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

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

Anyone familiar with the work of Rick Steves knows that he prefers hidden gems over hotspots. Thus, it likely won't surprise you to learn that his penchant for the path less traveled extends to beachfronts. When it comes to a bustling, touristy destination like Mykonos, Steves has his eyes set on a laidback retreat at Agios Ioannis over fighting to claim a patch of sand at the island's more popular beaches.

Rick Steves Avoids Crowds On Greece's Popular Island, Mykonos, At This Underrated Beach

New York Post

Clamping down on mass tourism is in the news lately, as cities around the globe look for ways to deter the hordes and preserve quality of life for the locals.

But there’s one stunning destination most people have probably never heard of that plans on staying out of the spotlight — and they’ve been doing it by severely limiting the number of tourists permitted to enter for a whopping 40 years.

Welcome to Lord Howe Island — that is, if you’re lucky enough to be one of the 400 people allowed in at a time. 



“The longer we can keep it more unique like...

Only 400 tourists at a time can visit this stunning, one-of-a-kind island escape — here’s why

The US Sun

HOLIDAYMAKERS have been warned about a popular scam targeting visitors to popular tourist destinations in Europe. Whether you are visiting the Eiffel Tower or the Trevi Fountain, it is vital to be aware of the various dangers and how to avoid them. While most tourists are aware of taxi scams, only buying tickets for attractions […]

The jewellery trick scamming tourists out of cash across European holiday spots

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

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

Colorado State

Naples, FL

Travel + Leisure

Naples, Florida, is now the best place to live in the country, according to a new ranking.

This City Was Just Named the Best Place to Live in the U.S. for 2024 — and It's Got Near-perfect Weather

Montana State

Columbia Falls, MT

A 72-year-old Montana man shot and killed a grizzly bear after it attacked him while he was alone picking huckleberries, according to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

A 72-year-old was alone picking huckleberries in a Montana forest. Then, a grizzly bear attacked him

Florida State

Key West, FL

The Associated Press

MIAMI (AP) — A group of more than a hundred Haitian migrants arrived in a sailboat off the lower Florida Keys on early morning Wednesday, local and federal officials said. The boat arrived about 100 yards (91 meters) away from a condominium in Key West at 4:00 a.m., and shortly after that law enforcement officers arrived to the scene, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said. Most of the 118 migrants were male, but the group also included women and children, the Sheriff’s Office said.

More than a hundred Haitian migrants arrived in a sailboat off the Florida Keys

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

Lancaster County, PA

NewsByJoshua

Fans of Frisco's Chicken were left reeling as the beloved Peruvian-style eatery announced the closure of all its locations in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The chain, known for its delicious food and strong community values, posted a heartfelt note on its doors, informing customers of the devastating news.

Favorite Chicken Chain Suddenly Closes All Stores, Heartfelt Message Found on Doors

Coral Gables, FL

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Edmond Thorne

Tragic End for South Florida Hispanic Building Tycoon Sergio Pino. Fort Lauderdale, FL - In a shocking turn of events, prominent South Florida homebuilder Sergio Pino was found dead in his Coral Gables home on Tuesday morning. The Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Pino died from an apparent suicide.

South Florida Tycoon Dead After FBI Raids on Homes and Office

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?

Environmental activists were out in force last weekend in Brittany, France, in opposition to the growing number of cruise ship visits. The Stop Croisières BZH and Extinction Rebellion groups managed to block a cruise ship entering the port of Finistère. Protestors Stop Luxury Cruise Ship Guests from Coming...

Protesters Block Cruise Ship From Docking at Port

Years ago, Matthew McConaughey shared that while he and Kate Hudson were filming “Fool’s Gold” in 2008, she made a hygienic request of him.

Kate Hudson says she could ‘smell’ Matthew McConaughey ‘from a mile’

In a new episode of “The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper”, Sara Sidner reports on “Political Violence: America’s Bloody History”. Airs on Sunday, July 21st at 10pm ET/PT on CNN.

Hope as their message: Nephew of Robert Kennedy describes his uncle’s assassination

Ever find the perfect pair of jeans at the thrift store only to find out they are just a bit too big? One fashion influencer has two amazing ways to fix them. Fabiana Cristina (@fabianacristinx) is a fashion fan and influencer who shares her looks and outfit inspiration online. In one TikTok video, she gives followers her expert advice on how to make any jeans fit at the waist.

Fashion influencer reveals ingenious hack to make any pair of jeans fit like magic: 'This just saved me'

TheBoutiqueAdventurer

Are you looking for a leisurely stroll along the beach, with your feet sinking into the soft sands and your eyes gazing at the gorgeous scenery? Well, then, you’re in luck! These 29 best white sand beaches in the United States have a lot in store for you, from stunning backdrops of lush mountainscapes to miles and miles of oceanfront.

10 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the United States

New York City, NY

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

NewsBreak

Spanish town to fine tourists for hogging beach spots

While tourists in Barcelona risk being squirted with water pistols, those in the town of Calpe on Spain’s Mediterranean coast face another threat: a hefty fine...

Spanish town to fine tourists for hogging beach spots

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