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In our newest roundup of travel information, we deliver you bathing ideas from an onsen skilled, a bear encounter in a Tibet lodge room, plus a brand new rating of the world’s most habitable cities.
Bathing and swim spots
Japan’s famed sizzling springs, or onsen, are one of many nation’s distinctive sights, however worldwide guests want to pay attention to the unstated protocols, resembling strict punctuality and – typically – waterproof bandages to cowl tattoos. Oh, and full nudity is required.
A Japanese hot spring expert shares her recommendation on finest benefit from the expertise and keep away from harmful temperature-related mistakes, so a visit to the ER isn’t a brand new cease in your trip itinerary.
Just a couple of years in the past, a swim in Paris’ River Seine might need landed you in the hospital, too, because of poisonous ranges of air pollution. However, the river was cleaned up forward of the Paris Olympics and now it’s essentially the most modern new swim spot in the French capital – notably with this 12 months’s record-breaking warmth.
Full nudity is necessary in a Japanese onsen however in scenic Varenna, on the shores of Italy’s Lake Como, it’s a distinct story. The fishing village has turn out to be the newest vacationer vacation spot to introduce a nice for anybody discovered wandering its streets bare-chested or in swimwear.
From bareness to bears: A Tibetan brown bear brought on havoc this week in Naqu, Tibet, when it sauntered right into a lodge, drank bottled water at reception and entered a visitor’s room. Watch here.
Hotel visitor wakes as much as discover a bear in their room
A lodge visitor in Tibet bought an surprising wake-up name after a Tibetan brown bear wandered inside, drank bottled water at reception and briefly entered a visitor’s room earlier than disappearing, in response to state media.
Continuing our countdown of America’s Best Towns to Visit in 2026, we’ve got Lawrence, Kansas, at No. 9.
Lawrence appears like Main Street perfection — a vibrant haven of craft breweries, indie bookstores and historic lodges. But beneath this charming Midwestern façade lies a fierce, rebellious soul.
Twice burned down in the Civil War period, this city has at all times resurrected itself. That spirit survives right this moment as Lawrence’s historic Massachusetts Street fights a brand new battle to maintain massive chains out and native uniqueness in.
America’s Best Towns to Visit 2026: Lawrence
Be positive to additionally take a look at our full list and our No. 10 city, Roanoke, Virginia.
For World Cup guests to the USA, nevertheless, there’s been a shock hit vacationer attraction, with greater than 4,000 branches throughout the nation: Walmart.
The retail behemoth, the place greater is at all times higher, is making the most of the social media chatter and internet hosting VIP tours for worldwide followers in New Jersey and Miami.
El Hierro, essentially the most distant of Spain’s Canary Islands, was as soon as believed to be the westernmost fringe of the identified world. In reality, it was the final piece of land that Christopher Columbus noticed after leaving Europe earlier than encountering the Americas in 1492.
Today, it’s a vacation spot for contemporary vacationers trying to rekindle their very own sense of discovery. There aren’t any resorts and no direct flights, however the island’s admirers say the uneven two-and-a-half-hour ferry trip from Tenerife is price it.
Is the key to the proper kimchi in this science lab?
Researchers in Seoul are engaged on good the recipe for kimchi, Korea’s fermented vegetable facet dish, in a lab. Daniel Dae Kim, host of NCS Original Series “K-Everything,” will get along with three-Michelin-starred chef Corey Lee to research.
He requested a stranger on the web to be his European tour information.
Then they fell in love. (For NCS subscribers solely).
A lavish wedding ceremony. World Cup goals. A nationwide blackout.
What do you keep in mind from the week that was?
The world’s most habitable metropolis for 2026 has been revealed.
It’s a European capital unfold throughout two coastal islands.
America’s most iconic sandwiches.
And where to find them.