The friendliest countries in the world, ranked

When traveling, there are always places that stand out for their scenic beauty, amazing cuisine, and/or their mark on history. But one of the things that keeps visitors coming back to a country over and over again is the people. Some destinations really excel at making those who visit feel welcome, and it leaves a lasting impression. Website InterNations conducts an annual survey, in order to discover which countries rank the highest for friendliness amongst those who've relocated abroad and amongst foreign travelers. Published by World Population Review, the results for 2024 are in. Does your country rank in the top 30? Click on to find out!

FAA to make safety update at DCA after fatal plane crash

The Federal Aviation Administration is set to announce a huge change to Washington Reagan National Airport in DC following the catastrophic collision last week.

Britain's most embarrassing phone faux pas - are YOU guilty of any?

We've all been there - you type out a message and hit send, only to discover that you've pinged it to the wrong person. This cringeworthy blunder is the most embarrassing phone faux pas in the UK.

Real events that inspired urban legends

Urban legends are often just that: legends. However, our imaginations sometimes pale in comparison to reality, and actual events can give rise to unsettling stories that eventually become deeply rooted in popular culture. Click through the gallery to learn about creepy cases that prove that the truth can be stranger than fiction.

The Church Fathers who shaped Christianity

The true history of the development of the beliefs and practices of early Christianity are often shrouded in mystery, taking a back seat to the stories of the Bible and Jesus. The truth is, however, that there were many individuals in the early centuries of the Common Era that made indispensable contributions to the creation of Christianity as a theology, and of the Church as an authority. Collectively, these people are known as the Early Church Fathers, and while they might not all be household names, they are truly the architects of the world's largest religion. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Early Church Fathers.

Aqaba authorities say ship, cargo traffic operate as usual

Aqaba, June 15 (Petra) -- Mahmoud Khleifat, Director General of the Aqaba Company for Ports Management and Operations, said Sunday that ship and cargo traffic at the Port of Aqaba is operating smoothly and according to scheduled plans. In an interview with the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Khleifat said emergency and public safety protocols have been activated across all major port facilities. He stated that ship arrival is aligned with regular...

Family-friendly vacation ideas: making travel fun for kids

Anyone who has kids understands the joys and challenges of embarking on journeys with little ones in tow. Fortunately, in this gallery we've provided a gateway to a world of family-friendly destinations and experiences carefully curated to ensure your children have a fantastic time, and you can relax and enjoy the journey! From thrilling theme parks to serene natural retreats, we've compiled different options to cater to different interests and age groups. These vacation ideas will create cherished memories, ignite curiosity, and strengthen family bonds. So without further ado, click on!

How similar are the Nordic countries?

The Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—share notable similarities, including social welfare systems, high living standards, and progressive values. Yet, each nation has its own unique characteristics shaped by geography, language, and cultural traditions. Exploring these dynamics reveals how they thrive individually while contributing to a collective Nordic spirit.Click on to discover more about the rich cultural, political, and historical ties that bind the Nordic region together.

Popular EU holiday destination to let Brits skip border queues by becoming first to allow UK tourists to use passport e-gates

An airport in Europe will start the rollout of e-gate access to UK arrivals this week, the minister for EU relations Nick Thomas-Symonds revealed today.

US vacation hotspot hit by 'worrying' rise in killer Victorian-era disease

Health officials are asking visitors to ensure they are vaccinated against this Victorian-era disease as cases reach an all-time high in the state.

Outbreak fears at Dulles International Airport as passenger with infectious disease triggers alert

The infected traveler passed through Concourse A, took transportation to the International Arrivals Building (IAB), and transited through the baggage claim area.

First-world problems: have you experienced these?

A first-world problem is usually experienced by people in wealthy nations. These are often trivial things that, in the absence of more serious problems (e.g. poverty, hunger, homelessness, etc.), are seen as annoyances. These are also referred to as “rich people’s problems,” though you don’t necessarily have to be rich to experience such problems. The point is, abundance sometimes makes us lose perspective and our sense of gratefulness for what we have. Still, these are very real problems... or are they? Click through the following gallery and see if you can relate!

20 of the most instagrammable places in the world

When it comes to travel, you might be a city slicker at heart, long for the serenity of vast, rural landscapes, or fall somewhere in between. Either way, one thing is for sure: you want to go somewhere gorgeous. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next getaway, here are 20 destinations that are so photogenic, you might not believe your eyes.

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,...

20 things couples learn when they travel together

You’ll learn a lot about your significant other when you plan a getaway with them—good and bad—including their habits, how they spend their money, and what they love to do. Once the planning begins, you’ll learn to compromise and communicate, both of which are equally important on the road. Often seen as the ultimate test of a relationship, travelling together is all about the ups, downs, and little moments in between. Here are 20 things couples learn when they travel together.

Australian island paradise once visited by A-listers hits the market

A tropical island paradise 30 minutes from Cairns has hit the market after being neglected for almost a decade.

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.

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi expansion to open to public this summer

ABU DHABI, 28th April, 2025 (WAM) -- Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, announced today at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai that the expansion of Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is set to open to the public this summer. Gearing up for a summer like never before, this phase of the waterpark’s expansion will significantly enhance Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi’s offerings, introducing 12 new rides and...

Discover 15 spectacular palaces around the world you can actually visit

From royal residences and grand retreats for the incredibly wealthy of days gone by, these gorgeous palaces all have one thing in common...

The simple airport mistake costing Brits up to £274 before their flight has even taken off

British tourists have been warned to watch out for a simple mistake that could see them lose more than £200 before they've even set foot on their plane.

Can you travel to North Korea?

Visiting North Korea, one of the most isolated and secretive countries in the world, is no easy feat. While tourism is technically allowed, strict regulations and government surveillance can make the experience unlike any other vacation. It comes as no surprise, then, that traveling to North Korea isn't without its risks—foreigners, including tourists, have been detained for violating North Korea’s stringent rules. Even though it seems that foreign tours are currently on pause, it’s still important to understand the complexities of traveling to this enigmatic nation and the potential consequences if detained when visiting in the future. Click through the following gallery to learn about the rules to comply with when traveling to North Korea.

Flight attendant reveals why planes are always so cold

During a flight, passengers might all of a sudden find themselves scrambling for their jumper as the temperature on the plane turns chilly - but according to flight attendants, there's a good reason for it.

10 Coolest Airliners from the Swinging Sixties

10 Coolest Airliners from the Swinging Sixties

Family of Connecticut woman who vanished on solo hiking trip in Japan give tragic update

Patricia 'Pattie' Wu-Murad, 60, was last seen on April 10, 2023, while on a solo hiking trip through Japan.

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.

Who will rank among the world's economic powerhouses in 2039?

From Argentina to the United States, discover which countries are tipped to have the largest economies in 2039.

We've hunted down the world's most UNLOVED countries

These are the world's most unloved and least-visited countries, based on visitor numbers from UN Tourism – and here's why you should consider them for your wish list.

Dare to explore the world's most dangerous beaches?

From shark attack hotspots and shores frequented by man-eating crocodiles, to coastlines notorious for rip tides and dangerously high pollution levels, these are the world’s most dangerous beaches...

Interesting, but Forgotten Warplanes of World War II

A look at interesting planes that should have been a lot more successful than they were

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?

Asia’s best-kept secret travel spots you’ll want to explore

Little known towns and villages from across Asia that offer extraordinary cultural heritage and breathtaking landscape and nature but without the crowds.

From Dubai's underground to opening for Guns N' Roses: How Naser Mestarihi realised his rock dream

Many people go through life wondering what they would really like to do. Not Naser Mestarihi. He always dreamt of making rock music. He reached a milestone with his band Winterburn when performing as the opening act at the Guns N’ Roses concert in Bahrain last month. The band played three gigs in the Gulf, following Bahrain with shows in Saudi Arab...

5 things to do in Abu Dhabi this week: May 5 to 8

The list you’ve been waiting for… Mondays can mean a lot of things – some great, some not so much. But more on that great section, that the What’s On list always makes it onto. Here are 5 great things to do in Abu Dhabi this week. Monday, May 5 Feast on a special culinary […]

I'm a celebrity hairdresser - this is the very common mistake people make and what to do instead for perfect holiday hair

Celebrity hair stylist and partner of Davina McCall, Michael Douglas exclusively reveals his best tips for always having the perfect hair on holiday - and the very common mistakes often made.

Secrets behind famous monuments

Many historical monuments and landmarks around the world still hide many mysteries, but we are lucky enough to have discovered amazing facts about many of them. Click through and get to know surprising facts about some of the world's most iconic landmarks.

GASTAT Announces 1,673,230 Pilgrims for Hajj

Asharq Al Awsat The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced on Thursday that a total of 1,673,230 pilgrims are performing Hajj.Of these, 1,506,576 arrived from abroad, while 166,654 are from within the Kingdom, including both citizens and residents.According to a GASTAT press release, male pilgrims, both internal and external, totaled 877,841, while female pilgrims numbered 795,389. GASTAT also revealed that 1,435,017 pilgrims...

Sirens blared after detecting flying objects in Jordan's airspace-PSD

Amman, June 17 (Petra) – Sirens were sounded in several areas across the Kingdom, amid the regional military escalation and detection of flying objects in Jordanian airspace, Public Security Directorate (PSD) announced Tuesday afternoon. In a statement, the PSD called on citizens to stay home and stay away from open areas for their own safety, stressing the need to follow instructions and guidelines issued by Jordan's official authorities...

Step out on America's favorite streets, highways, and avenues

Some of the most iconic roads in the world are found in the United States. Many of these streets, highways, avenues, and boulevards are as celebrated as the towns and cities they're located in, and often form the hub of entire districts or communities. So, where can you follow these famous thoroughfares? Click through and step out on America's most recognized routes.

Photos of the world as you've never seen it before

Shot from above various locations around the world, now you can look at our planet the way birds see it with the help of this amazing collection of aerial images.

Pilgrims arrive in Mina for Day of Tarwiyah as Hajj 2025 rituals begin

Saudi Gazette reportMINA — Pilgrims began arriving in Mina on Wednesday, the 8th of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH, to observe the Day of Tarwiyah, signaling the formal start of Hajj rituals for 2025.Approximately 64% of pilgrims are spending the day in Mina, while the remaining 36% will proceed directly to Arafat for the central rite of Hajj, before returning to Mina via Muzdalifah for the days of Tashreeq.Located roughly seven kilometers northeast of the...

Have a look at Göring's holiday villa on Sylt island - for sale now

Revealed: the world’s 32 most beautiful canals and waterways

Spanning everything from floating lagoon cities to cross-country water channels, here we take a look at the most incredible canals and waterways from across the globe.

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.

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.

The top 30 pilgrimage sites in Europe

While most pilgrimages started as journeys of religious significance, modern ones are not necessarily about that. You might just want to escape the hectic demands of modern life, or take in some history and culture while admiring spectacular landscapes. Whatever your reason is for embarking on a pilgrimage, it might just change your life. And Europe has some of the most breathtaking pilgrimage routes to test out. Whether it's the classic Santiago de Compostela, or Mount Athos in Greece, these routes promise unforgettable adventures. Get your body and soul ready for some of the most spiritual routes in Europe. Click on to discover the top 30 pilgrimage sites on the continent.

UAE strongly condemns shooting incident in Austria

ABU DHABI, 10th June, 2025 (WAM) – The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the shooting incident at a school in the Austrian city of Graz, which resulted in the death and injuries of a number of innocent people.In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed that the UAE expresses its strong condemnation of these criminal acts and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence targeting innocent people.The Ministry...

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.

Man, 50, dies at British beauty spot after getting into trouble swimming in the sea

Coastguard crews, police and paramedics rushed to Tor Bay near Penmaen village on the Gower Peninsula on Friday afternoon after being alerted of the incident.

6 art hotels around the world worth travelling for in Summer 2025

Art-laden holidays await at these picturesque properties We travel for so many different reasons. Some people travel to fuel their love of food, seeking out food cities that offer mind-blowing culinary adventures. Some travel for people, nourishing their soul by sharing stories and culture with people they’ve never met before. Some travel for the luxury, […]

Is this Britain's best kept secret? Underrated seaside town unveiled

Some of the UK's most underappreciated Northern towns have been put in the spotlight in a new survey to encourage Brits to travel off-the-beaten-track this summer.