Unless you have been living under a rock, you will have noticed how the new age of technology has taken over. Rarely do you see someone not staring at their phone or tablet, especially in the airport. If they aren’t holding a device, they are wearing one.

The future is only going to get more mobile, with more possibilities than ever. Check it out.

Smartphones will continue to be the most popular device. They are getting bigger (literally) and better every day, adding more features and ways to make your life easier and more efficient.

Though things like the Apple Watch are trendy, they will probably not have the staying power of the smartphone.

Paying by smartphone has become the new norm. Thanks to Apple Pay, Google Wallet and Samsung Pay, along with many others, mobile payments are quick and easy.

Business travelers who are in a hurry don’t want to take the time to take out their wallets and find bank cards or credit cards. The majority will already have their smartphone in their hands and can quickly complete their purchase.

Managing your expenses has never been easier. Just snap a quick photo of your receipt and you are ready to go. Find the perfect app to organize all your business expenses and you have nothing to worry about.

When it comes to booking flights, hotels or other business related services, there’s an app for that. A study done by Google in 2014 stated that 60% of business travelers used their smartphones to book travel-related services.

The days of waiting on the phone for assistance are in the past. With your smartphone you can pull up the appropriate app and get the task finished with no hassles.

The future of technology is going to get way more personalized as well. Having recommendations that suit your needs readily at hand can save time and help you tremendously. New “smart” services will be tuned into each individual’s preferences and activities so you can easily book your travel or plan your daily lives much easier.

Hotels, airlines and rental car companies will also be tuned in to what you need and want so that your experience with them will be a breeze.

Though all this technology makes life easier for the average business traveler, it may be a little more work for those in charge. Deciding what is to be included in travel and entertainment expenses has always been a tough job. Now with all the apps and other items to deal with, managers will have to decide what kinds of technology can be included in expenses and which items will be sole responsibility of the user. Perhaps company approved apps for all involved will be the best way to go.

Regardless of your feelings on technology, it has arrived and will continue to develop and invade our daily lives whether we like it or not. Knowing the best way to use it to your benefit can make everyone’s life more pleasant and stress free.

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If you travel a lot, you probably know about Gogo. Gogo is a leading global aero-communications service provider. They offer travelers in-flight internet, text messaging, entertainment, and plenty of other services. The leading Wi-Fi provider for those in flight gives off poor signals and you end up with a bad, spotty connection. On top of that you are shelling out some serious bucks to get it in the first place. But all that frustration may be a thing of the past.

Gogo has recently announced that it has been given the okay to test the 2Ku connectivity tech, which they claim can perform at speeds as fast as 70 Mbps. Their current speed is a whopping 3.1 Mbps, or slower than slow. Can you say dial up?

Gogo is looking forward to their new improved system being so much better. The idea is that they use twin 4.5-inch tall satellite antennas, which send and receive signals from satellites much cleaner than before.

Gogo’s chief technology officer Anand Chari said that they believe this will be the best performing technology for the global commercial aviation market.

The new system was installed on their test plane, and they had seven commercial airlines signed up for a trial of the advanced technology. Gogo is expected to officially launch the system later in the year and continue throughout 2016.

Now on to the important part. The price. To receive Gogo’s faster Wi-Fi packages, expect to pay around $16 for a full day of connectivity. I guess it all depends on how much you need that connection during your flight time.

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For those of you who travel through Chicago frequently you are probably well aware of the moving walkways throughout the airport. There were eight walkways at one time, but no longer.

United Airlines is removing all eight of the walkways in Concourse C. As of this time, four of the walkways have already been removed. The four that are still there are to be removed by next spring, according to the Chicago Tribune.

These walkways were added to Concourse C around 20 years ago. United Airlines now states that they are trying to give their travelers more room by removing these walkways. Apparently the walkways are congesting the area and keeping passengers from smoothly moving around the concourse.

Fliers of the past were more apt to bring heavy luggage which they had to carry around. The moving walkways made this task much easier. However, today’s travelers are mostly using the rolling luggage, which does not require moving walkways to easily get around.

The Tribune also stated that eliminating these walkways would leave more space for other things to be added to the concourse, such as retail stores and trendy food and beverage concessions that would create more income for the city.

O’Hare customers who switch between B and C concourses don’t need to worry about their walkway being taken away. These walkways will still be available in the 850-foot tunnel between concourse B and C.

According to a United spokesperson, the main reason the walkways are being removed was to “improve circulation of customers.” Travelers had differing opinions about this new change, some like the quickness the walkways offer when moving around, and others agree that they make the area too crowded and were unnecessary.

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In case you want to experience some spooky surroundings this Halloween, here are some of the most haunted locations in the United States to check out during your travels.

In Estes Park, Colorado you will find the Stanley Hotel. Made famous in the movie “The Shining”, Stephen King used this location after staying here himself in 1973 and deciding it was indeed spooky. The famous room 217 is said to have the ghost of a chambermaid still causing disturbances throughout the night.

Massachusetts is where you will find the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast. Come to Fall River, where you can stay in the former home of Lizzie Borden. Enjoy the same breakfast her Mother and Father ate, a custom which is followed to help bring the spirits around. There are séances, ghost hunts and plenty of other spooky happenings.

The Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, PA is known to be one of the scariest places in the city. The building is over 200 years old, and once housed inmates who were hooded by guards every time they left their cells. The only light they saw was a skylight, which they claimed to be the light of God.

In Hollywood you can visit several places that are said to be haunted. Universal Studios is said to have several haunts that reside there. At Stage 28, an electrician fell to his death from a catwalk, and is said to linger in the area. The prop room is where Lon Chaney’s ghost has been spotted, and Barbara Stanwyck’s ghost has been seen on the backlot. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel has had many tales of hauntings. Some of the ghosts rumored to be seen are Marilyn Monroe, Montgomery Clift, and a young girl wearing a blue dress.

Charleston, South Carolina has reports of ghost spottings and unusual happenings from all over the city. The Old City Jail has plenty of stories, the most famous being Lavinia Fisher. She owned an Inn, and reportedly poisoned and killed many who stayed there. Her ghost is said to haunt the jail, as well as many of the inmates who were wrongly hanged. Charleston is also filled with ghost tours where confederate soldiers and other war officials are said to still roam the city.

Salem, Massachusetts is known for the witch trials, and also the ghosts who still remain from this era. The Witch House is said to hold many of these spirits, as well as the Joshua Ward House. There are many bed and breakfast inns in the city that claim to have paranormal activity in them as well.

Pennsylvania has plenty of haunts as well, mainly in Gettysburg, where one of the most historic battles took place. Confederate soldiers and Union soldiers are seen walking in the woods, museums and other places. The Devil’s Den is reported to have a specific soldier with barefeet, long grey hair, torn buckskin clothes, and a large floppy hat.

The Slaughter Pen claims there is a young girl in a white dress still wandering around.

There are hundreds of haunted locations located all throughout the United States. Check one out this Halloween!

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Los Angeles, California is well known for many things, such as celebrities, beautiful weather, the Hollywood sign and heavy traffic. Here are some facts about the city of angels you may not know.

For starters, the “city of angels”, as LA has been nicknamed, literally means “Los Angeles” in Spanish.

Los Angeles welcomes over 24-million visitors every year and provides them with a fantastic vacation. The five counties that make up the Los Angeles area consist of around 20 million people. These counties consist of Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, Ventura, and San Bernadino.

The city started with 44 people, or 14 families, back in 1781, who lived in what was then called “El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles de la Porciuncula”, or the “Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angeles of the Small Portion”, later shortened to Los Angeles.

If these five counties were a state, the state would be the fourth largest in the USA.

The original “Bay Watch” TV show originated here, along the miles of beaches LA has to offer.

The bird of paradise is the city flower, and the coral tree is the city tree.

Oil was discovered near what is now Dodger Stadium in the year 1892, and by 1923 Los Angeles produced one quarter of the world’s oil. It is still situated over one of the thrid largest oil fields in the country.

Los Angeles boasts more than 80 stage theaters and 300 museums, more than any other city in the US.

Despite the lush image the city portrays, with palm trees and water everywhere, the area is actually more like a desert with only about 15 inches of rain falling yearly. However, when it does rain, expect a downpour. In 1926, a rain gauge in the San Gabriel Mountains collected an inch of rain in one minutes time, and in 1978 almost a foot of rain fell in just 24-hours.

If you are into strange shopping venues, the LA coroner’s office has a gift shop.

If you ever wondered why the film industry is located in Los Angeles, you can thank Thomas Edison. Mr. Edison, who lived in New Jersey, held most of the country’s film patents. The makers of the films wanted to avoid Edison’s property claims, so they moved west to get away and ended up in the city of angels.

The city of Beverly Hills was once a small lima bean ranch, and the Santa Monica Pier was built to protect a sewage pipe that disposed of sewage into the ocean.

The Hollywood sign read “Hollywoodland” when it was built. It was erected to advertise the newest real estate development in 1923.

The famous Getty museum has beautifully manicured lawns, thanks to the goats that are let loose every spring to do some landscape work.

Hollywood’s Forever Cemetery is the resting place for many of the most famous actors, actresses, directors and writers, among others, from the world of entertainment. One of the most famous of gravestones belongs to the beloved Mel Blanc, and it reads simply “That’s All Folks”.

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The days of waiting for hours in an uncomfortable airport chair are in the past. Whether you are stuck for a long layover, have a flight delay or cancellation, or just like to arrive super early for your flight, here are some excellent perks that will make your wait time “fly” by.

Let’s begin in Singapore, at the Changi Airport. Here you can head to terminal 1 and check out the Balinese-themed rooftop pool. For a small fee of $13, you gain admittance to the pool and jacuzzi. You will also receive a complimentary drink (non-alcoholic) to sip while you relax. If you choose to stay at the Ambassador Transit Hotel, you can enjoy the facilities for free!

Vancouver International Airport is the place to see the 30,000 gallon aquarium. The city known for its love of the outdoors wants to be sure travelers get a taste of this as soon as they reach the airport. Unwind and gaze at the humongous tank and its residents, including starfish, sea urchins wolf eels and more. There is also a tank that is home to jellyfish! A small stream also runs through the airport, along with lush plants for the complete outdoor feeling.

Switzerland’s Zurich Airport is perfect for those who want to stay in shape wherever they go. Since the airport’s renovation in 2011, travelers can now rent bicycles, Nordic walking poles, and inline skates. Adults and kids alike can take advantage of this awesome perk, and there is plenty of space to exercise around the airport. There are also walking trails for those who just want to take a stroll.

Nashville International Airport will keep you in the party atmosphere throughout your wait and beyond. Drinks on the go will let you bring your cocktail or beverage from the bar with you while you stroll around. Whether you are headed for a manicure, massage, or just want to check out the art display, you can enjoy your drink while you browse.

San Francisco International Airport is the place to be if you are into yoga. Head to the 150-square foot yoga room in Terminal 2 and forget all about the hassles you may be facing. Stretch out the stress, or head to the reflection room for some quiet meditation. Massages, facials and mani/pedis are also available at the XpresSpa.

Amsterdam Schipol Airport in the Netherlands is very popular with art buffs. Enjoy free entry into the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, the only museum you will find in an airport. Here you will find some fantastic works by Dutch artists Jan Steen and Ferdinand Bol.

Seoul, South Korea is where the Incheon International Airport is located. Here is the perfect place to get into the Korean culture. View clothing, amazing crafts, and enjoy some of Seoul’s music as well. You can even make crafts like Dancheong, various colors of paint on wooden buildings, or traditional Korean paper, which is called Hanji. Dress up in traditional Korean clothes and other items, and pose for a photo. Musical performances are very entertaining to sit and watch, and help you pass the time quite nicely.

Munich International Airport will introduce you to the famous German beer gardens. Before you head out into the surrounding areas, find out what your favorite German beer is right at the airport. You might get lucky enough to catch some live music or even a cabaret show. Tour the brewery and speak to the brewmasters.

Hong Kong International Airport caters to those golfers who missed out on their morning game due to having to take a flight. Take in nine-holes right at the airport at the Sky City Nine Eagles Golf Course. This outdoor course, outside of Terminal 2, offers equipment rental, and luggage storage.

Chicago’s O’Hare is where you can check out the awesome dinosaur skeleton. This super busy airport, one of the biggest and busiest in the world, is home to the brachiosaurus skeleton. Head to Terminal 1 and see this 72-foot long dinosaur from the past. It’s not hard to find… it towers four stories above everything!

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Water parks are an awesome place for all day wet fun. But what if you are at a theme park and want to get the best of the water themed rides? Don’t settle for the same old boring ride. Head to one of these spots for an out of the world experience!

Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges in the Islands of Adventure theme park in Florida is a must ride if you are hot and looking to get wet. I mean really wet. This ride will soak you to the core and have you coming back to do it all over again. There is a compartment for keeping personal items dry which is a major plus. And they have pay dryers at the end of the ride in case you don’t want to stay soaked.

Another ride at this park is Dudley Ro-Right’s Ripsaw Falls. Picture a log flume and a roller coaster track together. Follow the storyline through the ride, enter dark spaces and get ready for the 75-foot drop!

Disney’s California Adventure is where you will find Grizzly River Run. This ride boasts being the longest, tallest, and fastest river rapids ride. Ride around a bear shaped mountain, and see who is the unlucky one to get the most water splashed onto them! The twists and turns make each ride different so you may come out drier than your fellow riders.

Knott’s Berry Farm in California is the home of the Timber Mountain Log Ride. Ride through a 19^th century lumber camp and enjoy the scenery as well as the ride. An update was done in 2013 to the animatronic figures so everything will seem new and fresh.

Disneyworld and Disneyland are where you can find the Splash Mountain log flumes. Inspired by the 1946 Disney film “Song of the South”, the ride recycled the animatronic figures from the “America Sings” attraction which was closed shortly before they opened the Splash Mountain ride. Be ready for the awesome breathtaking drop at the end!

Disney is also the home to It’s a Small World. A favorite of old and young alike, this ride takes you on a slow cruise through many different countries around the world. Hear the different languages, see some of their customs, and enjoy the wonderful music. Warning…the song may be stuck in your head for days after!

Those of you who love Disney’s “Frozen”, (who doesn’t?) can anticipate the opening of the new Frozen ride in Epcot. Titled “Frozen Ever After”, this ride is still in the makings. The dark Norway ride, Maelstrom, was completely gutted to make way for this new ride, which will take visitors to Arendelle and Elsa’s ice palace. The ride is scheduled to open in 2016.

Disney also has one of everyone’s favorites…the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Join Captain Jack Sparrow on a pirate adventure as you avoid getting blown up by Barbossa, see the plundering of Tortuga, and see Jack Sparrow trying to hide from those who are searching for him. You may get a small splash on you but basically will stay completely dry throughout the ride.

Disney’s Jungle Cruise has been a favorite for years with visitors of all ages. Journey through the jungle and see the amazing animatronic elephants, tigers, hippos and many other creatures. The “Captain” of your cruise ship will keep you entertained with an exciting, sometimes humorous, narration.

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For all those travelers who realize at the last minute that they forgot to bring a gift for a housewarming, friendly get together, or just a visit to an old friend, Time 2 Toast has come to your rescue.

Denver International Airport has introduced something new to the area, which several airports already have available. Time 2 Toast is a beverage kiosk which sells beer, wine and liquors, and is located conveniently beyond the security screeners who will confiscate such items. While other airports like Portland and San Diego have bottles of beer to go, along with other alcoholic items available for purchase, this is a first for Denver.

Colorado is known for its breweries. Over 250 of them scatter the state, producing some of the finest craft beers in the country. A couple of these fine breweries, Boulder Beer Company and New Belgium, have licensed their names to the airports restaurants to sell many of their items.

But until Time 2 Toast, you couldn’t carry these fine items with you. The kiosk will carry some of the delicious beers from New Belgium, Great Divide and Coors’ Colorado Native line. Also available are some local favorites like Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey. You will be able to purchase four packs or six packs of these brews.

Keep in mind that these items are still for pack and travel, not to be opened upon purchase or while waiting in line.

The kiosk will bring smiles to plenty of people who realize at the last moment that they are going to arrive empty-handed.

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When you are traveling the US or internationally your first priority is getting to your destination as easy as possible. But why not enjoy some awesome perks before or after your flight? Check out some of these airport amenities.

1. San Francisco International Airport
Guiding over 40 million travelers on their way each year, San Francisco’s second busiest airport wants to make sure you enjoy whatever time you spend there. Relax before or after your flight in their reading room. Stuck between flights? Check out the 24-hour yoga room for some de-stressing meditation. Get a manicure, pedicure or even a facial at the XpressSpa. If shopping is what helps you pass the time the airport offers more than 80 stores for items such as sports gear, technology, or you can check out some new fashions at Gucci or Coach. If you are trying to keep kids amused, let them visit the fish at the aquarium, or go on a scavenger hunt, complete with a prize at the finish.

2. Chicago O’Hare International Airport
O’Hare airport is where one of the largest dinosaur skeletons in the world is located. The brachiosaurus is a gigantic 72 feet long and 40 feet high! Adults and kids alike love gazing at this fantastic display. O’Hare is also well known to movie buffs as the location of the first 2 “Home Alone” movies, and “Meet the Parents”, among others. There is also an aircraft exhibit, kids interactive playground, and of course authentic deep dish Chicago pizza!

3. San Diego International Airport
Art lovers will enjoy San Diego’s airport. Enjoy shopping, dining, and plenty of relaxation throughout the airport. The art exhibits will give you something to browse and really enjoy. Check out some fantastic paintings, breathtaking photography, and even live entertainment. The performing arts program includes dance, theater and music to put a little kick in your step as you proceed through the airport. Don’t miss the awesome display called “taxonomy of a cloud”. This spectacular formation is made up of 365 strands of Swarovski crystals, and makes a beautiful shower of rain.

4. Burlington International Airport, Vermont
Burlington’s airport is perfect for getting in some much needed relaxation time and de-stressing. Couches, coffee tables and easy chairs will make you feel welcome and give you a place to cuddle up and unwind. The skyway is furnished with rocking chairs to sit back and enjoy the views of the incoming and outgoing planes.
Evolution Yoga is a great spot to stretch out from that long flight and enjoy the quiet. There is even a shower available. Above the parking garage is a beautiful rooftop garden with benches and a picnic table. The observation tower is the perfect spot to relax and get the best view of the planes on the runway and the mountains in the background.

5. Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong’s airport is unique in that it offers weary travelers the chance to hit the golf course for nine holes. Equipment rental and luggage storage are offered so you can enjoy yourself even if you have no clubs with you. There is plenty of shopping with over 280 stores, and a kids’ area and discovery center will keep the little ones occupied for those long layovers.

6. Vancouver International Airport
The Vancouver airport wants you to get the feel of the Canadian wilderness before you even venture outdoors. The green wall is 55-feet tall, and houses over 27,000 individual plants in a beautiful pattern. An aquarium with over 5,000 sea creatures is the perfect place to just chill and watch the relaxing ocean life. If you have extra time, check out the nature path which will lead you into the forest, past a waterfall and pond to the majestic totem poles.

7. Heathrow Airport, London
London’s Heathrow is known for those who want to get in all the shopping they can while traveling. Shop high fashion stores such as Dolce & Gabanna, Prada, Tiffany & Co., Chanel and Dior. Mouth-watering Italian bistros can be found throughout the airport as well as sit down restaurants such as Gordon Ramsey Plane Food. Complimentary beauty services, such as make up touch-ups, massages and mini-facials are also offered.

8. Munich Airport, Munich
Munich airport wants you to get into the Oktoberfest fun no matter what time of year. Enjoy live music, Bavarian treats, a brewery and beer garden, and even an ice-skating rink in the winter.

9. Changi Airport, Singapore
Get some exercise and stretch out from your flight at the indoor nature trails, or relax by the butterfly garden. Adults and children alike love the world’s largest airport slide. The slide is about 40 feet high and great for rejuvenating after a long flight. There is also a movie theater with free shows and a rooftop Jacuzzi where you get a complimentary drink!

10. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Schiphol is the perfect airport to venture into if you have a large appetite. Here you can find cuisine from around the world. Dutch meals, Asian cuisine, Mediterranean tapas and a seafood and wine bar. Try your luck in the casino or just relax in a lounge. There are also “Yotels”, which are like a mini hotel room complete with a shower and a bed if you end up being there longer than you planned.

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Some airports want to be sure you are pampered and comfortable from the time you enter through the course of your waiting time. Here are a few that go that extra mile to make your time with them stress-free and relaxed.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
The AA Admirals Club in Terminal 4 is one of the most popular lounges in the United States for several reasons. It is very spacious, with comfortable seating. They have a separate children’s play area so that you won’t have to be bothered with the sound of children playing if you are trying to relax or get some work done. They have good food available so you can have a hot meal, and the helpful, caring staff will assure you that you have what you need. Take a shower to refresh yourself, or just relax and watch the planes take off and land. If you get tired of always searching for power outlets, don’t worry. They added super cool power chairs into their lounge area to better serve their guests.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
At this Houston airport, in Terminal E, you can check out the United Club. This modern lounge area has 3 floors of space for you to stretch out. The clean welcoming atmosphere is a plus with members everywhere. They offer private showers, and complimentary cocktails. Previous guests suggest you try the Bloody Mary! You may want to keep track of time while you relax in this awesome club so you don’t miss your flight!

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
The Delta Sky Club in Atlanta, Concourse C, is the last place you would expect to find some comfortable quiet time in the busiest airport in the world, but once you enter you will find your secret hideaway. This extra roomy club has special window cubes for some privacy and quiet. The lockers have built-in outlets inside of them so you can charge your laptop or other items from inside your safe locker while you relax and de-stress!

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
The Alaska Airlines Board Room, Central Terminal, is quite an awesome lounge for such a small airport. 2 Floors overlook Concourse C so you can get in some people watching. You can view the planes and ramps from the large windows as well. Friendly, helpful staff are ready to help you make the best of your waiting time. They also offer fresh pancakes in the morning so you can start off your day with a delicious breakfast!

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, Terminal 4, is the place to be if you find yourself in a NY airport. Being one of the newer lounges on the scene, you can enjoy the fresh look and newness of your surroundings. The lounge offers a full bar, an entertainment zone, and a dining area that offers a la carte meals, desserts and even the finest of wines.
With the good comes the bad…here are some you may want to avoid.

ATL, Concourse B
Though the lounge in Concourse C is awesome, this one needs an upgrade. The layout is all wrong, it is crowded and usually dirty. It is too small for the number of guests, hardly any outlets, at least not working ones, and most guests advise you to head to concourse C and not waste your time here.

LAX, United Club
Terminal 7 is where you will find this outdated club. Food is scarce, and there are hardly any amenities. Travelers admit it is better than sitting at the gate, but just barely. Beware of the fruit flies at the bar!

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
United Club, Terminal 2, is probably not one you want to put on your list, It is very small, and you are lucky if you find a place to sit down. The staff is friendly and helpful, but they hardly make up for the messy atmosphere and poor amenities. Save yourself the disappointment and head over to Terminal 1’s Concourse B.

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