Category: Feature Stories

An attentive waiter in a restaurant, a friendly taxi driver—in Austria, it is customary to tip around 10 percent of the bill for good service. A political debate has erupted over tipping. But what is the situation like abroad? “In many countries, tips of five to ten percent are also common,” explains Yvette Polasek, travel expert at ÖAMTC. But there are also countries where different customs apply. It’s important to know this to avoid putting your foot in your mouth. Italy and Croatia In Austrians’ favorite vacation destinations, a tip…

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People with type 2 diabetes who are also obese should drink water instead of diet sodas. According to a Canadian study, water leads to greater and longer-lasting weight loss. It can even cause diabetes to disappear. For type 2 diabetics with obesity, water is a much better drink than zero-calorie soft drinks. This was the finding of a Canadian study recently presented at the annual congress of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Water led to greater and longer-lasting weight loss and, in many cases, to the disappearance of diabetes. For…

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In addition to your travel first aid kit, you should also consider packing a small “hand first aid kit” for your beach bag. Sunburn, insect bites, minor injuries: relax by the water with a well-stocked “hand first aid kit.” Whether you’re enjoying a swim in a local lake or a beach vacation on the Mediterranean, if you’re spending the summer outdoors, you should think about more than just sunscreen and a beach towel. A small, well-stocked beach first-aid kit can help you quickly treat unpleasant incidents – and make your…

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In the realm of modern civil engineering, tunnel construction has become a testament to human ingenuity, overcoming natural barriers with sprawling underground passages. Here’s a spotlight on the longest street (road) tunnels in operation around the world today: 1. Lærdal Tunnel – Norway (24.51 km / 15.2 mi) Overview: Running beneath the Norwegian mountains to link Lærdal and Aurland on the E16, this tunnel, completed in 2000, is the world’s longest road tunnel. Safety & Comfort: To combat fatigue and claustrophobia during its 20-minute traverse, innovative features include cave-like rest zones every…

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The European Parliament has decided that, in the future, no extra fees may be charged for hand luggage. In a maze of hand luggage regulations, it is no longer so easy to keep track of everything. Many low-cost airlines, in particular, charge exorbitant prices for small carry-on bags. While some allow passengers to take a trolley bag and a handbag into the cabin for the booked category, others only allow one personal item. In a sea of different fares, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the regulations before each…

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In light of the recent escalation in the Middle East, Pope Leo XIV has called for responsibility and reason. “Every member of the international community has a moral responsibility: to stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an irreparable abyss,” Leo XIV said on Sunday in St. Peter’s Square, according to Kathpress. He also warned that the daily suffering of the population, especially in Gaza and elsewhere, could be forgotten. However, he said, the call for responsibility and reason must not be drowned out by the noise of weapons…

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A comprehensive British study supports the notion that milk and certain dairy products may reduce the risk of colon cancer. According to the survey, just one glass of milk (200 grams) per day reduces the risk of the disease by an average of around 14 percent. Fifty grams of yoghurt a day would reduce the risk of colon cancer by eight percent, probably mainly due to the calcium it contains, the researchers report in the journal “Nature Communications.” Whole-grain products, fruit, and individual vitamins are also likely to have a…

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Drinks from glass bottles may contain more microplastics than drinks from plastic bottles. This is the surprising result of a doctoral thesis presented by the French Food Safety Authority on Friday. According to the study, the particles in the glass bottles mostly come from the paint on the crown caps. “We expected the opposite result,” said doctoral student Iseline Chaïb. She conducted the study, funded by the food authority and the Hauts-de-France region, in a laboratory in Boulogne-sur-Mer, northern France. According to the results, drinks sold in glass bottles contain…

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People who walk every day have a lower risk of developing lower back pain. According to an extensive Norwegian long-term study, the risk of chronic back pain is 23% lower in individuals who walk more than 100 minutes a day compared to those who walk less than 78 minutes a day. For the study published in the journal “JAMA Network Open,” the team led by Rayane Haddadj from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology drew on data from the HUNT study—a large-scale health survey with tens of thousands of…

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