Large Liquids and Gels Large Liquids and Gels (image credits: wikimedia) It’s almost a running joke at airports: the traveler who gets stopped at security for packing a full-size bottle of shampoo or a giant sports drink. Yet, the numbers behind these mishaps are anything but funny. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) updated its liquid …
Marcel Kuhn
“I Have Nothing to Declare” “I Have Nothing to Declare” (image credits: unsplash) This phrase is one of the most common missteps at airport security checkpoints, usually blurted out by nervous or first-time travelers. While it sounds harmless, it’s actually misplaced. Security officers at checkpoints are not responsible for customs declarations; their primary focus is …
The Changing Face of Dhaka: Urban Growth and Its Discontents The Changing Face of Dhaka: Urban Growth and Its Discontents (image credits: wikimedia) Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, is now the world’s seventh most populous city, with over 23 million people as of early 2025, according to the United Nations’ urbanization update. The city’s population density exceeds …
Relentless Heat: The World’s Hottest Inhabited Place Relentless Heat: The World’s Hottest Inhabited Place (image credits: pixabay) The Danakil Desert in northeastern Ethiopia is officially recognized as one of the hottest places on Earth, with daytime temperatures frequently soaring above 45°C (113°F) and ground temperatures sometimes exceeding 60°C (140°F) in the summer months. According to …
The Rise of AlUla: Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Cultural Revival The Rise of AlUla: Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Cultural Revival (image credits: wikimedia) AlUla, located in northwestern Saudi Arabia, has become one of the Middle East’s most ambitious cultural projects. Since the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) was established in 2017, the region has seen over $15 …
The Eternal City: Varanasi’s Status as the Spiritual Heart of India The Eternal City: Varanasi’s Status as the Spiritual Heart of India (image credits: pixabay) Varanasi, known locally as Kashi, is revered as India’s oldest living city, with archaeological evidence dating back over 3,000 years. In 2024, the city’s population swelled to 1.6 million, according …
Beijing: A Culinary Capital Beijing: A Culinary Capital (image credits: pixabay) Beijing dazzles with its legendary street eats, mixing imperial tradition with modern urban buzz. Walking through the famous Wangfujing Snack Street, you’ll find daring delicacies like skewered scorpions and fried silkworms sitting next to comforting classics. Peking Duck is a must-try, with its crispy …
1. The City of Varanasi: A Historical Overview 1. The City of Varanasi: A Historical Overview (image credits: unsplash) Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is recognized as one of the oldest living cities in the world, with continuous habitation dating back over three millennia. The city is perched on the banks of the …
The Surge of Tourism in Spain The Surge of Tourism in Spain (image credits: unsplash) In 2024, Spain welcomed a record-breaking 94 million international tourists, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. This surge contributed approximately €126 billion to the national economy, underscoring tourism’s significant role in Spain’s financial landscape. However, this rapid growth …
Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness (image credits: unsplash) Finland continues to hold its crown as the happiest country in the world, remaining at the top of the World Happiness Report in 2025. This small Nordic nation has built a reputation on its strong social support networks and a government that …