Italy has long fascinated travel expert Rick Steves. Despite the country's association with romance and beauty, Steves admires the realness of the place — the primary reason why he warns some travelers against visiting the city of Naples. Italy, especially this part, has a frankness in the air Steves wrote about on his blog in one of the many pieces dedicated to the country he has produced through the years.

The Popular City In Italy Rick Steves Doesn't Recommend For Everyone

There are 227 inhabited Greek islands and plenty of magnificent cities and villages on the mainland, so there are lots of destinations to choose from when visiting this historic and beautiful country. While you're likely familiar with the city of iconic Athens and its spectacular museums, the popular beaches on the island of Mykonos, and Santorini (which can get really overcrowded and, thus, expensive), there are so many underrated options. One destination with enough to do for a whole week at least (or maybe even a lifetime) is the island of Crete.

Experience Santorini Without The High Cost And Crowds At This Underrated Greek Gem

Overtourism is almost a hackneyed phrase for Italy. With around 60 million annual visitors, the weight of tourism is a struggle for historically popular areas like Venice, which is currently piloting a fee program for day-trippers. Similarly, crowds in Rome and Florence are driving visitors to look for alternatives, and it's redirecting the spotlight toward different areas in this vast country. For example, Lake Molveno is a beautiful alternative to the overcrowded Lake Como and the accessible island of Ischia is drawing tourists away from the more crowded and expensive Capri.

The Italian Destination That Boasts Amalfi Coast Views At A Lower Cost With Fewer Crowds

Italy is indeed a beautiful country. From its islands that don't get enough attention to the epic hikes on the active volcano of Mt. Etna, it's a diverse and dynamic combination of land and sea. Although visitors can traverse the Dolomites in the north or maneuver through popular stops along the Amalfi Coast, many first time visitors use Rome as a home base, which is a solid plan. However, once you've followed all the rules at the Trevi Fountain and stood where gladiators battled at the Colosseum, you might be looking for a smaller, more local vibe. Fortunately, there's an alternative nearby that's off the radar for most tourists. It's called Molise, and it's the second smallest region in the country.

Italy's 'Forgotten Region' Is An Unspoiled Coastal Gem Full Of Beaches, Food, And Villages

Jennifer Lopez was attacked by the style police as recent photos of her in The Hamptons made headlines this week. On July 8, the singer and actress was photographed in upstate NY while stunning in a flowing floral maxi dress, choosing a summery look with a cinched waist that more than highlighted her figure.

Jennifer Lopez Pitied In Floral Sundress She’s ‘Too Old’ To Wear

The daughter of Cameroon's president has said she hopes that her coming out as a lesbian can help change the law banning same-sex relations in her country. Brenda Biya told the Le Parisien newspaper that there were many people in her situation and she hoped to inspire them. The 27-year-old...

President's daughter hopes coming out will change anti-gay laws

Travel + Leisure

You're bound to make a new friend in South Africa.

This Stunning Country Has the Friendliest People in the World, According to a New Study

Texas State

Kerrville, TX

New York Post

Andrea Yates, the Texas mom who drowned her five young children in 2001 while in the throes of postpartum psychosis, remains housed in a mental hospital — and if she gets her way, she’ll never be released. 

The Post has confirmed that Yates declined a hearing last month that would have determined whether she was competent to be released from the hospital. 

Under the terms of her conviction, Yates is eligible to undergo a review each year. She has repeatedly declined to be assessed.



The Post has learned that Yates, 60, lives a quiet life inside Kerrville State Hospital, which is intended...

Killer mom Andrea Yates, who drowned her 5 children in a bathtub in 2001, is rejecting the chance to go free

Like Honolulu or Rio de Janeiro, the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, combines big-city sophistication with sun-soaked beaches. And in Puerto Rico’s capital, there are actually three main beaches to consider, each with its own distinct vibe. Vacationing in an urban beach destination such as San Juan offers...

The 3 Best Beaches in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Durango, CO

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has a special route this month.

The Most ‘Scenic Train Ride’ in the U.S. Added a New Golden Hour Excursion — and It Can Be Enjoyed From an Open-air Car

The Standard

A missing American tourist has been found dead on a beach on a small Greek island west of Corfu.The body of the man was found Sunday on a rocky, fairly remote beach on the island of Mathraki by another tourist, local media reported.He had been reported missing on Thursday by his host, a Greek-American friend.The tourist had last been seen Tuesday at a cafe in the company of two female tourists who have since left the island.The victim’s name or hometown have not yet been released by officials.Mathraki, which has a population of 100, is a 1.2-square-mile heavily wooded island,...

Missing American tourist found dead on beach on Greek island of Mathraki

A city where the roads are waterways and the cars are gondolas — Venice is a place you have to experience to believe. Founded in the fifth century, this ancient city is a marvel of human ingenuity floating on 118 small islands, and visited by around 20 million people every year. Venice also gets hot in the summertime, hitting 82 degrees in July. Combine the sizzle with being in the inferno of tourist crowds, and jumping into those azure canals for a dip can sound quite refreshing. However, this is strictly prohibited. The reasons behind this are not just bureaucratic or for the sake of tradition. They are deeply rooted in concerns for health, safety, and the preservation of the city's unique ecosystem and heritage as a UNESCO site.

Disturbing Reasons Why Swimming In Venice's Canals Is Illegal

New York City, NY

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Cheryl E Preston

Yesterday was the third time this year that an ad stating Chelsea Clinton lives in a beautiful Virginia home popped up on my laptop. My computer did not warn me this was a dangerous site, so this time, I clicked on the link.

Chelsea Clinton is rumored to be living in Virginia but probably still in NYC

FinanceBuzz

A relaxing tropical getaway doesn't have to be out of reach. If you're expanding your travel horizons, plan your next escape to one of these unforgettable beaches.

15 Enchanting Beaches to Add to Your Bucket List

Italy is a worthy vacation spot with its architecture, history, and art. Everyone knows that, which leads to a whole lot of tourists. In fact, according to Statistica, Italy received more than 50 million visitors in 2023. That means major crowds, long lines, and a chance you might miss out on what you went there to see (as we did on a recent and very packed visit). However, there is a gorgeous and less crowded vacation spot that looks quite a bit like Italy. That place is Syros Island, the capital of the Greek Cyclades group.

This Uncrowded, Hidden Gem Greek Island With Colorful Streets Looks Just Like Italy

From charming towns to beautiful natural landscapes, Canada has something for everyone. If you feel you've seen everything the country offers, think again.

16 Canada Travel Destinations That Aren't Crowded By Tourists (Yet)

Chicago, IL

Foodie in Chicago

Shortly before 3 AM, people in the Chicago area may have felt their houses shake as a 3.4-magnitude earthquake occurred about 60 miles west of the city. (CHICAGO) The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 3.4-magnitude earthquake around Somonauk, IL. Somonauk is in DeKalb and LaSalle Counties, 64 miles west of Chicago.

Did You Feel the Earthquake?

The results of one of the biggest annual travel surveys in the world are out, and destinations around the world are celebrating their inclusions on lists like “the best river cruises of 2024″ or “the best safari lodges and operators of 2024.” But while businesses may be happy to be included, it’s travelers who should be making moves — especially if they want to visit one of the 25 best islands in the world before they become overrun by their own popularity.

These Are the Best Islands in the World, According to Nearly 200,000 Voters

Irish Star

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced backlash in recent months, with the Duke being criticised for his Invictus Games award and the couple's Spotify deal being axed

Prince Harry is 'really hurt' and 'tension' rises between him and Meghan Markle as couple face 'tough few months'

Malibu, CA

A sun-drenched pocket of salt, sea, and sand, Malibu's coveted hidden beaches are every bit the quintessential California dream. Malibu locals have some of the world's best beaches at the tip of their fingers, with residents just a seashell's throw away from gems like Zuma and El Matador Beach. Only one hour from Los Angeles and a perfect stop on a trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu will transport you with its stunning patches of paradise. While Malibu Surfrider Beach and Point Dume State Beach might top the list of Malibu's most popular beaches, this picturesque stretch of coastline has more than one hidden gem at the base of its towering bluffs.

This Little-Known California Beach With A Hidden Entrance Is A Secluded Paradise

NewsBreak

This May Be Italy's Most Glamorous Island — With a Dramatic Coastline, Grand Villas, and High-end Shopping

The glitzy island of Capri deserves a multi-day...

This May Be Italy's Most Glamorous Island — With a Dramatic Coastline, Grand Villas, and High-end Shopping

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