New bag minding service takes the pain out of travel

Citystasher will mind your bag

The thought of dragging your bag around London when going to meetings or events is a pain. Now with Citystasher you can find a place to store your bag easily. Used to be I always ended up at Liverpool Street Station but now you can find a safe place near where you have to be. Stash points are a mixture of hotels and small local shops. Prices are from £4 for three hours and £6 for 24-hour storage. Bags will be insured for £750 and each stash point is vetted for security. Items are secured with a safety seal. Citystasher.com is expanding across the UK and also has a location in Amsterdam.

Work out in Heathrow

While away the hours waiting for a flight in Heathrow with a workout, yoga class or some circuits. Heathrow in partnership with Flyfit are opening a studio this autumn where passengers can take instructor-led cardio, strength and restorative yoga classes. The studio will be in Terminal 2 after security. Bring your own gym gear or gym kits will be available to rent, along with showers and healthy food options. Prepare for your flight with a workout and arrive feeling refreshed.

Etihad travellers can bring laptops

Laptops are back for Etihad passengers travelling to the United States after the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lifted the ban. The DHS has now validated the security measures adopted by Etihad. Abu Dhabi has a US immigration and customs pre-clearance facility, similar to Dublin and Shannon. From January to April 203, 500 passengers used it up by 13,000 on same period last year. The laptop ban has also been lifted for Emirates and Turkish Airlines. The ban is affecting 180 airlines and 280 airports.

Hotel sales slowed down this year

Eighteen Irish hotels changed hands in the first six months of the year for €75 million. The figures are down on last year when 29 hotels changed hands for €136 million. CBRE property consultants believe sales will gain momentum as the year goes on and could bring €250 million in sales. Hotels that changed hands included the Connemara Coast, Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim, d Hotel Drogheda and the Clifton Court in Dublin.