The popular destinations you can't visit in 2024

In 2024, your wanderlust may encounter unexpected roadblocks as some of the world's most iconic destinations temporarily close their doors. From the ancient steps of the Acropolis to the shadowy corridors of Paris' Catacombs, this year marks a pause for some of the globe's most treasured sites. Under the banner of preservation and enhancement, these closures offer a moment of reflection on the delicate balance between our desire to explore and the need to protect our cultural and natural heritage. As you delve into this gallery, discover the surprising, and sometimes hidden, reasons behind the inaccessibility of these famed locations. Click through to explore a world of closed doors and the stories they hold within.

40 Things That Didn't Exist 40 Years Ago

The world really was a different place back then.

John Smoltz shares scary story about getting drilled in the face with a golf ball

John Smoltz had a scary moment on the golf course recently, one that involved getting hit in the face with a golf ball. On a conference call Tuesday for the American Century Championship, the annual celebrity golf bash at Lake Tahoe, the MLB Hall of Famer talked about…

The most dangerous (and the safest) countries for female travelers

In an attempt to determine which countries are the most dangerous for female travelers, husband and wife journalists Asher and Lyric Fergusson studied and ranked the 50 most popular countries amongst tourists. The data was compiled using sources ranging from the 2018 Gallup World Poll to Equal Measures 2030's Gender Advocates Data Hub. The Fergusson's Women’s Danger Index ranked each country based on eight factors: street safety for women, intentional homicide of women, non-partner sexual violence, intimate partner sexual violence, legal discrimination, global gender gap, gender inequality index, and violence against women attitudes. Using these metrics, their list of the 20 most dangerous countries for women emerges. Intrigued? Take a look at their findings by clicking through the following gallery.

Aaron Rodgers’ reason for missing minicamp finally revealed: A trip to Egypt

The Aaron Rodgers saga continues

Construction of Railway Museum Begins

Amman, July 3 (Petra) - The Jordan-Hejaz Railway Corporation (JHR) has commenced the construction of the Railway Museum, slated to be one of the largest railway museums in the Middle East, in cooperation with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) in Amman's station area. Zahi Khalil, Director General of JHR, announced that TIKA has provided a JD3.5 million grant to Jordan for establishing the museum, which will cover an area of...

Gold prices in Dubai Today Wednesday, July 3, 2024

ALBAWABA – Gold prices in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today, Wednesday, July 3 , opened at a selling price of AED 8,573.05 per ounce, according to UAEgoldprices.com.24-karat gold rates in UAE TodayThe price per gram of 24-karat gold in UAE stood at AED 275.23 today.22-karat gold prices in Dubai TodayThe price per gram of 22-karat gold in UAE stood at AED 252.29 early today, June 27.21-karat gold rates in Dubai TodayThe price per gram...

World’s oldest picture story dating back 51,000 years found in Indonesian cave

A cave painting of human figures and a wild pig dating back 51,000 years is believed to be the oldest evidence of human storytelling. The image discovered in a limestone cave on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi is thought to be the oldest human artwork in the world. While Neanderthals are known to have made their own cave art, which predates that ...

Emirates Nature-WWF launches ‘Nature’s Resilience’ series

ABU DHABI, 3rd July, 2024 (WAM) -- Emirates Nature-WWF has launched its second free summer training series called ‘Nature’s Resilience’ to upskill the UAE community on nature and environment.Organised as part of the Leaders of Change programme, the series equips nature-lovers and change-makers with knowledge about environmental issues and conservation solutions that contribute towards a sustainable future.Through 10 engaging sessions, Nature’s...

One of the world's top airlines is ending its cabin services early to safeguard against rising turbulence

Korean Air said it would finish cabin service 20 minutes earlier so it ends before the descent, due to concerns over increased turbulence.

America's favorite summer pastime is dying

Pools across the country have been closed for years. Lifeguards are becoming an endangered species.

Assam RS MP calls for recognition of Majuli as a premier wedding destination

While international destinations are in high demand for weddings, the UNESCO heritage site remains unknown to 90 per cent of the population, laments Sudha Murty.

Seven places to travel to in August 2024, from India's Valley of Flowers to South Africa

August is one of the hottest months of the year in Northern Hemisphere destinations and with increasing heatwaves in recent years it can be stifling. It can be busy, too, as travellers take their last chance to enjoy a summer trip. But it is not all bad news. Several destinations around the world come into their own in August, offering unique festi...

A helicopter can now deliver you to 11 Greek islands in a quarter of the time a ferry takes

Helicopter companies globally are increasingly offering flights for people willing to pay a premium to slash time spent traveling.

Are these the WEIRDEST items to ever wash up on shore?

While you might expect to find seashells or driftwood on the beach, you might not expect to see a Jeep, unexploded bomb, hundreds of plastic eggs or brand-new motorbikes littering the sands. Here are some of the weirdest things to have washed up on beaches around the world

Spain and Italy warning as paralysing deadly virus detected in popular holiday hotspots

Cases of a deadly virus have been found in two tourist hotspots loved by Britons in Spain and Italy.

Australian Olympics team, squad, athletes: Who is making the trip to Paris in 2024?

Paris will host this year's Olympic Games. The Sporting News provides a breakdown of every confirmed athlete for Team Australia.

Third year of Tasmeem poster exhibition explores the power of memory

The winners of Tasmeem, the annual graphic design and poster exhibition at ICD Brookfield Place, have been revealed. This year’s theme of Memory Box was open to all regional graphic designers. Created by Emirati multidisciplinary designer Wafa Al Falahi, artists were tasked with creating a design that reflected and translated cultural memories into...

Saudi National Center for Wildlife Development to Assess Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Outbreak

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife (NCW) initiated a comprehensive survey plan to gather essential data on Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) populations in key areas of the Red Sea. The data will be used to promptly address outbreaks of the organism, thereby safeguarding biodiversity and the health of coral reefs. The effort is part of NCW's role as the national authority and point of reference for establishing protocols and standards...

Hurricane Beryl Forces Airport Closures, Travel Advisories Across the Caribbean — What to Know

The massive storm became the earliest to reach Category 5 status.

Want to buy a Far West village? 'Western Leone' is on sale

Incredible images showcase the history of train travel

Discover how rail travel became the transport stalwart it is today with this photographic history of train travel over the decades, from vintage railroad cars to the groundbreaking trains and advancements of modern carriages...

Rugby-Scotland excited by prospect of new-look touring squad

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Scotland coach Gregor Townsend said he was excited by the prospects of his new-look squad who start a month-long tour of the Americas with a test against Canada in Ottawa on Saturday. Earlier on Wednesday, Townsend named five uncapped players in the starting line-up to take on Canada and a further five among the replacements. “It's rare, I suppose, in our international

The most controversial BMWs ever made

BMW has built some of the world's best cars in its illustrious history, but some made more of a splash than others…

Did you know dozens of anti-aircraft guns the U.S. bought for Ukraine have arrived on the battlefield?

Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas unveils ‘Ladies-Only Waterpark Day’

Tribune News NetworkDohaAs the temperatures soar, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas invites the public to dive into adventure with the launch of Qatar’s first and only Ladies-Only Waterpark Day at the action-packed Desert Falls Waterpark, promising an unforgettable day of fun and relaxation.Building on the overwhelming success of last month’s inaugural event and the enduring popularity of the resort’s weekly ladies’ night, Hilton Salwa Beach...

Southwest Airlines adopts 'poison pill' to fend off activist Elliott Management

Southwest adopted a shareholder rights plan to fend off an effort from activist Elliott Management to oust CEO Bob Jordan and Chairman Gary Kelly.

10 of the Most Unique Museums In the United States

Add these one-of-a-kind destinations to your travel bucket list.

7X unveils expansion plans to strengthen global network

DUBAI, 3rd July, 2024 (WAM) -- 7X, previously known as Emirates Post Group, announced key expansion plans as part of the brand's new strategy introduced earlier this year, aiming to strengthen its diverse portfolio and enhance its domestic and global reach.The group also highlighted the expansive reach and robust capabilities of its subsidiaries – Emirates Post, EMX, EDC, and FINTX, which includes Wall Street Exchange and Instant Cash.Emirates...

Battle of the Bagpipes review: As bad as it sounds

A more imaginative film might have leaned into the human stories of the pipers - but they were foolishly glossed over

How a 100-year-old photograph exposed the theft of ancient Egyptian child's coffin

While looking at the provenance documents for the 3,000-year-old Egyptian child’s coffin in their collection, staff at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston began to realise things did not quite add up. The paperwork contained a letter from a Swedish artist, who went into great detail about how he had excavated it in 1937, combined with apparent confir...

Top 10: the worst German aircraft ever made

Germany has produced some amazing aircraft over the years, but not this collection

Wildlife rescuers save young rhino calf from eastern India flood

In a dramatic rescue operation, a 1-year-6-month-old female rhino calf was saved from the floodwaters in Kaziranga's Haldhibari area. The coordinated effort involved the police, forest department, and the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC). The team successfully rescued the stranded calf, highlighting the urgent need for wildlife conservation amidst natural disasters.

Abu Dhabi airports recorded 22.4 million travellers in 2023: SCAD

ABU DHABI, 3rd July, 2024 (WAM) -- The number of travellers passing through Abu Dhabi's airports reached around 22.4 million in 2023.Data released today by Abu Dhabi Airports in the Key Transport Statistics 2023 report by the Statistics Centre - Abu Dhabi (SCAD), revealed that the number of annual arrivals through the emirate's airports reached over 11.1 million, while the number of departures stood at 11.3 million.According to the report, the...

I’m a Travel Writer, and These Are the 15 Amazon July Fourth Travel Gear Deals You Won’t Want to Miss

Including roomy weekender bags, comfy travel sets, noise-canceling headphones, and more, starting at $8.

'Cutest place ever': Tourists are bowled over by this fairytale village in Croatia, where guests sleep in tiny homes shaped like a castle, a mushroom and a pumpkin

The three Airbnb properties, listed by hosts Helena and Florijan, are located in the Krka Fairytale Village next to the Krka National Park.

Kevin Borjas vs. Edgar Chairez added to Noche UFC at Sphere in Las Vegas

Noche UFC at Sphere in Las Vegas continues to take shape with the addition of a fun flyweight matchup. On Sept. 14, Kevin Borjas will meet Edgar Chairez at UFC 306, the event also known as Riyadh Season Noche UFC. The one-off event at the unique venue in Las Vegas

This Island Resort in Florida Just Got a Multimillion-dollar Renovation — and Has Rooms With Private Balconies, Poolside Cabanas, and a Beachfront Restaurant

The Singer Oceanfront Resort recently transformed it into an elegant beachfront retreat.

Officials meet to advance Aqaba Marine Reserve's UNESCO World Heritage bid

AMMAN, 3rd July, 2024 (WAM) – A high-level meeting was convened to discuss the latest developments regarding the Aqaba Marine Reserve's candidacy for the UNESCO World Heritage List.The session focused on reviewing feedback from UNESCO and strategising on the next steps to meet the organisation’s criteria, Jordan News Agency (Petra) reported..The meeting, held in Aqaba, was attended by Nayef Al-Fayez, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, the...

Wield Spinning Blades Of Glory With Shadow Of The Erdtree's Curseblade’s Cirque

The Curseblade’s Cirque is a Backhand Blade that can only be obtained in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. It’s one of the most visually distinct weapons in the DLC, and its unique Ash of War can be as thrilling to use as it is effective against your foes. If you’re going all-in on Dexterity, this is a worthwhile weapon to consider adding to your loadout.

Emirates customers savour more than 45 million luxury chocolates every year

Celebrating World Chocolate Day on 7 July, Emirates is taking note of customer consumption of the decadent delight - with 45 million pieces of luxury chocolate consumed onboard last year by customers in all classes, as well as an array of delectable desserts.Sweetening the ‘fly better’ experience, Emirates serves artisan chocolate as part of the signature meal service in all classes, to 140 destinations around the world. Over the last year,...

Chicago’s Best Hotel Is Home to Incredible Art, a Beautiful Terrace Restaurant, and a Pool Overlooking the City — Read Our Review

Top-notch service, amenities, and beautiful rooms set The Peninsula Chicago apart.

Where to see the best fireworks displays on July 4

As Independence Day quickly approaches, here are the best places to watch major fireworks displays across the country.

Morocco’s Airport Capacity to Reach 80 Mln Passengers by 2035

Rabat - Morocco is looking to increase the capacity of its airports to 80 million passengers by 2035, from the current 40 million, thanks to projects aimed at extending and renovating several airports, Minister of Transport and Logistics, Mohamed Abdeljalil, said here Wednesday.Speaking during the 28th Session of the General Assembly of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO), Abdeljalil pointed out that increasing the capacity of Moroccan...

What Is the 4th of July, and Why Do We Celebrate It?

ALBAWABA The 4th of July, commonly known as Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This pivotal document declared the thirteen American colonies at war with Great Britain to be free and independent states. The 4th of July is celebrated as the birth of American independence and is marked by various festivities across the country.The Historical...

Save your skin from the summer heat with these life-changing skincare tips!

ALBAWABA As temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, hot weather presents unique challenges for maintaining healthy skin. Whether you're spending time at the beach, enjoying outdoor activities, or just going about your daily routine, it's crucial to adapt your skincare regimen to protect your skin from the harsh effects of the heat and sun. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you keep your skin glowing and healthy during the hot summer...

Spectacular tourist sights REMOVED from our travel checklists

Take a tour of the spectacular tourist sights and landmarks from around the world that tragically closed recently. From the Museum of London to Hawaii's Haiku Stairs, you'll need to remove these sites from your travel checklist...

3 cool destinations in Saudi Arabia for when you just can’t take the heat

Head to the mountainous landscapes and enjoy the summer breeze… It’s only the start of July, and it feels like the summer temperatures are already at their peaks. So, how about flocking to cooler-temperature destinations for a summer reprieve? Even if it’s only for a brief weekend respite. Oh, and they’re all in Saudi Arabia. […]

Enjoy A ‘Suite Deal’ With IHG Hotels & Resorts

IHG Hotels & Resorts has unveiled a ‘Suite Deal’ promotion, offering families and travellers an opportunity to extend their stay and save, just in time for the upcoming school summer holidays.Families planning to travel to destinations including Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Goa, Cairo, and Riyadh, can enjoy a fourth night free when booking four consecutive nights in a suite. This offer is valid for stays from 1 July 2024, through 31 October 2024. To...

Beverly Knight reveals sweet moment shared with Princess Kate – exclusive

The singer stopped by Emirates x HELLO! All Love Luncheon at Wimbledon before spending the day courtside