Transport Pod Bed - Not Your Parents' Waterbed

2008-10-22T18:02:55-07:00

If you're into total relaxation, the Transport Pod Bed from designer Alberto Frias, will be right up your alley. This partially enclosed pod of comfort comes equipped with an integrated audio system, which features Anthony Gallo Acoustics, 4- inch Nucleus Micro Speakers and a 240-watt MPS subwoofer.

An LED light system that allows personalized lighting effects and the ability to integrate with your iPod, add to the ambiance. The temperature controlled waterbed surface allows you to float off to sleep in a warm cocoon environment.

Mr. Frias' master's thesis in Architecture focused on light, sound and space. He says he "became fascinated with the trance-like effect one gets from meditating upon the crashing ocean waves or when staring at the clear blue sky." He then "became determined to create an environment that would recall that heightened state of awareness."

Each unit is handmade and is really a one-of-a-kind piece of functional art. It is available in either 6 or 8 foot diameter. Standard colors are either black or white with a high gloss gel coat finish. And for a mere $16,000, this luxury can be yours from Twentieth, a modern furniture and design store in, where else, Beverly Hills.

This is not your ordinary bed. With it's sleek futuristic appearance, it would look right at home aboard the Starship Enterprise. I think that Mr. Frias has ventured where no man has gone before with his modern design artwork that doubles as a mini vacation in a bed. Beam me up Scotty!

KEEP YOUR GOOD LIFE ON THE MOVE

2008-10-21T17:38:39-07:00

Gloom and doom is all over the news. Everybody is cutting back, whether it be in the form of traveling less, turning back the thermostat on our heating systems, or making fewer purchases. But tough economic times is no excuse for not treating yourself to the traveling good life. There are many innovative ways we can conserve and still enjoy a nice lifestyle.

Cross country or overseas trips may be a bit expensive but with a bit of ingenuity and pre-planning, you can still enjoy vacations and getaways.

Short close to home trips are a great way to save money and still have a great escape. Take a look around your local (or nearest large city) newspaper. The travel section will usually be full of travel deals close to home. These offers are meant for local residents as a way to fill up spots not taken by out-of-towners. Better to have a full hotel or entertainment venue at less money that half empty and no money. These offers are often from some of the nicer hotels and attractions. You can also call the hotels, theaters and tourist attractions and ask if they are offering any special deals. Couldn't hurt to ask and you may just be pleasantly surprised. Be prepared to be flexible in your scheduling. Also, last minute deals tend to pop up quite often. So, if there are no offers when you first call, try try again.

Check out your local attractions that you may not normally think of. Most towns, even small ones, have something unique to offer. There are all sorts of museums and oddities scattered throughout the country. The International Museum of Surgical Science in Chicago, IL, The Museum of Jurassic Technology in Culver City, CA, and Musee Mecanique in San Francisco, CA are three great examples of these odd attractions. And, of course, there are all sorts of attractions that pay homage to sports.

Another nice option for spending less on your travels is house swapping. There are countless web sites dedicated to hooking up people who want to swap homes for a week or even a month or so. So, find the person with a home in Hawaii and offer to trade your digs in Cleveland for a get-a-way. May seem far-fetched but that person may just be thrilled for a chance to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or the Pro Football Hall of Fame located just south of Cleveland. Just be sure you do your homework and check references on the home exchange site you choose. You want a company that will be there for you if you encounter a problem with the exchange and one that carefully screens the person who will be occupying your home.

Traveling by air is still not out of the question. Even though the number of flights are down and the ticket price is up, with careful planning you can still score some great deals. Airlines start releasing cheap seats about four months before departure. THINK EARLY PLANNING. Many travel sites are available to help you with this.

Plan your trip for off-season if at all possible. The best time for a beach vacation is after school starts back up for the kids. September is still plenty warm to enjoy the beach, especially in the south. An added bonus is that the shore and nearby attractions will be less crowded. This would be a good time to take advantage of the deals offered to locals that I mentioned earlier. Sure, you may not actually be local to the area but just get your hands on a newspaper from the area and POOF, instant local. I guarantee, it won't matter that you are not a native; your reservation and cash will be most welcome.

Short on cash does not have to mean short of travel. Careful planning, ingenuity and willingness to travel at different times or on short notice will keep you on the move.

THE GOODLIFE GUIDE

Transport Pod Bed - Not Your Parents' Waterbed

KEEP YOUR GOOD LIFE ON THE MOVE