Finding Low Cost Trips To Hawaii

Are you interested in taking a Hawaii trip? If so, do you know how much you should have to pay for that trip? Unfortunately, a large number of individuals try and answer that question. Of course, you could probably generate an estimate, but you are advised against doing so, especially if you have yet to start making your Hawaii vacation reservations. If you have yet to make your reservations, you are advised to take everything that you know or may assume about the cost of a Hawaii vacation and throw it right out the window. Instead of searching for what you believe to be a good deal, you are advised to search for the lowest costing deal.

One of the reasons why you are advised to search for low-cost Hawaii trips is because they are out there; they do exist. Unfortunately, there are some individuals who just don’t try hard enough to find them. These individuals are likely the ones who thought that they knew how much a Hawaii trip should cost. Many times, what happens is that vacationers find what they believe to be a good deal and they snatch it up. Of course, there is always a chance that it really was a good deal, but, without looking any further, you never really know. That is why you are advised to get it in your mind that low-cost Hawaii trips do exist and that you can find them.

If you are interested in finding low-cost Hawaii trips, you are advised to use the internet. Although your first impulse may be to use the services of a professional travel agent, you will, almost always, have better luck with the internet. This is because online you can find an unlimited number of online travel websites. These online travel websites specialize in selling vacation reservations and vacation packages to travelers. Since you are interested in planning a Hawaii trip, it is advised that you turn to a Hawaiian travel website. These websites are like all other online travel websites, except for the fact that they have a focus on Hawaii, including all of the popular Hawaiian Islands.

If and when you decide to use a Hawaiian travel website, to find low-cost Hawaii trips, you will need to start searching for what you will need. For instance, if you would like to stay in a vacation home, you will want to tailor your search to vacation homes and so on. What is nice about most Hawaiian travel websites is that many not only allow you to pick which Hawaiian Island you would like to visit, but many also allow you to set a price range for yourself. If you do choose to use the price range feature, you are advised to start as low as you can go. As mentioned above, it is important to seek out the lowest costing Hawaii vacation deals, not necessarily the ones that you think are the good deals. If your low price search does not return any results, you can continue to up your price range until you find something that meets your expectations.

Another mistake that many vacationers make, when booking a trip to Hawaii, is thinking that they need to book all of their reservations separately. While you may be able to find great deals by purchasing your airline tickets, hotel reservations, and car rental separately, you may also be able to find great deals by purchasing them all together. You can do this with a Hawaii vacation package. It, honestly, all depends on what you need while on vacation. Regardless of what you want or need to get out of your vacation, it may be a good idea to just take a few minutes and examine Hawaii vacation packages. Since your goal is to find a low-cost Hawaii trip, you are advised to give it a shot; you really have nothing to lose.

Whether you examine booking all of your Hawaii trip reservations separately or with the purchase of a vacation package, it might be best to record all of your findings. By writing down all of the offers that you are given, you could easily compare those offers and find the lowest costing Hawaii trip around. Taking a few extra minutes to do this may very well save you hundreds of dollars or more.

Copied with permission from: http://plrplr.com/24184/finding-low-cost-trips-to-hawaii/

Norway the best place to grow old: global index

Norway is the best place to grow old, according to the latest Global AgeWatch index of 96 countries published on Wednesday, while Afghanistan is the worst.

All but one of the top 10 countries are in Western Europe, North America and Australasia, with Japan the exception at ninth place, according to the ranking which comprises 91 percent of the global population over the age of 60.

Norway tops the index, pushing last year's number one Sweden into second place in the second year the index has been released.

Unsurprisingly, African countries make up half of the lowest quarter of the index, although Venezuela, Turkey and Serbia are ranked 76th, 77th and 74th respectively.

HelpAge International, the charity which compiled the list, said economic growth in itself was not enough to improve the lives of older people.

"Specific policies need to be put in place to address the implications of ageing," said the report, published on the United Nations International Day of Older Persons.

"Policies on income security in Mexico (30) have lifted it 26 places in the overall rankings since last year despite being less wealthy than Turkey (77)."

The index is based on 13 indicators grouped into four areas: income security; health status; capability, which includes employment and educational status; and the enabling environment, including issues such as physical safety.

Some countries fare better than others in different areas. Japan tops the rankings when it comes to health, while Switzerland has the best environment for older people.

- 'Explosion' of pensions -

This year's report focuses particularly on income security, namely pensions, which older people consistently identify as their top priority to fend off the risk of poverty.

With rising numbers of old people -- two billion over the age of 60 by 2050, a similar number as children under 15 -- HelpAge International chief Toby Porter said pensions were vital for all governments.

"Incomes are often too low to save for old age, which is why there's such a need for a basic social pension now," he said.

In low and middle-income countries, only one in four people over 65 receive a pension while worldwide, half of the global population do not have a pension, the report said.

But it applauds an "explosion" of new tax-financed, non-contributory pensions over the past two decades, which provide regular income for the very poorest.

Across Latin America, countries have "dramatically extended coverage" of social pensions, helping push them up the global rankings.

This reflects a global trend that saw China introduce a rural social pension in 2009, reaching 133 million more people, and Nepal and Thailand follow a similar route.

"In most European Union countries, pensions systems as a whole do more to reduce inequality than all other parts of the tax or benefit system combined," said Porter.

The top 10 in the index are: Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Iceland, United States, Japan and New Zealand.

The bottom 10 are: Iraq, Zambia, Uganda, Jordan, Pakistan, Tanzania, Malawi, West Bank and Gaza, Mozambique and Afghanistan.

Ref:  https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/norway-best-place-grow-old-global-index-155930666.html

Price of Citizenship

Can you really put a price on citizenship? A few years ago, I would have laughed at such a question. Maybe that’s because I view citizenship as one of the few possessions that you can’t put a price tag on. It’s like asking someone, “how much is your family name worth?” or “how much is your son worth?”

You can’t put a number on it because it’s not for sale.

Perhaps I feel that way about citizenship because like most of you, I’ve paid for it with years of hard military service. But guess what? Citizenship does have a price tag in many countries – including Singapore.

For Sale: Economic Citizenship 

Many countries have “economic citizenship” programs that extend citizenship to foreigners who “invest” or “donate” a considerable sum to the nation – ranging from $130,000 to several million dollars. This is done by investing in property, government-approved funds, founding a new business that hires X number of citizens, locating your expanding company there, etc.

Of course, residency requirements for citizenship vary between nations. Some grant citizenship immediately after an application is approved, while others require a few years residency before they’re granted citizenship.

Donation, investment, expansion – semantics aside, here’s how much money must be paid to get economic citizenship:

1. Singapore – Price: $2,500,000 

What else could I tell you about Singapore that you don’t already know? It’s a global technology and banking hub that’s already being called the “new” Switzerland by investors from around the world. It’s also seen as a prime location for many companies looking to establish a presence in Southeast Asia.

The fast track to Singapore citizenship lies through the Economic Development Board’s Global Investor Program. Through the program, you get instant PR status. And within 2 years you can apply for citizenship.

Benefits of Citizenship:

• Tax Haven: There are no wealth taxes (capital gains, inheritance tax, etc.).
• Visa-Free Travel: Travel to 167 countries worldwide.
• Easier to Buy Property: Citizens notably have fewer restrictions to buying multiple properties in Singapore’s hot property market than PRs and foreigners do.
• VERY Business Friendly Nation: Unlike other nations, you can start a business in only a few days in Singapore, leading many to call it the most business friendly nation in the world.
• Lower Taxes: Taxes for high wealth individuals (20% flat tax) and companies (17% flat tax) are lower than most industrialized nations.

Waiting Time for Citizenship: After waiting up to 3 months for approval to join the Global Investor Program (and $2.5 million dollars), you’ll be awarded PR status. After two years of residency, you can then apply for citizenship.

Residency Requirement: Yes. Upon granting of your PR, you’ll be given a Re-Entry Permit that’s valid for 5 years so you can retain your PR. But you must either set up a business in Singapore with 5 Singaporean employees or you must reside in Singapore at least 6 months out of the year.

Military Service Requirement: No. PRs under the Global Investor Program are exempt from serving NS (what’s up with that?!).

2. The Commonwealth of Dominica – Price: $130,000+ 

Dominica is in many ways like Singapore’s Caribbean little brother. They’re both about the same size, are former Crown colonies of the U.K., have English as an official language, have low crime rates, and are very business friendly.

The biggest differences between the two are that its population is 98.5% smaller (pop. 71K) and most of its land is still “natural” jungle as opposed to “concrete” jungle.

Benefits of Citizenship:

• Tax Haven: No wealth taxes (capital gains, inheritance tax, etc.) or taxes on foreign income.
• Discretion: Dominica will not inform your home country that you’re a citizen. 
• Business Friendly: Dominica’s business friendly policies make it easier to do international business.
• Visa-Free Travel: Travel visa free to over 90 countries.  

Waiting Time for Citizenship:

• Upon approval of your application (can take up to 12 months), citizenship is immediate.

Residency Requirement:

• None. You can maintain citizenship without residing in Dominica.

Military Service Requirement:

• None. But you can volunteer for military service.

3. Belgium – Price: $520,000+ 

Belgium is an increasingly popular location for immigrants looking to get their hands on a valuable EU passport. For businessmen, it’s a great location to reach the European market without paying ridiculous tax rates (and that EU passport is pretty nice too).

To get economic citizenship, you need to either invest in or found a new Belgian company with an office. Unlike some of the other nations on this list, you’ll need to pass a language exam in French, German, or Dutch when applying for citizenship.

Benefits of Citizenship:

• EU Passport: The biggest benefit is that you’ll be able to reside and work ANYWHERE in Europe.
• Business Friendly: Belgium doesn’t impose crushing taxes on business owners.
• Visa-Free Travel: Travel to over 100 countries including all EU member nations.

Waiting Time for Citizenship:

• 3-8 months to get a residence permit plus another 3 years residency before you can apply. You can also get citizenship by right after 7 years of residency.

Residency Requirement:

• None. You can get your residency permit without having to reside full-time in Belgium.

Military Service Requirement:

• None. 

 4. Malta – Price: $1,130,000+ 

Malta is a small, Mediterranean island that shares a lot of similarities with Singapore. It’s a former British territory, a tax haven (something most nations on this list share in common), business friendly, and is an established technology and international banking center.

But an even bigger lure for investors is the ability to get the prized EU Passport quickly and easily through Malta’s Individual Investor Program… for a measly $1,130,000.

Benefits of Citizenship:

• EU Passport: The biggest benefit is that you’ll be able to reside and work ANYWHERE in Europe.
• Tax Haven: No wealth taxes (capital gains, inheritance tax, etc.) or taxes on foreign income.
• Visa-Free Travel: Travel to 163 countries worldwide including all EU nations.

Waiting Time for Citizenship:

• Upon receipt of your “investment” into the Individual Investor Program, citizenship is immediate.

Residency Requirement:

• None. As long as you either buy a Maltese property (min. $390,000+) or pay a minimum of $15,200+ rent on a Maltese property annually. Both properties don’t even need to be inhabited!

Military Service Requirement:

• None.

5. The United States of America – Price: $640,000 + Net Worth of $1,280,000+ 

The United States is still a desirable destination for immigrants and businessmen from around the world despite going through tough economic times. However, it’s still the world’s largest economy (for now), and that makes it an attractive location for new commercial enterprises.

If you have a net worth of $1,280,000+ and make a $640,000 capital investment in a new business to get permanent residency through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. You also must create and sustain 10 jobs within 2 years as a program requirement.

Benefits of Citizenship:

• Easy to Reunite Family: Once you attain citizenship, you can bring over any immediate family members to live with you as permanent residents.
• Visa-Free Travel: Travel to 172 countries worldwide.
• Financial Aid: Citizens are entitled to government financial support for higher education, retirement, and social services.
• Civic Benefits: Citizens can run for political office, get a government job, and benefit from a greater range of civil right and liberties than most other nations.

Waiting Time for Citizenship:  9-12 months for EB-5 Investor Program approval plus another 5 years of continuous residence are needed before you can apply for citizenship.

Residency Requirement: Yes. You must live in the U.S. continuously for 5 years before applying for citizenship. Staying overseas for more than 6 months will void your PR status.

Military Service Requirement: None*.

*Special Note: However, if you join the military once you’ve attained permanent residence, as long as you’ve served (honorably) for at least 1 year, you can apply for citizenship through “naturalization”. This is considered a “fast track” to citizenship.

Ref:  http://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/think-singapore-citizenship-sacred-guess-160000979.html

Panama named best place to retire

In the 2014 edition of its annual Global Retirement Index, American magazine InternationalLiving.com places Panama at the top of the list of the best places to spend retirement.

Panama is a particularly attractive destination for retirees moving from the US, as the American dollar is the official currency and English is widely understood. But the Central American nation stands out most of all for its pensioner residence program. In addition to offering discounts on real estate loans, entertainment and medical expenses for pensioners, the program simplifies the immigration process for them.

"In the past year, Panama has introduced new visas, which make it easier to gain residence there," notes InternationalLiving.com's executive editor, Jennifer Stevens. She also points out that "the country has made major advances in infrastructure" recently.

A total of 24 countries are listed in the magazine's ranking, which is based on the analysis from its correspondents around the globe. Each destination is evaluated across eight areas with an effect on everyday life, including real estate, climate, cost of living, entertainment and healthcare.

In second place, just behind Panama, Ecuador also emerges as an ideal destination for retirees. The low cost of living, the heavenly climate and the incredible scenery are among the benefits highlighted by the magazine.

One trend emerging from the ranking is the attractiveness of Latin American destinations, which account for 12 of the top 24 places to retire according to InternationalLiving.com. Spain, meanwhile, is listed as the most attractive European destination for retirees, in fifth position overall. The magazine describes the country as "arguably the best bargain in Europe, offering First-World living at a cost that can compete with some Latin-American countries."

The best places to retire according to InternationalLiving.com's Global Retirement Index 2014:

1- Panama
2- Ecuador
3- Malaysia
4- Costa Rica
5- Spain
6- Colombia
7- Mexico
8- Malta
9- Uruguay
10- Thailand
11- Ireland
12- New Zealand
13- Nicaragua
14- Italy
15- Portugal
16- France
17- Philippines
18- Honduras
19- Guatemala
20- Brazil
21- Chile
22- Belize
23- Dominican Republic
24- Cambodia

Ref:  http://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/panama-named-best-place-retire-164044101.html

Singapore’s passport ranks sixth best to travel with

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  Getty Images - Singapore passport ranks sixth as best to travel with.

Singapore’s passport ranks sixth as the best to travel with because it allows holders to access 167 countries without applying for a visa.

The city-state shares the rank with Greece, and stands ahead of South Korea by one spot — the country's citizens have visa-free access to 166 countries.

Neighbouring Malaysia holds the number nine spot with visa-free access to 163 countries.

Three countries share the number one spot and they are Finland, Sweden and United Kingdom while the passport with the least number of countries its citizens can access is Afghanistan. Those holding the Afghanistan passport are only allowed to enter 28 countries without a visa.

The ranking results come from Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index, which is a global ranking of countries according to the visa-free access its citizens enjoy.

The ranking shows the international travel freedom of the citizens relative to those in other countries. The ranking also reflects the relations and status of a country within the international community.

Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index, which is a global ranking of countries according to the visa-free …Ref:  http://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore%E2%80%99s-passport-ranks-sixth-best-to-travel-with-135940616.html

Malaysia' Best Island Destinations

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  Yahoo! Newsroom Videos/Ewen Boey -

Malaysia is home to more than 800 islands, and each has its own unique personality. As the country’s tourism industry grew, different islands started attracting different types of tourists. The Perhentian Islands and Tioman for instance became a hotspot for backpackers and divers, while Penang and Langkawi drew more families looking for upscale resorts. Depending on what you’re looking for, there is probably an island in Malaysia that has your name written on it.

The Romantic Escape – Pangkor Laut 
Located off the coast of Perak in the northwest of peninsula Malaysia, Pangkor Laut is a private island hideaway with a gorgeous bay and lush jungles – perfect for couples looking for privacy and a romantic ambience. There is only one resort here, Pangkor Laut Resort, so lovebirds feel like they have the entire island to themselves. The many secluded bays, coves and serene beaches here are great for couples looking to spend some quality time alone together. The resort also has a spa village where you can pamper yourselves with Chinese, Malay or Ayurvedic treatments. Pankor Laut can be reached by boat from Marina Island Pangkor in Perak.

The Diver’s Dream – Sipadan
Rising 600 metres from the seabed, off the east coast of Sabah, Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia, which makes it a perfect spot for diving, snorkeling and observing pelagic marine life. Hard-core divers flock here to see the famous turtle tombs, whale sharks, green and hawksbill turtles, manta rays, barracudas, big-eyed trevally, hammerhead sharks and more. The waters here are good for diving all year round, though the best seasons are from April to December. There are many reasonably priced resorts in the surrounding islands that offer dive courses and rent scuba gear. Most people take a flight to the town of Tawau from Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur, then take a minivan or taxi to the port town of Semporna. From there, it is a one-hour boat ride to Sipadan.

The Luxury Seeker’s Sojourn – Langkawi
Officially known as the jewel of Kedah, Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea. The largest of these is Langkawi Island, which is where you’ll find some of the most luxurious five star beach resorts. The Datai, The Andaman, the Fourseasons, and The Westin all offer guest modern amenities, spas, stunning pools, lavish rooms and sumptuous dining options. You can fly to Langkawi on a Malaysian Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur or Air Asia, or fly Silk Air direct from Singapore.

The Nature Lover’s Paradise– Redang
Part of a marine park and a conservation site for sea turtles, Redang not only boasts crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and vibrant marine life, it is also a place with verdant green hills and rainforests that thrive with exotic wildlife. Here, you can go on nature hikes and spot monkeys, squirrels, birds and large monitor lizards. There are a variety of resorts, ranging from budget to luxury to choose from here. You can get a boat from Merang, 30 kilometers north from Kuala Terengganu or catch a Berjaya Air flight from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore to Redang.

The Backpackers Hangout – Tioman
Located just 32 kilometers off the east coast of peninsula Malaysia, in the state of Pahang, Tioman is a densely forested, tropical island with eight rustic villages that are home to cosy resorts and chalets. There are many budget accommodations around the villages of Air Batang, Salang and Tekek, and a younger crowd of backpackers and budget travellers often flock here, giving the place a youthful, party vibe. You can get to Tioman by taking a ferry from Mersing jetty on the mainland.

Ref: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/malaysia--best-island-destinations-091737153.html

Hong Kong Pastry

If anyone is going to Hong Kong, do check out this delicious pastry shop.  There are many delicious food in Hong Kong.  A friend just recently gave us a tin of cookies that melts in the mouth.  It's so yummy that it is worth mentioning here online.

Shop Name:  Jenny Bakery
Telephone:  2577 3789 (Mong Kok), 2780 9123 (Yau Ma Tei), 2813 8568 (???), 2311 8070 (Tsim Sha Tsui), 2524 1988 (Central)
Website:  www.jennybakery.com