Britain, France, and Germany have long overshadowed the tiny nation of Belgium. It was these countries, along with Austria and Russia, that recognized the country during the Treaty of London in 1839, and since then, Belgium has been caught in the middle of these nations' ugliest conflicts, namely the first and second World Wars.

Rick Steves Believes This Underrated Country Is Europe's 'Best Kept Secret'

"Where is Moldova?" you may ask. Moldova is a small, landlocked nation between Romania and Ukraine, and it is the least-visited country in Europe. In 2023, 391,000 tourists visited Moldova. It was a record-breaking number for the former Soviet state but still a tiny fraction of Europe's visitor numbers. One can expect a rough edge in Moldova's towns and cities. The nation has struggled since independence in 1991 and remains one of the poorest countries in Europe.

Discover The Least-Visited Country In All Of Europe For A Scenic, Affordable Wine Paradise

It's not the controversial "Paris Syndrome" that's ruining vacationers' trips to the Eiffel Tower — it's other tourists. The Eiffel Tower is among the most visited tourist attractions, with nearly 7 million people traveling to the City of Love every year to see it. Considering just how many people want to see France's famous landmark, it's not surprising that it can be packed. For some visitors, waiting in line and fighting the crowds ruins the magic of the moment that they flew around the world to experience. While there's not exactly a quiet time at the Eiffel Tower, you'll generally have a much shorter wait and an easier time making your way through the crowds if you come after 8 p.m. in the middle of the week, especially in the off-season.

The Best Times To Visit The Eiffel Tower To Avoid Crowds

We've all got complaints about airports. They may be so overwhelmed with construction that it can take forever to get to your drop off point. Terminals may be so packed that there's no room to sit or charge your phone as you wait for your plane. Getting through security is another hassle that can eat up a lot of precious time. The list is endless and very frustrating. While airport stressors aren't exactly uncommon, there is one airport in Europe that is often referred to as the world's worst one. That stressful airport is Charles de Gaulle in Paris, France.

Avoid This European Airport Often Called The World's Worst

It comes as a surprise to no one that Italians have a serious relationship with coffee. From the time of day you drink it (cappuccinos are only for mornings) to how fast it goes down (an espresso, the most common type of coffee, is taken in just a few sips), even to the type of glass you drink it in (coffee snobs maintain that glass is superior to porcelain), there is a right way to do things. And for Italians, drinking coffee (which means espresso — not a big cup 'o Joe) while standing at the bar for a fresh, foamy shot is not only the right way to drink it, it's the cheap way.

Why Sitting Down For Coffee In Italy Will Cost You More Money

South America has a certain allure that can't be denied. Its plentiful, vibrant cities and bustling street culture can easily draw tourists from across the world. But make no mistake, there are some destinations in the extensive continent that even seasoned travelers may want to think twice about visiting. Though history buffs may love the idea of treading the same streets as drug kingpin Pablo Escobar in Medellín, Colombia, trying out one of Brazil's famous Caipirinha cocktails from a stand in a favela, or hiking one of South America's most iconic trails, we wouldn't recommend booking the next flight to locations on our list.

Think Twice Before Visiting These Dangerous South American Destinations

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Total Apex Sports & Entertainment

The month of September could be somewhat of a challenge for three zodiac signs. Each of these signs will discover a secret that will affect their lives. Although the effects of these revelations may be minor, there is a chance they could be difficult. The stars are showing us that Aquarius, Capricorn, and Libra can expect something to be revealed to them this month. Let's talk about each of these signs and what they can expect.

3 Zodiac Signs Who Discover A Secret In September

For tourists, India is one of the most interesting destinations to visit. However, it's also quite daunting, especially for unseasoned travelers. Culturally and geographically diverse, and with a population of 1.4 billion, navigating through India means something different for everyone. From iconic monuments like the Gate of India to the world-famous Taj Mahal, which has tons of information you need to know about before you visit, India is a history buff's paradise. It's also a place to relax and unwind — especially if you want a solid bang for your buck. If you're looking for a tropical vacation spot that's full of beaches and cozy vibes, you need to see Goa on your next (or first!) trip to India.

India's Pocket-Sized Paradise Is One Of The Cheapest Tropical Vacation Spots Full Of Beaches

The conversation about whether the benefits of tourism outweigh the drawbacks is ongoing, with the global tourism market nearing its pre-COVID pandemic levels. Many popular travel destinations around the world are dealing with the impact of mass tourism. Venice, for example, has become the first city to introduce fees for visitors and caps on tour group sizes, while Bali faces growing concerns for the longevity of its coral reefs due to overtourism. Travelers are becoming increasingly aware of the impact their vacations have on the environment, local businesses, and wildlife. Sustainable tourism is a growing trend in travel, as more people carefully plan trips to ensure that their visits contribute to long-lasting positive change and improvement to the local area and its inhabitants.

Avoid Crowds At This Secret Tropical Island Recognized As A World Leader In Sustainable Tourism

Los Angeles County, CA

Herbie J Pilato

It's been 35 years since iconic actress Amanda Blake died of AIDS-related hepatitis on August 16, 1989. Best known as Miss Kitty Russell on TV's long-running Western Gunsmoke (CBS, 1955-1975), Blake was a trailblazer on and off-screen. This is her tragic yet triumphant story.

In Memory of Pioneer Actress Amanda 'Miss Kitty' Blake ('Gunsmoke'): 35 Years After Her Tragic Death

Hawaii State

Honolulu, HI

Oahu is home to all kinds of world-famous sites from the Pearl Harbor National Memorial to the North Shore with some of Oahu's most beautiful scenery. The island's got some world-class shopping too, and one of its most impressive retail destinations is Honolulu's Ala Moana Center. First opened in 1959, it's grown to become the world's largest open-air shopping center with 2.4 million square feet spread over four floors — wear comfortable shoes! Each year, over 50 million people visit the hundreds of stores and dozens of restaurants. While it is open-air, complete with trees growing and lots of natural light, there are still roofs over the shops themselves, so you won't be caught out in the rain while you're trying to shop!

The World's Largest Open-Air Shopping Mall Is A Hawaiian Gem With Beach Views

California State

Redding, CA

Everyone loves waterfalls, right? Deep in the far reaches of Northern California lies the spectacular Shasta Cascade region, a hidden gem containing what Theodore Roosevelt referred to as "the eighth wonder of the world." Known as California's "waterfall mecca," the Shasta Cascade region is nothing short of a natural wonderland. The world-famous waterfall loop lies at the heart of this haven, allowing visitors to experience up to six waterfalls in just one day or up to 13 in three days, depending on the adventure you're craving.

This Region Known As California's 'Waterfall Mecca' Is An Awe-Inspiring Mountain Paradise

Kansas State

Arkansas State

Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas are often known as flyover destinations; places people are more likely to fly over than to choose for a vacation. However, travel expert and TV host Samantha Brown has a love for these lesser-visited destinations, which she shared in a blog on her website. One of the regions she raves about is the Ozarks, which comprises several flyover states that might not come to mind when you're looking for a getaway in the U.S.

This Scenic Region Is A Hot Spot For Midwesterners Craving A Fall Vacation, Per Samantha Brown

Orlando, FL

A trip to Orlando can be an attractive-sounding endeavor, especially if you're vacationing with children or are a kid-at-heart yourself. There is something significant to consider before booking that central Florida experience, though. Annually, Orlando sees a heavy influx of tourism, with 2022 and 2023 welcoming over 74 million people each year. For reference, Las Vegas, New York, and Los Angeles ended 2023 with only 40 million, 66 million, and 49 million visitors, respectively. So, it's not unfathomable to be concerned over how to be able to find a little peace and quiet when you're done with all the touristy stuff. For your answer, all you have to do is head north for about 40 minutes.

Float Down A Natural Lazy River At This Secret Florida Spring With Picturesque Scenery

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Four of the dead passengers who went down with the 184-foot luxury yacht Bayesian off the coast of Sicily on August 19 during a storm likely ran out of oxygen while trapped in an air pocket in one of the cabins of on the submerged ship, according to autopsies released Wednesday. Medical Examiners at the Forensic Medicine Institute of the Palermo Polyclinic hospital stated that Chris Morvillo, his wife Neda Morvillo, Morgan Stanley executive Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Anne Bloomer died from “atypical drowning.” This means that they did not directly die from water intake as would a person...

Autopsies Show Four on Mike Lynch’s Yacht ‘Dry Drowned’

Kentucky State

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Jefferson County, KY

Louisville, KY

Northern Kentucky Tribune

Federal, state and local public health officials have confirmed the first case of the Oropouche virus in Kentucky and Jefferson County in a person who had returned to Louisville after traveling to the Caribbean.

Health officials report first case of Oropouche virus, aka ‘Sloth Fever,’ confirmed in Kentucky

It's been nine years since actor/writer/producer Jack Larson died of unknown causes at 87 in 2015. He initially found fame with his portrayal of the original Jimmy Olsen in classic TV's syndicated sci-fi superhero series, Adventures of Superman (1952-1958). Larson also happened to be openly-gay in the sometimes closeted-world of Hollywood. This is his story.

The Not-So Secret Gay Life of 'Superman' TV Actor Jack Larson: 9 Years After His Demise at 87

Los Angeles, CA

L.A. TACO

Taquería Frontera made an immediate splash in Cypress Park's emerging restaurant scene during their soft opening last week. By bringing everything, from their tacos to their employees, from their family’s small Tijuana taco chain, Tijuanazo Taquerías , this new taquería embodies everything we love about Tijuana’s taco life. Most admirably, it’s built to encourage conversations on border politics by figuratively hoping to replace the borders people maintain between each other with their delicious Tijuana-style tacos.

L.A.’s Next Top-Tier Taquería Brings Border-Defying Asada and Perfect Al Pastor to Cypress Park

The results for the 2024 best beaches in the world are in, as voted by thousands of travel experts for The World's 50 Best Beaches, the ultimate guide for beach lovers. Ranked among some of the very best is the Philippines' Entalula Beach in Palawan. It joins the likes of Trunk Bay (U.S. Virgin Islands), Cala Mariolu (Italy), Meads Bay (Anguilla), and Voutoumi Beach (Greece). Not only is this remote corner of the world famous for its wildlife and natural wonders, but it has also been recognized as a top beach vacation destination.

Find True Bliss At This Uncrowded Philippine Beach Ranked Among The World's Best

Knowing what to pack for a cruise can be a bit difficult. It's safe to say you won't need snacks, and the vessels are basically small towns on the water, so anything forgotten will likely be purchasable at one of the shops onboard (at inflated prices, of course). Perhaps it's easier to just start with what you can't bring on cruise ships, which includes obvious items that aren't allowed on planes either — as well as some common entertainment items that are a bit surprising.

These Common Entertainment Items Are Shockingly Banned On Cruise Ships

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Europe's Second-Smallest Country Is An Underrated Mediterranean Slice Of Coastal Paradise

A coastal paradise smaller than the footprint of New York City's Central Park, Monaco is a tiny Mediterranean country tucked along the French Riviera. Despite its...

Europe's Second-Smallest Country Is An Underrated Mediterranean Slice Of Coastal Paradise

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