Friday 24 June 2016

Layover Learning: Jewelry

hammering
Pewter crafting at the Royal Selangor in Kuala Lumpur - you can take classes here
Creative Commons image istolrthetv on Flickr

Addicted to learning? Why not spend your layover learning something new?

It's surprisingly easy. Whether it's self-directed learning at a museum, a university lecture, tour that has learning as its focus. a commercial course, or simply reading papers at the local library, there are lots of opportunities.

Here are some unique tours where you can learn jewelry-making and gemology on your layover:
1. The Ancient Italian Tradition of Jewelry Making in Rome
2. Leather Jewelry-Making Workshop in Florence
3. ccessory-Making Class in Paris: Cancan or Marie Antoinette Theme
4. Athens Private Workshop: Making a Greek Flower Crown With a Local
5. Kuala Lumpur: School of Hard Knocks and Pewter Foundry at Royal Selangor
6. Kuala Lumpur: Royal Selangor Visitor Center Tour including Pewter Crafting Lesson
7. Half-Day Cambodian Gemology Workshop from Siem Reap
8. Full-Day Cambodian Gemology Workshop from Siem Reap
9. New York City: East Village Jewelry Class
10. Chicago; Gorgeous Glass Pendants Class

You may find local jewelry-making and gemology classes in larger cities, both long and short, some even free, so it's worth Googling. To inspire you, here are a few that we found in popular layover cities:
Chicago Jewelry Classes - Eventbrite
New York Jewelry Classes Events - EventBrite
Jewelry Courses in the UK - Craft Courses
Jewelry Courses - The Birmingham Assay Office
Jewellery making holidays, courses & workshops - TravelQuest

Not enough time? Why not find a quiet area in the airport and indulge in some online learning time? And, yes, you can learn almost anything online! Check out:
FREE Jewelry Tutorials - Jewelry Making Journal
E-books and Classes for Jewelry Artists - Jewelry Making Journal
The Best Online Gemology Schools and Courses - Gemstone Advisor
10 Free Online Jewelry Making Courses - FREE Online Courses for All

Speaking of jewelry and travel...
Travel Tips From Six Jewelry Designers - Travel + Leisure
Travel Jewelry - A Fashion Love Affair


Related resources
Get Cooking on Your Layover: Europe
Get Cooking on Your Layover: Asia
Get Cooking on Your Layover: South America
Go Running on Your Layover
Layover Ideas: Crude Oil Bath


Sunday 12 June 2016

Rock Your Layover: Lisbon

Iconic Lisbon tram
Have a layover coming up in Lisbon? Wondering what you could do with your time?

Here's a little inspiration. We've gathered the following stories from those who have experienced a layover in Lisbon. Learn what they did, if it was worth it, and their tips.

Top 10 Tours
Prefer to pre-plan? Here are our top picks.
1. 2-Hour Private Tour in Lisbon
2. Lisbon Cobblestone Tour
3. Old Lisbon Half-Day LGBT Walking Tour
4. Lisbon Fado Walking Tour Including Food
5. Lisbon Fado Dinner Show and Panoramic Night Tour
6. Lisbon Insiders Street Art Private Tour
7. Tile Workshop and Small Group Tour Including National Tile Museum
8. Lisbon Cooking Class
9. Route of the Salter Full-Day Private Tour
10. The Templars: Private Tour from Lisbon


FREE LISBON
A few freebies...
FREE self-guided Lisbon walking tours - GPS My City
FREE Lisbon Chill-Out Walking Tours - Lisbon Chill-Out Tours
FREE Walking Tour of Lisbon - Sandemans New Europe
FREE Lisbon Alfama Walking Tour: The Heart & Soul of Lisbon - Discover Walks
FREE Lisbon Belem Walking Tour: When Lisbon Ruled the World - Discover Walks
Top 10 FREE Things to Do in Lisbon - Like a Local


Getting Out and About in Lisbon
Lisbon Portela International Airport (LIS) transportation guide - IHateTaxis
Car and Driver on Demand in Lisbon
Lisbon City Card (including public transportation)
Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (4 routes including tram)
Public Transport Lisbon - Getting Around the City - Go Lisbon


At the Airport
Prefer to stay at the airport? There's not alot to do... (although you can always go shopping!)
Services at Lisbon Airport - IHateTaxis
Lisbon Airport Sleeping Guide - Sleeping in Airports


Related resources
Family Travel in Lisbon - Flytographer
Lisbon shopping: 17 ideas for travelers - GPSMyCity
Must know tips for visiting Lisbon - Little Grey Box
Alternative Lisbon Guide - Kami, for My Wanderlust
Great rooftop bar with beautiful view in downtown Lisbon - ido8all
Lisbon Episode: No Reservations With Anthony Bourdain
Portugal visa requirements - Portugal.com
Lisbon Layover Ideas and Things to Do in Lisbon



Lisbon's architecture



Sunday 5 June 2016

Rock Your Layover: Boston

Yes, you can go for a drink at Cheers during your Boston layover

Have a layover coming up in Boston? Wondering what you could do with your time?

We have some inspiration for you. We've collected the stories below from those who have experienced a layover in Boston. Learn what they did, if it was worth it, and their tips.

Top 10 Tours
Prefer to pre-plan? Here are our top picks.
1. Small Group Historical Walking Tour of Boston's North End
2. Small Group Boston Brahmin Walking-Tour in Beacon Hill
3. Guided Bike Tour of Boston
4. Boston Pizza and Taverns Tour (ends at Cheers)
5. Boston Brewery Tours
6. Boston Photography Tour: Freedom Trail
7. One Hour Boston Segway Tour
8. Boston TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour
9. Boston in One Day Sightseeing Tour
10. Boston Historic Sightseeing Cruise - May to September only


FREE BOSTON
A few freebies...
FREE Running Tour of Boston’s Freedom Trail ("pay what you wish") - Free Tours by Foot
FREE Boston Walking Tours ("pay what you wish") - Free Tours by Foot
FREE self-guided walking tours - FREE Tours by Foot
FREE self-guided walking tour maps - Walk Boston
FREE self-guided walking tours by GPS - GPS My City
Almost FREE Freedom Trail walking tours - Freedom Trail Foundation
FREE: Bunker Hill Monument - National Park Services
FREE: USS Constitution Museum


Getting Out and About in Boston
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) transportation guide - IHateTaxis
Boston Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour
MBTA Transit Trip Planner
Bike Routes of Boston map
New Balance Hubway Bike Share Program
Boston Bike Rental
Aluminum Road Bike Rental


At the Airport
Prefer to stay at the airport? Or perhaps you feel you have to because there is no luggage storage at Boston Logan Airport (though you could drop your bags here). There's stuff to do, but not a lot...
Services at Boston Logan International Airport - IHateTaxis
Restaurants, Shops, Services - Boston Airport
Where to Eat at Boston Logan International Airport - Boston Eater
24 Things We Would Rather Be Doing Than Sitting in Boston Airport - Follow Me Away
Sleeping at Boston Airport - Sleeping in Airports


Related resources
Cheers Pub: The Two Pubs in Boston - Foodology
Luggage storage near Boston Logan Airport - Boston Discovery Guide
How to piss off someone from Boston - Matador Network
Boston Episode: No Reservations With Anthony Bourdain
Boston Layover Ideas and Things to Do in Boston