Camping?
If you hate camping, but your friends or family love to, maybe you should invest in one of these privacy tents.. Ingenious!
Your new travel buddy..
The Hop is the new travellers best mate. Its a remote suitcase that following you around simply by following your signal. No need to push or pull your luggage anymore, your luggage will simply drive itself. Just wondering if everyone gets into this will frequencies go mad and all luggage follows a piper?!
Brailian Coffee.. with a spit.
One Brazilian coffee maker is making a fortune on the latest craze he discovered on his farm. The beans make delicious coffee, but why? A local possum sits in the tree breaking off the coffee bean and sucks on the sweet nectar type substance inside where the bean resides. Though the possum doesn't like the bean, so instead spits that out and moves onto the next bean with the sweet nectar surrounding it. For $900 a kilo, it will make some people choke on their coffee!
Scent of a butler
The Rosewood Hotels in the US and Saudi Arabia have added a new service to their portfolio. Aongw ith thei butler service, they have now added the 'perfume butler'. One dedicated to offer you the many options of perfume they hold, so you needn't pack yours when you stay with them, as you have a spritzer butler 24hours on call!
SEE the city...
Sao Paulo is the one non advertising cities of the world. They decided people saw too much of advertisements whilst in the city, they were missing the real honest beauty of it. So, in a large effort, they stopped all advertisement throughout the city. So next time you go anyway, check out the signage!
Deadly eats.
Happen to be heading towards Italy anytime soon? The lovely city of Voltera has a restaurant like no other. It won't serve you the pizza from Naples, the MeatBalls from Milan, but it will serve you good quality food, all prepared and cooked by the inmates who reside in the prison you are eating in! Certainly a holiday dinner you will remember!
A Childs Underworld!
If you are planning to go to Orlando for the usual holiday for the kids, why not also venue just 2hours west, towards Weeki Wachee, a state park which houses live mermaids, well for the children at least. Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid is performed by these special ladies who have a unique breath apparatus to help them breath underwater without the scuba equipment.
Marley and You?
Not the greatest accolade that Bob Marley will get, post humus, but a small crustacean parasite which feeds on fish in the Caribbean, has been named after the legend.
Naming new species after celebrities is nothing new: President Barack Obama has a lichen named after him; Microsoft boss Bill Gates has a flower fly, and Elvis Presley has a wasp, said the Foundation.
Naming new species after celebrities is nothing new: President Barack Obama has a lichen named after him; Microsoft boss Bill Gates has a flower fly, and Elvis Presley has a wasp, said the Foundation.
Knowing me - knowing you.. A ha....
British airways are trying to make up for all mistakes made in the past to any and all first class passangers, by googling them. Simply by checking the first class passenger list names, and their history with the airline, they use Google Images to source photos and then use these as identifiers to provide the utmost experience for the first class passenger by showing they know them individually. I am not quite sure if they realise that sometimes, the more frequent flyers should be there they focus on, and they can't always afford, or even want, first class!
U-Treak instead....
Utrecht, the Netherlands, is putting in a new law, that allows cars no older than 8years old, or 10 years for petrol, into the city in order to clean up the air quality. Which means even the residents will need to get to grips with new car steering wheels if they have cars from the 20th century!
For a country that is famous for bicycles, it is a surprise they are having to work on their air quality due to automobiles fumes!
For a country that is famous for bicycles, it is a surprise they are having to work on their air quality due to automobiles fumes!
On the way...
Planning a road trip in the near future? But want to enjoy the journey, not just the destination? Check out 'On the Way' website where you punch in your starting and 'on the way' destinations and they will figure out whats exciting on the way there for you to see! What an awesome idea!
Don't let the bed bugs bite..
If you are travelling to the US or Canada, and are a little pernickety on your hotel's, check out this website: Bed Bug Registry as it keeps you up to date on which hotels have been found to have Bed Bugs, and possible updates.
Not the nicest of memories from your holidays to go back with!
Not the nicest of memories from your holidays to go back with!
A FINE swear.
If you happen to be passing through the town of Middleborough, Massachusetts in the US, be careful of your language. This week the residents voted 3-1 on the fine of $20 if you are caught swearing! So you are warned! I can think of a few cities that could pay off the national debt if they implemented this order!
Keep your eyes open for the local shop names!
So, its either an unfortunate surname pharmacy, or else it is a specialised store!
Relax with a Swede.
Ett Hem is the latest addition to luxury hotels in Stockholm, which opened this month. From designer Ilse Crawdford, and taking 3 years in the making, this 12 roomed delight has opened up Stockholm's quality conscience visitor to an exquisit piece of heaven in the city. Well worth a visit if you are stopping over.
Geode Geode GumDrops!
Geode is an iPhone Appcessory that stores credit cards, loyalty cards, gift cards, and membership cards and protects the information with biometric security. It takes the pain out of cancelling lost/stolen cards, as everything is secured with user only fingerprints. Smart Technology...
For all travellers..
You are going to spot a lot of funny named shops, stores and buildings. But sometimes, the funny and slightly dark humoured shops are just on the corner!
France en South Africa...
The French are well known for their broad interpretation of the truth, politicians, Thierry Henry, but France's own tourism PR company dropped themselves in hot water this time. With all media attention being focus on London's Olympics, France came up with an idea to pull some away with the lure of beautiful beaches. Having spent 716,000 euro in London with poster campaigns and newspaper advertising, only to be caught using a beach photo of South Africa. Since it has been spotted, apologies have been made, and no quotes have been issued by offending personnel, but at least they were caught and are paying the price, whilst promoting the popular LLandudno Cape Town suburb for free!
nPower to you!
It's all our worst nightmare. No battery power in our iPhone/Androids... How can we live?! Well now relax. With the power of kinetic energy you can charge up your device very simply by carrying the PEG as you walk, run or cycle. As you move, your PEG will continuously top-off its internal battery providing you with extra power when you need it.The nPower® PEG is the only product of its kind, being the world’s first passive kinetic energy charger for hand-held electronics.
For just $160, its a peace of mind, more than accessory.
Just check out these for inspiration!
Trip Advisor have published their list of the Top 25 Hotels of the World! So if you are in need of a holiday, or want to take advantage of just being able to say 'been there', check out the list and start booking!
Trip Advisor!
Trip Advisor!
A to B in style..
If you are in America, or going for a visit, make sure to download Uber on your phone. Uber is the taxi companies nightmare, it is the luxurious way to arrive in style, as you enter in your details of address, limo drivers who are signed up to this service, will see your order, and one will pick it up, with a cute picture of a limo on your screen map letting you know it is getting closer. As an intimate experience, you start to get to know the limo drivers, and will be able to IM them for pick up!
For those that carry everything, except the kitchen sink, on low cost airlines!
The mac is a classic, a perfect coat for work, fashion and it can be light and rainproof so versatile. But with low cost airlines restricting the size and weight of your luggage, you can now be super woman with your mac with this Scottevest trench coat. Featuring "18 pockets, clear inside pockets, zipper and magnetic closures on pockets, and water bottle holder" you won't need a handbag anymore!
Available in colours: red, black, mud, mist, thyme, periwinkle and paprika for $150, its the new way to ease through security! Something for the frequent traveller!
Iceland, keeps you warm
Whilst in Iceland, why not pop into the Iceland Sorcery & Witchcraft Museum in the Strandir region, 273km north of Reykjavik with only 500 inhabitants, to check out the Necropants: The pants of the dead. Briefly, you ask someone to use their skin when they are dead, flay the skin, take off the bone and climb into, like leggings. Place a coin, stolen from a widow, and a magical sign, drawn on a piece of paper, into the scrotum of the dead mans bottom half, and money shall gather for as long as these necropants are warn. Charming.
Barking Mad?
See this picture? That will be your room for the night.. In Cottonwood, Idaho, US, you can stay in this rather unique hotel in either Toby or Sweet Willy, and yes, you enter your room by the rear end. Dog Bark Park Inn is for lovers of the pooch, or just someone needing a place to stay that is something they can and will write home about!
I think I am turning Japanese...
Whilst travelling in Japan, and you happen to be in Anjo City, pop into Umewaka Restaurant and order the Generous Roll. Just make sure you are hungry, as this futomaki weighs more than 13lbs and has the diameter of 8 inches. I don't think there there are chopsticks big enough for this, but at least you will have an excuse for messy eating! At $200, its an expensive dinner, but you can feed a family on one sushi!
Something to make you feel cozy!
With people getting back to nature, and more wise to finances, camping has come about for holidays once more. And All Designs are here to twist your melons man. Or any variety of their delightful tent designs. You will certainly spot your tent out of the mass of other black/green tents at campsites. You will certainly attract attention! A must for the frequent camping goer!
When in Bangkok, stay in cheap luxury!
Following the successful opening of the first LUXX in Bangkok, the philosophy, design and culture of small, HIP and boutique hotels defined a new era in Bangkok's hotel industry. LUXX XL pioneered the rise of small boutique hotels in Bangkok and started an unusual trend. For prices ranging from $50 a night for a basic studio to $200 for a luxury suite, its in a great area with lots of restaurants and nightclubs. A great place to finish your trip around Thailand back packing!
Gigabyte city here we come.
Google are investing Gigabyte internet into Kansas homes as a tester for what the internet of the future will offer us. They are planning on just running fiber into homes, not businesses so if you want Google fiber for your business - buy a house in Kansas City and start a home office!
Mercer Quality of Living Survey - Worldwide Rankings, 2011
This years World Rankings are out and up top is Vienna. 13 of the top 20 are European cities with a few New Zealand and Canadian entries in there also. So check out where you live, if its there, or plan a nice trip to one of these beautiful cities.
Check it out here..
Check it out here..
Saggy Pants
In New York City, they have invested money into putting up these signs around its city by the Metropolitan Etiquette Authority. Jason Shelowitz is the man behind this project, after having done the 'Keep the metro clean', 'Pick up your dog poo' and many other projects.
Its to bring awareness, and to poke fun at the many things that happen daily but we ignore. With 80 signs up around New York, they are striking in such a large city, many being stolen already as art work.
Keep your eyes peeled for the many varieties going of these funny signs!
Its to bring awareness, and to poke fun at the many things that happen daily but we ignore. With 80 signs up around New York, they are striking in such a large city, many being stolen already as art work.
Keep your eyes peeled for the many varieties going of these funny signs!
For the green of mind, and the soothing feel of a spa.
Situated just 7km from the Chilean border on the snow-capped volcano off Lanin in Argentina, you will find Lahuen, an eco lodge and spa. The Spa's bathing pools and the lodge's under floor heating, are all fuelled by natural hot springs, allowing both to operate throughout the winter. With 12 compact bedrooms, state of the art eco bathroom facilities, you do not feel so eco, but a bit luxurious with a green conscience.
Eau de British Airways...
British Airways Airlines have announced that they will be introducing a 'signature fragrance' on their flights. Passengers will not have to put up with the stench of their fellow travellers for the long haul flight, instead they get the scent of British Airways. Hopefully a scent of hope, luxury and relaxation!
I await my next long haul flight on the BA airline!
I await my next long haul flight on the BA airline!
Travelling to Lisbon? Check into their famous hostels.
The Travellers House, in Baixa, the capital's atmospheric old quarter, is a 250 year old building which has been turned into a stylish hostel. What better way to enjoy a holiday, get some sun, and save cash on the hotel! Prices start at €17 for one bed in a 4-bed dorm.
For times like these, when we need a bit of sun after our lack of summer, grab a cheap flight down to Lisbon and check yourself into an award winning hostel and save yourself cash, and relax in the beautiful city of Lisbon.
For times like these, when we need a bit of sun after our lack of summer, grab a cheap flight down to Lisbon and check yourself into an award winning hostel and save yourself cash, and relax in the beautiful city of Lisbon.
Save money on car share
Needing a car, but the rental companies have over charged with hidden costs previously? We have all been there. Thinking it's €200 and it works out nearly €350. Well, in America you can borrow neighbours cars through websites like RealyRides, JustShareIt and GetAround. This way, they get to earn a bit on the side, but you also don't need to make your way to a rental agency adding up time and cost instead, you walk around to your neighbours and borrow. Simple and effective!
No more letting go in Malawi
The Malawian government is set to introduce a law that will make it impossible to "pass gass" with the intention to mould "responsible and disciplined citizens". The government aims to punish “any person disturbing religious assemblies, trespassing on burial places," or "insulting the modesty of a woman".
How odd!
How odd!
Take a look in the mirror..
The walkway leads you up to your mirror cabin, where from inside, you have the view of the land, but much like Predator, no one will see you. It is designed by Bolle Tham & Martin Videgård with the idea of: 'A lightweight aluminium structure hung around a tree trunk, 4x4x4 metre boxes clad in mirrored glass. The exterior reflects the surroundings and the sky, creating a camouflaged refuge' A perfect hide away spot in Sweden. Prices start from 3200 SEK per room, which includes buffet breakfast.
Swimmers Delight.
For those of you who like a different kind of holiday, Swim Trek offer you the ideal water sport holiday. You go island hoping around the Caribbean, Middle East and Europe, following routes of cultural, historical and geographical significance. It is suitable for all levels, with different durations and locations, if you fancy a different pace of holiday, check them out! Certainly a new holiday experience, and you will look and feel great knowing your holiday wasn't just by a pool.
Take a bite with a local.
Much like the 'City of a thousand welcomes' program in Dublin, Ireland, 'The Big Apple Greeter' is a program for your New York trip. Book a local, and have them take you around the city that never sleeps, buy anything possible and hear all the music of the world in 114 neighbourhoods! It is a volunteer program so it is free, but donations are highly appreciated for their time and knowledge.
Back to the streets on the East Coast
Remember the sound of the ice cream truck as it drove through your area. It sets off excitement and thrill in you, well now you can do it as an adult as you get the great taste of tacos straight from the truck! The Taco Truck goes to 4 locations, and has opening hours of 11am - 10pm, for the cities that never sleep like New York, it is a great on-the-go snack, with organic products grown locally to the region. It is the new trend that makes you want to check out more truck venders to see what they offer. Rumour has it you can get a Lobster wrap from one! Makes me certainly want to pop over the Atlantic to taste its delights!
Taking the train from East Coast to West Coast - Australia
The Southern Spirit has launched the Perth to Brisbane, via Melbourne, first departure on the 5th of November. The five day trip goes along the Great Dividing Range and coastal regions, along with excursions at some stops, with prices starting at Aus$4,400. Not a cheap price, but certainly a trip with a view! For those who choose not to hire a clamped out campervan and do the drive, it is the more luxurious way to do the West-East coast.
Sweat it out in Paris
In this day and age of recession, no one is safe. So, in the centre of the fashion city of Paris, the Sweat Shop has been created with the idea of sewing in a social environment. Like a cyber cafe, you go in, rent a Singer sewing machine by the hour and get on with fixing your garments, whilst sipping something fresh from the next door juice bar. The Sweat Shop also provide workshops for those who want to learn to sew, as most of the younger generations throw out clothes once they have a hole instead of fixing it like our parents and grandparents would do.
Save money, socialize and be part of a new community all in the fashion conscious Paris!
Save money, socialize and be part of a new community all in the fashion conscious Paris!
Want the best seat in the plane?
Tired of playing roulette with the airline upon checking in to find your Trans-Atlantic/Pacific flight will have you sitting in the back plane with no recliner seat? Most airlines can predict your seating arrangement prior to check in, so now you can check out where you will be spending your 9 hour journey. SeatGuru now give you this opportunity. Check their website, fill in your flight details and they will show you which aircraft you will be traveling on and their Seatmap Key which shows you the good/standard/poor seats.
If only they could send you the profile of the person you are going to be in an intimate surroundings with also, could make life very interesting!
If only they could send you the profile of the person you are going to be in an intimate surroundings with also, could make life very interesting!
Let a stranger buy you a pint.
On your way to Dublin for a trip? Fancy meeting a local for a pint or a cuppa tea? Well now the city of a thousand welcomes, brings you to a local for a drink and have a chat about Dublin and their experience and history of the city. This civic initiative was set up by locals to bring the typical friendliness of Ireland of old back to the streets and pubs of Dublin's fair city.
Check out City of a Thousand Welcomes for more information.
Check out City of a Thousand Welcomes for more information.
The new travel night cap.
Mellow is a new brand which infused with antioxidants, vitamins and herbs for a calmer way of living containing no artificial sweeteners, flavors or preservatives. Mellow Night has melatonin added into the mix, to help you fall asleep in flavours Dragonfruit, Honeydew Mint and Citrus Vanilla. I find the Mellow night a great way to start a transatlantic flight to Europe. Just a small drink once on the plane, and it eases you into a proper nights sleep to wake up bright and early in European breakfast time.
Mellow Day is also available, made of Relaxidants™, to make you feel focused, calm, cool and collected in flavours: Coconut Banana, Cane Mint Lime, Melon Agave, Peach Mango and Pomegranate
Mellow Day is also available, made of Relaxidants™, to make you feel focused, calm, cool and collected in flavours: Coconut Banana, Cane Mint Lime, Melon Agave, Peach Mango and Pomegranate
Sleeping in the sewers...
With opening times from May through October, Das Park Hotel in Ottensheim, Austria, and this years new opening in Ebel, Germany, is certainly one unique way to spend a night away from home. Not your typical accommodation facilities, your room is an individual cement sewer pipe segment with access coded door and a double wide Eurofoam mattress on an ergonomic slatted frame by Optimo, with space for luggage underneath, and your own lamp for light. A different way to stop off than your average hotel, and the price? Well that is up to you. The idea is created for a sustainable future, and this certainly will have me going if I am ever around that area. How often can you say you slept in a sewer, but comfortably? Reservations can be made on line www.dasparkhotel.net/reservation
Get away... with none of the baggage.
For those that pack too much, get stressed out easily at airports and don't like waiting at the baggage carousel at the start of your holiday, here is the plan. It is expensive, but it's a great present idea for someone. Send your baggage ahead with First Luggage who will take care of necessity from (UK to Europe) £49 and (UK to USA) £120 one way.