Whether you're in the market for something affordable or looking to splurge on luxury, there's an electric car for every taste and budget. 

Here's a look at some of the best electric vehicles currently available, including a guide to help you decide which one might be right for you.

Things To Consider Before Buying An Electric Vehicle

Before diving into the available electric vehicles, here's what you should know before making the purchase:

Charging Stations: Check for local charging infrastructure.

Range: Make sure the car's range fits your daily commute.

Government Incentives: Research available tax incentives in your area.

Operating Costs: Calculate the full cost, including potential fuel and maintenance savings.

Environmental Impact: Consider the positive environmental effects of driving an electric vehicle.

1. Tesla Model 3

Matt-Weissinger, Pexels

Price: Starting at $39,990

The Model 3 is perhaps the most recognized name in the world of electric vehicles right now.

Renowned for its cutting-edge tech features, it boasts impressive acceleration with the Performance variant doing 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds.

Its range varies between models, but the Long Range version can achieve up to 358 miles on a single charge.

The minimalist and futuristic interior design, combined with Tesla's unique driving experience, makes it a top pick for many EV enthusiasts.

2. Nissan Leaf

Midway Nissan

Price: Starting at $27,400

One of the pioneers in the EV market, the Nissan Leaf remains a solid choice for those looking for reliability.

The latest models offer ranges up to 226 miles, making it practical for daily commutes.

While it might not have the flashiness of some other EVs, it delivers consistent performance, a smooth ride, and decent acceleration for its segment.

3. Audi e-tron

Audi 

Price: Starting at $65,900

Audi's e-tron combines luxury with electric performance.

This SUV offers a comfortable, high-quality interior with plenty of tech features.

Its range stands at around 222 miles, which is respectable for its segment. Smooth acceleration and Audi's signature Quattro all-wheel-drive system ensure a refined driving experience.

4. Chevrolet Bolt EV

Chevrolet

Price: Starting at $31,995

The Bolt EV is Chevy's answer to the growing demand for affordable electric cars.

With a range of up to 259 miles, it's suitable for most daily driving needs. It's agile, fun to drive, and offers a surprisingly spacious interior for a compact car.

For those looking for an EV without a hefty price tag, the Bolt is a solid option.

5. Porsche Taycan

Porsche

Price: Starting at $79,900

The Taycan is Porsche's first all-electric car, and it does not disappoint.

Marrying the brand's racing heritage with electric tech, it offers breathtaking acceleration, with certain models reaching 0-60 mph in a mere 2.4 seconds.

The range is around 227 miles, but it's the driving dynamics and luxury features that truly set this car apart.

6. Hyundai Kona Electric

Hyundai Canada

Price: Starting at $37,390

Hyundai's Kona Electric offers a great balance between price, range, and features.

With up to 258 miles of range, it's right up there with pricier competitors. It offers nimble handling, and the compact size makes it perfect for city driving.

Its interior is well-designed, offering a range of modern tech features, making it a strong contender in the affordable EV segment.

7. Kia e-Niro

Kia 

Price: Starting around $39,000

Kia's e-Niro is proof that an electric vehicle doesn't have to break the bank to offer impressive performance.

Boasting an impressive range of up to 239 miles on a single charge, this compact SUV offers a practical solution for everyday driving.

Its acceleration is smooth, and the vehicle handles urban and highway driving with ease. The e-Niro offers a comfortable interior and ample cargo space, making it a versatile choice for various driving needs.

8. Jaguar I-PACE

Jaguar

Price: Starting at $69,850

The I-PACE is Jaguar's foray into the electric SUV market, and it certainly doesn't disappoint.

With its sleek design and impressive 0-60 mph time of just 4.5 seconds, the I-PACE offers both style and performance.

The range, while not industry-leading, is still impressive at around 234 miles.

Its luxurious interior and state-of-the-art tech features live up to the Jaguar brand's reputation.

9. Mercedes-Benz EQC

Eagle2308, Adobe Stock

Price: Starting at $67,900

The EQC is Mercedes-Benz's answer to the growing demand for luxury electric SUVs.

A glance at its elegant design and high-end interiors speaks volumes about its luxury pedigree.

Performance-wise, it's not the fastest EV on the block, but it delivers a smooth and quiet ride typical of Mercedes vehicles.

With a range of up to 220 miles, it caters well to daily commutes and short trips.

10. 2023 BMW i4

BMW

Price: Starting at approximately $55,400 

The 2023 BMW i4 marks the brand's foray into the luxury electric sedan segment. 

Embodying the driving dynamics BMW is known for, the i4 offers spirited acceleration with its M50 variant achieving 0-60 mph in just about 3.7 seconds. 

Aesthetically, it beautifully merges traditional BMW design cues with futuristic elements appropriate for an EV. 

The estimated range is up to 300 miles on a single charge, making it competitive in its segment. 

Inside, the car boasts a high-quality interior replete with the latest tech and infotainment features. 

For those seeking the BMW driving experience in an electric package, the i4 seems poised to deliver.

Disney Cruise Line may be one of the smallest in the business but it’s also one the best. 

Whether you’re a newbie or a pro when it comes to traveling on the high seas, these tips will help you enhance the magic of your next cruise with Mickey and the gang.

Book Early

Booking your Disney cruise early guarantees great savings through their dynamic pricing system and helps you snag your preferred cabin. 

And don't worry about sudden changes in plans—your booking is fully refundable.

The Telegraph

Let Them Pick Your Room

If you're flexible about cabin location, let Disney to assign your room and enjoy significant savings. 

Simply choose the type of room you want, like an inside cabin, and your specific room will be assigned closer to your sail date.

Chuck Wagner, Shutterstock

Book A Themed Sailing

Disney Cruise Line offers exciting themed sailings like Pixar Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea, featuring special shows and appearances by beloved characters like Captain America and Buzz Lightyear. 

Don't miss out on the holiday cruises during Halloween and Christmas, where you'll see characters in festive clothes and enjoy themed food. 

Inside the Magic, Flickr

Upgrade Your Room At The Port

Consider upgrading your cabin at the port just before boarding to potentially save on a higher-tier room. 

While availability isn't guaranteed, it never hurts to inquire during check-in. This could translate to incredible savings.

Workman, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Download Disney’s Navigator App

Make sure to download Disney Cruise Line’s Navigator app—it's essential for maximizing your time at sea. 

From managing payments and online check-ins to pre-registering for activities, this app has you covered. It also facilitates free communication with your family and fellow cruisers.

Disney Cruise Line 

Pay With Points Or Gift Cards

To save some money, consider using discounted Disney gift cards for payment. 

You can find these at retailers like Sam's Club or Target, often with around 5% off. You can also use certain credit card points and miles to help pay for your cruise. 

Wilfredo Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Exchange Currency Onboard

Take advantage of Disney Cruise Line's free currency exchange service onboard. They'll even honor the original exchange rate for any leftover money at the end of your cruise, so you get the most value.

Just remember this service applies to bills only, and be sure to present your receipt before disembarking.

Disney Cruise Line

Book Two Rooms Instead Of A Suite

If you're considering a suite for more space but find the price steep, booking two staterooms can be a budget-friendly alternative. 

Typically, a family of four can expect to pay almost half the price for two cabins compared to a single suite.

Disney Cruise Line

Bring A Water Bottle

While water stations are available onboard, they might not be conveniently located, and purchasing disposable bottles can add up.

Consider bringing refillable bottles or tumblers to stay hydrated without the hassle.

Nozzleman75, Wikimedia Commons

Use The Carpet As A Map

Navigating a cruise ship can be daunting, but Disney makes it easier with a simple trick: look at the carpet design in the hallways. 

An upside-down pattern indicates you're heading toward the back of the ship, while a right-side-up pattern means you're heading to the front.

Inside the Magic, Flickr

See Characters In Their Cruise Clothes

Be on the lookout for your favorite Disney characters dressed in exclusive clothes for special occasions onboard. 

From Pirate Night ensembles to location-specific outfits, like Mickey's fisherman overalls on Alaska cruises, these unique wardrobe choices add an extra touch of magic to your cruise experience.

Inside the Magic, Flickr

Don’t Miss The Royal Gathering

Check out the Royal Gathering, where you can meet Disney royalty like Tiana and Cinderella all in one place. 

While tickets are free, you'll need them to get in, so be sure to book at least 30 days before your cruise sets sail to secure your spot.

Inside the Magic, Flickr

Go To The Pools Early Or Late

For a more relaxed pool experience, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak times. 

If you want to check out the waterslides, you should do so right after boarding, so you can enjoy them when they're least crowded.

Matthew Paulson, Flickr

Decorate Your Door

Add a touch of personality to your cabin door with themed magnets. As well as looking cool, door decorations can help you identify your cabin from all the others.

Inside the Magic, Flickr

You Can Skip The Meet-And-Greets

While formal meet-and-greets are available, keep an eye out for characters like Daisy Duck walking around the decks, providing fun, unexpected encounters.

You can even join in on character dance parties where you can dance with Goofy and Donald Duck.

Peter Lee, Flickr

Order As Much Food As You Want

On a Disney cruise, indulge in as much food as you want—it's all included in your dining experience.

If you're torn between options, why not try both? Don't forget to create your own dessert sampler to try a variety of tasty treats.

Inside the Magic, Flickr

Change Your Dining Plan

If your assigned dining rotation or table arrangements aren't to your liking, just reach out to guest services for a switch. 

They'll gladly help you find a solution that suits your preferences.

Inside the Magic, Flickr

Indulge In Specialty Dining

While standard dining is great, consider indulging in adults-only restaurants like Remy or Palo for an extra-special culinary experience. 

Make reservations early to secure your spot, or check for waitlist availability for last-minute openings.

Inside the Magic, Flickr

The Ship Is Cash-Free

Your "Key to the World" room key is your payment method and identification onboard, so you won't need much cash during your cruise. 

However, consider bringing cash for tipping your service team or concierge-level staff. It's a thoughtful gesture appreciated by the crew.

GPA Photo Archive, Flickr

Join The Sailing Facebook Group

Joining a Facebook group for your cruise can enhance your experience with opportunities for gift exchanges, pre-cruise networking, and valuable tips from seasoned cruisers. 

Simply search for your sailing name (e.g., Disney Wonder Alaska June 12 - 19) on Facebook and join the private group.

davitydave, Flickr

Get A Magical Coffee

Visit Cove Cafe for a truly enchanting coffee experience. Order a "Mickeyccino" with Mickey's face artfully crafted on your cappuccino. It's the perfect way to add an extra touch of Disney magic to your coffee. 

Inside the Magic, Flickr

Get Free Unlimited Soda

Save on beverage costs and get soda from the fountain, conveniently located on the pool deck and in the buffet area. 

Instead of purchasing individual cans, bring a refillable bottle to enjoy your favorite sodas throughout the ship without extra charges.

Inside the Magic, Flickr

Check For Happy Hours

While alcohol isn't complimentary onboard, keep an eye out for discounted drinks during happy hour. Just check the Navigator App and you can can get all your favorite drinks without breaking the bank. 

Inside the Magic, Flickr

Ask About The Sommelier Bin

Take advantage of discounted wine options from the sommelier bin, where opened bottles are served by the glass at reduced rates. 

This presents an excellent opportunity to enjoy high-quality wines at a fraction of the usual cost, adding a touch of luxury to your dining experience without overspending.

Inside the Magic, Flickr

B.Y.O.B.

While Disney ships offer an array of specialty cocktails, guests can bring limited drinks onboard. Each adult aged 21 and up is permitted two bottles of wine or six-packs of beer. 

Just remember, there's a corkage fee if you plan to enjoy your wine with dinner, and sealed bottles of water are also allowed.

Inside the Magic, Flickr

Buy Merch Quick

If you spot a must-have item like a hat or sweatshirt, don't hesitate to purchase it right away. 

The onboard gift shops are only open while the ship is at sea, and popular items tend to sell out quickly without restocking.

Inside the Magic, Flickr

Not Just For Families

While families are Disney's biggest customers base, these cruises cater to adults as well. Each ship features adults-only areas, including lounges, nightclubs, and sun decks.

Inside the Magic, Flickr

Take Advantage Of Free Room Service

Unlike other cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line offers complimentary 24/7 room service. 

Treat yourself to iconic Disney snacks like the Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar delivered directly to your room at no extra charge.

Inside the Magic, Flickr

Book Early For The Nursery

For parents seeking a bit of relaxation or adult time onboard, early booking is essential for the It’s a Small World 

The nursery is the perfect places for kids six months to three years, providing peace of mind while you enjoy some downtime.

Inside the Magic, Flickr

The Coolest Place For Teens

Each Disney ship has a Vibe, an exclusive youth club catering to teens aged 14 to 17.

With supervision and a bunch of fun activities, it's like having their own private resort onboard—perfect for teens to relax and have fun away from parents.

Inside the Magic, Flickr

Get Free Motion Sickness Pills

If the motion of the ocean has you feeling queasy, visit guest services for complimentary motion sickness pills. You can get as many as you need to ensure a smoother sailing experience.

Joe Shlabotnik, Flickr

Enjoy The Concierge Lounge

Upgrade to a concierge-level cabin for access to a private lounge offering evening drinks, a private sun deck, and the option to order meals from onboard restaurants to your room.

Plus, enjoy a special evening with a Disney character in the lounge during your cruise.

Inside the Magic, Flickr

Indulge In A Cheap Spa Visit

Unwind in the Rainforest Room at the Senses Spa without booking a treatment. 

Depending on availability, opt for a one-day pass or a pass for the duration of your cruise at a fraction of the cost of a spa treatment. It's a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the ship.

Inside the Magic, Flickr

Visit The Star Wars Bar

Visit the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge on the Disney Wish for an out-of-this-world experience. 

While reservations are no longer required, consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, especially when the ship is in port. During the day, guests of all ages are welcome to explore this unique bar.

cvorobek, Flickr

Don’t Skip The Musicals

Don't miss out on your ship's spectacular musical performances, like Broadway-quality productions of “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin.” 

These shows are a highlight of any Disney cruise experience and shouldn't be skipped.

Peter Lee, Flickr

Use Adventures By Disney

Elevate your Disney Cruise Line adventure with pre- or post-sailing escapes through Adventures by Disney. 

Explore iconic cities like Barcelona, Paris, and Rome through itineraries designed to immerse you in the local culture.

CL Photographs, Flickr

See A New Movie At Sea

Experience the latest Disney releases at the onboard theater, no advance tickets required. Many films are offered in 3-D, and the theatre includes titles from Disney, Marvel, Pixar. 

Trey Ratcliff, Flickr

Check Out The Kids Clubs During Open House

While places like the Marvel Super Hero Academy and Star Wars: Millennium Falcon play zones are usually kids-only,  that all changes during open houses. 

Take advantage of the open house to explore areas like Vibe's arcade games and Andy's Room from Toy Story.

Inside the Magic, Flickr

See All The Characters On The Last Night

Don't miss your chance to take photos with Disney characters on the last night of your cruise. 

Around 10 or 10:30 p.m., characters gather in the atrium for a short period, allowing guests to bid farewell and snap memorable pictures. 

Inside the Magic, Flickr

Carry Your Bags To Skip The Line

Avoid the crowds during disembarkation by managing your own luggage on the final morning of your cruise. 

By skipping the luggage drop-off the night before, you can disembark earlier, sometimes before the regular disembarkation process even begins. This makes for a smoother exit from the ship and a stress-free end to your cruise.

davecobb, Flickr

The best photos reel us in and force us to engage with them. Sometimes enlightening, sometimes inspiring and sometimes enraging, the most memorable photography often embodies the best and worst of nations and people. Yes, a picture already speaks a thousand words, but a few more couldn’t hurt.

1. Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima

On February 23, 1945, Joe Rosenthal shot this photo of five Marines and one Navy corpsman raising a U.S. flag on Mt. Suribachi, on the fifth day of a battle that claimed the lives of 6,800 Americans and 21,000 Japanese. A smaller flag was initially raised, but a commander called for a larger, more easily-visible replacement to both inspire his men and demoralise his opponents. Rosenthal’s photo shows this second raising, which became a patriotic symbol of unity and won Rosenthal a Pulitzer Prize.

 2. Lunch Atop a Skyscraper

This famous picture, depicting construction workers having lunch on a girder on top of a skyscraper in Rockefeller Center, New York, is actually a staged publicity photo intended to drum up excitement for the project’s impending completion (I guess construction workers don't really eat their lunch on steel girders). Still, they really are dangling their feet 850 feet above the ground, harness-free.

Harold Egeberg , CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

3. Migrant Mother

 This image of an impoverished woman with two of her seven children at a pea-pickers camp in Nipomo, California was shot by photographer Dorothea Lange in 1936. The photo was taken to document the plight of migrant agricultural workers and was published in newspapers, prompting the government to deliver food aid to the Nipomo camp. The woman, 32 years old at the time and identified decades later as Florence Owens Thompson, was critical of Lange and stated that she felt the photo was exploitative and wished it hadn’t been taken. She also expressed regret she hadn’t made any money from it. Thompson departed this life at the age of 80 in 1983.

Flickr, trialsanderrors

4. Winston Churchill, December 30, 1941

One of the most iconic portraits of Churchill was taken by Yousuf Karsh after the prime minister had spoken to the Canadian Parliament in 1941. Churchill had lit a fresh cigar beforehand, and Karsh asked him to remove it for the photo. When he refused, Karsh stepped forward, said “Forgive me, sir,” and removed the cigar himself, resulting in that less-than-thrilled facial expression.

Wikimedia Commons, Yousuf Karsh

5. V-J Day Kiss

Taken on V-J Day on August 14, 1945 by photographer Alfred Eisentaedt and showcased in LIFE magazine, this notorious image of a WWII sailor kissing a nurse embodied the euphoria individuals experienced at the cessation of hostilities and promptly emerged as a cultural symbol. The identities of the subjects remained a mystery for decades until they were eventually determined to be George Mendonsa and Greta Friedman. The two didn’t know each other (Eisentaedt later said of that day “There were thousands of people milling around…everybody was kissing each other”), and Mendonsa’s wife Rita can actually be seen smiling in the background of the photo. Many people perceive the image as insensitively portraying an assault of an intimate nature, and not something to be applauded. Friedman, who departed this life at the age of 92 in 2016, dismissed this, stating there was “no way there was anything bad about it".

Flickr, Alfred Eisenstaedt

6. Anxious Eyes

Taken by James Stanfield in Poland, 1987, this picture depicts cardiac surgeon Zbigniew Religa tracking the vitals of a patient after a successful heart transplant while his assistant rests in the corner. The surgery had taken 23 hours and had used very outdated equipment.

Getty Images

James Stanfield

7. Nirvana’s Swimming Baby

Snapped by photographer Kirk Weddle, the baby depicted on the cover of Nirvana’s influential Nevermind album was the four-month-old son of Weddle’s friends. And he’s not actually swimming. As Weddle explains “The mom was on my left, and blew a puff of air into the child’s face. Then we dunked him in and, bang bang, pulled him out. We did it twice and that was it". Anything for rock n’roll.

Getty Images

8. Einstein’s Birthday

On his 72nd  birthday, photographer Arthur Sasse tried to get Einstein to smile for the camera. Tired of smiling for photographers all day, Einstein stuck out his tongue instead.

Public Domain Pictures

9. Afghan Girl

Captured by Steve McCurry amid the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, this captivating image portrays a refugee from the conflict and was featured on the cover of the June 1985 issue of National Geographic. The subject was only identified 17 years later as Sharbat Gula, and she had never actually seen her iconic portrait before McCurry managed to track her down in January 2002.

Flickr, Gonzalo Malpartida

10. Guerrillero Heroico

This photo of Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara is one of the most reproduced and recognizable images of all time, but when it was taken it was basically an afterthought. Photographer Alberto Korda had been in Cuba to cover the funeral of the victims of a ship explosion in Havana Harbor, and he focussed on Fidel Castro and his indictment of the US in the wake of the tragedy. He shot two photos of Guevara, Castro’s young ally, but they went unpublished by his newspaper. It wasn't until after Guevara met his end in Bolivia almost seven years later, when he became embraced as a martyr for the revolution, that Korda's image of him became the revolution's most persistent symbol.

Wikimedia Commons, Alberto Korda

11. Abbey Road

The Abbey Road album cover is possibly the most famous photo of the Beatles there is, but it was actually doctored a little. US poster companies eliminated the item from Paul's hand—without approval from him or Apple Records (who possess the rights to the image).

Flickr, Roger

12. Ruby Bridges

Taken by an uncredited Department of Justice photographer in 1960, this evocative image depicts Ruby Bridges, the first African-American student to join William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana after a Federal court ordered the desegregation of schools in the South, being escorted to school by US marshals. What the image doesn’t show is a large crowd of screaming segregationist protesters outside the school, some of whom carried signs bearing statements like “All I Want For Christmas is a Clean White School". Bridges has since been an indefatigable advocate for equality among all ethnicities.

Wikimedia Commons, DOJ photographer

13. Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston

Sports Illustrated photographer Neil Leifer was in the right place at the right time to snap what is perhaps the greatest sports photo of the 20th century, but he was only there because a senior photographer had arrived before him and essentially forced him to that side of the ring. Leifer was only 22 at the time, and fellow Sports Illustrated photographer Herb Scharfman got there first and pulled rank to claim a prime spot by the judges’ table. Leifer's seat on the opposite side was ideally positioned for that historic photo, while Scharfman found himself aiming his lens towards Ali's back. Scharfman can be seen in the crowd between Ali’s legs in Leifer’s photo. “It didn’t matter how good Herbie was that day,” Leifer said later. "He was in the wrong seat".

Wikimedia.Commons

14. The Hindenburg Disaster

Sam Shere was one of nearly two dozen photographers who scrambled to document the Hindenburg Zeppelin crash, which took the lives of 36 people on May 6, 1937. But it's his image, with its grandeur and palpable terror, that has endured over the other photographs. Published on front pages around the world and used on the cover of a Led Zeppelin album decades later, the disaster and the press coverage surrounding it brought the golden age of the airships to a definitive end.

Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons

15. Tank Man

Later becoming a defiant symbol of resistance around the world, Jeff Widener’s iconic photo of a regular man stepping in front of a line of tanks to block their path initially needed to be protected from governmental confiscation. Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Liu Heung-Shing, who was also covering the incident, advised Widener to hide the film in his hotel room after learning about his photos. Widener then descended to the hotel lobby, located a blond American man with a ponytail and backpack, and compensated him to slip the film beyond ununiformed law enforcement officers to the Associated Press. The tank man himself remains unknown.

Getty Images

16. Earthrise

It’s one of the most reproduced space photos of all time, but taking this awe-inspiring image of the Earth rising above the lunar horizon was never actually one of NASA’s mission objectives. Apollo 8 was sent to study and take pictures of the moon’s surface. It was the first time humans had ever laid eyes on the blue planet from the vast blackness of space, and astronaut William Anders snapped the only colour photo of the spectacle.

Wikipedia

17. Oscars Selfie

In the middle of the 2014 Oscars, host Ellen DeGeneres waded into the crowd of celebrities and snapped a selfie with them. The photo went on to be retweeted over 3 million times, more than any other picture in the history of the platform. It was also a huge marketing boon for Samsung (the phone used the photo); the company’s public relations firm has valued the selfie at between $800 million and $1 billion.

Getty Images

18. Black Power Salute

When African-American Olympic sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos stood atop the medal podium in Mexico City, 1968, heads bowed and black-gloved fists raised during the playing of the national anthem, many were outraged but many more were thrilled and inspired by their Black Power salute. John Dominis’ photo endures to this day as a symbol of expressed disillusionment with the promise of a nation. In the photo, Smith stands in black socks with his running shoes off in a gesture meant to symbolize black poverty.

Australian silver medalist Peter Norman stood and displayed solidarity with them, wearing an Olympic Project for Human Rights badge during the ceremony. In 2006, both Smith and Carlos were pallbearers at Norman's funeral.

Wikimedia Commons, Angelo Cozzi

19. The Loch Ness Monster

Supposedly taken by surgeon Robert Wilson, the most famous photo of what is said to be the Loch Ness Monster graced the pages of London’s Daily Mail in April 1934. It is, of course, a hoax. Christopher Spurling admitted in 1994 that he and his stepfather, big-game hunter Marmaduke Wetherell, made a small model of the monster’s neck and placed it on a toy submarine. Wilson, a respected doctor, was chosen as photographer to lend credibility to the hoax.

Getty Images

20. Gandhi and His Spinning Wheel

Perhaps the definitive photo of Mohandas Gandhi was taken by Margaret Bourke-White, LIFE magazine's first female photographer. It depicts Gandhi reading the news next to his portable spinning wheel, which had become a potent exemplar of the campaign for independence after Ghandi had encouraged his countrymen to make their own homespun cloth instead of purchasing British goods.

Pixabay

21. The Situation Room

Taken by Pete Souza on the afternoon of May 1, 2011, this image shows President Barack Obama and his national security team packed into a small conference room in the West Wing's Situation Room. They were receiving updates as U.S. forces carried out a raid on Osama bin Laden's Pakistan compound, resulting in the downfall of the terrorist leader. Photographs of bin Laden’s body have never been released, making Souza’s photo the only public image of one of the defining moments in the fight against terrorism. 

Getty Images

22. The (Original) Marlboro Man

Clarence Hailey Long, the original “Marlboro Man,” was a 39 year old ranch foreman whose picture was taken by Leonard McCombe for a 1949 LIFE magazine series about ranching. The corporation Philip Morris was in search of a new identity for the Marlboro product line, which had debuted as a women's item in 1924. Long's persona led the executives to incorporate him into a novel promotional campaign that catapulted Marlboro to the summit of the worldwide market.

Pixabay

23. Raising a Flag over the Reichstag

Yevgeny Khaldei photographed this historic image of a Soviet soldier heroically waving the red flag above the Reichstag on May 2, 1945. The image was edited before being published; a second watch on the wrist of the Russian individual was removed to obscure the truth that these individuals were participating in looting.

Getty Images

24. Dali Atomicus

Capturing the essence of his subject as accurately as one could ever hope, it took photographer Philippe Halsman six hours, 28 takes, and a roomful of assistants throwing buckets of water at three cats across the room before he’d gotten what he deemed to be the perfect photo of Salvador Dali.

Wikipedia

25. The London Milkman

Taken by Fred Morley during the London blitz on October 9, 1940, this photo portrays a milkman making his rounds on foot despite the devastation around him. Intended to uplift spirits by powerfully showcasing the essence of British stoicism during periods of conflict, the picture was actually staged. Morley’s assistant borrowed a milkman’s outfit and a bottle rack, and Morley found some firefighters for him to pose in front of. The government censors had restricted the publication of anything that might cause panic, but Morley circumvented this by depicting normal life carrying on despite the carnage. It worked, and the photo was published the next day.

Getty Images

26. The Burning Monk

Malcolm Browne's 1963 photo, capturing a Buddhist monk serenely immolating himself on the streets of Saigon in protest against the U.S.-backed South Vietnamese government, remains one of the most powerful and emblematic images from the period of conflict in Vietnam. It was published in newspapers around the world the next day, and prompted president John F. Kennedy to declare “No news picture in history has generated so much emotion around the world as that one". The image played a pivotal role in shaping U.S actions towards urging the South Vietnam regime to halt any mistreatment of Buddhists.

Flickr, manhhai

Malcolm Browne interviews Quang Lien

27. Lyndon Johnson, Air Force One

Former army photographer Cecil Stoughton, the first person to hold the post of White House photographer, captured this historic image of Judge Sarah Hughes administering the oath of office to a solemn Lyndon Johnson just hours after the tragic demise of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Johnson is surrounded by a group of staffers, as well as his wife and a bewildered-looking Jaqueline Kennedy, who is still wearing the pink Chanel suit she had on when her husband was shot. The only photographer on the plane when Johnson was inaugurated, Stoughton’s camera initially malfunctioned and it appeared there wouldn’t be any photographic record of the event. Thankfully, he quickly fixed the problem and was able to document it.

Getty Images

28. Michael Jordan

Jacobus “Co” Rentmeester shot Michael Jordan in his famous “Jumpman” pose for LIFE in 1984, maybe the most famous silhouette ever photographed. The pose was staged and not actually consistent with Jordan’s regular dunking style. Rentmeester simply had Jordan leap up on the spot and adopt a pose inspired by a ballet technique known as a “grand jeté” to make it appear as if he was dunking. Nike paid Rentmeester $15,000 for a two year license to use the image, but they continued to use it well beyond that and it eventually became one of the most popular commercial logos of all time. Rentmeester initiated a lawsuit against Nike for violating copyright laws, but the case was dismissed in June 2015.

Getty Images

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39,

The carnival in Ivrea is one of Italy’s oldest festivals. While most carnivals end with a Mardi Gras that’s basically one final epic party, the folks in Ivrea end Carnival with something a little more aggressive: The Battle of the Oranges.

While taking part in Italy’s largest food fight may sound fun, the origins of this tradition are anything but.

Where Is The Battle Of The Oranges?

Ivrea is a small town in northern Italy’s Piedmont region. About 23,000 people live there. Each year, nearly 7,000 people gather in the city center to take part in the Battle of the Oranges.

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The Origins Of The Battle

The inspiration for the Battle of the Oranges is said to date back to the Middle Ages, during the 1100s. At the time, Ivrea was governed by a tyrant who had a particularly vile way of exerting his power.

Paolo Lucciola, Flickr

The Revolution

According to the story, the tyrant abducted a miller’s daughter named Violetta on the eve of her wedding. He tried to assault her, but the young woman beheaded him. When the people of Ivrea saw what she’d done, it sparked a revolution, and they burned the tyrant’s palace to the ground.

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Acting Out The Past

The Battle of the Oranges commemorates this revolt against tyrannical power. Each year, a woman is chosen to play the part of the miller’s daughter, or La Mugnaia. Thousands of townsfolk come to La Mugnaia’s aid, dressed as soldiers and armed with oranges.

Laurom, Wikimedia Commons

The Aranceri

The battle has been an annual tradition in Ivrea since 1947. For three days, from Sunday to Mardi Gras Tuesday, nine teams of aranceri (meaning “orange-throwers”) duke it out in the streets of Ivrea. 

The aranceri on foot represent the angry villagers, while the aranceri who ride in horse-drawn carts represent the tyrants forces.

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Defend Your Square

Each team of aranceri villagers controls a piazza, or public square, in the town. They defend their piazzas against the aranceri in the chariots. 

Though it may seem like just a food fight, people truly embody the spirit of the revolt, and hurl the oranges at each other with all their might.

Edoardo Bartoccetti, Flickr

Why Do They Throw Oranges?

No one really knows why oranges are the chosen weapon of choice. They became part of the tradition later on in the 19^th century and represent the stones that the villagers threw at the tyrant’s palace.

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The Original Fruit

In the first years of the battle, people threw beans at each other. Later, they used apples before settling on oranges. Beans are still an important part of Ivrea’s Carnival, and their use is the early days of the festival is commemorated by free servings of a bean dish called fagioli grassi.

Laurom, Wikimedia Commons

Why Beans?

Beans were the weapon of choice in the early years of the festival because they represented the villagers’ contempt for the tyrant. 

In some stories of the rebellion, the tyrant gave poor families a pot of boiled beans to eat so they wouldn’t starve. He only did this twice each year, so people took to throwing beans as a way to show their anger at the tyrant’s disrespectful actions.

Nicholas Githiri, Pexels

Festival Food

At the carnival, fagioli grassi is the main dish. It's made in large cauldrons by combining beans, sausages, and bacon rind. 

Other traditional dishes at the festival include cured salami called salam duja and cabbage rolls called capunet.

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A Gathering Storm

There are 51 horse-drawn carts, and they’re divided into 35 pairs. Their carts are decorated with bold images and signs. The aranceri on horses gather around 1pm. When they split up to head to the piazzas, everyone know the battle will begin soon. 

Laurom, Wikimedia Commons

How Many Oranges Are Used?

Over 600 tons of oranges are used as ammo during the battle. That’s the equivalent of 4 million oranges. 

Luckily, the oranges aren’t suitable to be sold, so it’s not a waste of food that people would normally eat.

Laurom, Wikimedia Commons

A Big Mess

The sheer volume of smashed oranges on the streets can be as deep as 40 cm (15 inches). Each night, the streets are cleaned after the battle, and ready to get covered in the sticky fruit all over again the next day.

Stefano Guidi, Shutterstock

Sustainability 

The oranges that are used during the fight are ones that wouldn’t be sold for eating. They’d be used for pulping so smashing them at people on the street is kind of similar to where they’d end up anyway. The farmers are also paid for the oranges.

rita bredeson, Shutterstock

Another Use For The Oranges 

At the end of each day of the battle, the smashed oranges are collected in a special tank. When the Battle of the Oranges comes to an end, all of the fruit is transported to a disposal plant whether it is turned into compost.

Lupo, CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons

Important Preparations 

Preparations for the Battle of the Oranges start in January, a month before the carnival. The town elects someone to play the role of Generale. 

The Generale is the master of ceremonies, and he begins the carnival festivities with a masquerade ball on the evening before the battle.

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The Most Important Role

The role of La Mugnaia is also chosen in January, though her identity is kept a secret until the eve of the battle. That’s when the person playing La Mugnaia is finally revealed and paraded through the streets in a golden carriage. 

She wears a white wedding dress, and the crowd often throws candies and small mimosa branches in celebration.

Laurom, Wikimedia Commons

The Abbà 

In addition to the Generale and La Mugnaia, the Abbà also have an important role to play in the festivities. 

The Abbà are a group of 10 children who dress in Renaissance costumes to represent the five parishes in Ivrea. They join the Generale at the opening ball.

Mcx83, Flickr

Joining In On The Fun

Anyone can participate in the battle, but depending on which team you join, the participation fee will cost up to 120 euros. Food, wine, and all the oranges you can throw during the three-day festival are included in the participation fee. 

Reservations for non-locals and those who haven’t been to the festival before usually open in January.

Giò, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Reservations For The Battle

When it comes to reserving a spot for the battle, this is usually done in-person. Some teams will let you sign up via email or make an exception for special case, but each team has their own rules about registration. 

It’s also common for rules to differ between experienced aranceri and first-timers, so check the teams’ websites for details.

Maurizio Montanaro, Flickr

The Uniform 

If you’re a newcomer, you’ll also have to buy a uniform, called a divisa. This can cost another 50 euros to 80 euros, but you get to keep the divisa after the battle and use it again. 

It’s common for people to sew patches representing the different years of the carnival onto their divisas, leaving them with a record of all the orange battles they’ve been in.

Jayapura, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

At The Sound Of The Whistle

The sound of the whistle signals the beginning and end of the battle. It also lets participants know when they can put their oranges down and take a breather before the next round of fighting.

Vfbia, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Safety During The Battle

Safety nets are put around the buildings near the piazzas, so spectators can watch the battle without becoming collateral damage. 

During the battle you’ll see many people wearing big red Phrygian hats. Anyone wearing one of the hats is off-limits and can’t be attacked by the aranceri.

Laurom, Wikimedia Commons

Final Thoughts

The Battle of the Oranges is one the most unique and spirited traditions in the world. From its medieval origins to the zest-filled battlegrounds of today, this citrus-infused spectacle is sure to brings people together in a celebration of history and camaraderie for years to come. 

RnDmS, Shutterstock

If you’ve got an old smartphone, it’s tempting to get rid of it or stick it in some dark corner of your house to collect dust. But that old phone might not be worthless yet—in fact, it might even save you some money. 

Here are 10 ways to repurpose your old phone and save a few bucks in the process.

1. A Wireless Webcam

Nowadays, lots of meetings are conducted remotely with webcams. If you find yourself without a webcam or stuck with a low-quality laptop camera, don't worry—just use your old smartphone. Its built-in camera is better than most budget webcams, so you can save money without sacrificing image quality.

Blazej Lyjak, Shutter stock

Webcam Apps

Turning your phone into a webcam is easy with free apps. Just download a webcam app on both your old mobile and your computer, then connect them together. Once they're linked, you're all set to go. If you want to secure your phone to your monitor, you can get a magnetic mount or tripod, both of which are cheaper than a new webcam.

George Milton, Pexels

App Capabilities 

With most webcam apps supporting both 720p and 1080p video, you'll have clear visuals for your meetings. 4K support is limited, but unless you're doing high-end tasks like streaming or sales calls, this probably won't be an issue. So, why not save yourself some cash and turn your old smartphone into a webcam?

Liza Summer, Pexels

2. A Universal Smart Remote

In every home, there's a notorious spot where remote controls vanish without a trace. Instead of replacing lost remotes, consider repurposing your old mobile phone as a remote control.

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Make Space

Before diving in, clear space on your old phone for media apps and ensure you have your favorites like Netflix and Disney+ ready to go. Once you've prepped your phone, install your preferred streaming apps and any mobile versions of device-specific apps like Apple TV or Roku.

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Limitless Control 

It'll take a bit of time to download and connect everything, but once linked, you'll have seamless control over your entertainment. Plus, with apps like Google Home or Alexa, you can extend remote control to other smart devices throughout your home, making life a whole lot simpler.

sdx15, Shutterstock

3. A Daschcam

Installing a dashcam is a great way of documenting your drives and collecting evidence in the case of accidents. But the cost of a dashcam can be something that makes people pass on this valuable tool. Luckily, if you have an old smartphone lying around, you can turn it into a budget-friendly alternative.

Elizaveta Galitckaia, Shutterstock

A World Of Capabilities 

Most dashcam apps can give you features like loop recording and collision detection, providing a solid substitute for a traditional dashcam. Some even have advanced features like 4K video recording and cloud storage.

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Watch Your Battery

Keep in mind that some free dashcam apps might display ads and drain your phone's battery, especially if it's older. To get around the battery drain, just get long charging cable that can plug into your car's power outlet. 

Patrick Daxenbichler, Shutterstock

4. An Alarm Clock

Whether it's work, school, or appointments, oversleeping isn't an option. If you need an extra alarm clock, just use your old phone.

Miriam Alonso, Pexels

Personalize Your Alarm

Setting up your old phone as an alarm clock is easy. You can either use its built-in clock or download an alarm clock app for customization. Heavy sleepers can get an app that makes them do challenges to silence the alarm, while those preferring a gentler wake-up can opt for apps with soothing nature sounds.

Miriam Alonso, Pexels

5. An E-Reader

Getting lost in a good book is a fun escape, and an e-reader makes it easy to carry your favorite stories wherever you go. A good e-reader can be pricey, so keep the cash in your wallet and dig out your old smartphone. 

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More Options 

Start by decluttering your old phone to make space for e-reader apps like Amazon Kindle or Goodreads. The benefit here is that unlike dedicated e-readers, using your old phone allows flexibility across different platforms, enabling access to e-books from multiple sources.

sdx15, Shutteerstock

Digital Libraries 

Transforming your old smartphone into an e-reader is also a great way to expand your reading options and support your local library. Nowadays, many libraries have apps that give you access to a variety of e-books and audiobooks at no cost.

McLittle Stock, Shutterstock

6. A Security Camera

Home security is a top priority, and using your old smartphone as a security camera is a cost-effective way of keeping an eye on things. With a security camera app, it's easy to set up a live feed. Once you connect both your phones to the app, you can use your new phone to control the feed, while your old phone captures video.   

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The More The Merrier

Installing the chosen security app on all devices is the first step to creating your live feed. Positioning your old phone near a power outlet ensures it stays operational without constant charging. And if you have more than one old phone lying around, you can create a more secure setup with multiple live feeds.

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7. An MP3 Player

Remember the days when MP3 players were a separate gadget from your phone? Repurposing your old phone as a dedicated MP3 player not only saves your current phone's battery but also opens up more space for music downloads.

Mihis Alex, Pexels

Reset 

Start fresh by performing a factory reset on your old phone, then equip it with music streaming apps like Spotify or Apple Music. Subscribers can enjoy offline listening and download their favorite albums. Even if you get the free versions of the apps, you'll still have access to plenty of tunes, just with a few ads and functional limitations.

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More Than Music

When you need a break from music, you can explore the variety of podcasts and audiobooks available on streaming services. Just be aware that some audiobooks may require additional payments or have monthly access limits.

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8. A Gaming Device

Mobile gaming has exploded in popularity, offering a wide range of titles from classic throwbacks to modern favorites like Pokémon Go. By making your old phone into a gaming device, you can get access to a huge library of games to entertain you on the go.

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Games Galore 

With a stable Wi-Fi connection, you can explore popular mobile games on platforms like Google Play and Apple Arcade. Clearing out unnecessary apps creates ample storage space for downloading your favorite games.

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Play All Your Favorites 

Take your gaming experience further by using services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, PS Remote Play, and Steam Link to play console and PC games on your old phone. Repurposing your old phone is a fun, cost-effective way of extending your gameplay, especially for young gamers who don't need a brand-new device just yet.

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9. A Livestream To The World

Whether you're working from home or at the office, your desk view might not always be the most captivating. But why settle for a dull scene when you can turn your old phone into a window to the world?

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World-Renowned Views 

Live webcam apps like EarthCam Webcams and EarthCam TV 2 offer access to stunning views from around the globe. They charge a small annual fee, but allow you to enjoy a breathtaking view of Niagara Falls or soak in the energy of Times Square from the comfort of your desk.

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Awesome Budget-Friendly Options

If you prefer not to pay for live webcam access, there are still plenty of free options available. For example, you watch animals at the San Diego Zoo through live cams set up in various enclosures. Just make sure your old phone has a reliable wireless connection to make the most of your virtual window experience.

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10. A Digital Photo Frame

Nowadays, our smartphones double as our primary cameras. But why let those memories gather digital dust when you can showcase them by turning your old smartphone into a digital photo frame?

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Sync Up

Start by making sure your desired photos are on your old phone—you can transfer them manually from your PC or via Bluetooth from your current device. You can also sync your old phone with cloud storage to access your photos.

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Keep The Family Close

With photo framing apps like Fotoo or Google Photos, you can create albums and set up cool slideshows. In addition to your old smartphone, you can also turn an old tablet into a digital picture frame. It's a great way to add warmth to your workspace or brighten up any dull corner of your home.

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On June 18, 2023, a bizarre accident occurred deep in the North Atlantic Ocean—the loss of the submersible Titan. Its backstory, and the details of this tragedy, sparked a controversy that captivated the world's attention.

It Began With OceanGate

The truth about the doomed submersible begins with OceanGate—a private company founded by Stockton Rush and Guillermo Söhnlein in 2009. Beginning in 2010, they began providing a unique service.

Isabeljohnson25, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

They Transported Them To Shipwrecks

For a price, OceanGate could give clients access to a submersible, guiding them in underwater adventures. These locations included the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the California coast. 

However, their greatest selling point was the prospect of visiting shipwrecks—and as we all know, one shipwreck is more famous than all the others.

Lori Johnston, Wikimedia Commons

The Titanic Was A Major Selling Point

Speaking to Smithsonian magazine in 2019, Stockton Rush said, "There's only one wreck that everyone knows ... If you ask people to name something underwater, it's going to be sharks, whales, Titanic".

Little did he know, the Titanic would eventually become a threat to human life all over again.

Roderick Eime, Filckr

The Discovery Of Titanic

The fascination surrounding the Titanic has never truly abated. After all, it was a nightmare of epic proportions, claiming the lives of over 1,500 people after it sank in 1912. However, it wasn't until 1985 that the site of the shipwreck was finally discovered.

Lori Johnston, Wikimedia Commons

It Became A Destination For The Elite

320 miles off the coast of Newfoundland, the sad remains of Titanic rest on the ocean floor—12,500 feet deep. Researchers and even tourists wanted to experience seeing the doomed ocean liner. As of 2023, only 250 people have had the chance to see it.

However, it was this very desire that eventually led the Titan to its twisted end.

NOAA, Wikimedia Commons

It Could Carry Five People

Before being named Titan, the submersible was actually called Cyclops 2. It could only carry five people and was almost seven meters long. Constructed out of titanium and carbon fiber, the vessel weighed in at 23,000 lbs.

But when it came to its materials and design, there were some incredibly worrying details.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

It Underwent Several Changes

You see, though the Titan's initial design allowed the vessel to reach a depth of 13,000 ft, the indication of cyclic fatigue led to a change in the hull's design. The hull underwent a major change—but this didn't increase its depth rating, quite the opposite. 

In the end, the Titan would only be able to reach a depth of 9,800 ft. But that wasn't the most unsettling part.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

Made With Discounted Materials

The hull eventually underwent another overhaul in 2020 and 2021. Stockton Rush later revealed something chilling to the editor-in-chief at Travel Weekly. Apparently, they had sourced discounted carbon fiber from Boeing. Why was it discounted, you may ask?

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024) 

Boeing Doesn't Have The Receipts

Well, the carbon fiber just wasn't up to scratch for Boeing to use—it was too old. However, according to Boeing, they don't have a paper trail of the sale of these materials to OceanGate. If this sounds shady, buckle up—it gets worse.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

They Didn't Follow Safety Protocols

OceanGate also failed to get the Titan properly certified—and their reason for this oversight was jaw-dropping. Reportedly, they believed that safety measures would hold them back. 

As well, when the company attempted to class Titan in 2019, Lloyd's Register denied them.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

Video Game Controllers Steered It

Perhaps one of the most disturbing details to come to light was Titan's steering controls. Video game controllers were used to guide the vessel. However, it's also important to keep in mind that game controllers such as these are also used to direct remote-controlled vehicles and submarine periscopes.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

Going On "Missions"

OceanGate would take its clients on what they called "missions". These missions would dive down to the site of Titanic's wreck over the course of several days. During 2021 and 2022, there were five of these intense excursions.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

Two Dive Attempts

During these trips to Titanic, there would usually be two dive attempts. Sometimes, though, complications arose, including poor weather conditions and technical problems.

Here's how a dive usually went down...

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

A Claustrophobic Journey

On board the submersible, there would be five passengers: three paying clients accompanied by a guide and a pilot. It was a very claustrophobic experience as once the hatch closed on them, they'd be locked in from the outside, meaning there was no chance of them getting out on their own.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

An Eight-Hour Descent

Then came the lengthy descent to the bottom of the ocean. It would usually take around eight hours for the vessel to reach the wreckage site.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

They Sent Out A Safety Signal

During these expeditions, the crew waiting at the surface communicated with the submersible through text messages every 15 minutes. However, more importantly, every five to ten seconds, the vessel sent out a safety ping. 

But though this all sounds quite daunting, the experience didn't come cheap.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

Only The Very Wealthy Could Afford The Trip

Anyone hoping to dive down to the Titanic had to pay $250,000 in US currency. This would cover their eight-day adventure, and OceanGate would dub them a "mission specialist". Was it worth it? 

For the passengers aboard the Titan in 2023, they all paid a high price to journey straight to their watery end.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

The Lack Of Safety Regulations

Probably one of the most important aspects of this story is the safety of the entire operation. The Titan didn't have to meet any safety regulations for two reasons. Firstly, it undertook its mission in international waters, and secondly, it was not leaving a port with its passengers. But this wasn't the only red flag.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

They Had To Sign An Unsettling Waiver

There was no regulatory body to inspect the capabilities and seaworthiness of Titan. According to the reporter David Pogue, who went on one of the missions himself, every passenger had to sign a waiver. 

The details of this waiver were actually quite scary.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

It Was An "Experimental" Vessel

Reportedly, this waiver made passengers acknowledge that they understood the Titan to be an "experimental" vessel—one "that has not been approved or certified by any regulatory body, and could result in physical injury, disability, emotional trauma or death".

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

The Founder Ran His Mouth

Unfortunately, when it came to the lax safety regulations, there have been some statements made by OceanGate founder Stockton Rush that have not aged well.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

He Thought Safety Was A "Pure Waste"

Stockton Rush spoke to CBS News in 2022 and shockingly said, "At some point, safety just is pure waste. I mean, if you just want to be safe, don't get out of bed. Don't get in your car. Don't do anything". Oh, but that's not even the worst quote you can find.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

He Broke Rules

Rush has also been quoted saying, "I've broken some rules to make [Titan]. I think I've broken them with logic and good engineering behind me. The carbon fiber and titanium, there's a rule you don't do that. Well, I did".

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

He Gave Them A Major Discount

In 2023, the ill-fated Titan voyage was originally booked for May. Stockton Rush had presented two potential passengers with a hefty discount. Instead of charging the businessman Jay Bloom $250,000 per seat, he offered a rate of $150,000 a seat. This would apply to both Bloom and his son's spots on Titan.

However, Bloom's initial response was rather surprising.

MEGA, Getty Images

One Choice Changed Everything

Though Rush had insisted that the dive would be "safer than crossing the street," Bloom completely rejected his generous offer, citing valid concerns about the safety of the Titan submersible. This one decision ended up saving his life.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

He Didn't Trust OceanGate

A year later, Bloom talked to People magazine and shared his experience with Stockton Rush: "Every time I asked him important questions, not just about the safety, but about the project itself or who's behind it and who's involved, he dodged them. He flipped it around on me, and got mad just for questioning him. He would say I was young, I didn’t understand the industry. So I said we just aren’t going to go".

OceanGate, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Day Of The Mission

On June 18, 2023, at 5:15 am, "Mission Five" reached the general location of the Titanic's shipwreck. Five passengers boarded Titan and prepared for what OceanGate called "Dive 88".

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

The Passengers: Stockton Rush And Paul-Henri Nargeolet

First, there was 61-year-old Stockton Rush himself. Then there was 77-year-old Paul-Henri Nargeolet, who had a lot of experience under his belt. Nargeolet was a submersible pilot just like Rush, but he was also a diver and former commander in the French Navy. This also wasn't Nargeolet's first time visiting the Titanic. 

He was an expert on the wreck site and had already visited it 35 times. The three other passengers, though, were very excited about this very special experience.

JOEL SAGET, Getty Images

The Passengers: Hamish Harding

58-year-old Hamish Harding was no stranger to adventure. As an aviator and space tourist, he'd already visited space and set a record for circumnavigating the world. Unfortunately, this would be his very last trip.

Victoria Sirakova, Getty Images

The Passengers: Shahzada Dawood And Suleman Dawood

The final two passengers were a father and son duo: 48-year-old Shahzada Dawood and 19-year-old Suleman Dawood. They took the spots that would have originally gone to Jay Bloom and his son. Dawood came from a wealthy business-oriented family and was a philanthropist himself. But there's a tragic detail to this father-son adventure.

The Dawood Foundation, Flickr

The Passengers: Shahzada Dawood And Suleman Dawood

You see, Dawood's wife Christine was originally going to accompany him on the Titan. However, she generously relinquished her seat so that her son Suleman could enjoy the experience. She had no clue that her decision carried such weight.

The Dawood Foundation, Flickr

A Smooth Start

At 9:18 am, Titan was finally on its way. For the first 90 minutes of the journey, everything seemed to go swimmingly, with the vessel sending their consistent safety pings. Even after descending 7,461 ft, Titan seemed safe and secure, communicating "all good here". But things went south fast.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

The Final Text Message

At 10:47:27 am, one final text message came through: "dropped two wts". They were at a depth of around 10,961 ft. At nearly the same time, one last ping also came through. That's when all communication ceased.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

Officially Missing

Titan failed to return at the expected time of 4:30 pm. The submersible and its five passengers were officially missing. It was time to get the US Coast Guard involved.

If the submersible hadn't already imploded, it would be a race against time to rescue them.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

Only 96 Hours Of Breathable Air

You see, the amount of breathable air available to the passengers was just 96 hours. This meant they had until the morning of June 22 to find Titan. There was, however, good reason to believe that the vessel had already met a dark end.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

A Possible Implosion

You see, hours after Titan disappeared beneath the surface, an alarming acoustic signal reached a US Navy acoustic detection system—what seemed like an implosion. Still, a major search operation for the vessel commenced, but finding it wasn't an easy task.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

A Difficult Rescue Mission

According to the US Coast Guard, poor weather and sea conditions—as well as darkness and the water temperature—hindered the rescue mission. To make matters worse, Titan did not have acoustic beacons, which would have made it easier to find.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

Trying To Hold On To Hope

A spokesperson for the US Coast Guard tried to maintain a positive outlook at a press conference, announcing, "This is a search and rescue mission 100%", rather than a wreckage recovery mission". 

However, with the hours ticking on by, the hard truth was that if the passengers were still alive, they faced a dwindling air supply.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

People Waited With Bated Breath

News of the missing OceanGate submersible captivated the world. People followed the story for days, wondering if and when Titan would be found. On June 22, they got their answer.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

A Tell-Tale Debris Field

On that fateful day, the search efforts finally made a disturbing discovery. Close to the Titanic's shipwreck, they'd found an ominous debris field. Eventually, confirmation about the debris came through: It was indeed remnants of the Titan.

United States Coast Guard, Wikimedia Commons

They Announced Titan's Fate

At 4:30 pm on the same day, the US Coast Guard had to break the tragic news to the public. At a press conference in Boston, they shared that the Titan had imploded—and that pieces of the submersible had been identified on the ocean floor.

U.S. Coast Guard, Wikimedia Commons

The Vessel Imploded

The nature of the debris painted a grim picture of what actually happened. According to Rear Admiral John Mauger, it indicated that there was a  "catastrophic loss of the pressure chamber".

U.S. Coast Guard, Wikimedia Commons

Finding The Passengers

When it came to the recovery of Titan's debris, there was another morbid aspect of the disaster to investigate—the human remains. Though there was DNA testing carried out, it wasn't until a public hearing in 2024 that they shared the results. All five passengers had been positively identified.

But what were their final moments truly like?

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

A Painless End

Based on a simulation done in 2023, it's likely that the implosion happened so quickly that the victims didn't even know what hit them. It likely took place in less than one second, causing them to pass instantly and painlessly.

However, in the wake of this tragedy, there were still so many questions left to be answered. One of them being: Why did this disaster even happen in the first place?

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

What Caused The Implosion?

Much speculation has surrounded the root cause of Titan's demise. The two most popular theories are that the carbon fiber hull failed due to a manufacturing error, or, that there may have been a problem with the acrylic window.

However, the truth might be even more difficult to swallow.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

We Can Never Know For Sure

A co-founder of OceanGate who eventually exited the company, Guillermo Söhnlein, weighed in on the investigation. He believes nobody can ever be entirely sure what happened to Titan: "I don’t know who made what decision when and based on what information. And honestly, I don’t know if any of us will ever know this, despite all of your team’s investigative efforts".

However, there are some concrete facts about the Titan that might send a chill up your spine.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

The Titan's Equipment Issues

In a devastating twist, it turns out that the submersible had been encountering equipment issues two years prior to its final descent—over 100 issues, actually.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

It Malfunctioned Several Times

For instance, in 2021, a test dive went horrifically wrong when the Titan lost its forward dome. Despite failings such as this, the submersible still went on an expedition the same year. Unsurprisingly, it experienced mechanical issues and the expedition had to be canceled. And that's not all.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

They Ignored All The Warning Signs

Even days before the implosion, there had been a malfunction. According to the marine scientist Steven Ross, something went wrong with the vessel's buoyancy, throwing the passengers around: “One passenger was hanging upside down. The others managed to wedge themselves into the bow end cap".

With such warning signs going ignored, much of the blame has to be placed on OceanGate's shoulders—especially co-founder Stockton Rush.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

Former Employees Testified

One of OceanGate's former employees was David Lochridge. For a time, Lochridge was the company's marine operations director until they fired him. He eventually testified that Stockton Rush had his eyes focused on only one goal: making money.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

It Was All About The Money

Referring to OceanGate, Lochridge shared, “The whole idea behind the company was to make money. There was very little in the way of science". Lochridge also claimed that the company terminated him because he had voiced his concerns about quality control. But he wasn't the only one.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

Experimental Materials

Engineering executive Tony Nissen had also been worried about the materials used by OceanGate. In one case, he addressed the experimental carbon fiber used to construct Titan's first hull. Following the failure of a test mission, he made a decision that enraged the company.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

He Refused To Get In The Titan

Nissen put his foot down when it came to allowing another test mission. He apparently told Rush, "I'm not getting in it". However, the problems didn't stop with the mechanics or materials.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

OceanGate's Worrisome Finances

The former director of administration also had some tea to spill about OceanGate's finances. Amber Bay eventually testified that the company struggled with money—even paying people was a stretch at times. Stockton often had to invest his own money, while the company deferred staff paychecks.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

Criticism Poured In

The media coverage for the OceanGate disaster was quite intense, and as the public became aware of the large-scale rescue mission, they began to share their opinions. Many were displeased with how much attention the Titan attracted.

ITN, Minute by Minute: The Titan Sub Disaster (2024)

It Wasn't The Only Disaster 

Considering the Titan only carried five people, some people were quick to compare the loss to that of the sinking of a Messenia migrant boat. This disaster had occurred just days before the Titan went missing. The media's response to it was dramatically different.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

Some Lives Seemed More Important Than Others

Though hundreds of people lost their lives when the Messenia migrant boat sank, some were quick to point out that the efforts to rescue the Titan, as well as the public interest it drew, were much stronger.

However, this wasn't the only reaction the disaster incited.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

James Cameron Weighed In

Even the director of 1997's Titanic, James Cameron, put his two cents in. After all, he'd visited the famed shipwreck 33 times himself. He drew a direct connection between the fate of Titanic and the Titan.

ITN, Minute by Minute: The Titan Sub Disaster (2024)

Senseless Tragedies

Cameron pointed out that there had been safety issues and red flags when it came to both the Titanic and the Titan—but all of them went unheeded. In his eyes, both tragedies could have been easily prevented. He also zeroed in on the material used to construct the submersible.

ITN, Minute by Minute: The Titan Sub Disaster (2024)

Carbon Fiber Was A Terrible Choice

Cameron cast a critical eye on the carbon fiber used to make the Titan, saying that it had "no strength in compression". He believed that there were far better, and safer, materials that should have been used: ceramic, titanium, steel, or acrylic. But that wasn't all he condemned.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

The Real-Time Monitoring Was Useless

According to Cameron, Stockton Rush's monitoring of the Titan's hull was woefully insufficient. Though this may have been done in real time, the monitoring would in no way stop an implosion from happening. Considering all of this, the director voiced one heartbreaking regret.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

False Hopes

James Cameron truly wished he could have said something about the Titan earlier—before it even had the chance to descend. He also believed that the passengers' families had been given "false hopes" in what was obviously a hopeless situation.

Fred Duval, Shutterstock

The Obvious Answer

Both Cameron and his colleagues had come to the sad conclusion that the Titan was gone after all communication and tracking cut out at the same time. To them, this definitely meant that the vessel had imploded.

However, the response of social media was another beast altogether.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

The Response On Social Media

Online, the OceanGate disaster evolved into Internet memes and viral discourse on the poor construction of the submersible. Much of the commentary even poked fun and mercilessly criticized the victims who paid fortunes for their spots on such an unsafe vessel. In a twisted way, the whole debacle became a form of entertainment.

ITN, Minute by Minute: The Titan Sub Disaster (2024)

The Whims Of Billionaires

Though many condemned the apathetic response online to the OceanGate disaster, it also highlighted how critical the public could be about the whims of billionaires. The tragedy certainly sparked debates, with the overwhelming sentiment of "eat the rich" becoming abundantly clear.

7News, Fatal Flaws: The OceanGate Story (2024)

Most of the world has been explored and, thanks to the Internet and cell phones, most of it is connected. But there still exist, hidden away in remote locations, societies of people whose lives are very different from “modern” people. The Loba of Nepal are one such society.

Nepal, Tibet, And China

The Loba live in an area of the world that is greatly contested. Nepal borders on the Tibetan Autonomous Region, more often simply called Tibet. Tibet, however, is considered to be a part of China, though there are many both within and outside of the country who believe Tibet should be granted independence.

Taylor Weidman, Getty Images

Mustang (Pronounced “Moo Stong”)

Mustang (pronounced “moo stong”) is located in Nepal and is considered a “semi-autonomous” region, meaning it mostly governs itself rather than being governed by the larger Nepalese government. Mustang is located between Tibet and the Annapurna range of the Himalayas.

Warriormann, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Incredible Landscape

Deep in the Himalayas, Mustang is a barren place. It lies in the canyon formed by the Kali Gandaki River. Villages lie along this canyon and the river. Some mountain streams feed small green valleys in the area.

Carsten.nebel, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

A Kingdom High Above The World

The Himalayas are known to be home to the highest mountain on Earth, Mount Everest. Mustang sits quite high up itself, the majority of the area being about 4,500 feet above sea level.

Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Kingdom Of Lo

Before being annexed to the country of Nepal, the Mustang region was known as the Kingdom of Lo. Formerly an independent Buddhist kingdom, the name “Mustang” is a mispronunciation of the capital city Manthang.

Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Loba, Lowa, Or Lo Pa?

The Indigenous people who inhabit the Mustang region are variously known as the Loba, the Lowa, or the Lo Pa. Like many in neighboring Tibet, they are practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism, and share many similarities with the Tibetan people.

Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

The History Of Mustang

Although historical records show the Kingdom of Lo to have been a prosperous place a few hundred years ago, people have lived in the area for much longer. It’s possible that the Loba, or their ancestors, have lived in the area for thousands of years.

Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ancient History

The Loba have a unique way of life that has endured for a long, long time. Along the Kali Gandaki River, thousands of hand-dug caves have been discovered high up on the cliff face. These caves reveal a great deal about the ancient peoples of the Mustang region, ancestors of the Loba.

Taylor Weidman, Getty Images

Mysterious Caves

The caves in Mustang are very odd. Archaeologists aren’t sure how the ancient peoples carved them, or even how they climbed up the cliff face to enter them. Some caves are isolated and others are in groups. It is estimated that there are about 10,000 caves in total.

Min Kumar Sharma, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Hidden Treasures

Once archaeologists were able to gain access to the caves, they were greeted with incredible sights. One cave contained a 26-foot-long mural on its wall depicting famous figures from Buddhist history. Another was home to 8,000 scrolls, most over 600 years old.

Taylor Weidman, Getty Images

Burial Sites

Other caves seem to have been used for funeral rites. Bodies discovered in the caves seem to be an incredible 2,000 years old. They were all laid out on wooden beds and decorated with jewels and beads.

Usha Pande, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

A Prosperous Kingdom

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the “forbidden” Kingdom of Lo was known to be a very prosperous place. At the time, it was a stop along major trade routes. Caravans from India would often stop here on their way to Tibet.

Taylor Weidman, Getty Images

Under Nepalese Rule

In the 18th century, neighboring Nepal, a primarily Hindu state, conquered the Kingdom of Lo. Trade and caravan routes shifted in the area during this time, and the fortunes of Mustang declined and the kingdom became isolated.

Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons

First Contact

For over a hundred years, few if any Westerners had any contact with the inhabitants of the Mustang region. During the 1950s and 1960s, while tensions between the US and China were high, the CIA trained Tibetan insurgents in the area.

Jmhullot, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Training The Kham

The fight for Tibetan independence was supported by the United States. Fierce fighters from the Kham province were flown to the US to learn the use of automatic weapons, then returned to Mustang to prepare for raids into Tibet.

Bijay chaurasia, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Closing Borders

International tensions and the growing call for Tibetan independence caused the Chinese government to close the Tibet-Nepal border in 1960. Due to its use as a staging ground for raids into Tibet, the Chinese government also encouraged the Nepalese government to completely isolate Mustang.

Patricia Sauer, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Isolated To This Day

It was only in 1991 that Mustang formally opened its borders and allowed foreign visitors, though some explorers had visited the remote kingdom previously. For a long time, there were no telephones, cars, or roads, though contact with the outside world had brought some of these modern conveniences to Mustang.

Bijay chaurasia, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Architecture

The traditional villages of the Loba have changed little over the centuries. Houses are made of stone and mud. Each village has a Gompa, a monastery. Since the opening of the borders of the kingdom, some of these Gompas have offered tours to tourists in the area.

Jean-Marie Hullot, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

A Multi-Purpose Dwelling

The houses of the Loba are usually two-story affairs. The first level is a storeroom and also houses animals owned by the family. The second floor is a multi-function single room that serves as a kitchen, living area, and bedroom.

Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Mustangese Buddhism

The Loba are Tibetan Buddhists. They hold the Dalai Lama in the highest respect, and their Buddhist practice is thought to be among the most traditional and pure forms of the religion in the world.

Sumitssot, CC BY-SA 4.0 , Wikimedia Commons

Buddhist Architecture

Temples in Loba villages are influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Orange and white temples are found throughout the region. These temples are decorated with prayer flags and carvings–some carvings are ancient, preserved since the 15th century by the monks.

Anurag977, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Lo Manthang Monastery

The holiest place in all of Mustang is the single active monastery, located in the capital city of Lo Manthang. Due to the influence of China over Tibet, the practices of Mustang Buddhists and the monks in the monastery are considered “less disturbed” than the practices of their Tibetan neighbors.

Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Musical Monks

The monks of the Mustang play long trumpets, decorated with silver and gold. The sound of these trumpets resembles the mooing of a cow. Like a telescope, the trumpets fold up for easy transport. Monks travel to India or Kathmandu to learn how to play these unique instruments.

Taylor Weidman, Getty Images

Macabre Musical Instruments

Along with their amazing folding trumpets, the monks of Mustang use other traditional instruments that are somewhat creepy. Some play flutes that are carved from human thigh bones, and others use drums made from human skulls!

Ashokdhamala, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Keeping Out The Demons

Most Mustangese homes are decorated with a blessed sheep skull, a talisman thought to repel demons. There are 416 demons in the Mustang system of belief, responsible for over 1,000 diseases.

Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Buddhist Rituals

Mustangese Buddhism involves some unique customs. When passing a temple, whether human or animal, one should only pass on the right. There’s also the ritual of Lunga Tangen, which involves climbing a hill and lighting a fire of juniper branches, then releasing prayers on small pieces of paper into the wind.

Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Funerary Rituals

Tibetan death customs include burial, cremation, water burial, and being fed to vultures. The Mustangese add a fifth option for people who perish without any male heirs: The body is enclosed in the walls of the house until a male heir is born!

Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Buddhist Art

Many Tibetan monasteries paint over old paintings when the art shows signs of wear. The decline of the Kingdom of Lo meant that this was not possible in Mustangese monasteries, making them amazing places to see original Buddhist art.

Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Agriculture

The primary crop of the Loba is barley. They raise goats and sheep for butter and milk. Common foods of the Loba include rice, dumplings called “momos”, a barley-based porridge called “tsampa”, and yak milk and cheese. Their soup-like tea includes ample helpings of yak butter and salt.

Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Main Professions Of The Loba

The isolated nature of the Mustang region means there are only a few common professions for the Loba people. The main jobs of the Loba are farming, herding, and trading. Farmers and herders trade with each other, while traders will travel to other communities and bring back wares to their villages.

Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Mustangese Families

The Loba people practice a family structure called polyandry. Women in Loba villages can have up to two or three different husbands. Wives and husbands also have their food prepared in different ways, even though they eat mainly the same dishes.

Taylor Weidman, Getty Images

A Rare Feudal Society

Although modern society has influenced the Loba, they still practice a form of feudalism. There has been a King of Mustang, also known as a “raja” or “mir”, for over 700 years. The king is considered to be partly divine and owns serfs who work the land for him.

Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

King Jigme Palbar Bista

One of the most recent kings, Jigme Palbar Bista, was the 25th king in the history of the Kingdom of Lo. He visited the United States in 1995 and saw the ocean for the first time. Showing the influence of modern society, he would often wear a windbreaker when greeting visitors to his palace.

Boerniefischer, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Traditions Of The King

There are certain things one must always do when greeting the King of Mustang. He is to be given a scarf,known as an “akata”. It is considered a great sin to greet the King without one. When dining with the King, visitors are seated lower down than the King to show deference to his position.

Taylor Weidman, Getty Images

Social Hierarchy

Beneath the King, there are other levels of hierarchy in Loba culture. Similar to the King, those of higher stature in society sit on platforms raised above their inferiors at the cooking fire. Some professions, like blacksmiths or butchers, are considered so low that they can’t even enter the homes of other Loba.

Boerniefischer, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Festivals And Celebrations

The Loba have many unique and colorful celebrations throughout the year. One of the most important is a spring festival called “Tiji”. This festival celebrates the beginning of the planting season and involves costumed dancing and exorcisms.

Taylor Weidman, Getty Images

The Exorcists

The exorcism ritual banishes demons and ensures a good growing season. Monks dressed in colorful costumes fire arrows, stones, and bullets at other Loba wearing demon masks. Precise gestures and movements in these rituals are required to properly expel the demons.

Taylor Weidman, Getty Images

The Encroaching Modern World

Despite being quite isolated, tourism has opened up the Mustang region to the influence of the outside world. Posters of popular bands are often seen hanging next to pictures of the Dalai Lama. Many of the younger Loba are eager to leave behind the traditions of the past and embrace the modern world.

Taylor Weidman, Getty Images

Disappearing Traditions

Even though he is still considered the ruler, many modern Loba don’t always listen to the commands of the King. He is still consulted in matters of state, but, as the King of the Loba told National Geographic, his people are very poor and looking to the modern world for new ways of improving their lives.

Taylor Weidman, Getty Images

Often dubbed the "eighth wonder of the world," compound interest can be a game-changer in how we view savings and investments. 

But what is it, and why is it so crucial for the average person to comprehend?

What Is Compound Interest?

Compound interest is the interest calculated on the initial principal, and also includes all of the accumulated interest from previous periods on a deposit or loan. 

Think of it as “interest on interest,” and it can cause a sum of money to grow exponentially over time.

Simple Interest Vs. Compound Interest

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Simple Interest is calculated only on the principal, or on the portion of the principal which remains unpaid. For instance, if you deposit $100 in a bank at a simple interest rate of 5% annually, you'll earn $5 each year, indefinitely.

Compound Interest, on the other hand, builds upon itself. Using the same example but with compound interest, the first year, you'd earn $5 just like with simple interest. However, the second year, you'd earn interest on $105 (your initial $100 plus the $5 interest from year one) instead of just your initial $100.

The Power Of Compounding

rawpixel.com , Pexels

The more frequently interest is added to the total, the faster your money will grow. This frequency is typically described as annually, semi-annually, quarterly, or even daily. 

The more often your interest compounds, the more you earn.

The Rule Of 72

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A quick way to estimate how long it will take for your money to double through compound interest is the Rule of 72. 

Simply divide 72 by your interest rate, and the result is approximately how many years it will take to double your money. 

For example, with a 6% interest rate, it would take about 12 years (72 ÷ 6 = 12).

Compound Interest In Savings

Shutterstock

When saving money in an account that offers compound interest, the earlier you start, and the longer you can leave your money untouched, the more you'll have in the end. 

Even if you can't contribute more, letting it grow can result in substantial gains over time.

Compound Interest In Loans

Just as compound interest can work in your favor when saving, it can also work against you when borrowing. 

Credit cards, for instance, utilize compound interest, which is why many people find themselves in larger debt than they anticipate if they only make minimum payments.

The Importance Of Consistency

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Regular contributions, even if they're small, can lead to impressive results over time, thanks to compound interest. By regularly adding to your savings or investments, you can harness the full power of compounding.

Tools To Help

cottonbro studio, Pexels

There are many online compound interest calculators that can assist in visualizing how your money can grow over time. By tweaking variables like the amount, interest rate, and time, you can see potential future outcomes.

Watch Out For Fees

RDNE Stock project, Pexels

While compound interest can accelerate your savings, high fees in certain bank accounts or funds can counteract its effects. Always be aware of any fees and factor them into your decisions.

The Time To Start Is Now

Lukas , Pexels

Understanding compound interest is foundational in financial planning. Its effects are most pronounced over extended periods, so the sooner you can leverage it, the better off you'll be. 

Whether you're saving for retirement, a large purchase, or simply want to grow your wealth, recognizing the power of compound interest is the first step toward reaching your financial goals.

The GMC Sierra Elevation is best known for its blend of style, rugged capability, and advanced technology. It stands out with its bold, monochromatic exterior accents, giving it a distinctive and modern look that separates it from its counterparts. 

Underneath its stylish facade lies a truck designed for both work and play, boasting impressive towing and hauling capabilities. 

Additionally, the Elevation trim is recognized for introducing innovative features such as the MultiPro tailgate, which offers six distinct functions to adapt to varying cargo needs. 

Furthermore, the model doesn't skimp on tech, delivering top-notch connectivity and safety features that modern drivers have come to expect. 

All these factors come together to make the Sierra Elevation a favorite among truck enthusiasts who seek a balance of aesthetics, performance, and cutting-edge functionality.

Let's dive into the details of the GMC Sierra Elevation.

Exterior

GMC

The Sierra Elevation boasts an aggressive and modern stance, evident from the first glance. Its bold grille, flanked by C-shaped LED headlamps and fog lamps, gives it a distinctive presence on the road.

The monochromatic door handles, bumpers, and grille surround, combined with the 20-inch black wheels, accentuate its sporty and elevated look.

Performance

GMC

Under the hood, the Sierra Elevation doesn't disappoint. It's offered with a range of engine choices including:

A 2.7L Turbo engine

A 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine

An available 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel

These engines provide the perfect balance between power and efficiency. With the ability to tow sizable loads and deliver a responsive driving experience, the Sierra is well-suited for both work and play.

Interior

GMC

Inside, the Sierra Elevation is a blend of comfort and functionality. The cabin boasts high-quality materials and an attention to detail that is reminiscent of luxury sedans.

Its spacious interior provides ample head and legroom for all passengers.

Technology

GMC

The GMC Sierra Elevation isn't just rugged on the outside; it's also packed with cutting-edge technology on the inside. 

Keeping pace with the demand for tech-forward pickups, this model comes equipped with the latest iteration of GMC's Infotainment System, providing seamless connectivity, navigation, and entertainment options. 

It boasts a user-friendly touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and multiple USB ports for all your devices. 

Additionally, the available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot ensures you're always connected, even on the go.

Safety isn't compromised either, with advanced driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision alert, and adaptive cruise control. 

Whether it's for work or leisure, the Sierra Elevation ensures you stay connected and protected on the road.

Safety

GMC

Safety is paramount, and the GMC Sierra Elevation delivers on this front.

With an array of safety features, including Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, the vehicle ensures that the driver has an extra set of eyes on the road.

The rear vision camera further aids in safer driving, especially when backing up or towing.

Fuel Consumption

GMC

The GMC Sierra Elevation is designed with efficiency in mind, even though it's a full-size pickup. 

It boasts an impressive fuel consumption rate for its class, partly due to its advanced powertrain options and aerodynamic design. 

Depending on the engine configuration and driving conditions, the Sierra Elevation offers competitive miles per gallon (mpg) figures in both city and highway driving. 

Potential buyers should be aware, however, that exact fuel consumption will vary based on factors like load, driving habits, and the specific engine option chosen.

Elevation-specific Features

GMC

The Elevation trim is distinct from other Sierra models. It offers a monochromatic look, combined with black accents for a sleek, modern appearance.

Moreover, the standard LED cargo area and perimeter lighting elevate the vehicle's aesthetics and functionality.

The GMC Sierra Elevation's six-function MultiPro tailgate is a testament to both innovation and practicality, and one of it's best features. This versatile tailgate offers six distinct functions, transforming to suit various needs - from a step entry to a mobile workstation. 

Its design addresses the real-world challenges truck owners face, making loading, unloading, and accessing the bed remarkably easier and more efficient. This feature not only underscores GMC's commitment to functionality but also adds a touch of luxury to the pickup experience.

Price

GMC

The starting price of the GMC Sierra Elevation typically hovers around the mid-$40,000 range, though this can vary based on optional add-ons and location.

Final Thoughts

GMC

The GMC Sierra Elevation seamlessly blends form and function. For those seeking a truck that can handle tough tasks while not compromising on aesthetics or comfort, the Sierra Elevation proves to be a worthy contender in the crowded pickup market.

How much stranger will Stranger Things get? And what startling lessons will we learn from Star Trek: Starfleet Academy? Only time (or teasers) will tell, so let’s see what’s new and what’s renewed for 2025. 

The Hunting Party (Season 1)

Investigators who aren’t supposed to exist try to track down ruthless killers who aren’t supposed to have escaped from a top-secret prison that isn’t supposed to be there. We’ll soon see if audiences think this new series is supposed to be around too. Created by JJ Bailey, the show will star Melissa Roxburgh (from Manifest), Nick Wechsler, and Josh McKenzie, and debut as a midseason replacement whenever it’s supposed to. Watch it on NBC and the usual streaming suspects.

jfer21, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Welcome To Derry (Season 1)

Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise in this TV prequel to the It movie series. We’ll head to Derry, Maine of the 1960s to see how and why this most terrifying of clowns came to be. Streaming sometime in 2025 on HBO and Max.

HBO, Welcome to Derry (2025-)

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (Season 1)

It’s the 32nd century and the 12th offering in the Star Trek franchise as it’s back to school for Starfleet cadets after a century-long break due to cosmically bad events. Filming started only in August 2024, so it remains to be seen when exactly the series debuts on Paramount+. Holly Hunter will serve as head of the academy, and Robert Picardo will grace another century as the world’s grumpiest holographic doctor.

Jeff Riedel, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ironheart (Season 1)

Coming to Disney+ in 2025, this follow-up to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) follows Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) as she discovers technology and magic don’t always play nice with each other when she returns home to Chicago.

Marvel, Ironheart (2025-)

Robogobo (Season 1)

Very young viewers might appreciate this animated story of a kid inventor who equips five strays with Robo-Suits as they rescue other pets. The series will likely launch sometime in 2025 on Disney Junior and Disney+.

Edgar Zuniga Jr., Flickr

Sakamoto Days (Season 1)

This greatly anticipated anime series will trace retired hitman Taro Sakamoto’s attempt to resume his retirement in the face of concerted efforts of old enemies to permanently retire him in a big way. Expect this manga adaptation to explode onto Netflix in January 2025.

TMS Entertainment, Sakamoto Days (2025-)

Eurovision Song Contest (Basel 2025)

With great power comes great responsibility, so having won at the 2024 Malmö extravaganza, Switzerland will be hosting the Eurovision Song Contest on May 13, 15, and 17, 2025. US platforms have yet to be finalized, but the competition in Basel will possibly be available on Peacock and YouTube. In many parts of the world, just check your local broadcaster.

wull_how, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

American Love Story (Season 1)

Ryan Murphy, creator of American Horror Story and American Crime Story, starts an anthology series about love by looking at the tragic tale of John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, whose lives were cut short in a 1999 plane crash. This FX series might debut sometime in 2025.

thesmuggler, Flickr

Star City (Season 1)

As the fifth season of alternate-history space race For All Mankind returns to Apple TV+ in 2025, a spinoff focusing on the Soviet side should also appear sometime the same year.

Tall Ship, For All Mankind (2019_)

Firebug (Season 1)

Two arsonists cause mayhem while a detective and arson investigator are hot on their tails, starting sometime in 2025.

Andrew Walker, Flickr

Happy Face (Season 1)

Why the sad face? Well, because 15-year-old Melissa Jesperson-Moore has discovered her father is the Happy Face Killer. Starring Annaleigh Ashford, Dennis Quaid, and James Wolk, the series will debut on Paramount+ sometime in 2025.

iDominick, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Motel Transylvania (Season 1)

Dracula and family jump from a hotel movie franchise to a motel TV series, and from rainy Transylvania to sunny California, in animated episodes set to appear on Netflix.

Netflix, Motel Transylvania (2025-)

Sherlock & Daughter (Season 1)

David Thewlis, Blu Hunt, and Antonio Aakeel star in a CW series exploring whether Sherlock and Amelia can patch up their differences to investigate her mother’s murder, even as Moriarty (Dougray Scott) lurks in the shadows.

Ian Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Sunny Nights (Season 1)

An American brother and sister try to make it big in Sydney with a spray-tan business, but risk getting burned by some very bad people. Coming on Apple TV+.

David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Destination X (Season 1)

It’s going to be a bumpy ride, and a mysterious one, as reality TV contestants travel to one destination per episode in a bus closed off to the outside world. They get clues on the way as to where they’ll end up, and the person whose guess is furthest off gets the boot. Expect the bus to depart on NBC early in 2025.

Gage Skidmore, Flicker

Good Cop/Bad Cop (Season 1)

Two siblings work as detectives, with their fretting father as their sheriff/boss. This police procedural dramedy will be on CW and Roku’s lineup in the US, and Stan’s in Australia, where it’s being filmed—and not to be confused with the documentary-style Good Cop, Bad Cop, which debuted in 2023.

Daniel Batalles, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Sheriff Country (Season 1)

Fire Country was so hot it ignited spinoff Sheriff Country as Mickey Fox patrols Edgewater, California, wary of her father’s involvement with grow ops, and worried about what her daughter might be getting mixed up in. Morena Baccarin plays the Sheriff, and the show should debut on CBS at the start of the 2025–2026 season.

Gage Skidmore, Flickr

Beyond The Gates (Season 1)

America’s first new daytime soap opera since 1999 will debut on CBS in early 2025, telling the tale of a wealthy Black family who move into a gated community.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Daredevil: Born Again (Season 1)

The canceled Netflix show gets “born again” on Disney+ as Charlie Cox returns as Daredevil, and Vincent D’Onofrio as the Kingpin, starting in March 2025.

Marvel, Daredevil: Born Again (2025-)

Amsterdam Empire (Season 1)

This Netflix Original is set to portray the mastermind behind a network of cannabis-selling “coffee shops” in Amsterdam as he faces political, social, and criminal opponents—and a very unhappy wife.

Gage Skidmore, Flickr

Motorheads (Season 1)

In the rust belt of Pennsylvania, strangers bond over their love of cars and racing. Starring Ryan Phillippe, Nathalie Kelley, and Melissa Collazo in this Amazon Prime production.

Walt Disney Television, Flickr

Bondsman (Season 1)

Kevin Bacon stars as a bounty hunter who comes back to life in this horror/action series waiting and willing to scare you on Amazon Prime Video at a time of its choosing in 2025.

Peabody Awards, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Bat-Family (Season 1)

Building on Amazon Prime Video’s Merry Little Batman from Christmas 2023, this animated series will follow Batman, Alfred, and Little Batman in their various adventures in the Wayne mansion.

Amazon MGM Studios, Merry Little Batman (2023)

Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight (Season 1)

The indefatigable French duo fight off those pesky Romans who keep trying to invade in this Netflix animated series. Rome has the last unconquered village in Gaul in its sights, and the potion master has forgotten his magic. Hopefully Netflix hasn’t forgotten its magic!

Pathé, Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom (2023)

Iyanu (Season 1)

An animated series based on a Nigerian superhero graphic novel follows an orphan girl who’s lost all memory of her past, but realizes she has powers of the gods of the past as she helps her people fight an ancient curse. The series will be available on Showmax in many African countries, and on the Cartoon Network and Max in the US.

Forefront Media Group, Iyanu (2025-)

Watson (Season 1)

Morris Chestnut stars in this spinoff portraying Dr John Watson’s life at a Pittsburgh clinic after Sherlock Holmes perishes at the hands of archenemy Moriarty. However, burying his head in research can’t entirely protect him from the ghosts of his past. It debuts on CBS on January 26, 2025.

Gage Skidmore, Flickr

Shifting Gears (Season 1)

Tim Allen plays the owner of a shop restoring classic cars, but the bigger job is restoring family peace and harmony when his estranged children show up at his doorstep. This half-hour ABC comedy series will likely get slotted sometime in the new year as the 2024–2025 TV season goes into cancelation mode.

MingleMediaTVNetwork, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Suits: LA (Season 1)

A certain Duchess of Sussex might have had something to do with a renewed interest in Suits, but instead of a renewal, there’ll be a spinoff, with LA lawyers mucking about the scary world of criminal defense and the even scarier world of entertainment law. Ted Black will star in this NBC series set to take the stand, well, at some point. Here’s hoping it’s sometime in 2025.

Gage Skidmore, Flickr

The Last Of Us (Season 2)

Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey return after the dramatic conclusion of the first season made the fate of these characters even more closely tied to the fate of civilization itself. Expect this second installment to slither into your living room sometime in the first half of 2025—on HBO and Max.

Gage Skidmore, Flickr

Severance (Season 2)

It’s a battle of the innies and the outies as the increasingly suspicious and alarmed employees of Lumon Industries realize what set them off on their double life, but have yet to figure out what’s up with those goats! You can watch the season premiere on Apple TV+ on January 17, 2025.

Fifth Season, Severance (2022-)

Wednesday (Season 2)

Roses are red, violets are black. Everyone tremble, ’cause Wednesday is back! Back on Netflix to be precise, with Jenna Ortega promising a bit more horror and Catherine Zeta-Jones saying it’ll be “even more twisted than you can ever imagine”.

MGM, Wednesday (2022-)

Euphoria (Season 3)

High school has come and gone, and what is to come next will be a fair bit of film noir, says series creator Sam Levinson. Production should start in the new year, and Rue’s journey may be a big part of the plot.

HBO, Euphoria (2019-)

The Summer I Turned Pretty (Season 3)

There’ll be more teenage angst and entanglements bubbling up somewhere vague on the New England coastline. It remains to be seen whether this third installment will wrap everything up. Appearing on Amazon Prime Video in the summer of 2025.

Amazon Studios, The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022-)

The White Lotus (Season 3)

Another resort, another crazy time as the third season of this mind-bending HBO chronicle of tourist destinations gone horribly wrong moves on to Thailand. Watch on Max sometime in 2025.

Rip Cord Productions, The White Lotus (2021-2025)

Bear (Season 4)

There was drama at the Emmy Awards as critics panned calling it a comedy, but the series itself has an award-winning recipe for keeping viewers glued to their seats, with napkins tucked in and hoping no plates fly out of the kitchen. FX should add the new season to your Hulu menu sometime around the middle of 2025.

Super Frog, The Bear (2022-)

Slow Horses (Season 5)

It’s no secret that filming for the next season of Slow Horses has wrapped, with a teaser capping the latest season’s concluding episode. It is, however, a secret as to when exactly Gary Oldman’s band of spying misfits will once again traipse about London saving England, and hopefully save themselves.

See-Saw Films, Slow Horses (2022-)

Stranger Things (Season 5)

It was a gatecrashing kind of end to the last season, as mortal threats to Hawkins, Indiana, just seem to keep on coming. But you’ll have to wait pretty late into 2025 (if you’re lucky) for Netflix to unleash the fury that this next season is sure to be.

Netflix, Stranger Things (2016-2025)

The Tsunami Factor

The Hollywood strikes of 2023 and the trends that sparked them have had a giant ripple effect on productions and those who make them. It’s a chaotic, uncertain time in TV Land, but as studios ramp up productions, maybe we’ll at least have some sort of bumper crop in 2025. 

Oreos, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight (Season 1)

In this prequel to Game Of Thrones, Dunk and his loyal squire Egg wander through Westeros and bump into lots of dragons. This third GOT show is expected to debut on HBO and Max near the end of 2025—but many fans are worried the show will make the same catastrophic mistake as House of the Dragon.

While season 1 of House of the Dragon received high praise from fans and author George RR Martin, season 2 didn’t fare nearly as well. Apparently, Season 2 deviated too much from the source material and the unnecessary changes made for a narrative that many fans called boring and nonsensical. So far, it seems like the folks behind, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms are staying true to Martin’s novellas—hopefully, it stays that way.

HBO, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight (2025-)

If you’re searching for a unique adventure to add to your travel bucket list, look no further! Here are 20 incredible destinations that will satisfy your thirst for adrenaline.

Horseback Safari, Kenya

When picturing an African safari, most people imagine off-road vehicles ripping through the wilderness. But there's a unique and equally exciting alternative: horseback safaris. 

Originating in Kenya in the 1970s, these safaris are gaining popularity among travelers who want a more immersive and sustainable wildlife experience.

nwdph, Shutterstock

Horseback Safari (cont’d)

At the Borana Conservancy, which spans for 32,000 acres, you'll find two stables with horses that are ready to take you on a riding tour. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or a beginner, there's a tour for you, from half-day excursions to overnight adventures. 

For the best experience, plan your visit between July and September, when the weather is nice and wildlife sightings are plentiful.

tonyzhao120

Do An Olympic Marathon, France

Get ready to lace up your running shoes and be part of history! For the first time ever, the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, are introducing an new initiative: the Marathon for All. 

Scheduled for the evening of August 10, this event invites 20,024 lucky lottery winners to conquer the iconic 26.2-mile route connecting Paris and Versailles.

Andrea Piacquadio, Pexels

Do An Olympic Marathon (cont’d)

Starting from the grandeur of Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), runners will make their way through nine arrondissements before crossing the finish line at Les Invalides, alongside the majestic Seine River. It's a chance to experience the thrill of marathon running amidst the backdrop of Parisian beauty. 

And if running isn’t your thing, you can always cheer from the sidelines. Either way, it’s an unforgettable way to embrace the Olympic spirit!

gumbao, Shutterstock

UNESCO Ski Tours, Georgia

Skiing has long been intertwined with the culture and lifestyle of Georgia, particularly in the country’s mountain regions. Today, traveler have the opportunity to explore some of the nation's finest backcountry skiing spots in the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains.

Levan Gokadze, Flickr

UNESCO Ski Tours (cont’d)

In Svaneti, skiers can trek the stunning Gvibari Pass or visit the historic Ushguli villages, which are some of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. 

December to April is the best time to visit since that’s when the snow is thickest.

Levan Gokadze, Flickr

Bear-Watching, Alaska

In the vast wilderness of Alaska's Katmai National Park, an incredible sight awaits: one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world. 

Away from the busy viewing platforms of the Brooks Camp Visitor Center, a guided expedition along the rugged Katmai coast will give you a unique view of the park's natural wonders.

Sanjoy Ghosh, Flickr

Bear-Watching (cont’d)

Amidst the park’s untamed beauty, brown bears roam freely, and there are so many of them, that you’re bound to catch a glimpse of one. 

Seeing these creatures in their natural habitat is rare, so a tour of the park will definitely be one of your more memorable trips.

Sanjoy Ghosh, Flickr

Check Out Underground Music, Japan

While guidebooks often portray Kyoto as a serene haven of ancient temples and tranquil gardens, those who venture beyond the tourist trails will find surprisingly side to Japan's former imperial capital. 

After hours, Kyoto transforms into a vibrant hub of live music unlike any other in the world.

Phattana Stock, Shutterstock

Check Out Underground Music (cont’d)

Venues like Jittoku and Field pulse with the energy of rock, swing, and even Irish tunes, echoing long into the night. 

Whether you're a jazz enthusiast or a punk rocker, Kyoto's music scene welcomes everyone, and is a diverse community where people can share their musical passions. As Kyoto tourist guide Van Milton describes it, this is a glimpse of Japan unmasked.

VTT Studio, Shutterstock

Do A River Cruise, Colombia

It could be said that the heart of Colombia is the Magdalena River basin, which is home to about 80% of the country’s population. Flowing nearly a thousand miles from the towering Andes to the sparkling Caribbean, this incredible waterway is a lifeline for countless communities. 

Now, AmaWaterways is breaking new ground as the first major cruise operator to navigate these waters.

Jhampier Giron M, Shutterstock

Do A River Cruise (cont’d)

With a seven-night cruise from Cartagena, travelers can explore the charming towns and vibrant culture along the river's course, going as far as Barranquilla. 

From the colonial charm of Mompós to the rhythmic beats of vallenato and cumbia music, each stop along the way offers unique experiences.

givaga, Shutterstock

Drive Route 66, New Mexico

For nearly a century, Route 66 has captivated travelers with its timeless landmarks and cultural gems. 

From the quirky motels and curio shops dotting the landscape around Tucumcari to the ancient rock carvings of Petroglyph National Monument, each stop tells a story of America's past.

Brett Kiger, Flickr

Drive Route 66 (cont’d)

In Gallup, immortalized in Nat King Cole's iconic song "Route 66," visitors are treated to mesmerizing performances by Zuni, Lakota, and Navajo dancers, celebrating the rich history of the region. 

As the highway winds through Albuquerque, the longest urban stretch of Route 66 in the U.S., travelers are greeted by a half-million-dollar restoration project, which has given new life to vintage neon signs along Central Avenue.

Nyokki, Shutterstock

See Ancient Art, Algeria

Algeria is home to the largest national park in Africa: Tassili n’Ajjer. Tassili n’Ajjer is where you’ll find a treasure trove of ancient rock art. 

Amidst its sandstone formations, like pillars and sculpted outcrops, lie over 15,000 petroglyphs, which were crafted by Neolithic communities.

Carole Raddato, Flickr

See Ancient Art (cont’d)

These intricate carvings depict a variety of wildlife, like elephants and giraffes, which offers a glimpse into the region's past. 

With a guided tour, you can see some of Tassili's most extraordinary artworks, like the "Crying Cows", which was carved into the stone 7,000 years ago.

Carole Raddato, Flickr

Swim With Sharks, Australia

Western Australia's Coral Coast stretches nearly 700 miles along the Indian Ocean, but among the underwater marvels to be found here, Ningaloo Reef is one of the most breathtaking. 

Here, every year between March and July, it becomes the meeting spot up to 500 whale sharks. It’s one of the planet’s largest gatherings of whale sharks..

Kitreel, Shutterstock

Swim With Sharks (cont’d)

There are several tour companies that will help you get up close to these magnificent creatures in a safe and sustainable way. If you book your visit after whale shark season, from July to October, you can see humpback whales making their annual migration. 

And, for underwater adventures, there’s no shortage of chances for diving, snorkeling, and swimming with graceful manta rays.

Tomas Kotouc, Shutterstock

Hike Up A Volcano, Panama

Panama is making strides as a sustainability leader with its innovative "1,000 Kilometers of Trails" project, aimed at promoting outdoor recreation and green tourism in rural communities and protected areas. 

Leading the charge is the Ruta de la Caldera, the inaugural trail system comprising five routes encircling the extinct Valle de Antón volcano.

Inspired By Maps, Shutterstock

Hike Up A Volcano (cont’d)

These treks offer adventurers the chance to traverse picturesque landscapes adorned with cascading waterfalls. The views they get from the top of the volcanic crater make for a truly unforgettable experience. 

Tunatura, Shutterstock

Stay On A Private Island, Fiji

Go on a unique adventure at Kokomo Private Island Resort & Spa in Fiji, where the world under the sea awaits. 

Here, you can see coral gardens bustling with colorful fish, explore underwater caves, and even encounter sharks and manta rays on some of the more daring dives.

Paul from La Lente, Flcikr

Stay On A Private Island (cont’d)

Yet, the luxury experience doesn't end with the underwater wonders. Staying on a private island takes the indulgence to new heights. With just the press of a button, a golf cart will come to take you wherever your heart desires. 

The staff will go above and beyond with their warm hospitality and remember little details like your favorite coffee order throughout your stay. And as you bid farewell to this island paradise, prepare for a touching moment as employees gather to serenade you with a farewell song.

Paul from La Lente, Flickr

Hike A Glacier, Chile

Go on an awe-inspiring journey through Chilean Patagonia's Laguna San Rafael National Park, where visitors are treated to the breathtaking sight of glaciers. Yet, despite the awe-inspiring beauty, the fragility of these glaciers is clear. 

World Bank Photo Collection, Flickr

Hike A Glacier (cont’d)

There are about 17,300 glaciers still gracing the Patagonian ice fields, but the effects of rising global temperatures have caused them to melt at an alarming rate. Luckily, sustainable tourism initiatives offer a beacon of hope.

Yaqui Zanni, Pexels

See Ancient Architecture, Spain

Located in Spain's Balearic Islands, Menorca is a hidden gem that often gets overshadowed by its more popular counterparts like Ibiza and Mallorca. Yet, within its tranquil landscapes lies a treasure trove of ancient architecture, making it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

 Despite its modest size of just 270 square miles, Menorca boasts an astonishing 1,574 archaeological sites, offering a glimpse into civilizations long past.

Kite_rin, Shutterstock

See Ancient Architecture (cont’d)

Among the island's most remarkable features are the navetas, megalithic tombs dating back to 1600 B.C., the talayots—imposing watchtowers constructed from mortarless limestone blocks—and the enigmatic taulas, distinctive shrines found only in Menorca, reminiscent of the iconic pillars of Stonehenge. 

These ancient marvels, remnants of the Talayotic Menorcan culture, have earned a place on UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage List.

Josep Curto, Shutterstock

Ride A Classic Train, Scotland

You don’t have to skimp on luxury is you want to explore Scotland's untamed and picturesque Highlands—just hop aboard the Royal Scotsman train. 

Departing from Edinburgh's iconic Waverley Station, the Royal Scotsman will take you through the heart of the Highlands, from the enchanting landscapes of Perthshire to the historic charm of Inverness. And you get to do it all in style.

Nick Fox, Shutterstock

Ride A Classic Train (cont’d)

The suites in the train feature dark woods, sumptuous wool tweeds, and intricately patterned bespoke tartans meticulously that speak to Scotland's captivating landscapes. 

And after a day filled with adventures—like hiking to majestic waterfalls, exploring ancient castles, savoring Scottish whisky at esteemed distilleries, or indulging in rounds of golf—you can unwind with a rejuvenating massage at the onboard spa.

CTatiana, Shutterstock

Try Some Of The World’s Best Food, Thailand

Discover the culinary treasures of northeastern Thailand's Isaan region, where the rich flavors reflect the cultural influences of neighboring Laos and Cambodia. 

Renowned Chef Weerawat "Num" Triyasenawat once praised the food in Isaan, and called it a "hidden gem of Thailand".

Oleksandr P, Pexels

Try Some Of The World’s Best Food (cont’d)

At the heart of Isaan cuisine lies pla ra, a fermented-fish seasoning that adds a distinct bitter richness to dishes. Local favorites include laab, a minced meat salad bursting with flavor, usually enjoyed during festive celebrations. 

It's a testament to the region's culinary prowess, where every bite tells a story of tradition and local culture.

Augustinus Martinus Noppé, Pexels

Explore Tea Trails, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's reputation as a tea paradise is well-deserved, with the island nation ranking among the world's top tea producers. The story of Sri Lanka's tea industry dates back to around 200 years ago when British colonists introduced the first tea bushes to the island. 

Today, visitors can trace history with a trek on the new Pekoe Trail—a nearly 200-mile-long walking route, the first of its kind in the country.

Hagen Simon, Shutterstock

Beginning just outside the city of Kandy, the trail winds its way along the 19th-century tracks that were once walked by workers and horse-drawn carts transporting freshly plucked tea leaves. 

As hikers make their way through charming hill towns and tea estates, they can stop to savor traditional Sri Lankan delicacies by joining a cooking class or indulge in the fragrant aromas of Ceylon tea with a tea tasting session.

M.L.Nuwan, Shutterstock

Go Gallery-Hopping, Brazil

São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil, is a haven for art enthusiasts. Home to a vibrant art scene, there’s no shortage of galleries, exhibitions, and striking street murals in the city. 

Among its cultural treasures, the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) stands out as a true gem.

xm4thx, Shutterstock

Go Gallery-Hopping (cont’d)

What sets MASP apart is its innovative approach to exhibition design. Departing from traditional methods of displaying art on walls, the museum suspends some pieces against clear panels, allowing visitors to appreciate the artwork from all angles. 

This unique presentation style invites viewers to engage with the art in a more immersive and interactive manner, offering a fresh perspective on each masterpiece.

Maarten Zeehandelaar Shutterstock

Brave Rapids, West Virginia

Contrary to its name, West Virginia's New River is anything but new—it's actually one of the oldest rivers on Earth, with a history stretching back as far as 360 million years. 

Carving its way through the stunning Appalachian landscape, this ancient waterway cascades 750 feet in just 50 miles, flanked by towering sandstone cliffs that add to its dramatic allure. .

Zack Frank, Shutterstock

Brave Rapids (cont’d)

Thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts can turn the New River into an exhilarating playground. With its rushing currents, challenging rapids, and picturesque surroundings, rafting on the New River gives an unforgettable adrenaline rush and a chance to experience the untamed beauty of one of America's most iconic waterways.

PRIYA DARSHAN, Shutterstock

Antiquing Adventures, New York

Hudson Valley is the perfect place for antique enthusiasts. treasure trove of delights. From charming boutiques to massive flea markets, there's something for every collector. 

Little Vignettes Photo, Shutterstock

Antiquing Adventures (cont’d)

Must-visit antique stores include the Antique Warehouse in Hudson, Sister Salvage in Catskill, or Opera House Co. in Athens. These establishments offer some of the most unique mementos of bygone eras.

Richard M Lee, Shutterstock

Sleep On Water, British Columbia

Owned by the Ahousaht First Nation and located in the heart of Clayoquot Sound on British Columbia's Vancouver Island, the Tofino Wilderness Resort is an enchanting retreat for travelers who are looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Canada's western coast. 

Tom Collins, Flickr

Sleep On Water (cont’d)

Renovated using lumber sourced from timber that fell on-site, the lodge stands by their commitment to environmental sustainability. Guests are invited to go on guided whale-watching trips or visit the Freedom Cove artists' sanctuary, where they can learn about the Ahousaht's cultural traditions. 

Central to the Ahousaht's worldview is the belief in hishuk ish tsawalk, which translates to "everything is one". As stewards of the land for thousands of years, the Ahousaht invite guests to embrace that worldview and join them in honoring the connection between people and nature.

Tom Collins, Flickr

Just like keeping your heart healthy with good food and exercise, your engine needs some love and attention too.

Why It’s Important To Take Care Of Your Engine

Taking care of your engine is paramount for several core reasons.

First and foremost, it guarantees longevity and optimal performance of your vehicle. A well-maintained engine delivers improved fuel efficiency, saving you money and reducing emissions.

Furthermore, keeping your engine in top shape boosts the car's resale value, ensures safety by preventing unexpected breakdowns, and offers significant economic advantages by averting major repair costs.

Here's how you can ensure it runs smoother for longer:

1. Regular Oil Changes

Mídia, Pexels

The Basics: Motor oil lubricates the engine and reduces friction which can cause wear and tear.

Tip: Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for oil change intervals, but a common rule is every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

2. Maintain Fluid Levels

Euro Car Parts

The Basics: Other than oil, your engine relies on several other fluids including coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid.

Tip: Regularly check these fluid levels and top them up or change them as needed.

3. Change the Air Filter

Adobe

The Basics: A clean air filter ensures that your engine gets plenty of clean air to mix with fuel. A dirty filter can reduce fuel efficiency and power.

Tip: Generally, you should replace the air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, but check the owner’s manual for specifics.

4. Use Quality Fuel

Lean Investments

The Basics: Not all fuels are created equal. Some contain additives that can help clean and protect your engine.

Tip: Consider using a fuel from a top-tier gas station, and occasionally use a fuel system cleaner.

5. Warm Up the Engine

Pixabay

The Basics: Cold starts, especially during winter, can be hard on an engine.

Tip: Let your engine run for a minute or two before driving – but avoid letting it sit idle for prolonged periods.

6. Regularly Service Your Vehicle

Shutterstock

The Basics: Scheduled maintenance can help catch potential issues before they become major problems.

Tip: Follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedule, often found in the vehicle's manual.

7. Avoid Heavy Loads

Mak, Adobe Stock

The Basics: Regularly carrying heavy loads, especially in smaller vehicles, can strain the engine.

Tip: If towing or carrying heavy items, ensure your vehicle is equipped to handle it.

8. Keep It Clean

xreflex, Adobe Stock

The Basics: Dirt and grime can accelerate wear and cause components to fail.

Tip: Regularly clean your engine bay and consider using a degreaser to remove accumulated grime.

9. Drive Sensibly

Михаил Решетников, Adobe Stock

The Basics: Rapid acceleration and hard braking can be hard on your engine.

Tip: Adopt smooth driving habits – it's better for your engine and your fuel efficiency.

10. Be Mindful of Short Trips

Dragana Gordic, Adobe Stock

The Basics: Engines thrive once they've reached optimal operating temperatures. Short trips prevent the engine from fully warming up.

Tip: For short errands, consider combining several into one trip.

Final Thoughts

Pexels

Your vehicle is an investment, and by looking after its engine, you're not only ensuring a longer, more reliable lifespan for the car but also saving money in potential repairs down the line.

With a bit of regular care and attention, your engine can serve you well for many miles to come.