Get a Look Inside the Airport That Won “Best in the World” for Five Straight Years

If you’ve ever experienced a long layover, insane delay, or red-eye flight, you probably associate airports with feelings of misery and despair. But Singapore is on track to changing all of that. They began remodeling the Changi International Airport in 2014, a project that has cost at least $1.7 billion so far. And although the doors won’t open to visitors until early 2019, we got a sneak peek inside. The results? Absolutely incredible. (But make sure not to make these 16 airport mistakes ahead of your next flight!)

Leading consumer aviation website Skytrax has named Changi International the best airport in the world for five years running. And it’s easy to see why. Not only does it run efficiently and offer luxurious amenities, but travelers passing through can also gawk at its stunning—and sometimes utterly unreal!—architecture.

The can’t-miss sight at this airport is its new multi-purpose facility called the Jewel. Located outside Terminal 1 (in a space once used for airport parking), the 1.4 million square foot complex features 10 levels of forest-like gardens, an indoor waterfall, a hotel, and hundreds of dining and shopping options.

“Not only will Jewel capture the hearts and minds of travelers and boost Singapore’s appeal as a transit hub, it will enhance the Changi Airport experience for our passengers and visitors,” Jewel Changi Airport Development CEO Jean Hung said.

We couldn’t have said it better. On the top level of the Jewel resides the Canopy Park, which is divided into several sections including a botanical garden, a nature walk with animal-shaped topiary, and a pair of hedge mazes. The park also features a pair of “Sky Nets” suspended 26 and 82 feet off the ground.

If you aren’t impressed already, get this: just one of the Jewel’s three main attractions includes a 131-foot indoor waterfall called the Rain Vortex—the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. And let’s not forget the five-story-tall garden called Forest Valley. No big deal.

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How to Pack a Suitcase in 30 Minutes or Less

Whether you're jetting off to an island paradise or traveling for business, these foolproof packing tips will help you minimize time and maximize space. Bon voyage, baggage fees!

Start with the right-sized suitcase

For a short trip, a small carry-on bag is ideal, and with skill, it's possible cram all your essentials in there (here's how to pack the perfect carry-on). But if you can't travel light, it's best to choose a bag that can easily accommodate everything you need. Trying to force a bulging suitcase to shut is a waste of time and energy, especially since you may return with even more stuff, if you like to buy souvenirs. When deciding which is the best suitcase for you, take a moment to assess your needs for this trip.

Get the right gear

To make your packing as speedy as possible, have a few convenience items pre-prepared and ready to go at all times. That includes a dedicated toiletry bag, preferably something plastic and waterproof, that you can toss into your suitcase at a moment's notice. Buy sample-size containers of your favorite shampoo, conditioner, hair styling products, body wash and moisturizer, or decant the full-size products into small, TSA-approved travel bottles. Have similar travel-friendly containers set up for jewelry and accessories if possible. Store them in a clear box with compartments, so you can see all the items clearly and prevent them from getting tangled. If you can't create these pre-prepared packs of toiletries and accessories, keep a packing list on your phone for a quick reminder of the essentials you need to gather. These household items can make packing a breeze.

Coordinate your wardrobe

It may sound obvious, but plan an outfit for each day to make sure you're covered. If you know exactly what you need to accompany each outfit, you can limit the amount of stuff you're taking. Try to mix and match outfits—wear the same pair of pants with different tops, for example—to cut down on bulky extras. As a general rule, three pairs of shoes are all you need for a business trip: a casual pair, a professional pair, and a comfortable or snazzy pair for evenings, depending on the nature of your business. Neutral colors are best as they'll coordinate well with multiple outfits, but don't hesitate to toss in a pair of show stoppers if that's what the occasion calls for. For a vacation, three pairs of casual shoes should be ample, especially if you'll be doing a lot of walking. What you don't bring can be just as important, so resist the urge to include things just in case. (Here are items you'll always regret packing.) If necessary, you can buy many essential items, such as socks and flip flops, at your destination.

Lay everything out before starting

Lay everything you're taking out on the bed, so you can see exactly what you need to pack and spot any missing items promptly. Then fold or roll each item of clothing according to the best method. For folded items, putting layers of tissue between each item will cut down on wrinkles. Don't forget all the additional accoutrements such as phone chargers, hair straighteners, or electric shavers.

Finish with a large top layer

Lastly, lay a large item like a towel or beach sarong over the tops and tuck it in around the sides. This will keep everything in place and stop items from sliding around during the journey. It's much easier to close the zipper if you don't have fiddly items like belts or laces poking out.

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5 Things Highly Organized People Do on Their Smartphone

Take advantage of these neat tips and let your phone keep your life together.

They master their to-do list

To-do lists are key to living an organized life, and having access to them wherever you go with a smartphone only makes them even more effective. Organizing expert Donna Smallin Kuper recommends using an app like Any.Do to create a master list of everything you know you need to accomplish. Then, pick a few tasks each day that you want to get done, and add them into the open slots on your calendar. “There’s a saying that what gets scheduled gets done, and I really think it’s true,” Kuper says. Once you take care of your to-do list, make sure to have a stress-free weekend.

They grocery shop as they go

Paper grocery lists can be a pain to write out, and even harder to keep track of. Instead, Kuper uses the Android app “Out of Milk” to record what groceries she’s running low on and what she needs to buy regularly. The app also sorts your items into categories—produce, dairy etc.—to make grocery shopping a breeze.

They pay without plastic

Dozens of credit cards and loyalty cards weighing your wallet down? Kuper recommends lightening your load by taking advantage of the various pay apps available for smartphones, such as Apple Pay and Android Pay. These apps let you load your credit or debit card information right onto your phone, and all you need to do at the store is tap your device on a sensor to pay. You can also link your loyalty and rewards cards with the app, allowing for quick and easy savings.

They make multitasking look easy

Juggling a bunch of projects at once can get messy, but professional organizer Alejandra Costello of Alejandra.tv suggests using a project management app like Basecamp to stay organized with separate to-do lists, due dates, and schedules for each of your endeavors. Basecamp syncs your information between your computer, phone, and tablet, allowing you to start a new project or finish up an old task any time, anywhere. Here's how to make the most of leftover free time.

They download key documents anytime, anywhere

Professional organizer Andrew Mellen recommends apps like Google Drive and Dropbox to store your documents and photos in the cloud. Not only does doing so let you retrieve your files anywhere, but it also backs them up in case of a tragic (but all too common) computer crash.

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This Is the Exact Genius Way to Pack Makeup For Travel to Prevent Messy Disasters

Don't start your trip with a broken eye-shadow palette. This is how to keep everything secure.

Make DIY travel-sized bottles

Head to your local 99-cent store to pick up a few reusable plastic bottles (make sure they're under three ounces in order to comply with TSA guidelines). For products you'll need even less of, such as foundation or primer, pack a few drops into an old contact lenses case.

Pack powders tightly

Avoid a broken palette fiasco by packing powders with care. To do so, place a cotton ball between the makeup and the mirror of the compact (you can also use a makeup sponge or tissue). The added cushion should provide enough shock absorption to keep things secure. If the powder does break, don't freak. Drop a bit of rubbing alcohol into the compact and press the pieces back in place. The makeup should dry as good as new. Try these tricks to make your beauty supplies last longer.

Squeeze the air out of bottles

It's not your imagination: lotions and serums really are more likely to break open during flights. (The same increase in air pressure that causes your ears to pop also causes lids to snap open.) Reduce the chance of spillage by puffing the air out of your bottles before you pack them. Here's are easy ways to keep your skin moisturized skin on an airplane.

Add an extra layer of protection

Keep shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and other gooey products secure by placing a square of saran wrap over their lids. Pack an extra sheet or two for the return trip to avoid an unwanted surprise when you unpack. Trust us, you don't want to make these suitcase packing mistakes.

Compartmentalize your makeup bag

Bundle similar items together in zip-top bags before you pack them into your makeup bag. Once they're ready to go, place the heaviest items (like foundation and setting spray) on the bottom of the bag and lighter items on top.

Pack your makeup into the center of your suitcase

Allow your clothing to help with shock absorption by packing your makeup bag into the center of your suitcase. For even better results, wrap the bag into a sweater or beach towel first. If you've got an extra-fragile product (say, a glass bottle of perfume) fold it into a pair of socks or pack it into the hood of a sweatshirt.

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8 Proven Ways to Make a Good First Impression

Want to be more memorable? These tips will help you have a lasting connection with anyone you meet.

Dress to impress

What you wear can indicate a lot about yourself to a new person. Make sure you feel comfortable and confident in whatever your wear, as this will positively affect your mood. Wearing something that makes a statement can also lead to a conversation starter. These subtle fashion tips can make you look expensive.

Smile!

Psychologist James McConnell, who wrote the book Understanding Human Behavior, put it simply: “People who smile tend to manage and sell more effectively, and raise happier children.” Your facial expression is typically the first aspect someone notices about you when they make an initial judgement, and it’s important to appear both happy and engaged. In his book How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie said: “You must have a good time meeting people if you expect them to have a good time meeting you.” Check out these tips to be the most interesting person in the room.

Remember names

Dale Carnegie also writes in his book, “We should be aware of the magic contained in a name and realize that this single item is wholly and completely owned by the person with whom we are dealing and nobody else.” In other words: People love to hear their names. We are so inundated with names and information that remembering someone’s name and working it into a conversation goes a long way. Here are simple tricks to never forget someone's name.

Think about your intentions

What are your goals are in making this impression? Do you want to make a new friend? Network? Strike a business deal? A clear set of intentions can help you figure out what kind of energy you want to give off during the interaction. Know what kind of information you want to share about your self in each circumstance. Remember to be sincere no matter what you’re discussing. These are signs you're an extraordinarily empathetic person.

Show genuine interest

Famous magician Howard Thurston never went on stage without repeating this mantra to himself: “I am grateful because these people come to see me. I’m going to give them the best I possibly can. I love my audience.” Though most people aren’t planning on dazzling an audience with a magic show any time soon, the takeaway here is that you can make a good first impression if you are excited and genuinely interested in the person or people you are trying to connect with. Listen intently, ask questions, and encourage others to talk about their experiences. In doing so, you will have more in depth and more memorable conversations. These magic phrases can save any awkward conversation.

Pay attention to your body language

Research shows that 60 to 90 percent of communication with others is nonverbal, so when meeting someone for the first time it is essential to pay attention to your body language. Keep your posture upright and relaxed, lean in to show others you are listening to them, and feel free to gesture with your hands as you speak (this has actually been shown to improve your thinking process). When in doubt, take cues from the other person’s body language. Check out some other meaningful ways to use body language.

Make an effort to be thoughtful

It is often said that actions speak louder than words. Going out of your way to do something kind or thoughtful, especially for someone you don’t know well, can ensure that you make a lasting impression. These are little things you can do to be nicer to anyone.

Snap out of a bad mood

It can be hard not to let a bad mood affect how you come off to other people. If you’ve had a bad day, maybe skip the evening’s social activities. Or shake it off by listening to some music or watching a funny video. Your attitude rubs off on other people whether you intend it to or not, so it’s important to bring a positive attitude to any interaction with others.

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13 Telling Things Your Handwriting Reveals About Your Personality

The way you dot your "i's" and cross your "t's" could reveal more than 5,000 different personality traits.

Are your letters pointed or rounded?

Pointed letters are a sign of an intelligent person who might be holding back aggression. Rounded letters signal creativity and artistic ability. These are science-backed ways to boost creative thinking.

How big or small do you write?

Big, outgoing personalities tend to write in large letters; shy, introverted types prefer to write small. If you have average-sized writing, it demonstrates a strong ability to focus and concentrate. These are hidden strengths of being an introvert.

How much do you space your words?

People who leave large spaces between their words enjoy freedom and independence, while those who squeeze their words together tend to like the company of others. If your words are totally jammed together, you might be intrusive or have the tendency to crowd people.

How much pen pressure do you use?

While a very heavy pen pressure can suggest tension and anger; a moderately heavy pressure is a sign of commitment. A soft pressure means you're empathetic and sensitive; you might also lack vitality, according to one National Pen Company study. These are other signs you have incredible empathy.

How do you dot your "i's"?

If you dot your "i's" high on the page you likely have an active imagination. A closely dotted "i" is the mark of an organized and detail-oriented mind. If you dot your "i's" to the left, you might be a procrastinator. And if you dot your "i's" with a circle, you likely have playful and childlike qualities. This is how doodling makes you smarter.

How legible is your signature?

Sign your documents accordingly: A legible signature is a sign of confidence and comfort in one's own skin, while an illegible signature is the mark of a private or hard-to-read person.

Which way does your handwriting slant?

A right slant means you like to meet and work with new people, while a left slant means you prefer to keep to yourself. Left slanters also tend to be reserved and introspective.

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Scary Driving Scenarios and Exactly How to Handle Them

Often when driving, we encounter situations that are out of our control. Make the right decisions when in a tight spot with these tips.

1)When there's an oncoming car in your lane

A car is coming straight toward you in your lane. Try getting its attention by honking and flashing your lights while planning a way to avoid them. Don’t stare at the oncoming vehicle, as your car will follow your line of sight. Instead, look where you want to go. Here are more tips for dealing with dangerous driving conditions.

2)To outsmart a carjacker...

When getting into your car at night, be wary of carjackers by getting in quickly and locking the doors right away, instead of taking the time to move things around while the door is still open or relying on automatic locks. If you've gotten in your car to discover a carjacker waiting, get out as fast as possible. If the car is in drive but not moving just get out, and if you are in motion stop as fast as possible to leave. When a carjacker has reached from the back seat to cover your mouth, take one finger and peel it backward as hard as you can. Hopefully this will break the perpetrator's finger and buy you some time to make a quick escape.

3)If you're dealing with blinding sun...

Try to limit your reaction as much as possible. Don't slam on the brakes or swerve, as this could pose a danger to both yourself and other drivers around you. Do your best to continue on your path and remain predictable to other drivers. Check out these summer car tips every driver should know.

4)When someone else is tailgating...

If a car behind you is tailgating and honking, pull over and let it by. It may be an emergency, and either way it is unsafe to travel with another vehicle at such a close proximity.

5)If you spot an impaired driver ahead

If the car ahead of you is swerving and the driver appears to be impaired, give him plenty of room and do not tailgate. Pay close attention, but don't fixate on the vehicle.

6)Not sure how to handle a yellow light at an intersection?

If the light turns yellow as you're approaching an intersection, use your judgment to determine the best course of action. Never go through a yellow light if you think you can stop before the light turns.

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Hassle-Proof Your Errands: 20 Little Tips That Will Make Life So Much Better

Save time and make your trips to the grocery store or post office a breeze.

Run errands during the week

More than 90 percent of people do errands on the weekends, meaning stores will be packed and traffic will be a nightmare. Running out on a weeknight will get you in and out in half the time. Once the kids are in bed, have one parent stay home while the other drives to the store. You’ll miss the crowds and keep your weekend free for fun and family. Here's how shopping in the morning can save money.

Turn on a podcast

Radio music—and its deejays and commercials—can get intense. Switch off the FM and plug in your phone so you can listen to a podcast or audio book. You’ll be more relaxed, and the time will fly as you get engrossed in the story.

Keep a cooler and basket in the trunk

A cooler will keep your cold and frozen groceries at the right temperature as you finish your shopping, while a basket makes it easy to carry lots of bags into the house in a single trip. Here are more neat tricks for organizing your car.

Make the most of your time

Never run out for just one task. Save time, gas, and stress by getting more than one thing done when you’re out of the house. After dropping your kid off at soccer practice, drop off your dry cleaning or pick up a gallon of milk from the grocery store.

Store water bottles in the freezer

When you need to run errands in the heat of summer, you’ll want cool water waiting for you. Keep a few bottles of water frozen at all times so you can grab a drink that will stay cold while you’re running from store to store. These are other genius ways to use your freezer.

Tune out

Instead of drowning out your thoughts with music, keep the radio off when you’re driving and allow your own thoughts to come to you. The stimuli of everyday life can be overwhelming, so this is your chance to recharge your energy in the silence.

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7 Things That Happy Couples Do When They Fight

How couples fight can determine if their arguments are harmful, or if they lead to positive results that bolster the relationship. Here are some ground rules to follow in your next relationship fight.

Fair fighting rule: Don't over-blame

Perhaps you fail to communicate what you want, actively bait your partner, don’t set limits, or nag rather than act constructively. Or perhaps it’s your partner who is engaging in these ways. No matter who instigates an argument, you are both part of a relationship, and whatever happens in that relationship, you both have a part in it. So when you find yourself assigning blame, remind yourself that the highest percentage of blame that you can assign is 50 percent. You’re in this together. If you want to work it out, you have to share the blame. These wise quotes can help stop an argument in its tracks.

Fair fighting rule: A positive environment minimizes a destructive fight

Create the right environment so that when a conflict does occur, it is not overwhelming. To do this, partners need to respond regularly to one another in a positive fashion. We all yearn to love and be loved, to be seen, heard, and known—to matter. These yearnings are calls for attention: those everyday moments when we share a thought, an observation, an “I love you,” and we hope or expect our partner will respond with a laugh, a hug, or an acknowledgment. Couples whose interactions are brimming with these sort of positive exchanges create an atmosphere over time that tips the scales toward the creative rather than the destructive when the inevitable conflicts do arise. They’ve created the right atmosphere for the conflict itself to be positive. Here are powerfully simple ways to diffuse a fight with your partner.

Fair fighting rule: Avoid destructive behaviors that only make things worse

Disengagement behaviors like avoiding, stonewalling, withholding, keeping secrets, or being zoned out are detrimental to you and your relationship. Disengagement is the pretense of involvement, where you’re “kind of, sort of there” but only half-heartedly active and not really conscious of your real yearnings, your real heart. If all you ever argue about is politics or sports, or if you’re whining about superficial things that don’t get to the core of your issues, you’re not being productive. A pattern of criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and withdrawal is the result of negative engagements. It can destroy a relationship.

Fair fighting rule: Don't rely on your partner for your own happiness.

It is not your partner’s responsibility to make you happy. It is yours alone—although, of course, we should support out partners. If you want something different, it is up to you to make it happen. What do you truly want? Nagging, blaming, and complaining are not what it takes to change things and make you happy. Remember, it took you years to become you and for your relationship to develop; therefore, it is unrealistic to expect change to happen immediately. Progress is made by persistence and priorities. Continually share your yearnings, and engage fully and responsibly to develop more clarity and understanding.

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