Entertainment

Pet boarding bookings rise by 50% as families set off for year-end vacations

SINGAPORE: As the year draws to a close and more Singaporeans prepare to jet off... The post Pet boarding bookings rise by 50% as families set off for year-end vacations appeared first on The Independent Singapore News - Latest Breaking News

Keep America weird: strangest facts about each state

The United States is a big, vast place where sometimes (a lot of times) weird things happen. Jokes about Florida's strangeness abound, as evidenced by the amount of Twitter accounts dedicated to poking fun at the absurd things that take place in the Sunshine State. But Florida is far from being alone. Check out these strange facts about American states that will increase your random knowledge and your chances of winning trivia games.

Why were these famous figures buried in unmarked graves?

For thousands of years, humans have honored the deceased by conducting burial ceremonies. It is intrinsic to our existence, making it difficult to fathom not knowing the final resting place of a loved one. Surprisingly, numerous renowned individuals have been interred in unmarked graves. Even in cases where their names were put on a tombstone for the public to pay their respects, they weren't placed at the actual burial location. Explore this gallery to see which famous figures were buried in graves without markers.

Find out what’s inside Epicon, the new epitome of luxury in Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project

Fringing the azure waters of the Gulf of Aqaba, Epicon is Saudi Arabia’s latest offering from its NEOM project. A pinnacle of modern luxury and an engineering marvel, it is the retreat of the future that has everything from luxury hotels to beach villas, spas, and wellness centres. Conceptualised by Studio 10Design, Epicon comprises two skyscrapers and a resort and is envisioned to become a jewel of the upcoming desert city of NEOM. Here’s a...

The 30 countries WITHOUT McDonald's

Wherever you are in the world, there's usually a McDonald's nearby – unless you're in one of these countries.

Beyond Earth: NASA's Visual Journey Through the Solar System

What are the oldest words in the English language?

Here is a compilation of some of the oldest words in the English language, inspired by Dictionary.com's selection. Click on to discover them all!

Travel Safety: Tips for Women, LGBTQ+, and Persons with Disabilities

I once had a creepy guy approach me in a Uniqlo store overseas. He grabbed my hands, called me beautiful, and begged me to let him take a photo of me. Mind you, this was in the middle of the afternoon in a bustling shopping mall, not in some secluded, dark alleyway or sketchy corner of the city at night. It was a yucky experience, but I’ve heard worse. Take this Redditor for example: [caption id="attachment_88421" align="aligncenter"...

American towns that take us back to the Old West

Most of us get a feel of what the Old West was like through fiction, including Western movies. But what if you could actually visit the real places where it all happened in the late 19th century? Well, you can do exactly that! There are many towns (some now cities) scattered around the US that are packed with history and that you can visit. Some of these really feel like you've traveled back in time! Click through the following gallery and start plaining your Old West vacation today.

Brazil's coolest coastal destinations

Brazil is the largest country in South America. It faces the Atlantic Ocean along 4,600 mi (7,400 km) of mostly tropical coastline, and that's good news for anyone seeking a sun, sea, and fun vacation in this vast nation known for its friendly and welcoming character. But in such a big place, where can you find the coolest coastal destinations? Pack your bags and click through for ideas of where to go and what to see!

These are the oldest cities in the US

Although the US didn't achieve independence from Great Britain until 1776, many cities in the country were established much earlier. From North to South, Spanish, French, and English colonizers began arriving at the shores of the US in the early 16th century to establish settlements, some of which still exist today. But while these settlements grew into cities, it's important to note that most occupied lands had been settled long before by Indigenous peoples. Are you curious about what the oldest cities in the US are? Click on to discover the 15 oldest cities in the US that still exist and thrive today.

The most beautiful places you've probably never heard of

Adventurers, we're calling on you! Most of us have heard of Paris, Rome, New York, and Tokyo as incredible tourist destinations that attract millions of travelers each and every single year, but what if you're a fan of something slightly less crowded? The places listed in this gallery are destinations all around the world that are filled with unheard-of beauty. From picturesque landscapes to cities thousands of years old, swipe through for a look at these spots you may not have heard of.

Quirky things you can only find in Japan

Japan is a fascinating country, but a culture shock can be experienced by visitors, especially those traveling from the West. Indeed, the Land of the Rising Sun is more than what one could hope for, and then some! Some ideas, concepts, and customs are indeed fascinating, and in this gallery we bring you a glimpse into the quirkiness you can expect when visiting Japan. Click through to discover them.

The fascinating history of Bible smuggling

It's safe to say that all Western countries benefit from religious freedom. People have the freedom to follow whatever faith they choose, and read their religion's texts. But this was not the case for many years, for instance in the Soviet Union. As response, numerous Christian evangelist organizations and individuals became involved in smuggling Bibles for those in countries that had no access to them. And if you think Bible smuggling is a thing of the past, you couldn't be more wrong. Click through the following gallery to find out more.

33 magnificently random things made by car makers

Hotels, missiles and an entire town...read on to find out more

The tragically long list of stars who died in hotel rooms

Over time, many well-known individuals have been found dead in hotel rooms. Whether due to drug overdoses, heart attacks, or freak accidents, these celebrities met tragic ends in a lonely setting. Click through the gallery to remember the stars who died in hotel rooms.

Amazing lakes frozen in winter

The world's lakes represent some of the most amazing natural wonders found on the planet. Blessed with year-round appeal, these magnificent bodies of water are especially mesmerizing in colder months, when frozen over and dusted with snow. Click through and chill out admiring these lakes frozen in winter.

The eerie mystery of Japan's Devil Sea

The Bermuda Triangle is famous for its mysterious disappearances. However, there is a lesser-known region in the Pacific Ocean that is equally infamous for its stories of unexplained disappearances and seemingly supernatural activity. Intrigued? Click through the gallery and discover the fascinating secrets of the Devil's Sea.

Places in the US that look like alien planets

Space travel—it’s unbelievably cool, but most of us won’t ever have the opportunity to check out alien planets. Lucky for you, the Earth is vast and strange, and that means it has a host of otherworldly landscapes just waiting for your exploration. There are plenty in the US alone, which means there’s no spaceship—or passport—required.

Unmissable hot air balloon rides: see the world in a different light

Here are the world's best places to get high in a hot air balloon.

Irish islands you need to visit

If you're a fan of nature and the slower-paced life, perhaps you should consider adding Ireland's islands to your travel bucket list. Apart from the jaw-dropping, raw, and rocky coastline, the islands themselves are home to rare wildlife, with many also containing ruins that offer a window into the past. It's not difficult to imagine the myth of ancient Irish folklore as you explore these landscapes. What's more, the western location of these islands make them the perfect place to get a front row seat to some of the most stunning sunsets you'll witness! Intrigued? Click on the following gallery to discover the Irish islands you need to visit.

Destinations on Earth where Apollo astronauts trained for the Moon

When John F. Kennedy delivered his famous "We choose to go to the Moon" speech on September 12, 1962, the US President set in motion a national goal of landing a man on the Moon before 1970. Thus was born the Apollo program. But long before Neil Armstrong could take his "one small step for man" on July 20, 1969, dozens of astronauts went through years of rigorous training to get a sense of what space would be like. To make this instruction as realistic as possible, sites were chosen on Earth that looked eerily similar to the lunar surface. But where is this unworldly terrain, and who are the men who trained there? Click through and discover destinations of Earth where Apollo astronauts trained for the Moon.

When will Israelis start traveling again and to where?

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 70

This city has become one of the loneliest in Canada

Thrilling theme park rides around the world

From hair-raising hairpin bends to face-shaking G-force, we've found the wildest rides on the planet.

The world's most luxurious hotel lobbies revealed

These striking and dazzling hotel lobbies from all over the world will blow your mind.

This is how much it costs to live on a luxury cruise ship year-round

Take a walk down the most historic streets in the world

From scenic tree-lined avenues to boulevards with a story to tell, we take a look at 30 of the world's most beautiful and historic streets.

Elevated entertaining: Hosting memorable gatherings

Hosting an event? It's not just about logistics; it's akin to conducting a symphony! In our world of elevated hospitality, we're not just thinking about guests—we're weaving them into the very fabric of the occasion. From the first invite that lands in their inbox to the last little token they leave with, each detail is a piece of a thoughtful puzzle. Ready to become the best host ever? Swipe through to learn how you can be the perfect host of an event that will leave your guests in pure bliss!

Discover the spectacular benefits of Nordic walking

Singapore Airlines travel sale: Over 60 destinations from S$168 up for grabs!

SINGAPORE: It’s never too early to book your next travel, and with the latest promo... The post Singapore Airlines travel sale: Over 60 destinations from S$168 up for grabs! appeared first on The Independent Singapore News - Latest Breaking News

When Things Don't Go According To Plan, How Do You Reroute?

Sometimes the most memorable moments come from a change of plans.

Inside royal residences around the world you can actually visit

The royal lifestyle isn't limited to an exclusive few – there are many regal residences that ordinary people can enter too. Read on to see where you can indulge your regal inclinations...

The hidden Nazi tunnels where bats go to hibernate

In rural Poland near to the town of Międzyrzecz lies an impressive underground fortification built by the Nazis in the 1930s. Although it soon became redundant with regards to its original purpose, the Festungsfront Oder-Warthe-Bogen (or 'Ostwall') has over time taken on a new purpose as a hibernation location for bats. Check out this gallery to learn about how these hidden Nazi tunnels became a favorite hideout.

This tropical Brazilian island has a haunting history

Ilha Grande, Brazil, is a popular destination for tourists seeking sun, sea, and unspoiled nature. This tropical island, located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected nature reserve. It boasts a diverse range of colorful flora and fauna, as well as some of the country's most stunning beaches. However, its history is far from idyllic. In the past, it served as a 19th-century leper colony, and more recently, it was a high-security prison for Brazil's most dangerous criminals. For many years, the island remained off-limits to the public. Intrigued? Click through the gallery to uncover the dark secrets of this beautiful Brazilian destination.

Mind-blowing photos of the unseen side of things

We often go through life with a surface-level acceptance of objects, landmarks, and animals, taking them at face value and moving on. But never underestimate the difference a change of angle can make! Click through to see some fascinating photos that will make you re-imagine your reality.

World’s tallest woman Rumeysa Gelgi experiences inaugural flight

The world’s tallest woman Rumeysa Gelgi from Turkey took her first flight ever last year.... The post World’s tallest woman Rumeysa Gelgi experiences inaugural flight appeared first on The Independent Singapore News - Latest Breaking News

The world's STRANGEST royal buildings dreamt up by eccentric kings and queens

The stories behind the world's quirkiest regal structures.

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.

ARA US Hospitality Trust divests Hyatt Place Pittsburgh Airport for US$7.7m

The REIT expects to complete the divestment in 1Q24. ARA US Hospitality Trust (ARA H-Trust) has sold Hyatt Place Pittsburgh Airport to Bacall Companies for US$7.7m ($10.1m). In a bourse filing, ARA H-Trust said it expects to complete the divestment of its 127-room hotel in 1Q24. The hotel is the smallest property within the ARA H-Trust’s portfolio, accounting for 1.0% of the REIT’s total valuation as of 31 December 2022. The REIT added that the...

Surprising secrets hidden in American national landmarks

America's tourism has flourished and thrived since its pioneering days, and each second, thousands upon thousands of people are snapping photos of popular landmarks without even an inkling of the incredible secrets they're looking at. Don't be one of those people! Check out this gallery to find out what's hiding beneath the rock, behind closed doors, and right under your nose at these popular landmarks.

Pivotal events that changed America as we knew it

The rapid advancement of photography during the 20th century means that historic events can be easily recorded and spread. This enables us to reflect on and learn from our past in a more immediate and visceral way. To that end, let's take a look back at some of the events that changed America and were caught on camera. Click through the gallery to get started.

Why is the Union Flag called Jack?

The Union Jack is one of the most recognized flags in the world. The national flag of the United Kingdom and also known as the Union Flag, its origins can be traced back to the early 1600s. But what does its distinctive red, white, and blue design mean? And where does the name Jack come from? Click through and unfurl the history behind the UK's national flag.

Floral art by Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet and other artists on display at private Deji Art Museum in Nanjing, China

Deji Art Museum's show 'Nothing Still About Still Lifes: Three Centuries of Floral Compositions' features more than 100 modern and contemporary artworks Among the Chinese artists represented are Zao Wou-ki and his wife, Lalan, Sanyu, and Wu Guanzhong Deji Art Museum, a private museum in Nanjing, China, a city about 300km (186 miles) northwest of Sh...

Public Holidays in Singapore 2024: How to Get 56 Days of Holiday Using 18 Days of Annual Leave

With flight prices shooting sky-high post-pandemic, we have to start booking our overseas trips earlier. And that means some strategic planning around public holidays and long weekends to maximise our limited annual leave days in 2024. In the coming year, we’ll be blessed with 5 long weekends. That's down from the 6 long weekends we enjoyed in 2023, but fret not, if we play our cards right, we could enjoy 56 days of vacation while using 18 days...

Cities with the best weather in the world

These cities boast mild and warm climates throughout the seasons. They are also found in opposite sides and corners of the world, meaning you could visit a new place on different trips with guaranteed warmth and sunshine. Flick through this gallery to find out which cities enjoy a mild climate and are ideal to visit at any season, as well as the hottest cities in the world where you're guaranteed to break a sweat. Take a look!

The safest Caribbean islands for travelers

Embarking on a Caribbean adventure unveils sun-drenched landscapes, rich cultures, and unforgettable moments. However, safety concerns often cast shadows on the allure of these tropical wonders. In this guide, we dismantle common misconceptions, revealing the true safety landscape of the Caribbean. Let's navigate beyond stereotypes to uncover gems that offer not just beauty but security for travelers. Simply click on.

The most stunning birds in the wild

If you live in a big city, interactions with our feathered friends may be rather limited, but every now and then it’s worth taking the time to look up to the skies or head out to the countryside for a hike with your eyes and ears wide open. There are millions of birds on our planet of all shapes and sizes, although sadly many now face a real battle for survival. Let’s hope that they’ll be around for many years to come. Here are some of the most beautiful and fascinating members of the avian community.

Remarkable photos of giant monuments in Canada

These are the world's best airlines to fly with right NOW

These are the winners of the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2023. Who will you be flying with next?