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The world's most spectacular astronomical observatories

Located in some of the most remote places on the planet, astronomical observatories aren't the easiest places to reach. Furthermore, many are set at altitudes thousands of meters above sea level. Yep, stargazing is an out-of-the-way science for most of us. But if you're curious, there's another way of reaching for the stars. Browse this gallery and take a stellar tour of some of the best spots on Earth to observe the night sky.

Epic aerial shots of our stunning planet

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.

Peaks and perks of a National Geographic tour of Switzerland by rail and Italy’s Lake Como

A National Geographic Expedition guided tour taking in the sights of the Swiss Alps and Lake Como in Italy offers a variety of experiences "What a fantastic mountain; if a kid drew a mountain, it'd look like this," our guide, Tim Jepson, said. It was the second morning of our Swiss Trains and the Italian Lake District group tour by National Geograp...

The greatest discoveries and advancements in the history of astronomy

For as long as humans have walked the Earth, the great endless sky and the countless stars that fill it have left us in a state of awe-inspired wonderment. Similarly, the study and exploration of space have been a priority for humankind for millennia. From the ancient Assyrians and Greeks, to the greatest minds of the Renaissance, and up to the billionaire space explorers of the 21st century, incredible amounts of time and effort have gone into better understanding our celestial surroundings. And yet, despite all of the great strides that have been made to understand the great beyond, it's estimated that 95% of the universe is still undiscovered. Click through the gallery to learn about some of the greatest discoveries of astronomy and our universe.

India's impressive World Heritage Sites

Visiting India is to discover a vast land rich in culture and tradition. A sumptuous mix of spiritual beliefs and architecture, plus some of the most important wildlife hotspots on the planet, has led UNESCO to designate no less than 40 World Heritage Sites within India's borders. These must-see destinations include magnificent palaces, decorative monuments, and evocative temples. Also listed is an entire mountain range and a state capital! So, are you ready to start ticking off India's most significant tourist attractions? Click through and delve into the country's cultural, historic, scientific, and natural world.

Why tourism is booming in this small European country

San Marino is a landlocked microstate tucked away in northern Italy and the world's oldest-surviving sovereign state. It also happens to be one of Europe's top-growing travel location. Don't be fooled by the 61 sq km (23.6 sq mi) tiny-sized country either: this small place has plenty to offer. Click through the gallery to learn about Europe's popular vacation hot spot.

Flights of fancy: the most colorful and exotic birds on the planet

The animal kingdom never ceases to amaze us with its stunning diversity. The variety of birdlife enriching the planet is particularly breathtaking. Research suggests that there are around 18,000 bird species in the world. Many of these represent some of the snazziest and most flamboyant wildlife out there. But who's got the brightest beak, or the flashiest feathers? Browse the gallery and take a look at the most colorful and exotic birds on Earth.

This huge crack in Kenya could split Africa in two

What would you do if a huge crack in the Earth suddenly appeared in the place where you lived? Though this might seem like an occurrence worthy of a Hollywood disaster movie, it has actually happened in real life! In the Great Rift Valley, Kenya, a huge fissure has begun to spread through the land, which scientists believe is the beginning of the separation of Africa into two separate continents. Discover more details about this terrifying natural phenomenon.

I Tried Every Airline In America

The most scenic towns and villages in France

France has long been a preferred destination for tourists seeking to explore a coast and countryside embroidered with some of the most charming and beguiling towns and villages found in Europe. In fact, many of these fairytale destinations are members of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France ("The most beautiful villages of France") association. And these rural and seafront havens all make perfect bases from which to explore the many different regions of this fascinating country. Click through for inspiration on where to go and what to see.

Tunnel vision: how they built some of the world's most amazing railway tunnels

Taking a rail journey invariably means going through a tunnel at some point. Most of the time it's over in a flash, the darkness racing by as quickly as the passing countryside. But have you ever wondered what it takes to build a railway tunnel? Today, modern technology makes it a far easier and safer undertaking. But how did they manage back in the day, when engineering even the shortest tunnel involved a high degree of risk and often cost lives? Click through, get on track, and enter the world of the railway tunnel.

The oldest, largest, and deepest lake in the world

The planet's largest and deepest freshwater lake is also its oldest. In fact, Lake Baikal is unique. Its sapphire-blue waters are considered among the clearest found anywhere, and the destination's scenic beauty, rich biodiversity, and indigenous Buryat culture make this magnificent natural wonder truly deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status. Browse this gallery and find out more about the lake they call the "Pearl of Siberia."

Big cities on the brink of natural disaster

Weather plays a big role when picking somewhere to live or travel. Mediterranean countries attract thousands thanks to their warm water, while Scandinavian nations benefit from having ice-cold temperatures. However, some destinations have different climates entirely. You may think Tokyo and New York City are some tempting locations, but did you know that they are both cities on the brink of natural disaster? Click on to explore the places where mother nature could strike at any minute, wreaking untold havoc on super-sized cities across the atlas.

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China will no longer allow foreigners to adopt

Places in the US that look like alien planets

Space travel—it’s unbelievably cool, but most of us won’t ever have the opportunity to check out alien planets. Lucky for you, the Earth is vast and strange, and that means it has a host of otherworldly landscapes just waiting for your exploration. There are plenty in the US alone, which means there’s no spaceship—or passport—required.

Cuba's coolest classic cars

Cuba is a country of many natural beauties, charming architecture, and a thriving music scene. But it's also known for its large fleet of vintage cars dating back to the 40s, 50s, the 60s. Click on the gallery and check out the coolest models on the island!

Beautiful Cities in Greece That Deserve More Love

Don't overlook these hidden gems!

Lost treasures around the world

Throughout the ages, a huge number of priceless treasures have gone missing without a trace. Sometimes treasures are recovered, but, even after decades or centuries of searching, the whereabouts of many remain a mystery. Buried in hidden locations, stolen, or lost, a few of these artifacts are now likely destroyed, but some may still exist and one day could be recovered. Intrigued? Click on to 'discover' some lost treasures that have never been found.

Obscure capital cities you've probably never heard of

A capital city is defined as a place where a region's government is located. It's usually much larger or more important to a country than all others, though there are numerous cities that serve the same function but are actually quite modest in size. And there are plenty of examples where a capital city is, in fact, quite obscure to the outside world, practically unknown to anyone who doesn't live or work there. So, would you know a capital city if you saw one? Travel through this gallery and visit some of the world's lesser-known country capitals.

What countries still eat dogs?

In many cultures around the world, dogs are cherished companions and are considered man’s best friend. But in some parts of the world, dogs hold a different place at the table—literally. The consumption of dog meat is heavily criticized and frowned upon in most Western cultures, but it is a practice that dates back centuries in a few places. Much like beef or chicken, dog meat can be considered a staple food of tradition and even religion. Dog meat is consumed the most in Asia, with as many as 30 million dogs killed every year for human consumption. But the vast continent is not the only place where it is a delicacy. Curious? Click through this gallery to find out which countries still feature dog meat on some people’s dinner tables.

Famous shipwrecks preserved on the ocean floor

According to analysis by UNESCO, over three million shipwrecks are resting on the Earth's ocean floors. Some shipwrecks were lost in the annals of time, while others are miraculously well-preserved, like the HMS Hawke that sank in 1914 and was recently discovered off the Aberdeenshire coast on August 12, 2024. Intact wreckages are like windows into history, providing valuable insights about life during the ship's heyday. If you'd like to uncover some of the world's most well-preserved shipwrecks, click through now.

The best new hotels in Manhattan, New York, are colourful and make people ‘feel something’

We take a look at some of the brightest, most colourful hotels recently opened in New York, each packed with 'soul' for a fun stay No matter what is trending in fashion, the uniform in New York has remained constant - any cut, any style, but make it black. The same has long been true of hotels in the city's Manhattan area, with slick onyx, creamy w...

Facts that sound like lies but are completely true

From the deepest depths of the ocean to the highest mountaintops, the world we live in is full of beautiful wonders and mysteries. And while we've attempted to make sense of this planet for centuries, there are still plenty of things that many of us don't know. For instance, did you know that the Pacific Ocean is shrinking every year? Or that the Himalayan mountains are growing? Intrigued? Click on for some incredible geography facts that will make you see the world in a whole new light.

Do you know the nicknames of these cities?

You might be familiar with popular city nicknames, such as New York City being called the Big Apple. But do you actually know why? Not only are some of these cities' nicknames quite spectacular, but they also have amazing stories behind them. Click through the following gallery and find out if your city is listed. If so, you might just find out a bit more about its history!

I Tested The World’s Most Expensive Hotel

The most haunted hotels around the world

When it comes to taking holidays, some search for adventure and take vacations to the extreme. That could mean thrill-seeking in the wild, or even staying the night at a haunted hotel. In fact, there are lots of hotels around the world who have reportedly experienced paranormal activity. Click through the gallery to see the spookiest hotels in the world!

These are the most disappointing cities in the world for tourists

Have you visited a city that boasted exciting adventures, beautiful and interesting attractions, and a magical time overall? What about visiting that city and then being utterly disappointed by what it actually had to offer? This is the unfortunate case for many world travelers at some of the most popular tourist destinations. From ridiculously long lines to overly crowded streets, or a surprising lack of charm, the cities on this list have left visitors wanting more. In this gallery, you’ll find the top 30 most disappointing cities in the world for tourists and why they've earned a bad rep. Curious about which places you should remove from your bucket list? Click through to find out.

The best New York movies ever

The city that never sleeps is the backdrop for many famous movies. New York City has attracted people from all over the world and it's a melting pot of cultures. After all, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere! Like many other big cities in the '70s and '80s, the Big Apple was considered quite edgy and dangerous at the time—but that was part of its charm. In this gallery, we cover movies that portray the city at its best and worst. Grab a cawfee and check out this gallery in a New York minute.

Explore these amazing ancient cities once lost, now open for visits

From Sigiriya in Sri Lanka to the astonishing Pompeii in Italy, we take a look at some of the most fabulous cities lost and reborn.

15 Canadian things the rest of the world doesn’t understand

As the world’s second largest nation by landmass, Canada is hard to ignore. Despite that, there are quite a few things Canadians do that catch others off guard either when they visit the Great White North or when they encounter Canadians travelling abroad. Here are some of the most unique Canadianisms out there.

The 30 bucket-list places to eat in Australia and New Zealand

We've found Australia and New Zealand's top restaurants, from legendary hole-in-the-wall joints and destination neighbourhood haunts to hallowed temples of gastronomy.

28 incredible Titanic artefacts that sold for a fortune

The stories behind sensational Titanic artefacts recovered from the doomed ship and later sold at auction.

The most beautiful places you've probably never heard of

Adventurers, we're calling on you! Most of us have heard of Paris, Rome, New York, and Tokyo as incredible tourist destinations that attract millions of travelers each and every single year, but what if you're a fan of something slightly less crowded? The places listed in this gallery are destinations all around the world that are filled with unheard-of beauty. From picturesque landscapes to cities thousands of years old, swipe through for a look at these spots you may not have heard of.

The top 30 places in the US to live in this year

Not sure where you should call home within the United States? Welcome to the club! Folks want to enjoy great quality of life with access to the activities they love, but deciding where best aligns can be challenging. Have no fear, though! Here you'll find the top 30 US cities in terms of where you should live in 2024, according to U.S. News & World Report. This list will have something for everyone, from beach havens to small towns and everywhere in between. Curious about which city topped the chart? Click through now.

30 adventure destinations for thrill-seekers

Calling all adrenaline junkies, thrill-seekers, and adventurers alike! From scaling towering peaks to diving into the depths of the ocean, there are adventures that offer unique thrills all around the world. Some adventures are not for the faint-hearted, and others even require some training. In this gallery, we'll embark on an exhilarating journey as we take a look through the world of adventure and daring exploits! Be warned though: some of these adventures might make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up! Without further ago, click on and let's dive in!

The deadliest passenger plane crashes ever

Even with ever-improving technology, we seem to have constant grim reminders of the catalog of air disasters recorded in the annals of commercial aviation. Sadly, few survive a plane crash, such is the destructive force of an event of this nature. And there have been some truly awful air accidents across the world. On Friday, August 9, a devastating passenger plane crash occurred outside the Brazilian city of São Paulo. The regional plane was carrying 58 passengers and 4 crew members from the state of Parana to São Paulo when it lost signal and began losing altitude. A minute and a half later, it crashed in a residential neighborhood, killing everyone on board. No one on the ground was injured, although it destroyed part of a family home while several people were in the house. The cause of the crash is still a total mystery, but the plane's two black boxes have been recovered and sent to laboratories for analysis. Sadly, there have been many similarly tragic air accidents over the years. Click through to learn about the deadliest passenger plane crashes in history.

These are officially the BEST airlines to fly with in 2024

These are the winners of the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2024. Which of the world's best airlines will you be flying with next?

These are the state birds of the USA

Birds are used as symbols to represent each state in the US. They are chosen because they have special meaning for that state, whether they are indigenous to that area, or have particular historic or economic value. Kentucky was the first state to adopt a bird symbol, in 1926. Today, all 50 states have a bird mascot, and, as you’ll see from this list, many states have picked the same feathered friend. Browse the gallery and find out which bird symbolizes your state.

The world's most majestic mountains are a sight to behold

We highlight the fascinating stories behind the world's most stunning mountains, from El Capitan to Everest.

Everything you need to know about Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of US citizens whose ancestors came from Hispanic countries. From entertainment to food, the Hispanic communities have truly left their impact on American history. While their contributions can be spotted throughout day-to-day life, Hispanic Heritage Month brings these accomplishments to the forefront. After all, recognizing their contributions is an important step to creating a society built on mutual respect and admiration for everyone who makes up the country. For more than 50 years, various events, performances, and educational activities have taken place across the US during National Hispanic Heritage Month to raise awareness and appreciation for Hispanic heritage. Ready? Click on to expand your knowledge and appreciation of this month-long celebration.

Hong Kong restaurant receipts drop 10% over Mid-Autumn Festival as residents head across border

Hong Kong restaurant receipts over Mid-Autumn Festival dropped 10 per cent from a year ago as residents headed across the border, but a tourism industry veteran expressed optimism that the coming National Day holiday would bring in mainland Chinese tourists. Simon Wong Ka-wo, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, said on Wednesday that catering businesses saw a 10 to 15 per cent decline during the Mid-Autumn...

Italy's most beguiling towns and villages

Italy is a land of exceptional beauty. Blessed with an astonishingly varied landscape that encompasses snow-capped mountains, rolling pastureland, crystalline lakes, and a vast salt-laced coastline, Italy really is a land of contrast. Lending the country character is a collection of towns and villages noted for their singular locations and architectural splendor. And they are yours to explore! Click through and discover the country's most beguiling destinations.

The biggest unsolved mysteries from each U.S. state

The world is full of unsolved mysteries, and the US is certainly no exception (in fact, far from it). For example, did you know that a teen in Missouri died of AIDS-related complications nearly a decade before the condition was discovered? Or that a woman in Minnesota was found frozen and made a full recovery? From disappearances, to crimes, and everything in between, in this gallery you'll find the most famous unsolved mysteries from each state. Can you guess which one is the strangest? Click on to find out.

Failure to launch: Aircraft that couldn't succeed

Throughout modern history, many aircraft have, for one reason or another, failed to succeed in the world of aviation. Browse through this gallery and get to know these aircraft failures. Click on.

Travelling homes that are truly amazing

From a converted bus to a disused horse box, check out these quirky tiny homes on wheels that started life as regular transport. Start your engines and be inspired to live the #vanlife...

Europe's BEST chocolate bars, ranked

From the very first solid chocolate bar to classics that are loved around the world, and a few that have disappeared, we look at the best European chocolate bars of all time...

Bucket-list views on Earth you have to see

From city skylines and ancient architecture to magnificent mountains and epic wilderness, here's our ranking of the world's best views.

30 of the most famous Greek landmarks beyond the Acropolis

Greece is home to one of the most important collections of ancient monuments in the world. These landmarks, built in antiquity, tell amazing stories about some of history's earliest civilizations. They also speak of myths and legends, and of gods and goddesses. Athens is an obvious place to begin investigating these cultural treasures. But you need to step beyond the Greek capital to truly appreciate what the country has to offer, a wealth of historic visitor attractions that also include a handful of stunning natural wonders. So, are you ready to travel back in time? Click through and investigate the incredible past that is ancient Greece.

21 Iconic U.S. Landmarks Every Design Lover Needs to Visit ASAP

Bucket list–worthy, indeed.