The image of a house attached to thousands of colorful balloons and floating into the air has become an iconic symbol of the beloved Pixar film Up. Owned by the grumpy Carl Fredricksen, this quaint home has made movie lovers dream of one day taking off to their bucket-list destination. Now, Airbnb is making part of this wish come true. In honor of the movie's 15th anniversary, the company has faithfully recreated the house from Up—and it even floats!

Rather than make their way to a remote region of South America, those who wish to stay in the Up house will have to travel to the red rocks of Abiquiu, New Mexico. While Airbnb has fitted it with 8,000 balloons, what truly makes the illusion come to life is a crane that rises the dwelling several feet above the ground.

“I don’t always like visitors, but I guess it’s pretty nice to have them now that it’s just me and Dug. So, come stay in my cozy home I made with my dear Ellie,” writes Airbnb, in the voice of Fredricksen. “My greatest adventures have happened here, and I learned that the best ones are always with someone you love, so bring your pals to kickstart your very own Adventure Book and watch as my house drifts off before you depart.”

As if the sight of the floating house wasn't breathtaking on its own, Airbnb has truly captured the spirit of the Fredricksen's home as depicted in the movie. Visitors will see Carl and Ellie's lounge chairs, photographs of the couple around the living room, little Russell's backpack by the staircase, the lovely mailbox with hand prints by the porch, and even Dug's food bowl.

Once you're done exploring the house, there are plenty of activities you can partake in. By day, you can help Mr. Fredricksen by checking his mail before preparing a picnic basket and filling your own Adventure Book. At night, you can gather in the lawn to stargaze with your party.

The Up house is part of Airbnb's Icons collection, made up of one-of-kind international experiences. Other adventures in the Icons collection include a stay at Paris' Musée d’Orsay during the 2024 Olympic Games, a night in the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, Italy, and a visit to the X-Men mansion in Westchester, New York.

If you want to book any of these experiences, make sure to sign up on the listing's Airbnb page. Some are under $100 per person, while others, like Mr. Fredricksen's home, are free. Submissions for the Up house close on May 14. Afterwards, Airbnb will select the winning guests to finalize their bookings. You can sign up here.

In honor of Up‘s 15th anniversary, Airbnb has faithfully recreated the house from the movie—and it even floats!

Rather than make their way to a remote region of South America, those who wish to stay in the Up house will have to travel to the red rocks of Abiquiu, New Mexico.

While Airbnb has fitted it with 8,000 balloons, what truly makes the illusion come to life is a crane that raises the dwelling several feet above the ground.

As if the sight of the floating house wasn't breathtaking on its own, Airbnb has truly captured the spirit of the Fredricksen's home as depicted in the movie.

“Bring your pals to kickstart your very own Adventure Book and watch as my house drifts off before you depart.”

Visitors will see Carl and Ellie's lounge chairs, photographs of the couple around the living room, and little Russell's backpack by the staircase.

The Up house is part of Airbnb's Icons collection, made up of one-of-kind international experiences.

If you want to book any of these experiences, make sure to sign up on the listing's Airbnb page.

Submissions for the Up house close on May 14.

Airbnb: Website

All images by Ryan Lowry via Airbnb.

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@dw_berlinfresh Do YOU think you could live on the train full time? #berlin #germany #germantrain #trains #lifeingermany ♬ original sound – Berlin Fresh

Due to the rising cost of rent and seemingly endless mortgage payments, many people have opted for alternative housing opportunities. Van living is especially popular among college students and young adults, and there is a growing number of families living out of RVs and renovated school buses. Some retirees are opting to spend most of the year on cruise ships, as they have found that it is more affordable than staying in their homes. But one teenager in Germany has decided to take advantage of his country's sprawling rail system, and has begun living on trains full-time.

Lasse Stolley is a 17-year-old German software developer who spends his mornings grabbing breakfast inside the first-class lounge and his evenings in sleeping cars. He showers in gyms and leisure areas, and washes his laundry at train stations. At a time when many teenagers are buying new clothes and gadgets, Stolley is able to fit all of his possessions into a single backpack, including three outfits, hygiene supplies, sleeping necessities, and technology.

The teenager has been living this way since he was 16, when he graduated from high school. He says that initially convincing his parents was a struggle, but eventually, they let him go. At first, it was difficult acclimating to life on the train, as Stolley had trouble sleeping for the first couple of months, plus he also had to be cautious to make sure his belongings didn't get stolen at night. But after his initial difficulties, he was able to settle into a routine and thoroughly enjoy himself.

The best part about Stolley's lifestyle is the freedom that comes along with it. Thanks to the flexibility of his job, he is able to work at different times of the day and take impromptu day trips. He takes advantage of this quite often, traveling all over Germany and the rest of Europe. On an average day, Stolley can travel over 600 miles. At 17, he has traveled to more countries than many people ever will in their lifetime, and he shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Surprisingly, Stolley's living arrangement is remarkably inexpensive. It costs approximately €10,000 (about $10,650) per year, and most of this money goes towards his first-class annual rail-card. Since a month's worth of rent in Germany costs €942 (about $1,008) on average, train life is an appealing option for a young adult with dreams of traveling. While it would be nearly impossible to do this in the United States, where the rail system is much more limited, Stolley's success is certainly an inspiration to anyone looking to explore while also earning a paycheck. Perhaps we can learn a thing or two from him.

Lasse Stolley is a 17-year-old who lives on trains in Europe full-time as a way to save money and see the world.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lasse Stolley (@lassestolley)

Lasse Stolley: Website | Instagram
h/t: [digg]

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Photo: Happyalex/Depositphotos

If you've ever been in a rush to make your connecting flight, only to be fouled up by a last-minute gate change, then you'll appreciate this tip from TikToker and former airline employee Darby Maloney. She says, “I never have to look at screens in the airport anymore. It’s the greatest hack ever and I think nobody knows about it.” Besides encouraging every traveler to sign up for TSA Precheck, Maloney shares an easy way for travelers, and anyone who is picking them up, to get up-to-the-minute info on flight statuses, gate changes, and baggage claim carousel.

So what are her tips? On the morning of your flight, Maloney says to be sure to text your flight number, including the airline code, to yourself and whoever is kind enough to navigate airport traffic for you. The airline code is key and usually includes at least one letter. For instance American Airlines is AA and Jetblue is B6. If you're not sure of your airline's code, you can check on the International Air Transport Association’s search engine.

On iPhones, this will give you a quick link that stays updated with any important info. All you have to do is tap on the code and choose “Preview Flight.” No need to download multiple airline apps or trying to find your flight on a crowded airport screen. Android phones will not send the same link but you can still copy and paste the flight number into Google and get the most recent info. This is especially useful when you have a short layover, booked with multiple airlines, or don't want to burden your friends and family with another app crowding their screen just to pick you up.

Over 2.3 million viewers liked Maloney's TikTok and hopefully this will ease a lot of traveler's airline stress. Without having to panic about being at the wrong gate, you'll have enough time to pick up an extra large water and Toblerone.

Former airline employee Darby Malolney shares her super helpful flight tips for travelers to be less stressed at the airport.

@durbinmalonster S/O @Brooke Webster ♬ original sound – Darby

h/t: [Yahoo!]

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Photo of the cathedral in 2022. (Photo: Maksim Sokolov via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED)

Strolling through Barcelona in 1882, many citizens would never have guessed that the next century would create—though painfully slowly—one of the city's most iconic buildings. At first glance, the Sagrada Família looks medieval and gothic, but in actuality, it's the work of modern architect Antoni Gaudí. Built mostly from his blueprints, it has spires topped with Christian symbols and intricate stonework. But this magnificent church is still unfinished over 100 years after its construction began. As each piece is added, it inches closer to completion, which is now anticipated for 2026—just in time for the 100-year anniversary of Gaudí's death.

The basilica is especially known for its exceptional façade, known as the Glory Façade. However, the European news is currently reporting on a debate over the completion of this entrance to the church. The late architect's planned magnificent staircase is still in the works, but there is local resistance. This is because the staircase will require the clearing of an adjoining area of the city containing 3,000 apartments and 1,000 families. A protesting lawyer, Salvador Barroso, who works with the Association for those Affected by the Sagrada Familia, has contested the staircase's existence in the original Gaudí design.

Meanwhile, work on the church has continued in the past few years, though COVID-19 created a delay in construction. The Tower of Mary was completed and topped with a star in 2021; while in 2022, the towers of Luke and Mark joined her. Once completed, the cathedral will have 18 spires, 13 of which are currently standing. Its façade with immense carvings is a prime tourist attraction, as despite being unfinished, the basilica is open for visits and worship. Check out the website for updates and more insight into this modern masterpiece.

The ongoing century-old construction of Sagrada Família may well wrap up in 2026, based on current updates.

A model of the complete building as currently planned. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED)

h/t: [designboom]

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Photo: Amaviael/Depositphotos

Flying can be stressful in the best of circumstances. For pet owners, traveling with their animal companions poses its own unique challenges. In an effort to alleviate some distress, American Airlines has recently relaxed part of their pet policy and will allow owners to bring their pet, as well as a full-size carry-on bag, into the cabin.

This is a welcome change for pet owners, as up until this week, people who brought their pet into the cabin could only have one other small bag that could fit underneath their seat, unless they wanted to pay an additional fee of $35. As a result, many people would send their pets to the cargo hold for the flight to avoid spending the extra money on top of the already expensive pet fee. Because of this, the new policy could also reduce the number of people who falsely claim that their pets are service animals to get them on flights for free.

Regardless of the relaxed policy, anyone traveling with a pet should still do their research before attempting to fly with their furry friend. Every airline has a slightly different policy, and many planes have occupancy limits for the amount of pets that can be in the cabin at once. Additionally, if you are flying overseas, different countries have different entry policies for pets, so be sure to research that in advance—PetTravel.com is a worldwide resource you can check on. It is also a good idea to consult your veterinarian to see how to best travel with animals.

American Airlines recently relaxed its pet policy, allowing pet owners to bring their animal companions, as well as a full-size carry-on bag, into the cabin for no additional fee.

Photo: Amaviael/Depositphotos

h/t: [AP]

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On the eastern end of Japan’s Shikoku Island, there's a village known as Nagoro. Like many other small towns around the world, it has seen its population shrink every year, with people either passing away or flocking to cities for a better life. To fight off the loneliness, an older woman named Tsukimi Ayano has created hundreds of kakashi (scarecrows in Japanese) to repopulate the area, earning Nagoro the nickname of “Village of the Dolls.”

These life-size dolls are made of straw, newspaper, and old clothes. While they are quite detailed, it's their placements throughout the village that have gotten them worldwide attention. Tsukimi positions them around the town in realistic poses, whether they are doing repairs, studying hard at school, waiting for a bus, or simply relaxing after a day of work. If you drove by quickly, you could easily mistake them for real people.

Tsukimi's project began back in 2002. After spending part of her life in Osaka, she moved back to Nagoro. To protect a field from pests, she made her first scarecrow—a giant doll resembling her father. After her creation caught the attention of her neighbors, she decided to make more to honor those who had left or died. That's why each doll has a name, and their personality, age, and backstory are catalogued.

While Nagoro is home to about two dozen residents, it now has over 300 dolls. The kakashi have inspired visitors from around the world to travel for several hours on the winding roads of the Iya Valley to catch a glimpse of this unique place. The dolls even have their own festival on the first Sunday of October every year. To Tsukimi's delight, many visitors are excited to take a look at her workshop.

If you're ever in Japan and want to visit this quirky place, local travel agency Shikoku Tours suggests taking a taxi, as the place is so remote and tiny that it's easy to miss. On the way there, you're likely to see more of these dolls around the shrinking villages. Since the kakashi have reached local art form status, the area has become a bit of a tourist attraction—and is now brimming with life.

A small town in Japan known as Nagoro is home to over 300 kakashi or scarecrows, earning it the nickname of “Village of the Dolls.”

These were all made by an older woman named Tsukimi Ayano, who aimed to fight off loneliness after many of her neighbors moved away or died.

That's why each doll has a name, and their personality, age, and backstory are catalogued.

These life-size dolls are made of straw, newspaper, and old clothes.

Tsukimi has placed them around the town in realistic poses, whether they are doing repairs, studying hard at school, waiting for a bus, or simply relaxing after a day of work.

If you drove by quickly, you could easily mistake them for real people.

h/t: [Offbeat Japan]

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Photo: mathes/Depositphotos

Shanghai is home to some of the tallest buildings in the world. As such, its sweeping skyline fascinates both travelers and architecture lovers. Josh Turner, a New England-based videographer, set out to capture the sweeping heights of Shanghai's skyscrapers during a trip to China. The result is a dizzying yet thrilling bird's-eye view that only a skilled drone pilot could get.

Turner's video focuses on Shanghai's three tallest buildings—the Shanghai Tower, which at 2,073 feet is the third tallest building in the world; the Shanghai World Financial Center, known for its distinctive “bottle opener” top; and the Jin Mao Tower, designed after the tiered pagoda from traditional Chinese architecture. All of them are conveniently located in Shanghai's Pudong district.

The video may not be for those with a fear of heights—Turner's drone flies above the skyscrapers before gliding down their glass façades at lightning speed. His clever framing catches details like the reflection of the Jin Mao Tower on the windows of Shanghai World Financial Center or the sun shining through the gap at its top. Still, the real treat comes near the end, when the city lights come on, depicting the creative possibilities of lighting up a super tall building at night.

“I had the opportunity to visit Shanghai this past January (2024) and couldn't miss the chance to fly FPV around the 3 tallest towers in the city,” writes Turner. “Shanghai Tower stands at an impressive 632m (2,073ft) making it the tallest building in China and the 3rd tallest in the world behind the Burj Khalifa and Merdeka Tower. Shanghai Tower with the Shanghai World Financial Center (492m), and Jin Mao Tower (421m) dominate the city skyline. I also flew around the Oriental Pearl Tower and was able to catch the window washers who dangle by ropes every morning cleaning the glass. Enjoy!”

Watch Josh Turner's drone footage on three of the tallest buildings in China below.

Videographer Josh Turner set out to capture the sweeping heights of Shanghai's tallest buildings during a trip to China.

Josh Turner: Instagram | YouTube
h/t: [Laughing Squid]

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Photo: naticastillog/Depositphotos

Every year, millions of monarch butterflies travel up to 2,800 miles to the forests of Central Mexico to escape the cold. After braving the elements, these butterflies turn Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve into an orange-and-black wonderland. From October to March, they carpet the trees and the ground as they rest, reproduce, and get ready for the trip back north in the spring.

Although the life cycle of a monarch butterfly lasts about a month, the ones that are born shortly before migration delay their reproductive stage to make the trip, making them live up to nine months. This means that, from one year to the next, the butterflies that make the journey are great-great-granddaughters of those who traveled on the previous migration. And yet, they all know the way and even return to the same trees where their ancestors were born. They only fly during the day and use the sun and an “internal compass” to guide them.

Though popular in Mexico, their habitat was only discovered by the outside world in 1975 after Fred Urquhart, a Canadian zoologist, decided to track and trace the route of the butterflies he saw in his garden in Toronto. When he learned that one of the butterflies he had tagged had been seen in Mexico, he placed an ad in a newspaper asking for volunteers to go in search of the monarch butterfly's winter habitat.

Photo: naticastillog/Depositphotos

What was discovered by accident became a 138,000-acre reserve that spans the states of Mexico and Michoacán. In 2008, the area was named a World Heritage site—one that received half a million visitors last season. That's why responsible tourism practices are key when visiting these sites. Walk-in guided tours are usually available, allowing visitors to get firsthand knowledge about these creatures.

Monarch butterflies are an endangered species, but over-tourism is far from the only threat they face. The rise in avocado consumption in the U.S. has turned avocado farming into a lucrative business, prompting farmers to make room for avocado orchards by cutting the oak and pine trees that surround the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. And while tourists continue to pour in, the number of butterflies that made it to their wintering grounds fell by 59% this year.

If you ever find yourself visiting this natural area, it's important to follow the guide's instructions, such as staying on the designated trails, remaining quiet to avoid disturbing the butterflies, avoiding flash photography, and protecting the insects by not bringing in pets or food. The more care we put into this natural wonder, the more people will get to witness it in the future.

Every year, millions of monarch butterflies travel up to 2,800 miles to the forests of Central Mexico to escape the cold.

Photo: naticastillog/Depositphotos

After braving the elements, they turn Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve into an orange-and-black wonderland.

Photo: naticastillog/Depositphotos

h/t: [National Geographic]

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Photo: andriymedvediuk/Depositphotos

If you ask 10 people when the best time to fly is, they will probably give you 10 different answers. These answers can be based on various factors, including affordability and convenience. But a recent report by Expedia definitively answers the question once and for all.

In their 2023 Air Travel Report, Expedia states that travelers should try to travel on Wednesdays. Their reasoning for this is monetary. According to them, “travelers who started a trip on a Wednesday, versus the beginning of the week (a Sunday or a Monday) saved, on average, 15% on domestic flights. For international flights, travelers who departed on Wednesday instead of during the weekend (a Sunday or a Saturday) saved 10% on average.”

If you're worried about your flight being delayed or canceled, Expedia has some advice to help alleviate those fears. They suggest leaving before 3 p.m., as “flights that depart after 3pm have the highest chance of being cancelled – a 50% higher chance, on average, than those that depart earlier in the day.” They also suggest avoiding travel during peak travel periods, especially the busy summer months.

But when should you book your flight in the first place? Expedia also has answers. According to the report, you should book on a Sunday, which has been the best day to book flights for the past 4 years. “Travelers who book on Sundays instead of Fridays tend to save, on average, around 5% on domestic flights and 15% on international flights,” Expedia states. Additionally, you should try to book at least a month in advance on domestic flights and at least 6 months ahead on international flights. Both of these measures will save you approximately 10% on average.

Expedia recently published their 2023 Air Travel Report, revealing that the best travel time is Wednesdays before 3 p.m.

Photo: elanathewise/Depositphotos

h/t: [Mental Floss]

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Many cultures around the world mark the harvest season with unique celebrations. In Kerala, India there is a festival called Onam that takes place in August or September with a large array of events. On the fourth day of the festivities, hundreds of dancers paint their bodies and dress up as tigers. These cheerful performers then move to the beat of the drums and march through the streets of Thrissur in a folk dance known as Puli Kali—which means Tiger Dance.

This Puli Kali tradition dates back approximately 200 years. It was introduced by Maharaja Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran, the King of Cochin from the late 18th to early 19th century, as a way to celebrate courage, bravery, and the spirit of battle. While most of the performers are usally men, women have been joining the celebrations since 2016.

At the center of the Puli Kali are those who get in costume. They don bright orange masks, complete with whiskers, and spend hours carefully decorating their bodies with paint. While some performers cover their entire bodies with tiger stripes, the more adventurous ones transform their torsos into the intimidating face of a feline. All of the body art is done by experienced artists, who begin their work as early as the night before the celebration.

Since the main theme of the Puli Kali is tiger hunting, participants divide the roles of tigers and hunters. But it's not just a reverie for the sake of tradition. Teams actually compete for prizes in categories such as best drumming team, best tableau display, best eco-friendly vehicle, and best vehicle tiger display. In 2023, the winning teams earned cash prizes of Rs 40,000 to Rs 62,500 (about $481 to $752).

The date for this festivities changes from year to year, and is usually set by the local government in the weeks leading up to the event. While Thirssur is not usually counted among India's top destinations, this colorful tradition has certainly caught the world's attention—drawing new visitors every year.

Every year in Kerala, India, performers dress up as tigers for the Puli Kali folk dance—which means Tiger Dance.

Photo: srinipix@gmail.com/Depositphotos

At the center of the Puli Kali are those who get in costume. They don bright orange masks, complete with whiskers, and spend hours decorating their bodies with paint.

Photo: srinipix@gmail.com/Depositphotos

While some cover their entire bodies with tiger stripes, the more adventurous ones transform their torsos into the intimidating face of a feline.

This folk art happens during Onam Festival in Kerala name Puli Kali which means tiger dance, and it is performed by artists who paint themselves as tigers or leopards and dance to the rhythm of drums.
byu/Satyampanchal inDamnthatsinteresting

h/t: [Reddit]

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READ: Performers Dress up as Tigers and Leopards To Celebrate the Harvest Season in India