Archive for November, 2007
Enjoy a Grand Time in Bangkok
Wolfgang Jaegel asked:
The capital as well as the largest city in Thailand, Bangkok is a mesmerizing destination, situated in the central region of the nation, on the low flat plains of the Chao Phraya River, near the northern tip of the Gulf of Thailand. Known as Krungthep in Thai, literally meaning the ‘City of Angels,’ Bangkok is the cultural, economic, educational, and political center of the nation. Bangkok is credited to be the only metropolis in the country.
Further, it serves as Thailand’s main port. The history of Bangkok as a modern city dates back to 1782 when it was declared capital of Thailand by King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty. Since then, Bangkok has grown steadily to become one of the world’s prominent cities, consisting of 50 districts stretching up to an area of 1568 sq mt. Above all, Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in South east Asia. Perhaps for these reasons, Bangkok is sometimes acknowledged as the ‘Venice of the East.’
Bangkok offers a feast of attractions to the visitors to the city, ranging from ancient temples and magnificent palaces to modern as well as classy malls and multiplexes. Of the attractions of the city, perhaps the most popular is its more than 400 dazzling Buddhist wats or temples of incredible beauty and fascination.
Few among the prominent Buddhist shrines in the area are the Temple of Dawn, decorated with numerous Chinese porcelains; Wat Benchamabophit, which is much favored for its main chapel erected in white Carara Italian marble; Wat Phra Chetuphon, with a huge Reclining Buddha of 46 m long and 15 m high; and Wat Traimit, whose focal point is a -metre tall, 5.5 tonne solid gold Buddha image, erected more than 700 years ago during the Sukhothai period. Apart from these, a good number of Hindu shrines such as Erawan Shrine can also be seen here, apart from fantastic churches and mosques.
The city also abounds in splendid palaces. Among which, most noteworthy as well as spectacular is Grand Palace – an architectural splendor which served as the royal residence as well as the administrative seat of the government for more than 150 years.
One of the specialties of the palace is Wat Phra Kaew, (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), whose highlight is an Emerald Buddha dating back to the 14th century. Also, included in the highlights of the palace are seven elegant royal buildings and a stunning chapel. Vimanmek Mansion, King Taksin’s Palace, The Front Palace, Tha Phra Palace, Bahn Moh Palace, and Sra Pathum Palace are the other significant palaces in the area.
Bangkok’s attractions also include Snake Farm, also known as the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, which is one of the leading producers of anti-venom Serum in Asia; Crocodile Farm -the largest of its kind in the world, where you can see more than 60,000 fresh as well as sea water crocodiles; and Rose Garden, a well-manicured area where cultural shows are conducted.
Further, don’t miss any of the fantastic museums in the area, while your stay at Bangkok. Museums in Bangkok are categorized into palace museums, special museums, and Kings’ museum. Prominent being Suan Pakkad Palace Museum, the Bank of Thailand Museum, Thai Labor Museum, the Museum of Buddhist Art, and King Rama VI Museum. Let it be any type of museum, each of the museums in Bangkok is considered a rich tapestry of Thai history and ethnicity. In addition, Bangkok is home to the world’s largest outdoor museum, Ancient City, exhibiting gigantic-sized replicas of renowned monuments and temples found across the nation.
Bangkok also renders superb options to enjoy a variety of leisurely activities. For instance, for golf freaks, the city comes with some of the top-rated golf courses in the world, including Royal Thai Air Force, Royal Bangkok Sports Club, and Royal Thai Army Sports Center. If you love to be pampered, then head to any of the city’s superb spa facilities, offering rejuvenating massages and relaxing natural treatments. For those looking for something different, one of the best options would be to spectacle Thai boxing, which is conducted on the two main stadiums of Bangkok, such as, Ratchadamnoen Stadium and Lumpini Stadium.
Further, the city is a venue for a variety of interesting festivals, including Songkran Festival, the International Festival of Dance and Music, Vegetarian Festival, and Loy Krathong – also known as the Festival of Lights.
Gastronomically, the culinary delights of the area are simply amazing, with thousands of world-class restaurants and eateries. Bangkok is also a shopper’s paradise, boasting of some of the best shopping facilities in Asia. Above all, Bangkok is renowned around the world for its lively as well as exciting nightlife.
The capital as well as the largest city in Thailand, Bangkok is a mesmerizing destination, situated in the central region of the nation, on the low flat plains of the Chao Phraya River, near the northern tip of the Gulf of Thailand. Known as Krungthep in Thai, literally meaning the ‘City of Angels,’ Bangkok is the cultural, economic, educational, and political center of the nation. Bangkok is credited to be the only metropolis in the country.
Further, it serves as Thailand’s main port. The history of Bangkok as a modern city dates back to 1782 when it was declared capital of Thailand by King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty. Since then, Bangkok has grown steadily to become one of the world’s prominent cities, consisting of 50 districts stretching up to an area of 1568 sq mt. Above all, Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in South east Asia. Perhaps for these reasons, Bangkok is sometimes acknowledged as the ‘Venice of the East.’
Bangkok offers a feast of attractions to the visitors to the city, ranging from ancient temples and magnificent palaces to modern as well as classy malls and multiplexes. Of the attractions of the city, perhaps the most popular is its more than 400 dazzling Buddhist wats or temples of incredible beauty and fascination.
Few among the prominent Buddhist shrines in the area are the Temple of Dawn, decorated with numerous Chinese porcelains; Wat Benchamabophit, which is much favored for its main chapel erected in white Carara Italian marble; Wat Phra Chetuphon, with a huge Reclining Buddha of 46 m long and 15 m high; and Wat Traimit, whose focal point is a -metre tall, 5.5 tonne solid gold Buddha image, erected more than 700 years ago during the Sukhothai period. Apart from these, a good number of Hindu shrines such as Erawan Shrine can also be seen here, apart from fantastic churches and mosques.
The city also abounds in splendid palaces. Among which, most noteworthy as well as spectacular is Grand Palace – an architectural splendor which served as the royal residence as well as the administrative seat of the government for more than 150 years.
One of the specialties of the palace is Wat Phra Kaew, (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), whose highlight is an Emerald Buddha dating back to the 14th century. Also, included in the highlights of the palace are seven elegant royal buildings and a stunning chapel. Vimanmek Mansion, King Taksin’s Palace, The Front Palace, Tha Phra Palace, Bahn Moh Palace, and Sra Pathum Palace are the other significant palaces in the area.
Bangkok’s attractions also include Snake Farm, also known as the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, which is one of the leading producers of anti-venom Serum in Asia; Crocodile Farm -the largest of its kind in the world, where you can see more than 60,000 fresh as well as sea water crocodiles; and Rose Garden, a well-manicured area where cultural shows are conducted.
Further, don’t miss any of the fantastic museums in the area, while your stay at Bangkok. Museums in Bangkok are categorized into palace museums, special museums, and Kings’ museum. Prominent being Suan Pakkad Palace Museum, the Bank of Thailand Museum, Thai Labor Museum, the Museum of Buddhist Art, and King Rama VI Museum. Let it be any type of museum, each of the museums in Bangkok is considered a rich tapestry of Thai history and ethnicity. In addition, Bangkok is home to the world’s largest outdoor museum, Ancient City, exhibiting gigantic-sized replicas of renowned monuments and temples found across the nation.
Bangkok also renders superb options to enjoy a variety of leisurely activities. For instance, for golf freaks, the city comes with some of the top-rated golf courses in the world, including Royal Thai Air Force, Royal Bangkok Sports Club, and Royal Thai Army Sports Center. If you love to be pampered, then head to any of the city’s superb spa facilities, offering rejuvenating massages and relaxing natural treatments. For those looking for something different, one of the best options would be to spectacle Thai boxing, which is conducted on the two main stadiums of Bangkok, such as, Ratchadamnoen Stadium and Lumpini Stadium.
Further, the city is a venue for a variety of interesting festivals, including Songkran Festival, the International Festival of Dance and Music, Vegetarian Festival, and Loy Krathong – also known as the Festival of Lights.
Gastronomically, the culinary delights of the area are simply amazing, with thousands of world-class restaurants and eateries. Bangkok is also a shopper’s paradise, boasting of some of the best shopping facilities in Asia. Above all, Bangkok is renowned around the world for its lively as well as exciting nightlife.
Know More About Load Balancing
Amy Nutt asked:
Load balancing, by definition, is the process of spreading the amount of work that is conducted by a computer system between a number of different computer systems to increase the speed that the work is completed in. There are several different methods in which load balancing can be accomplished by and the technique can use many different types of computer components, including both hardware and software applications. Load balancing is typically completed using a cluster of computer servers that may or may not be located in the same location. Some load balancers provide a mechanism for doing something special in the event that all backend servers are unavailable. This might include forwarding to a backup load balancer, or displaying a message regarding the outage. Load balancing can be useful when dealing with redundant communications links.
There are many different companies that see the benefits of using load balancing and implement the procedure for their companies. Companies that conduct business transactions in large numbers using the internet are prime candidates to use load balancing to ensure that all of their clients and customers will be able to conduct their transactions in a quickly and accurately manner. Companies that need to network a great deal of computers for individual users also typically use load balancing to ensure that all computers will work properly and have the right amount of power to be able to perform the functions that they are intended to perform. It also ensures that the company will still be able to do business if one server becomes corrupted or goes down for an extended period of time.
There are several different methods that are widely used for load balancing. One of the most popular methods of load balancing is Global Server Load Balancing. This technique distributes the incoming tasks to a group of servers in a particular geographic location. This technique is widely used by companies that have a global presence and have a need to satisfy customers or employees in many different geographical locations. Using Global Server Load Balancing ensures that the work load is distributed throughout the entire server system in an easy to manage manner and ensures that all geographical locations are obtaining the correct information from the correct set of servers.
Another load balancing technique that is commonly used is called Persistence Load Balancing. This technique assigns each new client to a different server in a round robin (distributed page requests evenly to one of three Squid cache servers) type of allocation. This client is then assigned to this specific server for the future of their relationship with the business. This ensures that no one server is overloaded with a particular type of client, such as those in a certain geographical area or use a specific type of service and ensures that the clients are distributed evenly through out all of the servers that the business possesses. These server assignments are typically monitored by using the customers IP address as the customer’s unique identification code.
Load balancing, by definition, is the process of spreading the amount of work that is conducted by a computer system between a number of different computer systems to increase the speed that the work is completed in. There are several different methods in which load balancing can be accomplished by and the technique can use many different types of computer components, including both hardware and software applications. Load balancing is typically completed using a cluster of computer servers that may or may not be located in the same location. Some load balancers provide a mechanism for doing something special in the event that all backend servers are unavailable. This might include forwarding to a backup load balancer, or displaying a message regarding the outage. Load balancing can be useful when dealing with redundant communications links.
There are many different companies that see the benefits of using load balancing and implement the procedure for their companies. Companies that conduct business transactions in large numbers using the internet are prime candidates to use load balancing to ensure that all of their clients and customers will be able to conduct their transactions in a quickly and accurately manner. Companies that need to network a great deal of computers for individual users also typically use load balancing to ensure that all computers will work properly and have the right amount of power to be able to perform the functions that they are intended to perform. It also ensures that the company will still be able to do business if one server becomes corrupted or goes down for an extended period of time.
There are several different methods that are widely used for load balancing. One of the most popular methods of load balancing is Global Server Load Balancing. This technique distributes the incoming tasks to a group of servers in a particular geographic location. This technique is widely used by companies that have a global presence and have a need to satisfy customers or employees in many different geographical locations. Using Global Server Load Balancing ensures that the work load is distributed throughout the entire server system in an easy to manage manner and ensures that all geographical locations are obtaining the correct information from the correct set of servers.
Another load balancing technique that is commonly used is called Persistence Load Balancing. This technique assigns each new client to a different server in a round robin (distributed page requests evenly to one of three Squid cache servers) type of allocation. This client is then assigned to this specific server for the future of their relationship with the business. This ensures that no one server is overloaded with a particular type of client, such as those in a certain geographical area or use a specific type of service and ensures that the clients are distributed evenly through out all of the servers that the business possesses. These server assignments are typically monitored by using the customers IP address as the customer’s unique identification code.
The World’s Top Retirement Havens in 2007
International Living asked:
The World’s Top Retirement Havens in 2007
By Laura Sheridan
Whether your retirement is fast approaching or just something you find yourself often dreaming about, you’ve probably imagined spending it in some far-flung tropical haven. But moving to a country that you know little about is a lot of hassle, right? It’s probably not worth the time and effort, you think. Besides, all your family and friends are here.
Take it from us: it’s worth it. If you look beyond your own shores you’ll find that many countries around the world offer far greater benefits and advantages for retirees than those offered at home.
One of the simplest ways to improve your retirement lifestyle is to choose the retirement destination offering you more of what you want at the best price. It’s a question of priorities. What’s important to you? Is cost of living Number One on your priority list?
Maybe for you weather is the key consideration.
Are your must-haves telecommunications and infrastructure? Proximity to the States and Canada may also be a factor.
Maybe you aren’t anywhere close to retirement. Nevertheless, it’s important to think about and plan for your future. Like every phase in your life, you’ll be surprised how fast retirement creeps up on you.
That’s why, once a year, in our Global Retirement Index, we look closely, specifically, at the best opportunities worldwide for retirement living. Where will the pensioner’s dollars go furthest? Which country is the safest? Where is the health care best? We give top priority to those things that matter most to anyone planning for retirement, including programs of special benefits for retirees (tax breaks, discounts, and freebies, for example, that various governments proffer to residents, sometimes specifically to foreign residents in an effort to attract investment and retirement dollars).
We can show you the opportunities and possibilities, the winners of our top retirement countries, but it’s up to you to decide what your main priorities are before you find your ideal retirement haven. The aim of our Index is to give you a good starting guide.
Mexico-our new winner
Moving up four places to take our top spot as the world’s top retirement haven this year is Mexico. Mexico offers the perfect mix of centuries-old traditions and contemporary lifestyles. Moving to Mexico means you can still have all of the amenities you grew accustomed to north of the border: cable TV, high-speed Internet, and modern home appliances. And if you prefer, when you move to Mexico you can even bring all of your favorite things with you without paying import taxes.
Goods and services cost less, so you can afford the kinds of luxuries only the very wealthy enjoy up north: a maid, a cook, and a gardener for example. In your retirement here, you’ll have time to volunteer at the local school, time to golf in the mornings, time to relax on the beach…time to savor life.
Whether your vision of the ideal retirement involves shopping, fishing, sunbathing, diving, biking, mountain climbing, parasailing, collecting crafts, visiting archeological sites, partying, going to concerts, attending the theater, or fine dining, in Mexico you can engage in all of these activities, and many more.
How our Global Retirement Index is scored
* Real estate. Countries where real estate prices are low and the purchase of real estate is relatively easy receive the highest scores. We use our own experiences plus reports from our contributing editors and real estate contacts around the world to rate each country. Weight: 15%
* Entertainment, Recreation, and Culture. This category considers the number of newspapers per 1,000 citizens, the number of museums and cinemas per capita, the number of university students, the literacy rate, and the variety of cultural and recreational offerings. Weight: 10%
* Cost of living. This score is based on statistics from the Indexes of Living Costs Abroad, Quarter Allowances, and Hardship Differentials, published by the United States Department of State, and on data published by Business International. We also use our firsthand experiences living and traveling in these countries. The lower the score, the higher the cost of living. Weight: 20%
* Safety and stability. This measure of unrest in each country is based primarily on Interpol data and State Department statistics. It also takes into account the civil liberties and political rights granted by each government. Our own experiences and reports from expatriates living in these countries also influence the safety scores. Weight: 5%
* Health care. Considered in this category are the cost of a typical visit to a general practitioner and the cost and coverage particulars of health insurance. Weight: 20%
* Climate. Countries with temperate weather throughout the year, moderate rain fall, and little risk of natural disaster come out on top in this category. We use data representing each country as a whole instead of favoring one region over another. Weight: 5%
* Special benefits. This category considers government provisions that make moving to and living in each country easier and more affordable for foreigners. Taken into account are property rights for foreign residents, property tax rates, duty-free imports on personal belongings, currency controls, employment restrictions, voting rights, and transportation discounts for seniors. Weight: 20%
* Infrastructure. This section considers the number of cars and telephones per 1,000 residents, the length of railroad track in usable condition, the number of airports, the quality of the country’s road and highway network, and the availability of telecommunications. Weight: 5%
If health care is a concern, you should know that in much of Mexico the health care is first rate. Private clinics and hospitals are staffed by expert physicians (many of whom trained in the U.S., Europe, or in Mexico’s own world-renowned teaching hospitals), and medical care and prescription drugs will cost you only a fraction of what you would pay in the States. In our Index, Mexico scores 79 out of a possible 100 points in this category.
Mexico is such a diverse nation that everybody can find exactly what they want. You don’t have to choose between water or mountains; here you can have both. And because of geographic diversity, you can also choose the climate to enjoy during your Mexican retirement: from hot and dry in the north, to hot and humid in the south, to spring-like temperatures all year round in the Colonial Highlands.
You can also own the home of your dreams in Mexico-for much less than it would cost you most anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. The real estate market offers endless possibilities for your retirement. Mexico receives a high score of 84 in our Real Estate category. Despite what you may have heard, it’s not too late to buy real estate here.
You can own beachfront-not just ocean view property-in Mexico for less than $100,000.
Once you decide to move to Mexico, it’s difficult to know where to go-it’s a big country. Below are the 10 places we think make the most sense for expatriate living in this country, based on criteria such as health care, climate, infrastructure, and housing costs. These are places our husband-and-wife team in Mexico, Dan Prescher and Suzan Haskins, have personally scouted and personally recommend above other options in this great big country. They are: Rosarito Beach, Puerto Vallarta, Quer?ro, Mazatlan, M?da, La Paz, Campeche, Playa del Carmen/Riviera Maya, Ajijic/Chapala, and Sayulita/San Pancho (San Francisco). Of course, we’re not forgetting San Miguel de Allende, one of Dan and Suzan’s favorite places in Mexico. Suzan recently reported of this town: “San Miguel is one of the prettiest towns in all of Mexico. Stepping into San Miguel’s Centro is like stepping back in time…but with all of today’s modern conveniences.”
In second place…
Ecuador
Ecuador always does well in our Retirement Index, but this year it moves from 10th position last year to take second place this year. If you retire in Ecuador, every clich?ou’ve heard about living large on little money-about settling into the lap of luxury on even a pensioner’s budget-is true. Ecuador gets 85 points in our Cost of Living category, making it one of the world’s cheapest places to live. Take $250 out of the ATM Monday morning and your expenses are covered for the week. In fact, we ranked Ecuador as the world’s best retirement haven in 1999, after it weathered the earlier economic, political, and natural problems of the previous two years, and went on to prosper.
Of course, low prices alone do not make for an ideal retirement or investment destination. There are plenty of places the world over where you can buy cheap land, but where you wouldn’t want to live; not so in Ecuador.
It’s hard to pinpoint the best reason for retiring to Ecuador, but one thing’s for sure: this is an affordable-and beautiful-retirement destination. Ecuador also offers a high quality of life. This is no isolated backwater. It’s a land of opportunity, where a middle class is forming. After waking from a long economic slumber, Ecuador is preparing to join the global economy.
Retirees aged 65 or older have an extra incentive to consider Ecuador: airfares to North America and Europe are half-price on several airlines; all in-country transportation costs are 50% lower, and big discounts apply to a variety of other expenses such as taxes, utilities, and entertainment.
And remember: Ecuador is one place where the U.S. dollar is not losing value, which makes an Ecuadorian retirement especially appealing. Following the late-1990s’ debt default, Ecuador decided to adopt the U.S. dollar as its official currency, which eliminates currency risk. Inflation is less than 3% and most economic indicators are positive.
Top for Europe
Italy comes third in our Index this year with high scores across the board. It’s difficult to figure out whereabouts in Italy you picture yourself living-there is probably more beauty per square mile here than in any other corner of Europe. It’s no simple matter to hit on the ideal location, even if you know for sure that you prefer big city life to the tranquility of the countryside. Right now, International Living recommends two places: Umbria in central Italy, and Calabria-situated in the toe of Italy.
“The green heart of Italy,” Umbria is just as alluring as its more famous next-door neighbor, Tuscany. With expats seeking farmhouses and other rural properties, prices are catching up fast. Although Umbria doesn’t possess a coastline, everywhere you look you’ll see rumpled hills crowned with fortified towns and higgledly-piggledly villages. From certain vantage points, you can see several hill towns at a time.
Many parts of the province are within an hour’s drive of Florence or Siena. Towns like Assisi, Todi, Spoleto, Orvieto, and Norcia are every bit as beautiful and as historic as any small town in Tuscany.
To give you an idea of property prices in the region, in Monteleone d’Orvieto, there’s a 968-square-foot apartment in need of restoration. Selling for $85,000, it has two bedrooms and one bathroom, plus a ready-made vegetable garden. There’s another apartment in the same town that’s habitable: 807 square feet, two bedrooms, and one bathroom. Price: $100,000.
Calabria’s shores are lapped by the Tyrrhenian Sea on the west, and the Ionian Sea on the east. What about property prices here? In the Calabrian seaside town of Scalea, an attractive second-floor apartment of 430 square feet is selling for $50,000.
Why Panama fell from glory?
Panama won our Retirement Index for six years in a row. But, it’s fallen from the top spot in 2007 and is now in fourth place. Why? Panama still has the same great retiree benefits…this hasn’t changed since last year (see the sidebar on retiree benefits on page XX). Still, unless you have a verifiable pension or pockets deep enough to afford a $40,000 investment in a forestry project or a $200,000 investment in real estate or a government bank CD, it can be difficult to get a resident visa in Panama. Since the government of Panama recently put a 30-day limit on its tourist visa, it has become more difficult for anyone seeking to rent a home or apartment and stay in the country for any length of time.
And it’s true that this country’s popularity has driven up real estate prices. Once plentiful real estate bargains-from $100,000 apartments in Panama City to $40,000 lots in Boquete-are getting harder to find.
Panama still has much to offer, though. Whether you’re enticed by the friendly people or the tropical climate, Panama is a great retirement destination (remember, it’s still in our top 5).
We don’t have print space here to talk about every country in our Index, but you can access information on all countries featured here at our website. In the search engine, type in the name of the country of interest to you to find out more.
NEED TO KNOW
Countries with special retiree benefits
Mexico
If you’ve considered retiring to Mexico, you now have another good reason-foreigners who hold a valid residence visa for Mexico can now take part in Mexico’s senior citizens’ benefits program.
The program, for adults aged 60 and over, offers discounts on a wide range of services. These include discounts on health-related services (hospitals, doctors’ visits, lab tests, medical devices, pharmacies, and dental work); cultural activities like theater tickets and entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites; travel-related costs, including airline tickets, buses, car rentals and purchase, and hotel accommodation. Discounts can range up to 50% off the full price of the good or service. Non-Mexicans who wish to take part in the program must go to a local office of INAPAM (Instituto Nacional de las Personas Adultas Mayores) to request a membership card. See: http://www.inapam.gob.mx/DirecINAPAM07.pdf for more information (in Spanish).
Malaysia
Three years ago, the government of Malaysia launched “Malaysia-My Second Home” (MM2H), replacing the former “Silver Hair” program introduced in 1987. MM2H provides incentives for foreigners, particularly retirees, to live permanently in this country. Successful applicants initially receive what is, in effect, a five-year visa with unlimited entry/exit privileges. There is no minimum annual residence requirement. After the first five years, you can apply for permanent residency. While you’re not guaranteed it will be granted, you can expect automatic renewal of your original visa if you continue to meet its conditions. Within six months of approval, MM2H residents may bring in household effects duty-free, and import or purchase one vehicle locally, tax free. Savings on auto taxes can amount to thousands of dollars on expensive models. Other benefits include exemption from Malaysian income tax on pension and other income remitted into the country, plus that on the interest from any fixed deposit made under the MM2H program (a savings of about 29%).
In addition, residents may purchase up to two properties with a value of not less than $40,000 each. Banks may advance up to 60%. For information on cost of living and many other useful topics, including domestic help, see www.mm2h.com. Registration at that website will also bring you updates on MM2H.
Panama
If you can document a minimum monthly pension of $500 (plus another $100 per dependent), you are eligible for a long list of perks in Panama, including: Import duty exemption for household goods; tax exemption to import a new car every two years; 50% off entertainment anywhere in the country (movies, theaters, concerts, sporting events); 30% off in-country bus, boat, and train fares; 25% off in-country airline tickets; 50% off hotel stays Monday through Thursday; 15% off hospital bills (if no insurance applies); 10% off prescription medicines; 20% off medical consultations; 50% reduction in closing costs for home loans; 25% discounts on utility bills…and many more.
Ireland
If Ireland is your choice as a retirement haven, you can take advantage of the many retirement incentives this country has to offer, including free health care, free public transportation, a fuel allowance, and significant discounts on hotel and electricity bills. You’re even allowed to vote in local elections.
Belize
Expats can apply for status as a Qualified Retired Person (QRP), and, with that status, you can avoid Belizean income tax and also import your household goods tax-free up to a total exemption amount of $15,000. You can also bring in a vehicle (a car, light aircraft, or boat) tax-free. In fact, every five years you can import a new vehicle, tax-free.
The World’s Top Retirement Havens in 2007
By Laura Sheridan
Whether your retirement is fast approaching or just something you find yourself often dreaming about, you’ve probably imagined spending it in some far-flung tropical haven. But moving to a country that you know little about is a lot of hassle, right? It’s probably not worth the time and effort, you think. Besides, all your family and friends are here.
Take it from us: it’s worth it. If you look beyond your own shores you’ll find that many countries around the world offer far greater benefits and advantages for retirees than those offered at home.
One of the simplest ways to improve your retirement lifestyle is to choose the retirement destination offering you more of what you want at the best price. It’s a question of priorities. What’s important to you? Is cost of living Number One on your priority list?
Maybe for you weather is the key consideration.
Are your must-haves telecommunications and infrastructure? Proximity to the States and Canada may also be a factor.
Maybe you aren’t anywhere close to retirement. Nevertheless, it’s important to think about and plan for your future. Like every phase in your life, you’ll be surprised how fast retirement creeps up on you.
That’s why, once a year, in our Global Retirement Index, we look closely, specifically, at the best opportunities worldwide for retirement living. Where will the pensioner’s dollars go furthest? Which country is the safest? Where is the health care best? We give top priority to those things that matter most to anyone planning for retirement, including programs of special benefits for retirees (tax breaks, discounts, and freebies, for example, that various governments proffer to residents, sometimes specifically to foreign residents in an effort to attract investment and retirement dollars).
We can show you the opportunities and possibilities, the winners of our top retirement countries, but it’s up to you to decide what your main priorities are before you find your ideal retirement haven. The aim of our Index is to give you a good starting guide.
Mexico-our new winner
Moving up four places to take our top spot as the world’s top retirement haven this year is Mexico. Mexico offers the perfect mix of centuries-old traditions and contemporary lifestyles. Moving to Mexico means you can still have all of the amenities you grew accustomed to north of the border: cable TV, high-speed Internet, and modern home appliances. And if you prefer, when you move to Mexico you can even bring all of your favorite things with you without paying import taxes.
Goods and services cost less, so you can afford the kinds of luxuries only the very wealthy enjoy up north: a maid, a cook, and a gardener for example. In your retirement here, you’ll have time to volunteer at the local school, time to golf in the mornings, time to relax on the beach…time to savor life.
Whether your vision of the ideal retirement involves shopping, fishing, sunbathing, diving, biking, mountain climbing, parasailing, collecting crafts, visiting archeological sites, partying, going to concerts, attending the theater, or fine dining, in Mexico you can engage in all of these activities, and many more.
How our Global Retirement Index is scored
* Real estate. Countries where real estate prices are low and the purchase of real estate is relatively easy receive the highest scores. We use our own experiences plus reports from our contributing editors and real estate contacts around the world to rate each country. Weight: 15%
* Entertainment, Recreation, and Culture. This category considers the number of newspapers per 1,000 citizens, the number of museums and cinemas per capita, the number of university students, the literacy rate, and the variety of cultural and recreational offerings. Weight: 10%
* Cost of living. This score is based on statistics from the Indexes of Living Costs Abroad, Quarter Allowances, and Hardship Differentials, published by the United States Department of State, and on data published by Business International. We also use our firsthand experiences living and traveling in these countries. The lower the score, the higher the cost of living. Weight: 20%
* Safety and stability. This measure of unrest in each country is based primarily on Interpol data and State Department statistics. It also takes into account the civil liberties and political rights granted by each government. Our own experiences and reports from expatriates living in these countries also influence the safety scores. Weight: 5%
* Health care. Considered in this category are the cost of a typical visit to a general practitioner and the cost and coverage particulars of health insurance. Weight: 20%
* Climate. Countries with temperate weather throughout the year, moderate rain fall, and little risk of natural disaster come out on top in this category. We use data representing each country as a whole instead of favoring one region over another. Weight: 5%
* Special benefits. This category considers government provisions that make moving to and living in each country easier and more affordable for foreigners. Taken into account are property rights for foreign residents, property tax rates, duty-free imports on personal belongings, currency controls, employment restrictions, voting rights, and transportation discounts for seniors. Weight: 20%
* Infrastructure. This section considers the number of cars and telephones per 1,000 residents, the length of railroad track in usable condition, the number of airports, the quality of the country’s road and highway network, and the availability of telecommunications. Weight: 5%
If health care is a concern, you should know that in much of Mexico the health care is first rate. Private clinics and hospitals are staffed by expert physicians (many of whom trained in the U.S., Europe, or in Mexico’s own world-renowned teaching hospitals), and medical care and prescription drugs will cost you only a fraction of what you would pay in the States. In our Index, Mexico scores 79 out of a possible 100 points in this category.
Mexico is such a diverse nation that everybody can find exactly what they want. You don’t have to choose between water or mountains; here you can have both. And because of geographic diversity, you can also choose the climate to enjoy during your Mexican retirement: from hot and dry in the north, to hot and humid in the south, to spring-like temperatures all year round in the Colonial Highlands.
You can also own the home of your dreams in Mexico-for much less than it would cost you most anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. The real estate market offers endless possibilities for your retirement. Mexico receives a high score of 84 in our Real Estate category. Despite what you may have heard, it’s not too late to buy real estate here.
You can own beachfront-not just ocean view property-in Mexico for less than $100,000.
Once you decide to move to Mexico, it’s difficult to know where to go-it’s a big country. Below are the 10 places we think make the most sense for expatriate living in this country, based on criteria such as health care, climate, infrastructure, and housing costs. These are places our husband-and-wife team in Mexico, Dan Prescher and Suzan Haskins, have personally scouted and personally recommend above other options in this great big country. They are: Rosarito Beach, Puerto Vallarta, Quer?ro, Mazatlan, M?da, La Paz, Campeche, Playa del Carmen/Riviera Maya, Ajijic/Chapala, and Sayulita/San Pancho (San Francisco). Of course, we’re not forgetting San Miguel de Allende, one of Dan and Suzan’s favorite places in Mexico. Suzan recently reported of this town: “San Miguel is one of the prettiest towns in all of Mexico. Stepping into San Miguel’s Centro is like stepping back in time…but with all of today’s modern conveniences.”
In second place…
Ecuador
Ecuador always does well in our Retirement Index, but this year it moves from 10th position last year to take second place this year. If you retire in Ecuador, every clich?ou’ve heard about living large on little money-about settling into the lap of luxury on even a pensioner’s budget-is true. Ecuador gets 85 points in our Cost of Living category, making it one of the world’s cheapest places to live. Take $250 out of the ATM Monday morning and your expenses are covered for the week. In fact, we ranked Ecuador as the world’s best retirement haven in 1999, after it weathered the earlier economic, political, and natural problems of the previous two years, and went on to prosper.
Of course, low prices alone do not make for an ideal retirement or investment destination. There are plenty of places the world over where you can buy cheap land, but where you wouldn’t want to live; not so in Ecuador.
It’s hard to pinpoint the best reason for retiring to Ecuador, but one thing’s for sure: this is an affordable-and beautiful-retirement destination. Ecuador also offers a high quality of life. This is no isolated backwater. It’s a land of opportunity, where a middle class is forming. After waking from a long economic slumber, Ecuador is preparing to join the global economy.
Retirees aged 65 or older have an extra incentive to consider Ecuador: airfares to North America and Europe are half-price on several airlines; all in-country transportation costs are 50% lower, and big discounts apply to a variety of other expenses such as taxes, utilities, and entertainment.
And remember: Ecuador is one place where the U.S. dollar is not losing value, which makes an Ecuadorian retirement especially appealing. Following the late-1990s’ debt default, Ecuador decided to adopt the U.S. dollar as its official currency, which eliminates currency risk. Inflation is less than 3% and most economic indicators are positive.
Top for Europe
Italy comes third in our Index this year with high scores across the board. It’s difficult to figure out whereabouts in Italy you picture yourself living-there is probably more beauty per square mile here than in any other corner of Europe. It’s no simple matter to hit on the ideal location, even if you know for sure that you prefer big city life to the tranquility of the countryside. Right now, International Living recommends two places: Umbria in central Italy, and Calabria-situated in the toe of Italy.
“The green heart of Italy,” Umbria is just as alluring as its more famous next-door neighbor, Tuscany. With expats seeking farmhouses and other rural properties, prices are catching up fast. Although Umbria doesn’t possess a coastline, everywhere you look you’ll see rumpled hills crowned with fortified towns and higgledly-piggledly villages. From certain vantage points, you can see several hill towns at a time.
Many parts of the province are within an hour’s drive of Florence or Siena. Towns like Assisi, Todi, Spoleto, Orvieto, and Norcia are every bit as beautiful and as historic as any small town in Tuscany.
To give you an idea of property prices in the region, in Monteleone d’Orvieto, there’s a 968-square-foot apartment in need of restoration. Selling for $85,000, it has two bedrooms and one bathroom, plus a ready-made vegetable garden. There’s another apartment in the same town that’s habitable: 807 square feet, two bedrooms, and one bathroom. Price: $100,000.
Calabria’s shores are lapped by the Tyrrhenian Sea on the west, and the Ionian Sea on the east. What about property prices here? In the Calabrian seaside town of Scalea, an attractive second-floor apartment of 430 square feet is selling for $50,000.
Why Panama fell from glory?
Panama won our Retirement Index for six years in a row. But, it’s fallen from the top spot in 2007 and is now in fourth place. Why? Panama still has the same great retiree benefits…this hasn’t changed since last year (see the sidebar on retiree benefits on page XX). Still, unless you have a verifiable pension or pockets deep enough to afford a $40,000 investment in a forestry project or a $200,000 investment in real estate or a government bank CD, it can be difficult to get a resident visa in Panama. Since the government of Panama recently put a 30-day limit on its tourist visa, it has become more difficult for anyone seeking to rent a home or apartment and stay in the country for any length of time.
And it’s true that this country’s popularity has driven up real estate prices. Once plentiful real estate bargains-from $100,000 apartments in Panama City to $40,000 lots in Boquete-are getting harder to find.
Panama still has much to offer, though. Whether you’re enticed by the friendly people or the tropical climate, Panama is a great retirement destination (remember, it’s still in our top 5).
We don’t have print space here to talk about every country in our Index, but you can access information on all countries featured here at our website. In the search engine, type in the name of the country of interest to you to find out more.
NEED TO KNOW
Countries with special retiree benefits
Mexico
If you’ve considered retiring to Mexico, you now have another good reason-foreigners who hold a valid residence visa for Mexico can now take part in Mexico’s senior citizens’ benefits program.
The program, for adults aged 60 and over, offers discounts on a wide range of services. These include discounts on health-related services (hospitals, doctors’ visits, lab tests, medical devices, pharmacies, and dental work); cultural activities like theater tickets and entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites; travel-related costs, including airline tickets, buses, car rentals and purchase, and hotel accommodation. Discounts can range up to 50% off the full price of the good or service. Non-Mexicans who wish to take part in the program must go to a local office of INAPAM (Instituto Nacional de las Personas Adultas Mayores) to request a membership card. See: http://www.inapam.gob.mx/DirecINAPAM07.pdf for more information (in Spanish).
Malaysia
Three years ago, the government of Malaysia launched “Malaysia-My Second Home” (MM2H), replacing the former “Silver Hair” program introduced in 1987. MM2H provides incentives for foreigners, particularly retirees, to live permanently in this country. Successful applicants initially receive what is, in effect, a five-year visa with unlimited entry/exit privileges. There is no minimum annual residence requirement. After the first five years, you can apply for permanent residency. While you’re not guaranteed it will be granted, you can expect automatic renewal of your original visa if you continue to meet its conditions. Within six months of approval, MM2H residents may bring in household effects duty-free, and import or purchase one vehicle locally, tax free. Savings on auto taxes can amount to thousands of dollars on expensive models. Other benefits include exemption from Malaysian income tax on pension and other income remitted into the country, plus that on the interest from any fixed deposit made under the MM2H program (a savings of about 29%).
In addition, residents may purchase up to two properties with a value of not less than $40,000 each. Banks may advance up to 60%. For information on cost of living and many other useful topics, including domestic help, see www.mm2h.com. Registration at that website will also bring you updates on MM2H.
Panama
If you can document a minimum monthly pension of $500 (plus another $100 per dependent), you are eligible for a long list of perks in Panama, including: Import duty exemption for household goods; tax exemption to import a new car every two years; 50% off entertainment anywhere in the country (movies, theaters, concerts, sporting events); 30% off in-country bus, boat, and train fares; 25% off in-country airline tickets; 50% off hotel stays Monday through Thursday; 15% off hospital bills (if no insurance applies); 10% off prescription medicines; 20% off medical consultations; 50% reduction in closing costs for home loans; 25% discounts on utility bills…and many more.
Ireland
If Ireland is your choice as a retirement haven, you can take advantage of the many retirement incentives this country has to offer, including free health care, free public transportation, a fuel allowance, and significant discounts on hotel and electricity bills. You’re even allowed to vote in local elections.
Belize
Expats can apply for status as a Qualified Retired Person (QRP), and, with that status, you can avoid Belizean income tax and also import your household goods tax-free up to a total exemption amount of $15,000. You can also bring in a vehicle (a car, light aircraft, or boat) tax-free. In fact, every five years you can import a new vehicle, tax-free.
How Can Internet Broadband Keep Marine Fuel Costs Down?
Keith McGregor asked:
With volatile marine fuel prices, changes in marine fuel legislation from one country to the next and concerns over availability how does a yacht owner keep in contact with his marine fuel broker or supplier when operating from offshore?
On smaller motor yachts where range is limited to coastal cruising, surfing the internet for marine fuel prices and availability followed by a call before departure is the most efficient use of resources.
When accessing a line ashore Broadband speeds range from 2Mb, 8Mb up to 24Mb. Data limitations from unlimited, 40Gb to 1GB. Some marinas are recognising the need for a Broadband connection and offer a plug-in point providing quick and easy access which can be utilised to get fuel market data and to email brokers, when alongside.
‘Marina’ Wi-Fi’ Broadband in the event there’s no nearby local Wi-Fi signal (hotspot) from a national provider; some marinas provide a wireless internet access service. One such company is Square Mile one of Europe’s largest marina and cover within 50 u.k. marinas with Wi-Fi access. MDL marinas in the U.K. provide their own Wi-Fi.
What happens when there’s no plug-in point at say an anchorage or the yacht is no longer in the marinas Wi-Fi hotspot coverage? Where there’s mobile phone coverage offering Mobile Broadband, this is a cost effective means of getting varying online coverage..
Mobile Broadband offers mobile internet access on the go. By plugging in a mobile broadband dongle to a laptop or computer onboard connection speeds of 7.2Mb to 1.8Mb and download data size ranging from Unlimited, 15Gb, to 1Gb. Limits of 1Gb and 3Gb are ideal for checking emails and doing light browsing, not enough for large files. Speeds depend on the signal of the mobile operator with whom you have an agreement, so first ask fellow yacht owners what signal strengths they obtain locally before purchasing.
Online one can search for available hotspots some of which are provided free of charge, Jiwire.com has over thousands of hot spots registered; just enter the post code of your marina to find out availability, another the Cloud, the cloud.net and broadbandexpert.com provides good package comparisons.
For those wanting complete coverage; to make phone calls or emails to purchase marine fuel or need to keep live contact with your office and transfer files Inmarsat have delivered a new Broadband system for mariners. The Satellite Broadband ‘Fleet’ range ‘77’, ‘55’ and ‘33’ system by Inmarsat provides Voice, fax, and data communications for both ocean-going and coastal vessels, delivered via a range of antenna sizes to suit different types of.
Consider carefully your long-term requirements from broadband internet before purchasing and the benefits. If you’re checking real time weather reports, downloading updated charts, or allowing your kids to game online then look for a provider that can handle heavy broadband demand in the harbour of your choice. Mobile broadband on coastal passages is one of the less expensive means to keep in touch when there is a signal available.
When making large marine fuel purchases timely communications from offshore can reduce fuel costs and also offset the investment in Broadband on board.
With volatile marine fuel prices, changes in marine fuel legislation from one country to the next and concerns over availability how does a yacht owner keep in contact with his marine fuel broker or supplier when operating from offshore?
On smaller motor yachts where range is limited to coastal cruising, surfing the internet for marine fuel prices and availability followed by a call before departure is the most efficient use of resources.
When accessing a line ashore Broadband speeds range from 2Mb, 8Mb up to 24Mb. Data limitations from unlimited, 40Gb to 1GB. Some marinas are recognising the need for a Broadband connection and offer a plug-in point providing quick and easy access which can be utilised to get fuel market data and to email brokers, when alongside.
‘Marina’ Wi-Fi’ Broadband in the event there’s no nearby local Wi-Fi signal (hotspot) from a national provider; some marinas provide a wireless internet access service. One such company is Square Mile one of Europe’s largest marina and cover within 50 u.k. marinas with Wi-Fi access. MDL marinas in the U.K. provide their own Wi-Fi.
What happens when there’s no plug-in point at say an anchorage or the yacht is no longer in the marinas Wi-Fi hotspot coverage? Where there’s mobile phone coverage offering Mobile Broadband, this is a cost effective means of getting varying online coverage..
Mobile Broadband offers mobile internet access on the go. By plugging in a mobile broadband dongle to a laptop or computer onboard connection speeds of 7.2Mb to 1.8Mb and download data size ranging from Unlimited, 15Gb, to 1Gb. Limits of 1Gb and 3Gb are ideal for checking emails and doing light browsing, not enough for large files. Speeds depend on the signal of the mobile operator with whom you have an agreement, so first ask fellow yacht owners what signal strengths they obtain locally before purchasing.
Online one can search for available hotspots some of which are provided free of charge, Jiwire.com has over thousands of hot spots registered; just enter the post code of your marina to find out availability, another the Cloud, the cloud.net and broadbandexpert.com provides good package comparisons.
For those wanting complete coverage; to make phone calls or emails to purchase marine fuel or need to keep live contact with your office and transfer files Inmarsat have delivered a new Broadband system for mariners. The Satellite Broadband ‘Fleet’ range ‘77’, ‘55’ and ‘33’ system by Inmarsat provides Voice, fax, and data communications for both ocean-going and coastal vessels, delivered via a range of antenna sizes to suit different types of.
Consider carefully your long-term requirements from broadband internet before purchasing and the benefits. If you’re checking real time weather reports, downloading updated charts, or allowing your kids to game online then look for a provider that can handle heavy broadband demand in the harbour of your choice. Mobile broadband on coastal passages is one of the less expensive means to keep in touch when there is a signal available.
When making large marine fuel purchases timely communications from offshore can reduce fuel costs and also offset the investment in Broadband on board.
Travel Agency Revenue Model
Dinesh Patairya asked:
A travel agency has to chalk out strategies to promote its products. It has to try and win over its clients rather than just sitting in the office and waiting of the clients. They have to develop their revenue and sales model.
Commissions
Commissions are the source of travel agencies’ income. They are paid commission by the principal suppliers on the sales of their products and services. Usually the commissions are fixed. However if the agency is providing more business volume than usual, the commission rate could be higher. This is called override. An agency could pass some of the commission to the customers by offering discounts. That is the reason customers sometimes complain that the ticket of a particular airline is available with an agency at lesser price than another travel agencies. Airlines take the help of travel agencies to fill their empty seats at the last minute. Agencies could provide tickets for these seats well below the usual price.
Sales
Travel agencies use print and electronic media for promoting themselves. Established travel agencies hand over the job of designing hoardings, displays, advertisements, brochures etc to professional advertising agencies. Personal promotion and sales is also vital in travel agency business. They should approach large organisations for getting business in bulk. A travel agency could participate in exhibitions, FAM tours and travel marts to get more business.
Sale sequence for a travel agency has four stages. These are enquiring about customer needs, developing personal rapport with customers, good presentation of products/services of the travel agency, and closing the sale. For marketing effectively, an agency must have proper contacts with major suppliers. They ought to be updated on schedules, fares and tariffs.
Role of Technology
Adequate use of technology can boost a travel agency business. Technology enables an agency to provide instant services to its customers generating better customer satisfaction. All major suppliers, whose products and services a travel agency offers in the product mix, use technology and have their own network. To provide better services to customers, a travel agency has to partner in these networks.
A travel agency has to chalk out strategies to promote its products. It has to try and win over its clients rather than just sitting in the office and waiting of the clients. They have to develop their revenue and sales model.
Commissions
Commissions are the source of travel agencies’ income. They are paid commission by the principal suppliers on the sales of their products and services. Usually the commissions are fixed. However if the agency is providing more business volume than usual, the commission rate could be higher. This is called override. An agency could pass some of the commission to the customers by offering discounts. That is the reason customers sometimes complain that the ticket of a particular airline is available with an agency at lesser price than another travel agencies. Airlines take the help of travel agencies to fill their empty seats at the last minute. Agencies could provide tickets for these seats well below the usual price.
Sales
Travel agencies use print and electronic media for promoting themselves. Established travel agencies hand over the job of designing hoardings, displays, advertisements, brochures etc to professional advertising agencies. Personal promotion and sales is also vital in travel agency business. They should approach large organisations for getting business in bulk. A travel agency could participate in exhibitions, FAM tours and travel marts to get more business.
Sale sequence for a travel agency has four stages. These are enquiring about customer needs, developing personal rapport with customers, good presentation of products/services of the travel agency, and closing the sale. For marketing effectively, an agency must have proper contacts with major suppliers. They ought to be updated on schedules, fares and tariffs.
Role of Technology
Adequate use of technology can boost a travel agency business. Technology enables an agency to provide instant services to its customers generating better customer satisfaction. All major suppliers, whose products and services a travel agency offers in the product mix, use technology and have their own network. To provide better services to customers, a travel agency has to partner in these networks.
Credit Card Reward Points – A Consumer Guide to Choose Smartly Among Many Reward Options
Jaydeep Bhattacharjee asked:
ICICI Bank has perhaps the largest credit card base in India and also has one of the most elaborate reward programs among the banks. They are the ones who started the express reward program which gives accelerated accumulation of reward points depending on the total purchase on a card and it gives incentive to customers to spend on ICICI card as they can accumulate points at up to five fold speed than the normal pace of 1 point for every Rs 100 spent. The express reward program of ICICI Bank became popular in no time as customers were accumulating more points than other cards and their express reward program were soon emulated by other banks like HDFC.
The first thing that a consumer should understand that it is not only the number of reward points that matter but also the kind of gifts that are available for redemption and the number of reward points required to redeem them. I have been using credit cards for the last 10 years for personal and business expenses and always do my analysis before redeeming the points which I accumulate on a regular basis. I have cards from almost all leading issuers like ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Citibank, Standard Chartered and HSBC Bank and if you ask my pick I would say HSBC among silver card and HDFC among gold.
ICICI Bank which is the most aggressive player in the credit card space but it has also the most hyped reward program. Initially it had very good reward options like Taj and Welcome group hotel vouchers for its gold members but those has been withdrawn long back. Actually their express reward program has lost its attraction as you need more ICICI reward points to redeem a gift (say a Pantaloons voucher worth Rs 500) compared to other cards like HSBC or HDFC.
Usually the banks have more or less the same gifts for its reward program but now individual banks are working to differentiate in their offerings. Still the common items across all reward programs are the departmental store vouchers, vouchers for apparel and fashion accessory brands, fast food restaurant vouchers and some consumer durable products like mixer/grinder, toaster, OTG and microwave. But a consumer having more than one credit card will do well if he first compares and then select the right reward points for claiming a particular voucher as I have found that you need almost double reward points in ICICI card than that of HSBC to claim some particular gifts.
If you have a gold card then probably you have a wider choice as most banks have some special reward options for gold card members which are generally leisure products like hotel vouchers, perfumes and collectibles. The HDFC gold card program allows you to choose between some good perfume and EDT but I would not suggest the collectibles like Victorinox Swiss Army Knife or Magpie bar set as I don’t think those deals are attractive. For ICICI gold members the deals are not so good anymore as now they have more deals which require you to pay additional money and not just reward points.
ICICI Bank has something called spotlight rewards where they try to push junk and cheap Chinese made electronics products like digital camera, USB pen drive and so on and that too sometimes on cash and reward points. The spotlight rewards are highly avoidable and basically they provide the least value in any reward category by any bank. I personally ordered once for a foldable tea table by redeeming for more than 1000 points under the spotlight reward category and the stuff I got was actually defective and would hardly cost Rs 100.
It is not only ICICI that ships defective materials but other banks too and so the choice of the gift is very important if a customer wants to make the most out of its reward points. I ordered once OTG from my HDFC Gold card and the OTG was found defective. After lots of complaints and persuasion that defective OTG was replaced with another defective one and since that day I decided to never go for any consumer durables.
I think a smart consumer should avoid consumer durables and any electronic items as these credit card companies seems to source factory seconds to cut cost which is actually shameful. The best things you can get are the vouchers but don’t forget to make the comparison if you have multiple credit cards. Some other things you can try are perfumes, magazine subscriptions and collectibles but make sure that they are not asking for too many reward points.
If you are holding a co-branded card like Citibank Jet Airways or Amex Indian then converting the reward points to Air miles are a good option. HSBC silver cards also offer Jet Airways and Kingfisher air miles and that’s why I think it has one of the best reward programs as on today.
The final advice is don’t get yourself in a debt trap by getting lured by the gifts and express reward programs. A smart consumer pays all bills and expenses thru credit cards but also pays the credit card bill in full. This is the best way to accumulate your reward points and redeem them for cool gifts at a later point with incurring interest or additional cost.
ICICI Bank has perhaps the largest credit card base in India and also has one of the most elaborate reward programs among the banks. They are the ones who started the express reward program which gives accelerated accumulation of reward points depending on the total purchase on a card and it gives incentive to customers to spend on ICICI card as they can accumulate points at up to five fold speed than the normal pace of 1 point for every Rs 100 spent. The express reward program of ICICI Bank became popular in no time as customers were accumulating more points than other cards and their express reward program were soon emulated by other banks like HDFC.
The first thing that a consumer should understand that it is not only the number of reward points that matter but also the kind of gifts that are available for redemption and the number of reward points required to redeem them. I have been using credit cards for the last 10 years for personal and business expenses and always do my analysis before redeeming the points which I accumulate on a regular basis. I have cards from almost all leading issuers like ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Citibank, Standard Chartered and HSBC Bank and if you ask my pick I would say HSBC among silver card and HDFC among gold.
ICICI Bank which is the most aggressive player in the credit card space but it has also the most hyped reward program. Initially it had very good reward options like Taj and Welcome group hotel vouchers for its gold members but those has been withdrawn long back. Actually their express reward program has lost its attraction as you need more ICICI reward points to redeem a gift (say a Pantaloons voucher worth Rs 500) compared to other cards like HSBC or HDFC.
Usually the banks have more or less the same gifts for its reward program but now individual banks are working to differentiate in their offerings. Still the common items across all reward programs are the departmental store vouchers, vouchers for apparel and fashion accessory brands, fast food restaurant vouchers and some consumer durable products like mixer/grinder, toaster, OTG and microwave. But a consumer having more than one credit card will do well if he first compares and then select the right reward points for claiming a particular voucher as I have found that you need almost double reward points in ICICI card than that of HSBC to claim some particular gifts.
If you have a gold card then probably you have a wider choice as most banks have some special reward options for gold card members which are generally leisure products like hotel vouchers, perfumes and collectibles. The HDFC gold card program allows you to choose between some good perfume and EDT but I would not suggest the collectibles like Victorinox Swiss Army Knife or Magpie bar set as I don’t think those deals are attractive. For ICICI gold members the deals are not so good anymore as now they have more deals which require you to pay additional money and not just reward points.
ICICI Bank has something called spotlight rewards where they try to push junk and cheap Chinese made electronics products like digital camera, USB pen drive and so on and that too sometimes on cash and reward points. The spotlight rewards are highly avoidable and basically they provide the least value in any reward category by any bank. I personally ordered once for a foldable tea table by redeeming for more than 1000 points under the spotlight reward category and the stuff I got was actually defective and would hardly cost Rs 100.
It is not only ICICI that ships defective materials but other banks too and so the choice of the gift is very important if a customer wants to make the most out of its reward points. I ordered once OTG from my HDFC Gold card and the OTG was found defective. After lots of complaints and persuasion that defective OTG was replaced with another defective one and since that day I decided to never go for any consumer durables.
I think a smart consumer should avoid consumer durables and any electronic items as these credit card companies seems to source factory seconds to cut cost which is actually shameful. The best things you can get are the vouchers but don’t forget to make the comparison if you have multiple credit cards. Some other things you can try are perfumes, magazine subscriptions and collectibles but make sure that they are not asking for too many reward points.
If you are holding a co-branded card like Citibank Jet Airways or Amex Indian then converting the reward points to Air miles are a good option. HSBC silver cards also offer Jet Airways and Kingfisher air miles and that’s why I think it has one of the best reward programs as on today.
The final advice is don’t get yourself in a debt trap by getting lured by the gifts and express reward programs. A smart consumer pays all bills and expenses thru credit cards but also pays the credit card bill in full. This is the best way to accumulate your reward points and redeem them for cool gifts at a later point with incurring interest or additional cost.
Gain Automotive Online Savings
James Brown asked:
Many people are not aware about how to gain automotive online savings using AAA. People know that they can depend on AAA to provide them with personalized maps of their trips, and while this is a major convenience, they might not realize that using a direct route to their destination will save them huge amounts of money in buying gas for their trips.
By keeping in contact with AAA online, they will know in advan e about other ways that they can save money too. Travelers can gain automotive online savings using AAA when they need emergency road service by simply mentioning that they are members of AAA.
Many travelers use personal digital assistants when they travel and store handy files that have AAA discount benefits listed for lodging, car rentals and how to gain automotive online savings using AAA to buy a new automobile. They can even use their cellular telephones to text message friends about how to gain automotive online savings using AAA and let everyone on their friends list know about the discounts that are available on new and used automobile loans and how they can save on their current insurance policy.
Friends and business contacts welcome any opportunity to save money and will thank the sender in many ways. People gain automotive online savings using AAA new car buying tips, and by taking advantage of the credit card offers that are bundled together to save AAA members money throughout the year. Many people gain automotive online savings using AAA by renegotiating their car loans to the reduced and very attractive loan rates that are only offered to AAA members.
People are able to gain automotive online savings using AAA overseas too. There are access portals that international affiliate’s members of AAA can use to gain their automotive online savings using AAA websites and these people can be located anywhere in Europe or the United Kingdom or anywhere else in the world that has an affiliate office.
People are able to gain automotive online savings using AAA and apply the discounts they receive to foreign car rentals, rail passes and airline tickets. AAA members gain automotive online savings using AAA when they need foreign currency exchanged, or they want to carry traveler’s checks on their trips to any foreign country.
The financial services offered by AAA affords the traveler access to many discounts that might be unpublicized but the traveler will be sure to learn about them when they access AAA online during their travels.
Many people are not aware about how to gain automotive online savings using AAA. People know that they can depend on AAA to provide them with personalized maps of their trips, and while this is a major convenience, they might not realize that using a direct route to their destination will save them huge amounts of money in buying gas for their trips.
By keeping in contact with AAA online, they will know in advan e about other ways that they can save money too. Travelers can gain automotive online savings using AAA when they need emergency road service by simply mentioning that they are members of AAA.
Many travelers use personal digital assistants when they travel and store handy files that have AAA discount benefits listed for lodging, car rentals and how to gain automotive online savings using AAA to buy a new automobile. They can even use their cellular telephones to text message friends about how to gain automotive online savings using AAA and let everyone on their friends list know about the discounts that are available on new and used automobile loans and how they can save on their current insurance policy.
Friends and business contacts welcome any opportunity to save money and will thank the sender in many ways. People gain automotive online savings using AAA new car buying tips, and by taking advantage of the credit card offers that are bundled together to save AAA members money throughout the year. Many people gain automotive online savings using AAA by renegotiating their car loans to the reduced and very attractive loan rates that are only offered to AAA members.
People are able to gain automotive online savings using AAA overseas too. There are access portals that international affiliate’s members of AAA can use to gain their automotive online savings using AAA websites and these people can be located anywhere in Europe or the United Kingdom or anywhere else in the world that has an affiliate office.
People are able to gain automotive online savings using AAA and apply the discounts they receive to foreign car rentals, rail passes and airline tickets. AAA members gain automotive online savings using AAA when they need foreign currency exchanged, or they want to carry traveler’s checks on their trips to any foreign country.
The financial services offered by AAA affords the traveler access to many discounts that might be unpublicized but the traveler will be sure to learn about them when they access AAA online during their travels.
Does Hydroderm work?
Hans Hasselfors asked:
Hydroderm is the highly desired anti-aging cream on the block. This serum restricts the occurrence of early aging sings on the skin and keeps the skin younger, tighter and healthier. It reduces the wrinkles and loosening of skin. This cream nourishes the skin and brings back the glow that had lost in the run of hectic years.
The most essential ingredient that makes hydroderm so effective is Vyo-Serum, which is a product of natural selected proteins. This concentrate works actively in bringing about the natural youthful glow of the skin. It tightens the skin along with its moisturizing effect on the skin. The other important ingredient, making hydroderm so effective is “marine collagen” which along with Vyo-Serum helps revitalize the skin. Vyo-Serum along with tightening the skin also reduces the fine lines indicating aging of skin. Problems like dark circles, puffiness, and crow’s feet can be control from the strong effects of this serum. Hydroderm is a multi-functional product that helps in reducing the cellulite and giving the body a toned shape, also helps in cleansing the skin from the root and not letting the pores clog, nevertheless also let’s sweeps out the wrinkles and all signs of aging from the sensitive near the eyes.
Collagen is nothing but a protein that acts as a protective shield for the skin which is has basically a high molecular weight that helps in staining moisture in skin. The presence of collagen in hydroderm has made the serum all the more effective since it is supplied to the skin directly, and stops clogging of pores of skin.
The other ingredients of hydroderm along with Vyo-Serum and Collagen are:
1.) Distilled water 2.) Sodium Methyl Paraben 3.) Polyp Paraben 4.) Citric acid 5.) Ethyl Paraben 6.) Isobutyl Paraben 7.) Imidezolidinyl Urea
Hydroderm is a combination of natural ingredients but it shows great results when used after consulting the physician.
Hydroderm has been really appreciated by its users; the magical effect of this serum has left everyone surprised by almost diminishing the aging of skin with passing years. The positive effects of hydroderm are evident from the fact that this is the most wanted anti-aging product in the market that has even proved Botox inferior to that. The product claims to have a greater effect on skin than that of Botox, not only their claim has been proved true with high results but the turnover of the product has also increased a great deal. The natural way of making the skin younger has made this product a very much household product which has added the credibility to its credit.
Hydroderm is the highly desired anti-aging cream on the block. This serum restricts the occurrence of early aging sings on the skin and keeps the skin younger, tighter and healthier. It reduces the wrinkles and loosening of skin. This cream nourishes the skin and brings back the glow that had lost in the run of hectic years.
The most essential ingredient that makes hydroderm so effective is Vyo-Serum, which is a product of natural selected proteins. This concentrate works actively in bringing about the natural youthful glow of the skin. It tightens the skin along with its moisturizing effect on the skin. The other important ingredient, making hydroderm so effective is “marine collagen” which along with Vyo-Serum helps revitalize the skin. Vyo-Serum along with tightening the skin also reduces the fine lines indicating aging of skin. Problems like dark circles, puffiness, and crow’s feet can be control from the strong effects of this serum. Hydroderm is a multi-functional product that helps in reducing the cellulite and giving the body a toned shape, also helps in cleansing the skin from the root and not letting the pores clog, nevertheless also let’s sweeps out the wrinkles and all signs of aging from the sensitive near the eyes.
Collagen is nothing but a protein that acts as a protective shield for the skin which is has basically a high molecular weight that helps in staining moisture in skin. The presence of collagen in hydroderm has made the serum all the more effective since it is supplied to the skin directly, and stops clogging of pores of skin.
The other ingredients of hydroderm along with Vyo-Serum and Collagen are:
1.) Distilled water 2.) Sodium Methyl Paraben 3.) Polyp Paraben 4.) Citric acid 5.) Ethyl Paraben 6.) Isobutyl Paraben 7.) Imidezolidinyl Urea
Hydroderm is a combination of natural ingredients but it shows great results when used after consulting the physician.
Hydroderm has been really appreciated by its users; the magical effect of this serum has left everyone surprised by almost diminishing the aging of skin with passing years. The positive effects of hydroderm are evident from the fact that this is the most wanted anti-aging product in the market that has even proved Botox inferior to that. The product claims to have a greater effect on skin than that of Botox, not only their claim has been proved true with high results but the turnover of the product has also increased a great deal. The natural way of making the skin younger has made this product a very much household product which has added the credibility to its credit.
Colorado Golf Resort
Pole Creek Golf asked:
Hitting it big is not everything at Pole Creek Mountain golf resort. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner on the covered patio surrounded by majestic 13,000 foot snow capped peaks of the Continental Divide. Don’t be surprised to see some of our local natives roaming our course; elk, deer, fox or red-tailed hawks. Delight in the spectacular display of wildflowers around the clubhouse and across the courses, or just sit back and breathe in the clean refreshing mountain air.
2007 GREEN FEES (includes cart) High Season* Low Season
18 Holes $89 $69
9 Holes $54 $44
Twilight Special (times vary) $54 $44
Seniors (over 65) $79 $59
Juniors (18 and under) play for half the rates above.
RENTAL RATES Pull Cart Club Rental
9 Holes $2.50 $20**
18 Holes $5 $35**
Practice Balls $4
* High season runs from June 10th – September 10th
** Brand New Cobra FP Irons and F-Speed woods
Tournaments at Pole Creek:
We do the work. You have the fun.
GROUP GREEN FEES (12 or more persons)
Includes 18 holes, practice balls, golf cart, a $5 gift certificate for each player to our pro shop, and our renowned professional services that make your tournament run smoothly at our Colorado golf resort.
High Season Group Rate – $89 per person, anytime.
Low Season Group Rate – $69 per person, anytime.
2007 Golf Tournament Schedule:
Grand Opening – 25th Anniversary Golf Tournament
Pole Creek Golf Club
Friday, May 18, 2007
Fraser River Valley Lions Club “Cozen’s Cup” Golf Tournament
Pole Creek Golf Club
Saturday, June 09, 2007
2007 CNI Open, Presented in Memory of William McK. Thompson
Pole Creek Golf Club
Monday, June 11, 2007
Pole Creek Classic
Pole Creek Golf Club
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Shining Stars Foundation Golf Tournament
Pole Creek Golf Club
Friday, July 20, 2007
3rd Annual High Country Golf Tournament
Pole Creek Golf Club
Saturday, August 04, 2007
3rd Annual High Country Golf Tournament
Pole Creek Golf Club
Saturday, August 04, 2007
The 3rd Annual SIDS Golf Classic
Pole Creek Golf Club
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Pole Creek and Winter Park are located 67 miles from Denver. Take I-70 West to Exit 232 onto U.S. 40, then follow U.S. 40 to Winter Park. Pole Creek is 11 miles beyond the Town of Winter Park. Turn left at the 220 mile marker and follow the signs to the Colorado golf course.
Hitting it big is not everything at Pole Creek Mountain golf resort. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner on the covered patio surrounded by majestic 13,000 foot snow capped peaks of the Continental Divide. Don’t be surprised to see some of our local natives roaming our course; elk, deer, fox or red-tailed hawks. Delight in the spectacular display of wildflowers around the clubhouse and across the courses, or just sit back and breathe in the clean refreshing mountain air.
2007 GREEN FEES (includes cart) High Season* Low Season
18 Holes $89 $69
9 Holes $54 $44
Twilight Special (times vary) $54 $44
Seniors (over 65) $79 $59
Juniors (18 and under) play for half the rates above.
RENTAL RATES Pull Cart Club Rental
9 Holes $2.50 $20**
18 Holes $5 $35**
Practice Balls $4
* High season runs from June 10th – September 10th
** Brand New Cobra FP Irons and F-Speed woods
Tournaments at Pole Creek:
We do the work. You have the fun.
GROUP GREEN FEES (12 or more persons)
Includes 18 holes, practice balls, golf cart, a $5 gift certificate for each player to our pro shop, and our renowned professional services that make your tournament run smoothly at our Colorado golf resort.
High Season Group Rate – $89 per person, anytime.
Low Season Group Rate – $69 per person, anytime.
2007 Golf Tournament Schedule:
Grand Opening – 25th Anniversary Golf Tournament
Pole Creek Golf Club
Friday, May 18, 2007
Fraser River Valley Lions Club “Cozen’s Cup” Golf Tournament
Pole Creek Golf Club
Saturday, June 09, 2007
2007 CNI Open, Presented in Memory of William McK. Thompson
Pole Creek Golf Club
Monday, June 11, 2007
Pole Creek Classic
Pole Creek Golf Club
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Shining Stars Foundation Golf Tournament
Pole Creek Golf Club
Friday, July 20, 2007
3rd Annual High Country Golf Tournament
Pole Creek Golf Club
Saturday, August 04, 2007
3rd Annual High Country Golf Tournament
Pole Creek Golf Club
Saturday, August 04, 2007
The 3rd Annual SIDS Golf Classic
Pole Creek Golf Club
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Pole Creek and Winter Park are located 67 miles from Denver. Take I-70 West to Exit 232 onto U.S. 40, then follow U.S. 40 to Winter Park. Pole Creek is 11 miles beyond the Town of Winter Park. Turn left at the 220 mile marker and follow the signs to the Colorado golf course.
Luxury Cruises in Alaska
john asked:
From retirees to young families, Alaska cruises are becoming one of the most requested types of travel for many travel agencies. And when you look at all the reasons to choose such a vacation, it is not very hard to see why this destination has become number one.
The Sights
Alaska is one of the few untouched wildernesses left in America. The top three reasons that people wish to go on a luxury Alaska cruise are for wildlife, glaciers and mountains. With less than one twentieth of the land inhabited, this state has the most protected land than any other, with over 65% federally held for the preserving of Alaskan wilderness. It is common to see grisly bears, bald eagles, moose, and elk from the comforts of your cruise ship. The ship also takes you closer than other tours to glaciers, and provides you a waterside view that can be replicated no where else. And your cruise line will sail right past the most amazing and picturesque mountains. An Alaskan cruise helps you catch a glimpse of the greatest sights Alaska has to offer.
The Price
Alaska has paved the way for cheap luxury cruises. Alaska sailings are relatively inexpensive. They offer travelers a way to visit a luxury destination at a budget price. With seven day Alaska cruises starting as little as $400 per person, this price includes the chance to sail into different ports and explore Alaska on your own time. Not to mention that this price includes all your food and on board entertainment. With such a good deal, it is no wonder that travelers are choosing to see Alaska on a luxury cruise.
The “Add Ons”
In addition to offering fabulous costal sights, most luxury Alaskan cruises are offering amazing “add ons” to their already great itineraries. For example, the majority of Alaska travelers wish to see the great Denali National Park. Cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises, now offers to combine your Alaska cruise with an exclusive land extension that will take you to the Alaskan interior to see the sights of Denali. When you add on to your cruise, the price is relatively small, and a number of Cruise lines offer exclusive lodges for their cruise guests who want to extend their stay. For travelers who have the need to see a more detailed version of Alaska, combining a cruise and tour with the cruise lines is a great way to get the most value out of your money.
No matter how you slice it, Alaska is best seen through the eyes of a cruiser. On a luxury Alaska cruise, you will most definitely get your fill of wildlife, mountains and glaciers. And with pricing often starting for as little as $400 per person, covering drinks, transfers and on board activities, it is an incredible deal for all travelers. And should you desire to see even more of this last American frontier, you can add on extra tours and interior extensions that will let you take full advantage of great cruise line pricing. So whether you plan to make Alaska your only stop, or if you wish to include it as part of your luxury world cruise, make sure you truly experience the sights of Alaska.
From retirees to young families, Alaska cruises are becoming one of the most requested types of travel for many travel agencies. And when you look at all the reasons to choose such a vacation, it is not very hard to see why this destination has become number one.
The Sights
Alaska is one of the few untouched wildernesses left in America. The top three reasons that people wish to go on a luxury Alaska cruise are for wildlife, glaciers and mountains. With less than one twentieth of the land inhabited, this state has the most protected land than any other, with over 65% federally held for the preserving of Alaskan wilderness. It is common to see grisly bears, bald eagles, moose, and elk from the comforts of your cruise ship. The ship also takes you closer than other tours to glaciers, and provides you a waterside view that can be replicated no where else. And your cruise line will sail right past the most amazing and picturesque mountains. An Alaskan cruise helps you catch a glimpse of the greatest sights Alaska has to offer.
The Price
Alaska has paved the way for cheap luxury cruises. Alaska sailings are relatively inexpensive. They offer travelers a way to visit a luxury destination at a budget price. With seven day Alaska cruises starting as little as $400 per person, this price includes the chance to sail into different ports and explore Alaska on your own time. Not to mention that this price includes all your food and on board entertainment. With such a good deal, it is no wonder that travelers are choosing to see Alaska on a luxury cruise.
The “Add Ons”
In addition to offering fabulous costal sights, most luxury Alaskan cruises are offering amazing “add ons” to their already great itineraries. For example, the majority of Alaska travelers wish to see the great Denali National Park. Cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises, now offers to combine your Alaska cruise with an exclusive land extension that will take you to the Alaskan interior to see the sights of Denali. When you add on to your cruise, the price is relatively small, and a number of Cruise lines offer exclusive lodges for their cruise guests who want to extend their stay. For travelers who have the need to see a more detailed version of Alaska, combining a cruise and tour with the cruise lines is a great way to get the most value out of your money.
No matter how you slice it, Alaska is best seen through the eyes of a cruiser. On a luxury Alaska cruise, you will most definitely get your fill of wildlife, mountains and glaciers. And with pricing often starting for as little as $400 per person, covering drinks, transfers and on board activities, it is an incredible deal for all travelers. And should you desire to see even more of this last American frontier, you can add on extra tours and interior extensions that will let you take full advantage of great cruise line pricing. So whether you plan to make Alaska your only stop, or if you wish to include it as part of your luxury world cruise, make sure you truly experience the sights of Alaska.