Business travelers, when visiting Hyderabad, India, like I have done several times in the past where I have blogged before, I now have a new recommendation.
You cannot resist going “wow” as soon as you arrive and enter the interior.
The paintings felt like you were entering a traditional European museum.
The library is amazing with so much history and books of different languages.
Can you imagine visiting and eating in this massive dining room?
So many antiquities and collected treasures from many places around the world.
From the time you arrive, to the moment you leave the grounds, they treat you like a visiting celebrity or diplomatic VIP. Highly recommend a dinner reservation and a tour which they conduct several times a day.
Let’s talk a little about the different airport lounges. Let’s start with the AMEX (American Express) Centurion lounges.
American Express Centurion
I must admit, the AMEX lounges are my favorite…but they are also the favorite of everyone else. They are also US only (as far as I know).
They are usually crowded unless you get in early. Las Vegas always has a line based on my experience.
In the Seattle airport, they built a huge one on the second floor or the main concourse.
The coffee is great and first thing, there is plenty of seating. But as I warned before, just like the Centurion lounge in Las Vegas and San Francisco…they fill up fast!
I think the AMEX lounge has the best food choices and I can never can complain.
and it is great when you can find one of the little cubby holes in the back in the quiet area which is perfect for waiting out your boarding time.
The Silver Kris Lounge
These are the Singapore Airlines lounges in Simgapore.
Yes, they are HUGE. Similar to the Emirates lounge in Dubai.
I must admit, they are much more relaxed than many other airlines. Lots of space, lots of food choices. It does not feel rushed or cramped.
They have all kinds of fresh soup, dim sum, and many other choices. No long lines.
They even have everyone’s favorite McDonalds Chicken Nuggets!
They have great bathrooms and showers. Very large and clean with complimentary toothbrushes, etc. But I do have to admit, their bar service is very limited and wine choices are not that desirable.
The Club Lounge
These are primarily Priority Pass Lounges which makes them convenient and a good alternative to the normal terminal seating…but they are also very limited,
I have used them in both Seattle and San Jose airports. Surprisingly, these are the lounges that Singapore Air, Emirates and Qatar use in Seattle for their business and first class passengers.
There is plenty of seating and not too noisy.
But if you are looking for gourmet snacks and premium drinks…good luck with that one!
Oh I forgot, there is a special “First Class” section in the Club Lounge. Premium service for sure!
Encalm Lounge
This is an aggregate lounge in the Hyderabad India intentional terminal.
It can be a little bit of a zoo and get a little crowded. It supports many airlines (including Emirates which I was flying) and also Priority Pass customers.
In the end, I found it was easy to get a seat and people do not stay in the lounge for long periods of time,
The food was very local, and I admit was quite tasty.
The bar was a disappointment. Only 1 red house red wine choice and it was almost $10 with tip.
United Polaris Club
I did not have an opportunity to visit the Polaris Club in San Francisco airport this time, but I have had the delight to visit this lounge a few times in the past. You can check out my previous review here.
It has one of the best food choices, but it sometimes gets a bit crowded in the time when all the international flights are leaving around the same time from SFO. It just means there are not as many free seats as you would like.
Emirates Lounge in Dubai
The Emirates lounge in Dubai is probably the largest airline lounge in the world. I did review it once before when I completed my Emirates Air review. It literally can take you 5-10 minutes to walk the entire lounge.
You can always find a seat and you can always find a spot that is not crowded and packed next to other people. One of the best attributes is all the different cuisine types and areas throughout the lounge.
They also have the largest and cleanest bathrooms and showers!
Bathrooms
Since I mentioned it above, I thought I should discuss this topic. This is one of the good and bad things in the lounges.
They are a little cleaner and and a little more private, but…they are very small and often there is long lines to use them during peak periods.
Airport Hotels
Let’s conclude with one final topic: airport hotels.
These are basically very expensive airport lounges. They have food, comfortable chairs, places to work, great WiFi, etc.
But the major perk/benefit is you get a full /comfortable room to have bed, television, desk, peace and quiet!
Full bathroom and shower are way better than the airline lounges. Sometimes when you very long flights and 8+ hour layovers, these are the best choice. I give kudos to my wife for finding this option in my latest itinerary and it was a huge benefit to survive and work during a 10+ hour layover.
I tried out the Dubai International airport hotel in Terminal 3 and it was awesome!
We decided to take a short break during the winter holiday period and we found there is some amazing good deals in Las Vegas in advance of the Christmas holidays.
So we
The Hilton Resorts World is the newest property in Las Vegas and had some amazing deals, so we decided to try it out.
It has huge rooms that are very quiet and have great views of the strip.
It is actually three hotels: Hilton, Conrad and Crockton. Their amenities and prices scale up from left to right. We chose the Conrad which had some amazing suites.
The good and bad of the resort is it is not very crowded and not many people, but the bad is there is very few shops and activities.
but you can get into some great spots in the evenings like Alle 66 lounge which has amazing views, leather couches and entertainment with no extra charges. 🙂
So what is the hot activity to see in Las Vegas right now? The Sphere. As you can see the Sphere is best seen from a distance, and when up close, you just see lots of big dots while waiting in line to enter,
You do not have to wait very long to enter and get in even when there are large crowds. But there are many long escalators, so get ready for that. Don’t worry, the robot is protecting you.
Now, before the show, they basically have a set of exhibits and activities to get you to spend and hour buying drinks and food. Without question, the design is very cool and incredible, but do you really need to wait around an hour for this?
The most popular activity, which takes 15-20 minutes of waiting is to create an Avatar movie which you can then download. What do you think?
Now the big attraction is the concerts or movies. Since there was no concerts this week, they have a 60 minute show call Postcards from Earth which is a pseudo-fiction documentary.
It is hard to describe how steep and ominous it feels when you go up all the escalators to get to your seats at the top of the Sphere. I am shocked many people do not slip or trip as the stairs a very steep and very small.
Now, when you first start watching the movie, you are not impressed. You start to wonder if you are just watching a big screen IMAX movie.
and then the screen explodes and the entire Sphere is the screen. Everyone says “oooh” all at once and it was impressive. It feels like you are flying.
I can definitively see how attractive this venue would be for a concert or any audio-visual performance and experience. It is a 16K projection and highly computerized. But what happens if something goes wrong with the Windows 11 computer controlling the projectors?
“We are encountering technical difficulties…” 🤣
How do you recover from a technical failure? Have a nice British High Tea at the Waldorf! 🙂
It is hard to get in, so make reservations early and the sandwiches, sweets and tea are awesome!
I found that many people like these reviews, so I thought I would do one for Turkish Airlines for a recent flight from Riyadh to Seattle with a layover in Istanbul.
You can see some of my previous reviews on the site as well:
They did not have a dedicated lounge in Riyadh for the airline, but who can turn down Tim Horton’s coffee and donuts in Saudi Arabia?
Once onboard, lets start with the seating.
Nothing fancy, but I found them very modern, very clean and not feeling worn out like many of the US based airlines.
They offered a very pleasant fresh lemonade or pomegranate spritzer when you board. Delightful. Oh yes, that is my new Breitling watch that I need to add to my watch list page soon!
A delightful menu. Of course, I could not turn down the Turkish choices since it has been so long since I have been to Turkey!
Very light and delightful choices – and I must say the attendant service was one of the best. Very formal, very attentive and always focusing on the customer.
They have a little mini psuedo-candle which was a nice touch at dinner. The Turkish wine was also very delightful and recommended for people to try.
One of the interesting and pleasant differences is they also say a prayer for everyone on the plane before the plane takes off. They try very hard to provide everyone a great experience.
The pilots were very careful in planning their routes and it has been over 30 years since I had to fly over Iraq! What a strange and uncomfortable feeling since the Persian Gulf War from so long ago…
When you arrive in Istanbul, it is a little tricky to find the right lounge for business class passengers, but once you find it, it may be crowded, but there are so many wonderful local Turkish meal choices.
Summary: Overall, I would rank Turkish Air above most US airlines and maybe only slightly below Emirates Air.
We decided to take a drive and escape the Seattle area and explore an area of Washington State that we have never stayed or visited more than a few minutes previously. I like to call it the hidden German colony of Washington State!
It is about a 2.0 – 2.5 hour drive from the Seattle area, but it is easy paced and very scenic. Many places to stop along the way, take a break or see the views.
The most popular spot and highly recommended is Expresso Chalet. But prepared for a long line, it is very popular place!
Did you know what this spot is famous for? It is where the film Harry and the Hendersons was filmed. I spotted a famous person taking a selfie here too.
We also stopped for a quick break to visit Wallace Falls along the way.
It had been almost 3 years since our list visit that we posted here.
The only times I can see where it will be an arduous drive is when it is slowing a lot or you are in the Stevens Pass ski resort traffic jams.
Yes, on a holiday weekend, there is major traffic lines going through the town. Maybe it was because it was Black Friday or is the town that popular on weekends?
The most popular spots were the beer gardens, People were in line for 1+ hour to just enter these outside beer gardens.
We definitely chose the authentic German repast. We went early and got into the popular Andreas Keller restaurant. Pricey, but delicious! We are saving the beer for later!
Now, the mountains and trails are gorgeous in the daytime. One of the resorts looks like it has a pseudo-bobsled ride that looked popular.
The best views in the holidays are at night of course.
Lights are everywhere which creates a festive atmosphere.
But at the same time, the trash piles up as fast as the crowds!
Oh yes, I went running. It is cold, but gorgeous, quiet and beautiful in the early winter mornings!
This week, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attend and speak again at Blackhat MEA 2023 in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. I attended last year as well (see this posting), but this time I took some extra time and gave up my sleeping hours to explore some more of the city and surrounding parks.
Inside Riyadh
One night, a few of us went out late to check out the very popular Riyadh Boulevard. Completely free to get in!
You could see this Las Vegas Sphere from miles away and it was super bright!.
It is packed with people and families even at 11:00 PM at night.
Many different themes, Greece, pirates and ancient Egypt.
It has lots of shops, small places to eat and numerous attractions and activities. Everyone feels welcome: locals, tourists, visitors and all ages.
I was not expecting it, but the shooting and skeet ranges at the park were very popular. You could rent and choose all types of guns, shooting ranges and also paintball competitions.
The traffic can be bad sometimes and it can take a hour to get there even though it is a few miles away, you can take a Uber to get their from your hotel and is a safe getaway if you are not local and are looking for something to check out on your own.
Now, lets go exploring outside the city!
Outside Riyadh
You need to wake up early in the morning, but do not worry, there are coffee shops available along the highways 24×7! (yes there are some famous people here)
About 100 KM outside of Riyadh is a park known as “Edge of the World“.
It is not in the middle of nowhere, but it is quite some distant from the roads and any cities/villages. One of my continued watch choices on these adventures is my Breitling Emergency II watch that can always be there if anything goes wrong, lost or … (yes, I am a watch guy 🙂 )
It is an amazing place to see the sun rise. Most people come first thing in the morning or late in the evening when the sun sets. It is a little chilly in the mornings, so definitely bring a jacket.
When you first arrive, it just looks like a massive canyon with inspiring views in all directions.
But when you turn the corner around the short walk around the cliffs, the most famous and amazing spot jumps out at you. and yes, you can walk right up to the top. It is not dangerous, but there are some slippery rocks, loose gravel and there are no barriers, fences or chains, so be careful!
On a weekday, there are likely to be no other visitors, but as we just started to leave after about an hour, the crowds started to come in. Here was the first local visitor looking to have a picnic on the nice day.
The idea of becoming a digital nomad has taken the world by storm. With the advent of the internet and remote work, the globe has become a playground for those who wish to merge their careers and wanderlust. Not only does this lifestyle promise excitement, but it also offers the opportunity to grow professionally.
This comprehensive guide, courtesy of Cross Property Investments, delves into seven pivotal steps for making your digital nomad dreams come true. Read on if you’re looking to break free from the 9-5 grind and take your work on the road!
1. Discover the Ideal Remote Work Opportunity
It all starts with a job that allows you to work from anywhere. Positions in digital marketing, content creation, web development, and remote project management are among the most sought-after. These jobs offer the flexibility you need and pay well enough to sustain your nomadic lifestyle. Do your research and match your skills to the remote job market.
2. Upgrade Your Skills
To remain competitive, it’s crucial to continuously develop your skills. Look for online courses, workshops, or boot camps that offer certificates to validate skills in different areas of IT. Doing so adds value to your resume and makes you more attractive to potential employers. Don’t underestimate the power of education in setting you apart from the competition.
3. Be a Budget-Savvy Globetrotter
Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank. Opt for affordable living arrangements like hostels, co-living spaces, or short-term rentals. Utilize travel rewards programs and flight comparison sites to get the best deals.
Timing your travel during off-peak seasons can also help save costs. You can stretch your dollars and sustain your nomadic lifestyle with smart planning.
4. Master Remote Collaboration
Working remotely doesn’t mean working in isolation. Investing in robust project management tools is imperative if you’re part of a team.
Platforms like Asana, Trello, or Jira can help you stay organized, manage tasks, and collaborate with your team effortlessly. Such platforms are accessible from anywhere, ensuring that you never lose track of your professional obligations.
5. Amplify Your Online Persona
The internet is your best friend when it comes to marketing yourself. Build a professional website to showcase your portfolio, skills, and services. Use social media platforms to connect with other professionals and clients.
A strong online presence can greatly enhance your chances of securing lucrative contracts and gigs. Personal branding is your ticket to a successful digital nomad life.
6. Navigate International Laws
Staying legal should be a top priority when you’re venturing outside your home country. Research visa options that allow you to work in your target countries. Get to know the laws and regulations that govern remote work for foreigners. The last thing you want is to face legal repercussions for overlooking this crucial aspect.
7. Hone Your Virtual Communication Skills
Whether you’re dealing with clients, customers, or colleagues, effective communication is key. Use video conferencing tools like Zoom or Skype to hold meetings and discussions.
Also, remember to make the most of project management software for seamless collaboration. Clear communication is essential to maintain healthy, long-term working relationships.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a digital nomad is no longer just a fanciful idea—it’s a feasible career path that combines the best of both worlds: work and travel. You can significantly ease your transition into the nomadic lifestyle by incorporating these seven indispensable steps into your planning. These tips will not only help you secure the right job and manage your expenses but also assist you in navigating legal requirements and building strong professional relationships.
Ultimately, being a digital nomad is about balancing freedom and responsibility. With adequate preparation and the right mindset, you could soon be typing away from a beach in Bali or a café in Paris. The world is your oyster—now go make it your office too!
Catherine Workman always wanted to see the world. As soon as she was old enough to travel on her own, she began taking trips to new destinations, far and wide. She created Wellness Voyager with some of her travel mates as a place to chronicle her adventures and inspire others to leave their comfort zones and embrace all the world has to offer.
Setting off on a journey with a cherished animal companion can be incredibly rewarding, yet it’s not without its hurdles. This guide from Cross Property Investments offers vital advice that travelers should heed when traveling with pets. Ensuring a seamless experience requires thoughtful preparation and a mindful approach to the unique needs of one’s pet.
Maintain Emotional Balance
Pets are known for their keen sensitivity to human emotions. A pet owner’s emotional state can significantly impact how an animal feels during a journey. If an owner exhibits signs of stress or anxiety, chances are high that the pet will pick up on these cues and become anxious too. Maintaining a calm demeanor is not just beneficial for the owner but crucial for the pet’s well-being. Deep breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, or simply listening to calming music can help in regulating one’s emotional state.
Bring a Pet First Aid Kit
When on the road or in the air, being prepared for unexpected medical issues is key. A dedicated first aid kit for the pet is not an option but a necessity. Items to include in this kit range from bandages and antiseptic wipes to tweezers for tick removal. Additionally, if the pet takes prescribed medications for any conditions, these should be included in the kit. Having a well-stocked emergency care package means that both owner and pet can travel with an extra layer of safety and assurance.
Incorporate Travel Breaks
Traveling can be exhausting for anyone, and pets are no exception. Especially during prolonged travel, scheduled breaks can offer much-needed respite. These stops allow the pet to stretch, hydrate, and do their business in a comfortable setting. A break also gives the owner the chance to assess their pet’s condition. It’s crucial to remember that constant confinement, be it in a car or a pet carrier, can lead to restlessness and discomfort. Hence, planning these pit stops are essential for the pet’s physical and emotional well-being.
Secure Pet-Friendly Accommodations
The destination should not just be ideal for the owner, but also conducive for the pet. When looking for a place to stay, consider features such as outdoor spaces, pet amenities, and proximity to walking areas. Especially for dog owners, a location with a high Walk Score is not just a luxury but can be an essential factor in the pet’s well-being. It ensures that there are nearby areas where the dog can be taken for walks, exercise, or even a quick bathroom break.
Navigate Regional Requirements
One of the less exciting, but most essential, aspects of travel planning is understanding the health regulations of the intended destination. These might include mandatory vaccinations, microchipping, or even specific quarantine requirements. Being aware of, and complying with, these rules is not only a legal obligation but also safeguards the pet’s health. It prevents the risk of contracting or spreading diseases, ensuring a smoother transition upon arrival at the destination.
Readily Accessible Medication and Records
During the trip, ensure that all essential medical records and medications for the pet are easily reachable. Whether faced with an emergency or simply needing to administer a routine dose of medication, quick access to these crucial items is indispensable. This preparation allows for immediate action in situations that require urgent medical attention, offering both the pet and the owner peace of mind during the journey.
Embarking on a journey with a pet can create lasting memories and deepen the bond between owner and animal. However, the success of such adventures heavily relies on meticulous planning and an acute awareness of the pet’s requirements. Abiding by these pivotal guidelines can pave the way for a journey that is not only stress-free but also immensely enjoyable for all parties involved.
Created by David Smith, TakeMoreTrips.net is for anyone experiencing wanderlust. Whether you want to check every national park off your bucket list or spend a year abroad, whether you’re operating on a tight budget or planning a once-in-a-lifetime splurge, whether you’re traveling alone or with your whole family in tow… Smith’s site is a space designed for the people who want to see it all.
It has been almost a year since my last vaccine so I decided that it was in the best interest of myself and my family with the upcoming travel, risk of flu and the latest COVID wave, to get a double jab (shot) of both.
Last year, I went with Pfizer bi-valent which was fine, but this year is my 6th shot and I went back to Moderna for the 2023-2024 booster.
Many people wonder: can you get two vaccine’s at the same time? Yes, the CDC declared it is safe to get both the flu and mRNA at the same time.
OK – what were the side effects this time? Very similar to last year:
After 6 hours, I felt a little tenderness in the double shot area, not too bad
I also started to feel a little fatigued, but at the same time, it was a very long work week
Overnight, my arm was very tender, but not soo bad that I could not touch it or sleep on it
I did sleep a little restless and I had a very slight fever when I woke up. 99.5 degrees. No big deal.
A little fatigue and headache. 2 Tylenol took care of that.
Slight achiness. What was the solution? I took a run and it made me feel whole again!
Similar to last shots, I did a nice workout (10K run) and that seemed to ward off all the side effects and minor fatigue. Highly recommended!
This summer, we decided to return to the Washington State Hood Canal areas and explore some of the northern areas to see if the experience would be any different.
Of course, I went running, but you really need to go VERY early AND you should find some of the hilly roads as your path as the sides of the road are EXTREMELY narrow and not too safe with the traffic.
We wanted to try and plant some crab traps this time, but the crabs were far too out for kayaks, so we had to stick to oysters.
I should say there are LOTS of crabs, they are just very small close to shore.
Yes, you can see a little bit of the wildfire smoke haze, but the water and fresh made it feel so delightful.
When it is low tide, the oysters are everywhere!
You do not really need to search every hard for them…just make sure you have a license and follow the limits!
The water was actually quite nice and not too cold. The oysters can be quite large and sharp edges, so be careful. The morning is so delightful as the water is so calm and quiet.
One thing I learned is there is a HUGE population of Elk in the Brinnon area. They sometimes take over the state parks and kick all the people out 🙂
I was surprised and delighted on how many campgrounds, hiking trails and the number of waterfalls that can be in the region.
We did find that some property owners with public access right of ways were not too happy with people hiking to these great sites, Many of the great locations have no signs or the signs are removed, so you have to plan and look at your GPS data closely to find them.
When you hike and visit during the week, you can basically have the location to yourselves compared to the weekends 🙂
Within a 30-45 minuet radius, there are 5+ trails with potential falls
Some are very close and some very far from the trailheads.
Although the trailheads are very accessible, the paths can be slippery, many rocks and tricky climbs.
The effort is worth it and hiking poles are highly recommended for these trails.
The restaurant options are a little limited in availability, options and environment. It is also important to remember in a small town, they do not have capacity to match a larger than normal demand or visitors that do not normally visit.
Some places are different than others…I will leave it at that!
Oh yes, one final note – it seems that almost all stores and restaurants offer military and veteran discounts in this area. Score!
And in case you missed it, here was our posting and exploration of the southern part of the Hood Canal last year.
David Cross Travel Blog 