Posts Tagged ‘international’

The Freedom of Expat Living

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

The cost of living is one of the primary reasons people are choosing to live abroad as expats, because the more you can control your wealth the more you can control your freedom, to a far greater extent than you ever could while living in the United States or in places like the United Kingdom. People seem to have forgotten the fact that the freedoms they enjoy in Western countries come at a price that continues to rise every year until people are no longer free but instead slaves to the clock.

Perhaps the easiest comparison to make for the uninitiated is between Mexico City and New York City. These two cities are both considered leaders in the global community in terms of population, banking, commerce and education. The cost of living in New York City is around $50,000 for bottom of the barrel living, but if you compare it to Mexico City you can have the exact same creature comforts and style of life for only $10,000 a year.

Think about the difference between these two cities for just a minute. Then reflect upon the fact that $40,000 is a lot of money to the average American, and when you consider the fact that these two cities are exactly the same on paper, you come up with a basic mathematical fact that even a child can understand. It is this reason that expats are choosing to leverage the power of cities around the world, because if a child can understand it, it’s a simple enough mathematical fact that adults don’t even need to think about.

This is what expat living is all about, and it is this reason that more and more people every year are choosing to live outside of Western countries rather than be held down by a prohibitive cost of living. When you can put tens of thousands of dollars a year back into your bank account, all while retaining the exact same amenities and style of living you had back home, there is absolutely no reason to stay in the U.S. or the U.K. when that freedom robs you of your bank account to the point where you are absolutely broke.

When you consider the fact that you can put tens of thousands of dollars per year straight into your pocket rather than spend it on a prohibitive cost of living, the level of control that you will be able to influence over your own life is so great that most people can’t even comprehend it. They’ve been told since the time they were children that the only way to get ahead in life is to spend 40 years slaving away in a corporate environment, but when you can have absolute freedom in just a few short years by living as an expat in another country, there is no reason to be a slave any longer.

There are millions of expats who are currently discovering all of their options around the world, exploring the absolute freedom that expat living provides those who choose to break free.

Buy the best Cruise travel insurance

Wednesday, March 14th, 2012

After careful planning and cost-cutting over 10 long years, Keith and Donna finally managed to save up enough money to book their luxury cruise trip to Galapagos. It was to be their second honeymoon amidst the scenic islands. Just as their anticipation about the trip was about to hit its peak, they got the unfortunate news of Keith’s mother being diagnosed with a terminal illness that gave her very few days to live.

The news actually meant two losses for Keith and Donna. The heavier loss was that of a parent. But the other loss was not an easy one either. They would lose every dollar spent on the cruise bookings because it was completely non-refundable. So, they would be losing a major chunk of their savings because they would have to cancel their trip. Keith now wished he had taken Donna’s advice on getting cruise travel insurance.

You can use cruise travel insurance plans to reimburse trip costs if you cancel the trip before it starts. If one of the travelers is ill or injured and the trip needs to be abandoned midway, you recover your money through cruise travel insurance. Some added benefits that are part of this plan include reimbursement of medical expenses and evacuation of sick or injured travelers.

Cruise insurance plans differ in the reasons they consider eligible for trip cancellation or interruption and the people whose risks they cover, such as travelers only or travelers and their family members.

Plans that offer evacuation cover may pay for evacuation only to fixed local hospitals, or they may allow for evacuation to a hospital of the insured person’s choice, within their home country. It may be possible to get a medical upgrade for the plan so that it covers medical expenses as well.

The other point of difference among various cruise travel insurance policies is the activities they insure. Some cover adventure sports like scuba diving and jet skiing while some others do not. So, it’s a good idea for policy holders to ascertain whether the plan covers the activities they are likely to take part in.

If the cruise trip is cancelled or interrupted because of a lapse on the part of the travel provider or because the financial condition of the travel provider is weak, then certain cruise insurance plans may not cover it. There are plans that cover financial insolvency, but some of those provide cover only if there is a gap of 21 days between the payment of the initial trip deposit and the purchase of the insurance. Some others cover financial insolvency even if the plan is purchased within a day of the final trip payment.

Many cruise insurance plans offer coverage if the cause of trip cancellation is extreme weather conditions. However, cancellation due to terrorism is not within the scope of most cruise insurance plans. In some cases, the plan reimburses medical expense coverage ranging from $ 10,000 to $500,000, whereas evacuation and repatriation can be covered for up to $1 million.

Jon Hendricks frequently writes about travel insurance

Taking an overnight cruise in the Bay of Islands

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

There are plenty of things to do within the Bay of Islands, but when you’re not out sport fishing, a short cruise is an incredible way to explore the bays and islands – and sometimes to watch whales and dolphins as well; knocking off a few great experiences in one go.

We had the possibility to try and do just that: an overnight cruise on the Ipipiri upon their last sailing of the season. The Ipipiri is actually a new-built boat – the largest one sailing in the Bay of Islands – and it is well-designed for relaxation and fun on short trips, maximizing opportunities to benefit from the outdoors, rather than housing casinos or multiple restaurants.

There were some strong winds coming through (a storm had cancelled my dive a day before) but the size of the ship along with the protective islands and bays meant we were sailing smoothly. Within half an hour we encountered a pod of dolphins, in addition to some dolphin-watching boats. The captain pulled to a stop to allow us to enjoy them play for nearly half an hour.

Those magnificently large cabin windows came in handy on the next morning as we woke to wonderful views. Steep green hills rose to a blue sky; the winds still blew but the grey clouds had gone. We went up to breakfast, chatted with other passengers, and enjoyed the nearly panoramic views.

All quite soon we were heading back inside the harbour, but there were still some surprises in store. The ship sailed comfortably through wind-whipped white waves, but we were still in a position to spot some dolphins chasing fish along the cliff face. The captain slowed to offer us a good look, but kept a polite distance; the dolphins responded to the interest by making huge vertical leaps to the delight of everyone on board.

The Ipipiri overnight cruise in the Bay of Islands doesn’t always follow precisely the same schedule. Depending on weather, wildlife as well as other factors, the captain and crew have lots of options for things to do – including kayaking, swimming and snorkelling, as well as island excursions and dolphin- or whale-watching. Without a car, Paihia is a four-hour bus ride from Auckland with the InterCity Northliner bus.

Flights from Auckland are possible (private or through Air New Zealand), but the local airports are all very small, so it pays to speak with your accommodation provider before hand about transfers. Hop-on, hop-off bus passes are likewise available, mainly serving a 18-35 year-old crowd. The drivers or local guides with these New Zealand backpacker buses can often arrange accommodation for everyone too.

Read about more things to do in the Bay of Islands or get more details on this Bay of Islands cruise now.

A Brief And Comprehensive Shanghai Travel Guide

Monday, December 12th, 2011

Situated on the Yangtze River, the city of Shanghai is among the most popular destinations in China. This bustling metropolis is simply bursting with amenities and interesting attractions. What follows is an easy to follow Shanghai travel guide.

Culture vultures are sure to be impressed by this richly varied metropolis. The attractions here come in all shapes and sizes, and there truly is something for everyone. Perhaps the largest range of attractions and amenities can be found in The Bund district.

Next, visitors should take a trip to the old city. As the name suggests, this district is bursting with ancient attractions. Wandering through the Yuyuan Garden is a great way to unwind while soaking up the enchanting atmosphere.

People who are traveling with children should take a trip to the Shanghai Aquarium. This impressive establishment is the largest of its kind in Asia and boasts an outstanding collecting of aquatic animals. After the kids have been satisfied, adults will be able to explore the nearby museum in peace.

Taking a cruise on the Huangpu River is a great way to get a feel for the city. Visitors to choose to take an evening cruise will be treated to sights of The Bund in all its glory. Many cruise companies also offer on board dining, which is a deliciously decadent experience.

Shopping is a popular pastime here amongst both visitors and residents alike. The glamour and glitz of the world famous Nangjing Lu shopping street attracts thousands of shoppers each day. A more authentic experience can also be found at traditional city wide markets.

Hungry diners will find plenty to sink their teeth into when they visit Shanghai. The city is famous for a large number of distinctive dishes, which can be sampled at a broad spectrum of eateries. Other restaurants also specially in deliciously authentic international cuisine.

The city also makes a good base for visiting other local destinations. Among the most popular destinations are the floating villages around Hangzhou and the impressive Huzhou Pagoda. These and a whole host of other exciting destinations can be visited alone or with local guides.

The great thing about this city is that it is particularly easy to get to, especially with the aid of a Shanghai travel guide. Long distance trains and buses travel here from all over China. Those who are visiting from further afield can also choose to catch a plane to one of two nearby international airports.

If you need Shanghai travel advice, visit http://indietravelpodcast.com. You can find cheap accommodation in Shanghai while you’re there.

The Elegance Of Dubai’s New Landmark

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

Now, before I begin talking about this monumental landmark, I need to inform you that the name of the building had been changed to the Burj Khalifa, not very long after it’s unveiling.

Dubai decided to change its name as a means of showing it’s appreciation for the financial aid it received from Abu Dhabi, a country next door that helped out immensely while the world economy sunk to a state of crisis last year.

Anyway, this is a special building that’s truly unlike any other landmark in the world. You’ve probably seen it mentioned on the news, but let’s take a closer look at some of the key highlights that make this the most exquisite building the world has ever seen.

What’s incredible about this landmark is the fact that over 160 floors of space occupy it, all with the ability to be lived in. As I’m sure you could imagine, this would cost a lot of money and the price tag of $2,000 per square foot is no laughing matter.

That’s right; a 2,000 square foot apartment would have sold for nearly 4 million dollars! Thankfully, prices have dropped since then to as low as half of their peak, but that’s still some extraordinarily expensive real estate.

There are also many floors that will be devoted to offices, in addition to restaurants and other forms of commercial space.

Inside the Burj Khalifa will also be a world class hotel that was designed by Giorgio Armani. There will also be a swimming pool on the 76th floor that makes it the world’s highest swimming pool, as well as a mosque on the 158th floor that makes it the world’s highest mosque.

Everything is extremely safe here, as safety should be a foremost concern in any worldwide monument. The actual security of this building is another awesome feature because it is different than anything that has ever been seen in a building before. Special floors are at every 25 to 30 levels, having special compositions which cause them to be fire-resistant and their own air supplies.

A new era in architecture has arrived, and the world is a better place for it. Behold the future of skyscrapers, the Burj Khalifa has arrived.

The author also frequently blogs regarding semi trucks on sale and rubbish removal.

A Few Of The Best European Cities To Visit

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

There are plenty of European cities worth visiting. The culture is rich with a good blend of modern living. They provide an opportunity to see the wealth of a continent that has had such a tremendous effect that is felt around the entire world. The following are the most popular European cities to visit.

London is a sophisticated city that never fails to meet expectations. For hundreds of years, it has been a place where the greatest people in the world hold their meet together. Its culture is varied with several galleries, monuments, astounding buildings and theaters to see. This is one place where the whole world shops.

Paris is full of life and brings with it life’s richest things. It has a reputation for its fashion style. Nearly everyone who wishes to have a rewarding romantic experience goes to this city. It has several places to see. One can never get enough. Visitors will always like to return.

Rome is one city that should be visited. It has a way of taking its visitors to the olden days. Tourists regard very highly the way the landmarks are preserved. There are so many kinds of ancient buildings, monuments and artworks. It is really worth appreciating everything available in this city.

Barcelona is an attractive place with a wonderful weather that is sited on the Mediterranean coast. It offers an interesting mix of cultural diversity. Its great history is still very evident in the preserved ruins that are available for tourists to see. This is the city for lovers of the game of soccer being the home of one of world’s best teams.

Venice is one of the European cities to visit. It is an exceptionally beautiful city. No other city in the world can match it. Situated near Italy, it is a mix of many small islands. Movement is only done by foot or by boat.

The award-winning Indie Travel Podcast has more Europe travel advice, including European cities to visit this year.

Just What Does Couchsurfing Mean

Sunday, June 5th, 2011

Couchsurfing is a slang term for staying in the houses of friends or relatives for free, a practice that has been going on since before recorded history or settlements, but whereas in the past a weary journeyman may need to pray to the gods for a warm bed and a glass of ale to soothe the aches of the road, now we have internet sites and networks to help us find a bed for the night in strange cities when no hotel is available.

To start Couchsurfing is now a matter of signing up and registering, although obviously some fairly in-depth checks are needed to make sure that the couch or spare room you are offering is safe and habitable, and that your guests will likewise be nice and decent people.

Obviously the system does rely a great deal on people’s honesty and having a sense of give and take. Despite what many said upon it’s invention, it is well vetted and much less dangerous than it could be, in the wrong hands.

Beginning in North America Couchsurfing has been quick to catch on around Europe, South America and Australia. Website owners are very careful to avoid not only unsuitable hosts and guests, but also commercial organizations looking to profit from it. Websites keep their integrity using a detailed and intuitive feedback system to exclude the bad and allow in the good like a filter.

From small acorns mighty oaks will grow, and here the same applies, from what began as a small project, the website now covers a great deal of the globe and has created stories which will inspire and melt even the iciest of cold hearts.

Like Harry Potter or computer imagery in films, it is hard for many to imagine the world before Couchsurfing was in it, even for those of us who spent most of our lives in those relatively dark periods.

Discover the practical aspects to what is couchsurfing on the award-winning http://indietravelpodcast.com. They also have more traditional advice on accommodation for travel.

Ideas For Romantic Couples Travel

Saturday, June 4th, 2011

There is almost no better way to really spend some quality time with your significant other than to do some traveling. Sometimes you just need to get away from it all, and when you do it together, it can even strengthen the bonds of a relationship. If you and your partner are looking to take a trip, here are some romantic couples travel ideas to get the ball rolling.

One classic choice for the two of you is a bed and breakfast. This is a way to truly get away from it all and simply relax. You will have a quiet atmosphere for just focusing on each other and enjoying the simplicity of life.

A beach resort offers another kind of relaxing getaway. This is for the couple that enjoys a more luxurious experience. You could lounge in the sun all day long or go for a swim.

Cruises are also very popular with couples. One reason is that it is so convenient, with most cruises offering all-inclusive packages that take care of accommodations, dining, entertainment, and everything else when you book one. Many of these packages are for two, which makes it even more convenient and affordable.

For adventurous types, a road trip can be a very fun choice. Simply pack up and take off, just the two of you on the open road. You can plan your accommodations and destinations ahead of time, or you could just be spontaneous.

Couples travel is a great way to keep a relationship fun and take a break from everyday stresses. Both of you will be glad that you took the time to get away for a while. Hopefully the above ideas have helped you start to plan that romantic getaway.

The Art of Couples Travel site has advice for travelling couples, as well as insurance for couples.

Looking For Books On Solo Travel

Friday, May 27th, 2011

Traveling solo is not for everyone. The mere prospect is sometimes intimidating, and without adequate planning, the experience could be unpleasant. But if you take the time to create a well-planned itinerary, traveling by yourself could be freeing and could create a sense of empowerment. Books on solo travel can help the lone explorer plan out a pleasurable and satisfying trip. Below you will find a few of the ways in which guidebooks can be useful when traveling alone:

Finding Affordable, Comfortable Places to Stay

Looking for accommodation can be intimidating even if you are traveling with a partner or group, but when you are traveling alone, there are special concerns. Guidebooks can help you determine which hotels or hostels provide safe, comfortable lodging for one person at a decent price.

Finding Places to Eat

Planning for food can be a challenging task for the solo traveler. Travel guides may provide suggestions of restaurants that are suitable for solo dining. Also, they can give tips for buying and preparing your own food while on the road or away from home.

Planning Out Your Activities

While some tourist activities require a group, many of them can be a lot of fun alone, and are sometimes even enhanced that way. A travel book can help you plan activities to do alone, or suggest group tours that might cater to your interests. If you do decide to go completely solo, you will want to make yourself aware of all bus schedules and other times, so that you don’t get to a museum on a day when it’s closed, or miss the last bus back from a remote location.

These are not the only ways in which books on solo travel can be helpful. You may find a lot of other information, too. They may suggest discount rates, provide customer reviews of restaurant, accommodations or activities, and even contain coupons. Planning is necessary for any type of travel. But for the solo traveler, it is absolutely essential.

The best solo travel book is the Art of Solo Travel. You can buy this women’s travel book online and read it immediately.

Travel Guide For Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Friday, May 27th, 2011

Kuala Lumpur is an international city and the bustling capital of Malaysia. The city centre is known as KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre). There are plenty of things to do there!

A full range of accommodation is available in KL, but better invest in an air-conditioned room since the weather is uniformly hot and muggy. A huge range of food is available in KL – from street hawkers to five-star restaurants. And the outdoor street restaurants in Jalan Alor are worth a visit. Alcohol is relatively expensive.

Most Kuala Lumpur residents get around by car, but there’s a network of buses, trains and a monorail. Tickets prices in KL vary, with buses being cheapest and the monorail being the most expensive. Public ransportation in KL is good, though sometimes a little infrequent.

The Petronas Towers, one of Malaysia’s landmarks are worth a visit. The Golden Triangle is the region for high-class shopping in Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown and Little India boast tourist markets and ethnic restaurants and a tourist destination in Malaysia. Head to Chow Kit for the local food markets or the Central Market for high quality Malaysian souvenirs. The Menara KL Tower is the place to go for high views Kuala Lumpur, but the Bukit Bintang is also worth a visit. The Aquaria KLCC and is a huge complex with thousands of species of fish.

An hour or so out of Kuala Lumpur by bus are the impressive Batu Caves. The Batu Caves are also the home of Thaipusam. In January or February each year tens of thousands of tourists come to watch over a million Hindu devotees celebrate Kavadi Attam here. Chinese New Year is another big event for Kuala Lumpur happening in late January to mid-February each year.

If you’ve just arrived in Kuala Lumpur, explore the rest of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is also the hub for Air Asia thus a good jump off point for the rest of South East Asia. Overall, there are a lot of places in Kuala Lumpur to keep you interested.

Need more information on Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia? Visit the Indie Travel Podcast for excellent travel advice for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.