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Biophilic hotel design is going mainstream

Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

Beachfront properties, mountain lake resorts, luxury forest cabins, jungle hideaways, atrium lobbies — the hospitality industry has long known the value of attracting visitors with views of nature. Recently, though, more hotels and hotel designers have been employing principles of biophilia to enhance guests’ connection to nature within their properties. What once seemed just an extension of eco-design is fast becoming a must-have feature to compete for the custom of discerning travelers.

Travel2020: New app finds the money when air woes arrive

Lark Gould Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

My story is not unusual. I was heading home from the island of Mallorca last October. There was nothing brewing in the weather and, indeed, the waves of tourists that summer brings were long gone. I headed to the low-cost carrier I was taking back to Los Angeles, checked in, snaked through security, made it to the gate in plenty of time … and waited. And waited. Some 10 minutes before the flight was supposed to depart, the crowd stirred. No announcement, just clumps of individuals leaving their seats and heading elsewhere.

Black Friday, Cyber Monday joined by a travel companion

Katherine Radin Retail

Perhaps the official start to the holiday shopping season, Black Friday has long served as a chaotic day of consumerism to follow Thanksgiving. However, a recent survey by OpenX and The Harris Poll showed that, this year, shoppers are skipping the day altogether. Given the current state of brick-and-mortar retailers, it seems that retailers may have to rethink their Black Friday strategies in the years to come. But it also appears that a new discounted shopping day is on the horizon, reflecting current consumer behavior.

Uncertainty reigns in latest Brexit developments

Seth Sandronsky Civil & Government

Heavy is the task for British Prime Minister Theresa May of the Conservative Party. She is trying to helm Brexit, a June 23, 2016, referendum that voters approved for the U.K. to exit the 28-member European Union, an economic and political partnership. "The draft was the best that could be negotiated," May said of the brokered exit agreement draft struck with the EU. Dissidents disagreed with her assessment of the draft, which is hundreds of pages long, including many in her own party.

Handling the cold while RVing

Cindy Belt Recreation & Leisure

One of the best parts of RVing is that you can follow the good weather. You can hide out in the south during the winter and cool off in the north in the summer. Plus, you can enjoy spring and fall for weeks as you move in between. But sometimes you get caught in cold weather, and most RVs are not designed for cold. If you are RVing on the cold days, there are things you can do to reduce heat loss plus items you should have ready just in case.

Thanksgiving trivia to enjoy with the turkey

Dave G. Houser Recreation & Leisure

Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, Thanksgiving leads off the winter holiday season in America. While it has historical roots in religious and cultural traditions — beginning as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of a harvest — it has evolved into a largely secular holiday. Thanksgiving has been with us since Europeans first landed on our shores, so there’s plenty of history, some mystery, and plenty of fun facts and figures associated with the holiday. So here’s a bit of turkey day trivia to mull over as Thanksgiving 2018 approaches.

Southeast Asia neighbors battle over street food

Bambi Majumdar Food & Beverage

Singapore and Malaysia’s fight over street food highlights an interesting development in the history of food. It shows how this once-disparaged form of cuisine has become popular for newer generations. Singapore is known for its street food; it has been called a foodie city for ages. It did not come as a surprise to many that the city-state made a bid for a UNESCO cultural heritage listing. But immediate neighbor Malaysia did not appreciate the move.

Tips to avoid travel fraud this holiday season

Bambi Majumdar Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

If a travel deal seems too good to be true...it probably is. Holiday scams aren’t new but the sophistication applied behind them has made it harder for a layperson to gauge the scams from authentic offers. That is why one has to scrutinize that holiday getaway deal before booking. The internet was recently abuzz with James McAvoy’s story of how he nearly fell for a $10,000 Tenerife holiday scam. He went online to tell the world about his horrifying experience when a fake hotel website duped him.

Trends revealed at massive hospitality trade show in New York

Linchi Kwok Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

Over Veterans Day weekend, I attended the HX: The Hotel Experience 2018 and the BD | NY: A Boutique Design Trade Fair in New York City with a group of students from the Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona. Also known as the "Hotel Show," the HX: The Hotel Experience 2018 is often perceived as the largest hospitality trade show in North America. There were four components in the trade show, including HX: The Marketplace, HX: The Conference, Boutique Design New York (#BDNY), and the STR Market Study Competition.

5 tips for planning a winter RV camping trip

Dave G. Houser Recreation & Leisure

Some RVers choose to avoid the crowding and hustle and bustle of the regular camping season by venturing out for a winter stay at their favorite RV park or state park campground. The days are short, and temperatures may plunge but if you and your RV are ready for the elements, you’ll surely enjoy the peace and quiet of a wintertime camping trip. Below are five steps vital to preparing for an offseason camping adventure.

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