Massage Chairs at the Airport?
Article written by Anytime Travel
An airport might seem like an odd place to witness enchanting gardens or a spa massage table, but the fact is that airports are recognizing the need for pampering during travel. Walking the terminal at LAX, you’re not likely to find comforts like sleep pods or facial spas, but first class passengers will begin to get a taste of these luxuries in 2014. In fact there are a host of new health and well-being initiatives starting to debut in airports all over the world
There was a time when sitting at an airport meant uncomfortable seating in a crowded lounge. It used to mean bitter coffee and impatient people staring at a screen and waiting for new on connections. If monotony was a commodity, airports would have a monopoly on it.
Airport Massage
It was the hospitality industry that so inspired airports to actually care about a customer’s well being. Airport lounges are now being outfitted with massage chairs and swanky bars and meeting areas for travelers. Even shower rooms are becoming commonplace, especially in heavily trafficked airports like Heathrow, where travelers routinely arrive from red-eye flights.
The weary traveler now has many options for rejuvenation:
- Facials with a side of oxygen help relax the skin and clear the feeling of breathing pressurized air.
- Massages relax the joints from being forced to sit upright.
- Gardens and set pieces give travelers something distracting to take their mind off of the stress of flight.
At London Heathrow, customers can get time at a travel spa, where a full body massage can help prep a traveler for the next flight, or for work.
Airport Spas
For now, these spas are reserved for first class travelers and customers who belong to special clubs, but the treatments will eventually open up to all. First class passengers also get some of these perks on a complimentary basis, so there is value in upgrading your flight if you intend to fly long distances.
The spa treatment isn’t standard fair, but it is enough to relieve some stress. You can usually find treatments in the 15-minute range, with your choice of shoulder massage or facials. Some airports even offer a hot stone massage to relax your feet.
Oxygen Spa
Oxygen spas are also becoming popular amongst air travelers looking for relief from the pressurized cabin. That stuffy air isn’t just a bother, it’s stressing you out! An oxygen spa replenishes your oxygen supply and leaves you feeling relaxed and ready for the next flight.
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The preceding guest post was brought to you by Comfort Soul, makers of flat top massage tables for comfort in the face-down position.
3 Things New Orleans is Known For
Posted by Samuel Phineas Upham
Aside from the New Orleans Saints and Mardi Gras, what’s New Orleans all about? If you’ve never been, be prepared to see a new side of food, culture and music in a city like nothing else in the US.
Food
In New Orleans, even the poorest people know where to go to get great food. You will find some of the best fried chicken in the world here, but the crawfish boils are a part of the culture. Red beans and rice, jambalaya and gumbo are all part of the local flavor. Food is so good that it’s like the great equalizer in the city. You will see millionaires dining at high-end restaurants, then spend a Saturday at Popeye’s.
Distinctive culture
In New Orleans, you will find a blend of French, Spanish, Vietnamese, Canary Island, Caribbean, German, Irish, and American Dixie cultures all in one space. That has a huge impact on the cuisine you’ll find, but the city has uniqueness to it that you can’t find in Boston, Chicago or Miami. The local accent is a mix of dialects. Voodoo and piracy both have roots in New Orleans. The city was once a place of ambition, but the nickname “Big Easy” hints at a time when musicians could make an easy living playing bars or in public.
Music
New Orleans also had a huge influence on the American music scene. Thanks to New Orleans, we had ragtime, which gave way to jazz and a plethora of American music styles like rock and hip hop.
5 Unexpected Languages to Find in London (and Their Origins)
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Posted by: Phineas Upham
In the city of London, at any given moment there are at least 300,000 people who do not speak English at all. The fact is there is a lot of cultural diversity in the city, and you can find languages from around the world on the right street.
Caribbean Creole
Caribbean Creole comes from immigrants whose origins lie in Guyana, Jamaica or Trinidad. The language exists in London today through the spoken words of children and grandchildren from those immigrants, a kind of coded language for teenagers.
Gaelic
Once the dominant language of Scotland, Gaelic still exists in London as a written and spoken language. The written language is rarely used outside of an official capacity, such as the insignia on a coat of arms, but the spoken language is still alive thanks to the London Gaelic Athletic Association.
Urdu
A language with origins in Pakistan, Urdu became part of British culture when Muslims began to immigrate from their Middle Eastern countries of origin. Urdu is on the rise, so much so that there is a localized version of the BBC available in the language.
Polish
Polish has become the second largest spoken language in the UK, and represents a significant part of the population. The main hub of the Polish speaking community is in Ealing, where the speaking population makes up almost 1% of the total population of London.
Gujarati
Harrow is where you will find a large population of Gujarati speaking Indians who can trace their origins back to Gujarat. Combined with the migrating African populations (you can find a significant Somali speaking population in Wembley), this group combines traditional Indian practices with African ideologies.
Phineas Upham is an investor from NYC and SF. You may contact Phin on his Phineas Upham website or Facebook page.
Family Vacation in the Poconos
The Poconos Mountain Resorts are located within the vicinity of the picturesque Pocono Mountains. This amazing tourist destination is located two hours away from the cities of Philadelphia and New York. There are resorts of all types and designation. Some are designated couples-only while others allow for families and groups. Pocono family vacations are ideal for families that intend to spend some quality time together. Parents and their kids can enjoy fun filled activities that include kayaking, swimming, archery, outside camping, and golf. Additionally, families can also engage in skiing, shoe shoeing, skating, and toboggan runs.
The Proximity of the Poconos to the major cities of New York and Philadelphia endears it to persons living in these cities. This is because the resort offers a serene and tranquil environment where the city dwellers can take a retreat and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature away from the busy and noisy city. Pocono family getaways are ideal for families that would like to take time off the busy city life and just rejuvenate their strength as they bond with each other and spend some quality family time together. Families can check into one of the many Pocono resorts that offer fine dining and family events to the satisfaction of every family member.
The Best of Germany
There are so many things I love about Germany: The people, the culture, the sites, and the food. It’s hard to encompass my favorites in one, short blog post, but there are a few things about the country that everyone must experience. Here they are in no particular order:
The Opera House in Dresden, Germany: This is an amazing opera house and concert hall. The unique venue is used to showcase various symphonies as well as the world-famous Semperoper ballet. Although it opened in 1841, the Opera House in Dresden still attracts tourists in crowds.
Cologne Cathedral: The Cologne Cathedral is a spectacular sight to see. It’s a Roman Catholic Church that has been around since 1248. It photographs beautifully.
Neuschwanstein: Castles are always intriguing, and this 19th century Romanesque Revival palace is no different. Set on a rocky mount above a little village in southwest Bavaria, this enchanted palace is taken straight out of a storybook. If you want to see the rooms (once only inhabited by the “shy” King Ludwig II) make sure to purchase tickets for the guided tour.
Oktoberfest: If your travel schedule works out, you should definitely visit Germany during Oktoberfest. This world-famous festival is held in the city of Munich and lasts for16 days. Arrive late September and you will be enjoying all the festivities until the first weekend in October. It has been a yearly celebration in Germany since 1810.
Bavarian sausages: Germany is famous for their sausages and for good reason! Bavarian sausages are absolutely mouth-watering, especially when paired with a side of sweet mustard and a Bavarian pretzel. Don’t forget that glass of German beer to go along with it!
About the Author: Samuel Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media & Technology group. You may contact Phin on his Samuel Phineas Upham website orFacebook page.
Surf’s Up in Australia
Australia is famous for kangaroos, crocodiles, and of course the famous Sydney Opera House. There is also the Great Barrier Reef –a truly spectacular sight to see. However, there’s something else in this beautiful country that has gained attention from all over the world – surfing!
Australia is renowned as one of the premier surfing destinations in the world. It has a coastline of around 37,000 km. The beaches, reefs, and point breaks rival that of any other country in the world. Here are some of my favorite surfing spots in “the land down under”:
1) North Coast-Angourie to Byron Bay: This spot gained popularly in the 1960s when surfing counter-culture took over. The point break at Angourie went unconquered until the young surfing legend Nat Young changed all that in recent years. Today, there is still a sort of unique culture at these beaches. Kombi vans, dreadlocks, drum circles, hippie crowds abound on this part of the coast.
2) Noosa-Point Break: The point break at Noosa is one of the most famous long-board breakers in the world. This place can get pretty over-crowded, but it’s mostly full of locals who know what they’re doing. When the swell is calmer, it’s a perfect surf spot for real beginners.
3) Margaret River: The Margaret River is known internationally as one of the best surfing spots on the planet. It’s located about 260 km south of Perth. The swells here vary greatly from mild to absolutely humongous. It can actually be quite a dangerous spot if you have no idea what you’re doing on a board. The “Surfers Point” at Prevelly can get so insane that surfers actually wear helmets! There are over 40 top surfing spots to choose from along the Margaret River coast. These waves should definitely be reserved for the more experienced boarders out there.
Some of the other great surfing spots in the country include Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast, Torquay in Victoria, and Crescent Head in New South Wales. You really can’t go wrong at any beach or coastline in “the land down under!”
Phineas Upham is an investor from NYC and SF. You may contact Phin on his Phineas Upham website orTwitter page.
Rent a Car for a Hassle Free Cayman Islands Experience
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The Grand Caymans, the biggest of the three Cayman Islands is a haven for investors, travellers, and vacationers alike. Long been a hub for offshore financial functions, the Grand Caymans is also a hotspot for nature-lovers and beach-goes everywhere. Nestled in the heart of the Western Caribbean, the Grand Cayman is a bustling paradise for the rich and famous and is the perfect getaway for those looking for that exclusive holiday.
Bask in the exclusivity granted to you by this isolated island paradise by getting yourself your own private vehicle. Nothing beats the sheer convenience and exclusivity of having your own luxury car through a car rental Cayman Islands. Breeze through town and all the local hotspots without the wait and the hassles of taking a taxi or hotel shuttle service. Bypass the waits and the reservations needed by getting your own car through car rental Grand Cayman. Enjoy living in the lap of luxury the next time you find yourself on this beautiful island with your own car. Be the master of your own time, and be free to explore everything that the Grand Caymans has to offer by taking your own car through a car hire Grand Cayman.
Remember, no other luxury will top the luxury of time. Control your time, and make the most of your next Grand Cayman getaway through the pleasures of driving one of the most beautiful island enclaves in the world in your very own luxury car rental.
This article was submitted by Andys Rent-A-Car; a leader in luxury car rentals, and the trusted name in car rental Grand Cayman.
Two Great Beaches in Brazil
Article by Phin Upham.
I went to Brazil recently, visited Rio, Sao Paulo, Brazilia – and finally Floripa! There is more to Brazil than its sunny shores — one reason why each year millions of people flock there — and beach talent. Brazil is home to some of the most pristine beaches on the globe, from the popular tourist beach Ipanema to the more secluded gem Prainha Beach. Both amazing!
Ipanema, Zona Sul
Just because it’s popular doesn’t make it bad. If you’re planning to visit Rio de Janeiro, chances are you will end up on the crowded but worth-visiting stretch of sand beach Ipanema. Located in a chic neighborhood, Ipanema is one of the many Zona Sul beaches swarming with beautiful locals and tourists alike. Surprisingly, I like this beach because it’s crowded – a great spot to watch the infamous action and excitement of Brazilian beach culture. In addition to sunbathing and people-watching, this two kilometer-stretch of white sand offers plenty of other things to do, like volleyball games, soccer games, wakeboarding, and surfing. Forgot your towel or need something cold to drink? The beach has various vendors, making it easy for you to purchase everything from coconuts to ice cold beer. I recommend the beer.
Prainha Beach
Even something like going to the beach can be draining, which is why it’s nice to spend a day or two at one of the country’s lesser-known beaches like Prainha. During the weekday, Prainha is a quiet isolated place. A small, half-moon beach, it is surrounded by mountains covered in green rainforest trees.
While it’s known as a popular surf spot, Prainha’s strong under-current is brutal. Bar & Restaurant Mirante de Prainha, the restaurant overlooking the ocean, is great. To reach Prainha, you will need to rent a car or catch on a ride on the surf bus because public transportation won’t take you there.
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This article was written and submitted by Phin Upham. Phin Upham runs a the site Phin Upham Photography. He could be reached at: Phin Upham Twitter or Phine Upham Facebook.
Souk Central
By Phin Upham One of my favorite travel spots in the world is Marrakesh in the West African country of Morocco. There’s a lot to do and see in Marrakesh such as riding a camel through the desert or visiting the many famous mosques. However, in the “Red City” you must check out all the souks. A souk is an outdoor shopping center, somewhat like an overly cramped swap meet with extra tiny stalls. Souks truly capture the essence of Moroccan culture. Marrakesh is world famous for its souks. A few good ones: 1) Souk Semmarine: My personal favorite is Souk Semmarine which is the largest and most interesting souk by far. Souk Semmarine is full of brightly colored bejeweled sandals, slippers, and gorgeous jewelry. They also sell leather pouffes for sitting. 2) Souk Ableuh: This souk is great for tasting all the delicious ingredients of Moroccan cuisine. Ableuh is lined with stalls selling lemons, chilies, capers, pickles and olives. They have olives of every kind: green, red, and black. Another popular ingredient that you can buy at this market is mint which is typically used in many popular Moroccan dishes and teas.
3) Souk Kchacha: Souk Kchacha sells all types of wonderful treats. The stalls here specialize in dried fruits and nuts. Some of the standouts are the dates, figs, walnuts, cashews and apricots. 4) Rahba Qedima: This souk is popular for buying handmade goods and animal skins. The place is well known for alligator and iguana skins. They also carry some of the most stunning hand-woven baskets. Rahba Qedima is the right place to go for natural perfumes, knitted hats, scarves, and tee shirts. They also sell ginseng and Ramadan tea.
Phin Upham is an investor from NYC and SF. You may contact Phin on his Phin Upham website or Facebook page.
Hidden Gems at Orlando’s Disney World
It’s hard to say Orlando, Florida without thinking about Disney World. It’s equally hard to visit the city without going to the happiest place on Earth. If you’re planning a trip to Orlando’s Walt Disney World, you will be surprised to know that the happiest place on Earth has more to offer than just rides.
Beyond the theme parks and fine resorts, Disney World is home to a host of activities that most people never get to enjoy. In addition to being secret gems, these activities are also less crowded, which means you can say goodbye to those long lines. Here’s just a few of the lesser known things to do at Orlando’s Walt Disney World.
Drive a luxury car. Walt Disney World is home to the Walt Disney World Speedway, a place where you don’t have to be rich to drive some of the most exotic cars in the world. Visitors can get behind the wheel of everything from a Porsche to a Lamborghini Gallardo. How about a Ferrari 458 Italia? That’s possible, too. If you plan to enjoy the luxury driving experience, you can either sit in the passenger seat for a few circles around the track or pay for a lesson with a professional instructor. Lessons will get you in the driver’s seat as well as six laps around the track. And just in case your friends don’t believe you, you can get proof of your experience with a video or a photograph of you in the car.
If driving a luxury vehicle isn’t appealing, how about enjoying a Segway tour of the Epcot Center? Walt Disney World offers the Around the World at Epcot tour, a fun Segway experience that takes you through 11 countries of the world.
This travel blog was sponsored by a real estate firm called Plan B International. Based in South Florida, this boutique agency specializes in buying and selling luxury homes, condos and property in Miami and South Florida. To make an appointment or learn more, please visit Planbinternational.com.