A dense blanket of toxic smog settled over New Delhi on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, pushing pollution to its worst levels in weeks and prompting authorities to tighten emergency controls. Official readings showed the capital’s air remaining in the federal government’s “severe” category for a second consecutive day, a range officials warn can affect even healthy people and can seriously…
A 400-Year-Old Landmark Threatened by Rising Rents In the heart of Amsterdam, nestled on the lively Haarlemmerdijk street, ‘t Zonnetje tea and coffee shop has stood as a quiet witness to nearly four centuries of history. But today, the beloved institution faces an uncertain future. Its longtime owner, Marie-Louise Velder, 76, plans to shutter the shop at the end of…
A Radical Proposal to Save the “Floating City” Venice, famously known as the “floating city,” is under increasing threat from rising sea levels and gradual subsidence. Over the past century, the city has sunk approximately 25 centimeters, while the sea level has risen nearly a foot. Now, a radical new proposal seeks to lift Venice itself, offering a temporary reprieve…
Once the beating heart of the Byzantine Empire and later a symbol of Ottoman triumph, Hagia Sophia in Istanbul has stood at the intersection of religion, culture, and politics for nearly 1,500 years. Its enduring presence, layered with architectural brilliance and religious significance, tells the story of empires, faiths, and identities that have shaped modern Turkey and beyond. From Pagan…
As global tourism adapts to shifting post-pandemic expectations, all-inclusive resorts are evolving from static beach retreats into gateways for exploration and cultural immersion. From Dominica to the Mediterranean, a growing number of luxury properties are expanding their offerings beyond the buffet line to meet a new kind of traveler: one who wants both comfort and connection. From Relaxation to Exploration…
Workarounds and loopholes allow Russian citizens to vacation in Europe, drawing criticism and calls for tighter restrictions. More than three years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russian tourists continue to travel across Europe, despite visa restrictions, suspended flight routes, and political condemnation. While several countries have moved to block most tourist visas, loopholes in the Schengen system are allowing many…
As spring break kicks off and summer approaches, U.S. national parks are bracing for a turbulent season marked by understaffing, delayed hiring, and the lingering effects of policy changes. What was once a welcome time for families and outdoor enthusiasts may now become a logistical and safety challenge across the National Park Service (NPS) system. Following a January 2025 federal…
