance for traditional owners.

History's famous military retreats

According to military strategists, the best course of action during battle is often to withdraw to fight another day. Indeed, claiming a victory is sometimes to know when to retreat. A retreat is a tactical strategy, and does not equate to surrendering. However, not all retreats are successful. History has recorded some truly disastrous military withdrawals, when fighting on the back foot, often in harsh conditions, has all but decimated an army. However, when undertaken correctly, a retreat can allow forces to regroup and come back stronger. So, when has losing ground enabled combatants to gain the upper hand? Click on and march through this gallery of famous military retreats.

Spiritual sanctuaries to visit for inner peace

In a world filled with hustle and bustle, finding moments of inner peace and spiritual serenity can be a rare treasure. Fortunately, our planet is dotted with sacred places that have drawn pilgrims, seekers, and wanderers for centuries. These spiritual sanctuaries offer a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and a palpable aura of tranquility. Whether you're seeking solace, introspection, or simply a deep connection with the divine, our journey begins now. Join us on a quest to discover the profound and transformative experiences awaiting those who venture to these hallowed grounds.

Moving pictures: travelling cinema takes stories of ‘departures and dreams’ to Senegal

At about 1pm on Monday a 35-seater bus arrived in Pikine, a city east of the Senegalese capital, Dakar. A portable screen, projector, sound system and generator were unpacked to set up a temporary cinema in a lively neighbourhood where the scent of hibiscus and orange blossom fill the air. Pikine’s cultural centre was the first stop for Cinemovel, a travelling cinema that is showing the Oscar-nominated Italian film Io Capitano in the streets and...

31 AMAZING sculptures that transform sand into art

These are the most spectacular sand sculptures from around the world.

Kremlin says staff of some govt departments are subject to foreign travel bans

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Friday that staff in some government departments were banned from travelling abroad for security reasons, while some departments required people to provide advance notification of any foreign travel plans. Reuters reported on Thursday that Russia was making overseas travel harder for some officials due to fears that foreign powers may try to gain access to

Canary Islands beg Brits to spend their holidays - and cash - there despite anti-tourism protests

British holidaymakers have reportedly been calling hotels in Tenerife to ask if they will be safe amid a series of mass protests planned across the islands by activists

The least free countries in the world

The amount of freedom experienced in a given country is not approached the same way across the globe. The Cato Institute in Washington, D.C. and the Fraser Institute in Vancouver, Canada, co-publish the annual Human Freedom Index Report, which observes the relationship between freedom and other social and economic phenomena. Personal freedom might be described as our ability to voice our opinion, equality experienced before the courts, and the ease of travel to/from a country. Economic freedom is the ability of people in that country to do well, without the need for government assistance or an economic authority. To calculate the final Human Freedom score, personal freedom and economic freedom are measured and combined, then compared to the scores of other countries. The nations in this gallery scored the lowest on the Human Freedom score, compared to countries in the rest of the world. Click on to discover which countries made this regrettable 'top' 30.

The Mariana Trench: What do you know about the deepest point on Earth?

The Earth's land surface is truly remarkable, with its mountainous peaks and spectacular valleys. When we think of the ocean's topography, we tend to imagine a flat sandy floor, but it's actually just as varied as our world above water. One of the most intriguing underwater "valleys" is the Mariana Trench, a place of mystery and wonder shrouded in the deepest depths of the Pacific Ocean. It's famous for being the deepest oceanic trench, as well as the home to Challenger Deep—the deepest known point on the Earth's surface. From mind-boggling depths to astonishing creatures, click on for some fascinating facts about this deep-sea phenomenon.

30 iconic bridges that have stood the test of time

Here’s our round-up of the world’s oldest bridges that have stood the test of time.

8 Things to Know Before Visiting Belize

Find out these must-know tips for a great time in Belize.

Sea swimming concerns over poor water quality

Two beaches get a "poor" rating after high levels of bacteria, usually caused by sewage, are found.

Round houses: 10 circular homes with incredible views

From mid-century marvels to one-of-a-kind custom homes that'll make your jaw drop, we've found the coolest and most unconventional round houses from across the world

Prehistoric animals that still roam the Earth

Some animals seem out of place at first glance. Sometimes that can be chalked up to the limits of imagination, but other times it's because the animal in question truly is from an era so distant it might as well have taken place on an alien planet. The history of life on Earth stretches further back than the history of humanity, and the number of creatures that were around hundreds of millions of years ago that still coexist with us today might surprise you. From the usual crustacean suspects to cute and cuddly creatures with a surprisingly deep past, these animals are much more resilient than you might think. Read on to learn about some of the oldest animals that still share our world today.

Sinkhole appears in woodland popular with walkers

A dog walker came across the hole in Northumberland woodland, which is possibly linked to old mines.

Travel chaos at Dubai airport after mass flight cancellations – what it’s like to be stuck in the middle of it

Post culture editor Kevin Kwong is marooned with thousands of others at Dubai International Airport after his flight was cancelled following a historic storm With seemingly no ground staff present to assist, travellers are getting more confused, frustrated and angry, with no idea when they will leave the airport South China Morning Post culture edi...

Flying taxis and luxury airships – this is what air travel will look like in 2030

From pilotless air taxis and robot-controlled airports to glass-bottomed airships, these futuristic innovations in air travel are all coming soon.

Incredibly beautiful views around the world you need to see for yourself

From parks, plains and wilderness areas that unfurl seemingly endlessly, to mountains, lakes and rivers so perfect they hardly seem real, the world is packed with picture-perfect vistas.

Anti-war artwork 'looks like a crime scene', city dwellers say

Locals have been left unimpressed by the 'This is not a Minefield' display, which features a white sheet of decorated with red tape and images of a skull and bones, in Winchester, Hampshire.

Children and other unbelievable things sent through the mail

The parcel service revolutionized the way people sent stuff around the world. For a fee, individuals could ship all sorts of things across the country, and, in some cases, across borders. While today there are many rules on what can and cannot be posted, which include limits on size, weight, and quantity, in the early days things were a lot more ambiguous, and some people certainly took advantage of this fact! From parents posting their children to body parts being shipped out, in this gallery you'll get to know all about the weird stuff sent through the post. Click on for more.

Expert advice for long-distance relationships

Whether it be different cities, different countries, or even being separated by schedules, long-distance relationships (LDR) are a difficult thing to navigate. They won’t work for every couple, but they do for some. The point is recognizing that long-distance relationships come with their own set of unique challenges. People in these relationships have to find time for one another while making time for their own social lives and also setting boundaries. To avoid the most common problems that people in LDRs face, it can be helpful to know what the pitfalls are in advance. And who better to identify these points than the experts? To read up on advice about how to keep a healthy long-distance relationship, click through this gallery.

The richest fictional characters of all time

Mansions, private jets, and vacations on exotic islands–the ultra-rich certainly seem to have it all! But while the celebrities and tech giants of the real world have been amassing their millions and billions in ways we can somewhat grasp, there are other, less real characters that have impressive fortunes of their own. These fictional characters may not be real, but their bank accounts will make you believe they belong among the glittering crowd of the mega rich. Curious? Click through this gallery to see which characters are worth their weight in gold! All amounts in USD.

These are the world's 10 best airports for 2024, according to passengers. None are in the US.

Only airports in Europe and Asia made Skytrax's list of the top 10 best airports in the world, with none in the US even breaking the top 20.

Intriguing and unknown facts about Air Force One

If you're curious about the lives of American presidents, then Air Force One has a plethora of fascinating facts waiting to be explored. To uncover everything you never knew about the White House in the sky, fasten your seatbelt and keep your seat upright. Don't miss out on the opportunity to delve into the intriguing world of Air Force One and its role in American history. Click through the gallery to get started.