Travel Tips for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games

More than 5,500 athletes and coaches, almost 11,000 members of the media and up to 350,000 visitors are expected in Vancouver, British Columbia for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.  This is Canada's third time welcoming the Olympics. It hosted the Montreal 1976 Summer Games and the 1988 Calgary Winter Games.

In advance of all this madness we’ve prepared some tips to help you get around the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

Weather: Winter in Vancouver means rain, so pack an umbrella. February temperatures in Vancouver are usually in the 30s and 40s, while temperatures at Whistler are typically in the 20s and 30s, often with snow or rain. In December 2008, a snowstorm paralyzed Vancouver International Airport, and Air Canada, which is the official airline for the Winter Olympic Games, canceled hundreds of flights.

Currency: The U.S. dollar has lost more than a third of its value against the Canadian dollar, known as the Loonie, since Vancouver was awarded the 2010 Games seven years ago. In July 2003, a U.S. dollar was worth $1.40 in Canadian money. Today, the U.S. dollar is roughly at parity with the Loonie, worth about $1.03 Canadian.

Getting There: You can fly into Vancouver International Airport from many international destinations. You can also drive to Vancouver, crossing the land border with Washington State in several places, or come by ferry from Washington's Olympic Peninsula.

Border Crossings: Officials are expecting to handle a million border crossings during February – about the same as during a busy summer month. Extra Customs officers and staff will be in place at all border entry points, including the Douglas, Pacific Highway, Huntingdon and Aldergrove land crossings from the U.S. into British Columbia. There will even be a team at Pacific Highway just to deal with buses. Still, the Canada Border Services Agency advises travelers to build extra time into schedules for crossing the border. You can check border wait times, updated hourly, at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

Border Requirements: U.S. citizens entering Canada must show proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well as photo identification. A criminal conviction, including a DUI, could make a person inadmissible to Canada. To return to the U.S. from Canada by air, you must have a passport. To return to the U.S. from Canada by land or sea, you must show a passport, passport card, enhanced driver's license or other document approved by the U.S. State Department. Details at www.travel.state.gov.

Getting Around: The city's newest light rail line connects the airport with downtown. A ride on the Skytrain is great for an initial exploration, as well as for incredible views. Buses are generally efficient, but the best way to explore Vancouver's city center is to walk. Even if it's raining (and there's a good chance it will be), the city core has plenty of underground malls. The figure skating arena is about 20 minutes by bus from the city center. Event tickets will include local transit fares. Snowboarding and freestyle skiing events on the city's North Shore will be tougher to reach. Alpine events are 90 miles away in Whistler but an Olympic fleet of buses will be running. Traffic will be strictly limited on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, which was recently redeveloped at a cost of nearly $500 million. For local transit, officials are warning of long delays during the games. A trip planner is available online at www.translink.ca with more information at www.travelsmart2010.ca.

Where to Stay: During the Olympics, even mountain-lovers may have to stay in Vancouver, because of the shortage of shelter in the hills. Both Vancouver and Whistler tourism officials are expecting more accommodations to open up as the Games approach. Click on "2010 Winter Games Accommodation" at tourismvancouver.com.

Olympic Tickets: In Canada, Olympic tickets have already been sold by lottery through the 2010 Games Web site, Vancouver2010.com. A list of ticket agents for countries outside the Canada is also available through the spectator information and ticketing link at that site. The site is also hosting ticket re-sales to avoid scalping problems.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner Passenger Experience

From nose to tail and wingtip to wingtip, Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner passenger aircraft, which flew its first test flight last month, reflects the most advanced aviation technology out there. That includes its aerodynamic design, engines, flight controls, and avionics. One bullish analyst has referred to it as the ‘iPhone of aviation,’ high praise indeed.

But from the passenger’s point of view, the desire to fly safely, comfortably, and without drama is more important than how all the new gizmos work. No one can fully guarantee on-time arrivals, sufficient legroom for taller passengers, or the quality of food. But Boeing says that those flying aboard the 787 can expect a better experience. specifically:

• Windows in the 787 are 65 percent larger, and there are no mechanical shades. Instead, individual passengers can adjust the window next to their seat from fully transparent to completely dark.
• Overhead storage bins are larger, making it less likely that you’ll have to store things under the seat in front of you.
• A better air-filtration system with a gas filtration system removes odors and contaminants that can cause nose, throat, and eye irritation.
• Because the fuselage is constructed mainly of composite materials (instead of aluminum), the cabin can be pressurized to a lower altitude – 6,000 feet instead of 8,000 feet. This reduces the likelihood of discomfort and fatigue.
• Airline cabin air typically is very dry in order to prevent corrosion in the aluminum airframe. Non-corroding composite material in the 787 means cabin air can have a higher level of humidity, which is more comfortable for passengers.
• New technology allows the 787’s wing control to anticipate and respond to turbulence, making for a smoother ride. Computer models show an eight-fold reduction in passengers experiencing motion sickness.
• Boeing promises a “quieter cabin” due to reduced engine and exhaust noise, a quieter air-conditioning system, and less vibration.

The prototype features a rather nicely designed interior, lets hope that airlines keep this configuration:

 
Some 55 airlines have ordered 840 787s. The 787 version will be able to carry up to 250 passengers as far as 9,000 miles. A stretch version will be capable of carrying 290 passengers and a short-range model up to 330.

Scheduling with the WorldMate on the Web: It’s All in the Timing

WorldMate’s web app makes scheduling meetings a breeze. Schedule your meeting in the web app, and then you can stop thinking about it, because the web app calculates the correct time zone for you.

Better yet, all this information syncs automatically with WorldMate on your smartphone.

Why You Can Zone Out About Time Zones

The WorldMate time zone system works by treating your meeting as a place, not just a time. When you enter the meeting location—whether it’s New York, Singapore, or Sydney—our system keeps track of the correct time, no matter how many datelines you skip.

Even complicating factors like Daylight Savings Time are automatically taken into account. If for example your meeting is in New York, the time of the meeting will always be displayed in Eastern Standard Time—wherever you are in the world.

So when you reach your destination and set your computer for the local time, your meeting times stay the same—because it’s the place that matters, and we’re on it.

Doing Things the Old Way Makes Jack a Dull Boy

Without WorldMate’s web app, what happens? You end up doing one of two things:

• You schedule meetings on your PC in the local time of your current location. So you’re in London, and you have meetings in New York, Hong Kong, and Melbourne. This means you spend a good twenty minutes calculating what time it is in each of these cities, and then what time the meetings will be in your current London time. And with all your careful calculations, somewhere along the way, it’s easy     to make an error and miscalculate by an hour, perhaps two—just enough     time to make you late, or worse, make you miss the meeting altogether.
• Another old school way to schedule meetings is in the time zone of your destinations. So if you have meetings in New York, Hong Kong, and Melbourne at 10:00am in each, then 10:00am is what you put in your calendar. Sounds easy, right? Except that you reach your destination and change the local time on your computer, the meeting times will change, too…And you’ll be lost.

Three Time Zones? No Problem!

Now imagine the same scenario—you have three 10:00am meetings in the course of one trip, in New York, Hong Kong and Melbourne. You’re flying from London. But this time, you’re using the WorldMate web app to schedule your meetings. You’ve entered into your itinerary that your meetings are at 10:00am in those three cities.

You don’t have to calculate the time zone. You don’t have to worry about the times changing on your PC.
While you travel around the world, crossing datelines and time zones, your meeting times are fixed in stone. And they’re available on your PC calendar and your smartphone for easy access.

So log in to our web app with your WorldMate user info and start scheduling your meetings today!

(image credt: http://www.salvador-dali.org/en_index.html used with permission)

5 travel trends for 2010

2010 is knocking on the door and with it, some big changes to the way we travel, we’ve listed some of the major trends in 2010 travel to give you a better picture of what the future has in store for you

The year of SWF WiFi

Last year it was widely predicted that SWF (surfing while flying) WiFi would become ubiquitous. Well, it may have been slightly ahead of time (at least for U.S. travelers), but the trend is clearly growing stronger, with Virgin America, American, and many other airlines rolling out service in 2009, and many more on tap for 2010. Kinks are still being worked out, based on the chatter about porn-surfing and VoiP use, among other controversial pastimes. Still, it’s clear that the value to many travelers is so great that it’s likely to become an important new revenue stream for airlines this year.

China, India and Gulf States are the new hot-spots

Are we done with the United States and Europe? Probably not. But global travelers are getting more courageous with their travels, and expanding their horizons. Industry insiders are expecting travel to skyrocket in China, India, and The Gulf States over the next twelve months. Why? Well, it certainly has nothing to do with political stability. No, what it really comes down to is money. While the economy is still down, New York, Paris and Milan remain as expensive as ever. But, countries like China and India are seeing enough signs of growth to warrant visiting, offering favorable exchange rates, enormous potential business opportunities and low travel expenses. Their tourism industries are also starting to expand and these countries are going to be top destinations in 2010. Between China and India alone it is expected that over 35,000 hotel rooms will have to be added to meet the impending demands.

Tighter security

Thankfully 2009 did not end with a bang for the passengers of Northwest Airlines flight 253, but the attempted terrorist act there does mean that there won’t be an easing up of airport and plane security any time soon. The Transportation security organization did release the following statement:

“Passengers flying from international locations to U.S. destinations may notice additional security measures in place. These measures are designed to be unpredictable, so passengers should not expect to see the same thing everywhere. Due to the busy holiday travel season, both domestic and international travelers should allot extra time for check-in.”

The New York Times reported that in some cases no one was able to move from their seats during the last hour of flight. That means no bathroom breaks, no accessing carry-on luggage, nothing. When that plane starts descending, you're stuck. Multiple sources have also reported that no electronics are allowed on international flights. So you can't even play video games to distract yourself from how badly you have to pee. From what we can tell, this is largely restricted to inbound international flights so far.

Whole body image scanners

Get ready to show your stuff. Travelers will soon find that checking through security will be a revealing experience with the rollout of whole body image scanners that can see beneath clothing are now being installed for added security, replacing traditional x-ray machines. You might think these machines sound like something from science fiction – but they’re very real and very current. A whole body image scan is simple: you enter a booth and your body is scanned. In another room a full image of your body is shown to the security force. The airport security force can easily see what they refer to as metallic and non-metallic threats. The machines have already been deployed at certain airports for test periods. Expect them to become more of a standard at airports in the near future. For now the process is optional – you could choose to be pat-down.

The 2010 Vancouver Olympics

Not technically a trend, but the 2010 Vancouver Olympics is an event that will affect travel like an explosion (to get my point, go online and try to get a flight to B.C. in February. Just try!). The 17 days of the Vancouver Olympics are expected to attract a global television audience of three billion people and more than 80 countries and 6,850 athletes and officials are expected to participate. The opening ceremonies will be held on February 12, 2010, and as a result Vancouver is the city to visit in North America in 2010. Everyone wants to get there that big torch gets lit. It’s a beautiful city in a mountain-filled area of Canada that will be perfect for the event. The city will inevitably be overrun with tourists, hotels will be packed and streets will be crowded, but this is the city to see and be seen in this year. So grab a Canadian flag, learn about at least one winter sport (I recommend the luge), buy an obnoxious compressed air horn, and get yourself over to Vancouver to cheer on your country of choice.

Conquer the World with WorldMate Maps on the Web

 

There are so many reasons to use WorldMate on the web in addition to your smartphone. With our Maps feature, you can see your entire trip mapped out precisely—including flights, meetings, and hotels. And it gets better, because the map is interactive: You can book the hotels that appear on the map through our site, for unbeatable savings. Find the best hotel for your itinerary, at the best possible price. 

How the Maps Feature Works

Using Google Maps technology, our Maps feature displays all your flights, hotels and meetings against the backdrop of a detailed map. This is useful for multiple reasons:

• Get flight info intuitively. Just a click on the airport on the map pulls up your complete flight info, including the flight number and times. With all your info on a map, you can suddenly see the big picture.
• Get the best deals on hotels. Click on a hotel on the map for instant booking through Hotels.com—and the best deals in town.
• Find the best hotel for you. Everyone has a unique preference when it comes to hotels—some people prefer to sleep near their meeting locations, while others like the convenience of the airport hotels. With our maps feature, you can easily browse all the hotels in the area of your itinerary.

But the hotel search doesn’t stop with location. With our detailed search  options, you can customize your hotel search to find the best match for you. Select the amenities, star rating, and price range you’re looking for, and we find you the options that best suit your choice. The search toolbars are fun to use, allowing you to navigate smoothly between options.

Your meetings at a glance

With all your meetings mapped out, you can see their distance to your hotel, check the meeting times, and get directions with the address.

So what are you waiting for? Login to our web app with your WorldMate user info and get started today!

Christmas Travel: ‘Tis the Season To Be Wary

Christmas is on the way, and for millions of people around the world, that means one thing: Vacation! And while the pleasures of the holiday season – from the twinkling lights to home-cooked food – are just around the corner, the hassles of traveling during this busy time can eclipse the fun. Below we’ll list some essential tips and facts about travel at this time of year, so you can more easily navigate the Christmas travel maze.

 

    Don’t wrap your gifts! Not until you reach your destination, that is. If you pack wrapped gifts in your bags, you run the risk that they’ll be opened and searched by airport security—and then you don’t just lose the perfect wrapping paper you picked out,  you’ll also be left high and dry without any wrapping or packaging materials. It’s frustrating because the most convenient way to wrap gifts is to let the store do it for no extra charge, which is usually possible. (This is not counting the gift-wrapping works of art from various department stores such as Macys in Manhattan, which come at a price.) But there is also the option to send the gift via mail gift ahead of time—which is also a way to lighten your luggage.

    Be aware of peak season surcharges. Starting this month and for the rest of 2010, airlines such as Delta, Northwest and US Airways will be charging between $10 and $30 in surcharges for all peak times, and that of course includes Christmas. (February 8th might be the worst day to travel, racking up $50 in surcharges on some airlines because of the Superbowl.)

    You pay per plane. You might have found a great deal to your destination – but does it include connecting flights? Travelers now pay $10 per plane in federal security fees. Add up the cost of the inbound and the outbound flights, plus the peak season surcharges, and you can end up with a hefty number. This is all very well if you’re aware of it before booking—just don’t get hit with surprises later.

    Be prepared for delays. It’s inevitable: With millions of people traveling at the same time of year, you’re going to get hit with long lines, delays and security checks. If you’re prepared for the long wait with a book (or Kindle), you’re better off. If there are kids in the mix, the situation gets more complicated. Come prepared with games and other distractions, and you’ll be one of the smarter families in line. Always take your cellphone charger with you in your carry-on luggage, in case of emergency.

 

    Forget about getting home on the weekend. By now, if you haven’t booked a flight home yet, the weekend flights are either booked solid or going for astronomical fares. But the cloud has a silver lining: Booking after the weekend, especially Tuesday, is a smart financial move. Almost any other time is better. If you won’t be disappointing any loved ones and can avoid traveling on Christmas, it’s better to travel during one of the less eventful weeks of January. What you miss out on in lights and holiday cheer, you’ll make up for in cost and convenience.

We at WorldMate would like to wish you safe travels and a very happy holiday!

WorldMate Services: Get it all on the Web

We’re not just on your phone anymore. With the new, hugely expanded WorldMate web app, you can plan your entire trip on our site—from flight bookings to hotels, transportation, and meetings. These details sync automatically with WorldMate on your phone, providing you with the ultimate travel planning tool.

We’ve partnered with Kayak and Hotels.com to get you the best flight and hotel deals when you book through us. Plus, we show you your entire itinerary on a map, so you can see the big picture at all times. Instead of having all your travel information scattered in different places, the WorldMate web app combines it all in one sleek, clickable package.

 

The Ultimate Online Travel Tool All your travel needs are covered with our new web application. Book your flight and hotel, schedule meetings, and manage your itinerary with ease. All the details will appear in your online profile and sync with your WorldMate smartphone app. 

Here are some of the features offered in the new web app: 

• Your Personal Booking Assistant. Booked a flight and hotel, but not a car rental? The Booking Assistant will remind you that an item is missing from your itinerary, and provide suggestions to fill the gap.  
• Map it Out. See your entire itinerary on a map—flights, hotels, and meetings. Book hotels on the map that are conveniently located to your meetings, or near the landmark of your choice. All the addresses, flight details, and meeting times show up on the map with just a click.
• Keep Track of Your Meetings—in Any Time Zone. When you book a meeting halfway around the world, time zones can become a confusing obstacle. If for example you’re flying from Australia to New York with a layover in Japan, it’s all you can do just to keep track of your comings and goings. That’s why WorldMate keeps track of time zones for you. Just schedule your meeting in the web app, and WorldMate will calculate the correct time zone. You show up punctual, refreshed—and in the know. 

It’s easy to get started with the WorldMate web app. Just log in with your WorldMate username and password, and your mobile account will sync with your web account.  So what are you waiting for? This holiday season, plan your travel with the new WorldMate web app!

5 Useful Travel Gadgets for the Holidays

The Holiday Season usually has airports across the country more stuffed than your grandmother’s Thanksgiving turkey. Here are 5 gadgets that can help keep you safe and sane as you try to get from A to B.

Kensington ComboSaver Portable Notebook Lock

A laptop computer is stolen every 53 seconds in the U.S. by the time you have finished reading this post, 5 people will be have been de-laptop’d. So what about your laptop — and the precious data it contains — dis-appearing if you leave it unattended in an airport cafe? Kensington has been making notebook security systems for years now, and theirs is the brand you see most often in college dorm rooms and other areas where laptops are easily swiped. This lightweight model, with its 3-inch-to-6-feet self-coiling cable, slips easily into a computer bag. But don't leave it unattended for too long. The cable is no match for a pair of wire cutters.

Tumi Ultra Slim Universal Power Adaptor Kit

The power bricks we have to haul around to keep our electronic gadgetry charged is the ball and chain of the 21st century road warrior. Why can't all the devices of this world just get along with one, total, absolute, universal charger? Today, they very nearly can. Tumi sells several variations on this theme, including a Wall/Auto/Air Ultra Portable Notebook Adaptor that comes with an array of tips that fit just about any laptop computer or USB device — except the newest ones from Apple (go figure). The kit is elegantly packaged with a spring-powered retractable cable and a leather-trimmed carrying case.

SecurID

Pay attention Double-Oh Seven; online banking over unsecured wireless networks just won't do. The man sitting next to you in the shiny pleather jacket and Ron Burgundy mustache is sniffing the 802g airwaves, just waiting for your web passwords. Here is the ultimate in password security with RSA's SecurID® Two-Factor Authentication token. It uses strong authentication by generating a random password every 60 seconds and works with all major banks. Oh and Double-Oh Seven, try not lose it this time.

StashCard

Have you ever though to yourself, "I really wish I could store a twenty inside my notebook?" Or maybe you fear for not having a stamp at just the right time. Worry no more; the StashCard from Wireless Garden is here. For $10 you can get one of these nifty storage devices that hangs out in a notebook's PCMCIA slot.
The concept is pretty simple. The metal case opens to reveal a compartment that's roughly 70mm long x 42mm wide and 3mm deep. Put whatever you can fit in the case and slide it into your notebook's PCMCIA slot. The case weighs very little and fit in and out of several slots we tested with.The StashCard is a fun storage device that I'd be willing to bet no one in your office or circle of friends has. The card works well and is priced right; pick one up to be ready for any emergency.

Tourist Remover Software

In the same way that HDR photos can take all the best bits from multiple exposures of the same subject and combine them into a single stunning photo, futureLAB’s cleverly named Tourist Remover Software can de-tourist-ify your travel photos. Simply snap a few shots of a building, statue, etc., happy tourists and all. Their software will combine all of the un-touristed sections of each pic into a single tourist-free photo. Simple and pretty cool.

5 Tips for Thanksgiving Travel

This week, the mad rush of Thanksgiving can make travel a headache. Even the most experienced road warriors may be daunted by inflated fares, swine flu threats, and airports more stuffed than your grandmother’s Thanksgiving turkey. Below are some tips to deal with the madness of Thanksgiving travel:

1. Be flexible with dates. Of course it makes perfect sense to depart on November 25th after work and return on November 29th—that’s why everyone is doing it! And for the convenience of these ideal dates, you may pay through the nose—in bloated airfares and in hectic airports. Departing on Thursday instead of Wednesday may reduce your travel headaches and costs.
2. Be prepared for a storm. Storms have been predicted across America for the Thanksgiving period. Rain, slick roads, and snow can cause flight delays. You’ll want to bundle up in your warmest winter gear and take an umbrella in case of rain.
3. Protect yourself from swine flu. With so many people crowding the airports and planes, health authorities are warning that swine flu will rear its ugly head. Check out our tips to avoid getting sick on the plane—and remember to keep disinfecting your hands!
4. Treat yourself to a vacation. Hotwire.com recently reported that hotels across America have seen precipitous drops in check-in rates—and that means deep discounts. While you may not want to vacation in Houston—the number one most-discounted spot—unless you have family there, Miami and Oahu are vacation-friendly and cheaper than ever. 
5. Carry-on and save. Airlines charge a fee for each checked bag on flights within the United States. These fees can be as much as $20 for the first bag and go up to as much as $100 for additional bags. 

From all of us at WorldMate, safe travels and a very happy Thanksgiving!

Top Ten After 10

It’s 10pm; your business meetings have been over for several hours now and you feel like you’re held captive in this foreign city until your business trip ends on Friday. As you look around your lonely hotel room, stare at the single bed & contemplate calling it a night, you wonder “what is there to do in this city?!” With no local friends to turn to for companionship to keep you company, you realize you need to explore the town yourself to stay busy.

We can all relate to the traveling business man/woman who finds themselves at a loss of entertainment after they’ve finished their work in an unfamiliar city. If only they had a list of things to do that are open as late as they are awake! Read below to discover the top ten things to do after 10pm – worldwide.

1. Temple Street Night Market – Kowloon, Hong Kong

Late night shopping is always appealing when you’re traveling abroad and remember your family’s request for souvenirs. The Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon, Hong Kong features rows of brightly lit stalls and a wide variety of money-saving bargains. From clothes to jewelry, electronic gadgets and luggage, this busy night market is the perfect place for bargains – and bargaining. This festive market will keep you entertained from 4pm until midnight with its array of fortune-tellers, Chinese opera performances and busy food stalls that offer delicacies including fresh seafood and hotpot dishes. Absorb this cultural and memorable experience with the Kowloon locals and with your fellow night owls.

2. A Night Out on Sunset Boulevard – Los Angeles, California

Most people know – when you’re visiting LA, a visit-must is to conquer the busy street of
Sunset Boulevard (also known as the Sunset Strip). Filled with nightclubs, hotels, name
brand clothing stores and famous restaurants, one cannot find themselves un-entertained in
this LA landmark. A few stylish venues include The Chateau Marmont (a beautiful, historical hotel and also a favorite celebrity hangout), The House of Blues (a popular bar with live music and concerts nightly), Sunset Plaza (an area full of restaurants – intersecting Sunset Plaza Dr. and Sunset Blvd. – and the ideal place to grab a bite to eat and people watch), The Viper Room (a nightclub famous for being co-owned by Johnny Depp and is also the site of River Phoenix’s unfortunate death) – and the list of nightclubs goes on and on! Feel like a celebrity after working hours when doing business in LA.  

3. The Empire State Building Observatory – New York, New York

One of New York’s famous historical landmarks in the City is the Empire State Building, and its Observatory is one of the City’s main tourist attractions. Open 365 days a year, day or night, rain or shine, this Observatory shows breathtaking views of Manhattan and beyond. Located on the 86th floor, 1,050 feet above the city’s lively streets, the Observatory offers panoramic views from within a glass enclosed pavilion. Some memorable sites seen from the top include the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Ellis Island, The Statue of Liberty and Madison Square Garden. Operating from 8am to 2am daily, this location is perfect for getting into the spirit of The Big Apple, as admission is only $20 and the Observatory has a variety of activities for its visitors to engage in – including restaurants and coffee shops – so one can spend hours feeling on top of the world overlooking the City. 

4. Tapas, Tapas, Tapas! – Madrid, Spain

Being as the Spanish don’t usually start eating until after 10pm, trying Spanish tapas is easy to
do as a late-night event, and is a must when doing business in Madrid. Tapas – small edible
dishes that come with your beverage – can include anything from paella and croquettes to
marinated cubes of cheese and stuffed olives, and in Madrid, you will get the real tapas deal
as this city is known as the capital of restaurants. With tapas bars and wine bars across the city,
eating tapas has become the sociable way to eat – and a perfect way to meet others when traveling alone on business. Certain tapas restaurants also cater to music lovers, so if you feel like being culturally educated while sipping on wine and eating delicate tapas, make sure to check out certain venues that host flamenco shows or live music. 

5. D.C.’s Historical Memorials – Washington D.C.

A business trip to the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C. is not complete without a visit to some of its historical memorials located in the heart of the District. Walk the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to appreciate the breathtaking view east across the Reflecting Pool and toward the U.S. Capitol and take a moment to remember the many historic moments that took place at the memorial – including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Visit the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, which commemorates the third U.S. president and is the most beautiful during the spring season as the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Stop by the National World War II Memorial, which serves principally to honor those who gave their lives, their health and their loved ones during World War II. The memorial contains a wall of 4,048 stars, each representing 100 American soldiers who contributed to the U.S. war effort. Visiting these monuments after dark is easy to do, as these memorials mentioned are all open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Pick up a cup of coffee and grab your camera before you take a night stroll through these historical sites, as locals will advise that the memorials at night provides one of Washington D.C.’s best photo opportunities.       

6. The Eiffel Tower – Paris, France

When traveling in France, one must visit the tallest building in Paris and the tower that has become the most prominent symbol of both Paris and France: The Eiffel Tower. Being one of the most recognizable structures in the world, The Eiffel Tower is the single most visited paid monument in the world, with millions of people ascending it each year. The tower stands at 324m (1,063 ft) tall and was once the tallest structure in the world until 1930, when the Chrysler Building in New York City surpassed it. Visiting the Tower in the at night gives breath-taking views of Paris and a chance for visitors to explore three levels of exhibits and displays, restaurants, shopping and souvenir shops. The Eiffel Tower is open every day, all year long –until late hours of the night (either 11:45pm or 12:45am – depending on the season).From The Eiffel Tower, all your photos of your visit to Paris will be wonderful.

7. The Espresso Capital of the World – Seattle, WA

If you’re a coffee lover and are doing business in Seattle, Washington, you will soon realize that drinking coffee is not just a quick task done on the way to work, but rather a way of life. Seattle has become the espresso capital of America and “Seattleites” are positively fanatic about coffee. You will never be more than a block away from your next “cup of joe”, as running into espresso carts on the sidewalks, drive-through espresso windows, espresso bars and even gas station espresso counters is easy to do in this city. Seattle’s Best Coffee and Torrefazione are two of Seattle’s favorite espresso bar chains and are seen everywhere. Seattle is also the home of the original Starbucks coffee house – located in Pike Place Market – and is the one location where you super-automatic machines aren’t present, as they are still pulling shots of espresso in the artisan fashion. Coffee bars and cafes are as popular as bars and pubs as places to hang out with friends – so bring your book, pull up a chair and have a cup of coffee in Seattle.

8. The TV Tower – Berlin, Germany

The TV Tower in Berlin, Germany, is the symbol of Berlin today and is also the fourth tallest
free-standing structure in Europe, reaching 368 meters (1207 ft) high. You can look out
over the entire city and enjoy scenic views of many of Berlin’s tourist attractions – including
the Reichstag (Parliament building), the Brandenburg Gate, the Main Railway Station, the
Berlin Olympic Stadium, the Museum Island and the Potsdam Square. There is a visitor platform and a rotating restaurant in the middle of the sphere which rotates once every 30 minutes. With almost 1.2 million visitors every year, the Berlin TV tower is one of the most popular attractions for tourists visiting Berlin. Open until midnight daily, discover Berlin 360° with its panoramic views and breathtaking perspectives.

9. The Tel-Aviv Port – Tel-Aviv, Israel

The port of Tel Aviv is a flourishing area filled with restaurants, bars and clubs, arts and crafts events and beautiful views of the harbor. The port – also known as the “Namal” – offers activities all throughout the day. If you’re only around late night, there is still plenty to do to take your mind off of work. Come to the Namal hungry, as the port is filled with restaurants for every taste bud – from fresh gourmet seafood to Italian to Japanese food. After eating, enjoy a live show at the live fairs outside, have a drink at the local bars overlooking the ocean, listen to live music at a jazz club called Shablol (with live performances every night) or put on your dancing shoes and dance the night away at one of the night clubs like TLV or Galina. If shopping is on your mind, the port area has many name-brand shops – Diesel, Lee Cooper and Comme il Faut to name a few. Put on your experimental hat and tour the port to find the place which suites your liking.

10. The Millennium Park – Chicago, Illinois

When in Chicago, Illinois, make sure to make a visit to the Millennium Park – an award-
winning center for art, music, architecture and landscape design. This 24.5-acre Park
features the work of world-renowned architects, planners, artists and designers. Among
Millennium Park's prominent features are the Jay Pritzker Pavilion – the most sophisticated
outdoor concert venue of its kind in the United States, the interactive Crown Fountain and
the contemporary Lurie Garden. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, admission is
free and the Park is open daily until 11pm. If you’re feeling inspired and creative and want
to mingle with the locals of Chicago, visit the Millennium Park and get your dose of live music, theater and dance in this beautiful open park.