Hotel stays are a bit contradictory. On the one hand, they are different from the routine and that’s already cool. On the other hand, there’s often a stretch of time where you’re left to your own devices. And that may get boring. Unless you know how to entertain yourself!

Play a game
Games are always fun. If you don’t share this view, you may have been looking in the wrong place. The choice is immense:

• Casual mobile games
• CasinoClassic with cash prizes
• Even portable board games!

The beauty of games is that they can, among all else, relieve stress. They can be especially refreshing if you’ve had a long day of travel. Some games even let you win real money — you can read more on it here.

Have a spa night
Many hotel rooms look like a great fit for being transformed into a mini spa. That’s an awesome variant if you are longing for a relaxing luxurious evening. Most hotels provide basic toiletries but do bring extras such as a face mask bath salts even a scented candle.

That should be just enough for a soothing retreat. Taking care of yourself reduces stress and leaves you refreshed. That’s exactly what we all want while traveling, isn’t it?

Here’s an idea of what your spa treatment may look like:

• run a warm bath
• use the bath products: apply a face mask and do a bit of skincare
• give yourself a mini manicure or pedicure
• light a scented candle
• play some calming music
• Even if you complete only two or three of those, you are likely to feel super rested

Watch a Movie/Series
When was the last time you had the luxury of watching your favorite show or new movies? You’ve got this time in a hotel room! After all, it’s a classic way to unwind and entertain yourself. It’s a simple pleasure that requires minimal effort (no effort, in fact).

Pick a movie you’ve been wanting to see and heard good things about. Buy something delicious in a nearby store or, better yet, order room service. Dim the lights, get cozy in bed, and… let yourself get lost in the story.

Get creative with photography
If you are in the mood for it, you could even use your hotel room as a creative studio. You don’t have to be a seasoned photographer — just relax and experiment with different angles, lighting, and self-portraits. Photography is, above all else, a great way to see your surroundings in a new light. Plus, it’ll leave you with a tangible result — your cool photos!

Here are a few quick tips for that:

• Exploring the lighting in your room (e.g., natural light from the windows, bedside lamps, the bathroom lighting)
• Experiment with different angles and perspectives
• Capture the details of the room or use yourself as the subject
• If you have a DSLR camera, use it to experiment with settings and techniques
• If you’re using your phone, try different filters
• By the end of your session, you’ll have a collection of unique photos

Plan your next adventure
Since you’re staying in a hotel, chances are you’re on a trip or about to start one. You can thus use your time here to plan your next adventure. You may want to research the best local spots to visit map out your itinerary even dream up your next vacation.

The advantage of this variant is that planning builds excitement for what’s to come. At least, if it’s planning your next adventure. It also gives you a sense of control and anticipation. These can be particularly satisfying when you’re in a new place.

The most straightforward way to start it is by researching the area around your hotel. Look up nearby attractions, restaurants, and all that. If you’re between trips, use this time to dream up your next destination. Make a list of places you want to visit, activities you want to try, or start a Pinterest board with travel inspiration.

Most of us don’t stay in hotels every day. Whatever the reason behind our stays, they are always a change in the routine. And as you’ve just seen, there are many simple affordable ways to make this change enjoyable and exciting.

Lyft’s new “Price Lock” feature, which CEO David Risher detailed in August, now is available nationwide, the ride-hailing company announced Wednesday.

For a $2.99 per-month fee, riders can lock in a price for a regular route and time that is good between those two points for the hour selected. If the ride cost at the time of booking is ever below the cap, the rider would pay the lower fare. The price cap is good for one month, and riders can have up to 10 price-lock passes at a time, according to a Lyft spokesperson. 

The locked-in price is calculated based on the historical average price of the route and time window selected, according to Lyft. Riders can save up to a cap of $40 per pass per month with the feature.

Risher talked about Price Lock during Lyft’s second-quarter earnings call as a commuting benefit, but it can be used by riders for any regular ride they take, according to Lyft.

Riders can find “Price Lock” in the menu section of the Lyft app to sign up. 

Are you dreaming of traveling the world without breaking the bank on plane tickets and hotel reservations? Some expert travelers use a little-known yet powerful trick to score the best deals: using a mobile VPN.
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, lets you change your virtual location, allowing you to access options often significantly lower than you’d typically see.
Here’s how a VPN works and how you can use it to your advantage when booking your next adventure. Keep reading to save big on your next adventure.

First things: What is a VPN, and how does it work?
A mobile VPN, which stands for Virtual Private Network, is a technology that creates an encrypted connection between a mobile device—a tablet or smartphone—and a remote server located anywhere in the world.
There are many options of mobile VPNs, such as NordVPN, Surfshark and PureVPN. When using a VPN, the device’s IP address (its unique identifier on the Internet) is masked and replaced with the IP address of the server it is connected to.
This means that the online activity appears to originate from a different location, allowing users to browse the web anonymously as if they were in another country.
But how does a VPN help you find cheaper flights and hotel reservations?

Dynamic Pricing – How it Works
Airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies use dynamic pricing marketing strategies. This means they often display different prices based on the user’s location, browsing history, device, or even currency.
Pricing algorithms track users’ locations and adjust rates accordingly. Many companies might charge higher prices for users accessing their sites from countries with higher incomes because they assume that customers in wealthier countries are willing to pay more. For instance, in the US, prices are often higher than in countries with a weaker currency.

Using a mobile VPN to change the virtual location, users can compare prices from different countries and take advantage of lower rates that aren’t available in their actual location.

Advantages of Using a VPN When Planning a Trip
As mentioned, a VPN allows users to connect to a server in another country, making it appear as if they’re browsing from that location. Here are the advantages of that strategy:

• By using a VPN, users can see rates offered to residents of that country. For example, if you’re looking for flights from Argentina, connecting your VPN to a server in Argentina might show you deals and lower prices.
• Companies often adjust prices based on regional demand. By switching locations, users can avoid inflated prices that result from increased search activity or demand in their current location.
• Some deals and discounts are only available in specific countries. Simulating being in that country with a VPN could help unlock those exclusive deals.

How to Use a VPN – Simple Steps

• Choose a reputable VPN with strong encryption to protect your data when browsing for deals.
• Install and set up your VPN, and choose a server based on the rates you want to explore. For example, if you plan a Euro trip, connect to a server in a European country, such as Spain or Portugal.
• Compare prices with what you see on American sites to check for significant differences.
• Turn off the VPN and cross-check. Sometimes, rates change when a site detects you are using a VPN. Some companies have policies against using VPNs to access local pricing.
• Remember to check the booking terms to ensure prices are clear and that extra fees or cancellation policies are not hidden. Some deals can have extra costs.

Final Considerations
Using a VPN to change your virtual location can be a fantastic strategy for saving money on flights, hotels, and car rentals and getting the best deal possible.
Follow all the steps and be aware of company policies to make the most of this great tool. With some planning, you can enjoy your travels without spending a fortune.