Health and Fitness

40 Things That Didn't Exist 40 Years Ago

The world really was a different place back then.

Resort's piers get sensors to monitor water quality

Swimmers will be able to use an app to get details on the quality of the water off Bournemouth.

Cuban president to visit Russia as nations draw closer

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel announced Monday he is heading to Russia on a "working visit," as old allies Havana and Moscow strengthen ties under a recently initiated rapprochement. "The president left for Russia this evening," the Cuban presidency posted Monday on X, formerly Twitter.

Moment sharks are spotted at beach in Menorca sparking closure

Moment sharks are spotted swimming at popular beach in Menorca sparking its closure. Coastguards hoisted the red flag and called emergency services after the fin of a seven-foot blue shark was seen above the water line, perilously close to the coast.

Discover 60 extreme points of Earth

What is the most distant point from an ocean? Where is the highest permanent human settlement located, or the lowest commercial airport? And what is the greatest vertical drop found anywhere? Our world is a place of extremes, a planet of mind-boggling contrast that puzzles and amazes us in equal measure. And it's always full of surprises! So, do you know the answers to the questions above? Click through the following gallery for a list of 60 extreme points on Earth that will have you shaking your head in disbelief.

Amazing images of beautiful and enigmatic owls

Who doesn't like owls, those big-faced, wide-eyed birds with their familiar hooting, tooting, whistling calls, and eerily silent flight? Cute and lovable, but mysterious and spooky too, owls number over 200 incredibly varied species and are found on every continent except Antarctica. Click through this gallery and take a look at these enigmatic birds, which are among some of the most beautiful creatures on the planet.

The world's most spectacular hotel pools ranked

Explore the world's most spectacular hotel swimming pools, from Bali and Norway to Ireland and the USA.

From holidays to shopping: eight discounts for UK over-60s you might not know about

Travel for free The UK state pension age has risen but many companies and organisations still hold on to “the big 6-0” as the point at which senior citizenship begins, and it continues to represent a money-saving milestone as a result. In Wales and Scotland you qualify for an older person’s free bus pass from the age of 60. You have to apply and provide proof of age and address and a passport-style photo. In Scotland you access free bus travel...

The most beautiful islands in Europe you've probably never heard of

Discover Europe's lesser-known but beautiful island destinations.

50 Cities Where It’s Getting Easier for Families To Make Ends Meet

Making ends meet as a family can be a constant struggle, especially with the cost of living rising across the U.S. However, there are some cities where families can balance their budgets without going...

Mystery as British father, 65, goes missing in Thailand

David Goldthorpe, 65 from Edinburgh, was expected to return home on Sunday but never boarded his flight from Phuket to Doha, Thai police confirmed.

The Pros and Cons of Flying on Budget Airlines

Booking travel soon and not sure which airline to pick? Find out more about the pros and cons of booking with budget airlines.

The most memorable designs in Met Gala history

Major train disruption for passengers due to landslip

Passengers are warned trains between London Paddington and Reading could be delayed or cancelled.

These famous natural wonders happened by accident

These tourist attractions are extraordinary marvels that came into existence unexpectedly, either through human intervention or strange natural occurrences. They are precious treasures that never fail to astonish visitors from across the globe. Let's explore these remarkable wonders that emerged by total accident. Click through the gallery to get started.

The Most Beautiful Small Towns In Every State

Why yes, we would love to reside in a place where we can pan for sapphires.

In Bolivia's Andes, neighbors settle disputes with Tinku ritual combat

By Santiago Limachi SAN PEDRO DE MACHA, Bolivia (Reuters) - In the high altitude Bolivian town of San Pedro de Macha, hundreds of Indigenous Quechua men and women take to the streets for a ritual dance and combat known as the "Tinku", involving hand-to-hand combat between neighbors to settle disputes. The Tinku, a word that in Quechua means "encounter" and in the local Aymara dialect "physical

Done Disney? These are America's alternative theme parks

From huge sites dotted with hair-raising roller coasters, to smaller family-owned affairs, the USA has no shortage of amusement parks.

Indigenous America's most sacred landmarks

The most sacred sites in America number some of the nation's most cherished landmarks and natural wonders. Of considerable cultural and spiritual significance to indigenous peoples long before the arrival of European settlers, these locations served as places of habitation, scenes of ceremony, and burial grounds for prehistoric tribes and Native Americans. They were also seen as the embodiment of ancient gods, and worshipped accordingly. Today, many of these locales have been preserved as national monuments, with some designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. So, where in the US can you find the most revered destinations? Click through and seek out indigenous America's most evocative landmarks.

This year's best Coachella performances ranked

Join us as we count down the best and worst performances from the 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

The 15 oldest trees in the world

22 Adults-Only Resorts for a Well-Deserved Vacation

These romantic retreats have everything you need—except children.

The most architecturally interesting buildings in the world

Embark on a captivating journey discovering remarkable buildings that stand the test of time—from ancient wonders, to cutting-edge marvels. These structures not only transcend temporal boundaries, but also reshape our understanding of design, reflecting the ingenuity and creativity woven throughout human history. Ready? Click on to discover the most architecturally interesting buildings in the world.

The best (and worst) airports in the world in 2024

While business class offers high-ranking services and amenities in the skies, airports themselves can be daunting environments. Managed by various entities and catering to a diverse clientele, these travel hubs very often prioritize functionality over comfort. To shed light on airport experiences, BusinessFinancing.co.uk conducted a comprehensive study of the best and worst airports around the world based on business travelers' reviews. Spoiler alert: the majority of the most poorly ranked airports are located in the US and the UK! Curious? Click on to discover the best and worst airports in the world.

Inside the luxury doomsday bunkers inspired by a Martian city

See inside the survival shelter inspired by a Martian city and Ancient Rome and built for the super-rich. Plus, explore the affordable but impenetrable Nomad Bunker for weathering the worst

Historic bell replaced ahead of Flora Day

A new bell has been installed at Helston Guildhall after the old one shattered.

The zodiac signs of some of the most important Americans

US history is filled with great philosophers, activists, empire builders, cultural icons, and, well, outlaws. Smithsonian Magazine has created a list of the zodiac signs that these famous (and infamous) Americans were born under. Who shares your sign? Click through the gallery to find out!

The world’s cleanest airports are in Asia, and Singapore Changi Airport ranks second

Airports are often rated and ranked for punctuality or entertainment and dining options available to passengers waiting before a flight, travelers can’t deny that cleanliness — in washrooms and other public areas — is a key element of comfort in any long journey. In this regard, Asian airports are setting an example for the world by being the cleanest. Empty soap dispensers, an absence of toilet paper, toilet seats that look dirty… the time...

In Conversation: Thai Superstar Naphat ‘Nine’ Siangsomboon On Evolving Beyond Typecast

It was a cool Monday evening when we drove half an hour out of Geneva to the historic Chateau d’Allaman. The castle is the site of the First International Summit of Peace and is where Swiss luxury watch Maison Franck Muller were celebrating the launch of their new Long Island Evolution timepieces. We alighted at […]

Is purgatory mentioned in the Bible?

Many of us are familiar with the concepts of heaven and hell, but how about purgatory? What is it, really? Is this some space in-between, like a waiting room for sinful souls who haven’t earned a direct ticket to heaven? And if so, how does one end up there? Plus, is it even mentioned in the Bible? In this gallery, we delve into the history of purgatory. Click on to learn all about it.

Famous immigrants who make America great

America was, and continues to be, built by immigrants. A melting pot of different cultures and influences shaped the country and made it into the great nation that it is today. Many of these immigrants became prominent figures in the US, and indeed around the world. From Hollywood stars to politicians, in this gallery we list some of the immigrants who make America great. Click on!

A plane full of passengers was evacuated moments before takeoff after a bomb threat was emailed to air traffic control

A bomb threat was emailed to Bermuda Airport, forcing air traffic control to cancel takeoff — but the passengers were left on board for 40 minutes.

Thought 'off-grid' meant forgoing luxury? Think again: Amazing cabins located in some of the most picturesque spots in England and Wales that are kitted out like boutique hotels

They form a portfolio of accommodation by new retreat holiday company Shacks. The cabins sleep between two and three guests and Fido can even come, too.

These Norwegian churches are the last of their kind in the world

Nestled in the hills and valleys of Norway’s hostile climate are a series of medieval buildings that are testaments to the test of time. These are the country’s stave churches, and they are significant not only in their architectural splendor, but also in their rich history. What's more, there are only 28 of them left in the whole world! Intrigued? Click through this gallery as we take a closer look at each of them.

Terrifying urban legends from Japan

Japan is a country with a rich cultural history, embellished through an extensive canon of folklore that ties in traditional spiritual beliefs and legends passed down and matured through generations. Japanese folklore is already full of tales of spirits and demons, but modern Japan has developed its own unique style of urban legend, which inspired horror movie classics like 'The Ring' (2002) and 'The Grudge' (2004). Stories of vengeful spirits lurking in everyday locations like school bathrooms and quiet train stations are part of the social education for most children growing up in Japan! The scariest thing about many of these trippy tales is that they can be traced back to horrifying real-life events, such as deadly accidents and brutal murders. Naturally, you may be curious! Click through the following gallery for a rundown of the most terrifying urban legends to come from Japan.

Campaign against beach ban on dogs gathers support

The ban excludes dogs from two areas of the beach in Hastings between 1 April and 30 September.

13 Nostalgic Photos of Vintage Amusement Parks

What a thrill.

Zac Purton to ride Voyage Bubble in Yasuda Kinen as Ricky Yiu gives Japan trip green light

Trainer calls upon the services of the six-time champ in a potential clash with Romantic Warrior: 'He looks better day after day' Zac Purton will partner Voyage Bubble in the Group One Yasuda Kinen (1,600m) on June 2, with Ricky Yiu Poon-fai confirming it's all systems go towards the audacious overseas mission at Tokyo racecourse. Making his first ...

Accommodation search as more Dublin tents appear

Efforts are under way to find accommodation for asylum seekers who set up camp along a canal bank.

Chinese migrants are now using Mexican IDs to travel into the US

It is thought the IDs are being made and sold by cartels so that migrants travelling to the US from Asia and elsewhere can pass checks by Mexican police as they travel through the country.

5 Frugal Money Habits Americans Can Learn From Other Countries

When Americans travel outside of the United States, there's often a lot of culture shock experienced. The food might be prepared in a unique way and taste the exact opposite of what it is like at...

Flight attendant reveals how she punishes those who don't swap seats

Orlando-based flight attendant Mitra Amirzadeh has now revealed how she punishes passengers who refuse to swap seats so parents travelling with young children can be together.

Is nothing sacred? Pro-Palestine protestors graffiti WWI memorial

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators defaced a World War I memorial in New York City's Central Park on Monday evening, daubing the base of a statue with graffiti.

Horrifying behind-the-scenes stories from Disney parks

Over the years, some incredibly strange and disturbing tales have appeared on the internet about this supposed children's paradise. Explore this gallery to uncover some of the most outrageous revelations shared by Disney employees on Reddit, shedding light on the unusual challenges they face during a typical day in the endlessly intriguing world of Disney theme parks.

It's Official: We Found the 40 Prettiest Flowers in the World

How many of these breathtaking beauties do you recognize? As is often the case with beautiful things, we've given flowers meaning—so much so that even looking at one can make you feel more alive. A plain red rose has become a romantic expression of love and sunny daffodils represent the rebirth of the planet every spring. Of course, because they're plants, we also use them in more practical ways: Silky flower petals have been crushed and distilled into essential oils and perfumes for centuries, and we've figured out how to eat some of them and make tea with select leaves, stalks, and blooms. But to put it simply, the joy of admiring a gorgeous, colorful flower is unmatched. (Though we should note that some are best admired from afar because of toxicity.) Not to mention, no two flowers are exactly the same. Some rise out of the water to bloom while others sprout vines that go where they want…permanently decorating the side of your house. Even low bushes can produce incredible blossoms, like giant peonies, and if you've ever sat under a cherry blossom tree with a cool breeze blowing tiny petals around you, you know how magnificent flowering trees can be. A person who loves flowers is called an "anthophile," and if this describes you, you'll probably recognize most—if not all—of the flowers below. Rare or common, bright or soft, simple or complex, these beautiful flowers from around the world are certainly sights to behold.

Real small towns that seem to be in a parallel universe

With such diverse landscapes and people spread across this enormous spinning rock, there’s bound to be some extraordinary happenings, but many of them are tucked away in tiny towns, waiting to be discovered. So check out this gallery of unbelievably quirky, impressive, and mind-boggling communities, and revel in the amazement at what your fellow humans have been up to.

Father’s plan to swap aisle seats with passenger sparks debate on airplane etiquette: ‘Never switch’

Father’s plan to swap aisle seats with passenger sparks debate on airplane etiquette: ‘Never switch’ - ‘The kids will remember the confrontation,’ one person wrote

Hate crowds? Try these 30 small and secluded countries

From far-flung coral atolls and splendidly sleepy archipelagos to isolated mountainous republics, these tiny crowd-free countries are perfect for a relaxing holiday.

New images of NEOM project The Line look like optical illusions

Renderings suggest that the metropolis will be encased in two long mirrored skyscrapers which reflect the sky, surrounding desert and water, giving the illusion of invisibility.

Share a tip on an unsung UK seaside town – you could win a holiday voucher

In the last two decades many UK seaside towns have undergone a quiet transformation. Art galleries, boutique hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants are breathing new life into once down-at-heel resorts such as Blackpool and Margate, while coastal hotspots like Padstow, Southwold and Whitby continue to draw the crowds on sunny days. While these places are popular for good reason, we’d love to hear about your favourite “unsung” seaside towns –...