On the surface, spending $1.25 billion dollars to upgrade an airport seems over the top. But upon reflection, I support the idea of any improvements that make travel more amenable.

Singapore’s Changi Airport now features the world’s tallest indoor waterfall along with a man-made forest in the new Jewel Changi complex.

Talks about the add-ons started five years ago. Beginning on April 17, travelers will have the opportunity to enjoy the sights of the 'Rain Vortex'– a waterfall designed by architect Moshe Safdie that soars over 130 feet and is accompanied by a light show of multiple colors—and I’m guessing, the sound of rushing water.

What could be better?!? I have a sound machine at home with audio that imitates bubbling brooks, waterfalls, ocean shore sounds, tropical paradises, etc. Try it if you can’t sleep. It's better than white noise, a sleeping pill or a glass of wine for complete relaxation.

The architect is smart: waterfalls make us happy. According to scientific studies, negative ions come off of waterfalls. When they reach the bloodstream, they increase the bodies' production of serotonin, the chemical that relieves stress and depression. No wonder serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Prozac are part of the pharmaceutical industry-- but enjoying a waterfall is a heck of a lot safer.

Then there’s a man-made forest to explore.  'Jewel’s Forest Valley' is a four-story garden complete with walking trails. It will compete with Singapore's other plant displays as one of the largest indoor plant collections in the city.

There is nothing like the beauty of nature to uplift the spirit. Traveling has become a trying experience over the past few years—long waits in airport screening, nasty passengers, nasty airport staff, cramped plane rides, delayed flights and more.

Visiting a lovely waterfall with a light show and walking in a forest will provide a much-needed respite for international travelers coming into the hub. And the airport's retail outlets will undoubtedly experience a boost in sales because, surely, some people will just come in for a visit, even if they are not traveling.

Ten stories in the renovation includes a mall with 280 food and retail venues and a 130 room hotel. The airport was innovative to begin with: it boasts two 24-hour free movie theaters, two dozen airport lounges, a rooftop swimming pool and a sunflower garden.

The money spent on the expansion will be recovered with an increase in revenue. Happy travelers are likely to spend more money in the airport's many businesses.

Changi is the seventh busiest airport in the world for international traffic: 65.6 million passengers were accommodated in 2018.

The Singapore terminal should serve as a model for all other airports. You cannot put a price on providing avenues to enhance the well-being of the traveling public. This was money well spent.