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Europe's best Christmas markets to visit in 2023

From Budapest to Bath, these are Europe's best Christmas markets to visit in 2023.

The mystery surrounding the missing Malaysia Airlines plane

The 2014 disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 is one of the most shocking air travel disasters in recent history. The plane was traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing when it vanished from the radars over the Indian Ocean. No survivors or wreckage were ever found, and countless family members still have no closure almost a decade later. On November 27, 2023, Chinese courts began hearings to determine what compensation the relatives of the victims are owed. “Almost 10 years on, the family members (who refused to accept settlement offers) did not receive any apology or a penny of compensation,” Jiang Hui, who lost his mother, told CNN. “The complete lack of legal remedies over the past decade has made our painful lives even more unbearable.” Jiang is suing Malaysia Airlines, its insurer, Boeing, and the manufacturer of the plane’s engine. His demands include financial compensation and a formal apology. He is also requesting that the companies resume providing psychological support for the families. If the courts decide in favor of Jiang and the other relatives, it's unclear how China will enforce the ruling. Many of the companies involved are international and do not have headquarters in China. Similar lawsuits brought by family members in the United States were dismissed on the basis that the Malaysian legal system should handle these cases. Of the 200 people that disappeared, 150 of them were Chinese nationals. To learn more about the circumstances surrounding one of the biggest mysteries in aviation history, click through the gallery.

'My village is sliding into the sea - and my house could be gone by Christmas'

Nicola Bayless's three-bed semi in Happisburgh is now less than 50ft (15m) from the cliff after storms Babet and Ciaran ravaged the Norfolk coast in the autumn. And she worries her family's £375,000 property may be gone by the end of December as the village teeters on the edge.

Singapore and Zurich take joint top spot in most expensive cities in the world list

Singapore and Zurich have jointly dethroned New York City as the most expensive cities in the world to live in, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Worldwide Cost of Living 2023 report. Hong Kong, at fifth place, is the only other Asian city in the top 10. This ranking is based on a comparison of over 400 individual prices for everyday goods and services across 173 cities worldwide. The survey was carried out between 14 August...

Mind-blowing photos of the unseen side of things

We often go through life with a surface-level acceptance of objects, landmarks, and animals, taking them at face value and moving on. But never underestimate the difference a change of angle can make! Click through to see some fascinating photos that will make you re-imagine your reality.

Marriott International, IOI Properties Group join hands to bring W brand to Marina Bay

W Hotel - Marina View will open in late 2028. Marriott International has partnered with Malaysian property developer, IOI Properties Group, to bring the W brand to Marina Bay. Currently, Singapore has one W brand hotel located in Sentosa Cove. The new W hotel, which will be called “W Singapore – Marina View,” will have 350 rooms. The hotel will debut at the site of a 51-story mixed-use development. Perched atop the hotel will be Marina View...

Top 43 Free Things To Do in Singapore (Dec 2023): Christmas Markets, Snowfall Displays, Pet Carnivals, Free Jagua Tattoos, And More

Bored as well as broke? We’ve got good news for you. This December, there’s no way you’ll miss out on the festivities with the slew of Christmas markets, fairs, and events to keep you entertained at zero cost. Look forward to so many Christmas markets that I almost lost count of them, festive performances, a 15m tall Christmas tree, free Christmas-themed Jagua tattoos, snowfall displays, and more. Our furry friends aren’t forgotten—the season...

The least-visited country in the world may be the first to disappear

One of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world is also one of the least visited, but most of us may never get to visit before the nation disappears. Tuvalu is an island country in the west-central Pacific Ocean, sitting about halfway between Australia and Hawaii. It’s a coral atoll nation, which means it sits on a ring-shaped coral reef encircling a lagoon, with islands along the rim. The country is a stunning oasis, but faces the threat of disappearing completely from the face of the Earth. Click through to find out about the people, the culture, the devastation it faces, and more about this unique community.

ARA US Hospitality Trust divests Hyatt Place Pittsburgh Airport for US$7.7m

The REIT expects to complete the divestment in 1Q24. ARA US Hospitality Trust (ARA H-Trust) has sold Hyatt Place Pittsburgh Airport to Bacall Companies for US$7.7m ($10.1m). In a bourse filing, ARA H-Trust said it expects to complete the divestment of its 127-room hotel in 1Q24. The hotel is the smallest property within the ARA H-Trust’s portfolio, accounting for 1.0% of the REIT’s total valuation as of 31 December 2022. The REIT added that the...

How dirty and smelly were medieval cities?

Streets littered with human feces and animal entrails, rivers awash with bloated corpses, putrefied air alive with deadly microbes, and the nauseating stench of death and decay. Welcome to your average medieval city. Urban life in the Middle Ages was unbelievably dirty and smelly. Overcrowding and a near-total lack of public services compounded an already unhealthy environment made worse by spreading disease. But why exactly was living in a city during this era such a horrendous and frankly dangerous experience? Take a deep breath, tread carefully, and click through this foul and disgusting list of excuses.

Gospels, codexes, and more: These are the oldest books in the world

Books are fascinating things. Indeed, where would we be today without the written word, right? Unfortunately, many books were lost over the years and many others were destroyed. Luckily, though, some ancient books stood the test of time and are still among us. Curious to find out which books survived throughout the centuries? Click on and learn all about them.

These cities could be UNDERWATER if sea levels continue to rise

Alarming images of what famous cities around the world could look like if the climate crisis continues unabated.

How do you transport two giant pandas?

Complex arrangements have been made to safely send Edinburgh's two giant pandas back to China.

This Himalayan lake has a dark history

There's a glacial lake in the Himalayas that conceals a sinister secret. In the 1940s, a disturbing discovery was made, yet it wasn't until the 21st century that the mystery was finally unraveled. Or was it? Click through the gallery to learn about the icy Skeleton Lake, and draw your own conclusions.

Limerick: the not-so-gritty city is one of Ireland’s overlooked gems

A fresh Atlantic breeze blows up the estuary and rustles through a thicket of young lime trees by the Treaty Stone, the rock that witnessed the end of the Williamite war in the autumn of 1691. Just ahead, a seven-arch limestone bridge spans the Shannon River as far as the thick barrel towers of King John’s Castle. To the right, Limerick City’s quays and avenues bustle with new bars, hotels and restaurants. It’s a scene that contrasts starkly...

The most stunning birds in the wild

If you live in a big city, interactions with our feathered friends may be rather limited, but every now and then it’s worth taking the time to look up to the skies or head out to the countryside for a hike with your eyes and ears wide open. There are millions of birds on our planet of all shapes and sizes, although sadly many now face a real battle for survival. Let’s hope that they’ll be around for many years to come. Here are some of the most beautiful and fascinating members of the avian community.

30 Cheap, Beautiful Places To Retire With Just $250K in Savings

Throughout the years, you diligently saved for retirement and have $250,000 stashed away. But even with that big stash, the reality is that you might not be able to rely on that retirement fund,...

Public Holidays in Singapore 2024: How to Get 56 Days of Holiday Using 18 Days of Annual Leave

With flight prices shooting sky-high post-pandemic, we have to start booking our overseas trips earlier. And that means some strategic planning around public holidays and long weekends to maximise our limited annual leave days in 2024. In the coming year, we’ll be blessed with 5 long weekends. That's down from the 6 long weekends we enjoyed in 2023, but fret not, if we play our cards right, we could enjoy 56 days of vacation while using 18 days...

These are the world's most BEAUTIFUL greenhouses, in Singapore and beyond

From the towering palms and Brutalist architecture of London’s Barbican Conservatory to the glass rooftop of Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, here’s our pick of the world's best greenhouses.

The most controversial art in history

Tiny countries you have to visit if you HATE crowds

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

DESTROYED palaces around the world: magically ‘rebuilt’

Check out these digitally reconstructed the ruins of seven stunning royal residences from around the globe…

An enormous iceberg is roaming free for the first time in decades

Top 10 US Cities for Retirement in 2023

From mountains to beaches and countrysides, settle in for a well-deserved rest in these top cities for retirement.

I've lived between Singapore and NYC my entire life. Here are 3 ways the latter is better, and one way it isn't.

I've lived in New York City and Singapore. I think the former has the better culture and career opportunities, though the latter has the better food.

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

From lunar-like landscapes to European-style castles.

Discover Titanic's tragic secrets at these must-see museums

Your guide to museums around the world dedicated to the doomed ocean liner, RMS Titanic.

Stunning pictures nominated for Wildlife Photographer of the Year

The Natural History Museum London is inviting people to vote for their favorite image highlighting important nature stories from around the world to win this year's People's Choice Award.

We've ranked the world's best hotel pools. Do you agree with our No1?

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

The Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino and more celebrity hotels that failed

They've got plenty of other talents but these stars had a hard time cracking the hotel business. From ritzy Las Vegas resorts to budget inns in Wales, we reveal the celeb-owned properties that didn't have staying power.

The most dangerous cities in America

Choosing a place to settle involves considering various factors; safety is paramount for families. But perceptions of crime can sometimes be disconnected from reality. Many crimes go unreported, affecting the accuracy of available data. Employment rates also contribute to a location's crime rate. The FBI's crime classification distinguishes between violent and property crimes, with the latter being more common. In 2019, there were 2,109.9 property crimes per 100,000 people, compared to 379.4 violent crimes. The introduction of the National Incident-Based Reporting System in 1988 has expanded the scope of crime data, offering details like the time, location, and weapons used. It also includes demographic information about victims and offenders. Mass shootings remain a grave concern, with hundreds of casualties over the years. In this gallery, we explore the most dangerous cities in the US in 2023 (so far), focusing on violent crimes. Click on to discover them.

The tragically long list of stars who died in hotel rooms

Over time, many well-known individuals have been found dead in hotel rooms. Whether due to drug overdoses, heart attacks, or freak accidents, these celebrities met tragic ends in a lonely setting. Click through the gallery to remember the stars who died in hotel rooms.

Beautiful Cities in Greece That Deserve More Love

Don't overlook these hidden gems!

Countries with more than one capital city

The world has experienced plenty of wars, revolutions, and fallen empires, which changed borders and presented new capitals. In 1900, only around 40 nations had capital cities. By 2000, the number grew to more than 200, largely a result of new countries emerging after the collapse of the British and French empires, the Soviet Union, and Yugoslavia. Most nations chose one city as their official capital, but there are some with two or more, where they split administrative, legislative, and judicial headquarters, for instance. Curious? Then click on and take a look at the countries with more than one capital city.

Southeast Asia’s first luxury hotel made from retired buses opens in Singapore

SINGAPORE: Southeast Asia’s first luxury hotel made from retired public buses has opened its doors... The post Southeast Asia’s first luxury hotel made from retired buses opens in Singapore appeared first on The Independent Singapore News - Latest Breaking News

The eerie mystery of Japan's Devil Sea

The Bermuda Triangle is famous for its mysterious disappearances. However, there is a lesser-known region in the Pacific Ocean that is equally infamous for its stories of unexplained disappearances and seemingly supernatural activity. Intrigued? Click through the gallery and discover the fascinating secrets of the Devil's Sea.

22 Adults-Only Resorts for a Well-Deserved Vacation

These romantic retreats have everything you need—except children.

World’s tallest woman Rumeysa Gelgi experiences inaugural flight

The world’s tallest woman Rumeysa Gelgi from Turkey took her first flight ever last year.... The post World’s tallest woman Rumeysa Gelgi experiences inaugural flight appeared first on The Independent Singapore News - Latest Breaking News

13 Beautiful City Skyline Photos Snapped Around the World

Dazzling views from the top await.

Dark Tourism: visiting Chernobyl, Auschwitz and other places with a tragic past

30 dreamy Australian islands to add to your bucket list

Australia's islands are as beautiful and diverse as you imagine, with gorgeous beaches, of course, but abundant in nature and history as well.

Worried woman in China, 41, snared at airport with fake passport hiding real age from 24-year-old boyfriend

Woman pays US$900 for bogus passport bearing changed date of birth Authorities impose US$420 fine, confiscate travel document A woman in China with a boyfriend 17 years her junior has been caught at Beijing airport using a fake passport to hide her real age. The woman, who was born in 1982, aroused the suspicions of an immigration officer who notic...

Why were these famous figures buried in unmarked graves?

For thousands of years, humans have honored the deceased by conducting burial ceremonies. It is intrinsic to our existence, making it difficult to fathom not knowing the final resting place of a loved one. Surprisingly, numerous renowned individuals have been interred in unmarked graves. Even in cases where their names were put on a tombstone for the public to pay their respects, they weren't placed at the actual burial location. Explore this gallery to see which famous figures were buried in graves without markers.

Harry Winston Holiday Collection 2023: Dazzling sparkles and treasures aboard the Winston Express

Your one-way ticket on the Winston Express is a holiday journey filled with the most amazing sparklers and treasures this Christmas. Harry Winston invites you onboard the Winston Express this holiday season with a one-way ticket across sugar loaf mountains and glistening fairytale landscapes. Destination? Happiness. On every stop, dazzling sparklers and treasures abound, beginning with the iconic Winston Cluster Collection. This classic design...

Solo travelers trekking to hidden gems

For those seeking a more intimate and authentic experience, venturing off the beaten path can... The post Solo travelers trekking to hidden gems appeared first on The Independent Singapore News - Latest Breaking News

They emptied a lake in Madrid and found the unthinkable

Historical figures whose bodies have never been found

We know that people go missing and die every day, but for some reason it's more shocking when it happens to someone famous. It's as if their celebrity should provide them some extra protection from accidents and misfortune. In reality, they're just as vulnerable as the rest of us, sometimes even more so due to their dangerous ambitions. Throughout history, some of the greatest rulers, adventurers, and artists have met mysterious ends. Or at the very least, their remains have. There are countless historical figures whose bodies have never be located, so their final resting place is still unknown. Click through this gallery to learn about some of the most fascinating cases.

Spectacular pyramids across the globe, that aren't in Egypt

From the Aztec pyramids of Mexico to temples of Indonesia, and even modern-day buildings from the last century, here’s our pick of the world’s most intriguing pyramids outside of Egypt.

‘Too ambitious’ National Gallery Singapore exhibition on colonial and postcolonial experiences in Southeast Asia and Latin America still has its merits

'Tropical' features more than 200 works from mostly Southeast Asian and Latin American artists spanning the late 19th century to the present day Despite its great pieces, the show is overstuffed, leaving one feeling both too full yet still hungry for a deeper exploration of the Latin American art Inside the National Gallery Singapore, two blue maca...

Travel Safety: Tips for Women, LGBTQ+, and Persons with Disabilities

I once had a creepy guy approach me in a Uniqlo store overseas. He grabbed my hands, called me beautiful, and begged me to let him take a photo of me. Mind you, this was in the middle of the afternoon in a bustling shopping mall, not in some secluded, dark alleyway or sketchy corner of the city at night. It was a yucky experience, but I’ve heard worse. Take this Redditor for example: [caption id="attachment_88421" align="aligncenter"...