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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.

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

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

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.

Are These Bucket List Trips Actually Worth The Hype?

You might just have to see it to believe it.

Wonders of the Yucatán Peninsula

Ancient Maya ruins, powdery white beaches, azure Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico waters, and dazzling colonial architecture... the Yucatán Peninsula is all this and more. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Central America, the peninsula is also home to several protected nature reserves and marine parks—sanctuaries for a wealth of stunning wildlife, much of it rare. In fact, discovering the Yucatán Peninsula is to embrace some of the finest coastal vacation resorts in Mexico and a collection of truly fabulous natural wonders and historic monuments. So, isn't it about time you arranged a visit? Click through and start planning your travel itinerary today!

Yes, You Can Book a Stay at These Celeb-Approved Hotels

You might get starstruck at these luxury properties.

22 Adults-Only Resorts for a Well-Deserved Vacation

These romantic retreats have everything you need—except children.

The most beautiful college quads in the US

The most beautiful college quads in the US offer stunning landscapes that blend historical charm with natural beauty. Short for quadrangle, the term "quad" historically refers to a central green space bordered by academic buildings, though it has come to encompass any large green area on university and college campuses. From iconic, tree-lined lawns to picturesque, garden-filled courtyards, these quads provide breathtaking settings for academic and social life, showcasing the unique character and elegance of each campus. Ready? Click on to view the most beautiful college quads in the US.

Europe's prettiest hilltop towns and villages

Europe is blessed with numerous picture-perfect hilltop towns and villages. Most are centuries old, having been established during the Middle Ages as strategic hubs during times of conflict and turmoil. As rural centers for horticulture, these destinations were celebrated for their cultivation of olives, wine, and other produce. Today, many of these places serve as popular tourist destinations, blessed as they are with outstanding architecture and a tangible sense of tradition. In fact, if you're planning to explore the continent, make sure to include some of these scenic highlights in your travel itinerary. Already packed? Click through and find out where to go and what to see.

Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"

When we think of islands in Thailand, what comes to mind are images of exotic beaches, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear water. One of the world's tourist hot spots, Thailand has become a popular destination, and almost a rite of passage for backpackers who venture into Southeast Asia. But not all Thai islands are alike. One in particular, Koh Tao, was dubbed Thailand's "death island" for a very dark reason. In recent years, many tourists have paid the ultimate price for visiting the island—they've lost their lives. What could go wrong in paradise? Click through the gallery to find out.

13 Nostalgic Photos of Vintage Amusement Parks

What a thrill.

The fascinating history behind the seaplane

A little over 100 years ago, landing a plane on water was simply unthinkable. But very soon, designs were being drawn up that enabled a fixed-wing aircraft to do just that. The idea quickly took off, and the invention of the seaplane marked an important step forward in the history of aviation. And while its heyday was in the 1920s and '30s, the seaplane is still seen today in skies across the world. But how exactly did this type of aircraft evolve, and who are its earliest pioneers? Click through and find out more about the seaplane.

Beautiful Cities in Greece That Deserve More Love

Don't overlook these hidden gems!

The World's 40 Most Beautiful Countries to Visit in Your Lifetime

Have you been to any of these marvelous places?

Hidden Travel Gems for a Luxury Vacation in the Midwest

How many of these places have you visited? Discover the luxury and charm of the Midwest, where historic towns and serene landscapes offer unforgettable vacation experiences. From shopping local, tasty dining, to outdoor activities and unique hotels, these destinations provide the perfect blend of relaxation. Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Rapid City, or experiencing the Dutch heritage of Pella, these Midwestern locales promise to elevate your travel experience. Are you ready for your next adventure on the road less traveled? Here are our favorite hidden travel gems of the Midwest.

9 Underrated Areas to Get a Vacation Home

These under-the-radar destinations are the perfect place to kick back and relax.

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

These skylines will give you a surge of inspiration.

20 of America's Best Historic Homes You Definitely Have to Visit

Yes, it's time to plan a trip!

21 Creative Ways to Use Rocks in Your Landscaping

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

The most sacred landmarks in Africa

Africa's most sacred sites hold a profound place in the hearts and minds of people across the continent. Long before the arrival of colonial powers, these locations were central to the spiritual and cultural lives of indigenous communities. They served as places of worship, reflection, and connection to the divine. Today, many of these sites stand as testaments to Africa's rich heritage and are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. So, where in Africa can you discover these sacred destinations? Explore this gallery and unearth the sacred sites that have shaped Africa's long history. Simply click on to reveal them all.

The 20 Best Luggage Brands Worth Investing In

From Samsonite to Rimowa, Tumi to Away—here's what you need to know about each one.

10 of America’s Best Water Parks

Make a splash at these fun-filled oases.

Disney World's Biggest Scandals

Disney has truly had some wild things going on over the years. From ride malfunctions and viral complaints to serious media controversy and accusations, some are funny, some are sad, and some are downright disturbing.

The Best Solo Travel Destinations in the United States for an Unforgettable Adventure

Whether you're looking for nonstop activity or total relaxation. While traveling with friends and family can be a lot of fun, going somewhere alone has its perks. You get to choose everything — the destination, the hotel, the itinerary, the restaurants, how much money you spend and beyond. Only one opinion matters...yours. It's also a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone, meet new people (if you so choose), unplug, rejuvenate and bask in moments of reflection — or even just escape reality for a few days. Whether you're planning your first adventure on your own or are a solo travel veteran, choosing a destination can be overwhelming, especially if you still have a lot of places to check off your bucket list. The good news is, you don't have to go far for the adventure or relaxation you crave, because there are plenty of options across the U.S. Weighing variables such as walkability, safety, self care opportunities, number of historic sites and museums and access to nature, we've come up with a list of the best places in the U.S. for solo travelers — ranging from mountain and beach destinations to small towns and large cities. Time to book your ticket for one, plan your itinerary (or don't, remember, it's your trip!) and answer to no one except yourself for a few days.

These Are the 10 of the World's Most Beautiful Hiking Trips

Talk about majestic scenery!

Incredible places from Greek mythology you can visit today

There are plenty of places you can go to find beautiful beaches, party islands, mouthwatering cuisine, and sunny skies. But very few of them combine all these things with mesmerizing remnants of the ancient world and mythology. Dipped in ancient history, Greece is one of the very few countries that combine all of these with a dream destination for anyone interested in mythology. Click on for a selection of real locations that were center stage for many famous Greek myths.

13 Beautiful City Skyline Photos Snapped Around the World

Dazzling views from the top await.

34 Rare Vintage Photos of The Plaza Hotel

It’s always been the place to be.

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!)

The world's safest airlines

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.

From massive craters to secret cities: Would you visit these nuclear testing sites?

On July 16, 1945, the first nuclear explosion occurred a few hundred miles south of Los Alamos, New Mexico. Known as the Trinity test by J. Robert Oppenheimer, the director of the Los Alamos Laboratory, it was the start of the age of nuclear weapons. From that day until 1992, the US alone conducted more than 1,000 nuclear tests. And, perhaps surprisingly, many of the sites where these earth-shattering explosions took place can still be visited today. Intrigued? Click on to discover nuclear testing sites you can visit.

10 of the Most Unique Museums In the United States

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

In danger: World Heritage Sites at risk of disappearing

There are over 1,000 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, of which 830 are cultural. These landmarks or areas hold such strong cultural, historical, or scientific significance, international treaties have been signed in order to protect them. However, more than 50 of these sites are currently endangered and could face irreparable damage if no measures are taken, according to UNESCO's website. Click on the gallery to explore 15 of the world's most at-risk cultural sites.

The Passenger Plane That Vanished Without A Trace

In 1947, a small plane carrying 11 people left Buenos Aires on a short trip to Santiago—but never made it. What makes this incident even more significant is that the aircraft nor the occupants were ever found—until 50 years later.

21 Iconic U.S. Landmarks Every Design Lover Needs to Visit ASAP

Bucket list–worthy, indeed.

The 12 Most Walkable Cities in the World

These gorgeous destinations are best seen on foot.

15 Countries Worth Visiting for an Epic Drive

Whether it's the awesome roads, incredible terrain, or lax driving laws, plan your next road trip with this guide to our international favorite driving spots.

Flight goes wrong: 'Blood was spurting from our ears and nose'

A Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Portland had to make an emergency landing on Sunday due to an air pressure problem on board. Some passengers started bleeding from their noses and ears. The flight was diverted to Salt Lake City again and the injured received immediate treatment. Ten people had to be treated. The passengers were then able to continue their journey on another plane. "It was like someone was sticking something in my...

The Best Massachusetts Beach Towns You May Not Know

These sandy shores will make you want to pack your bags ASAP!

We Went Magnet Fishing Next To A Historical Mill (Old Finds)

11 Under-the-Radar Resort Towns for Design Lovers

Get there before the tourists start taking them over.

The Best Vacations for Your Just-Retired Loved Ones

It’s time for that trip of a lifetime.

30 Rare Photographs Taken at Chateau Marmont

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

After a Night at These Luxurious New International Hotels, You’ll Never Want to Come Home.

Wanderlust is not a deadly sin.

Magnet Fishing In America’s Most Dangerous City #magnetfishing 

These Are the 10 Most Beautiful Churches and Cathedrals in Paris

The flying buttresses and ethereal murals are downright divine.

The most popular destinations for fall travel

Fall arrives in late September in the northern hemisphere, so it's nearly time to break out those light jackets and go for a walk among the changing leaves. However, if you're a southern hemisphere resident that likes the colors of fall, now is the time to start packing your bags to take a trip north. Whichever half of the globe you're living in, the seasonal transition from summer to winter is a magical time of the year. Browse the gallery and find out where to enjoy some golden travel experiences.

Dive in: Take a tour through these amazing underwater attractions

More than 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by water. Unsurprisingly, many of the Earth's ecosystems call our oceans home. However, humans have also left their mark in the waters, scattering them with beautiful—and often tragic—reminders of our existence. Click through the gallery for a virtual tour of some of the world's most wonderful underwater attractions.

Truly Fascinating Places You Won't Believe Are in the United States

From lunar-like landscapes to European-style castles.

We Went Magnet Fishing On A Scary Bridge And Found Something Crazy