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Tips for Pod Traveling with Co-Workers
Since many businesses are now working from home, why not get a group of workers together and organize a travel pod? There is no question that we need human connection and since we are not building social connections in the office, why not get together in the mountains or on a beach with your co-workers?
Airbnb’s recent US Travel Report reveals the need for “togetherness” when we travel. Because of the pandemic and months of staying apart, 1/3 of travelers report seeing people, including family and friends was the main reason they were interested in travel.
This need for social connection continues as more businesses convert to work from home. We talked to a group of travelers in Champaign, IL who rented an Airbnb in California. They were working on a work project together and they decided it would be great to experience “dorm life” after college.
Here are a few of their recommendations:
Make the most the experience
Because of the recent trauma of the pandemic, the world has developed a minor case of agoraphobia, which according to Google is “extreme or irrational fear of entering open or crowded places, of leaving one’s own home, or of being in places from which escape is difficult”. So opportunities to push ourselves to try new things particularly outside are not only good for our psychological development but they improve the quality of our lives. When we look back we will remember these experiences with joy and excitement about a life well lived.
Allow differing perspectives to influence your work
The point of this Pod vacation is to collect ideas, not through the internet, but through experience and differing perspectives. Innovation happens when you can look at a problem differently and that means listening most to those who have the least amount of experience with the work you are achieving. If you do this, you will come home inspired and yearning for the next adventure.
Be kind
The media has taught us the true meaning of shockvertising and now we can’t seem to get away from it. The world has forgotten that there are people with feelings on the other side of the communication channel. This has changed our psychology into one that is hostile and angry, most of the time. This pod experience should be about growing and nurturing in a safe space. That doesn’t mean you can’t poke a little fun at someone, but try to avoid personal attacks, politics or other highly controversial topics. Try to enjoy the time and not outdo your colleagues. They will appreciate you more if you are humble and contribute warm insightful nurturing messages so everyone has the opportunity to grow.
Get to know each other, talk about a favorite sport, and favorite teams. Another cool idea might be to talk about a favorite wine, or an outdoor adventure.
Limit your expectations
I am a person who loves to plan. I like to know what is happening three weeks from Wednesday, however this not good when it comes to teamwork. If you go into this pod travel experience, with an agenda, you are going to be disappointed and you won’t get benefit of learning from others. Having an agenda is good, but make sure it is not detailed and that you find time to visit the Golden Gate Bridge.
5 Ways to Spend Your Sign-On Bonus
Receiving a sign on bonus is a great benefit that many employers are not offering to attract top talent. If you are in this position, it might be difficult to decide what to do with the extra cash. This article will list five great ideas of what you should to do improve your quality of life with your bonus.
Schedule a Weekend Getaway
Starting a new job probably means you wont have any vacation time, but you will likely have two days off, at some point, over the next month or two. Use your bonus to take a trip to Niagara Falls. It is beautiful this time of year.
Pay off Bills
The best idea for your long term quality of life is to pay down your debit with your bonus. It may not seem like a fun idea but when you are debt free you will feel less stress and more happiness so it’s always a good idea to do the responsible thing, even if it’s not as much fun as a weekend getaway.
Invest in Yourself
Education has been getting a bad rap in the media lately. Education costs are rising and students are not getting a return on their investment. This is true that there many scam artists who will try to take your money for some type of “education program”. Do your due diligence and look for educational programs that really interest you. Check out what is being offered at your local community college. Earning a degree will enrich your life in ways that you could have never imagined. It will improve your life to learn something new.
Save for Something Amazing
Do you want the new sports car or to remodel your kitchen? Your bonus could be an opportunity to start saving for something amazing. Go to the bank and open up a savings account and set up to have a certain amount withdrawal from your check each pay period. If you set the process up now, you wont even miss the money from your check.
Open an IRA or Buy Digital Currencies
Everyone hopes to someday have the opportunity to retire. With some of the changes being purposed to social security, if you are far from retirement the chances seem less likely that SS will exist for you. Therefore, using your bonus to secure your future with an IRA or for the risk-taker, buying a little Bitcoin could help to enhance your quality of life in the long run. It is always best to seek the advice of a finical advisor before making any kind of investment.
I hope this helps you put your money to good use as you are on your way to living your dream life.
5 Ways to Do Tokyo Like a Chef
Admit it. There are times when you wish you could get away from it all by moving to your own private island. Well, some cruise passengers actually can at least for a day. Each of the following cruise lines below offer passengers a day of fun in the sun on their very own private island. For many cruisers, this stop is the highlight of the trip. After all, what could be better than sitting on a white-sand beach, drinking a pia colada and soaking in the rays without crowds?
“It’s a wonderful destination, we will come back next year for sure!”
All of these islands have pristine shores, swaying palm trees, aquamarine waters and lots of ocean-side adventure. There usually are fees for shore excursions and equipment rental. Every destination offers something a little different for cruise passengers.
Even at first glance, CocoCay looks like the quintessential Caribbean hideaway. There are wide stretches of beach in quiet coves, island huts in bright Caribbean pinks and blues, and a colorful straw market offering Bahamian crafts and goods.
Many of the island buildings look brand new and they are. In 2002, the company invested more than US$ 21 million to turn this 140-acre (0.5 km) slip of land into a destination their passengers would never forget. Nature trails wind through the isle, which is home to wild chickens, peacocks and occasional iguanas. Those seeking solitude will enjoy the hammocks that are hung under coconut trees in quiet locations.
Sea lovers have plenty of activities to choose from. Hop on a jet ski (US $ 95 for 50 minutes) and speed across waters so clear that you can see orange starfish 20 feet below, or don a snorkel mask and explore life under the sea up close.
For a great view of the island, try your hand at parasailing (US $ 79 per hour). You’ll soar 200-400 feet in the air and maybe even take a cooling dip in the water before returning to the boat.
Children will enjoy Caylana’s Castle Cove and SeaTrek Aqua Park (US$ 15 adults, $10 children). Its floating sand castle and aquatic trampolines are just the things for those who are young at heart.
A staff of 45 people lives on CocoCay, and it’s obvious they take pride in keeping the island’s natural beauty in top condition. Their pampering service makes the island experience so pleasurable that you won’t want to leave when dusk falls all too soon.
“Disney knows children, so it’s no wonder that they feel at home on Castaway Cay”
The cruise ship docks right at the island (other cruise ships use tender boats to ferry passengers back and forth), so youngsters can head right down the ship’s ramp and out to explore Castaway Cay. There is a beach just for families, and Scuttle’s Cove is a safe and fun club for children. Parents need some time on their own, so there is Serenity Bay, a secluded beach for adults. For a little pampering, have a relaxing massage in the open-air cabanas at the seaside spa.
Game for a little exploration? Then grab a bike (child seats are available for little ones) and hit the trails (US$ 6 per hour). This is, after all, a secluded island getaway, and there are miles of empty shoreline and tropical forest to explore.
If you prefer the water, check out the Walking and Kayak Nature Adventure ($60). Participants walk with a guide through the island’s lush fauna and kayak through an ecologically sensitive mangrove environment. If paddling wears you out, just jump in for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear island waters.
Teens can get into their own adventure on The Wild Side (US$ 35), an excursion that includes snorkeling, biking and kayaking. Families who want to adventure together can try the Seahorse Catamaran Snorkel Adventure (US$ 49 adults, US$ 29 children). This easy 45-minute sail takes you out to calm waters and unspoiled coral reefs. Even younger children will enjoy floating in the turquoise Caribbean Sea with schools of colored fish.
Visitors to the tiny islet of Motu Mahana (Polynesian for sunlit island) are greeted with the sounds of Polynesia. Les Gauguines, an eight-woman song and dance troupe, perform beguiling love songs in their Polynesian tongue while guests enjoy a scrumptious feast under the shade of thatched huts. After lunch, guests can relax in the sea or wade for yards in the shallow waters while waiters wearing bathing suits offer tropical drinks to those in need of refreshment.
Try out the complimentary water sports like kayaking or snorkeling. For a different experience, board a motorized outrigger canoe and head to the beautiful island lagoon of Taha’a. Taha’a is known for two things: producing vanilla and black pearls.
Guests can take a four-wheel drive tour into the hills to tour the vanilla plantations (US$ 65) or view French Polynesia’s rare jewel, the black pearl, at the Motu Pearl Farm (US$ 64). From there, head to the lagoon for some quality time with the region’s underwater fauna. There is even a small lagoonarium where rays, turtles, sharks and fish are enclosed in four different pools.
How Much Should You Tip in Swiss Restaurants
Admit it. There are times when you wish you could get away from it all by moving to your own private island. Well, some cruise passengers actually can at least for a day. Each of the following cruise lines below offer passengers a day of fun in the sun on their very own private island. For many cruisers, this stop is the highlight of the trip. After all, what could be better than sitting on a white-sand beach, drinking a pia colada and soaking in the rays without crowds?
“It’s a wonderful destination, we will come back next year for sure!”
All of these islands have pristine shores, swaying palm trees, aquamarine waters and lots of ocean-side adventure. There usually are fees for shore excursions and equipment rental. Every destination offers something a little different for cruise passengers.
Even at first glance, CocoCay looks like the quintessential Caribbean hideaway. There are wide stretches of beach in quiet coves, island huts in bright Caribbean pinks and blues, and a colorful straw market offering Bahamian crafts and goods.
Many of the island buildings look brand new and they are. In 2002, the company invested more than US$ 21 million to turn this 140-acre (0.5 km) slip of land into a destination their passengers would never forget. Nature trails wind through the isle, which is home to wild chickens, peacocks and occasional iguanas. Those seeking solitude will enjoy the hammocks that are hung under coconut trees in quiet locations.
Sea lovers have plenty of activities to choose from. Hop on a jet ski (US $ 95 for 50 minutes) and speed across waters so clear that you can see orange starfish 20 feet below, or don a snorkel mask and explore life under the sea up close.
For a great view of the island, try your hand at parasailing (US $ 79 per hour). You’ll soar 200-400 feet in the air and maybe even take a cooling dip in the water before returning to the boat.
Children will enjoy Caylana’s Castle Cove and SeaTrek Aqua Park (US$ 15 adults, $10 children). Its floating sand castle and aquatic trampolines are just the things for those who are young at heart.
A staff of 45 people lives on CocoCay, and it’s obvious they take pride in keeping the island’s natural beauty in top condition. Their pampering service makes the island experience so pleasurable that you won’t want to leave when dusk falls all too soon.
“Disney knows children, so it’s no wonder that they feel at home on Castaway Cay”
The cruise ship docks right at the island (other cruise ships use tender boats to ferry passengers back and forth), so youngsters can head right down the ship’s ramp and out to explore Castaway Cay. There is a beach just for families, and Scuttle’s Cove is a safe and fun club for children. Parents need some time on their own, so there is Serenity Bay, a secluded beach for adults. For a little pampering, have a relaxing massage in the open-air cabanas at the seaside spa.
Game for a little exploration? Then grab a bike (child seats are available for little ones) and hit the trails (US$ 6 per hour). This is, after all, a secluded island getaway, and there are miles of empty shoreline and tropical forest to explore.
If you prefer the water, check out the Walking and Kayak Nature Adventure ($60). Participants walk with a guide through the island’s lush fauna and kayak through an ecologically sensitive mangrove environment. If paddling wears you out, just jump in for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear island waters.
Teens can get into their own adventure on The Wild Side (US$ 35), an excursion that includes snorkeling, biking and kayaking. Families who want to adventure together can try the Seahorse Catamaran Snorkel Adventure (US$ 49 adults, US$ 29 children). This easy 45-minute sail takes you out to calm waters and unspoiled coral reefs. Even younger children will enjoy floating in the turquoise Caribbean Sea with schools of colored fish.
Visitors to the tiny islet of Motu Mahana (Polynesian for sunlit island) are greeted with the sounds of Polynesia. Les Gauguines, an eight-woman song and dance troupe, perform beguiling love songs in their Polynesian tongue while guests enjoy a scrumptious feast under the shade of thatched huts. After lunch, guests can relax in the sea or wade for yards in the shallow waters while waiters wearing bathing suits offer tropical drinks to those in need of refreshment.
Try out the complimentary water sports like kayaking or snorkeling. For a different experience, board a motorized outrigger canoe and head to the beautiful island lagoon of Taha’a. Taha’a is known for two things: producing vanilla and black pearls.
Guests can take a four-wheel drive tour into the hills to tour the vanilla plantations (US$ 65) or view French Polynesia’s rare jewel, the black pearl, at the Motu Pearl Farm (US$ 64). From there, head to the lagoon for some quality time with the region’s underwater fauna. There is even a small lagoonarium where rays, turtles, sharks and fish are enclosed in four different pools.
