World

Nepali climbers open Everest summit for the season

Ten Nepali climbers reached the top of Mount Everest late Friday from its southern approach, opening the route for hundreds of summit hopefuls. Most Everest hopefuls are each escorted by a Nepali guide, meaning more than 800 climbers will tread the same path to the top of the 8,850-metre (29,035-foot) peak in the coming weeks.

Your getaway to paradise awaits at Shangri-La Mactan’s Tropical Escape online sale 2024

Step into a realm of tranquility and adventure with Shangri-La Mactan’s Tropical Escape to Paradise; book starting May 11 at midnight through our official website or the Shangri-La Circle app until May 26! For vacationers and paradise-seekers, prepare to immerse yourself in the essence of island life while enjoying substantial savings of up to 35%, turning your sunny dreams into delightful reality. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family...

High-roller swears he was drugged at Vegas blackjack table, offers $1 million for proof

A Southern California real estate developer bought 14 billboards in Vegas offering a $1 million reward for info on who drugged him at a casino in 2021

Movies set (mostly) in a single location

Feeling a little claustrophobic? You're not the only one. Being confined to a single location for too long isn't good for anyone. However, as we're still dealing with a global pandemic, many of us don't have a choice. Though our current situation is unique in many ways, confinement, isolation, and fear of what's outside are anything but. It's a story that's been told in film many times, often based on true events. Click on for movies that are set (mostly) in one single location.

British Airways owner sees profits rise as sales increase and fuel costs fall

International Airlines Group, which also owns Aer Lingus, said it was continuing to see a rebound in leisure travel

Why the Maya civilization is so fascinating

The Maya civilization emerged circa 2000 BCE, and for centuries they ruled over an extensive territory in Central America. This Mesoamerican civilization was incredibly developed for the time, and had unique customs. Unfortunately, most Mayan books were destroyed, but some artifacts and monuments still survive to this day. In this gallery, we travel back in time to pre-Columbian America and bring you a glimpse of what life was like for the Mayans. Click on and discover why the Maya civilization is so fascinating.

A Beloved Burger Spot on the Las Vegas Strip Is Closing After More Than a Decade

Plus, a One Piece cafe comes to Vegas, valet validation at Fontainebleau, and more

A New Fantasy-Rooted Food Truck Serves Up Global Tavern Food and Hobbit Meals in Austin

Caleb Matos is turning Caleb’s Traveling Tavern from a TikTok account into a real-life food truck

Passenger from Dubai held at Clark airport for undeclared cellphones

A woman recently went viral after she went live on social media while being held by the Bureau of Customs at the Clark International Airport for bringing home undeclared cellphone units. According to a 24 Oras report by Jun Veneracion on Friday, the viral video showed the woman confronting BOC personnel on a livestream. She was reportedly held by BOC personnel for repackaged cellphone units that were found on her carry-on luggage. “Yung phone...

Planning granted for Calanais visitor centre upgrade

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has approved plans to upgrade the visitor centre at the famed landmark.

Owner wants beach ban on dogs lifted

Dogs are banned from certain areas of beaches from 1 May until 30 September each year.

Tourist killings expose fragmentation of organised crime at the heart of Mexico’s extraordinary violence

The killings of the Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their American friend, Jack Carter Rhoad, have highlighted the shifting and uncertain fault lines of risk in Mexico, which is simultaneously a major tourism destination and a country with hotspots of extraordinary violence. The trio, who in April went missing in the Pacific coast state of Baja California while on a surfing trip, were later found dead, each killed by a gunshot...

Seven killed as bus falls into river in Russia's St Petersburg

ST PETERSBURG, Russia (Reuters) -Seven bus passengers died and several others were injured after their bus careered off a bridge and into the Moika river in the Russian city of St Petersburg on Friday, the local department of the emergencies ministry said. Russia's Investigative Committee said seven people died in the incident. Earlier reports said six people had been injured on the bus, which

The most beautiful public gardens in the US to visit this spring

Spring is upon us—and with it, glorious blossoming flowers. If you want to see the best springtime has to offer, you might want to view these flowers in one of the country's many public gardens. You can see lakes and fountains, orchids and tulips, Japanese tea houses, and play villages in these gardens. Take a stroll, learn more about horticulture, or simply stop and smell the roses. Here are some of the best public gardens the country.

Astonishing spiritual sites you can visit in the US

Whether you're interested in learning more about other cultures or just want to take the time to meditate and get in touch with your spiritual side, you might want to take a trip to one of the country's many sacred sites. From beautiful temples to labyrinths to mountains inhabited by a fire goddess, this country has been home to many peoples, and many have found spiritual connection here. Take the time to walk through sparkling sands or meditate ocean-side. Just make sure to be respectful of the cultures for whom these places are holy.

The world's most popular dishes

It's hard to say which country has the best cuisine in the world, as there are so many distinctive flavors and styles of preparing food out there. But there are definitely some dishes that have made their mark in world cuisine. Be it Italian, Japanese, or Mexican, even if you've never been to the home countries of some of these dishes, you're probably well familiar with most of them. To feast your eyes (and test your drooling), click on for 30 of the world's most popular dishes. Bon appétit!

The most remote places on Earth

These places are isolated for reasons such as their location or hostile environment, which making them beautifully untouched destinations. Click here to see the planet's most remote places!

There was no Golden Age of flying. We're in it now. | Cruising Altitude

People love to complain about flying, but it's actually amazing and fun.

These extraordinary women changed the world

For centuries, adventure was considered a traditionally male domain. But behind many of the world's extraordinary adventures is a female explorer who didn't experience the same fame as their male counterpart. The truth is that women have time and time again defied convention and social expectations, and the thirst for adventure kept them going. But apart from Amelia Earhart, how many of these groundbreaking women have you actually heard about? From Gertrude Bell to Osa Johnson, click on to discover the incredible accomplishments of these female explorers.

Plane crash lands and overturns in field

A pilot suffered minor injuries when the plane he was flying crash lands in a field near Austwick.

Niseko, Japan: The Best Things to See and Do for Two Days

This ski town is perfect for those who want to experience snow.

20 fun classic beach cars

LIST: Binondo places to have a barkada food trip or 'hindi parang, parang date' like SnoRene in 'Can't Buy Me Love'

Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world, is a culinary haven. It has several food stalls, markets, and restaurants boasting of authentic Chinese cuisine with Filipino flavors. One of them gained attention anew recently, thanks to Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings, whose characters Irene and Snoop (SnoRene) in the hit ABS-CBN series Can’t Buy Me L...

42 incredible things you should do at least once in a lifetime

"You only live once"–it may be a bit cliché, but it makes total sense at this time. As soon as we feel safe to travel, we should all make the most of what this world has to offer. From crossing the Bolivian salt flats to going on a safari, this is our ultimate travel bucket list!

Passengers are carrying plane parts in their luggage to get them to sanction-hit Russian airlines: report

Russian airlines are circumventing sanctions with plane parts carried in passenger luggage, the Financial Times reported, many coming via the UAE.

The most expensive cities to live in this year (is yours on the list?)

Have you ever dreamed of packing a bag and starting over in the hustle and bustle of New York City? Or spending your golden years in the Hawaiian paradise of Honolulu? Sadly, these romantic daydreams are even further from reality than they once were (unless you happen to have won the lottery). The rental markets in these coveted cities have skyrocketed in recent years, contributing to cost-of-living crises breaking out across the globe. In 2024, it truly is a landlord's world. To calculate just how expensive it is to rent in each city, Numbeo has come up with the Cost of Rent Index. According to their website, "This index estimates the prices of renting apartments in a city compared to New York City. If the Rent Index is 80, it suggests that the average rental prices in that city are approximately 20% lower than those in New York City." For reference, the Point2 real estate agency estimates that an average NYC apartment goes for US$4,392 per month. In this gallery, you'll find the 30 cities that score highest on the Rent Index. Click through for a tour of the most eye-wateringly expensive rental markets in the world and find out what they have to offer!

4 Restaurants and Bars to Try This Weekend in the Bay Area: May 10

The best things to do, eat, and drink this weekend from San Francisco to Napa

Sofitel Manila is closing. Here’s what we’ll miss about the luxury hotel

The Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila – one of the country’s most renowned hotels – may be shutting its doors for good. It is said to be making way for ‘refurbishments and renovations,’ while other reports say it will be a ‘permanent closure.’ Full story: https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/travel/sofitel-philippine-plaza-manila-2024-closure-things-to-miss/

Artist Block Winery Is Pairing With Hopscotch For a Unique Art and Wine Experience

Plus, Lan Su’s teahouse unveils a new name, and more news to know

Banksy Universe| Manila 2024 Is Now in BGC

Make sure to visit while it's on display at the Manila Metropolitan Museum.

Countries with the easiest citizenship options

Does the allure of living abroad call to you? Have you thought more about leaving your home country and pursuing life elsewhere but find yourself stumped at how to accomplish this? While citizenship in other countries can be challenging in many ways, this guide will sort through the countries where it’s comparatively easier to get citizenship. From the different types of citizenship options to exactly where you can move and the respective general requirements for each, you’ll have the knowledge and power to choose which option works best with your goals and life circumstances. Start planning your new life today! Click through this gallery to explore where you might call home next.

US regulators investigate credit card rewards 'bait and switch' schemes

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is investigating what it is calling "bait and switch" schemes that are related to credit cards rewards programs.

I was born and raised in Greece. These are the 11 best luxury resorts in the country that are actually worth the money.

As an Athens local, I've stayed at my fair share of Greek hotels. Some of the country's luxury resorts are more worth it than others though.

The best cities in the world to explore on foot

Walking the streets of a new city can be therapeutic. As well as recharging your batteries, it's a great way to get in touch with different people and cultures. Some of the biggest attractions in a city are very spread out from one other, and you have to resort to taking taxis or figuring out the metro system to get around. On the other hand, there are cities which, despite their size, have lots of attractions located close together, so you can travel by foot and make the most of the day. Take a look at the following gallery to find out which cities are best to explore on foot!

Best Primitivo wines to drink in 2024 from Aldi to Ocado

Best Primitivo wines to drink in 2024 from Aldi to Ocado - Be transported to Italy with this bold red wine

Give mom the gift of relaxation at Pico Sands Hotel

THIS Mother's Day, give mom a getaway she'll love. Pico Sands Hotel has curated a selection of thoughtful experiences, designed to ensure moms' complete relaxation and enjoyment when they stay on the property. Start by surprising mom with a thoughtful gift from Grab N Go, such as a custom-made mug. In the evening, step outside the Pico Restaurant Garden Area and enjoy the breeze and starry night as the family shares delicious, freshly cooked...

Sofitel closes after 51 years, citing ‘safety issues’

MANILA, Philippines — The 51-year-old Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City will close its doors starting July 1. “We will cease hotel operations on July 1, 2024, so our last day of business will be on June 30,” Esteban Peña Sy, president of the luxury hotel’s owner Philippine Plaza Holdings Inc. told The STAR by phone yesterday. According to a statement allegedly from the hotel management that made the rounds on social media, the...

Exploring Washington, the "Evergreen State"

Set in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Washington state is an outdoor adventure paradise, a wild and untamed pocket of America that embraces the lush, verdant Olympic Peninsula, the precipitous white-tipped Cascade Mountains, and the whale playgrounds of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. Providing a cultural hit is the city of Seattle, noted for its music history and iconic Space Needle. In fact, there's something for everybody in the "Evergreen State." Click through this gallery for useful travel tips on where to go and what to see in Washington state.

American Airlines union seeks Biden support in contract fight

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dozens of American Airlines flight attendants demonstrated on Thursday in front of the White House as they seek to be allowed to strike during protracted contract negotiations. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants organized the Washington rally along with parallel events at about a dozen US airports. "Flight Attendants are the only employees at American Airlines who have not had a raise in the past five years,"...

Special offers await guests at The Manila Hotel this May

AS May blooms into full swing, The Manila Hotel extends a warm invitation to guests to partake in a monthlong celebration, filled with cherished moments and delectable culinary experiences. Mother's Day takes center stage as The Manila Hotel offers a special staycation rate that's inclusive of an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room and breakfast buffet for two persons. The Champagne Room presents an exquisite Mother's Day set menu, crafted to...

The Latest New Orleans Restaurant Closings, May 2024

A longtime French Quarter spot for dinner and traditional jazz is closing after 35 years, and more closures to know

Universal claims 92% support for theme park plan

The firm says it will converse with stakeholders to decided if the project goes ahead.

Tourists 'understand importance' of new cathedral charge

All the money generated from the new fee will be spent of preserving the Grade 1-listed building.

Holiday hotspot popular with Brits threatens to ban all visitors

Binibeca Vell on Menorca has threatened to ban all tourists after previously telling them to only visit between 11am and 8pm so they can enjoy their breakfasts.

10 Facts about Angkor Wat, the World’s Largest Religious Temple

Angkor Wat is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Here is what we know of its story, from its countless carvings to feats of engineering.

Austin Bakery Texas French Bread Aims to Reopen in Summer 2025

Plus, a downtown hotel is opening a new lobby bar, and more news

Strip search for visitors of inmates halted by BuCor

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) ordered a halt to the strip and cavity searches for visitors of persons deprived of liberty (PDL) on all prisons and penal farms as investigations are being conducted. BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. issued a memorandum to all superintendents to "immediately stop the conduct of such searches until further notice." A review of the policy is also being undertaken, Catapang said. “The investigation is...

Food tourism to boost economic growth

TOURISM Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said food tourism has strong potential to boost economic growth and cultural interchange in the Asia-Pacific region. "Gastronomy tourism is not just about indulging in delicious food; it also has immense economic and cultural benefits for the Asia-Pacific region," Frasco said during the 3rd World Tourism Industry Conference and Business Luncheon on Thursday. "This form of tourism attracts food...

Underexplored places you should definitely visit

Most of tourists tend to go to popular destinations that feature on travel lists year in and year out. But what about the countries not featured heavily on must-see lists? There are some real gems out there that tourists have left untapped. What are some amazing destinations abroad that travelers should start visiting? Click through the gallery to find out.

Former BBC boss to head tourism body

The new board will bring together the six local councils across the region and tourism experts. ism.