Food and Drink

Discover the summer island getting rid of time

One of the most common questions asked every day—a question that is likely being asked as you read this—is: What time is it? On one tiny island in northern Norway, they’re asking: Who cares? Sommarøy is an island in West Tromsø, around 321 km (200 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. Its name means Summer Island, which is appropriate since the island offers more than two months' worth of non-stop summer. A dream come true for anyone who has ever wished that those long summer days would last forever. Just in time for the summer solstice of 2019, this tiny island decided to make the lifestyle its residents have been living for years official by declaring itself the world’s first time-free zone. The idea didn't really go through, as the residents of Sommarøy didn't want to sign a law about something they already do. In fact, they all seem strangely relaxed about it, as if they have all the time in the world to figure it out... If you think about it, this island’s philosophy, born of extreme solar circumstances, may be the antidote we all need in a world where we wake up to clocks, are controlled by strict schedules, constantly check our phones to see the time, and ultimately move in synchronized motion to the relentless ticking towards our final days. Yikes! Check out this gallery to learn more about the island making time a thing of the past.

History's greatest watercolor artists

Watercolor is often overlooked as a medium of merit when discussing art history. And yet some of the greatest and most respected artists the world has ever known at some point applied this method of painting during their careers. And there are those whose names are in fact synonymous with this technique, in which the paints are made of pigments suspended in a water-based solution. So, who are the watercolor artists who continue to influence painting today? Click through for a portfolio of artists credited with establishing watercolor as an independent, mature, and respected painting medium.

Go away! Countries that want to reduce the number of tourists

Tourism is bigger than ever before. In recent years, the number of travelers has increased exponentially across the globe, and many cities and attractions are completely overrun by tourists. This might fuel the economy, but when locals begin to suffer the consequences of mass tourism, it's time to re-evaluate and adopt measures to curb the influx of visitors. This is exactly what many governments are doing. From tourist taxes to bans and restrictions, in this gallery, you'll get to know how popular destinations are fighting overtourism. Click through to get started.

A Colossal Snack Chain From China Is Descending on Convoy

Juewei specializes in braised duck parts and other savory snacks

Summer vacation is only getting more expensive for parents, with some spending thousands of dollars on camp: It's 'highway robbery'

Parents told BI that they're spending thousands to send their kids to camp or other summer care.

Where to surf in Europe this summer

Many people associate summer with going to the beach. And what better way to enjoy your time at the beach than riding waves? While traditionally bigger, better waves are not to be found during the summer months, this is still a great time of the year to get some friends together and go on a surf trip in Europe. Miles of Atlantic coast offer a myriad of possibilities for everyone, regardless of your level of ability. You might notice that some major spots are missing from this list, but this is because they rarely work during the summer months. So if you're up for some summer surfing, click on. Whether you're an experienced wave rider or just want to learn how to surf in a cool place, this gallery is for you!

Experience exciting meetings in Clark at MICECon 2024

THE country's meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry is set for a unique and enriching experience as Clark prepares to welcome delegates to the Philippine MICE Conference (MICECon), happening at the SMX Convention Center Clark from July 10 to 12, 2024. Situated just outside Metro Manila and boasting of excellent connectivity, Clark Freeport Zone offers a vibrant convenient location for both domestic and...

Air travel demand is breaking records. Airline profits are not

Investors will get more insight into the outlook for the tail end of summer when Delta Air Lines kicks off earnings season Thursday.

'Rich' Wall Street worker shows how to get money back if flight is delayed or cancelled

A financial expert is warning people going on holiday that they may not be told by airlines about compensation they could get if their flight is unfortunately delayed or cancelled - and explains exactly how to make sure they get paid

How to beat boredom at the beach

Do you enjoy the beach but can't bear the thought of having to remain still on a towel all day while sweating profusely? Then this is the perfect gallery for you! From active alternatives to relaxing ones, in this gallery you'll find the best tips to avoid boredom at the beach. Take a look.

Tourist numbers in Portugal hit record in 2023

Foreign tourists flocked to Portugal in record numbers in 2023 with 26.5 million visitors -- a 19.2 percent jump compared to the year before, the country's National Statistics Institute said Monday. According to the institute, 5.7 million visitors were from Spain followed by Britain and France, with close to three million tourists each.

Film-maker reimagines story classic with Aardman

Leo Wright said he was inspired by a visit to the Black Country Living Museum to make his new film

Uber passenger watches in shock as his ride takes unexpected twist

A passenger taking an Uber ride from Miami International Airport found themselves caught in the middle of a heated incident on Saturday.

Discovering happiness: A romantic journey in Qingyuan

GUANGZHOU, China, July 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- News report from GDToday. Join us on a heartwarming adventure in Qingyuan, where love and happiness fill the air. In this vlog, we follow 100 newlywed couples from around the world as they embark on a romantic journey through Qingyuan's captivating destinations. From wedding gowns and splashing water to thrilling gorge drifting, the excitement is palpable. Amidst the stunning landscapes of Qingyuan,...

Iraq exhibits ancient artefacts returned by U.S. and other countries

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq on Monday exhibited several ancient artefacts that it said had been returned by the United States and other countries, long after they were looted and smuggled out following the 2003 U.S. invasion. Iraqi authorities have been trying to retrieve thousands of archaeological relics missing since the invasion, which was followed by widespread looting in the country that some

Dive in: Take a tour through these amazing underwater attractions

More than 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by water. Unsurprisingly, many of the Earth's ecosystems call our oceans home. However, humans have also left their mark in the waters, scattering them with beautiful—and often tragic—reminders of our existence. Click through the gallery for a virtual tour of some of the world's most wonderful underwater attractions.

PH, Korea agree to more flight seats a week between Manila, Incheon

The Philippines and Korea have signed a memorandum of understanding on increasing the weekly seat capacity from Manila to Incheon and vice versa, by 10,000 from the present 20,000 to 30,000, the Department of Transportation has said. The MOU also imposes no limits on flights from Manila to all other points in Korea as well as flights from points outside Manila to all points in Korea. The DOTr said the increase in capacity would be felt by the...

Couple's retirement dreams in ruins after major highway bypass upgrade

The couple bought 2.7 hectares at Korora on the outskirts of Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast for $118,000 in 1988 with the view to subdividing it into 26 lots and selling it off in years to come.

Thousands stranded after flight cancellations and delays at Gatwick and Heathrow airports

Thousands stranded after flight cancellations and delays at Gatwick and Heathrow airports - EasyJet, British Airways and Ryanair flights were affected

From a busted board to a world title: Anastasia Ashley's unique journey to surf superstardom

Top destinations for travelers who hate heat

If sunbathing on a sandy beach sounds like your version of hell on earth, then these vacation destinations are for you! Far away from the generic sun, sea, and sand locations, these exquisite places offer travelers verdant paradises, icy miracles, and gastronomic treats. Check out the gallery and choose your next vacation, without the sweat!

Artists who recorded songs in another language

Music is an international language that communicates to people, regardless of whether or not they comprehend the lyrics. And while most world-famous artists record in English to appeal to English-speaking fans, many have also recorded in other languages to appeal to a wider market. But whatever the exact reason, there's something really soothing about hearing familiar music sound so different. Click through the gallery to discover artists who recorded songs in another language.

Lesser known all-inclusive holiday park beats Center Parcs to be named best for a family break

Potters Resorts based in Essex and Hopton-on-Sea offer the best family getaway according to a new Which? report, with activities, shows, spas and great nearby attractions to enjoy

Differentiating designs with unpredictability, cultural combinations

THE first thing that strikes you about Uma Nota Manila, the Brazilian-Japanese restaurant that opened a few months ago at the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila is the sense of privacy that it provides its guests. The discreet entrance and exit doors are apart from each other; guests can quietly enter one way and leave another, without heralding their presence and departure, or disturbing the other people by inadvertently ushering the outside noise in...

House of the Dragon is bringing back Game of Thrones’ long travel times

Even a short boat trip can take a long time

San Fermín and other controversial festivals around the world

The traditional Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, is back this week. Many are pleased to see the return of the annual event, but as always, it faces widespread backlash for its cruel treatment of the animals involved. What’s more, women’s rights groups argue that the reckless and adrenaline-fueled event contributes to a lawless atmosphere, which has led to frequent sexual assaults during the festivities. Click through the gallery to learn more about this controversial tradition, along with other questionable festivals from around the world.

Adult summer camps to delight your inner child

Nature hikes, log cabins, swimming in the lake, and arts and crafts fill the summers of most children. Now imagine all of that plus beer. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to summer camp for adults, where you can release your inner child and disconnect from the hectic, fast-paced lifestyle of adulthood. If you're ready for a getaway filled with adventures and play, check out the following gallery with a list of camps you're going to want to attend this summer.

Space tourism: would you try it?

What once seemed like a science fiction fantasy is fast becoming a reality thanks to the Space Race of the 21st century—a battle among billionaires to be the first to offer commercial spaceflights to the average Joe (as long as he can pay for it!). But that's not all. Orbital hotels, luxury space cruises, and day trips to the moon are all under development in this new tourism sector. Discover a world where space travel is no longer a dream, but an emerging reality, opening a universe of extraordinary possibilities. Click through the gallery to see what the future of travel holds.

Villages to celebrate 60 years of friendship

Families in Shilbottle and the French village Héry are close friends after 48 exchange trips.

Alaskan tourist hotspot considers giving locals a break from visitors

Voters living in the capital city of Alaska may pass a measure severely limiting the entry of cruise ships, a potential win for locals who have long been upset over the never-ending flood of tourists.

3 Columbia University officials lose posts over texts that 'touched on ancient antisemitic tropes'

NEW YORK (AP) — Columbia University said Monday that it has removed three administrators from their positions and will keep them on leave indefinitely after finding that text messages they exchanged during a campus discussion about Jewish life “disturbingly touched on ancient antisemitic tropes.” In a letter to the Columbia community, university president Minouche Shafik and provost Angela Olinto said the administrators have been permanently...

Things that will annoy any airport security agent

After the tragic events of 9/11, stricter security measures were put in place in airports across the world. Going through the security checkpoints as a traveler can be a stressful experience, especially if you're unprepared. But this unpreparedness makes it difficult for the security staff. Travelers talking on the phone, forgetting to empty their pockets, and abandoning their bags on the belt cause frustration for airport employees. So, if you have a flight coming up and want to keep on the good side of the security personnel, click through this informative gallery to discover 29 things that annoy airport security staff.

Elite nightclubs are forcing the Hamptons into an identity crisis

NYC nightclub owners want to open outposts in the Hamptons, and locals are fighting back to keep the beach hideaway peaceful and quiet.

Futuristic 'tram-bus' to launch in London later this summer, Sadiq Khan confirms

Futuristic 'tram-bus' to launch in London later this summer, Sadiq Khan confirms - Twenty of the new buses will operate on one of London’s longest routes

One of Argentina’s Most Celebrated Italian Restaurants Debuts in Wynwood

Argentina’s acclaimed Italian spot, Piegari Ristorante, beloved by celebrities, debuts its first U.S. outpost tonight, July 8, in Wynwood. The restaurant's expansion to the United States marks a major milestone for the company, as it has been a fixture in Buenos Aires for 30 years. Menu highlights include dishes like Corde di Chitarra alla Carrettiera, guitar string pasta with pomodoro sauce; Ravioli alla Piegari, spinach and ricotta ravioli...

More Credit Card Holders Now Eligible For Simplified Korean Visa

Pack your bags and say, "Annyeonghaseyo!"

Cebu Pacific boosting flight network in Clark

MANILA, Philippines — Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific is reactivating its Clark flights to four cities around the Philippines to improve connectivity to Visayas and Mindanao from the north of Luzon. Cebu Pacific is scheduled to resume in October flights from the Clark International Airport to Puerto Princesa, Iloilo, Davao and Gen. Santos City. Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Alexander Lao said the airline is expanding its...

Palace declares August 15 a special non-working day in Bulacan

MANILA, Philippines — The Palace has declared August 15 a special non-working day in Bulacan province for its founding anniversary. In Proclamation No. 625 signed July 5 by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recognized that the people of Bulacan must be “given full opportunity to enjoy the celebration. “I, Lucas Bersamin, Executive Secretary, by authority of the President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., do hereby declare...

Nature's deadliest assassins

For all its mesmerizing splendor, the animal kingdom can be a dangerous place to live. Among its millions of diverse residents are some truly menacing creatures: mammals, birds, and insects that can end life in an instant. And guess what? There are species of carnivorous plants out there, too. These natural born killers have devised ingenious ways to lure and capture their prey to make them nature's deadliest assassins. Indeed, they number some of the most fearsome predators on the planet. Intrigued? Click through and be in awe of wildlife with the sneakiest kill tactics.

Boeing to plead guilty to avoid trial over fatal 737 Max crashes

Lawyer for relatives of crash victims blasts plea agreement with US Department of Justice as a ‘sweetheart deal’.

BI reports 1M outbound travelers in June alone

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) noted a rise in international travel during the month of June, attributing the spike to the school break that allowed families to have their vacations abroad. “In April, we only saw an average of around 32,000 passengers a day, but in June that number rose to around 36,000,” Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement on Sunday. In April, the BI said a total of 946,092...

Flights to Bantayan Island From Mainland Cebu Starts Soon

This new flight cuts your travel time from five hours to 45 minutes.

Millions to 'work from beach' in summer thanks to lax remote policies

It is thought that more than six million Britons plan to use the flexibility to do their jobs while on holiday, with some using it as a chance to spend more time abroad than they would have otherwise.

Discover America's 30 most stunning national parks

America’s first national park, Yellowstone, was established in 1872. Forty-four years later, the National Park Service was created to “conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein." Today, there are 59 national parks scattered across the nation, each encompassing its own special habitats. They afford visitors fantastic opportunities to explore the great outdoors, and discover nature in all its incredible variety. Here are 30 US national parks that will get you heading for the great outdoors.

What's the right punishment for 'too big to fail' Boeing?

Boeing is one of the largest and most important companies in the US but is it too big to be held to account?

Reward offered for info on stolen ‘Amorsolo’

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The city government of Silay in Negros Occidental has offered P25,000 in exchange for information leading to the recovery of a stolen painting of national artist Fernando Amorsolo. As this developed, police said they are pursuing leads on the identities of people who stole the 88-year-old artwork from the Hofileña Heritage House and Museum located on Cinco de Noviembre street in Silay City. The 1936 painting titled...

Experts reveal the REAL reason UFOs 'target high-speed planes, bombs'

Experts may already have given insight on an alarming pattern that UFOs caught on film seem to follow: flying dangerously close to high-speed planes.

Cebu solidifies position as M.I.C.E. destination

Over 150 business leaders, travel and tour industry stakeholders, entrepreneurs, hoteliers, partners from government and media convened for the 2024 Padayon Cebu: Tourism Forum held at Mactan-Cebu International Airport on July 3, Wednesday. Cebu’s call to action on gastronomy is part of the prioritization of tourism among top drivers of economic growth in Central Visayas, including the finalization of the MICE roadmap and the capacity...

Why British family spent half a year getting to Australia and back for a holiday

Shannon Coggins and Theo Simon, along with their daughter Rosa, made it from Castle Cary in Somerset to Sydney, Australia after embarking on an enormous no-fly adventure

Holidaymakers face huge travel disruption after flights cancelled

Holidaymakers are facing huge travel disruption this morning after dozens of flights were cancelled at London Gatwick and Heathrow airports.