Ian Hernandez
#1 Country That Keeps Ranking #1 in Happiness—and 3 of the Most Unhappy You Should Know
Finland: The Unshakeable Leader in Happiness Finland: The Unshakeable Leader in Happiness (image credits: pixabay) Every year, Finland seems to dazzle the world by topping the World Happiness Report, holding the #1 spot for six years straight as of 2023. This tiny Nordic nation, with its snow-dusted forests and sparkling lakes, is more than just …
Inside Varanasi: What It’s Like to Visit the City of Death
The Spiritual Heartbeat of Varanasi The Spiritual Heartbeat of Varanasi (image credits: wikimedia) Varanasi, known as Kashi or the City of Light, pulses with an energy that many describe as otherworldly. It is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with roots stretching back more than 3,000 years. For Hindus, Varanasi is the holiest …
Varanasi: Chaos, Rituals, and the Myths Behind India’s Holiest City
The Unstoppable Pulse of Varanasi’s Streets The Unstoppable Pulse of Varanasi’s Streets (image credits: wikimedia) Every day, nearly 1.2 million people navigate the narrow lanes of Varanasi, a city where chaos is not just a backdrop but a way of life. The city’s latest municipal data from March 2024 highlights a 15% increase in road …
1 Country That Keeps Ranking #1 in Happiness—Here’s Why
World Happiness Report 2024: Finland Tops the List—Again World Happiness Report 2024: Finland Tops the List—Again (image credits: unsplash) In 2024, Finland once again claimed the top spot in the World Happiness Report, marking its seventh consecutive year as the happiest country on the planet. The report, released by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, ranks …
Varosha, Cyprus: What It’s Like to Walk Through a Ghost Town No One Was Meant to See
A Glittering Playground, Suddenly Silenced A Glittering Playground, Suddenly Silenced (image credits: wikimedia) Once, the golden beaches of Varosha sparkled with laughter and music. In the early 1970s, this district of Famagusta was the jewel of Cyprus, drawing in celebrities and sunseekers from all corners of the world. Movie stars like Brigitte Bardot and Elizabeth …
How to Maximize Your Vacation Days in 2025
Strategically Aligning Paid Holidays with Weekends Strategically Aligning Paid Holidays with Weekends (image credits: rawpixel) In 2025, U.S. federal employees receive 11 paid holidays, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. A smart approach is to line up your vacation around these dates to extend your time off. For example, July 4th, 2025, falls …
Top 8 Surprising Truths About India’s Mysterious City of Death
1. Varanasi’s Death Rate Defies the National Average 1. Varanasi’s Death Rate Defies the National Average (image credits: wikimedia) Every year, Varanasi records a death rate that outpaces the national average, with 2024 municipal data showing 15.2 deaths per 1,000 residents, compared to India’s overall 7.3. This dramatic difference is closely tied to the city’s …
10 Smart Packing Hacks Every Frequent Traveler Swears By
Choose Ultralight Luggage for Maximum Carry-On Flexibility Choose Ultralight Luggage for Maximum Carry-On Flexibility (image credits: unsplash) In 2024, the global carry-on luggage market saw a 9% increase in sales as more travelers aimed to avoid checked bag fees and delays, according to a recent Statista report. Frequent flyers have shifted toward ultralight polycarbonate suitcases, …
8 Unusual Chinese Street Foods That Might Shock You—Insects Included
Scorpions on a Stick Scorpions on a Stick (image credits: wikimedia) Crunchy, savory, and downright daring, scorpions on a stick are one of the boldest street snacks you’ll encounter in China’s bustling night markets. In places like Beijing and Xi’an, rows of live scorpions wiggle on skewers before being plunged into hot oil and fried …
Top 7 Chinese Street Snacks That Locals Love (But Tourists Fear)
Stinky Tofu: A Pungent Powerhouse Stinky Tofu: A Pungent Powerhouse (image credits: unsplash) Stinky tofu, or “chòu dòufu,” is infamous for its overpowering odor that many say is reminiscent of rotten garbage, yet it remains a beloved snack across China. Recent data from the 2024 Shanghai Food Expo revealed that over 35% of Chinese respondents …
