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☆ Europe’s best long-distance hiking trails
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( Joe Minihane | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

Slovenian Mountain Trail, SloveniaMountaineers climbing ridge on Triglav mountain, Slovenia. Enrique Ugarte/Moment RF/Getty ImagesIt’s no surprise that the Slovenia Mountain Trail has become so popular. Laugavegur Hiking Trail, IcelandInaccessible during winter, Iceland’s ethereal Laugavegur Hiking Trail opens between July and September, drawing in committed hikers from across the globe. The 55-kilometer (34-mile) route is best done over four days, giving time to tackle the challenging terrain and take in the views. Sheep’s Head Way, Cork, IrelandThe Sheep's Head Way explores Ireland's wild Atlantic coast.

Persons: It’s, Lapland’s Salla, King Charles III, Enrique Ugarte, John Muir, Muir, Muir’s, Mount Gamila, James, Alex Treadway, St James, Jean, Les Houches, Mont, Rota, Marc Guitard, marveling Organizations: CNN, Slovenia Mountaineers, Getty, Maribor, Triglav, National Parks ”, Sierra Club, Guinness, Hellas, Via Locations: Trail, Sweden, Hyssna’s, Gothenburg, Lilla Hålsjön, Finland Finnish Lapland, Finland, It’s, Hautajärvi, Lapland’s, Kuusamo, King Charles III England, England, Cornwall, Suffolk, Norfolk, Slovenia, Triglav, Ankaran, Adriatic, Julian, Scotland, Yosemite, United States, Helensburgh, Firth, Clyde, Dunbar, Forth, Loch Lomond, Mount, Zagoria, Greece, Mount Gamila, Apuseni, Romania, Europe, Camino Frances, France, Spain, Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Portugal, Camino, St, Pamplona, Leon, Sarria, Via Uno, Italy, Dobbiaco, Belluno, Passo Falzarego, Switzerland, it’s, Zernez, Blanc , France, Blanc, Les, Mont Blanc, Fishermen’s, Portuguese, Alentejo, Algarve, Iceland, Landmannalaugar, Brennisteinsalda, Hvanngil, Cork, Ireland, Bantry, Mizen

☆ Travel news: These are the global airports passengers love the most
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-16 | by ( Maureen O'Hare | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —In travel news this week: passenger–pleasing airports, cool streets around the world, France’s frog-leg crisis and Ireland’s best food and drink. World’s best airportsThe busy beavers at Airports Council International have gathered nearly 600,000 surveys from travelers at more than 400 airports around the world and have revealed the passengers’ favorites. What’s Japan’s most international city? DenisTangneyJr/iStockphoto/Getty Images Topeka, Kansas: Choose Topeka doesn’t just focus on remote workers. Ron Buskirk/Alamy Stock Photo Rochester, New York: The Greater ROC Remote program offers $10,000 in grants and incentives (plus another $9,000 for home-buying grants).

Persons: South Carolina • Gerald R, Mohammed, Patrick’s, you’ll, –, Saint Patrick, ”, they’ve, John Hope Franklin, Tyler Layne, Ali Majdfar, Roberto Galan, Ron Buskirk, Denis Tangney Jr, Walter Bibikow, Ann Arbor, Paul Brady, Titanic, “ It’s Organizations: CNN, Council International, Spartanburg International, Ford International, Mohammed V International, Turkey • Guayaquil International, Salalah, Oman • Sultan Hasanuddin International, Green, of, US Centers for Disease Control, John Hope Franklin Reconciliation, Getty Images, Topeka doesn’t, Getty, Shoals, ROC Remote, Images, Miami Beach Locations: Greenville, South Carolina, Michigan, Rome, Italy, Morocco • Izmir Adnan Menderes, Turkey, Ecuador, Oman • Sultan, Indonesia • Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Asia, Tokyo, Spain, Valencia, of Europe, Happy, Ireland, South Korea, Tulsa , Oklahoma, Tulsa, Tulsa West Virginia, New, West Virginia, Getty Images Indiana, Evansville, Getty Images Topeka , Kansas, Topeka, Kentucky, Mayfield, Graves, Alabama, Tuscumbia, Rochester , New York, Images Alaska, Alaska, Sitka, Getty Images Michigan, Ann

☆ ‘Like going to the moon’: The world’s most terrifying ocean crossing
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-04 | by ( Julia Buckley | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +19 min

And it’s not just the winds making the waters rough – the Drake is basically one big surge of water. We’re not gambling.”Even with that extra safety margin, though, he admits that crossing the Drake can be a hairy experience. A dangerous thrillAurora Expeditions' Greg Mortimer ship has a patented bow to make a Drake crossing more stable. “The only thing that works for me is going to the ship’s medic for a scopolamine patch,” he says. “If you were going to the moon, you’d expect the journey to be uncomfortable but it’d be worth it,” she says.

Persons: CNN —, ” Alfred Lansing, Ernest Shackleton’s, Drake, ”, it’s, Mike Hill, Adam ”, Alexander Brearley, –, ” “, Storm Isha, Brearley, That’s, It’s, Clelia, Fiona Stewart, Garett McIntosh, Horn, “, Stanislas Devorsine, Sue Flood, Le Commandant Charcot, ” Devorsine, Devorsine, “ We’re, Jamie Lafferty, “ Drake, Greg Mortimer, Tyson Mayr, He’s, Mundy, Edwina Lonsdale, ” Lonsdale, Sylvia Earle, Lonsdale, DreamPictures, acupressure, ” Jamie Lafferty, I’ve, ” Warren Cairns, There’s Organizations: CNN, British Antarctic Survey, Atlantic, “, AP, South America –, Aurora Expeditions, Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council of Locations: Antarctica, isn’t, South America, Ireland, Panama, Europe, South, California, New York, Cape Horn, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, –, France, Cape, National Research Council of Italy, it’s, Lonsdale

☆ New change to 529 college savings plans has ‘so many caveats,’ advisor says. Here's what to know
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-03 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Nancy Ney | Photodisc | Getty ImagesThe downsides of 529-to-Roth IRA rolloversThe biggest downside of a 529-to-Roth IRA rollover is the conversion counts toward your annual IRA contribution limit, which may stunt future growth across both accounts, according to Loyd. "If my kids are pulling money from their 529 to make Roth contributions down the road, Daddy's not going to be happy." If my kids are pulling money from their 529 to make Roth contributions down the road, Daddy's not going to be happy. There's a lifetime cap of $35,000 for 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers, which means it would take five years of $7,000 conversions to reach the limit. Generally, it's better to keep the money growing in a 529 plan and contribute to a Roth IRA separately because you can change 529 plan beneficiaries, Loyd said.

Persons: Nancy Ney, Photodisc, Roth, Loyd, John Loyd, There's, Jim Guarino, Baker Newman Noyes Organizations: Roth IRA Locations: Daddy's, Woburn , Massachusetts

☆ The best places — and best times — to take a safari
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Harriet Akinyi | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

KenyaFor more than 25 years, professional safari guide Geoff Mayes has taken tourists to the best parks in Africa. Amboseli National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its massive elephant population and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. In those three, one can track mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Another park to consider is the Kidepo Valley National Park, with its sweeping plains and valleys overshadowed by the brooding Mount Morungole. ZimbabweApart from the renowned Hwange National Park, I have also visited Matobo National Park, which has a wide diversity of fauna and plenty of white rhinos.

Persons: I've, revel, Harriet Akinyi, Geoff Mayes, Mara —, Masaai Mara, Mara, you'll, Barack Obama, It's, Luis Davilla, There's, Kruger, Addo, Nogaya, Jason Edwards, Dennis Kahungu, Christopher Kidd, Photodisc, Weaver, Clair, Nxai, Patrick J, Cecil Rhodes, Westend61 Organizations: Mara, Reserve, Kenya —, UNESCO, Heritage, Netflix, National Parks, Kruger, Park, Photodisc, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Queen Elizabeth, Lake, CNBC Travel, Getty, Nature, Kalahari Game Reserve, Kenya, Tourists Locations: Africa, Mugie Conservancy, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Uganda, Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, Nairobi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Solio Conservancy, Africa Kenya, Johannesburg, iMfolozi, Addo, Uganda Uganda, Kyambura, Lake Mburo, Mburo, Ihema, Inti St, Botswana Botswana, Okavango, Matobo

It's become a popular way to send notes to friends without having to type long messages, especially among Gen Z. Not only is using a digital camera nostalgic, they have sharper flash and crisper image quality than a smartphone. As a result, some members of Gen Z are turning to flip phones. In other words, flip phones are helping Gen Z unplug without going entirely off the grid. Dark modeZoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Gen Z uses dark mode instead of light mode.

Persons: Daniel de la, Gen Z's, It's, Gen Z, WhatsApp, Emojis, Z, Gen, Jake Piazza, Zoomers Organizations: Pew Research Center, CNBC, Photodisc, Getty, Media, Walmart, Amazon Locations: TikTok

☆ IRS plan to use AI may affect wealthy taxpayers. Here's how
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

"Right now, you file a tax return and you play the audit lottery," said Robert Kovacev, tax controversy partner at law firm Miller & Chevalier. They can expect increased scrutiny from the IRS over the next few years. Robert Kovacev Tax controversy partner at Miller & Chevalier"They can expect increased scrutiny from the IRS over the next few years," said Kovacev. The change won't be immediate, but within three to five years, "there will be a noticeable increase in audits of large partnerships, large businesses and high-net-worth families," he said. There's IRS pressure to 'show results'watch now

Persons: Jeffrey Coolidge, Robert Kovacev, Miller, Chevalier, Kovacev, haven't Organizations: Photodisc, Miller

☆ Don't worry pizza-heads, NYC is still safe for pizza
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

New York CNN —Lawmakers and prominent social media personalities have in recent days rallied against a proposed New York City rule that some say would crack down on the city’s beloved pizzerias. New York City is famously and deservedly known for its pizza. I hear New York City is trying to ban delicious pizza. New York City Mayor Eric Adams made a similar point during a press conference on Monday. So wait, did someone really throw a pizza at City Hall in protest of the proposed rule?

Persons: pizzerias, Sen, Marsha Blackburn, ” Dave Portnoy, Elon Musk, Michael Berman, Photodisc, “, Edward “ Ted ”, Michael Seilback, Pizza's, Artem Vorobiev, ”, Garima, Seilback, Eric Adams, wouldn’t, Adams Organizations: New, New York CNN — Lawmakers, Tennessee, Barstool Sports, Twitter, City Hall, City, city’s Department of Environmental, CNN, New York City Department of Environmental, Edward “ Ted ” Timbers, NYC Department of Environmental, American Lung Association, Getty, Columbia University, New York City Locations: New York, New York City, York City

Artificial intelligence algorithms are increasingly being used in financial services — but they come with some serious risks around discrimination. And the problem of amplifying existing biases can be even more severe when it comes to banking and financial services. As for financial services, Manji said a lot of the backend data systems are fragmented in different languages and formats. "Individuals have little knowledge of how AI systems work and that their individual case may, in fact, be the tip of a systems-wide iceberg. Among the top worries industry insiders expressed are misinformation; racial and gender bias embedded in AI algorithms; and "hallucinations" generated by ChatGPT-like tools.

Persons: Nabil Manji, Manji, they've, we're, You've, Banks, Banking's, Rumman Chowdhury, Twitter's, Chowdhury, Angle Bush, Bush, Frost Li, Li, Niklas Guske, Guske, it's, Goldman Sachs, Kim Smouter, Smouter, ethicists Organizations: Photodisc, Getty, Deloitte, CNBC, Microsoft, Google, Black, Artificial Intelligence, Tokyo University, Apple, New York Department of Financial Services, European Network, United Nations Locations: AMSTERDAM, Worldpay, Amsterdam, Chicago, Loup, United

☆ ‘We’re paying twice for the same experience’: Plus-size travelers hit out at ‘discriminatory’ airline seat policies
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( Tamara Hardingham-Gill | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

Policies around plus-size travelers tend to vary from airline to airline. However, the rule only applies to domestic flights, which means that plus-size travelers still need to buy an extra seat when going on an international flight. Constant challenges“The stereotypes that surround plus-size travelers, and the hostility towards us when we’re traveling by plane is honestly horrendous,” she adds. “This [shrinking seats] has had such a negative impact on plus-size travelers,” says Leanne. “The agency is reviewing the thousands of comments it received on whether current seat size and spacing affect passenger evacuation,” the FAA said in a statement.

Persons: Chaney, Jae'lynn Chaney, Jae’lynn Chaney, ” Chaney, Charles Leocha, ”, Juan Silva, couldn’t, hadn’t, we’re, Robert Alexander, Gabor Lukacs, ” Lukacs, “, she’s, isn’t, Kirsty Leanne, Leanne, Lukacs, “ I’m, Jake Organizations: CNN, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Federal Aviation Administration, CNN Travel, “, Travelers United, Australian Consumer Law, Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz, Canadian Transportation Agency, ”, ” United Airlines, American Airlines, Fort Worth International, Getty, World Obesity Federation, FAA, Flyers, Samoa Air, Polynesian Airlines, Air New Zealand Locations: Kona , Hawaii, Canada, ” United, Dallas, Samoa, New Zealand

☆ How to put your best travel foot forward for Earth Day 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-22 | by ( Forrest Brown | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +20 min

But you don’t have to totally cut out travel or stay super close to home to be a good planetary citizen. You need a city that’s dedicated to getting it right to best enjoy an urban biking vacation. Here, we've curated 30 of our favorite corners, including the Thu Bon River, which flows through central Vietnam. A maze of rivers and caves, the UNESCO World Centre is defined by its craggy limestone facades and jade green water. Bruno De Hogues/Photodisc/Getty Images Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is heaven for spelunkers.

☆ 4 red flags for an IRS tax audit — including what one tax pro calls a 'dead giveaway'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

While the IRS plans to hire more workers, including enforcement agents, experts say there's no need to worry — as long as you keep proper documentation. Still, certain red flags are more likely to trigger an IRS audit, experts say. "Round numbers are a dead giveaway," said Preeti Shah, a certified financial planner at Enlight Financial in Hamilton, New Jersey. Earned income tax creditThe IRS has also examined refundable credits, which can provide a refund even when the credit value exceeds taxes owed. While audits have declined overall, the drop has been lower for filers claiming the earned income tax credit, or EITC, targeted at low- to middle-income workers.

These days, it is very common for wealthy families to own residences in more than one state, making relocation even easier. In practical terms, having domicile in a state means that state can impose its respective income tax on all the income reflected on the individual's federal income tax return, regardless of the source of that income. But before you call the moving van, understand that state taxation, including state income tax as well as state estate and inheritance taxes and potential wealth taxes, is only one factor to consider as you assess changing your domicile. Some who redomicile to a state with no income tax may find that they are paying the state in other ways, such as higher inheritance, property and/or fuel taxes. That decision is even more challenging considering that states often have different rules defining what they consider domicile.

☆ 84% of recent first-time home sellers have regrets. Here are 4 mistakes to avoid
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Brandon Bell | Getty Imageswatch now"Even in a really strong seller's market, people still have regrets," said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow home trends expert. Here are four regrets from recent sellers that homeowners ought to be aware of before listing their homes this spring. "If you price it competitively, you're going to be able to sell it a lot quicker," Jenkin said. Homes that get more saves and views on Zillow have virtual, three-dimensional home tours and interactive floor plans, Pendleton said. Bad timingA quarter of recent sellers felt they got their timing wrong, Zillow found.

☆ Investing in 2023 is 'definitely going to be rocky,' advisor says. How to stay the course
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

In the latest example, the failure of Silicon Valley Bank rattled investors and sent stocks lower on Friday. By midday Monday, the markets had moved upwards, though certain bank stocks were still hurting. "This is going to be a great year, and it's definitely going to be rocky," Francis told CNBC.com in February. Likewise, grim market results in December were followed by some of the best upswings in decades in January. This is going to be a great year, and it's definitely going to be rocky.

☆ Don't miss these approaching deadlines if you have a health care flexible spending account
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The most common deadline for this is March 31, she said, although some companies may give you six or 10 months. Some offer a grace period or carryover amountMeanwhile, some employers also provide a grace period to spend any remaining 2022 FSA money — meaning qualifying 2023 health care expenses also can be applied against last year's balance. "You can think of it as a two and half-month extension of your 2022 plan," Myers said. For those with a grace period, that share is 37%. Check with your employer about its FSA rulesIt's common for workers to not know what their employer's FSA rules are.

☆ IRS about 3 to 5 times more likely to audit Black Americans' tax returns, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-02 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Jeffrey Coolidge | Photodisc | Getty ImagesBlack Americans are roughly three to five times more likely to face an IRS audit than other taxpayers, according to a new study. Specifically, the study examines audits of filers claiming the earned income tax credit, a tax break for low to moderate earners. The findings show Black filers claiming the earned income tax credit were more likely to be audited than non-Black filers claiming the same credit. Evelyn Smith Study co-authorSmith said the IRS has focused on specific mistakes with claiming the earned income tax credit, such as missing dependents or misreporting income, which are required for eligibility. "Focusing on these individual-level issues rather than the total dollar amount of underreporting seems to be driving these differences," she said, noting a shift to self-employed earned income tax credit filers would help address the problem.

☆ Annuity sales hit record last year, eclipsing sales during 2008 financial crisis amid fear, higher rates
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-02 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

"This was a unique year," Todd Giesing, assistant vice president of Limra Annuity Research, said of the factors that combined to drive record annuity sales. Advisors often recommend some lesser-used annuity types when building financial plans: a single-premium immediate annuity or a deferred-income annuity. Payouts from immediate annuities start right away, while those from deferred-income annuities start later, perhaps in a retiree's 70s or 80s. Single-premium immediate annuities and deferred-income annuities are relatively simple to understand compared with other categories, advisors said. The buyer hands over a lump sum to the insurer, which then guarantees a certain monthly payment to the buyer starting now (an immediate annuity) or later (a deferred-income annuity).

☆ Rent prices have dropped the most in these 5 U.S. metros. Why it's cheaper to rent than buy in many markets
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Indianapolis; Carmel, Indiana; Anderson, IndianaMedian rent at the end of 2021: $1,300Median rent at the end of 2022: $1,700Rent increase: 30.8% 2. New Haven, Connecticut; Milford, ConnecticutMedian rent at the end of 2021: $2,250Median rent at the end of 2022: $2,800Rent increase: 24.4% 4. Naples, Florida; Marco Island, FloridaMedian rent at the end of 2021: $5,200Median rent at the end of 2022: $6,448Rent increase: 24.0% 5. Memphis, TennesseeMedian rent at the end of 2021: $1,800Median rent at the end of 2022: $1,695Rent decrease: -5.8% 2. Palm Bay, Florida; Melbourne, Florida; Titusville, FloridaMedian rent at the end of 2021: $2,300Median rent at the end of 2022: $2,200Rent decrease: -4.3% 5.

☆ Long Covid medical costs average $9,500 in first six months, as patients become 'health-system wanderers'
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Long Covid is a chronic illness that can carry potentially debilitating symptoms, which may last for months or years. Long Covid patients are "health-system wanderers," said Mark Newman, CEO and co-founder of Nomi Health. "There are diseases and conditions with a lot of obvious answers, and long Covid is not one of them," Newman said. In a separate study, Harvard University economist David Cutler estimated that long Covid costs patients $9,000 a year in medical expenses. Patients with long Covid racked up $9,000 in additional average medical costs per person when compared to similar people who had Covid but didn't have subsequent long-haul symptoms, Nomi Health found.

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