The wettest and driest countries in the world

Our planet is a vast tapestry of contradiction, with some places on Earth entirely inhospitable, while other places thrive with life. Well, one thing always remains true: all of existence relies on water to survive. That said, some countries receive more of it than others. Every year, nations measure how much rainfall they receive, and the numbers tell an intriguing story of struggle and sustenance. Curious? Click through this gallery to see which countries rank among the wettest and the driest on the planet.

Former RAF airfield is new home for Middle Earth

Bovingdon Airfiled Studios is also where films such as 1917 and Deadpool & Wolverine were filmed.

Did You Know? This Year's Preview Ball Had Its Very Own Cafe

Here's what you need to know about Preview Cafe!

Orienteering courses remapped after storm damage

A £2,500 grant will allow damaged orienteering courses to be remapped and new ones to be created.

Rome considering limiting tourist access to Trevi Fountain

ROME — Rome is considering limiting access to the Trevi Fountain, one of its busiest monuments, ahead of an expected bumper year for tourism in the Eternal City, city council officials say. The Italian capital is preparing to host the 2025 Jubilee, a year-long Roman Catholic event expected to attract 32 million tourists and pilgrims. Under the draft […]

The top 2 U.S. cities to retire are in Florida—No. 3 is nearly 1,800 miles away

Although this Florida city is well known for its iconic theme parks, it has many other features retirees may find attractive, according to WalletHub.

From food to airfares: Here are PISO promos that are too good to miss

Time to eat and travel for P1! It's the weekend leading to the 9.9 sale. If you're on the hunt for good deals that are worth checking out, look no further as PhilSTAR L!fe compiled some of the best PISO deals you can avail of right now. Some are only available for one day, while others will run until Monday, Sept. 9. From food to travel deals, here...

'Gloucester Day is part of what makes this city unique'

The event is held annually to celebrate the city's history and includes a full programme of events.

Resort's summer parking revenue hit by poor weather

Poor summer weather, the Olympics and Euros sees dampening affect on Blackpool tourism.

Impressive video footage shows how Ukraine destroyed key bridges in Kursk

Tawsan Mangroves in N. Cebu: Explore this new travel destination

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Want to reconnect with nature in a thrill and fun adventure in the north? Danao City just launched on August 28 their newest tourist destination, the Tawsan Mangrove Forest Ecopark located in Brgy. Guinsay in northern Cebu. Tawsan is home to at least 21 Mangrove species including the hybrid ones that were man-made and naturally grown. It is also a home to various marine life including shrimps and fishes. Tawsan was...

Hotel Mas De Torrent: a luxe farmhouse stay with a Michelin menu

Hotel Mas De Torrent: a luxe farmhouse stay with a Michelin menu - With a Michelin chef at the helm of its restuarant and a prime location, this stunning 18th century Catalan farmhouse is perfect for a shoulder season break says Joel Porter

A foodie’s lens: Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia

I finally got a taste of authentic Indonesian cuisine in Indonesia! Pope Francis Tour of Asia I flew to Jakarta for the Apostolic visit of His Holiness Pope Francis from Sept. 3 to Sept. 6. Pope Francis arrived around the same time as I did, before noon in Jakarta. I was frantically trying to look for him at the airport but it was just business as usual—if you were not informed of his arrival, you would not even know that he was there! But even...

Central London site revealed for Queen Elizabeth II memorial

A national memorial to Britain's Queen Elizabeth II will be located in London's St James's Park, which holds "historical and constitutional significance and personal connection" to the late monarch, the UK government said Saturday. "The national memorial will be located in St James's Park, right in the heart of the capital, providing everyone with a place to honour the Late Queen and connect with the shared history we cherish," he added.

Campaigners march in call for urban wetland

The march was part of a wider "day of action" to call for the restoration of rivers and streams.

Bohol authorities search for dive guide who vandalized corals

The local government of Bohol is offering a P200,000 reward to identify the dive guide who allegedly vandalized corals off Virgin Island in Panglao. According to a 24 Oras Weekend report, the Province of Bohol ordered the temporary closure of a snorkeling site on the island starting September 9, 2024 following the vandalizing of corals. It is said that 13 names were written on the corals. Harming a coral reef ecosystem is prohibited and...

Your pictures on the theme of 'still life'

A selection of photos from our readers on a set theme.

The 'joy and despair' of owning a threatened tower

Its owner feels the sea views are "slightly tainted" by the ever-present threat of coastal erosion.

Discover the 30 most exhilarating Munros

Munros are the tallest mountains in Scotland, all must fit the criteria of a height of over 914 m (3,000 ft). The original list of Munros was first compiled by Sir Hugh Munro in 1891, and has been sporadically updated at various times ever since. There are now officially recognised 282 Munros in total, and in this gallery we show you 30 of the best when it comes to pure challenge and adventure! Click on to discover them.

A beginner's guide to backpacking in the wilderness

Imagine trekking through the wilderness only carrying a backpack. Whether solo or accompanied, backpacking can be an exciting adventure! But before you lace up your boots and pitch the tent, it’s important to truly prepare. From knowing what to pack to how to dress and even what to do in case of an emergency, you should come ready for anything and everything. Curious to learn how to start your backpacking journey? Click through to find out more.

Maroons off to flying start

MANILA, Philippines — Host University of the Philippines finished what the Eraserheads, its iconic alumni band, started by declawing rival Ateneo, 77-61, to kick off its redemption tour with a bang in the UAAP Season 87 opener yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Drawing energy and inspiration from the legendary rock stars, the Fighting Maroons turned the jets on in the second quarter to build a double-digit lead then unleashed a gripping...

How to pick the best preschool or child care center for your child

Preschool options are growing with the expansion of early learning programs, giving families in some parts of the U.S. a dizzying array of choices. Some states, like Colorado and New Mexico, are funneling state money into existing private preschools or child care centers. Others, like California, are expanding preschool through the public school system. Some cities are launching their own universal preschool programs. In the 2022-2023 school...

Countries to visit that love American tourists

It isn’t until you leave the US that you become aware of your Americanness. While some places are actively working to decrease tourism, others still very much appreciate the incoming dollars. Besides, our ways are celebrated in many parts of the world, contrary to what you might hear. Check out some international travel destinations that happily welcome American tourists!

Dumping two bags cost fly-tipper £1k in crackdown

Hull City Council has said incidents of fly-tipping "will not be tolerated".

OTS confiscates undeclared P1 million at Clark airport

MANILA, Philippines — The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) at Clark International Airport intercepted a South Korea-bound passenger who failed to declare the P1 million he had in a hand-carry luggage. OTS screening officers Me-an Tongol and Reynald Remotin noticed the bundles of money as the bag passed through X-ray at the final security checkpoint on Friday. Mark Almase, Customs assistant deputy collector for passenger services at the...

Boracay, Cebu, and Intramuros Hailed Asia’s Top Tourist Spots at 31st World Travel Awards

The Philippines and its premier tourism destinations Boracay, Cebu, and Intramuros received astounding recognition at the recently concluded 31st annual World Travel Awards (WTA). The Southeast Asian nation proved to be a top choice for tourists in the Asian region, bringing home eight awards from the Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony held on September 3, […] The post Boracay, Cebu, and Intramuros Hailed Asia’s Top Tourist Spots at 31st World Travel...

Artwork on display in Botanical Gardens

The Art in the Gardens event is taking place at Sheffield Botanical Gardens this weekend.

A beach as it might have looked 1,000 years ago: Sardinia’s north-west peninsula

People rave about La Pelosa beach in Sardinia’s north-west: it has “stunning white sand”, “clear turquoise water”, “breathtaking beauty” and is one of Lonely Planet’s best beaches in Italy. But please don’t go there. Even a decade ago when I was first checking out Sardinia’s glorious coast, crowds and costly parking at La Pelosa put me off. Now a private beach, it is a sad victim of its own success and a million social media posts. Would-be...

Raising kids can be lonely, even for couples. We decided to move abroad and travel more.

My house felt like an island even though I had my husband and three kids. We've done things to feel less alone while raising kids.

TIEZA COO Mark Lapid honored twice at 2024 OFW Party List Impact Awards

PASAY CITY, Philippines – Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid was one of the distinguished recipients of the 3rd Impact Awards by the OFW Party List and Buhay-OFW Foundation, Inc. Lapid received both the Exemplary Public Servant Award and the Collaboration Champion Award during the ceremony held on Thursday, September 5 at the Manila Ballroom, Marriott Hotel, Newport, Pasay City. The...

Wynn Resorts paying $130M for letting illegal money reach gamblers at its Las Vegas Strip casino

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Casino company Wynn Resorts Ltd. has agreed to pay $130 million to federal authorities and admit that it let unlicensed money transfer businesses around the world funnel funds to gamblers at its flagship Las Vegas Strip property. The publicly traded company said a non-prosecution settlement reached Friday represented a monetary figure identified by the U.S. Justice Department as “funds involved in the transactions at issue” at...

County town in running for great place award

The awards are for the 'best, most enduring or most improved urban environments' in the country.

The Cooper Manning-Texas Longhorns flag rumor taking over Ann Arbor, explained

Welcome to FTW Explains, a guide to catching up on and better understanding stuff going on in the world. Have you seen some stuff about a Texas Longhorns flag flying at an Ann Arbor hotel? And you’re very confused about that whole thing? Don’t worry. We’re here to help.

Turkey at its sun-kissed, laid-back best: why Göcek makes the perfect Lycian base

When Bodrum and I first met, 30 years ago, my main thought was that it was a long way from anywhere. In summer 1994, when I worked as a holiday rep, there were no international flights to Bodrum’s small airport and only a few holidaymakers made the four-hour trek from Dalaman airport. Famous for its picturebook Crusader castle and waterfront lined with gulets (wooden sailing boats), Bodrum was back then a working town that just happened to have...

Moving to Mexico: What You Can Afford on a $2,000 Monthly Budget

Mexico's affordability, combined with its rich culture, beautiful landscapes and year-round warm weather, makes it an appealing destination for expats seeking a better quality of life. In fact, twice...

My family went back to Scotland for the first time in 6 years. The restaurants were allergy-friendly, and we were surprised by how friendly people were.

My family has dual UK and US citizenship and recently returned to Scotland on vacation. Here's what surprised us about Glasgow.

History's mega blasts: Exploring the world’s largest nuclear explosions

Ferry service extended due to popular demand

The Saltash Ferry service has been extended until 3 November.

Closed doors: Trump can't visit these countries

Boeing's Starliner capsule just landed with no crew aboard. What's next for this astronaut taxi?

Starliner's recently completed Crew Flight Test mission faced several technical problems in space. Will NASA certify the spacecraft for long-duration astronaut flights?

The best islands to visit in the Stockholm archipelago

The Stockholm archipelago is the largest of its kind in Sweden. With over 30,000 islands and islets that buffer the city from the Baltic Sea, the vast area has something for everyone. From idyllic villages and coastal towns, except lots of water and serene nature seemingly untouched by civilization. Luckily, visiting the archipelago is easy. During the summer and fall months, you can travel by ferry with Waxholmsbolaget or Strömma, and during the off-season, you can book your excursion with a water taxi or guided tour. Even if you're just in Stockholm for a few days, taking a day trip into the archipelago can be one of the most rewarding parts of your visit. So click on to discover some of the best islands to visit in the Stockholm archipelago.

U.S. Women's Mid-Am site is among most historical clubs in America

You’ll never guess this historical fact about Brae Burn Country Club, host of the U.S. Women’s Mid-Am that began on Saturday. Nestled within the town of West Newton, among residential streets, a hospital and a preschool, is one of the best golf courses in Massachusetts. Dating back to 1897, the club has a rich history of hosting big tournaments and...

Bayfront Hotel Cebu-North Reclamation toasts to a decade of warm welcomes

It feels like just yesterday when Bayfront Hotel Cebu-North Reclamation opened its doors and gave travelers the home away from home they deserve. On September 7, 2024, they celebrate a decade of serving guests with inviting accommodations, exceptional service, and warm welcomes. As Bayfront Hotel Cebu-North Reclamation celebrates its 10th anniversary, it renews its commitment to preserving the warmth and hospitality that has made the hotel a...

Blinken to travel to UK Monday to discuss Middle East, Ukraine

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to travel to the United Kingdom on Monday, the State Department said, a week after Britain suspended some arms export licenses with Israel over equipment that could be used in the war in Gaza. In the trip slated to go through Tuesday, Blinken will open the U.S.-UK Strategic Dialogue, "reaffirming our special relationship,"

Pope on landmark tour welcomed by ‘blessed Papua New Guinea

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — Over mountains, by air, and by sea, pilgrims have flocked to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea’s capital where Pope Francis landed late Friday on a landmark visit. The 87-year-old pontiff will spend four days and three nights in one of the Pacific’s poorest and most troubled nations, addressing politicians and bishops, meeting street children, and travelling to the remote jungle outpost of Vanimo. READ MORE: Pope,...

Historic US forts you need to visit

The United States is peppered with numerous forts, garrisons, and camps—testament to the country's impressive military past. Appearing across the nation as early as the mid-17th century, most of these strongholds were built for defensive purposes. But some served a commercial purpose, as trading posts, for example, or goods depots. Today, many stand as unique National Historic Landmarks, sited within state parks and collected together as fascinating living history museums. Indeed, these installations helped shape American history. Curious? Then click through and learn more.

Unpacking Marjorie Taylor Greene's nation-stirring remarks

Without astronauts, Boeing's Starliner returns to Earth

By Joey Roulette WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Boeing's Starliner spacecraft landed uncrewed in a New Mexico desert late on Friday, capping a three-month test mission hobbled by technical issues that forced the astronauts it had flown to the International Space Station to remain there until next year. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who became the first crew to fly Starliner in June,

Stories of flight mark Inquirer Read-Along with PAL

MANILA, Philippines — The Inquirer Read-Along program reached new heights, as it were, as it found a partner in Philippine Airlines (PAL) for its latest storytelling session for children. A session held at the Philippine Airlines Museum in Pasay City on Aug. 31 featured celebrity guest readers Jasmine Omay and Ronnie Liang, who are both pilots, and Read-Along veteran Rich Rodriguez. Held as part of PAL’s Family Day activities, the event kicked...

Channel Islands Pride events under way in Guernsey

The annual event, which is shared between Guernsey and Jersey, celebrates sexuality and inclusivity.