Features

1. You don’t need to wear sunblock when it’s cloudy.

• No! UV rays are strong enough to penetrate clouds and the water vapor can actually reflect the light towards your skin. Up to 80% of sun rays pass through clouds and dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen everyday as well as reapplying often. 

2. Only fair skinned people can get sunburnt and are more prone to sunburn.

• Kind of. Although paler skin is more susceptible to burning, everyone can get skin cancer and diseases. Melanin, a color pigmentation, which is more present in darker skinned people, can offer a small amount of protection: around 6 to 7 SPF, five times less than the recommended amount.

3. If I wear a higher SPF sunblock, I don’t need to reapply.

• Definitely not. The SPF level represents how many times longer the sunblock lasts compared to unprotected skin. For example, SPF 50 will last 50 times longer than unprotected skin (10 minutes). So SPF 50 sunblock will give you approximately 8 hours of fun in the sun. Although higher SPFs may seem more appealing, the only difference is the amount of time it protects your skin for. All SPF levels block out most UV rays and higher SPFs usually only block out 1-3% more UV rays than lower SPFs.

4. Sunscreen doesn’t expire

• Nope. Especially if it is a chemical sunscreen, the ingredients that protect your skin from UV rays probably won’t be active after the expiration date. Although all sunscreen products expire, mineral sunblocks are more likely to be effective after the expiration. You might have noticed that while chemical sunblocks are quickly absorbed into your skin leaving a slight sheen, mineral sunblocks will leave a white chalky residue. This is due to the zinc oxide in the mineral sunblocks. It acts as a physical barrier between your skin and the sun, possibly extending the expiry date of the sunblock.

5. I only tan and don’t burn, so I’m safe from the sun, right?

• Not in the slightest. Tanning is a form of skin damage caused by UV rays. It’s the same as burning except your skin releases melanin as a stressed reaction to protect itself. Sunburn is not the only form of skin damage, and over time, the more tan you get, the more likely you are to get skin cancer.

Say it with me: ay-klair-sees-mahn. It may sound scrumptious, but no, it is not the latest French pastry trend à la Dubai Chocolat. It is not even the name of an overpriced Jo Malone scent line.

It is THE word of the week, the winning word of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old from Texas. It is also the word heard whispered in the hallways by French I students who are preparing for their finals next week.

Yes. éclaircissement is what happens to you when the fog clears in your head; when you finally understand that math concept or French grammar; when your friend’s cryptic text finally makes sense.

It originated from the French verb éclaircir, meaning to clarify or lighten, and made its way into English during the Enlightenment era. The éclair pastry also comes from the same root, because it is eaten in a flash, like a sudden burst of clairvoyance (another French word for you that crept into English).  (Source: Wikipedia)

 So next time you're confused, don’t just ask for a boring old clarification. Ask for an éclaircissement!

Every avid traveler needs their go-to guide for “traveling the world in eight days” — and this is the perfect international combo they need. Below is a compilation of ten of the most worthwhile destinations on your travel checklist (note: these locations are not listed by rank and there are many more places to go…these are only some)!

Tokyo is one of the first stops on our worldwide map

The Japan-based city is famous for its futuristic architecture and traditional roots, seen in its natural beauty and rich lifestyles. One “must-see” in the place has to be the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival, which is one of the most stunning sights in the whole world and special even in the country itself!

Vagamon…the "Scotland of Asia”

Vagamon is truly a hidden gem in its continent! Located in Kerala, India, this destination is a beautiful village full of lush, verdant fields that stretch farther than the eye can see! It’s easy to get lost in the idyllic beauty of its endless pine trees and grassy fields.

The Raja Ampat Islands cannot be missed

These islands are an Indonesian archipelago full of jungles, beaches, and marine-life populated coral reefs. Their natural beauty is unmatched and a single dive “under the sea” is enough to make someone fall in love with them!

Machu Picchu, the Incan citadel located in Peru’s Andes Mountains

What’s a world trip without history? Machu Picchu’s a beautiful way to see a breathtaking sight and learn more about the world around us. The Incan city is an amazing place to visit and an even more rewarding experience to understand the ancient civilizations. This is most definitely a must-see!

Athens is already at the top of many traveler’s lists!

The awe-inspiring capital of Greece, Athens is just the place to go for a mix of exciting everyday culture and historical value. Visitors can not only learn about the rich history of Ancient Greece, but they can also experience the delicious cuisine, the unmatched sights, and the stunning architecture.

Dubai: the City of Gold

The city in the United Arab Emirates is one of the most visited places in the world. There are attractions in every corner, interesting architectural sights, and — a crowd pleaser — many shopping opportunities!

Bangkok, the capital of beautiful Thailand

There’s no place like Bangkok! The city has stunning temples and some of the most intricate architecture in the world. It’s full of colors and lights to brighten every day and night spent in the amazing city, and its street life — not to forget food — is enough to catch the attention of about 25 million tourists every year.

When in Rome…

The capital city of Italy, Rome is one of the most cherished destinations in the whole world. It contains a range of amazing historical sights and food that will leave anyone wanting to taste more. Rome brings Italian culture alive with a spark that no one wants to miss!

The Eastern Highlands has the natural beauty you’ve been looking for

A highland in Zimbabwe, this location is full of gushing waterfalls, picturesque woodlands, and buzzing wildlife. It’s a great hiking destination and another hidden gem that doesn’t get enough credit!

It doesn’t get better than Antalya

This Turkish city has rich beaches and beautiful blue waters. Its ancient ruins make it a great historical landmark, and its mouthwatering food is a must-have. Water activities and the unmatched coastline make it a perfect place to go for a day in the waves!

Of course, there are many places to visit other than just these ten destinations. Other favorites include Milan, Italy, Paris, France, and London, England. However, this list can help any traveler get started on their world-trip and has many valuable destinations that easily accessible travel logs fail to highlight!