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Spa Towns of Europe: Soaking in History and Healing
Trivia: Which animals existed on Earth before trees did?
RetireHub
January 22, 2026
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 | By: Mary Walden A burned-out city girl. A falling-down bookstore. One grumpy handyman who thinks she’ll run back to New York—right up until she doesn’t. |
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On this day in 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its landmark decision in Roe v. Wade, establishing a constitutional right to abortion and making January 22 a significant date in American legal and social history.
Spa Towns of Europe: Soaking in History and Healing
For centuries, Europe’s spa towns have drawn visitors seeking rest, renewal, and relief from life’s aches and stresses. Long before modern wellness trends, people traveled great distances to soak in mineral-rich waters believed to heal the body and calm the mind. Today, these historic destinations blend old-world charm with contemporary comfort, offering an experience that feels both indulgent and deeply rooted in tradition.
Many European spa towns grew around natural hot springs first used by the Romans, who recognized the restorative power of warm, mineral-laden water. Cities like Bath, England, still showcase Roman-era baths alongside elegant Georgian architecture, reminding visitors that wellness was once a communal ritual as much as a personal one. Walking through these towns, it’s easy to imagine generations of travelers arriving with the same hope: to feel better, inside and out.
In Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic, ornate colonnades line steaming springs where guests sip mineral water from porcelain cups, following time-honored routines. Meanwhile, Baden-Baden, Germany pairs forested surroundings with luxurious thermal baths, once favored by European royalty and artists. The atmosphere is unhurried, encouraging visitors to slow down—an increasingly rare luxury.
Southern Europe offers its own spa traditions. In Italy, towns like Montecatini Terme combine thermal treatments with Mediterranean cuisine and leisurely strolls through piazzas. Hungary’s Budapest, often called the “City of Baths,” features grand bathhouses such as Széchenyi and Gellért, where locals and visitors alike soak, socialize, and even play chess in warm outdoor pools.
What makes these spa towns especially appealing is their holistic approach to well-being. Beyond the waters, many offer gentle exercise classes, massage therapies, scenic walks, and cultural experiences—all designed to nourish both body and spirit. For older travelers, these destinations are particularly welcoming, emphasizing relaxation, accessibility, and a slower pace of exploration.
Visiting a European spa town isn’t just about pampering; it’s about stepping into a living tradition of care and connection. Whether you’re easing sore joints, calming a busy mind, or simply savoring the pleasure of doing nothing at all, these timeless towns invite you to soak in history—and emerge refreshed.
Which European spa experience appeals to you most? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: Have you ever visited an author’s home?
The results show plenty of curiosity around literary travel, with nearly half of respondents either having visited an author’s home or hoping to someday. The biggest surprise is that a full quarter of readers didn’t even realize these homes are open to visitors, suggesting there’s lots of room to spark new interest and discovery. Overall, the poll reveals a mix of seasoned book lovers, first-time explorers, and curious readers just beginning to imagine books coming to life beyond the page.
TOP COMMENTS
“Enjoyed visiting Ernest Hemingway's home in Key West Florida and all those six-toed cats!”
“I had never thought about visiting an author's home. I don't really have that much interest in it and I'm not sure of any I want to.”
“My husband and I have gone to Ernest Hemingway's house in Key West.”
“My son's friend lived in the former home of a writer, and I dropped him off so they could go to Knott’s Scary Farm for Halloween.”
How Smart Home-Equity Planning Can Boost Your Retirement Confidence
Many retirees underestimate the value of the equity built up in their homes, even though it often represents the largest share of their net worth and can act as a flexible financial resource in retirement. Rather than rushing into decisions like selling or borrowing, thoughtful home-equity planning helps you understand all your options—such as downsizing, traditional borrowing, or retirement-specific tools—so you can decide what fits your lifestyle and goals without pressure. By shifting your mindset from seeing your house simply as an asset to appreciating it as a resource for income gaps, care needs, or financial peace of mind, you can feel more confident and prepared for whatever life brings.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Snap moment
Meaning: A snap moment is a sudden realization or decision that happens quickly—often when something finally “clicks” and you see a situation clearly, prompting immediate action or understanding.
In a sentence: “After weeks of thinking it over, I had a snap moment while cleaning the garage and realized it was time to donate what I no longer use and simplify my life.”
Good News of the Day
Plant Once Thought Extinct for 60 Years Found Alive Through Citizen Science
A small flowering shrub known as Ptilotus senarius — believed to have vanished from the wild in northern Queensland since 1967 — has been rediscovered after nearly six decades with the help of a curious nature lover who photographed it and shared the image on the citizen science platform iNaturalist. Botanists quickly identified the plant from the photo and confirmed its existence on private property, moving it from “extinct” to critically endangered and opening the door for new conservation efforts. The remarkable find highlights how everyday people using digital tools can make meaningful contributions to science and biodiversity preservation.
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RetireHub Trivia
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Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.
Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like:
Which animals existed on Earth before trees did? |
What food found in ancient Egyptian tombs was still edible thousands of years later? |
Which common fruit is naturally radioactive? |
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