Airbnb continues to kill it in the travel game. This year the company has collaborated with Pantone and Guinness, and expanded its range with curated Experiences designed to immerse travellers in the culture and community of their destinations.The service has exploded since launching in 2008, and though it seems to be popular everywhere, some cities have embraced the platform more than others. Statista culled data from the site to reveal which cities around the world have the most Airbnb listings.Topping the list is Paris, where you can choose from 78,000 properties dotted around the city’s twenty arrondissements. If that number doesn’t already seem impressive, consider this: that’s approximately one Airbnb property per every 30 residents. In 2015, you could even score a stay in the famous Paris Catacombs.Up next is London with 47,000 Airbnb listings (one per every 200 residents) and New York City with 46,000. Los Angeles and Sydney also cracked the top 10.Interestingly, none of the world’s 20 largest metropolises by population – a list that includes Beijing, New Delhi, Tokyo, São Paulo and others – made the cut. Airbnb has clearly made greater inroads in Europe, Australia, and the United States than it has elsewhere.If you’re planning a trip and hoping for a home stay, check out the full list of Airbnb’s hottest cities above.

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Thailand is a well-known tourist magnet, drawing digital nomads with the promise of inexpensive accommodations and abundant wifi, and bewitching hedonists with the promise of beach parties and abundant intoxicants.Yet despite this constant deluge of visitors, Thailand holds fast to its traditions and cultural integrity. It dabbles in Western influences while retaining its own rich heritage, Buddhist values, and sense of identity.Though Thais are warmly welcoming to tourists, respect of local customs and culture is always appreciated. While you’re exploring the white sand beaches, ancient ruins, Buddhist temples, emerald jungles, and bustling markets, observe these rules of Thailand etiquette to ensure smooth travels.

Greetings

As soon you as you land in Thailand, you’ll notice people greeting each other with a wai. The gesture is performed by placing your hands together in a prayer-like position and slightly bowing, and is often accompanied by a serene smile. The wai is used to welcome, thank, or take leave of someone.In general, the younger or lower ranking person in the social hierarchy initiates the wai and the older or higher ranking person returns it. However, if there is an especially large social distance between the people involved, the wai will not be returned. Monks are also exempt from returning a wai, and guests need not wai in return to service staff like doormen and waiters.Foreigners are not expected to know the intricacies of wai etiquette, but should you wish to participate, it’s safest to avoid initiating. Only return the gesture.

Civilities

Like many of its fellow Asian nations, Thailand often takes a conservative approach to interpersonal relations. It’s rare to see public displays of affection between romantic partners, though friends of the same gender often hold hands or walk arm in arm.Thais have great respect for social hierarchy. When a Thai person meets someone new, they will often ask questions to determine their social ranking. These questions may seem overly personal to a foreigner, but they are not considered rude in Thailand. Status can also be determined by clothing, age, job, education, family name, and social connections.Despite those formalities, Thais typically address one another by first names and titles, and reserve surnames for formal occasions and written communications. Names are preceded by Khun (regardless of gender or martial status). ‘Khun’ can also be used to address a person if you don’t know their name.

Social Occasions

Should you be invited to a Thai’s home, a gift is appreciated but not expected. Gifts should be wrapped with care in auspicious colours (try to avoid green, black or blue as they are associated with funerals). Do not be offended if your gift is put aside unopened. It’s considered rude to unwrap a present in front of the giver.It is common to remove shoes before entering a Thai home. Always check at the door before entering – if there are shoes outside, it generally means that shoes should not be worn inside. Alternatively, check to see whether your host is wearing shoes. Some restaurants, shops, and offices also prefer footwear to be left at the door.If dining out with someone, it’s important to know who is expected to pay for the meal. In Thailand, the inviter typically picks up the tab. If it’s unclear who the inviter is, the superior will usually pay. Don’t expect to split the bill if you’re on a date with a Thai woman.

Dress

Most men won’t have difficulty dressing appropriately in Thailand. Suits are standard in business settings, and most casual dress is accepted as long as it is neat and clean and doesn’t flash too much flesh. The only time the dress code really matters is when visiting religious sites. Shoes and hats should be removed before entering temple buildings. The rest of your outfit should be smart and modest, and never unkempt.

Religion

Thailand is a majority Buddhist nation and it’s important for all visitors to respect the country’s faith.Monks hold a special place in Thai society. They are forbidden physical contact with women, and women are therefore expected to make way for passing monks to ensure no accidental contact occurs. Individuals of any gender are expected to sit or stand with their heads at a lower level than that of a monk. Always offer your seat to a monk on public transport. Greet monks with a wai but do not expect one in return.When visiting a temple, one must always point one’s feet away from images of the Buddha. It’s also customary to remove footwear and to avoid stepping on the threshold when entering the building. Photography is generally allowed, but do not climb on any image or pose near it in a way that could be considered disrespectful.

Patriotism

The royal family is highly revered in Thailand. As such, it’s considered extremely bad form – particularly for foreigners – to bash them. It’s also essential to treat objects depicting the king, like posters or money, with respect.The national anthem is broadcast nationwide on all media outlets twice a day, every day. Thais drop whatever they’re doing to stand and pay homage to the flag while the anthem plays. Students also sing the national anthem every morning on school days. Citizens who do not observe the custom of standing in silence during the anthem are subject to a fine and perhaps even imprisonment.In a similar vein, the royal anthem of the King of Thailand is played before movies, concerts, and sporting events. Again, all attendees are expected to stand and pay their respects to the monarch.

Body Language

Several notable social norms in Thailand concern the body. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body while the feet are considered the most unclean. As a result, it’s viewed as very rude to touch someone’s head or to point your feet at another person or a sacred image. Putting your feet up on a table, chair, or pillow is also considered uncouth.Do not put your hands in your pockets while speaking with someone. Do not point, particularly at a person or images of royals. Do not use your left hand when eating, passing objects, exchanging money, or touching a Thai person. The left hand is traditionally used for washing after going to the toilet and is considered dirty.

Demeanor

There’s a reason Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles”. Thai people tend to be easygoing, and warm and welcoming to visitors. They have a go-with-the-flow attitude (mai pen rai) and value fun, pleasure, and contentment (sanuk).The country also places great importance on jai yen (“cool heart”). Thais strongly dislike confrontation of any kind, so refrain from raising your voice, gesturing wildly, cursing, or showing any other signs of visible irritation. Keep your cool externally (even if it’s long gone internally).Thais prioritise courtesy such as politeness, respect, geniality, and self-control in order to maintain harmonious relations. Public dispute or criticism should be avoided at all cost. Speak softly and smile warmly to encourage positive dealings.

The post How Not To Get Shot Or Arrested In Thailand appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Who said SUVs were no fun?Besides hauling around dead weight like the groceries and kids on the daily, the Germans are proving that an SUV can also help drivers reverse an Airbus A380 out of a garage. That’s the Porsche way of thinking, anyway.In breaking the Guinness World Record for the ‘Heaviest aircraft pulled by a production car’, Porsche teamed up with Air France to tow one of their 285 tonne aircrafts over a total distance of 42 metres. The car they used? A standard Cayenne S Diesel. This outrageous feat trumps the previous record by quite a margin of 115 tonnes and is even more surprising when the car’s spec sheet rates the maximum towing capacity at 3,500kg. Still, we don’t recommend you try tugging an Airbus to your next fishing trip since 42 metres and 42km is quite a difference in distance.See how it’s all done in the video above which highlights the only modification as a custom towing rig that attaches the car to the plane. And when you’re done with that, find out what it’s like to work at Porsche HQ.

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Stomach? Strong. Nerves? Steel. Wanderlust? Off the charts. You’re ready to fly, sail, dive, drive, trek, run, surf, cycle, swim, camp, and otherwise beast your way through the world. So where should your next destination be?

Peer-to-peer motorhome rental platform SHAREaCAMPER have released a study that reveals which countries have the most adventure-seeking citizens.

SHAREaCAMPER chose eight popular adventurous activities to create the 2017 Global Adventure Ranking: BMX, bungee jumping, caravanning, hiking, rock climbing, skiing, skydiving, and surfing. They researched the Google search volume for keywords associated with these activities over the last twelve months, then ranked the figures in two ways.

The first ranking looks at the number of searches averaged per 100,000 citizens in each country. The second ranking reflects the actual number of searches, to give an accurate indication of the amount of people searching.

The Netherlands ranked as the most adventurous country per capita, followed by Australia and Sweden. The USA placed first for total searches, followed by Germany and France.

The study also looked at the popularity of individual adventure activities:

• BMXing is most popular in France per capita
• Bungee jumping is most popular per capita in Switzerland
• Caravanning is most popular per capita in the Netherlands
• Hiking is most popular in India
• Rock climbing is most popular per capita in Australia
• Skiing is most popular in Norway
• Skydiving is most popular per capita in Australia
• Surfing is the most popular in Australia per capita

Above you’ll find the 10 most adventurous countries divided per 100,000 citizens. You can find the full list of results here. And next time you’re looking for a holiday worthy of your thrill-seeking, adrenaline-addicted ways, you’ll know where to find it.

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Each year we look forward to the MET Gala in New York as it’s a perfect opportunity for the men to show of some creative flair. The black tuxedos are cast aside for the evening and instead the gents opt for colour and variations on a very loose theme. This year was no exception with the likes of Lil Yachty, Alexander Skarsgard (not so creative) and Joe Jonas all showing us how to get creative when it comes to formal events.

Special shoutout goes to Jayden Smith who remains as punchable as ever.

The post WTF! The Men Wore At MET Gala 2017 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The sports star understands fashion, too. He’s designed for Barney’s New York and has a Nike Jordan collection drop due early this July. And, the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball-er is a regular on the fashion week circuit, seen this season front-rowing it in Paris, New York and Milan.Westbrook’s been dubbed a style ‘diva’ by his teammates but really he just says it like it is: “Jeremy Lamb, one of our rookies, he used to wear these slip-on, slide-in shoes with nice pants and a shirt, so I told him to switch the shoes to maybe some nice wing-tips,” the star parlayed to ESPN in a recent interview.Love him for his unabashed appreciation for fashion and ‘why not?’ approach to style; changing his look so often, it’s a game in itself just trying to keep up.

Breaking It Down – Russell Westbrook Style

Nothing is off-limits with 26-year-old Westbrook. He isn’t shy of leopard print and sugary colours, and is fine with the more demure black-on-black. Big on trends, Westbrook sports longline tees and skinny fit jeans that rip precariously high above the knee. But he appreciates heritage tailoring made from wool or linen, and confesses to shopping from high-street retailers, as well as the luxury maisons.Westbrook is an icon insofar as his clothing is an extension of himself. The True Religion ambassador is even at home around the blander sporting types; his 6’3″, 200-pound physique parading hyper-print shirts and neon eyewear at high-brow NBA events, just to cause a stir. ‘Why not?’ exactly, Mr Westbrook.

Sports Rock

Westlake’s go-to casual get up of late is a blending of active wear with rock ‘n’ roll. Made cool by Kanye West, the seriously ripped jeans and digitally-printed tee in sombre blacks and greys, get sporty when shirts are cut from synthetic nylons or neoprenes (instead of cotton) and paired with a pair of bouncy b-ball kicks.A snapback cap gives an active play on rocker jewellery, made all the more glam-ish with suede sneaker/boot hybrids basing out the sports rock theme.

Modernly Prepped

Not one to dress ‘safe’, Westbrook’s taste for preppy tops and collegiate outerwear and knits are far from traditional and tame. The polo is redefined as a lightweight knit and makes a focal feature with an intarsia print mimicking a maze. A cashmere cardie layers sleekly (sleeves rolled) before the star’s penchant for accessorising leads to a smart fedora and barely-there wire frames.The eyewear is more prominent with dressier prep looks too, as thicker, square rims, work off the black sheen of a contrast-sleeve, varsity bomber jacket. A graphic, summer button-down and dark chinos takes this modern collegiate from day-to-night – and into the early hours of the morning, party-style.

Heritage Tailoring

When showing a more serious side, Russell Westbrook style is to do so with heritage suits. ‘Superwool’ isn’t the name of an action hero sheep, as Westbrook’s fashion vocabulaire knows all too well, but rather the finely woven fabrics that make up the sportsman’s lustrous two-piece suits. Cut sharp, the suit requires bi-coloured brogues so the earthy brown single-breast piece walks with a subtle edge.For travel, tailoring looks more relaxed with sportswear-inspired checked blazer, snug and light in cotton and heritage checks. Over white-party chinos, the all-American look is vamped up with sneakers (kept tonal and neat). The checks spill onto his carry-on bag, too. Recognise that French luxury print?

Urban Monochrome

Nothing says ‘chic’ more than black. Sleeking-up his urban game (a no-brainer when attending fashion week), Westbrook plays around with sports parkas that feature utility zips and trimmings, going for the half-tuck with lightweight outerwear into slim-fit jeans, over hiker boots.Outside, in the street, Westbrook lifts his streetwear game with a nylon sweatshirt (cut super lean) over jogger pants, reworked with biker knee pads and embossed stripe-age. A backward cap and his own monogrammed undershirt with numeric logo, reminds onlookers that he’s indeed, on the winning style side. Team ‘R W’, that is.

Key Russell Westbrook Style Items

Suit: Dior Homme, always.Shirt: Givenchy and Allsaints for digi-prints and Bape and Pigalle for sporty versions.Jacket: Ralph Lauren sports coat, Ovadia & Sons topcoat or Public School NY parka. Go Balmain for leather.Shoes: Nike Jordans, Berluti wingtips, Comme Des Garçons derbies and suede boots from Saint Laurent.Denim: True Religion, Zara, G-Star.Accessories: Louis Vuitton leather pouch for travel, Cutler & Gross frames, Alexander McQueen chains.

Need More Inspiration?

RELATED: How To Get Lapo Elkann’s StyleRELATED: How To Get Scott Disick’s StyleRELATED: How To Get Colin Firth’s Style

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Thanks to science, we already know that 10am is the ideal time to start working and that mid-work naps can boost alertness, productivity, and overall happiness. Now science is back with another suggested improvement to the standard 9-to-5 grind: a 6-hour work day.A recent 23-month study of Swedish workers observed 68 full-time nurses who were moved from 8-hour work days to 6-hour work days between February 2015 and December 2016. Though their working hours were reduced, their pay remained the same. And the results? Well, they look pretty good for both employees and employers.For starters, the workers were more efficient with 6-hour days. Fewer hours encouraged them to manage their responsibilities better, and on top of the greater productivity, the nurses also put additional effort into caring for their patients.“They would go the extra mile,” Bengt Lorentzon, one of the study’s researchers, told the Washington Post. “They had more time to sit down and listen, read a book, look at a newspaper with them or comfort those not feeling so good.”Better at work? Check. And the benefits didn’t stop there.The study also found that the nurses experienced physical and mental benefits from reduced working hours. They had more time to engage in activities outside of work, were less stressed and less tired, took fewer sick days, had more energy, and felt happier overall. They even reported having less neck and back pain at the end of their shifts.Unsurprisingly, the study has been controversial. Some call it crazy and financially irresponsible. Some point to the potential health savings to be mined if employees’ work hours are reduced. Others say the 6-hour work day could be more expensive in the short term, but provide a good return over the long haul.A single study cannot possibly provide definitive proof that 6-hour days are the way to go, but it’s an encouraging start. And with more and more companies taking work-life balance and employee happiness seriously in a bid to attract and retain the best talent, it’s conceivable that some may start experimenting with reduced working hours.

The post This Is What Happens When You Switch To A 6-Hour Work Day appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Since the dawn of time man and fire have been inseparable. The two are a match made in prehistoric heaven and a fireplace is the hottest design trend you need in your house. With winter approaching fast, our inherent need for fire is building.

These indoor fireplace ideas will knock your socks off and warm them all at the same time.

Wood Burners

There’s nothing like a wood-burning fireplace. The crackling sounds and nostalgia-inducing smells are so good you’ll want to roll naked on a sheepskin rug. Just make sure it’s your own place and not your mother-in-law’s.

Pros: Wood-burners are rustic and authentic. The sound and smell are unbeatable. The flames are mesmerising and it’s the perfect vantage point for some wintertime lovin’. Wood fireplaces also tend to be cost effective when operated properly. Touted as providing 85% efficiency, they will warm most of your house with minimal wastage.

Cons: Despite the aforementioned efficiency of 85%, wood-burners are not as economically fruitful as electric or gas alternatives. Maintenance is also a drawback and cleaning can be a bitch.

You’ll have to don your chimney-sweep hat to remove soot and grit every couple of weeks to avoid the dreaded clog. Not only is a clogged chimney a major pain, it also presents a significant fire hazard (ironic, we know) due to a dangerous build-up of flammable creosote.

Don’t forget you will also need to set aside a dry place to store cumbersome logs.

That said, we’re drooling over the Australian-made Kemlan range from Jetmaster. We imagine cracking open a cold one with Ned Kelly and his gang in front of a Quadra Fire Voyageur Grand.

BUY

Pellets As Wood Substitute

Working in the same fashion as traditional wood, pellets are a popular alternative. Pellets are generally constructed out of corn or sawdust.

Pros: A pellet burner offers similar sights, sounds and smells you associate with traditional wooden options without the mess and maintenance. They are easier to clean and produce less build-up and debris, while still providing ideal conditions for roasting marshmallows.

Cons: Maintenance is definitely more manageable than wood fireplaces, but they do require more cleaning time than gas and electric burners.  As you’d expect, pellets fail to burn as effectively than wood, leading to a lower efficiency rating and higher out-of-pocket expenses.

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Electric Fireplaces

For eco-warriors, or those who abhor cleaning, an electric fireplace is the way to go.

Pros: No pollution, no fumes, no toxic build-up. What more could you ask for in a fireplace? How about energy efficiency out the whazoo, quick and easy installation, and a sleek appearance? Tick, tick, tick!

Cons: If you want the aesthetic of a traditional fireplace, this is not the option for you. Heating coils eliminate flames, and you won’t be able to roast a nut let alone a marshmallow. Sure, some produce faux flames, but, like cyber sex or low-fat milk, it’s just not the same as the real thing.

Like any big electrical appliance, these types of fireplaces will need the occasional service to keep up the primo results.

Modern Flames have a number of sleek and reliable options. Consider the recessed Ambiance CLX design from Modern Flames.

BUY

Natural Gas

Looking for a happy medium between electric and wood-burning fireplaces? Look no further than a natural gas indoor fireplace.

Pros: Real flames! Natural gas creates snaking flames akin to wooden options, and some even use fake wood to give the appearance of authenticity. Clean up is almost non-existent without soot and dirt clogging the apparatus.

Additionally, they are believed to be the safest and most energy-efficient of all indoor fireplaces.

Cons: There isn’t a lot to hate about natural gas fireplaces. They’ll need to odd service, and produce some fumes, but not of the pollutant variety (i.e. wood and pellets).

For modern gas designs, check out the range from Fire by Escea from New Zealand. Our favourite? The High Output Frameless model.

BUY

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The darling of aviation watchmaking has officially been sold. Private equity firm CVC Capital Partners have announced the 80% purchase of Breitling with the remaining 20% staying with the former majority shareholder, Theodore Schneider.

The US$870 million sale sees the name following in the footsteps of other major watchmakers who have been bought out by major companies like Richemont in the past. Prior to this significant move, Breitling was essentially independent and built its reputation on crafting precision chronometer watches for the skies and lifestyle wearers alike.

The move under CVC ownership will ensure the brand continues to flourish in the greater Asian markets on the back of success in Hong Kong during the past two years. Whether or not the new ownership will see an introduction of fresh designs catering to a different market is still to be determined with Breitling’s current portfolio offering watches in the region of US$3,000 to US$255,000.

What we can likely expect though is more Breitling ambassadors from the Asian region to join existing fans of the brand including John Travolta, David Beckham and Russell Crowe.

The CVC ownership sees the second time since Breitling has been purchased with Theodore Schneider’s father Ernest having first acquired the watch company from its original owners in 1979.

Those who want to know more about the esteemed watchmaker can find out more in our extensive watch section.

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