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

Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coastline has been crowned the champion for clean swimming spots, according to a recent report by the European Commission and the European Environment Agency (EEA). The report analyzed data from 2023 and assessed the water purity of around 22 thousand bathing spots across 29 EU member...

For the Cleanest Coastal Waters in Europe, Skip Italy and Greece for This Country

While each decade has its own television shows that leave a mark, the 1980s was full of some truly great comedy television. It was the era when we first met Michael J. Fox as Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties. We met the Tanners on Full House and the Seavers on Growing Pains. Then, there was Cheers, The Golden Girls, The Cosby Show, Family Matters, and Silver Spoons. And we can’t forget about iconic shows like Miami Vice, Roseanne, Murder, She Wrote, and Unsolved Mysteries.

Beloved Child Actor, 46, Found Dead Alongside Service Dog

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

Blanco, TX

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Brigid Pfeifer

There were a number of celebrities who passed away within the past week, including two notable actresses: Shelley Duvall and Shannen Doherty. Shelley Duvall passed away on Thursday July 11th at her home in Blanco, Texas. The cause of death was complications from diabetes and news of her death was confirmed by her partner Dan Gilroy.

Two Beloved Hollywood Actresses Have Passed Away This Week

OK Magazine

Matthew McConaughey looked like a different person when he shared a photo of himself after he was stung by a bee."bee swell," the actor, 54, simply captioned a photo of himself with one of his eyes swollen shut via Instagram on Wednesday, July 10. Of course, the star's fans immediately sent him well-wishes. One person poked fun at his catchphrase, writing, "Are you all right all right all right?" while another said, "Get well soon Mr. McConaughey🥰😇. Hopefully, you have an ice 🧊 pack on your eye. Benadryl and hydrocortisone cream will have you feeling better in know time. Get...

Matthew McConaughey Looks Unrecognizable as He Shares Aftermath From Brutal Bee Sting in New Selfie

Insider

After visiting over 40 countries around the globe, a few places — like Los Angeles and Venice — didn't leave me wanting to return.

After traveling to over 40 countries, I have no plans to return to these 4 places around the globe

Many people have a bucket list of one or several travel locations they would like to visit. And these bucket-list destinations are probably not cheap. If you are thinking of going to one of these travel locations in the near future, you may want to consider planning a trip sooner rather than later, as costs to visit these destinations are only likely to increase in the future.

In Less Than a Year, You Might Not Be Able to Travel to These Six Locations

Have you ever daydreamed about spending a lazy week living in a thatched shack in Costa Rica, eating tropical fruits, doing yoga on the beach, and frolicking in the surf? Most travelers with this goal in mind head straight for the thriving expat hub of Nosara, famous for its yoga institute and excellent surf beach. But nobody knows more about enjoyment than native Costa Ricans, so why not follow them to the smaller hamlet of Samara, just 30 minutes away and sharing the Guanacaste province? The famous Costa Rican "pura vida" lifestyle — that's pure living — is one of the reasons this region is a Blue Zone, where happy folks routinely live to 100. And there's no better place to sample that lifestyle than Samara, with its ultra-hip bars and restaurants and dreamy beaches.

This Trendy, Underrated Beach Town In Costa Rica Is Where Locals Go For Vacation

New York Post

A teenager has died after she was attacked by a bear on a hiking trip in Romania.

Maria Diana, 19, was hiking in the Bucegi mountains with her boyfriend when a bear appeared on the hiking track.

Tragically Ms. Diana was on the phone to emergency services when the bear grabbed her leg and dragged her off a 400-foot cliff.

Rescuers said Ms. Diana’s injuries were “incompatible with life.”

Dan Banu, head of the local mountain rescue service, told local media: “She was terrified…you can tell, she was screaming: ‘The bear is getting closer and closer!’

Ultra-runner collides with bear during jog through Yosemite Valley,...

Teen mauled to death by bear in front of boyfriend while on hiking trip

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

CBS News

An American tourist was found dead near the Greek island of Corfu on Sunday, local media reported. It is the latest in a string of recent cases in which tourists in the Greek islands have died or gone missing. Another tourist found the man in the sea near the old port of Mathraki and informed the police, AFP reported, citing local media.The American tourist was reported missing on Thursday. He had last been seen alive Tuesday at a cafe in the company of two female tourists who have since left the island, The Associated Press reported.According to Athens News Agency,...

American tourist found dead in Greece; search ongoing for other U.S. traveler

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

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

FinanceBuzz

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)

Ireland is full of thrilling towns, many of which tourists never get to see. People who decide to vacation in Ireland are often limited in time, meaning they have to pick and choose the best things to do carefully. That means that many tourists end up only spending time in...

Most beautiful towns in Ireland full of activities tourists will love

While everyone should try to visit Barcelona at least once, Valencia is the kind of city where tourists immediately begin fantasizing about finding a little apartment and going digital nomad. It's just so graciously livable. The food is superb, especially the native paellas. Valencia also has one of the most innovative central parks of any major city on the planet, plus a civic arts and museum complex that's an architectural wonder. Throw in a thriving beach scene with clean, clear waters, and you have a city that just beckons to be discovered.

Avoid Barcelona Crowds At This Underrated Spanish Foodie City With Spacious Beaches

The Associated Press

ROME (AP) — Sixty-four people were missing at sea after a shipwreck off the Italian southern coast on Monday, while 11 were rescued and taken ashore to a Calabrian town, United Nations’ agencies said in a statement. In a separate shipwreck, rescue workers found 10 bodies of suspected...

At least 11 people died and 64 are missing after 2 ships sink off the coast of southern Italy

NewsBreak

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

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...

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

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