Lifestyle

Mind-blowing answers to things you’ve always wondered about

There are so many things in our everyday lives that we take for granted, partly because we don't have time to learn how everything works, and partly because we never had to think too hard about it. But when you start paying attention, you're sure to find many questions and not many answers. Centuries of developments, technologies, and phenomena have informed the experiences, gadgets, and large-scale cultures of today, and it's absolutely fascinating to try to wrap your head around the reasons why things are the way they are—especially when the answers are so unexpected! Curious? Click through to see all the things you've ever (or never) wondered about, explained.

Clever travel hack that could help you avoid paying hotel fees if you cancel your booking less than 24 hours before check-in

Sharif Ceasar, who goes by the Instagram handle @realmelaninking, broke down his apparent life hack to avoid pricey fees if you ever need to bow out of a hotel reservation at the last minute.

The end of the road for the Beetle

When the iconic Beetle stopped production, it marked the end of a nearly 80-year chapter in Volkswagen's history. Feeling nostalgic? Browse this gallery and take a nostalgic road trip through the history of this distinctive and much-loved motor car.

Bad beauty tips you should never follow

We've all spent hours browsing the web for the latest beauty tips, and while there are some good ones out there, we sometimes come across some pretty terrible advice. The world of beauty is filled with myths, DIY hacks, and alternatives to achieve our goals. But how many of these are actually reliable solutions? In this gallery, you'll find common beauty tips that you shouldn't follow. And because we want you to feel and look great, we offer you alternatives too! Click through to find out more.

13 super fun things to add to your summer wishlist in the UAE

Sun’s out, fun’s out… As much as we’d like to live in denial, the temperatures are most definitely rising. Summer is almost here, folks, right at our doorstep, nearly knocking and making a sweaty, sweltering arrival. So, if we’re to tango with summer anyways, might as well embrace it. Here is your summer wishlist of […]

There’s a new family-friendly staycation spot in Ras Al Khaimah

Room rates start from Dhs720… Looking to escape the city for a slower pace of life? Then pack your bags for Ras Al Khaimah’s newest five-star stay, Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort. Unrolling against the picturesque Al Hamra Village on the Ras Al Khaimah coastline, it’s a fusion of Arabian touches and Sofitel’s signature French […]

Culture squared: 12 collectibles stores to check out in Dubai

History, mystery and action figures… Nearly every one of us has some sort of collection be it a coin collection, action figures, rare stamps, or even shoes and vintage bags. To fuel the passion, there are an impressive number of collectible stores in Dubai where you can shop for first-edition comics to antiques and exclusive […]

Here's where you should travel this summer, according to your zodiac sign

Mastering the art of grilling: BBQ secrets unveiled

Embark on a journey to master the art of grilling with our comprehensive guide. Explore diverse grilling techniques, from low and slow smoking to creating gourmet culinary masterpieces. Discover the secrets of perfecting grilled desserts, pairing beer with BBQ, and even grilling breakfast favorites! Elevate your skills with global flavors, vegetarian delights, and reflections on your grilling journey. Ready? Swipe through this gallery to master the grill and create wonderful memories.

The most captivating British towns you have to visit

When you think of the UK, perhaps the words "wonderful holiday" do not spring to mind. However, the countryside and history of the UK are vastly underrated. There are countless numbers of charming towns that will transport you back to times gone by. There is such a wealth of activities to do, from trekking up tall mountain peaks to rowing in gently ebbing rivers. On your exploration of the United Kingdom, it is important to find the right towns to stay in to make your trip as perfect as can be. Here are the towns that you won't be able to resist being charmed by. From Portmerion to Cullen Bay, click through to discover more.

27 fascinating things you might not know about trains

Do you know where to find the fastest trains? Which country has the largest railway network? Which countries have no railways at all? Here are some curious train truths that most people don't know.

The secret life of a royal guard

The King's Guard is a quintessential British symbol. Just look at any pictures of Buckingham Palace or other royal residences, and you will see these men dressed in red with tall, black fur hats—these are the sovereign's bodyguards. These royal guards have been protecting the monarch ever since the 17th century, but how much do we know about them, really? Click through the following gallery and discover what it's really like to be a royal guard.

Have you driven any of the world's most dangerous roads?

Countries with the world's most dangerous roads

The popular destinations you can't visit in 2024

In 2024, your wanderlust may encounter unexpected roadblocks as some of the world's most iconic destinations temporarily close their doors. From the ancient steps of the Acropolis to the shadowy corridors of Paris' Catacombs, this year marks a pause for some of the globe's most treasured sites. Under the banner of preservation and enhancement, these closures offer a moment of reflection on the delicate balance between our desire to explore and the need to protect our cultural and natural heritage. As you delve into this gallery, discover the surprising, and sometimes hidden, reasons behind the inaccessibility of these famed locations. Click through to explore a world of closed doors and the stories they hold within.

Celebrating 100 years of Columbia Pictures

Columbia Pictures was founded in 1924. In its early years, the studio was a minor player in Hollywood, a low-budget start-up whose small-time reputation became the subject of scorn among Tinsel Town's elite. By the early 1930s however, Columbia Pictures was producing and distributing what would become some of the most celebrated and lucrative pictures made during Hollywood's Golden Age. Today, Columbia Pictures is the world's third-largest major film studio, and chances are one of your favorite movies was made by this very same studio. In its centennial anniversary year, the studio is celebrating 100 years of filmmaking. To celebrate the occasion, click through the gallery and meet the men and women, and the movies, that put Columbia on the cinema map.

5 free things to do in Dubai this weekend

Perfect if you’re looking to save some dirhams… For most of us, those salary bings are around two weeks away, however, that doesn’t mean you have to spend your weekend at home. Here are some free things you can do in Dubai from workshops to visiting a new museum, joining a netwalk and more. Here […]

Things you shouldn’t do while staying in a hotel

Staying in a hotel can be a great experience, but there are some behaviors you want to avoid during your stay. And while most of us know the dos and don'ts of staying in a hotel, there are a few things that will leave you surprised. For example, did you know that you shouldn't touch the remote control? The hotel staff, and even your wallet, will thank you for most of these. Check out the gallery for more.

The most dangerous roads on the planet

Road fatalities are still a reality that every government has to deal with year upon year. However, some roads and motorways are in truly precarious conditions making them extremely dangerous. In this gallery we'll show you the roads that cause the most accidents annually.

Do you remember these tourist spots being completely empty?

While most of us would rather forget it ever happened, the COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on everyone's lives not so long ago. Governments around the world tried to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus by decreeing lockdowns. Almost everything was shut down, and most people stayed home, including tourists. Some of the busiest tourist spots on Earth became deserted, yet photographers were there to capture those unique moments. In this gallery, we look back on what some of the world's most popular tourist spots looked like during lockdown. Click on to revisit the not-so-distant past.

Did Russia really own Alaska?

Few realize that Russia established colonies in North America. But it's a fact that in the mid-18th century, Russia had begun encroaching into Alaskan territory. Eventually, the Russian Empire even had a toehold as far south as California. Fueling this expansion was the Russian-American Company, a trading monopoly centered on the lucrative fur trade. But how exactly did the Russians settle in Alaska, and why did they feel compelled to venture beyond those chilly climes? Click and learn more about when Russia colonized North America.

The best barge canal holiday destinations in Europe

Barges, for those who don't know, are flat-bottomed, slow-travel vessels that come in all shapes and sizes, typically hosting between six to 12 passengers. And barge cruising just got a lot cooler, as the newest barges on Europe's canals mimic cozy boutique hotel suites, featuring comfy contemporary design, bright sunlit rooms and even hot tubs. In this gallery, we take you on a slow journey to some of Europe's finest cruise destinations. Click on to discover the best barge canal holiday destinations on the continent!

The most outrageous things Americans actually believe

From the origins of chocolate milk to the shape of the Earth, the notions held by certain Americans consistently amuse people on the internet. Some of these beliefs are well-known conspiracy theories, while others are just straightforward misinformation. Interested? Click through this gallery of the most intriguing public opinion survey results in America. They're sure to make you raise an eyebrow.

Black history told through amazing (and disturbing) objects

The National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) chronicles a people's journey and a nation's story. Located in Washington, D.C., this world-class cultural facility, a Smithsonian Institution, features an outstanding collection of exhibits related to the African-American community, family, the visual and performing arts, religion, civil rights, slavery, and segregation. Indeed, the museum provides visitors with a fascinating and deeply moving illustrative diary of the richness and diversity of the African-American experience. It also records darker chapters in the African-American timeline. So, are you interested in learning more? Click through and ponder some of the museum's standout pieces.

The world's most stunning archipelagos

Scattered around the globe are some truly amazing archipelagos, island groups, or chains of extraordinary beauty and incredible biodiversity. Many are popular tourist destinations, while others are remote and remain in the realm of wildlife. Browse the gallery for a fantastically colorful journey to some of the world's most stunning archipelagos.

The 30 most breathtaking skylines in America

The US is a wide and diverse land of intense and unique bursts of development, with higher buildings and more interesting structures popping up each year. These skylines emerge like a fingerprint of each city, revealing their characteristics through architecture, atmosphere, and culture. Check out this gallery to see the top 30 skylines in the country.

From Jumeirah Zoo to Clock Tower: 10 Dubai icons that are set to get historic status

Glitzy towers and mega structures may have reshaped the emirate's skyline, but these prominent sites will always have a special place in the heart of the city

Coppola’s Megalopolis is a monumental mess, but also a pean to the past: Express at Cannes

You are left wondering how much of Megalopolis can safely be derived from the word megalomania: it is a monumental mess, but it is also a pean to the past, a lament of the present, and a hope for the future.

120 years of Rolls-Royce

Has the mystery of Egypt's pyramids finally been solved?

Archaeologists have discovered that the famous structures could have been built along a long-lost branch of the river Nile.

Unconventional travel destinations for introverts

Introverts love to travel as much as their extrovert counterparts, but their travel needs can often differ substantially. Many introverts seek quiet, solitary destinations with minimal social stimulation and plenty of space to reflect and take in their surroundings. Browse through some unconventional destinations introverts must add to their bucket list in the following gallery.

UAE weather: Dusty conditions expected today; temperatures to hit 45ºC

Most residents can expect a fair to partly cloudy day

Signs of an unhealthy soul tie

Have you ever felt like your soul is connected to someone else's? Met another person and felt your very beings were intertwined in some way? If so, you may have experienced a soul tie: a strong and intimate soul connection that binds two people together on all levels. But while soul ties can sometimes result in fruitful and nurturing relationships, they often bring about relationships that are too intense and ultimately go south. Intrigued? Check out this gallery to learn about the signs of an unhealthy soul tie and how to break it.

Wheelchair-friendly? The destinations with the best accessibility facilities

Accessibility is an issue that is still rife across most urban landscapes. But did you know that there are many cities across the globe that have spent much time and money investing in making their attractions more wheelchair-friendly? If there's somewhere you've always wanted to go but that worries about accessibility have held you back from, then think again! Here is a list of the cities that offer the best options for those with mobility restrictions. Click on to discover them all.

Unforgettable hotel packages you can still book for Memorial Day Weekend

it’s not too late to book a fantastic Memorial Day vacation at one of these U.S. resorts.

Could you live on one of the world's most remote inhabited islands?

From palm-fringed atolls in the blue Pacific to scientific research outposts in the frigid Antarctic wastes, these are the most remote islands that people call home.

24 incredible shipping container homes around the world

Affordable, eco-friendly and fast to build, shipping container homes offer no end of architectural possibilities.

Banks association discusses Kingdom's credit rating upgrade

AMMAN — The Association of Banks in Jordan on Tuesday, organised a briefing to discuss the recent upgrade of Jordan’s long-term local and foreign currency issuer ratings to Ba3 by Moody's Ratings, reflecting stable financial prospects.The briefing, attended by stakeholders, representatives from the Finance Ministry, financial experts, and pertinent government officials, featured a discussion session led by Finance Minister Mohamad Al-Ississ and...

4,000-year-old mystery solved: How the Giza Pyramids were built

A newly discovered river branch, concealed beneath desert sands and farmlands, is believed to have been used to transport massive stone blocks and materials to the pyramid sites. View on euronews

13 Nostalgic Photos of Vintage Amusement Parks

What a thrill.

This is the world's stupidest airport, according to a famous British 'Top Gear' presenter

More ladies-only beaches in UAE: Women love the privacy that comes with them

Early this week, Dubai's Crown Prince launched a strategy which will include designating new beaches exclusively for women

Chardham Yatra 2024: Uttarakhand Govt Bans Videography Within 50-Meter Radius Of All Four Dhams | Check Guidelines

Uttarakhand Chardham Yatra: The Uttarakhand government has imposed a ban on videography and creation of social media reels within a 50-meter radius of the temple complexes in the all four dhams. The order, issued by Chief Secretary Radha Raturi, comes in response to concerns over the inconvenience caused to devotees by the growing presence of individuals filming for social media platforms. The Chardham Yatra, which includes the revered...

Fun facts about wildlife that will surprise and delight you

Are you wild about wildlife? Then click through this gallery of fun facts about animals that will surprise and delight you.

Essential items to pack in your travel backpack

There's an art to packing a backpack. The idea is to save space while making sure that everything you need is at hand. But knowing how to pack isn't always easy, and the destination itself often dictates what to include and what to dismiss. However there are some items that should always be ticked off your travel checklist, no matter where you're going. Browse the gallery and find out how to pack like a pro.

Beautiful places around the world that will pay you to live there

Around the world, towns, cities and even states are offering cash rewards to new residents who up sticks and set up home there. Explore the places that'll pay you to stay, plus properties in the area that should leave you feeling inspired...

There’s a supersized golf and entertainment venue is coming to Dubai

Start swinging… Get ready golfing bros and babes, massive American golf and entertainment venue Five Iron Golf is making its way to Dubai this August. And this is just the first of six venues across the UAE. The Five Iron Golf will be found at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina and […]

The ultimate guide to creating a weekend getaway travel itinerary

Have you been craving your next adventure or thinking about where you’d go if you had the time? If you’re like most people, the answer is a resounding yes! Before you actually set foot in the destination, though, it’s important to plan. Planning involves creating a travel itinerary and, whether you’ve created one before or not, simply thinking through these questions can be very impactful. This guide will help ensure you have everything covered from start to finish, and have the greatest chance of truly enjoying your next trip. Curious about what to include in your travel itinerary? Click through to learn more.

These bizarre household items prove good taste really is subjective

People from around the world have shared the weird designs they have spotted and Bored Panda collated them into an online gallery.

TD Cowen's Helane Becker says these U.S. airlines are buys on strong summer travel demand

Helane Becker, TD Cowen senior airlines analyst, joins 'Power Lunch' to discuss the anatomy of the consumer in the travel sector.

10 of the Most Unique Museums In the United States

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