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The City That Tourists Abandoned Overnight—The Haunting Story of Varosha

Ian Hernandez

From Mediterranean Paradise to Forbidden Zone From Mediterranean Paradise to Forbidden Zone (image credits: pixabay) In the early 1970s, Varosha was the beating heart of Famagusta, Cyprus—a glamorous Mediterranean resort destination that drew over 700,000 tourists each year, including celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot. Luxurious hotels lined the golden beaches, and the local …

Is This Really One of the Poorest and Dirtiest Countries—or Just Misunderstood?

Ian Hernandez

Poverty Rates: Digging Into the Numbers Poverty Rates: Digging Into the Numbers (image credits: unsplash) According to the World Bank’s 2024 global poverty update, Madagascar tops the list of countries with the highest percentage of people living below the international poverty line, with an estimated 78% of its population earning less than $2.15 a day. …

Where to Go in Summer Without Spending a Fortune

Ian Hernandez

The Balkans: Europe’s Budget Travel Secret The Balkans: Europe’s Budget Travel Secret (image credits: unsplash) The Balkans have emerged as one of Europe’s most affordable travel regions in 2024, attracting visitors with their stunning coastlines, mountain villages, and vibrant cities. According to the 2024 Post Office Holiday Money Report, countries like Albania, Montenegro, and North …

Why Budget Travel Makes You Happier Than Luxury Trips

Ian Hernandez

Travel Satisfaction Spikes When You Spend Less Travel Satisfaction Spikes When You Spend Less (image credits: wikimedia) A 2024 study by the World Tourism Happiness Index revealed that travelers who spent under $1,500 on a week-long trip reported a 17% higher satisfaction rate compared to those spending over $5,000. The report gathered data from 12,000 …

China’s Street Food Gets Wild: From Insects to Organs and Everything Between

Ian Hernandez

The Surge of Insect Street Foods in 2024 The Surge of Insect Street Foods in 2024 (image credits: wikimedia) In 2024, China’s urban night markets have seen a 30% increase in vendors selling insect-based snacks, according to a March 2024 survey published by the Chinese Culinary Association. Dishes featuring silkworm pupae, grasshoppers, and bamboo worms …

The $500 Challenge: Can You Travel for a Week?

Ian Hernandez

Flight Frenzy: Tracking Airfare Trends in 2024 Flight Frenzy: Tracking Airfare Trends in 2024 (image credits: wikimedia) In 2024, airfare prices underwent surprising fluctuations. According to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) March 2024 report, global average return airfare for economy class hovered around $310 within North America and $680 for transatlantic flights—a 15% increase …

The 8 Happiest Countries to Live In (And What Life Feels Like There)

Ian Hernandez

Switzerland: Prosperity Surrounded by Majestic Views Switzerland: Prosperity Surrounded by Majestic Views (image credits: unsplash) Switzerland’s happiness feels like standing on a mountain peak, breathing in fresh alpine air, and knowing you’re safe and cared for. With high salaries, low unemployment, and a famously efficient healthcare system, stress about daily needs is rare. Swiss citizens …

What Chernobyl Looks Like Today: A Chilling Glimpse Inside the Exclusion Zone

Ian Hernandez

The Exclusion Zone: A Land Frozen in Time The Exclusion Zone: A Land Frozen in Time (image credits: unsplash) Stepping into the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is like walking into a world where time stopped in April 1986. The zone covers about 1,000 square miles, stretching across northern Ukraine and even into neighboring Belarus. The Ukrainian …

1 Ancient City That Could Rival Petra: Welcome to AlUla

Ian Hernandez

AlUla’s Rise as a Global Heritage Site in 2024 AlUla’s Rise as a Global Heritage Site in 2024 (image credits: pixabay) Once a quiet archaeological secret, AlUla has surged onto the world stage as Saudi Arabia’s flagship heritage destination. According to the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), 2024 saw visitor numbers top 330,000—more than double …

Inside AlUla: Saudi Arabia’s Hidden Desert Wonderland

Ian Hernandez

The Echoes of Ancient Civilizations The Echoes of Ancient Civilizations (image credits: wikimedia) Imagine standing before a sandstone cliff carved with mysterious tombs, each bearing silent witness to a civilization lost to time. AlUla’s historical roots run deep, tracing back more than 2,000 years. It was once a vital crossroads for caravans journeying along the …