10 most beautiful cities in the world

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They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. But there are some cities in the world that offer a unique visual experience that many are able to appreciate.

From rich historical architecture to breathtaking beaches, we take a look at 10 cities that are diverse in their beauty and aesthetic.

1. Venice, Italy

PHOTO: REUTERS

Surrounded by canals, free from the hustle and bustle of a city, Venice’s architecture and history has a visually striking appeal, attracting crowds from all around the world.

2. Hong Kong

PHOTO: REUTERS

Towering skyscrapers, the night-time view across Kowloon bay and Victoria peak as the mountain backdrop to the beautiful scenery makes this lively city a feast for the eyes.

3. Istanbul, Turkey

PHOTO: REUTERS

Sail the Bosphorus with Europe on one side of the river and Asia on the other, and immerse yourself into the culture of this historically important city boasting spectacular landmarks.

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4. New York, United States of America

PHOTO: REUTERS

The culturally diverse New York City has the most iconic skyline in the world. It’s historic architecture, the feel of the grass beneath your feet in Central and Prospect Park and the liveliness of the city lands it on the bucket list of thousands.

5. London, United Kingdom

PHOTO: REUTERS

From modern sky scrapers to neighbourhoods filled with small traditional Georgian buildings, London is sure to match everyone’s standards of beauty.

6. Chefchaouen, Morocco

PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA

Also known as ‘The Blue Pearl,’ this blue-painted town in Morocco’s Rif Mountains adds a calming effect to the beauty of its simple, yet alluring buildings.

7. Paris, France

PHOTO: REUTERS

Cobbled streets filled with rows of cafe’s and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame, Paris is one of Europe’s most beautiful and visited cities.

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8. Cape Town, South Africa

PHOTO: REUTERS

An array of white-sand beaches, breath-taking views from the Table Mountain and rich gardens makes the landscape of this city like no other.

9. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

PHOTO: REUTERS

The charm of Amsterdam lies in its picturesque buildings lined together along a maze of canals that offer great paranomic views and together form an aesthetic uniformity.

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10. St. Petersburg, Russia

PHOTO: LONELY PLANET

This fascinating city, home to one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, elegantly displays the country’s Slavic roots with its colourful buildings and Eastern Orthodox churches, decorated with large onion domes.

5 Airport Expenses to Avoid

1 of 5

AirporMeal

Airport food has improved considerably in recent years. In many cities, specialty restaurants dealing in favorites such as Chicago deep-dish pizza or Memphis barbeque have found airport homes. If you're just passing through and want to sample those specialties, it can be a great opportunity.

The cost for most meals will come in at a higher rate than what is charged in the city. Airport terminal overhead costs are steep and are usually passed along to the consumer.

Avoiding food purchases at the airport is easier said than done these days. Many airlines no longer serve meals or snacks on anything but long-haul flights. It might not be practical to pack a lunch for your trip (although some budget travelers do it), but if you must eat in the airport, plan on spending more money for food that might not be as good as you expect.

2 of 5

Expensive Airport Duty Free Items

Some major airport terminals resemble upscale shopping malls. Duty free shopping is a big-money industry. Essentially, you're buying merchandise at greatly reduced tax rates because the airport is located in an international trade zone.

But the so-called deals on duty free items don't always work out to be as wonderful as advertised. The tax totals are relatively small, and the prices on items offered for sale might be less than discount-level.

Sometimes, they're marked up considerably.

There probably are bargains to be found in these stores, but unless you've been pricing such items and therefore have the ability to recognize a good deal, it's best not to buy. Making an impulse purchase because you're certain it's a reduced price often results in disappointment and much bigger bills to pay after returning home.

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Airport Taxi and Limousine Services

In many places, the airport is far-removed from the city center. This can result in some expensive taxi and limousine tabs.

But even in places where the distance isn't as great, airport transportation can be an eye-opening expense.

Companies usually have to make special arrangements and even pass a review process in order to operate at the airport. The authorities impose these requirements to keep out unscrupulous operators who might want to "take you for a ride" with travel rip-off tactics.

It's best to find public transportation at the airport. In big cities, it can be quite affordable -- perhaps as low as $10 or less by train into the central city.

No matter the locale, avoid the taxi and limousine stands if at all possible.

4 of 5

Airport Money Exchanges

People who are exchanging money in an airport might have an urgent need to acquire another currency. But in most cases, it's an impulse that results from a lack of planning.

Budget travelers know that there are places outside of an airport where they can find much better rates. If they do perform an airport exchange, it will be for a small amount of money -- just enough to arrange ground transportation to their hotel or a bank in the center of the city.

This does not mean that airport currency exchange operations are ripping off the public or are in any way dishonest in their dealings. They simply provide a service in a very expensive location, and charge accordingly.

If you don't plan ahead, you might need their services. But you should expect to pay for your lack of planning.

5 of 5

Airport Car Rentals

Airport space is expensive. If you're going to rent cars at a terminal or even nearby, the property will come at premium prices. Once inside, space for counters and offices also doesn't come cheaply.

But car rental companies find airports to be lucrative spots for doing business. They tend to pay the high overhead costs and simply pass them on to customers in the form of higher rates or perhaps an airport surcharge.

Do a simple cost comparison between what it costs to rent a car in town and at or near the airport. Generally, the airport rental will come in significantly higher.

Sometimes this added expense can't be avoided. But if it's practical, take public transportation from the airport area into a place where rates and fees are lower. 

14 fact about kissing.

You might think you know your way around a great kiss, but you probably don’t know these 14 awesome facts about kissing.
1. You transfer 80 million bacteria in 10 seconds

In just a ten second kiss, the bacteria cultures in your mouth drastically change. You transfer 80 million microbes between the two of you. While it may sound gross, there’s really no problem with transferring bacteria. In fact, your partner may have some microbes that will be helpful to your mouth’s community.

2. Kissing takes 146 muscles

If you think kissing is just about your lips and tongue, think again. Apparently kissing involves 146 muscles, 34 in your face, as well as 112 postural muscles.
3. Many cultures think it’s gross

In a study of 168 cultures, scientists discovered that only 77 (or 46%) actually kiss as a romantic gesture. In fact, many other cultures don’t understand the practice and think kissing is “gross.”
4. Kissing boosts your immune system

You may be swapping bacteria when you kiss but that can actually be a good thing, research shows that this can be the key to boosting immunity and fighting disease.
5. You spend 2 weeks of your life kissing

Scientists have discovered that the average person spends about 20,160 minutes kissing over the course of their life. That translates into roughly two weeks of kissing.
6. Kissing really does determine compatibility

Our bodies are biologically hardwired to recognize compatibility and many study say that the key to recognizing that is in the chemistry of a person’s saliva. In other words, by swapping saliva with someone else, you can discover if you are compatible with your partner.
7. Kissing is good for your teeth

Kissing won’t prevent you from needing to brush and floss, but studies show that due to the increased saliva flow, kissing can aid in preventing tooth decay.
8. Kissing makes you lose sleep and your appetite

Kissing increases the neurotransmitter, dopamine, which makes it hard for you to sleep and quells your appetite.

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9. Kissing burns calories

You burn about 2-5 calories for every minute kissing. While you still might need to do a few jumping jacks, a make-out session definitely beats spending time at the gym.
10. More kissing means a better relationship

One study discovered that couples who engage in more kissing are more satisfied in their relationships than those who kiss less. So, if you want to up your relationship satisfaction, up your smooching.
11. The longest kiss was over two days

The record for the longest kiss is held by Ekkachai Tiranarat and Laksana Tiranarat of Thailand who competed in an event to hold the title of longest kiss. Their kiss lasted over 58 hours, 35 minutes and 58 seconds.
12. Lips have over a million nerve endings

Did you realize that kissing feels so good because lips are so sensitive? With over a million nerve endings, your lips are one of the most sensitive parts of your body.
13. Kissing causes your eyes to close

Not only would it be creepy and uncomfortable to have your eyes open while you’re kissing, but due to a hormonal reaction, eyes dilate when kissing, which causes you to close your eyes.

14. Two thirds of people tilt their head to the right

If you’re at a loss of which way to go, never fear, most people instinctively tilt their heads to the right when going in for a kiss.

The 11 Most Powerful Militaries In The World

Asymmetrical wars in Afghanistan, Vietnam, and now in Syria demonstrate all too clearly that relatively small numbers of belligerents can carry out successful military operations against superior forces.

But still, firepower is extremely important. A country's projection of power relies in large part upon its military capabilities. Successfully being able to project and wield that power is a key diplomatic asset.

The website Global Firepower ranks the most powerful militaries in the world based on multiple factors, including available manpower, total labor force, and access to strategic assets. Nuclear capabilities are not included in the calculation.

Below are the 11 most powerful militaries in the world according to the 2014 rankings (click country names to see military assets data).

1. The United States

Stringer . / Reuters

The U.S. defense budget is $612 billion. Despite sequestration and other spending cuts, the United States spends more money on defense than the next ten highest spending countries combined.

America's biggest conventional military advantage is its fleet of 19 aircraft carriers, compared to 12 carriers operated by the rest of the world combined. These massive carriers allow the U.S. to set up forward operating bases anywhere and project power throughout the world.

The super power also has by far the most aircraft of any country, cutting-edge technology like the Navy's new rail gun, a large and well-trained human force — and that's not even counting the world's largest nuclear arsenal.

2. Russia

Maxim Shemetov/REUTERS

Two decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia's military is growing again. The Kremlin's military spending has increased by almost a third since 2008 and is expected to grow 44% more in the next three years. Today, the Russian defense budget stands at $76.6 billion.

Russia currently has 766,000 active frontline personnel with a reserve force of 2,485,000 personnel. These troops are backed up by 15,500 tanks, the largest tank force in the world. Russian soldiers generally receive relatively mediocre training, however, and their equipment, like that tank force, is aging.

3. China

Associated Press

China has embarked upon a relentless policy of massive military spending, with a 12.2% increase in spending over the past year. China's defense budget stands at $126 billion but could unofficially be higher, prompting concern across Asia as China attempts to project its power to settle border disputes with Japan and the Philippines. 

The size of the Chinese army is staggering, with 2,285,000 active frontline personnel with an additional 2,300,000 in the reserves. China also has a history of successfully stealing sensitive military technology, such as recently acquiring sensitive information about the new F-35.

4. India

Wikimedia Commons

India's defense spending is expected to rise as it pursues a modernization drive. Currently, it is estimated that India only spends $46 billion on its budget, and it is slated to become the fourth highest spender by 2020. It is already the world's largest importerof military goods. 

India has ballistic missiles with a range capable of hitting all of Pakistan or most of China. Indian military strategy has been dominated by its long-simmering conflict with Pakistan, although there have also been minor wars between China and India in the past.

5. The United Kingdom

Shamil Zhumatov/REUTERSBritish Army Corporal Birendra Limbu of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, shows his rifle to Afghan children as he secures an area near an Afghan National Police (ANP) checkpoint outside the town of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, July 13, 2011.

The U.K. is planning on reducing the size of its armed forces by 20% between 2010 and 2018, with smaller cuts to the Royal Navy and RAF. The defense budget stands at $54 billion.

Despite scaling back, the U.K. counts on being able to project its power around the world. The Royal Navy is planning on putting the HMS Queen Elizabeth, an aircraft carrier that has a flight deck measuring at 4.5 acres, into service in 2020. The Queen Elizabeth is planned to carry 40 F-35B joint strike fighters around the world. Thanks to superior training and equipment, Britain could still hold an advantage over emerging powers like China, according to a leading think tank.

6. France

Joe Penney / ReutersFrench soldiers stand on a street during a patrol ahead of Sunday's presidential election in Timbuktu, July 25, 2013.

France effectively froze its military spending in 2013 while cutting 10% of its defense jobs in an effort to save money for purchasing high-tech equipment. The country spends  $43 billion a year on defense, which is 1.9% of its GDP, below the spending targetset by NATO for member countries.

Despite a leveling off of its military budget, France is still highly capable of projecting force around the globe, with significant deployments  in the Central African Republic, Chad, Mali, Senegal and elsewhere around the world.

7. Germany

Fabian Bimmer/REUTERS

German military strength falls short of its economic strength on the world stage. Recently, Germany has started considering offering military supportto eastern European NATO members. It has also considered a more active international role militarily. Germany spends $45 billion on its military annually, making it the eighth largest spender in the world.

Following the aftermath of World War II, the German population generally became anti-war. The German military was originally limited to a defense force, but has become more accustomed to taking an active international role following the breakup of Yugoslavia. Germany only has 183,000 active frontline personnel with an additional 145,000 members in the reserves. Germany eliminated mandatory service in 2011 in an attempt to create a professional army.

8. Turkey

Umit Bektas/REUTERS

Turkish military spending is expected to rise 9.4% in 2014 over the 2013 budget. The ongoing conflict in Syria and possible clashes with the Kurdish separatist organization, the PKK, were key reasons for the spending increase. Turkey's defense budget stands at $18.2 billion.

The NATO member has contributed soldiers to various initiatives around the world. The Turkish military took part in operations in Afghanistan, as well as in peacekeeping operations in the Balkans. Turkey also maintains a large military force in Northern Cyprus.

9. South Korea

AP

South Korea has been increasing its defense spending due to both the increasing armament of Japan and China, and the constant threat from North Korea. South Korea spends $34 billion on defense.

South Korea has a relatively large military force for its small size. It has 640,000 active personnel with an additional 2,900,000 personnel in the reserves. South Korea also has 2,346 tanks and 1,393 aircraft. The South Korean military is generally well-trained and routinely takes part in military exercise with the United States. South Korea's air force is also the sixth largest in the world.

10. Japan

US Army

Japan increased its defense spending for the first time in 11 years in response to growing disputes with China. It has also started its first military expansion in over 40 years by placing a new military base on its outer islands. Japan spends $49.1 billion on defense, the sixth most in the world.

Japan's military is fairly well-equipped. It currently has 247,000 active personnel with an additional 57,900 in reserve. Japan also has 1,595 aircraft, the world's fifth largest air force, and 131 ships. Japan's military is limited by a peace clause in the constitution that makes it illegal for the country to have an offensive army.

11. Israel

AP

Israel spends significantly more than its neighbors proportionally for defense. In 2009, Israel spent 18.7% of its national budget on defense. Israel's defense budget stands at $15 billion.

A large percentage of the Israeli defense budget goes toward defense technology. One of the best examples of this is Israel's Iron Dome, a missile defense shield that can intercept rockets shot into Israel from the Palestinian territories. Israel aims to replace Iron Dome with a laser defense shield called Iron Beam.

Agbani Darego poses with former Miss World winners at UK event

Photos: Agbani Darego poses with former Miss World winners at UK event

Former Miss World, Agbani Darego, looked amazing in a lovely dress by Lanre Da Silva which she wore to the Variety International 2016 Humanitarian Award which was hosted by Julia Morley, President of the Miss World Organization. The event held in London today. Agbani and other former Miss World queens attended the event...

'He's happy at Madrid'- Cristiano Ronaldo's mum rules out 'emotional' return to Man utd

'He's happy at Madrid'- Cristiano Ronaldo's mum rules out 'emotional' return to Man utd

Cristiano Ronaldo's mum, Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro, has ruled out her son making an emotional return to Man U, the club where he came into limelight and won his first Balloon d'or. Cristiano has frequently spoken of his love and admiration for Man U and sometimes gave indications that he would one day return to the club where he spent 6 trophy laden years at.

But his mum's comments have now dampened Man U fan's hopes. Acording to The Independent, during the launch of her autobiography in Spain, she said a 'Cristiano is happy here, he would like to finish his career at Real Madrid' Ronaldo left Man U in 2009 for a reported £80m after spending 6 trophy laden years at the club.