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The most high-tech hotels in the world

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peninsula

Whether carrying a suitcase for a short gateway or living from a briefcase, the first thing people probably do as they step into a hotel is check the Wi-Fi signal.

As creatures living in a cutting-edge world, we expect our dwelling quarters to be technologically equipped and, thus, hotel surroundings are no exemption.

Some hotels around the world are going above and beyond to make an impression with high-tech features of utmost elegance while some create innovative plans for environmental sustainability. We look at some of the world’s revolutionary hotels.

SEE ALSO: Robots are the staff in this cost-cutting Japanese hotel

Technologically Primed — London Marriott Hotel Park Lane

The newly renovated interior of London Marriott Hotel Park Lane showcases a blend of modernism and historical authenticity. The building has been accentuated in terms of design and materials used but without neglecting some state-of-the-art upgrades. Guests are offered a mobile check-in option, while those who require a document urgently printed will have access to the Air Printer at the Concierge Desk through the hotel’s Wi-Fi connection.

The best of the hotel’s technological advances can be found past the doors of its three meeting rooms: Oxford Suite, Hyde Park Suite and Mayfair Boardroom. All redesigned in 2015, the cutting-edge technology found within the space includes the latest in audio and visual equipment. Guests can make use of a planning website at MeetingsImagined.com before their meeting.

The platform allows users to design the entire look and feel of an event or meeting using interactive web tools and image galleries. Once their event commences, users are able to keep track of it with their mobile or tablet device using a meeting services app, Red Coat Direct. Real-time requests can be made to the events team, which eliminates some of the stress of preparing and hosting an occasion.



Modern Work — The Peninsula Hong Kong

The future is now, as seen through the revolutionary guest rooms of The Peninsula Hong Kong (pictured). Packed with modern business and bedside comforts, all guest rooms come with multi-language touch-screen tablets to control lights, curtains, television, temperature and more. A PenCities virtual city guide, restaurant menus and hotel services are also a mere touch away thanks to these interactive digital screens.

For those who miss home, they can make free international calls via Voice over Internet Protocol (better known as VOIP), both in-room and when traveling in the hotel’s Rolls-Royce fleet. Guests can also set up an office in their room with wireless connection to personal electronic devices and to the all-in-one fax, printer, photocopier and scanner.

For maximum relaxation, The Peninsula’s en suite marble bathrooms have LED touch-screen panels for terrestrial and Internet television, plus access to more than 400 radio stations. You can play around with the mood lighting and get a customized ambient spa setting for a luxurious, integrated light and sound experience.

The Peninsula Chicago also recently underwent a similar gadgetry upgrade to Hong Kong, soon to be followed by the Peninsula Paris.

 



Sassily Savvy — W Singapore Sentosa Cove

Nothing tops being able to hear beats underwater. There is no doubt about the tech-savviness of W Singapore with its outdoor swimming pool fitted with underwater speakers, allowing guests to perform laps as a series of aural waves cheer them on. The music doesn’t seem to stop: once out of the waters as guests can rent a private cabana by the pool, with an iPad and iPod on offer.

For those staying in the Extreme WOW Suite, expect to be entertained with a 55in television and Bose surround sound. There is even a DJ booth featuring two state-of-the-art turntables and a selection of records.

Around the hotel, extensive use of LED lighting is apparent, which allows the hotel to reduce overall energy use by about 39 percent. The hotel also focuses on green initiatives such as paperless signage and sustainable meeting practices, meaning more digital screens to present events and programming within the hotel’s public spaces.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 3 bottles of booze you need for your holiday parties

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No holiday party is complete without these 3 essential liquors.

There's something for all lovers of vodka, gin and Cognac.

SEE ALSO: 13 things you should never do at the office holiday party

Grey Goose VX

Although many point to the marketing acumen of the late Sidney Frank for the initial success of Grey Goose vodka, it was the Cognac blending heritage of François Thibault—the vodka’s creator and maître de chai—that led to the spirit’s creation in 1997. At the time, Grey Goose was revolutionary for its use of French wheat and water, and for the fact that it was distilled and bottled in France’s Cognac region. More recently, Thibault has tapped into his distilling expertise and skills as a Cognac blender to create a new vodka expression, Grey Goose VX (Vodka Exceptionnelle), which is infused with a 2-year-old Cognac eaux-de-vie made from Grande Champagne grapes. In this way, the new vodka, which is characterized by a subtle floral sweetness, stays true not only to the French brand’s commitment to being locally sourced but to Thibault’s heritage as a master Cognac blender. ($75)



Russell Henry Dark Gin

Gin has come quite a long way in recent years. It remains a staple base spirit for craft and classic cocktails, and a number of boutique distilleries are now crafting examples that showcase the complexity and nuanced flavors that the spirit can possess. Nevertheless, the sight of a gin being poured hardly attracts much attention. Unless, of course, the spirit in question is Russell Henry Dark gin, which boasts a golden hue thanks to nine months of maturation in American and French oak barrels. Those barrels transform the soft and delicate Russell Henry London Dry gin into one that features a floral perfume and tastes slightly spicy, with notes of citrus and—not surprisingly—oak. Not many gins can shine when served chilled and straight up, but this one can. ($65)



Camus Extra Dark & Intense

In 2013, Camus Extra Elegance Cognac, comprising eaux-de-vie made from Borderies, Grande Champagne, and Petite Champagne grapes, earned Robb Report’s Best of the Best honors. More recently, Camus has released an intensified version of that expression, Camus Extra Dark & Intense, which is available only in duty-free shops. Although the Cognac’s mahogany color is not noticeably darker than its predecessor, the spirit’s flavor and aroma are decidedly more pronounced. To accomplish that, specific casks were decanted, then retoasted, and finally refilled with the same eaux-de-vie that filled them before. Compared to the floral bouquet and pungent flavors of Camus Extra Elegance, the Extra Dark & Intense is more robust, with heavier notes of leather, cedar, and tobacco. As such, it acts as the ideal nightcap to all your holiday celebrations. ($480) 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

9 successful people share the advice they'd give their younger selves about money

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john paul dejoria

We sometimes forget that even the wealthiest, most successful people weren't always on top of the world.

"Every master was once a disaster," T. Harv Eker writes in his bestseller, "Secrets of the Millionaire Mind."

"No one comes out of the womb a financial genius. Every rich person learned how to succeed at the money game, and so can you."

Business Insider asked CEOs, self-made millionaires, and best-selling authors what they wish they'd known about money from the get-go.

After years of experimentation, successes, and failures, here's the financial advice nine successful people would give their younger selves:

SEE ALSO: 9 successful people share the smartest thing that they've ever done with their money

Invest in your career and the money will come.

Adam Nash, president and CEO of Wealthfront:

"I was fortunate to have been raised with a strong sense of the importance of saving and living below your means. However, it wasn't until later that I learned just how much of your long-term economic success depends on your professional career.

"Knowing what I now know about the importance your career path has in determining long term financial success, I'm a huge believer that people in their 20s should seek out opportunities at later-stage, hypergrowth companies. When you think long term, the company you join is far more important in your 20s than the specific compensation or role. This is one of the reasons that we publish our list of Career Launching Companies every year on the Wealthfront blog."



Put aside more money than you think you can and learn to live without it.

Lewis Howes, lifestyle entrepreneur, business coach, author of "The School of Greatness":

"Money comes to you when you are ready for it. Start creating auto payments to your savings and investments early on, even if it's $10 a month — and then, each year increase the auto payments to something that feels uncomfortable, and stick with it."



Have a cash cushion.

John Paul DeJoria, cofounder of John Paul Mitchell Systems and Patrón tequila

"Before investing or starting a company, make sure you have enough money saved for at least six months to pay bills or anything else that might come up financially. It's important to have a cushion of six months financial back-up before you invest or if something doesn't work out in your favor."



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

This artist makes intricate 'Star Wars' portraits using thousands of colored staples

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Artist C James Haggerty Star Wars

James Haggerty is a New York-based artist with a flair for the unique. His mosaic "Star Wars" series in particular has set him apart for its creative use of an every day office product: Staples.

Blending a love for both "Star Wars" and Impressionism, Haggerty's mosaic project requires thousands of colored staples and a high level of patience. 

Tech Insider recently gathered a list of some of the world's biggest "Star Wars" fans, and Haggerty was featured along with several other creative types. 

Let's take a closer look at the impressive artwork in Haggerty's collection.

Haggerty, a public school art teacher in New York, says he first got the idea to make "Star Wars" staple mosaics while daydreaming. "I enjoy how artists use non-traditional materials in their art," he told Tech Insider.



Each piece starts with a black-painted board averaging 40-by-32 inches in size.



The first mosaic Haggerty completed in 2013 was made up of just two colors of staples: silver and red. 10,496 staples



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

3 reasons you should try my new favorite email app, Spark

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Last week I found out that my favorite email app, Mailbox, was getting the axe.

The news sent me into a frantic search for an email app that could replace Mailbox — no easy task given how integral it's been to my daily life the past three years.

After testing several of the most popular email apps out there, including Microsoft's Outlook and Google's experimental Inbox app, I landed on a relatively new email app called Spark, which is built by Readdle, a Ukrainian app development company.

SEE ALSO: Google will alert users when their emails are not secure

1. Spark's Smart Inbox automatically groups emails into different groups, like newsletters and alerts.

There are two main inbox views in Spark: the main inbox, which is displayed in chronological order like you'd expect, and the Smart Inbox, which automatically groups similar emails together, like recurring newsletters and messages from specific people the app thinks deserve your attention.

I like checking my Smart Inbox first thing in the morning to get a quick glance at what kind of emails are filling my inbox. It's a helpful visual breakdown of what I have to deal with.



2. The app lets you customize how you interact with email on a pretty granular level.

Spark lets you customize just about every part of the app, including how its different windows ("widgets") are laid out. You can hide individual widgets, like the separate menu for browsing attachments, if you don't plan on using them.

I appreciate an email app that lets me customize how things work on a detailed level, which is an area that Spark excels in. I can have multiple signatures, connect my Dropbox and Pocket accounts, and much more.



3. You can 'snooze' emails for later.

Being able to snooze emails for later was an absolute must-have feature for an email app to replace Mailbox. I've relied on Mailbox's snoozing abilities for so long, and I was pleased to see Spark get a very similar feature in a recent update.

If an email hits my inbox that I want to look at later, I can swipe on it and choose from a list of times. Spark will even send me a push notification alerting me when a snoozed email arrives in my inbox again.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

This man lives his life as Darth Vader — and the photos are incredible

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Darth Vader Ukraine

While many fans are excitedly preparing for the release of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," one Ukrainian man is taking things to the next level.

Darth Mykolaiovych Vader legally changed his name in homage to the classic "Star Wars" villain. He spends his days dressed in a Vader costume, complete with black cloak, gloves, and of course, the iconic face mask. 

Reuters caught up with Vader to see what life is like as one of the world's most famous movie villains. Turns out, even mundane tasks, like showering and dog walking, look a lot cooler when the Sith Lord does them. 

Keep reading to get a closer look at the life of Darth Mykolaiovych Vader. 

 

Meet Darth Mykolaiovych Vader.



Vader lives in Odessa, Ukraine.



And yes, Darth Mykolaiovych Vader is his legal name.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Everything around the LA 'Star Wars' premiere has been shut down — this is going to be huge

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It's Star Wars Day!

At least, Star Wars World Premiere Day, that is.

The much-anticipated "The Force Awakens" opens Friday, Dec. 18 with some US theaters showing at 7pm on Thursday, Dec. 17. But in Hollywood, the big red carpet premiere of the film kicks off on Monday, Dec. 14.

Tech Insider took a look around the site and got a sense for the high security, energy, and production behind a premiere some are saying is "bigger than the Oscars."

Last week right at the iconic spot of Hollywood and Highland, preparation began for the world premiere of "Star Wars."



"Force" is going big. Like shutting-down-Hollywood Blvd.-big.



Organizers shut down four blocks from La Brea to Highland Avenue, which means plenty of traffic issues.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 27 best apps of 2015 for doing your job

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Your smartphone is like having a computer and the internet in your pocket. Not only can it help you find some food, get fit, shop, and play, but it can also help you get your job done better.

But with millions of apps available, which ones are worth trying? We scanned the "best of 2015 apps" lists put out by Apple and by Google to come up with this list of apps for work, plus we added a whole bunch of our own recommendations, from our recently published App 100 list.

Our picks span the range of work activities including travel, photo editing, document editing, planning, email, lists and more.  

 

SEE ALSO: These are the only 3 apps Apple and Google both agreed were the best of 2015

Uber unlocked the on-demand economy.

No app exemplifies the burgeoning on-demand app economy more than Uber, which made hailing a ride with a smartphone app go mainstream. Tap a button to summon a car, tell it where you want to go in the app, and pay for the ride with your credit card stored in the app.

If the company has its say, Uber could eventually become the way we get everything from our packages to our groceries.

UberEATS, the company's meal delivery service, is already delivering lunch in Los Angeles, New York, and Toronto, and the UberRUSH delivery service works in San Francisco, New York, and Chicago.

Price: Free
Available on:iOS, Android



Shyp will deliver your packages for you.

Shyp takes the hassle out of mailing stuff. It’s really that simple. Using the mobile app, you take a picture of whatever you want to mail, and a Shyp courier comes to your door and takes it to a nearby facility where it's expertly packaged and sent on its way.

The app's most recent update lets you create a user name for your address so people can send you things by entering only your name. There's also a built-in packaging tracker that works for senders and Shyp recipients.

By taking your interactions with the post office out of the equation, Shyp has proven that it delivers an experience people want. So far, the startup is only operational in New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, and Chicago, but the company told Tech Insider that it's seeing 20% more shipments each month.

Price: Free to download (prices vary based on shipment)
Available on:iOS, Android



Slack is where you communicate with your coworkers.

Think of Slack like the modern equivalent of an internet chat room that eliminates the need for email. Log in to communicate with your colleagues in public channels or private groups, share files, and more.

The app is geared toward businesses large and small that need a way for their employees to communicate internally, and it’s hugely popular. Other apps and services can integrate directly with Slack too, which makes it kind of like a command center for getting stuff done at work.

Thousands of companies use Slack, including Tech Insider. Your team should be using it too.

Price: Free
Available on:iOS, Android, web



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

This incredible demo shows off what's possible with virtual reality gaming

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Do you like the concept of rock climbing, but not the imminent peril of death's scythe hanging over your head?

Meet "The Climb," a gorgeous new virtual reality game from German development studio Crytek:

The Climb

In "The Climb," however, you're not taking out bad guys. The "bad guy" is gravity, and you're trying your best to defeat it by — what else? — climbing.

SEE ALSO: These are the first 17 PlayStation 4 games headed to virtual reality

In "The Climb," you'll use an Oculus Rift — Facebook's upcoming virtual reality headset — to experience first-person climbing.



See that hand? That's you!



Your hands are controlled either by a gamepad or the Oculus Touch motion controllers.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 14 photos on Imgur that made people say 'WTF?!' in 2015

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900 billion images were viewed on Imgur in 2015. Tons of pictures fell into the category of amusing or heartwarming.

But everyone knows the best photos are the weird ones, some strange enough to make a viewer say, "WTF am I looking at?"

Based on a combination of number of views and upvotes, Imgur selected the top 14 "WTF"-worthy pictures from this past year.

Let's dive into the weirdness. 

SEE ALSO: The top 20 most Instagrammed locations of 2015

This illusion makeup is almost too realistic. The original caption said "If I could make a kid cry tonight, I would be so happy."

RAW Embed



In a bizarre car accident story, this jeep rolled right through the telephone poll. The driver walked away without a scratch, according to the uploader.

RAW Embed



A snapshot of garbagemen taking a break on the playground is a little less "WTF" and a little more "Aww!" But we'll give it to Imgur — you don't see this every day.

RAW Embed



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Arianna Huffington, Mario Batali, and 8 other highly successful people predict the trends that will shape 2016

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As 2015 comes to an end, many of us will reflect on the past year and think about what went well and what we would have done differently. Meanwhile, some of the world's most successful people are using this time to look ahead and make predictions for the year to come.

LinkedIn recently compiled these ideas for its latest editorial package.

To do that, the social networking site asked industry leaders such as Arianna Huffington, Sallie Krawcheck, and Mario Batali to share their "big ideas" for what's to come in 2016.

Here's what they said we might see in tech, business, food, and fashion over the next 12 months:

SEE ALSO: 50 enterprise startups to bet your career on in 2016

DON'T MISS: The 27 jobs that are most damaging to your health

Mario Batali: More casual restaurants may take over.

The famous chef and media personality told LinkedIn that the types of restaurants people prefer to eat at may change in the coming year. 

He believes that trendy "tasting-menu-only restaurants" will still be around, but will become less significant — while more casual restaurants with "multi-option menu experiences" will begin to take over.

 



Arianna Huffington: How much and how well we sleep might finally change.

Since collapsing from exhaustion in 2007, Huffington, president and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post, has made it her mission to spread the powerful benefits of getting a good nights sleep, her website reports.

Sleep is now a priority in her life, and she turns her devices off 30 minutes before she goes to bed to allow her brain to slow down, she told Business Insider

While she's getting more sleep these days, Huffington is worried about others and told LinkedIn that we're in the middle of a "sleep deprivation crisis" that's affecting our health, work ethic, relationships, and happiness — and she hopes this crisis will be addressed in the new year. 

“So here's the big idea I think will shape 2016: sleep. That's right, sleep!" she says. "How much and how well we sleep in the coming year — and the years to follow — will determine, in no small measure, our ability to address and solve the problems we're facing as individuals and as a society."



Marissa Webb: There may be fewer short-lived fashion trends.

Webb, a fashion designer, stepped down as creative director of Banana Republic this past October to pursue her own fashion line, reports The New York Times. She told LinkedIn she hopes everything will be less "rapidly disposable" in the future as it is today.

"[It's] unfortunate because there's something beautiful about honest authenticity. By moving everything so fast, we're pushing to the next before we've had a chance to digest the first thing."

Webb hopes to be a part of this trend by sticking to what she knows and doing it well. "Instead, I think it's better to stay consistent and authentic — take what you do best, commit to it, and make it the best it can be."



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

9 extravagant daily habits frugal people don't have

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I grew up in a frugal household. My parents would keep the heat low to save on the utility bills. We would bring a bag lunch each day and not spend the dollar or two it cost for lunch at school.

We did it because we needed to save up money for expensive flights home to Taiwan to visit our relatives.

After finding financial success as an adult, I still find myself keeping the same habits. I know that I keep the temperature relatively low in our house but now it's because that's what I'm used to. We can afford to keep it warmer.

But my childhood home was cooler than average so I like it cooler. 

Frugality is often borne out of necessity, but eventually it becomes habitual.

But just as frugality is habitual, extravagance is too. And we're not talking gold plated forks or silver spoon extravagance, those most people can avoid without difficulty. We're talking the small daily extravagances that, when you add them up, derail your budget and delay your goals.

The following are a series of daily extravagance habits that, if you want to be frugal and save your money for the things you want, you must break. 

SEE ALSO: 21 lifestyle changes to make if you want to save more money

Allowing others to dictate your spending.

Peer pressure is a powerful force, it's why so many people participate in gift exchanges or baby showers or wedding showers … when they otherwise would want nothing to do with it.

Less visible but likely more pervasive, how about going out to lunch with co-workers? It would seem like not a big deal but it is if you're only going out because they are and you want to seem like a "team player."

Frugal people understand that they are responsible for their own savings and so they should be responsible for where they are spending. Don't allow others, through peer pressure, to spend your money.



Forgetting to comparison shop.

Instant gratification is a difficult force to overcome but frugal people realize that you can slow things down and save yourself a lot of money in the process.

Comparison shopping, whether it's for a gallon of milk or a home renovation, is crucial. For staples, like milk and eggs, I just remember which stores offer the best deals and I don't comparison shop each and every time I buy them. I just keep an eye out and don't let myself overpay regularly.

For larger one time purchases, like renovation work, I always get three or more quotes. When you have three, you know where the market rate is for that work. If you have the time, get more but stop yourself at ten or if the process takes more than two weeks. At that point, you're not getting any more useful information and are really just delaying things (which could be a sign you don't want to do it in the first place!).

Let the market forces work in your favor!



Overpaying for convenience.

Think about everything you buy — where are they the cheapest? In bulk.

Where are they the most expensive? Vending machines. Convenience stores.

Convenience is a wonderful thing. When you have a crying kid, are stressed out after a long day, convenience is a wonderful thing. It becomes a problem when convenience becomes common. You can buy a big bag of chips for $3 or you can buy small bags for $1 from the vending machine.

One time? No big deal, we're not sadists here. But all the time? No. Plan ahead and save that money for something that is important to you.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

10 destinations that are surprisingly affordable in the winter

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We've scoured destinations and deals for weeks to come up with bargains and overlooked off-peak destinations that are still great in winter.

So, whether you're looking for a bucket-list beach destination or just wanting to hit the slopes, we've found some awesome deals both near and far.

Deals mentioned are not guaranteed and all prices are based on research done at the time of publication and are subject to change.

SEE ALSO: 10 classic cocktails you can make on the plane

New York City, New York

Why It's a Steal: There's nothing quite like Christmas in the Big Apple. While hotel rates drop significantly after New Year's, you should still be able to find slashed rates compared to summer during the holidays and just before. Looking for even better prices? Average nightly hotel rates from January through March hover around $235 a night—22 percent lower than the rest of the year.

If you're going, check out the Unlock NYC campaign"Find a Winter Less Ordinary," which features tips for discovering unexpected icons and landmarks.

Deals to Watch For: We found this hotel deal with Kimpton Hotels with prices at $170 a night from January through March 21 2016. If you're too late on that deal, check out Hotel Week New York City from January 3 to 15, during which rooms are significantly discounted. Be sure to check out NYC Restaurant Week (January 18 through February 5), which offers three-course lunches for $25 and dinners for $38. Other deals include two-for-one theatre tickets on select shows during NYC Broadway WeekSM (January 19 through February 5) and NYC Off-Broadway WeekSM (February 1 through 14).

RELATED:10 Best Apps for Traveling to New York City



Sydney, Australia

Why It's a Steal: Although in its peak season, flights to Australia are some of the cheapest we've seen. A strong American dollar also makes your stay there more affordable, so if Oz is on your bucket list, this is the time to do it right.

Flights are inexpensive in part because American Airlines launches daily service from LA to Sydney on December 17, and San Francisco via Qantas on December 20. These are the lowest fares we've seen in a while, according to SmarterTravel Deals Editor Patricia Magaña.

This is also Sydney's summer, when amazing weather (little humidity, lots of sunshine) makes it a great escape from the traditional holidays, and get the extra treat of beautiful New Year's fireworks. Domestic travel within Australia is inexpensive with Jetstar making a multi-destination vacation affordable. Don't miss Australia Day at the end of January and Mardi Gras in February.

Deals to Watch For: Round trip flights with flexible dates from Qantas between LAX and Sydney can be found for under $1,300 in December, February, and March.

Hotels average around $200 or $300 per night, and Qantas offers point deals when you book through the airline. Adina Apartments are abundant in the city, with affordable rates and special offers for winter travel. Check out the 4-Day Sydney Discovery deal with Qantas for a harbor-view vacation by boat.

RELATED:Best Places to Go in Australia

 



Tulum, Mexico

Why It's a Steal: December is a semi-popular time to visit before the busy spring season, but hotel deals and flights can still be found through February and early March, making the warm temperatures and attractive price a great winter escape. Most beaches have free access and hotel deals can be found through promotions either just before or just after the holidays. The closest major airport to Tulum is Cancun (about a two-hour drive), so you're likely to find a cheap flight to the major airport, but also a secluded beach vacation.

Deals to Watch For: Frontier, Spirit, and United all are offering cheap round-trip tickets from major U.S. cities. For hotels, we found lots of pre and post holiday promotions. Check out Diamante K and Posada Yum Kin's ongoing discounted rates.

RELATED:10 Best Places to Go in Mexico

 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

12 of the most breathtaking drone photos of 2015

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Fog creeps in over the buildings in Maringa, Brazil.

With their unique perspective, high-flying drones can turn even the most plain-looking location into a seemingly impossible scene.

Dronestagram, a social network where drone users can upload and share their best photographs, just published the best photos it received during 2015, as rated by users.

From camel races in Dubai to breathtaking views of cityscapes, here are the site's top 12 aerial photos from 2015.

SEE ALSO: 20 incredible images captured by a drone

A cliff diver risks his life leaping off the Plazuela Sanchez Taboada in Mazatlan, Mexico.



This fishing hole, drilled in a frozen lake in Turgoyak, Russia, "looks like a human eye from above," says its photographer.



Camels cast shadows during the annual Al Marmoum Camel Race in Dubai.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Krispy Kreme opened a Starbucks-style coffee shop — here's what it's like

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Krispy KremeKrispy Kreme doesn’t want to be Starbucks. However, the chain is drawing inspiration from coffee shops as it looks to the future.

In October, the donut chain opened a new location in Clemmons, North Carolina with some serious coffee shop vibes, including vintage signs, natural wood, free WiFi, and a redesigned ordering system and seating area.

The concept store represents a major step forward in Krispy Kreme’s plan to increase coffee sales, which currently make up 5% of sales — a figure that CEO Tony Thompson told Business Insider he believes the company could double.

“We love to hear, ‘We used to go to Starbucks, but this is pretty cool too,’” says Thompson on customers, especially younger ones, he meets at the Clemmons concept shop. “[Krispy Kreme is] not trying to go be a Starbucks. What we want out of this is, people are coming for the donut. We want to attach [coffee].”

Here’s how the new shop is trying to do just that — and what it means for the future of the brand.

The aspect of the new location most likely to show up at your local Krispy Kreme is the coffee-centric ordering system.

When customers come to a Krispy Kreme, they are drawn straight to the donut case, like moths to a flame. 

However, the traditional ordering system — order donut at the case, then go pay at the register — often reduces the chance of customers getting a beverage to go with their sweet treats. So, with the new location, ordering coffee and donut is finally linked. 

"We know people are coming to the case. So, let’s up the POS there, let’s start where they go," says Thompson. "Don’t push them to do something different — you know where they’re going to go."



Krispy Kreme is already working on retrofitting the new ordering system at some existing locations, as well as select new shops.

The company isn't ready to share the exact figures, and it's not replicating the entire store, but different locations are expected to take on aspects of the Clemmons ordering system. 

In some areas, the company will add a barista and a manual espresso machine. In others, it will be a matter of rearranging the donut case and point of sales system to fit the new customer flow design. 



Continuing the coffee shop vibe, the seating area has been reworked to be more modern and inviting.

The location has soft seats and high-backed chairs, free WiFi, and more plugs along the wall for customers looking for somewhere to plug in their laptops and sit for a while. 

"To really address coffee, you’ve got to do more than just have a new menu item, or just some new news," says Thompson. "You need to have the overall experience be about coffee.”

Down the road, some aspects of this new experience may become the norm at Krispy Kreme locations, as the company continues to collect data at the Clemmons shop. 



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24 people from around the world share the Christmas decoration that means the most to them

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The holidays are a time for families to come together over gifts, food, and special memories. For many, those memories extend to the decorations they use in their home.

Christmas tree providers Balsam Hill asked photographers around the world to share their most memorable decoration and explain why it's special to them. The submissions spanned six different continents, revealing the touching stories behind the most cherished holiday memories. 

We've put together a collection of some of our favorites, but you can see the full project here

SEE ALSO: Inside New York City's most festive bar, where they spend more than $60,000 a year getting ready for Christmas

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Tirana, Albania

"My aunt passed away years ago, so this ornament reminds me that she will always be with us each Christmas holiday. She loved building snowmen; it was her favorite thing to do. When I hang this decoration on the tree each year, it makes me feel warm inside knowing we have a special ornament just for her."— Angela 



Birmingham, United Kingdom

"My two little sisters gifted me this special handmade star bunting ornament on Christmas Eve. They live in India, and I have not seen them since 2011 ... this gift made me realize that no matter how far apart we live, we will always be connected to one another just like this star bunting."— Gavin



Canterbury, United Kingdom

"This is a small seated porcelain bisque Santa which belonged to my late great-grandmother. I remember this decoration being locked in her ornament cabinet when I was a very small child ...The ornament now stands in my own cabinet, and I bring it out each holiday season and stand it on the bookshelf with other treasured mementos of Christmas past and present."— Lorraine



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How to eat healthy on a budget

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With pizza, burgers, and junk food easily ordered at the click of a button, it’s no wonder we find ourselves with the dual problem of high food costs and low-nutrition diets.

But if you’re looking to break the delivery habit, dietitians have shared their insider tips on eating healthy while spending no money. OK, maybe not $0, but certainly less than you’re spending on Seamless.

 

SEE ALSO: One sentence sums up all the science on how to eat healthy

Skip the health food store.

There are so many other sources of nutritious food that offer a better bang for your buck than traditional health food stores. “Costco is great because you can buy things in bulk, also Thrive Market can be a great way to save money on some of the healthy specialty foods,” says Jessica Jones, registered dietitian of Food Heaven Made Easy. Other alternative sources, such as farmers markets and community-supported agriculture (CSA) shares, help bring down the price of fresh foods, since they have lower costs associated with transportation, storage, and packaging than conventional stores.



Develop a bulk-buying strategy.

Buying in bulk is a well-known tip for eating healthy on the cheap, but you lose the cost savings if you lack a strategy for using the ingredients before they expire. Registered dietitian nutritionist Sarah Krieger, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, says shopping in the bulk section is worth it for "nutritious foods that a family enjoys in abundance, such as nuts, seeds, and whole grains ... Herbs and spices are also great in bulk — only buy what will be used to avoid waste here too." Jones also suggests adding brown rice, quinoa, and beans to your bulk list.



Befriend farmers.

Food grown close to home is generally richer in nutrients and lower in cost than fruits and vegetables produced farther away. Krieger says, "Nutrients are lost over time if they are shipped from far away, and the cost is low due to less transportation of the produce." While more grocery stores are now stocking local produce, farmers markets and produce stands provide some of the cheapest, freshest fruits and vegetables available.

The dietitians have a few tips for added savings at farmers markets: arrive fashionably late (some farmers would rather offer discounts on unsold produce than haul it back to the farm at the end of the day), politely ask for lower prices on ripe fruits and vegetables that should be consumed that day, and inquire about bulk prices if you plan to try a recipe that requires a lot of one ingredient, such as tomato sauce.



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We asked and you answered — here are 18 of the wildest office holiday party stories we've ever heard

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No matter how many times we warn you against letting loose at the company holiday party, some people just don't listen.

But it's important to remember you're still on company time and how you behave matters.

As a lesson to us all, we asked readers— and combed the web — for wild stories of office holiday parties past. Here are some of the funniest:

Some answers have been edited for clarity.

SEE ALSO: 14 great holiday gifts to get for your coworkers

DON'T MISS: The 27 jobs that are most damaging to your health

'Our new janitor has no idea why everyone is treating him so nicely.'

"There was this quiet, old janitor that worked our office building who was scheduled to retire on Christmas, so our Christmas party kind of included his farewell; we gave gifts to each other, put up a Christmas tree, people brought cakes and pastries, Christmas stuff.

"Then here comes the old janitor and he leaves a fairly big bag of presents under the tree; we're all kind of surprised because no one seemed to interact with him that much, but nonetheless we thank him and wish him the best and stuff, then he leaves and presumably sets off to the Midwest. The next day, we open the presents, including his.

"Turns out, the retiring janitor gave everyone in the office a little bottle of sulfuric acid. Everybody got one, even me, I still have it. We don't know where he got them or how much they cost, but apparently he hated our guts.

"Our new janitor has no idea why everyone is treating him so nicely."—Anonymous Business Insider reader



'That was a mistake.'

"My friend is in charge of a number of temporary hires, contract workers, and freelancers at an ad agency. Her company's HR department sent a mass save-the-date email for the holiday party to everyone, including the people she has under her. That was a mistake. She now has to contact each one and tell them they are not invited to the company party." —Anonymous Business Insider reader



'The guy who brought the brownies grabbed the wrong plate ... '

"A place that I worked at about eight years ago had a huge party. One of the managers brought brownies and the director of operations (let's call him Jack) was the first to try them as we were setting up the food table.

"About half an hour later, as we were finishing up, Jack starts giggling and talking about how tall he feels. The guy who brought the brownies grabbed the wrong plate as he left the house and accidentally brought pot brownies.

"Needless to say, we gathered as many of the stoners as we could to clear that plate before anyone else got to them and tried to keep Jack away from other management." Redditor



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11 hidden costs of travel you probably overlook

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From overpriced Wi-Fi to hidden departure taxes, you don't want to be strapped for cash when it comes to these often-overlooked fees.

Make sure you include these 11 items when budgeting for your next trip.

SEE ALSO: A woman who quit her job as an investment banker built a new life traveling the world on her own

Airport transportation

Whether it's a cab, Uber, water taxi, shuttle bus, shared van, or train, you're spending at least $15 each way to get to and from the airport. If you're driving (unless you're getting dropped off) you'll have to pay to park your car at the airport too. And more likely than not, you're going to pick the most convenient option (i.e., the most expensive) when you arrive at your destination, because you'll be tired, rushed, and annoyed with your baggage.

What To Know: Look up the distance to your hotel and call ahead to see if they have any arranged airport transfers. Pre-book any shuttle services or shared vans if you can, and budget appropriately using fare estimates online. If you're going to take a cab or Uber, make sure to ask for a flat rate, as many times there are standard fees for airport trips.

RELATED: The World's Most Expensive Airport Taxis



Entry and departure tax

Many countries have an entry and/or departure tax for coming into and out of said country. It can vary by length of stay.

What To Know: This is typically paid at the airport and is sometimes included in your airfare, so make sure to research before hand if this is the case. Most developing countries will not accept a credit card for this charge. Be sure to carry the payment in either U.S. dollars or the local currency when you're at the airport.



Visa

Many countries will also require a visa for entry, depending on your length of stay.

What To Know: Some countries will require you to apply for a visa before you travel, so make sure you are aware of any visa requirements well in advance of your trip. Prices vary greatly, too. For example, the tourist visa necessary for U.S. citizens to enter Russia is $160 USD while a visa for Indonesia is $35 USD. Visit the State Department's website for more information on what types of visas you will need for international travel.



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Kobe Bryant discusses how technology has changed over his 20 years in the NBA

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Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant is one of the best basketball players of all-time. And this, his 20th season in the NBA, will also be his last.

In an interview with popular YouTube tech reviewer Marques Brownlee, Bryant looked back at his career and discussed how his relationship with technology has changed since he first entered the NBA in 1996, straight out of high school at the age of 17.

 

SEE ALSO: Cutting-edge technology is revealing how athletes' bodies work — and will transform sports forever

"I've tried to dabble into [tech] a little bit but I found myself not being extremely passionate about it," Bryant told Brownlee.



"Unless it's centered around sports and things that involve health, training, things of that sort. I wouldn't describe myself as a tech-savvy person."



That bit about health and training certainly rings true. Bryant visited Apple's campus in 2014 several months before the company launched its first Apple Watch; many believed Bryant was asked to test the watch's health and fitness features.



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