Lifestyle

Hidden Travel Gems for a Luxury Vacation in the Midwest

How many of these places have you visited? Discover the luxury and charm of the Midwest, where historic towns and serene landscapes offer unforgettable vacation experiences. From shopping local, tasty dining, to outdoor activities and unique hotels, these destinations provide the perfect blend of relaxation. Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Rapid City, or experiencing the Dutch heritage of Pella, these Midwestern locales promise to elevate your travel experience. Are you ready for your next adventure on the road less traveled? Here are our favorite hidden travel gems of the Midwest.

After a Night at These Luxurious New International Hotels, You’ll Never Want to Come Home.

Wanderlust is not a deadly sin.

These Are the 10 of the World's Most Beautiful Hiking Trips

Talk about majestic scenery!

Overlooked travel destinations to discover in 2025

Are you tired of the crowds in your favorite cities? It might be time to take a trip somewhere a bit more low-key. There are plenty of places around the world to be explored that haven't been overrun with tourists... yet. Every year, Time Out magazine consults its trusted team of journalists to compile an updated list of the world's most underrated travel destinations. The results are usually surprising and sometimes unheard-of corners of the globe, waiting to welcome you—without the typical overcrowding! Intrigued? Click on the gallery to uncover the world's most overlooked travel destinations.

These Are the 10 Most Beautiful Churches and Cathedrals in Paris

The flying buttresses and ethereal murals are downright divine.

Here's the real reason smartphones need to be on Airplane Mode

A pilot has revealed the real reason flyers need to turn their smartphones on Airplane Mode after years of questions about how it impacts the aircraft.

The Best Solo Travel Destinations in the United States for an Unforgettable Adventure

Whether you're looking for nonstop activity or total relaxation. While traveling with friends and family can be a lot of fun, going somewhere alone has its perks. You get to choose everything — the destination, the hotel, the itinerary, the restaurants, how much money you spend and beyond. Only one opinion matters...yours. It's also a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone, meet new people (if you so choose), unplug, rejuvenate and bask in moments of reflection — or even just escape reality for a few days. Whether you're planning your first adventure on your own or are a solo travel veteran, choosing a destination can be overwhelming, especially if you still have a lot of places to check off your bucket list. The good news is, you don't have to go far for the adventure or relaxation you crave, because there are plenty of options across the U.S. Weighing variables such as walkability, safety, self care opportunities, number of historic sites and museums and access to nature, we've come up with a list of the best places in the U.S. for solo travelers — ranging from mountain and beach destinations to small towns and large cities. Time to book your ticket for one, plan your itinerary (or don't, remember, it's your trip!) and answer to no one except yourself for a few days.

Yes, You Can Book a Stay at These Celeb-Approved Hotels

You might get starstruck at these luxury properties.

13 Amusement Parks in the U.S. That Are Completely Free to Enter

A few even charge you nothing for parking and entertainment. Amusement parks are synonymous with so many wonderful things: fun in the sun, rollercoasters and carousels, games galore and delicious food. And all in a colorful, jubilant, family-friendly setting. The only issue? Joy like that does not typically come cheap. Or can it? Well, at these 13 amusement parks across the U.S., from the Golden to the Garden States, you can save on one very important front: entry. While the vast majority of amusement parks — including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens — require tickets just to walk through the gates, these resorts and parks do not. Of course, if you want to ride the rides or snack on the snacks, you'll still have to open your wallet. (A good thing can only go so far!) But if you're someone who's more about the vibes than the rides, this is the list for you. Make sure you scroll to the bottom: There's one very famous park that's about to go "open gate" with its water parks for guests staying on property. (Hint: It's home to a special mouse!)

The 30 places you must visit before you die

Traveling is a luxury that many of us love. Any chance we get, we're on the next flight! Whether you're looking for incredible outdoor views and experiences or some simplicity and quiet, this list is the perfect place to find your next adventure. Here, you'll find 30 world-renowned locations that you absolutely must see before you die. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience places you might have only dreamed of. Curious about which places made the list? Click through now to explore further.

The World's 40 Most Beautiful Countries to Visit in Your Lifetime

Have you been to any of these marvelous places?

Carnival to kick off bridge run

THE upcoming Aspen-Klippa Penang Bridge International Marathon 2024 in Batu Kawan will feature a Run Rev Carnival on the eve of the event. Read full story

The 8 Most Impressive Airports That Are Worth Traveling For

Suddenly, a long layover doesn't seem so bad.

25 Beautiful Cities Around the World to Add to Your Travel Bucket List

These skylines will give you a surge of inspiration.

Boss of cash woes university quits after booking £4,300 luxury flights

Prof Iain Gillespie stood down from his £305,000-a-year role as principal and vice-chancellor of Dundee University yesterday.

The Best Massachusetts Beach Towns You May Not Know

These sandy shores will make you want to pack your bags ASAP!

The 12 Most Walkable Cities in the World

These gorgeous destinations are best seen on foot.

27 Rare Photos That Show How Disney Parks Have Changed Through the Years

It's been decades, and Mickey Mouse hasn't aged a bit! The magic of Disney is hard to miss. As soon as you enter the company’s popular parks, you’re whisked away to a place where worries no longer exist and pure bliss resides. It’s what keeps people from all over the world coming back year after year. After all, who can resist tapping into their inner child and being overcome with joy by the sight of beloved characters like Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, and the rest of the Disney crew? While going to the parks is always a good time, it's not always attainable. So, what's the next best thing when you can’t physically visit the “happiest place on Earth?” Looking at the best Disney photos through the years, of course. In fact, it just might be what you need to get your magical “fix.” These historic Disney photos can take you back in time, creating an even deeper appreciation for the parks and all that they represent. Whether it's a ride that's no longer in operation or dancers that evoke a sense of nostalgia, these rare and retro Disney photos are bound to make you smile. So, go ahead, grab your Mickey ears and other Disney gifts and gear and get you ready to take a walk down memory lane, Disney style!

My train is delayed or cancelled today - can I get a refund?

Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink, South Western Railway, Southeastern, ScotRail and the Elizabeth line were all affected by today's radio system fault.

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

From lunar-like landscapes to European-style castles.

Are These Bucket List Trips Actually Worth The Hype?

You might just have to see it to believe it.

30 Rare Photographs Taken at Chateau Marmont

The iconic Hollywood hotel has been a favorite among celebrities for nearly 100 years.

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

Bucket list–worthy, indeed.

The most-viewed Wikipedia pages in 2024

Wikipedia is by far the most popular knowledge resource on the web. In 2024 alone, users around the world spent 4.5 billion hours reading it in the 300+ languages available. English Wikipedia articles are the most-read around the world, and every year, the Wikimedia Foundation publishes a list of the top 25 most popular articles. Ready to find out which articles were the most popular this year? Click on.

Recently Discovered Dinosaur Boasts Streamlined Body Like Modern Diving Bird

Recently Discovered Dinosaur Boasts Streamlined Body Like Modern Diving Bird

Storm Darragh hits the island of Ireland and disrupts airports

Storm Darragh lashes Ireland with red wind warnings in seven counties. Airports warn of delays, ferries are cancelled, and festive events are disrupted as severe winds and rain continue across the weekend.

Beautiful Cities in Greece That Deserve More Love

Don't overlook these hidden gems!

How many airplanes are in the sky every day?

Florida is the latest state trying to ban something based on a conspiracy theory

25 Most Expensive Cities To Live in Florida

You may be familiar with some Florida cities with the cost of living on the cheaper end but how well do you know The Sunshine State's most expensive cities? Discover More: 5 Vacation Destinations That...

The world's most beautiful historic places revealed in stunning photos

Feast your eyes on these spellbinding images from the Historic Photographer of the Year Awards 2022, which show off some of the world's most storied sites in all their glory.

True facts that seem too weird to be real

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.

Aboriginal community bans 'embarrassing' Welcome to Country ceremonies

An Indigenous community in Queensland has banned Welcome to Countries because the ceremonies are 'embarrassing' and 'being abused'.

20 of America's Best Historic Homes You Definitely Have to Visit

Yes, it's time to plan a trip!

Smart travel: items to avoid buying at the airport

We can all agree: flying is already expensive enough without falling for those pre-flight temptations. And while you can find practically anything and everything past security, your time waiting at the airport can quickly add on extra costs. This is especially true if you spend on certain things without thinking it through. From drinks to neck pillows, some things are simply not worth buying, be it for your wallet and even your health. So before you fly, check out this gallery for the things you should always avoid spending money on at the airport.

The 26 Most Beautiful Libraries in the World

Attention fellow bookworms: This list is for you!

9 Underrated Areas to Get a Vacation Home

These under-the-radar destinations are the perfect place to kick back and relax.

Drift off in style on the world's best sleeper trains

Here’s our pick of the world’s best sleeper trains - from cinematic journeys through the Andes to ultra-modern trains in Japan and magical winter scenes on the Orient Express - you’ll embrace the journey as much as the destination...

21 Creative Ways to Use Rocks in Your Landscaping

Carve out naturally beautiful borders, stairs, and sitting areas.

10 Marine Species That Rely on Coral Reefs to Survive

Coral reefs, often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea,” are some of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on the planet. These vibrant underwater structures provide habitat, food, and protection for countless marine species. In this article, we’ll explore ten marine species that rely on coral reefs for their survival, highlighting the critical ... Read more

Love art? These are the galleries you NEED to visit

​From the Prado in Madrid and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam to the National Museum of Art in Beijing and the Getty Center in Los Angeles, this is where to see the world's best art.

13 Beautiful City Skyline Photos Snapped Around the World

Dazzling views from the top await.

A peek inside London's first billion-pound hotel

Medical tourism: risks, rewards, and the top global destinations

Medical tourism has become a growing industry that offers patients the opportunity to combine healthcare with travel. From affordable surgeries to specialized treatments, millions are venturing elsewhere to improve their well-being while exploring new cultures. However, while the potential rewards are undeniably enticing, medical tourism also comes with risks. This gallery will discuss the pros and cons of seeking healthcare overseas and highlight some of the top global destinations known for excellence in medical tourism. Curious about medical tourism? Click through now to dive in.

The 20 Best Luggage Brands Worth Investing In

From Samsonite to Rimowa, Tumi to Away—here's what you need to know about each one.

Festive indulgence comes to Shah Alam hotel

COURTYARD by Marriott Setia Alam in Shah Alam, Selangor, is inviting guests to embrace festive joy while dining at the hotel. Read full story

15 Countries Worth Visiting for an Epic Drive

Whether it's the awesome roads, incredible terrain, or lax driving laws, plan your next road trip with this guide to our international favorite driving spots.

Huge crowd cheers lighting of stunning Rockefeller Christmas tree

Crowds have gathered to celebrate the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York City. The tradition dates back to December 1933, when the first tree lighting event took place.

The 35 Best Places to Spend Christmas in the U.S.A.

Perfect for a magical, fun-filled holiday season. Christmas is a time to make lifelong memories. Spending the holidays at home with loved ones is always a good idea, but taking a trip might be even more memorable. So, why not give yourself the gift of an unforgettable experience by exploring the holidays outside of your hometown? Sure, your neighborhood is likely teeming with lively Christmas decorations and festive events, but you’ve been there and done that. Step outside of your comfort zone and treat yourself to new sights and sounds to relish the joy of the season. Not sure where to go? We’ve done the research and rounded up some of the best places to spend Christmas. From charming small towns to vibrant big cities and coastal gems, these domestic destinations are sure to delight and deliver the ultimate holiday cheer. We’ve also included fun theme parks that go all out for thrill seekers who thrive on adrenaline during the most wonderful time of year. If you’re a movie buff and want to set-jet, you’re also in luck. You can even stop by famous places from your favorite Christmas movies, like the house from Home Alone or The Christmas Story. Whether you plan to spend the holidays solo or with friends and family in tow, these top spots make the perfect getaway with friends or family. So, pack your bags, grab your gifts, and get ready to experience Christmas like never before.

The Best Vacations for Your Just-Retired Loved Ones

It’s time for that trip of a lifetime.