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

You just can't travel to Paris without seeing one of its most iconic attractions: the Eiffel Tower. However, because it's so popular, tourists often have to battle crowds and wait in long lines depending on when they visit. In fact, the landmark's own website has a page entirely dedicated to the best times of day to visit the Eiffel Tower to avoid the congestion. In addition to the chaos, to head up to the top of the tower, or the "sommet," with an elevator pass, tickets run about €35 per adult (although there are discounted rates for visitors under the age of 24). While viewing Paris in all its glory from the heights of the Eiffel Tower is a big tourist pastime, Islands asked an expert about a better way to take in the city's beauty.

The Less-Crowded, Cheaper Spot To View Paris' Beauty Instead Of The Eiffel Tower

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NewsNinja

An Aldi shopper recently shared her disturbing experience with a moldy rice package from the supermarket, sparking debate. A TikTok user named @defonotlils posted a video on June 6 that quickly became popular, accumulating more than 674,600 views. In the video, she shares what happened after finding out about something.

This is why I don’t shop at Aldi: Woman can’t believe what she found in her packaged rice from Aldi

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

Los Angeles County, CA

Herbie J Pilato

Actor Van Johnson, who died in 2007, was one of Hollywood's ideal films idols. In the 1940s, the charming screen icon was box office gold, and remained a popular presence on TV in shows like Murder, She Wrote (which starred his good friend Angela Lansbury).

The Secret Gay Life & Horrific Car Accident of Actor Van Johnson: 16 Years After His Tragic Death

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J. Souza

Passengers traveling on Carnival Magic were abruptly cut short of their shore excursion in Grand Turk on Monday as the cruise line issued an urgent alert due to deteriorating weather conditions linked to Hurricane Ernesto.

Carnival Cruise Line Rushes Passengers Back to Ship as Weather Worsens

Set approximately 180 miles from Halifax, Nova Scotia, the tiny, isolated Sable Island is a 26-mile-long shifting sandbar that boasts exceptional and unique natural beauty. While it became a Canadian national park reserve in 2013, aside from tourism, it is perhaps most famous for its shipwrecks, as hundreds of vessels have met their untimely and unfortunate demises here. That's just one reason it has a reputation for being among the most dangerous islands in the world.

One Of The Earth's Most Remote Islands Is A Strange, Secret Canadian Gem With Expansive Views

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

It's been two years since actress Kirstie Alley died from colon cancer in 2022 at just 71. She blazed her way to fame with her big break as Vulcan Starfleet Lt. Saavak in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn (1982) and sealed her stardom with her Emmy-winning performance as Rebecca Howe in the last six seasons of Cheers (NBC, 1982-1993). This is her story.

In Memory of 'Cheers'/'Star Trek' Actress Kirstie Alley: 2 Years After Her Tragic Death From Cancer

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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’

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

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

Los Angeles, CA

It's been ten years since beloved Cuban-American actress Elizabeth Pena passed away due to complications from alcohol abuse. Pena was only 55 years old when she died on October 14, 2014, in Los Angeles. She suffered from cirrhosis of the liver "due to alcohol" and had acute gastrointestinal bleeding hours before her demise, causing her heart to stop. She had the disease for months, and it progressed severely in a short time before her death.

In Memory of Adored Actress Elizabeth Pena: 10 Years After Her Tragic Death By Alcohol

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

The northern lights, or aurora borealis as they are known in the Northern Hemisphere — not to be confused with aurora australis in the Southern Hemisphere — are an incredible natural phenomenon and a true spectacle to witness firsthand. Appearing as multi-colored ribbons of light that dance through the sky, the Northern Lights are caused by particles energized by solar storms reacting with the Earth's atmosphere. Named as the number one bucket list activity by Forbes, travelers are more likely to successfully sight the Northern Lights in polar regions where solar activity is strongest. It's little wonder that so many adventurous travelers "chase the lights," a term used to illustrate their elusiveness.

One Of Canada's Best Places To View The Northern Lights Transforms Into A Fall-Colored Haven

San Francisco, CA

California is known for its striking coastline and fun cities, perfect for road tripping, but the Golden State is so much more than just the coast. Exploring California's inland and more rural areas can yield some delightful surprises, like getting a chance to visit the country's oldest cheese shop — Marin French Cheese Co. It's just about an hour's drive from San Francisco (depending on the traffic) in the scenic hills of Marin County. Artisan cheese has been made here since 1865, and you can visit the factory store where you can sample its soft cheeses, buy some of your own, and even enjoy a picnic out next to a picturesque pond. It's hard to imagine a more idyllic setting.

America's Oldest Cheese Shop Is A Scenic California Attraction Both Tourists And Locals Love

More passengers who sailed on the P&O Cruises ship Ventura earlier this year are seeking compensation after getting sick with gastrointestinal symptoms. So far, more than 80 people have instructed law firms to pursue legal action against the cruise line, according to news reports.

Over 80 Cruise Passengers Seeking Compensation from Cruise Line After Getting Sick

Insider

Over the past few years, I've traveled extensively throughout France. Some of my favorite cities to visit are Lyon, Bordeaux, Nice, and Marseille.

I've been to France over a dozen times. Skip Paris and check out these 5 must-visit cities instead.

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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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