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Queen Maxima to visit Philippines, to push financial inclusion

MANILA, Philippines — Queen Máxima of the Netherlands is scheduled to visit Manila next week in her capacity as United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA). She is expected to stay from May 21 to 23 and meet with President Marcos and top finance officials. The visit will focus on advancing key foundational building blocks for financial inclusion – including connectivity, digital...

Qantas Will Fly Direct from Manila to Brisbane This Year

This is the first time in 10 years the airline will fly this route.

'Hush vacations' trend as remote workers slip off for travel getaways without telling the boss

Today, as more workers are remote, some are slipping in "hush vacations" during work days without officially taking paid time off. Here's what to know about the trend, with expert input.

The mysterious beauty of ancient Maya monuments

The ancient Maya civilization left behind it a remarkable architectural legacy, a collection of fabulous must-see monuments found in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Browse the gallery and visit some of Central America's most outstanding archaeological sites.

Burnouts and boggings: the idyllic Queensland island ‘hammered’ by four-wheel-drives

Jacqui Fitzgerald bought her home in the seaside village of Woorim two years ago, seeking a peaceful lifestyle. She soon discovered it would be anything but. Fitzgerald is on the frontline of Bribie Island’s rapid growth in tourism. Her home borders the entrance to the national park and four-wheel drive beach on the southern tip of the island just north of Brisbane. Cameras outside her home have captured some of the dangerous behaviour over the...

I've lived on the Amalfi Coast for 17 years. Here are the 7 mistakes tourists should avoid making while visiting.

Many travelers visit the Amalfi Coast on a day trip, only visit the most popular towns, and forget to wear the proper shoes for hiking.

From bear watching to circus school: Here are a few unique all-inclusive resorts

Many of these all-inclusive resorts have perks that are so cool they're worth planning a whole vacation around.

Lawmaker wants tourist sites made accessible to PWDs, seniors

MANILA, Philippines — To boost the country’s tourism, House Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar wants tourist destinations to be accessible to senior citizens and people with disabilities (PWDs). In House Bill 10349 or the proposed PWD and Senior Citizen-Friendly Tourism Sites Act, Villar urged the government to engage in accessible tourism practices to encourage more individuals to travel and explore the country’s tourist sites....

Gunmen kill three Spanish tourists in Afghanistan's central Bamyan province

By Mohammad Yunus Yawar, Charlotte Greenfield and Ana Cantero KABUL/MADRID/DELHI (Reuters) -Three Spanish tourists were killed and at least one Spaniard was injured in an attack by gunmen in Afghanistan's central Bamyan province, Spain's foreign ministry said on Friday. Earlier on Friday, Taliban interior ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qaniee had said that three foreign tourists and one Afghan

Red Planet hopes to open a new PH hotel yearly

MANILA, Philippines — Red Planet Hotels plans to expand further its portfolio in the Philippines, with the budget hotel brand looking into opening a new site annually starting next year. Florent Humeau, chief executive officer of Red Planet Hotels, on Friday said they are looking at several prospective areas across the country, including locations in the cities of Iloilo, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Cebu. “I hope in the next three, five years, we...

The world's top places to visit in 2024

The holiday season brings with it thoughts of travel, a Christmas vacation perhaps, or somewhere memorable to chime in the New Year. But where in the world are the coolest, hotly-tipped places to visit in 2024? Click through and check out these top destinations, referenced by Travel + Leisure as the most popular places to go in 2024.

Beyond weddings: Celebrations at the Marco 2024 embrace all milestones

Marking its 18th anniversary, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu hosts its signature event, “Celebrations at the Marco,” in the hotel’s majestic grand ballroom. This unique event brings together over 40 trusted event suppliers for a two-day extravaganza from May 18 to 19, 2024, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for all attendees. We thought that everybody in life has to celebrate something. In the past, it was always like a wedding fair, and I think we...

How wild swimming puts you at risk of a raft of waterborne diseases

It sounded like good news for wild swimmers. Last week, 27 new river bathing sites were added to the map of the UK's coastal and inland waterways deemed safe for use.

Gorgeous Oregon coast hotel with no TVs or WiFi that encourages guests to read its enormous selection of books and enjoy ocean views is sold to new owners who hint they'll modernize it

The Sylvia Beach Hotel in Newport captured local attention thanks to its picturesque Pacific Ocean views and literary theme - which extended to a total ban on TVs and Wi-Fi.

Kent weekly round-up: 11 May - 17 May 2024

The story about stargazers in Kent being treated to an appearance of the Northern Lights proved a popular read this week. A variety of local issues featured on the BBC News website, BBC Radio Kent and BBC South East Today. We have picked five stories from the past week in case you missed them. Soldier graffiti may show Napoleon hanged - castle Sold...

Businesses demand water company 'bear full cost' of Brixham poisoning

Seaside B&Bs and self-catering cottages in the south Devon town are facing a wave of cancellations from holidaymakers fearful of exposing their families to the parasite.

Taiwan and China: Different views across the strait

KINMEN, Taiwan – Standing on the shore of Taiwan's Kinmen island, Taiwanese tourists snap photos of the skyline of the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen that is clearly visible across the sliver of water separating them. For the best view of Xiamen's skyscrapers, visitors stand on a beach where anti-landing spikes jut out — a reminder of when the island was a battlefield front line after Chinese nationalists fled to Taiwan in 1949. More than...

Marcos: Better transport, infra mean more tourists

Boasting that “there is no place in the Philippines that is not beautiful,” President Marcos on Friday said he was eyeing a tenfold increase in the number of “balikbayan” tourists visiting the country. At the inauguration of a tourist rest area on the pristine beach at Barangay Saud in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, the President said the government would continue improving travel, transportation and tourist infrastructure to turn the country into...

Heading north? Here are 5 food places to visit when in La Union

Going on a trip to La Union soon? Aside from its well-loved tourist attractions, the province is also home to a variety of must-try restaurants. From refreshing drinks to fulfilling meals, here are some food places you should check out. —JCB, GMA Integrated News This article Heading north? Here are 5 food places to visit when in La Union was originally published in GMA News Online.

Pitch concerns for boys travelling to Wales to train

Waterlogging in the winter means the team is forced to travel miles to train for its matches.

Luxent Hotel says farewell to summer with staycation deals

SUMMER may be winding down, but the deals at Luxent Hotel are just heating up. Don't miss the chance to experience luxurious comfort and exciting amenities before the season ends. For a limited time only, book a stay and make the most of the perks. Start the day with an International Buffet breakfast for two and savor delectable dishes at all Luxent Hotel's dining outlets with a special 10-percent discount. Take a dip and soak up the city views...

Monthlong World Cocktail Day celebration

May is a truly festive month. Aside from Labor Day, May the 4th Be With You, Cinco de Mayo, and my gorgeous sister Goldee’s birthday on the 30th, we also celebrated World Cocktail Day last May 13. Of course the hotel industry would not allow World Cocktail Day to be celebrated for just a day. So Admiral Hotel—along with MGallery bars around the world—is celebrating World Cocktail Day for a whole month or until June 13th! Admiral Hotel is a...

Best places to live in the US revealed

Out of all 50 states, and an estimated 35,000 cities and towns in the country, a town in the Garden State has been crowned the best place to live in the U.S.

Lanterns, lights and laundry: Photos of the week

A selection of striking images from around the world, taken over the past seven days.

How Club Vistara members will be affected by Air India-Vistara merger. Check details for Club Vistara CV program

In an update to its users, Club Vistara informed that its ‘frequent flyer’ programme will be merged with Air India’s ‘Flying Returns’ programme. The airline said that details regarding co-brand cards will be shared in the coming weeks.

King Charles III to travel to France for UK ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day

LONDON (AP) — King Charles III plans to travel to France next month for British ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, while skipping the larger international event a few miles away as he continues to be treated for cancer. Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to attend a ceremony at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer on June 6, Buckingham Palace said Friday. The Prince of Wales will stand in for the king at...

On the Spot: Check out these unique and beautiful accommodations near Metro Manila

Are you looking for accommodations where you can relax and escape the blazing heat even for a few days? Then check out this video for some unique accommodations that are just a few hours away from the metro. For more travel, food, health, fashion, beauty, and other lifestyle content, visit www.gmanetwork.com/lifestyle. Stay updated with the latest showbiz happenings with On the Spot:www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/tv/on_the_spot

I Switched to Using eSIMs for Roaming When I Travel. You Should, Too

Traveling overseas this summer? You're going to want to read this first.

10 national parks you should visit in 2024

There are 63 national parks scattered around the US, each with its own unique beauty. If you're a fan of nature and wildlife, here are ten that you can't miss.

The beauty of spring around the world

Springtime is here. It's an underrated season, with clear skies, blooming flowers, and that exciting buildup to summer. Why not get pumped for the season by seeing just how sensational spring looks like around the world? Click on to see the beauty of spring across the globe.

Eerie video shows once thriving tourist island completely deserted

Footage of Magnetic Island, 20 minutes from Townsville, revealed a distinct lack of tourists despite the April-May window usually being popular with those seeking warmth.

Have a cool summer adventure at Kingsford Hotel Manila

STAY cool this summer without the need to go far at Kingsford Hotel Manila in Entertainment City. Quench your thirst with tantalizing cocktails at Frost By The Pool Bar on the sixth floor. From fizzy, fruit-based drinks such as Harri's Hula Haze, Kingsford's Drink of the Month, to chocolatey-sweet shakes, everyone can have a cool treat under the sun. Bring the family over and munch on savory snacks under the blue skies. Watch the bad vibes melt...

Finish line ahead for man 'walking the world'

Ian Mawson is appealing for people to join him on the last leg of his mammoth trek in June.

Best European destinations for a family summer vacation

Summer is just starting in Europe, and tourists are flocking to all the warm, beautiful coastal towns the continent has to offer. However, many other European destinations are perfect for families and some of them are still pretty much under the radar. Whether you're looking for sea and sand, adventure, mountains, or cultural sites, these places are guaranteed to delight the entire family. Click through and find out more!

Your pictures on the theme of 'tunnels'

A selection of striking images from our readers around the world.

The 10 holiday destinations most used by cybercriminals to trick Brits

Experts from McAfee have revealed the 10 holiday destinations most used by cybercriminals to entice unsuspecting British holidaymakers.

Marcos: 'Tourist rest areas' will help PH become Asia's tourism powerhouse

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Friday emphasized that tourist rest areas (TRA) would help the Philippines become a tourism powerhouse in Asia. ''This TRA is an important initiative for us as we want to transform the Philippines into the tourism powerhouse in Asia. We are in very stiff competition," Marcos said during the inauguration of the tourist rest area in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. "Thailand has done an extremely good job in...

The Grande Dames of country music

Frontier Airlines does away with change fees in budget airline pricing overhaul

The budget airline's changes come amid the Biden administration's crackdown on so-called "junk fees."

The last pandas at any US zoo are expected to leave Atlanta for China this fall

ATLANTA (AP) — The last U.S. zoo with pandas in its care expects to say goodbye to the four giant bears this fall. Zoo Atlanta is making preparations to return panda parents Lun Lun and Yang Yang to China along with their American-born twins Ya Lun and Xi Lun, zoo officials said Friday. There is no specific date for the transfer yet, they said, but it will likely happen between October and December. The four Atlanta pandas have been the last in...

Incredible places from Greek mythology you can visit today

There are plenty of places you can go to find beautiful beaches, party islands, mouthwatering cuisine, and sunny skies. But very few of them combine all these things with mesmerizing remnants of the ancient world and mythology. Dipped in ancient history, Greece is one of the very few countries that combine all of these with a dream destination for anyone interested in mythology. Click on for a selection of real locations that were center stage for many famous Greek myths.

The most captivating British towns you have to visit

When you think of the UK, perhaps the words "wonderful holiday" do not spring to mind. However, the countryside and history of the UK are vastly underrated. There are countless numbers of charming towns that will transport you back to times gone by. There is such a wealth of activities to do, from trekking up tall mountain peaks to rowing in gently ebbing rivers. On your exploration of the United Kingdom, it is important to find the right towns to stay in to make your trip as perfect as can be. Here are the towns that you won't be able to resist being charmed by. From Portmerion to Cullen Bay, click through to discover more.

Nature reserves to be immortalised in soundscapes

A recording session in Northumberland was "powerful, beautiful and emotive", a wildlife trust says.

First crewed flight of Boeing Starliner postponed again

WASHINGTON, United States — The first crewed launch of Boeing’s Starliner to the International Space Station has been delayed again due to a technical issue, NASA said Friday. The launch in Florida was scheduled for Tuesday but NASA said it is now planned for May 25 to allow teams to further assess a helium leak linked to the service module, which sits on top of the rocket. Earlier this month, a Starliner launch was postponed just hours before...

The greatest discoveries and advancements in the history of astronomy

For as long as humans have walked the Earth, the great endless sky and the countless stars that fill it have left us in a state of awe-inspired wonderment. Similarly, the study and exploration of space have been a priority for humankind for millennia. From the ancient Assyrians and Greeks, to the greatest minds of the Renaissance, and up to the billionaire space explorers of the 21st century, incredible amounts of time and effort have gone into better understanding our celestial surroundings. And yet, despite all of the great strides that have been made to understand the great beyond, it's estimated that 95% of the universe is still undiscovered. Click through the gallery to learn about some of the greatest discoveries of astronomy and our universe.

'Yellowstone' and 'The White Lotus' inspiring luxe summer vacations, 'set-jetting' trend

The "set-jetting" trend sweeping travel shows people are picking their vacations based on destinations seen in their favorite shows, including Montana, Hawaii and Sicily, Italy.

Engineer battles lack of oxygen on Everest trek

Ben Allan says he "couldn't think of a better cause to support" on his charity expedition.

Going cash-lite for more agile travels

Some people spend their weekends or long breaks curled up in their beds, reading a new book off the shelf or watching a cozy film while nestled under a warm blanket. But 28-year-old Mef Marzan has other plans. During her much-awaited time off from work, she travels to places that provide her comfort and leave her in awe, a stark contrast to her buzzing life as a manager and communications professional. “Nothing comes close to being transported...

Two historic Solent forts turned boutique retreats with a nightclub and helipad for sale at £1 million each

Two historic Solent forts turned boutique retreats with a nightclub and helipad for sale at £1 million each - Once a part of Portsmouths sea defences, these forts now have a laser battle space and a wine cave

Fury as French 'remove' Britain's Union Jack from D-Day display

Pictures from previous years show flag bunting depicting all the nations involved in the Allied resistance to the Nazis adorning the streets of the charming town of Carentan.