Hole in the road: Driving has its share of risks, but little could have prepared Juan Pedro Unger of Ottawa, Ontario (CAN) for a gaping hole in the road that literally swallowed up his car, along with him in it. Unger had noticed something odd on the road ahead and, thinking it was fresh asphalt, he slowed down. Unfortunately, a very deep hole emerged and, with heavy traffic all around, he could not swerve or stop in time to avoid it. Next thing Unger knew, his car was vertical in the hole. Luckily, passersby got him out and his only injuries were a few scratches. The sinkhole was caused by a leaking storm sewer pipe under the road.

Common thief: Some shoplifters simply never learn to control their urge to steal. One such offender is David Archer from the village of Mostyn, Wales, who has committed the crime of shoplifting 342 times. Archer, now in his 50s, started shoplifting when he was about 10-years-old. He has been in prison many times, but always re-offended upon release. In recent years, he has been caught stealing charity boxes in stores. After being caught on tape burning the string that held one of these boxes to the counter, he was given an 18-month sentence. Shop owners throughout Wales, many of whom can identify Archer on sight, are relieved that he’s back behind bars.

Unique hotel: There is a hotel in Sweden unlike any other. Located near the town of Harads in northern Sweden, it is called Treehotel. Guests can choose to stay in one of six unique rooms that are suspended from branches in the forest. For example, the Mirrorcube’s reflective coating provides mirror images of the surrounding trees, making it hard to find in the forest. The UFO room looks like a spaceship, and the Bird’s Nest – a big ball of sticks – looks just like its name. Guests climb up wooden ladders to reach their rooms, which have double beds and solar heating, but no television, as that would not fit with the natural idea behind the hotel’s design.

Beautiful island: Those wanting to visit an isolated, but friendly and beautiful area of the world should go to the Greek island of Ikaria, Greece, which is part of the North Aegean Islands in the Aegean Sea. No matter what a traveller desires, they are likely to find it there: modern hotels, gorgeous white sand beaches, crashing surf, festivals and archaeological sites. Visitors who are more athletic can try kayaking, hiking and surfing. Best of all, no one is in a hurry on this laid-back island. Ikaria is named after the mythological Icarus, who fell into the sea after his wax wings melted when he got too close to the sun.