BLOC's Summer Travel Hacks
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Check out some of our favourite travel apps, accessories and games to keep you occupied on those long and boring journeys...
UNTAPPD
Not sure where to grab a pint..?
Untappd is probably best described as Foursquare for hop lovers (beer hops, that is).
The free app shows you to find the best drinking holes near your current location, catering for thirsty punters looking for more than just a cold lager. Discover popular local breweries and the best place to enjoy them at the swipe of a finger.
You can also unlock special badges for trying and rating news beers. So at the very least, your morning-after hangover won’t be in vain.
Cost: Free // www.untappd.com
UVLENS
Factor 15 or 50..?
More than just a weather app, UVLense helps you enjoy the sun safely.
Using live satellite data, the app uses a personalised skin type assessment to help you understand your unique burn risk factor based on your current location. UVLens will also tell you the best time to be outside, when to apply sunscreen and what appropriate protection measures you should take.
No more #lobster selfies.
Cost: Free // www.uvlens.com
AGENT A
Delete Candy Crush, it’s for your own good...
Set in the 60s, your mission is to track down the vindictive vixen Ruby La Rouge who has been assassinating your spy colleagues.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to solve a web of cryptic clues, hidden contraptions and clever logic based puzzles to take her down.
This multi-award-winning mobile puzzle is equal parts fun and challenging. The feeling of achievement when you crack each riddle is endlessly addictive and worth every penny.
Cost: 69p // www.agentagame.com
SMACIRCLE S1
Pocket-sized scooter
Weighing less than 7kg and collapsing down to the size of a backpack in less than 5 moves, the Smacircle S1 is easily the world’s most compact and lightweight eBike.
Its carbon-fibre frame is capable of top speeds of just over 12 mph, with a 12-mile range from just a single 3-hour charge.
Fitted with electronic brake and integrated safety light, it also has an integrated USB charger and mobile phone holder so you can charge on the go.
It’s dedicated mobile app also allows you to remotely lock the device. Perfect for the early-morning cafe pitstop.
Cost: $999 // www.smacircle.com
POCKET CASTS
The last podcast app you’ll ever need...
With so many podcast apps available, there are some that occasionally stand-out from the crowd. The latest addition, Pocket Casts, hopes to sway your headphones.
Unlike others, Pocket Casts understands that podcasts are long and that you listen on different devices depending on where you are. That’s why it automatically syncs your progress across all their companion apps.
Start listening on your smartphone walking to the bus, continue listening at work on your computer (when the boss is gone) and pick up again where you left off when you get home on your tablet.
All your podcasts, anytime, anywhere… synchronised.
Cost: Free for 14 days. Lifetime Membership $9 // www.shiftyjelly.com/pocketcasts
KANDAO QOOCAM
Meet the potential GoPro killer...
With a design akin to the pocket Neuralyzer from Men in Black, the QooCam offers equally out-of-this-world video capture technology.
Inside its slim 20cm tall aluminium alloy body is a unique 3-lens camera that offers hand-held 360° degrees and 3D 180° technologies in one.
Not only can it record in 4K with built-in WiFi for live streaming, it can capture 3 hours of continuous footage in a single charge, with 256GB of external Micro SD card storage too.
If that wasn’t impressive enough, it also comes with its own free Master Editor mobile app for on-the-fly editing ready to upload to your favourite social network.
Cost: Fom $299 // www.kandaovr.com/en/qoocam
Bloc Gatwick
They say it's better to travel than to arrive. We think both are important. With BLOC you won't have far to travel at all. We're waiting to welcome you just steps from Gatwick South Terminal Departures. Any closer and we'd be on the runway!
Our 245 room hotel offers 'Sleep Haven Zones', family rooms, a business floor and Presidential Suite. Park at the terminal through one of our exclusive deals; check your bags with your airline and take your overnight bag to the room; send an email with free WiFi; relax on your sumptuous king-sized bed, watching one of our HD LED TVs; freshen up in a monsoon-drench shower wet room and seamlessly check out to arrive at your gate in a great mood to enjoy your holiday or business trip. So much more for less.
Bloc Magazine
Welcome to the 20th issue of Bloc magazine, with a host of intriguing features to get you through the dark winter months.
We are really excited to have acquired another new site, in the heart of Glasgow. We look forward to delivering Bloc to this extremely vibrant part of the city, directly opposite the recently redeveloped Queen Street Station.
The winter issue of our magazine visits Cape Town - dubbed The Mother City, or the Mother of South Africa. It has incredible food and wine offerings as well as mountains and beaches all within easy reach.
We also explore a destination much further afield, with the Von Braun space station and hotel moving closer to reality.
There are the usual features; Meeting the Bloc team, our favourite shows to stream and the pick of Bloc's social media.
Don't forget to sign up to Bloc's VIP Guest List, which makes you eligible for free room upgrades, free coffee and be the first to hear about our blockbuster VIP competitions.
We hope that this magazine provides you with some insight and entertainment on your journey.