The fascinating story behind the Gates of Hell

Adventure tourists are holding their breath, eager to know whether Turkmenistan's new president will carry out his predecessor's threat of extinguishing the country's biggest tourist attraction, the Darvaza gas crater, better known by its devilish moniker, the "Gates of Hell." Burning since the early 1970s, this flaming cauldron of leaking methane is one of the world's weirdest man-made phenomena. Glowing like an inferno and belching sulfur, the crater's connotation with the devil is eerily tangible. But is Satan's sinkhole about to be exorcised from the map? Click through and find out if you have the nerve to stand at the Gates of Hell.

The best road trip movies of all time

Few things are better than a classic road trip. Sun shining, music blaring, wind in your hair, and some good friends. But since road trips aren’t exactly a thing you can schedule every day, sometimes you have to make do with watching other people go on their own epic journeys. For that, we have 20 of the best road trip movies of all time.

US sees 12% drop in foreign visitors

WASHINGTON, 19th April, 2025 (WAM) -- The United States experienced a 12 percent decline in foreign visitors in March compared to the same period last year, according to data released Thursday by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The drop represents the sharpest decline in inbound travel since the COVID-19 pandemic.According to Xinhua, Canadian travellers, the largest group of foreign visitors to the country, decreased by 18 percent in March,...

Which country is the world's lowest-cost travel destination?

Which country is the world's lowest-cost travel destination? Look to lower-cost travel destinations for a budget break.

Plane accidents that changed aviation laws

Airplanes are some of the most significant examples of human ingenuity on the planet. In a combination of physics and pure force, these massive metal monoliths are able to rise into the sky and soar great distances in a short time. But the safety that passengers feel while flying today was hard-won. While history has been full of some truly devastating disasters, some atrocious airplane accidents have helped the world of aviation to become a safer place. What are the biggest flight disasters to have caused changes in policy? Click through this gallery to find out.

Inside the world's most historic empty places that were left abandoned

Abandoned historic places across the world, from hospitals to amusement parks, that were left to rot. We take a look at some of the most historic empty places that offer a powerful glimpse into an almost forgotten time.

The ugliest buildings in the world

Architects must be creative by description, but some go a bit too far. In every part of the world, there are buildings that make you wonder how they were approved. Take a look at the ugliest buildings in the world.

Art Dubai Returns To Madinat Jumeirah For Its 2025 Edition

The 2025 installment of Art Dubai, the 18th edition of the Middle East’s leading international art fair, is all set to run from April 18-20 at Madinat Jumeirah, with it bringing together over 120 galleries across its core sections, including Art Dubai Modern, Art Dubai Digital, and Bawwaba.&nb

The travel essentials you can’t leave home without

Planning a trip in 2025? Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, your experience will be a whole lot more enjoyable if you pack the right gear. Here are 15 must-have items to bring on your next vacation or work trip.

World's best airports you've never heard of

These are some of the coolest and quirkiest lesser-known airports around the world.

Hilton London Metropole hotel review: Affordable luxury and city views in London's 'Little Arabia'

With no shortage of options, location and price are often the deciding factors when choosing a London hotel. For travellers from the GCC, the Hilton London Metropole offers a compelling blend of both. Situated on the city's vibrant Edgware Road, with its wealth of Middle Eastern restaurants, this central location provides easy access to the capital...

21 travel destinations that seem out of this world

The hidden WWII 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.

Book fast: You could fly to Ireland in business class for as low as 45,000 miles one-way

Business-class seats to Ireland from various U.S. cities are currently available for as low as 45,000 miles one-way.

Major US airport on red alert after patient infected with world's most infectious disease

A passenger arriving on an international flight tested positive for the highly contagious respiratory illness, which is currently ripping its way through the US.

What were funerals like in the American colonies?

Funerary practices have been around since the dawn of civilization. By the time Europeans settled in North America, the most common tradition was to bury the dead. This, of course, included a number of religious elements. But America was not just a place where Christian settlers (with all their different denominations) lived. Native Americans, and later Africans, also inhabited the land, and they too had their own funeral traditions. In this gallery, we explore the funerary traditions of the inhabitants of the Thirteen Colonies. Click on and get to know them.

Revealed: The most MISLEADING place names around the world

From Hippo, Kentucky to Hell, Norway, these misleading place names will leave you lost...

The most mysterious disappearances in history

Throughout the course of human history, there have been several cases of individuals going missing that have captivated and bewildered authorities, loved ones, and the general public. While some of these missing persons have eventually been located, the whereabouts of others continue to be a mystery. Click on the gallery and read about the most mysterious and controversial disappearances in history!

The most AMAZING trees to see around the world

Discover the most awe-inspiring and majestic trees on the planet from a thousand-year-old dragon tree to rainbow-coloured eucalypts that will make you want to book a flight to South Africa, California and beyond...

Russian war planes detected flying off coast of America

Russian warplanes have been detected off the coast of Alaska in a terrifying escalation, military officials said Tuesday.

Mysteries surrounding disappearances in American national parks

Over 1,000 people have vanished from American national parks in the past 100-odd years, often leaving no trace behind. Check out this gallery to learn more about the freakish cases and the shocking reason behind them.

20 famous buildings that were never completed

From the mythical Tower of Babel to some of the world’s priciest construction projects, unfinished buildings have been thorns in the side of humanity for millennia. The reasons behind these truly epic fails are as diverse as the buildings themselves, with everything from funding shortfalls and unexpected deaths to political misfortune and the outbreak of war putting an end to the ambitious plans listed here.

You can now redeem Avios to fly to one of the world's most remote airports

The new partnership with Qatar Airways Privilege Club means anyone with Avios can book flights to and from St. Helena, a once-in-a-lifetime AvGeek experience.

20 tips for safe travel abroad

Organizing a trip abroad isn’t always easy! In addition to budgeting and planning your itinerary, you’ll need to make sure you have a safe experience. So before embarking on your next adventure, read these 20 simple and practical tips that could help you avoid certain problems when travelling.

Prince El Hassan visits Irbid Chamber of Commerce, calls for ‘humanising economy’

AMMAN — HRH Prince El Hassan Bin Talal on Tuesday visited the Irbid Chamber of Commerce and met with Jordanian businessmen and investors.During the meeting, His Highness stressed the importance of "integration" among Arab development regions, especially in the Mashreq, pointing to the need to develop a "new vision" of cooperation by relying on "human-centred policies" as a partner in development processes.His Highness called for working within...

Travellers are blown away by 'magical hidden gem' in Melbourne

Nestled in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, just a 50-minute drive east of Melbourne, lies one of Australia's most cherished heritage experiences.

DOMOTEX Middle East 2025 kicks off in Dubai

DUBAI, 22nd April, 2025 (WAM) -- DOMOTEX Middle East 2025 opened today at Dubai World Trade Centre, reaffirming its position as the region’s premier trade platform for the global flooring industry.The three-day exhibition brings together 100 international exhibitors, highlighting Dubai’s growing role as a global hub for design, innovation, and commerce.The event was inaugurated by Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director-General of Dubai Land...

Govt decides to construct two new international airports

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has reportedly approved the construction of two new international airports in Sukkur and Muzaffarabad, with work on both projects expected to be completed within five years.The PAA has formed a committee to oversee land acquisition for the new sites, sources said. Preliminary work has already commenced under the supervision of PAA's Works and Development Department.Sources said the Rs 2 billion projects aim...

This 469-mile East Coast Road Trip Route Is One of the Best in the U.S. — and It's Got Stunning Hiking Trails, Too

Blue Ridge Parkway was named one of America's best road trip routes in a new study.

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

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

Cherry blossom tourists warned minor act could land you in jail

Washington DC 's cherry blossoms are starting to bloom, brightening up the city while sending swarms of admiring tourists to Capitol Hill.

Woman dies at city centre hotel - police launch probe

The woman, who is yet to be named, was found unconscious inside the Royal Nelson Hotel in the centre of Liverpool earlier today.

30 things to avoid when you travel abroad

Traveling to a foreign country can be a challenge as it takes some adapting to the customs and rules of said place. You should always be aware of differences in habits, traditions, and even ways of dressing from country to country before you travel.Learning the basics of the language of the country you visit also shows you have respect for the people, and can go a long way in helping you get by day to day. You should also be aware of gestures that may be offensive in certain countries. Click through the gallery to learn more about the things you should avoid when traveling abroad!

The most popular dog breed in your country

Who doesn't love a fluffy friend? Well, most of the world's population does. The relationship between a dog and its owner is one of love and friendship. Each culture shares a taste for a particular dog breed, and every country has one particular kind of dog that stands out as the clear favorite. Curious? Check out this gallery to see which dog breed is your country's favorite.

Prehistoric animals you won't believe existed

The animal kingdom is full of a wide variety of animals living in the seas, land, and skies. Millions of years ago, many more species made the Earth their home, but have since gone extinct. In the following gallery, browse through and discover the incredible and fascinating animals that once roamed the planet.

Celebrities who have their own private planes

The rich and the famous lead lives that many of us can only dream of—especially when it comes to spending a fortune on things that seem almost too good to be true. The people you will see in this gallery aren't just rich and famous, they are also the proud owners of the most luxurious form of transport—their own private jets and planes! Take a look at the following photos and get to know the personal aircraft of celebrities such as Celine Dion, John Travolta, and Angelina Jolie. Click through the gallery and be amazed!

Shots fired metres from Sydney's Bondi Beach

A manhunt is underway after a police vehicle was rammed and shots were fired following the pursuit of a stolen car through Sydney's Eastern Suburbs early on Saturday morning.

Discover incredible images of the world's iconic landmarks under construction

It's hard to imagine this planet without its biggest landmarks, from Sydney Opera House to the Statue of Liberty, but what did they look like when they were getting built and how did they become the attractions they are today?

Stunning cityscapes of the modern world

Some skylines are so iconic they can define a whole city. Dubai, Tokyo, and New York have some of the world's most impressive cityscapes, but it doesn't stop there. Underappreciated locations like Valletta and Kuldiga also have incredible city skylines you need to see for yourself. Take an alternative look at the world's cityspaces with this new gallery.

14 epic mountain hikes for a perfect one-day adventure

There are plenty of mountains, mounts and hills that you can conquer in under 24 hours, gaining a monumental sense of achievement without losing a night in your own bed.

Is the Amex Platinum worth it for a points and miles newbie? I booked a trip to find out

Traveling with the American Express Platinum card comes with plenty of perks. Here's a newcomer's perspective.

Donald Trump posts unorthodox Easter message with a dig at Joe Biden

While many world leaders take the holy Easter holiday as an opportunity to spread messages of peace and unity, President Donald Trump fired off a scathing tirade against Joe Biden .

PDTRA, Colosseum sign twinning agreement to enhance cultural, tourism cooperation

AMMAN — In a "historic" move to boost international cultural and tourism collaboration, the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) has signed a twinning agreement with the Colosseum Archaeological Park in Rome. The agreement aims to foster promotional cooperation between the two sites, both of which were selected in 2007 as part of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The deal seeks to enhance cultural understanding, tourism...

With Graceland in the spotlight here are other famous homes to visit

MailOnline takes a glimpse into the fascinating world of celebrity homes that are worth visiting.

Check-in to the world's best eco-friendly hotels

Here, we green-light some of the best ultra-sustainable resorts that go beyond the norm to incorporate eco-friendly thinking into their design.

100 years of Gatsby, and the green light still flickers

In 1925, the year F. Scott Fitzgerald published his magnum opus The Great Gatsby in the United States, across the ocean, in Germany, writer Thea von Harbou turned expressionist filmmaker Fritz Lang's treatment into the science fiction novel Metropolis - which Lang would transform into the landmark film with the same name two years later.Set in a dystopian city of the future - sustained by an exploited underclass of labourers who toil beneath the...

Mysterious liquid found under 'gateway to the underworld' in Mexico

An often overlooked pyramid in Mexico was filled with pools of a rare element in its underground chambers, leading to new theories that the structure may have had a shocking hidden purpose.

The 20 biggest tourist traps in New York City

Every year more than 55 million tourists flock to the Big Apple. Eager to see the sights and sounds of the bustling metropolis, these visitors are known to spend big bucks in New York City. With bright lights, staggeringly high buildings, and iconic food, New York is sure to dazzle even the most seasoned traveller. So how can you get the most out of your New York experience while avoiding the heaviest crowds and obvious tourist traps? Read on to learn what many consider to be the 20 biggest tourist traps in New York City.

Terrifying moment two of the worst guests ring Florida home doorbell

An ordinary suburban doorstep turned into an unexpected wildlife zone when two scaly and powerfully built creatures showed up and rang the doorbell of the Florida home.

Ramadan travel to UAE up 6%: Visa

DUBAI, 24th April, 2025 (WAM) -- Ramadan 2025 has marked a turning point in how global travellers engage with the UAE, with new data from Visa showing a 6 percent year-on-year increase in visitors and a sharp shift in both traveller profiles and spending behaviour.Released ahead of the Arabian Travel Market, Visa’s Travel Pulse Q1-2025 report revealed emerging markets delivered unexpected spending, with a 111 percent increase in spending among...