KLM is always up to interesting things, and as you can see from the video above, they're always having a good time with their shenanigans. Just like when I had the pleasure to announce two of their past fun promotions, here and here, I have the pleasure once again – because this time around, KLM has been working hard on the (flight)-age issue of comfort on long journeys around the world. It's long been an issue on long flights for every airline service. The answer to the question of 'How do I manage to remain well-rested throughout the duration of my flight, so that I can be ready to take care of business once I land?' may have been answered by the creative and caring folks over at KLM! When they reveal a new gadget or promotion, they do it in the most fun ways possible, as you can see from the video above – isn't life a little too short to make everything clean cut, square, and boring? Well, one thing I know is that KLM understands this point, better than most modern companies of the world today.

This post was written by Brandon Scott, on behalf of KLM.

Let’s talk a moment about budgets. Not everyone on this beautiful planet has enough funds to do everything that the rich and famous can partake in on a regular basis. However, should we let that stop us from experiencing, and seeing the world for our own eyes? Of course not! Recently a term has come up that I think everyone who likes to travel should put in their vocabularies. The term is known as “travel hacking.” Travel hacking is pretty much exploring new destinations on a limited budget. One can do anything and go anywhere they wish to travel to, all you need is a little bit of an imagination and creativity. 

Defining Magical  [maj-i-kuhl]:
1. Beautiful or delightful in such a way as to seem removed from everyday life.
2. Mysteriously enchanting.

To me, a magical destination isn’t so much a place of great mystique, or a destination loaded with lore and epoch fantasy, it’s a place that transforms my mind, beliefs, and understanding of my own existence. These places are almost always serendipitous at best, surprising you with their beauty, immensity, emotion, and power. Typically, I visit areas of the world that are known for their natural beauty, for as a photographer, I’m drawn to these types of lands. As a writer, these are the regions of the world that tend to inspire me the most – they play upon my hopes and dreams, bringing forth my fears, judgements, and inhibitions, while tempting me to feel and to understand. I leave with part of my soul left behind, as I am forever romantically intertwined and intimate with these kinds of destinations.

With the World Cup kicking off in Brazil this June, the samba nation is set to become the world stage for football fanatics everywhere. In 2016, it will also become the hosts of the Olympics, catapulting the South American country into global recognition. 

I write this Friday Fine Art Feature only days since I took the photograph above. The Sandia mountains loom overhead of Albuquerque and its surrounding areas, at 10,678 feet above sea level – which is just over two miles high! Along my 2014 USA road trip, my traveling partner Matt and I drove up the steep winding roads of the Sandia Crest Scenic Highway, until we were level with the peak. There's a little gift shop park at the peak, where you can hang out if need be, but I found that getting away from the paths, and exploring the cliffside was a much cooler experience – although, a bit more dangerous, as the higher you go, the more windy it tends to be. There have been a few moments in my life that I would constitute as a 'God moment,' and from time to time, I talk about these moments on the blog here, but I can say that Sandia was another one of those moments. There was no one else around, and only the roaring silence was there to keep me company. My thoughts were blank, and my emotions full – this was one of the best meditative moments I've had on this trip.

*Offer ends when the next Friday's Fine Art Feature image is published. You may choose any photograph you wish for your free 8x10 print. Both prints will be signed and are limited edition.

Welcome to the first episode of the series, Neauxmad – a five month trip of change, and enlightenment, across America and Canada. This series follows the happenings, hijinks, and antics of two long time friends of over 24 years. They set out from their home in Columbus, Ohio in February of 2014, and this is the beginning of the story...