The Independent

Thanks in part to the “White Lotus effect“ (the country featured in season two of the hit show), Sicily has become increasingly popular with travellers over the past few years. As the largest Mediterranean island, located just off the main peninsula of Italy, the country is home to beautiful beaches, quaint hilltop towns, and impressive architecture. The summer months can get very hot – July and August are probably best spent sipping an Aperol spritz by the beach – while the less stifling temperatures in the low seasons are ideal for visiting festivals, exploring the many archaeological sites and maybe...

Where to visit in Sicily: 9 best places for beaches, architecture and Italian charm

If you dream of joining the jetsetters vacationing on Italy's famous Amalfi Coast, you're not alone. The area gets almost five million tourists each year (via Euronews), and it's easy to see why. The Amalfi Coast has beautiful beaches and plenty to see and do. Of course, along with that comes the cost. According to Champion Traveler, a solo traveler visiting the area for a week will spend around $1,701. However, there is a less expensive and absolutely gorgeous spot to check out instead. It has fewer tourists and will set you back a lot less: Cefalù.

This Gorgeous Italian City Is A Cheaper, Calmer Alternative To The Crowded Amalfi Coast

In collaboration with Stockinger/Deutsch Architects, Labvert unveils a series of private villas for Falkensteiner Hotels & Residences on the Croatian coast. Situated on a peninsula just ten minutes north of Zadar, these villas form part of the Falkensteiner Resort Punta Skala. Each villa spans 200 sqm and features a two-story cubic structure made of solid natural stone, reflecting the characteristics of traditional Dalmatian architecture. While the street-facing facade is closed and protected, the garden side is designed with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views of the Zadar archipelago. The villas are framed by five concrete columns and a wooden pergola structure, creating an ensemble of private retreats with access to the resort amenities. The spacious outdoor areas of the complex are oriented towards the Adriatic Sea. ‘Our aim was to create a balanced and calm ambiance and thus the ideal setting for a relaxed vacation experience. The design reflects the natural material diversity of the Croatian coast and picks up on the special features of Dalmatian architecture. A gentle harmony of colors has created a refuge that meets the highest standards.’ architect Stephan Vary, founder of Labvert, shares.

concrete-framed 'punta skala' villas by labvert overlook the adriatic sea in croatia

Snow-capped Mount Fuji, almost perfect in its elegant symmetry, is the most iconic image in Japanese art. An active volcano that last erupted in the 1707, Fuji is held sacred by many Japanese people, for whom a pilgrimage to the summit of "Fujisan" is a summer tradition of long standing. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Fuji is summited by 200,000 people a year during the short climbing season (per Japan National Tourism Organization), which runs from July 1 through September 10 on the most popular Yoshida route. But there's a good reason for that short season, and that's the absolute brutality of the freezing wind that whips around Mount Fuji's high, cratered peak, rendering it unapproachable by ordinary hikers for all but a couple months out of the year.

The Scary Reason Climbing Japan's Iconic Mount Fuji Is Prohibited For Most Of The Year

The Grand Canyon, a glacier in Iceland, Mount Etna. And then Africa and northern Italy. For those who love nature vacations, there are countless alternatives: thousands of national natural parks around the world to visit and discover step by step, photograph, and admire. Among them, today we suggest six, scattered...

6 National Parks to Visit at Least Once in a Lifetime

Mexico's well-preserved Mayan ruins serve as a beautiful reminder of Central and South America's unique history and cultural heritage. While Chichén Itzá is the most famous (and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World), it's also busy and often over-crowded with tourists. For something a little more off-the-beaten-track, look no further than Palenque. This beautiful region is in the southern state of Chiapas, which shares a border with Guatemala. Not only is it home to some incredible Mayan ruins, but it's also where you'll find Agua Azul — a series of stunning limestone waterfalls with impossibly blue water. Hidden in the jungle along the Xanil River, this is the perfect place to cool off in Mexico's tropical climate.

One Of Mexico's Most Visited Waterfalls Is A Beaming Blue Water Gem With Jungle Views

If you're packing for a trip to another state in America, it's pretty easy to figure out what is acceptable clothing. We're used to the expectations of fashion here and usually what you're looking up before you pack is simply the weather. It can be different in Europe, where it's easy to make common clothing mistakes. Some countries (like Italy, for example) expect you to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches or holy places. In others, wearing swimwear anywhere except for the beach is a no-no. In one country, however, the item of clothing you shouldn't wear is shorts. That country is Austria and though the city of Vienna is more liberal than the rest, most of the time it's best to make a different choice.

Don't Bother Packing This Common Type Of Clothing On A Trip To This European Country

Set around the shores of Lake Toba, a sea with hills which sprang up from under its black surface on to be believed the caldera that was biggest in Earth. Shell from the north of Sumatra Indonesia Lake Toba was so beautiful and peaceful that had affected almost every visitor heart.

Lake Toba: Serenity by the World’s Largest Volcanic Lake

New York State

Adventure On SI

If you are planning a visit to New York this summer, these five waterfalls are must see stops on the trip.

5 Best Waterfalls to Visit in New York This Summer

Chicago, IL

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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?

Saint Augustine, FL

Shaun Melady

St. Augustine, Florida, is a charming coastal town steeped in history, offering visitors a unique blend of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied city in the United States, boasting a rich tapestry of Spanish, British, and American influences.

America's Oldest City, St. Augustine, Boasts Rich History, Stunning Beaches and Delicious Food

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

Colorado State

While Machu Picchu might be the obvious destination to see ancient ruins, American explorers can visit an attraction much closer to home. In Colorado's southwestern corner is one of the nation's most impressive archaeological spots — Mesa Verde National Park. President Theodore Roosevelt established the park in 1906; never before had a national park been made "specifically for the preservation from injury or spoliation of the ruins and other works and relics of prehistoric or primitive man," per the United States Code.

One Of The US' Most Underrated National Parks Is This Archaeological Wonder In Colorado

South Carolina State

Myrtle Beach, SC

Southern Charm

Myrtle Beach, SC - South Carolina's coastline boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in the United States. From bustling tourist destinations to serene, natural retreats, the Palmetto State's beaches cater to a wide range of visitors. Here, we explore some of the most stunning and popular beach spots in South Carolina for 2024.

The Most Beautiful Beaches in South Carolina

Despite the world's obsession with Tuscany as a holiday destination, Grosseto seemed to have been left off the tourist map. However, it's now showing Italy how tourism can be done. When I first set out for the city of Grosseto in early spring, it was a part of Tuscany I'd...

Grosseto: The snubbed Italian town that's now winning awards

Nestled in the heart of Chihuahua, Mexico, lies a natural wonder that rivals the grandeur of the Grand Canyon yet remains a hidden gem to many travelers. The Copper Canyon, or "Barranca del Cobre" as it's known locally, is a breathtaking network of six interconnected canyons that sprawls across an impressive 25,000 square miles. This awe-inspiring landscape offers visitors a unique blend of adventure, cultural richness, and natural beauty that promises an unforgettable journey.

Unveiling the Majesty of Copper Canyon: Chihuahua's Hidden Treasure

J. Souza

Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, a $1.35 billion behemoth of the sea, has recently been introduced to the world since its maiden voyage on July 19th. The ship, boasting nearly 5,700 passengers and a crew of over 2,200, offers an array of amenities designed to cater to multi-generational families on shorter 3- and 4-day itineraries.

Cruise Passengers Not Happy About Feature on World's Newest Mega Ship

Mens Journal

Three unforgettable days in this historic colonial town and tequila shrine are the ultimate Mexico escape.

Here's Your Perfect Hidden Escape in the Heart of Mexico

Oklahoma State

Home to rich Native American heritage, towering mesas, and one of the most budget-friendly cities in the South, Oklahoma is the state that keeps on giving. Whether you're road tripping around its scenic byways, stopping by to refuel at a quirky gas station that sells over 700 types of soda, or heading out on a scenic hike that ends with a refreshing dip in a waterfall, this southern destination is brimming with natural beauty and laid-back charm — and, sure, a touch of cowboy culture, while you're at it.

This Underrated State Park Is A Unique Southern Gem Full Of Wildlife And Water Activities

The US Sun

A BRITISH man has tragically drowned in Lake Como while on holiday with his girlfriend in Italy. The 22-year-old student and his partner rented a boat on Wednesday evening but struggled to swim back to it after taking it out on the water. Strong winds pushed the boat far out...

Brit tourist, 22, drowns in front of his girlfriend, 19, in Lake Como after boat drifted away in strong winds

NewsBreak

Visit This Breathtaking Italian Destination To Hike Europe's Largest High-Alpine Meadow

The Dolomite mountain range's Alpe di Siusi might just be the most idyllic meadowland in all of Europe. Its rolling pastures, vineyards, and farmlands exude the...

Visit This Breathtaking Italian Destination To Hike Europe's Largest High-Alpine Meadow

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