ESCAPE: Alter ego trips

What is your ideal holiday? Think hard, then flip it. Challenge yourself and embrace your travel alter ego by doing something completely different on your next trip. A new study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that engaging in activities at the edge of one’s comfort zone boosted life satisfaction. Consider these alter-ego holidays, and come back with a new perspective on life. [via ESCAPE]

WINNING MAGAZINE: Mad skills

Sure, taking in a sweeping vista, surrendering to an exceptional spa treatment and lolling on a perfectly placed poolside cabana at a beautiful resort are all pleasurable experiences, but guests are seeking more. They want unique immersive experiences, the chance to learn from the best, and perhaps master a new skill. It’s a growing trend in boutique and luxury hotels. [via Winning Magazine]

ESCAPE: SummerStage in Central Park, New York City

SummerStage was created in 1986 to provide a more boutique experience for Central Park concertgoers and has featured a variety of artists over the years, including one of Curtis Mayfield’s last performances, Sonic Youth, Jay Z, The Roots, Arctic Monkeys and Patti Smith. The Aussie BBQ, put on every year by Sounds Australia, is a showcase of a variety of Australian talent [via Escape]

ESCAPE: Why you need to see a concert at the Hollywood Bowl

Everyone knows water and electricity is a dangerous combo. It was almost fatal at Jimi Hendrix’s Hollywood Bowl show in 1968 when 2500 fans rushed the stage during a particularly electrifying rendition of “Purple Haze”, 100 of them diving into a pool in front of the bandshell. A fan tugged on the microphone lead, and a quick-thinking Hendrix just stopped it going into the drink with his foot. Soon after, the pool was drained for good. [via Escape]