Japan Redefines WFH with a One-of-a-Kind, Wi-Fi-Enabled Ferris Wheel

By Mike Richard October 16, 2020

Ferris Wheel at Yomiuriland in Tokyo — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The pandemic has managed to suck all the fun out of just about everything this year. Even working from home — once a dream for many cubicle workers — has become something of a hellish, Groundhog Day-esque routine we can’t wait to escape. One Japanese theme park is turning “remote working” during quarantine on its head with a one-of-a-kind experience that includes a Wi-Fi-enabled Ferris Wheel.

Tokyo’s Yomiuriland is encouraging visitors to come experience an entirely different WFH workday. Starting this month, the theme park is selling Amusement Workation day packages for around $20 per person. Pass holders can relax poolside with a private work booth, including a table, patio or office chairs, power outlets, and lightning-fast Wi-Fi. If that’s not sexy enough, workers can opt for an hour-long work session on the park’s signature Ferris Wheel, Wi-Fi included. For an additional fee, visitors can extend their stay to check out the park’s main attractions, including roller coasters, a botanical garden, a haunted house, and laser tag.

It’s worth noting that Japan continues to take the pandemic quite seriously. The country is strongly encouraging — though not requiring — amusement park visitors to wear face masks. To help slow the spread of COVID, the country’s top theme park association is even asking park-goers not to scream while on amusement rides. Instead, it would rather you “scream in your heart.” Seriously.

Amid COVID-19, many popular destinations and consumer brands around the world are getting creative with new ways to attract digital nomads. Some companies have launched social-distancing-friendly travel campaigns, like Michelob’s Ultra Pure Gold CEO contest. Several islands in the Caribbean are promising more lax visa policies to allow foreign workers to stay almost indefinitely. One luxury resort in the Maldives recently announced a Workation Package with an office on a private sandbank in the middle of the Indian Ocean. It also includes a personal assistant, laundry service, and all the snacks and drinks you can stomach. The price tag? A perfectly reasonable $23,000.

If traveling to Japan (or the Maldives or the Caribbean) isn’t in the cards for you right now, check out our staff’s top tips for working from home.

Contributor

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…

Travel

Study: First class flights may be less expensive than you think (especially if you fly this airline)

American Airlines is the most budget-friendly option for travelers seeking first class luxury

An American Airlines plane in flight in a cloudy sky

For many travelers, the allure of first-class air travel is undeniable. The extra legroom, gourmet meals, and personalized service create an experience that's a world apart from economy class. However, the cost of upgrading to first class can often be a deterrent. But what if we told you that there are budget-friendly options for first-class flights? A recent study by Upgraded Points sheds light on the best airlines to fly first class on a budget within the United States.
The study
Upgraded Points conducted an extensive study analyzing the price variations in first-class tickets across four major U.S. airlines and twelve of the busiest domestic flight routes. The study meticulously gathered ticket price data from Google Flights, focusing on the 12 busiest domestic flight routes within the U.S.

To ensure a comprehensive representation of pricing trends, both peak and non-peak departure dates were considered. The costs were then averaged to determine one-way ticket prices for both economy and first-class seating. It's important to note that the study excluded U.S. airlines that do not offer first-class or lacked sufficient data on the analyzed routes.
Delta Air Lines first class
Delta Air Lines emerged as the front-runner in the study, but with a caveat - it charges the highest premiums for first-class tickets. Passengers opting for first class can expect to pay $284.55 more for a one-way ticket compared to economy. Despite the premium, Delta Air Lines has recently upped its game by introducing new first-class seats with privacy partitions, adjustable neck cushions, and additional storage space, making it a competitive choice for those willing to splurge.
Alaska Airlines first class
Alaska Airlines stands out not only for its high first-class ticket price differences ($281.25) but also for its unique amenities. The airline goes above and beyond by serving food in its first-class cabins on flights as short as 550 miles. This catering to shorter flights sets Alaska Airlines apart from most other legacy carriers that typically reserve in-flight dining for journeys longer than 900 miles.
United Airlines first class
United First Class offers a more budget-friendly option for travelers looking to experience first-class comfort without breaking the bank. With a price difference of approximately $250.23 between economy and first class, United Airlines provides an enticing opportunity to enjoy an elevated flying experience.
American Airlines first class: The Most Affordable Deal
Among the airlines studied, American Airlines first class is the clear winner in terms of affordability for travel. Passengers can expect to pay just $235.85 more for a one-way first-class ticket compared to economy. This makes American Airlines an attractive choice for those seeking a premium experience without a hefty price tag.
Average Premium for first class
On average, passengers traveling within the U.S. can anticipate paying a premium of $262.97 per flight (one-way) or over $525 (round-trip) when choosing a first-class ticket. This figure underscores the appeal of budget-friendly options like those offered by American Airlines and United Airlines.
Conclusion
While the lap of luxury may come at a price, there are notable exceptions for travelers seeking first-class experiences on a budget within the United States. Delta Air Lines, despite its premium pricing, offers cutting-edge amenities, making it a top choice for those willing to splurge. Alaska Airlines' unique dining options and United Airlines' budget-friendly fares are also worth considering. However, the title of the most affordable deal goes to American Airlines, which provides a premium experience without a substantial price difference.

Travel

Brilliant travel hack could save you a ton when booking international flights

A few clicks could save you a ton on travel

Man waiting for flight at airport.

We all want to make everyone else jealous with our photos from our exotic overseas vacation. But when it comes down to actually booking the trip, we go into panic mode over the amount of money we're going to spend. From the flights to the hotel to local transportation to sightseeing tours, all we see are dollar signs flying away, and for some, that's enough to turn things into a staycation. Traveling internationally doesn't have to be so expensive, and this one hack could save you a ton of money on your flight (and possibly other areas of your vacation abroad).

The travel tip is so simple
It's an easy two-part setup to get this money-saver for international flights

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TSA PreCheck adds 4 airlines to program – and here they are

If you're traveling abroad, this is a big deal

TSA security line.

Everyone who has a flight to catch will agree on one thing — that going through airport security is the least fun part of flying. From having to strip down to walk through the scanner to trying to remember if you have any liquids or other items TSA is going to ask questions about, once you get in that line, the anxiety starts. That's why more passengers are hopping in the TSA PreCheck line, so they don't have to worry about any of that. To spice things up and speed up airport security wait times, the Transportation Security Administration just added four more airlines to their PreCheck program to make flying a heck of a lot easier for a lot more travelers.

What TSA PreCheck gets you
Why would you want to be a TSA PreCheck member when you travel? There are so many perks besides a shorter line, though that is the main draw.
The reasons to be a member