When planning a vacation, we always have an ideal image in our minds. Whether we’re dreaming of relaxing on a gorgeous beach in Thailand or of taking a quiet gondola ride in Venice, it’s fairly easy to let our imaginations run away with us. However, reality can often be a cruel mistress! Click on each of the photos below to switch from the unrealistic pictures that travel agents show you to actual photos captured by tourists during high season.
QUIZ: Where Should You Go for Inspiration?
If your hometown no longer seems to be supplying you with the inspiration you need, then it might be time to take a trip to somewhere completely different...
These Cheap Alternatives to Major Destinations Are Awesome
Instead of considering the usual vacation destinations, take a look at this list, which shows you cheap alternatives to the usual places you're likely to visit.
6 Essential Items To Pack For a Trip Right Now
Packing for vacation is a bit different when there's a pandemic going on. If you decided to brave the virus and travel, this is what you must pack to stay safe.
Immerse Yourself in the Endless Beauty of Tahiti
If there ever was a time to crave a vacation on a tropical island it is now. This video will take you through the white sand beaches and the clear blue water of Tahiti.
The Secret Lives of Japanese Street Cats
Street photographer Masayuki Oki documents the lives of Tokyo's stray cats. Discover the funny, cute, and sometimes plain odd lives of Tokyo's felines.
Would You Dare Enter These Haunted Castles?
These castles and mansions will give you the creeps!
8 Gorgeous Places Just Outside Rome You Should See...
You shouldn't limit yourself to the regular tourist spots of Rome. Here are 8 destinations close to Rome you'll love to visit.
15 Underrated National Parks You Need to Explore Next
Yellowstone and Yosemite are just the tip of the iceberg. Check out these underrated national parks now.
The World is Full of Wonders, Here are a Fascinating Few...
From the mysterious sailing stones of death valley to red tides, ornage moons and ice circles - our world is full of these bizarre phenomena! Here are 13 of the most interesting wonders of this planet!
Living in a Medieval Castle Is Nothing Like You'd Imagine
Welcome to one of the most unusual homes in the world - a proper Medieval castle in Germany.
Wedding Outfits Around the World Are Anything But Boring
Here is a list of 15 of the most grandiose and exotic traditional wedding outfits you will ever see
21 Things About Australia that Would Scare Me to Death
These 22 pictures are proof that Australia is a terrifying place to visit
Titanic Sub: What Really Caused a 'Catastrophic' Implosion
The Titan sub tragedy has left everyone shaken. But what exactly happened to it?
World's Strangest Towns That You Didn't Know Existed!
Explore some unusual places that defy convention, from a one-person town to a unique settlement where all residents share a single building.
Harmony, Discipline, Power! What a Drumming Performance!
Watch this mesmerizing drumming performance by a Japanese drumming troupe.
Poland's Castles Are Full of Medieval Mystery & Splendor
Poland, lying in the middle of Europe, has some of the most spectacular castles you've ever seen.
16 Happy Facts to Make Your End of the Year Better
Celebrate the end of the year with these illustrated positive facts.
Every State Has a Favorite Food - Want to Know What It Is?
The United States is a huge country, so it’s hardly surprising that every state has its own delicious specialty dish. Find out what those are here!
Buffalo is Experiencing the CRAZIEST Winter This Time
Winter in Buffalo, New York, this season has been absolutely crazy.
Why Train Tickets Are so Expensive in America
Did you know traveling by train in the U.S. is often more expensive than flying? Find out why.
This Unbelievable Map Lets You Travel Like Marco Polo
This wonderful interactive map enables you to visit great oriental cities and follow in the steps of the adventurous Marco Polo.
So Juicy & Creamy! The Best CHEESE DESSERTS in the World
For those who have a sweet tooth, these cheese desserts are a must-try.
Norway: Where Living is a Unique Adventure (13 Pics)
You may have seen Norway’s beauty, but today we will introduce you to the how weirdly wonderful life in the Nordic country is.
These Islands Are Quite Simply the World's Most Magical
The world is home to many beautiful islands, but only some can truly be called magical. Here are 12 of the most magical islands in the entire world.
Fascinating! Never-Before-Seen Images of the Titanic
Explore the Titanic like you've never seen it before with these rare photos.
Take a Scenic Ride Through Europe’s Highest Alpine Railway
Embark on a journey all the way to Jungfrau mountain in the Swiss Alps, 3.454 meters (8.051 ft) above sea level, on a train!
Cambodia Is an Asian Stunner That's Begging to Be Visited
Cambodia is a lesser-visited country in southeast Asia. It's hard to see why, because it's got a bit of everything. Here are 10 top destinations in Cambodia.
Caution! 9 Things You Should Never Do When Flying!
Here are nine things that you should definitely avoid while flying.
12 Amazing Croatian Islands That Beg to Be Visited
Discover 12 beautiful islands in Croatia that have what every tourist wants from a vacation.
Exploring Finland's Untamed Wilderness in 15 Pics
Photographer Oscar Keserci has captured Finland’s incredible beauty in some jaw-dropping pictures. Check them out.
You've Never Seen Switzerland Quite Like This...
Come fly with us above Switzerland, one of the most beautiful countries in all the world.
These Abandoned Places Look So Majestic in Their Loneliness
Exploring these gems in their current state will still promise to be quite the adventure.
The Tiniest Marvels: Enter Willard Wigan's Miniature World
Enter the fascinating world of Willard Wigan, the master of micro-sculpting.
Fall in the Great Smoky Mountains is So Darn Beautiful...
This season is especially beautiful in the Smoky Mountains National Park...
February Is a Gloomy Month, So Why Not Take a Vacation?
February isn't generally the most pleasant of months, so why not hop on a plane and go somewhere fun? These are the 10 best places to be in February.
Food Photographer of the Year: 16 Mouth-Watering Pics
Check out the yummiest pictures from the Food Photographer of the Year contest.
Weird Architecture: 12 Really Unusual Buildings
From a building that sings in the rain to one that looks like a pair of dancers, these weird and wonderful structures are sure to blow your mind.
7 Amazing Wonders of the World Nobody Told You About
It's not all about the Great Wall of China and the pyramids of Giza, here are 7 amazing, ancient buildings that most of us have no idea about.
Up Above the World So High - 17 Aerial Photographs
Enjoy this collection of breathtaking aerial photographs taken by British pilot Lee Mumford.
Japan's 9 Most Underrated Destinations You MUST Visit
Have you visited any of these underrated destinations in Japan?
15 Common Geography Facts That Are Actually Wrong!
Here are 15 common errors about the world that often leave geography teachers in tears...
The World’s Oldest Hotel Has Many Stories to Tell
Join us on a unique tour of the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan - the world's oldest hotel.
Few Countries Compare to the Natural Beauty Chile Offers
Chile is absolutely stunning and this video proves it.
What an Amazing HD Tour of the Great Wall of China!
This drone tour of the Great Wall of China doesn't disappoint at all. In fact, the HD footage is so crystal clear that it's (probably) better than going there!
8 Glorious Places on Earth That Are Largely Untouched
Here is a look at some of the most amazing untouched destinations on Earth that are inhabited by very few people.
Watch Your Step: The World's Most Treacherous Staircases
These dangerous staircases will make your stomach drop.