The Hotel Alternative
texkourgan
24 August, 2010 16:56
The excitement of heading to a new city and seeing the sights can occasionally be eclipsed by the cost of the adventure. One of the largest expenditures is the cost of housing whether it be a hotel, bed & breakfast, or condo. A hotel room may have a mint on the pillow, but leave visitors missing the sense of home. Several hotel alternatives are challenging this notion.
The convenience of a hotel and the comforts of a home can now be found through a variety of social networks devoted to resident's offering their own homes as short-term rentals. Sometimes called social B&B networks or peer-to-peer hotels, there is a growing market to rent a room in someone's home. The accommodations range from 5 star luxury suites to a spare couch in college dorm coziness.
Hundreds of thousands of these listings can be found across the globe ensuring almost any major city has at least one place to stay off the official hotel grid. There are over 3,500 short-term rentals in New York State alone. And the networks are growing.
The Pros
People are not only advertising their own living spaces for rent, they are connecting online, making friends, and becoming temporary hosts and ambassadors for their cities. This is unique way to share culture, stories, experiences.
Person to person rentals like on craigslist leave people open to risk as they don't know anything about who they are renting to. There is a lack of accountability that can lead to damage to property, fraud, theft, or even personal injury. The social networks implemented with these sites seek to make strangers into friends before they even step into the home.
Many of these spaces offer a way to save money in hotel fees. Taking a cut in comforts can cut costs to a minimum. They also offer an alternative when traditional hotels are over-booked.
There is an added bonus that users may not only save money when traveling, but can actually make money on renting out their own apartment.
The Cons
Some official hospitality vendors have been quick to point out that some of these situations are under the counter and not completely legal. Unlicensed and uninsured properties are also an issue. In Paris it is illegal to rent a residential apartment for less than a year, which doesn't mean that it is uncommon. In New York City, most units are not allowed to be sublet without permission from the landlord or co-op board. This has not deterred many people from connecting via these networks, but could be a problem.
How to Book
Unlike most large commercial search engines (www.expedia.com, www.kayak.com, www.orbitz.com, www.travelocity.com/, www.hotels.com), most of these sites rely on a social network to make bookings. This usually includes a short profile, picture, and preferences. Making friends, both online and off, works to give yourself instant references.
Searches can be narrowed down by traditional methods of lowest price, location, and size. But since those listing the places are also compelled to give personal information, you can further define your search by picking the luxury apartment in north London over others because of a shared interest in vintage clothing.
Payment is arranged depending on which site is used. Most often payment occurs through the site before the rental, but there are some exceptions. Paypal is also frequently used to exchange payment in a secure manner.
Sites
This is one of the first of the social networking B&B's, started in 1999. Accommodations vary widely for the price of free, from a spare couch to a private room to space on the floor. There are also options for people to just meet up for coffee or offer advice without having to completely open up their home. Today there are nearly two million people in 238 countries as members.
After signing up for a free account, people can connect to other users and make friends, writing reviews for visitors and hosts. This helps to ensure safety and comfort for both sides. In addition, members can pay a small fee to be verified, enhancing their reliability.
The largest service, users can find a room in 6876 cities in 157 countries. The site began in San Francisco with Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky, roommates who decided to rent out their spare bedroom to an over-booked conference.
Again there is a great variety of spaces listed, but these spaces are actually rented increasing expectations from sites like couchsurfing. Detailed accounts of private rooms or apartments are listed as well as reviews from people who stayed there. Payment until 24 hours after guests check into an accommodation in order to fend off potential scammers.
One of the newest sites at only a year-old, this project began in Toronto and specializes in providing housing during large events where traditional hotels might sell out. World Cup, the Olympics, and other large scale events can make it extremely difficult to find a convenient or affordable spot and iStopOver.com alleviates some of that pressure. Sites are mainly within North America, Europe and South Africa.
A protection feature built into the system is that to claim payment, hosts must be told a code given to the renter. If a listing turns out to be fraudulent or mis-stated, you can refuse to give the owner the code, and the fee is refunded in full.
This two-year-old British site is now covering 59 countries. Not as popular as AirBnB.com, this European version is still quite popular. Featuring peer-to-peer listings, there are some extremely competitive prices.
Once you have narrowed your search, you can contact hosts directly through an internal messaging system. Hosts can ask for the money either up front or upon arrival. Credit card payments are used to verify guest identities.
Another new company, this site features higher-end properties. The service is especially prominent in New York City, but also features another 36 cities.
Prices range from $30 to $5,000, plus there is an additional 8-12 percent booking fee.
Working in tandem with social networks like Facebook.com and twitter, this site caters to vacation rentals. Hosts and rentals are thoroughly screened by the site.
Also catering to the vacation rental crowd, Second Porch allows users to create their own page and share recommendations and reviews.
Traditional Booking
If you are looking to EasyExpat to fit your last minute hotel needs:
for Hostels: http://www.reservations.bookhostels.com (in partnership with EasyExpat.com).
Erin Ball
Freelance Writer from Seattle
How To WWOOF around the World
texkourgan
05 August, 2010 13:15
What is WWOOF?
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, or WWOOF, was created in England in 1971 by Sue Coppard. The idea of volunteer workers and organic farmers coming together in a symbiotic relationship seems like the perfect expression of modern organic farming. And indeed the idea has spread to over 6,000 farms worldwide.
How does it work?
WWOOF is actually the network that connects volunteers with hosts. In return for about 4-6 hours of labor a day, WWOOF hosts offer food, accommodation and opportunities to learn about organic farming and lifestyles. There isn't a global WWOOF group, but many different groups organized by country. Each group has slightly different fees and set-up, but operates in a similar way.
A person becomes a member of the WWOOF group in the country in which they wish to volunteer by paying a small membership fee. Membership is for 12 months. Once a member, or WWOOFer, they receive listings of organic farms who accept volunteers. Farms give a short description of their operation, the jobs they need help with (like planting, harvesting, animal husbandry or maintenance, or a combination), and often a description of the host. This may be distributed in the form of a hard copy member directory which also acts as a membership card (like with WWOOF USA). The book is usually updated several times a year, so it is best to order it shortly before you plan on leaving.
From here, it is up to the WWOOFer to choose a host farm and make direct contact with the host. It is important for both parties to feel comfortable with each other and have well laid expectations.
Ask clarifying questions like:
- Exactly how many hours will be worked per day?
- What duties are expected?
- Accommodations?
- Ask questions about the area and confirm it fits your lifestyle
Once an agreement has been reached, the WWOOFer must travel to the host farm. If this means securing visas the WOOFer is personally responsible for completing that process. Once at the farm, the WOOFER should provide their WWOOF membership card and then adhere to the terms of their agreement with the host.
How long?
The usual length of stay is from one to three weeks, but it is up to the WWOOFer and host to decide on a duration that fits both of their needs.
It is possible to stay for as short a time as 7-10 days. Most groups determine that 2 nights is the minimum stay. To make stays like this work best, select a farms close to transportation to save time in travel.
It is also possible to stay longer. Some WOOFers have happily stayed as long as a year.
Where?
There are over 50 countries with WWOOF organic farms. You must become a member of the WWOOF organization in the country or region you wish to serve. Many of the regions are further broken down into WWOOF by country.
Regions
- WWOOF in North & Central America (USA, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, the Caribbean etc)
- WWOOF in South America (Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil etc)
- WWOOF in Europe-Middle East (European Union, Turkey, Israel etc)
- WWOOF in Africa (Cameroon, Uganda, South Africa etc)
- WWOOF in the Asia-Pacific (Australia, India, Japan etc)
More information about locations can be found at http://www.wwoof.org/wwoofaroundtheworld.asp and http://www.wwoof.org/natorgs.asp.
Who?
WWOOF is open to all nationalities.
There usually is an age limit on who can actually be a member. In the USA that age limit is 18 while in Australia WWOOFers may be 17. Some farms do allow members to bring children. This is something else that would need to be worked out between the WWOOFer and host.
WWOOFers must also be reasonably in good health. An athlete is not necessary, but someone who is willing and able to do the work is mandatory.
How much?
Prices range depending on different programs. Contact the country WWOOF list of your choice to find out. For example, the USA is USD$20 for a single membership or $30 for a double.
Tips
- Consider purchasing your own travel insurance in addition to the basic plan provided with membership
- Communicate clearly with the host. Make sure you have shared expectations.
- Be prepared to entertain yourself.
- Do not commit for a long time. Start with a short term contract and if it goes well, it is usually easy to extend the contract
Links
Erin Ball
Freelance Writer from Seattle
Best cities to live in the world in 2010
texkourgan
01 July, 2010 15:26
What makes a city truly exceptional? The perfect place to live, work, and play? Monocle magazine knows what makes a city great to live and have compiled a list of the 25 best places to live. These cities aren't just OK, but are "benchmarks for urban renaissance and rigorous reinvention in everything from environmental policy to transport". The results of their annual survey were published on June 17, 2010.
25 Best Places to Live
1. Munich, Germany
The city is the epitome of everything valued in the survey. Excellent location and transportation system allow for easy access to the rest of Europe, as well as the world. Monocle boasts that the city has the best airport in Europe. There is also a boon of cultural heritage and events and plenty of green space to make living in the city enjoyable. On top of these benefits, there is an extremely low crime rate. Apparently Munich parents agree with the magazines assessment as the city is one of the few reporting an upswing in birth rate. Prost!
More photos in our album: Munich
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
This city comes in second again. As well as being one of the safest places in the world, Copenhagen hosted major climate change conferences and sets the standard for low-emission urban living. It is setting the bar for eco-capital of the world.
3. Zurich, Switzerland
Last years top placer, Zurich still has plenty to be proud of. This economic center has recently become a hotbed for smaller companies. This has actually livened up the somewhat stuffy city as more young people come into the area.
4. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is always one of the most exciting cities and newly created green space is making it more livable. The current city planning expects to create 200 hectares of green space and 200,000 new roadside trees by 2013. Technology, shopping, and high-rise buildings in Japan's capital are first rate, as is their dedication to a clean and eco-conscious center.
5. Helsinki, Finland
This is Helsinki's third year in the fifth position. Finland's welfare system ensures a high quality of life, free education for everyone, and free wifi. The city is also conveniently located with flights to New York and Asia taking about 8 hours. One complaint- a shortage of bike lanes.
6. Stockholm, Sweden
This Scandinavian beauty is also eco-friendly. The city has some of Europe's cleanest air and offers clear waters for swimming in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter.
7. Paris, France
The city of lights moved up the list with improved suburbs and rail connections. The charm of Paris is hard to beat, but gentrification of the city and not enough open hours in shops is still holding it back.
8. Vienna, Austria
This culturally progressive city can suffer from an overly conservative government. It does, however, have excellent health care, reliable public transportation, and many acres of green space.
9. Melbourne, Australia
Known for its fun-loving cultural image, Melbourne has been increasing as a business center.
10. Madrid, Spain
Named as a cultural highlight of Europe, Madrid is new to the list of top 10. The Rio Project has helped as it seeks to revitalize the area along the river and urban beaches.
11. Berlin, Germany
This city of history, nightlife, and culture is ever changing - maybe to a fault. Complaints about the amount of building has Berlin slipping out of the top 10.
12. Sydney, Australia
This sunny port city offers a unique lifestyle to its residents and plenty of places to enjoy it. A 1000 benches dot the urbane landscape.
13. Honolulu, Hawaii
This is the highest ranking US city. This little island of paradise is conveniently located between North America and Asia.
14. Fukuoka, Japan
Japan's 8th largest city has great shopping and is well connected to the rest of the region.
15. Geneva, Switzerland
Last year's number 24 takes a big jump up. It's beautiful location on the largest lake in western Europe, Lake Geneva (or Lake Léman), certainty helps.
16. Vancouver, Canada
The city has benefited from hosting the 2010 Olympic Games. Those improvements plus its gorgeous coastal location make it a wonderful place to live.
17. Barcelona, Spain
Vibrant cultural activities and wonderful weather make this city appear alive. Unfortunately, all that living can make a city a little dirty.
18. Oslo, Norway
Although the city is expensive, all that money provides for excellent public transport, state hospitals, and residence for elderly.
19. Montreal, Canada
This city is a bikers paradise, has international flair, but not much green space. A scant 3.3 percent.
20. Auckland, New Zealand
Preparations for the 2012 Rugby World Cup has led to improvements in the city and much excitement in the air.
21. Singapore
Dropping from position 18, the magazine states that more money could be spent on cultural activities and less on casinos and shopping malls.
22. Portland, USA
This laid-back, tolerant city is known for its bike-friendly culture and eco-centered lifestyle.
23. Kyoto, Japan
A traditional city, Kyoto has recently experienced a business boom.
24. Hamburg, Germany
Recently Hamburg has been losing its edge to its neighbor in the east- Berlin. However, Hamburg's port remains busy and the city hip and trendy.
25. Lisbon, Portugal
This capitol city is the gateway to South America. A rejuvenated waterfront, legal same-sex marriage, and low crime set the city apart.
Criteria
As acknowledged by the editor of Monocle, "this type of classification is 50% science and 50% of subjective criteria." Cities are evaluated on transportation, living Environment, response time for emergency services, local entertainment shops, community atmosphere, safety, quality of education, and access to green spaces. The survey is trying to find the cities that "have it all".
Some cities you would expect to find on the list are conspicuously missing. Chicago is left off the list because of its high murder rate (453 people per 2.85 million in 2009). On the other hand, Dusseldorf had only two murders, but is missing some of things that make a city a joy to live in. Hong Kong also is missing from the list because of traffic congestion, air quality, and a lack of housing. Possibly the most notable absences are from New York and London. It is crime that knocks both cities out as London has the worst burglary rates in Europe and NYC (though recently improved) still suffers from high rates of crime of all types.
To check out the interactive map of cities, go to http://www.monocle.com/specials/35_cities/.
Erin Ball
Freelance Writer from Seattle
Most Expensive Cities Worldwide in 2010 (EAI)
texkourgan
21 June, 2010 22:15
People's standard of living can vary greatly according to their wealth, personal choices, and willingness to do without. However, there are some cities, that are expensive no matter what choices a person makes.
EA International is a world leader in managing employees around the world. EA offers data and advice about everything concerning expatriates and the companies that hire them. The most recent list of the most expensive cities worldwide was published on June 10, 2010.
Top 20 Most Expensive Cities Worldwide
1. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo ranks as the most expensive city in Asia and the world for expatriate and citizens alike. This is the first time Tokyo has taken the top spot since 2005.
2. Oslo, Norway
Oslo is consistently among the most expensive European cities and the strengthening of the Norwegian krone has bumped the city to the second slot.
3. Luanda, Angola
Ranked first in 2008 and 2009, this comes as a surprise to some casual observers. However, living in a developing country can elevate the costs of acquiring basic goods because of transport fees. Angola, in particular, has suffered through decades of war making acquisition of goods especially difficult.
4. Nagoya, Japan
The strengthening of the yen has led the way for several Japanese cities to take top spots.
5. Yokohama, Japan
6. Stavanger, Norway
7. Kobe, Japan
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
9. Geneva, Switzerland
10. Zurich, Switzerland
11. Bern, Switzerland
12. Basel, Switzerland
13. Libreville, Gabon
14. Helsinki , Finland
Like Norway, Finland is seen as a safe haven for investors in comparison to Euro zone countries.
15. Moscow, Russia
Increases in oil prices benefited Moscow as Russia is the largest producer of oil in the world.
16. Paris, France
Prices remain high in this romantic capital.
17. Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire
18. Abuja, Nigeria
19. Tel Aviv, Israel
20. Seoul, South Korea
Appreciation of the Korean won has allowed it to surpass Hong Kong.
Criteria
Cost of living rankings are calculated upon annually surveys conducted in March and September using a basket of day-to-day goods and services. Certain living costs such as accommodation, utilities (electricity, gas, water costs), car purchase and school fees are not included in the survey.
The comparison is created by composing a base of costs within developed countries. ECA's cost of living data compares a basket of 125 consumer goods and services commonly purchased by international assignees in over 370 locations worldwide.
The survey covers:
- Food- Groceries; dairy produce; meat and fish; fresh fruit and vegetables
- Basic- Drink and tobacco; miscellaneous goods; services
- General- Clothing; electrical goods; motoring; meals out
Recent Changes
Currency fluctuation are the major reason behind changes in ranking. For example, growth in most western countries has slowed considerably while Asian cities were much more resilient. Asian economies cushioned their citizens against rising fuel and food costs through subsidies and price controls while Western nations suffered through economic free fall.
Asia
Tokyo's yen has helped to make Tokyo the most expensive city. The Korean won has also done well and pushed Seoul into the top 20. The Thai baht and the Indonesian rupiah have also increased in value.
On the other hand, locations in mainland China have become cheaper. Hong Kong has also fallen lower on the list as SARs is still detracting from the city's business sector. Karachi, Islamabad and Kolkata are the cheapest locations in the region
Europe
Some of the standard cities at the top of the list have been replaced by other European capitals. Oslo has replaced Copenhagen as the region's most costly location. Oil prices have benefited the region and Scandinavia's abstinence from the Euro has allowed it to avoid some of the issues currently troubling mainland Europe. Sweden and Finland have also gained favor from investors. Scandinavia is the most expensive area in Europe for expatriates.
Moscow had fallen in the rankings in 2009, but the rouble has strengthened. An increase in oil prices has been the most important change.
The United Kingdom has also fallen in rank as the sterling continues to be weak throughout the last year. Locations within London like Chelsea may still be quite costly, but the city as a whole has dropped in comparative costs significantly.
Americas
South America has traditionally been on the lower end when considering expensive cities, but Rio de Janeiro is now the most expensive location in the Americas.
In general, US locations have fallen down the rankings slightly, reflecting the weakened dollar. Manhattan is the most expensive location in North America but is only ranked 29th worldwide. Honolulu, Hawaii is the second most expensive.
Canadian dollars have actually strengthened, with Vancouver holding the most expensive position.
Australasia
Australia has become significantly more expensive in the past year. The economy has developed steadily and their currency has strengthened. Canberra is currently the most expensive location.
Africa & the Middle East
Luanda was ranked as the most expensive city in 2008 and 2009, but has slipped to third in the 2010 survey.
South African locations rate as some of the in among the cheapest.
Tel Aviv made it into the top 20 and is the most expensive place for visitors to the Middle East. Jeddah in Saudi Arabia is the cheapest
Don't forget our cost of living calculator for planning your life abroad and your expatriate move.
We are using the data provided by the
UBS study in our Cost
of Living Calculator on Easy Expat. Our nifty machine allows you to
calculate the salary you should make regarding you current wage and
your style of life. Unselect the category of goods you wish to exclude,
enter your current
salary and choose the current city and the one you want to compare with.
In order to compare different
countries, all our data are translated into indexes
(e.g. if London/food index is 100, Paris/food index is 93). Therefore
the same currency or index is represented in both boxes.
Erin Ball
Freelance Writer from Seattle
France, I love you, I'm leaving
easyexpat
04 May, 2010 17:05
Journalist (France Inter) based in London, Christian Roudeau has just published "France, je t’aime, je te quitte" (France, I love you, I'm leaving - Fayard edition), which deals with opinion of expatriates on France: a "virtual country" made of 2.5 million people and still growing.
There are 2 parts in the book: who are the French expatriates and what do they say about France. Profiles have evolved a lot and we are no longer talking (only) about the rich business man voting conservative. All categories are represented and while, before 2007, the vast majority of French expats voted for the candidate of the French conservative party, the last election showed the same trend as the global result.
He compares expatriates in countries with similar economic development to France: USA, UK, Germany... etc. He interviewed a lot of people (some celebrities too) and talks about expatriates who left to avoid discrimination based on race, ethnicity but also where they lived or their degrees; expats in English countries, especially London, who have seen the advantages of flexibility in business; those who criticise the weight of authority inside French companies...
But on the other hand French expatriates praise public services and the health system and say to those who stay: learn to appreciate the good French way of life too!
Getting a Bargain on Hotel Rooms
audrey
26 April, 2010 11:41
In planning a trip for business or pleasure, one of the most important considerations is the hotel accommodation. Whether your desire is to find a home away from home featuring an array of amenities or simply a clean, quiet place to sleep during your holiday, it is possible to find a hotel room to fill your needs. With a bit of planning, finding the right hotel won't empty your bank account.
Package Deals
Frequently, booking a hotel room together with a flight means significant savings, especially when using online travel resources such as Expedia or Orbitz. You can often refine your search by many factors, including hotel star rating or price level, location in the city center or on the outskirts, and specific amenities. However, to obtain these discounts, you must prepay for your travel package.
Online Hotel Discounts
Another way to find cheap hotel rooms is to utilize an online hotel discount search service like Priceline or Hotwire. Like online travel services, you can refine your search by hotel location, amenities and price level. You will also be required to pay for your accommodations right away to guarantee booking. However, you will not learn the actual name of your hotel until after your reservations are final and paid.
Groups and Clubs
If you are a student, a senior, or belong to an organization such as AAA, you may be entitled to discounts rates for hotel rooms. When booking a hotel online, check for an option to indicate your special status. When making reservations with a reservations agent or travel agent, inquire about specific group discounts. Be prepared to show an ID card or membership card to verify your status when you check in to the hotel.
Direct Hotel Reservations
Try contacting the reservation agent for a specific hotel directly when seeking a discounted rate. Sometimes the hotel will extend a rate discount if you book during the off season. You may also receive a room upgrade for the same price as you were originally planning to pay.You will probably need to guarantee your reservation with a credit card, but the card will not actually be charged until you check into the hotel.
Tradeoffs and Compromises
Decide what features and amenities are necessities, and be
willing to compromise on those that are not. Turn-down service, a spa or
gym on the premises or even room service are all features that can
raise the price of a hotel room. If you can enjoy your holiday without them, you'll have more money to spend for local events and souveniers.
However, booking a hotel far away from
the city center may be a false economy if you plan to spend a
significant amount of time sightseeing or pursuing cultural activities. You'll likely spend more time and money getting back and forth than you'll save. Boutique hotels that emphasize bold colors and stylish furnishings,
convenient locations or a rooftop bar are also often less expensive than
luxury hotels, according to Kate Silber, writing for the Away.com
website.
For More Information:
Audrey Henderson
Freelance writer based in
Chicago
Top festivals around the world this January
siddlobo
04 January, 2010 13:18
The New Year has begun. It’s freezing cold in many parts of the northern hemisphere but that doesn’t stop people from having fun. Here’s a round up of some of the festivals making a splash from around the world this January.
Ati-Atihan Festival, Philippines
14th -16th January
Held every third Sunday in the month of January, this festival is a cross between Thanksgiving and Mardi Gras, Philippino style. It is one of the biggest events in the cultural calendar and a must visit for travellers in the region. Expect much singing, dancing, music and food.
World Buskers Festival, New Zealand
21st – 31st January
This is the meeting of the world’s best buskers. For 10 days, the streets and pavements of Christchurch are transformed into stages for the public. This open air street fest is crammed with entertainment and music for the entire family. With over 450 live shows planned for the upcoming event, you can say goodbye to a boring day at home.
Thaipusam, Malaysia
30th January
Thaipusam is a day of penance and Thanksgiving for Hindus in honour of Lord Muruga. Main celebrations in Malaysia are at Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur. After a period of fasting and abstinence, many devotees can be seen in trance as they flock to the temple on Thaipusam. Most of them carry ‘kavadis’ or ornate frames with spikes that are hooked onto the body or some have spears pierced through their tongues. It is said that devotees don’t feel any pain and nor is there any blood shed. Close to 800,000 people throng to the temple to watch and join the celebrations.
World championship cockroach racing, Brisbane, Australia
26th January
Yep, you read it right. Described as ‘the greatest gathering of thoroughbred cockroaches in the universe’, this race is just that… a cockroach race. The fastest roach wins. Or rather the human owner who dragged him out from under the fridge wins. The race itself is set in a boxing ring style set up and all proceeds from the event go to charity.
Kumbha Mela, Haridwar, India
14th January – 28th April
Described as the largest gathering of people for a religious purpose in the world, the Kumbha Mela is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage. The pilgrimage occurs four times every twelve years. Each twelve-year cycle includes the Maha (great) Kumbha Mela at Prayag, attended by millions of people, making it the largest pilgrimage gathering around the world.
Celtic Connections, Scotland
16th January – 3rd February
This is one of the most important events on Scotland’s cultural calendar. From torchlight processions to amazing performances from Scottish and international bands, get ready for non stop entertainment. This year’s line up includes performances by Bobby McFerrin and Naturally 7 to name a few.
Sidd Lobo
Freelance copywriter
Top five New Year resolutions and tips to help you keep them
siddlobo
28 December, 2009 09:26
It’s that time of the year again. Events of the past 12 months are
assessed and plans for the next 12 are made. Read on to find out some
of the top New Year resolutions people make every year and top up on some tips to help you keep at them.
1. “I will spend more time with family”
This tops the list of New Years resolutions. In a recent survey, over
50% of Americans took the pledge to spend more time with family this
year. Call friends home instead of meeting up at the pub, leave work
earlier at least once a week and then try doing it more often.
2. “I will fit into my high school jeans again”
New Year is a great time to start the battle against the bulge. In
fact, surveys show a massive rise in gym memberships in the first three
months of the year. This unfortunately tails off some time in the
beginning of the second quarter.
3. “ I will quit smoking/ stop drinking”
New Year resolutions are a popular way to aim for sobriety. Many also
drink their way into the New Year with the promise that this is the
last they’ll have for the rest of the year. But as the saying goes, how
you start the New Year probably determines how the rest of the year
turns out. So if you’re planning to bid adieu to the cigarettes and the
booze, plan a more sober New Year’s eve party.
4. “I will do more fun stuff this year”
Plans for the New Year inevitably involve doing better than the year
gone by. And one of the most oft cited gripe is that people have been
so busy coping with the monotonous routine of everyday life, they
forget to enjoy and celebrate it. So plan a holiday, pick a hobby, do
something you’d feel good about and make sure you enjoy.
5. “ I will get my finances in order”
Money woes especially in recent turbulent times have made this another
top New Years resolution. At the start of the year, people vow to cut
their credit card bills, save more, make better investments and reduce
their debt. But just hoping that it will sort itself out isn’t enough;
make sure you have a plan to see you reach your financial goals by the
end of the year.
Some tips to help you keep your resolutions alive well into the year and beyond.
1. Keep it real
It’s
one thing to be excited about a goal, it’s another to achieve it. Make
sure you set reasonable goals and have a plan to make it work through
the year.
2. Tell the world
It’s harder
to smoke that cigarette when you’ve told all your friends, family and
colleagues that your New Year Resolution is to quit smoking. Better
still, team up with someone who also wants to quit and help each other
kick the habit.
3. Don’t overload yourself
Pick
one or two goals and stick with it. Resolving to change 20 different
aspects of your life in one year is only going to give you more things
to worry about and fix at the end of the next year.
4. Be specific
Details
matter; make a plan. If your resolution is to reduce smoking, decide on
what’s realistic and how much you want to reduce it by. Also break down
larger goals into smaller ones so they’re easier to achieve. E.g. from
15 cigarettes a day to 12 in the first month, 10 in the second month
etc. This will help you set clearer and more achievable targets.
5. Find alternatives
Dig
deeper into why you’re doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re
smoking because you’re stressed all the time, take up a hobby. If
you’re constantly coming home late because you’re not organized, get
more organized. Start by reducing clutter and work your way through to
a more efficient system.
6. Reward yourself
Every
time you reach a goal or a mini goal, treat yourself. You’ve done a
good job, you need to enjoy it so you can keep at it and hit the next
milestone.
Good luck with your New Year resolutions and make sure you make them work.
Sidd Lobo
Freelance writer
Top New Year's Eve parties
siddlobo
26 December, 2009 08:51
It’s that time of the year again… as we usher in the New Year here are some of the biggest and most talked about parties from around the world.
New York – Times Square
New Year's Eve at the symbolic center of New York City has become more than just a celebration - it's a global tradition. The world holds its breath...and cheers as the clocks strike twelve. That’s when the famous New Year's Eve Ball descends from the flagpole atop One Times Square. Join the estimated one million people in Times Square in ushering in the New Year at one of the most watched and famous New Year’s Eve gatherings.
Find more information about expat life in New York on Easy Expat.
London
Do something different this New Year’s Eve. Usher in the New Year with a cruise along River Thames. Enjoy the spectacular fireworks, the special menu and the extra glass of bubbly as you soak in the festive celebrations from your unique viewpoint.
Find more information about expat life in London on Easy Expat.
New Year’s Eve Imperial Ball, Vienna
Ring in the New Years’ in style. The New Year’s Eve Imperial Ball is a world renowned gala that takes place in the halls of the Hofburg Palace. Celebrate the beginning of the year 2010 in the state apartments of the ancient imperial winter residence. According to the motto of this year “Johann Strauß, the king of waltzes” will entertain you through the evening. Tickets range from 170 euros to 700 euros per person and it’s your chance to dress to the nines.
Find more information about expat life in Vienna on Easy Expat.
Tokyo
Be one of the first to usher in the New Year by joining in the celebrations in Tokyo. Watch as the ‘night bell’ is struck 108 times of the last night of the year in temples across the city. This custom of bell ringing draws its origins from Buddhism where it’s understood that human beings possess 108 worldly desires. By striking the bell 108 times, these desires are said to be gotten rid off.
Find more information about expat life in Tokyo on Easy Expat.
Los Angeles
With hundreds of parties and pubs and discos to choose from in L.A, this will be New Year’s Eve a party you don’t remember. Whether you prefer to rub shoulders with the glitterati or party loud at one of the city’s many street parties, you won’t have a shortage of options for the big day.
Find more information about expat life in Los Angeles on Easy Expat.
Berlin
Usher in the New Year in one of the world’s most beautiful and famous streets near the Brandenburger Tor in Berlin. Every year, over one million people join this street party that signals the start of the New Year. From international music stars to famous rock and pop bands, expect non-stop entertainment through the night.
Sydney
From fireworks to parades, aerial shows to non-stop music, Sydney’s geared up to promise a fantastic New Year’s Eve experience. For some of the best views, make your way to one of the many vantage points across the city. Make sure you head out early as access is limited and sites will be closed once they’re filled.
Find more information about expat life in Sydney on Easy Expat.
Rio de Janeiro
New Year's Eve is one of Rio de Janeiro's most important celebrations, second only to Carnival in popularity. It attracts people from all over the world, and Brazilians from all states. The festivities are concentrated in Copacabana, with 2 million people every year. Stages are set along the beach with live music shows starting at 8 p.m., featuring everything from traditional Carnival songs to rock and dance. Join in the fun and dance the night away.
Sidd Lobo
Freelance copywriter
Tips to make your Christmas party a hit
siddlobo
18 December, 2009 11:23
Whether an intimate family gathering or one where the paparazzi is in waiting, a Christmas party can involve loads of planning. Here are some tips to plan a fantastic Christmas party.
1. Start early:
It’s the busiest time of the year and everyone’s got some place to be. The earlier you plan your party, make a guest list and get onto people’s calendar, the more time you have to organize things accordingly.
2. Decide on the budget:
Plan your budget and always allow for a 10 percent extra for last minute things that pop up. Once you have a budget in mind, you’ll be able to decide on a lot of other things… like are you going to cook or cater, is your friend spinning the music or are you getting a professional DJ to do that etc
3. It’s all about the food:
The menu is important. Are you going for an informal Christmas party where alcohol is more important than food? Or are you aiming for something more formal? Catering or cooking? Remember, caterers are booked out well in advance at this time of the year, so once again… book in advance. And for expats missing home... use the party to infuse a touch of home. Whether it's chicken tikka masala if you're Indian (or British) or a tapas styled menu if you're Spanish, adding a local touch will spice up your Christmas party.
4. Make sure there are non alcoholic drinks:
Be responsible. Make sure there are sufficient non- alcoholic drinks available for those who aren’t drinking. Also keep taxi numbers ready for those who’ve had one too many.
5. Decorate:
Music, food and company get people in the Christmas spirit. Make sure the decorations are fun, music is good, the Christmas tree is well lit and the mistletoes are up. Also, a little goodie , especially a token from your home country, will make a great gift for others to remember your and your party by.
6. Plan some entertainment:
Keep the kids entertained and the parents will have a good time. Organising some colour pencils and sketch books or carol singing for the kids will be a great way to keep them occupied. If there are any particular local Christmas traditions you follow, make sure you share them with your guests. It will make your party that much more special.
7. Feel good, do good:
You can add to the spirit of giving by adding a few extra touches. Like asking your guests to ‘pay’ for their admission with a toy or a blanket or socks. Set up a basket near the door where guests can place their gift and you can drop it off at a shelter for the homeless or needy. If you'd like to do something for an organisation back home, set up a donation box and tell your guests who and what you'd like them to contribute to and make sure you send them an update after the party with a link to the organisation they have contributed to.
8. Enjoy:
Sometimes, people get so caught up in organising the perfect party and making sure everyone else is having fun, they forget to do so themselves. At the end of the day, it’s a party and it’s Christmas… so relax and enjoy the good times with your loved ones.
Sidd Lobo
Freelance writer
International health insurances
siddlobo
11 December, 2009 15:33
Moving to a new country? Travel frequently? Need to make impromptu trips? Whatever the reason for being on the move, it’s best to be covered by an international insurance. Needless to say, navigating the murky world of insurances can be a complicated affair. Below are some of the key players in the industry to get you started.
Ihi Bupa
A well reputed insurance company that boasts of over 30 years of experience specializing in international travel and health insurance. One of the leading players in the international insurance market, the company caters to both private and corporate customers.
Healthcare International
Another reputed company with 25 years of experience. They offer products that specialize in travel, medical insurance and life cover and income protection. Products are specifically designed for the needs of expatriates.
International Medical Group
Provides medical insurance to families, individuals and groups who are either travelling or living abroad. IMG offers worldwide coverage, multi-lingual customer service representatives and 24 hour on-site medical staff for emergencies.
HTH Worldwide
This insurance provider specialises in medical and accident protection. It might be a preferred option for travelers to high risk countries as it also offers evacuation coverage and medical benefits of up to $1,000,000.
Pacific Prime International
Pacific Prime works with insurance companies around the world to tailor a plan depending on customers requirements. They offer health coverage plans for individuals, families, groups and a specifically designed programme for teachers.
Global Health Insurance
This offers a wide range of packages from an annually renewable medical plan for expatriates to short- term travel coverage. Also offers expatriates access to US medical facilities and doctors.
Internationalcitizens.com
This international insurance broker offers online health, medical and travel insurance plans. It offers flexible options that could come in handy for travellers and global expatriates. It also has special plans designed to cover student insurance needs, visa F1J1 insurance plans and au pair insurance plans.
You can also have a look at our previous articles sponsored by William-Russell:
Good luck with your travel plans and stay safe.
Sidd Lobo
Freelance writer
The most popular destinations for French expatriates
easyexpat
23 November, 2009 09:19
According to an article published in the French newspaper Les Echos, China is the most popular destination for French expats.
Top Destinations for French Expatriates
| Rank |
Country |
Number of expats in thousands |
Share (%) |
| 1st |
China |
252 |
9.9 |
| 2nd |
Japan |
223 |
8.8 |
| 3rd |
Canada |
210 |
8.3 |
| 4th |
USA |
175 |
6.9 |
| 5th |
UK |
158 |
6.2 |
| 6th |
Turkey |
133 |
5.2 |
| 7th |
Spain |
94 |
3.7 |
| 8th |
Germany |
86 |
3.4 |
There are 2.5 million French living abroad (1.4m officially) with 32% in Western Europ, 25% in Asia and Oceania, and 21% in North America. 13% of French expatriates have got university grades (licence level or more) and 79% have more than the Baccalaureat. The growth of the expat population is 3.6% per year. 23% of them earn more than €60k per year and 31% are between €30k and €60k.
The crisis and the expats
Since the beginning of the financial crisis, French expats have deserted London to repartiate in France. Same things from Russia where most of the French companies (especially in the property business) have decided to restrain their activity. Some bank, such as Société Générale or BNP-Paribas have relocated their activity in Asia from Tokyo to Hong Kong, where life is less expensive.
The crisis has also affected the French Lycées abroad. Although New York, madrid or London are always "over-subscribed", Australia, Singapore or Moscow have seen their number of students shrink (30% less in Russia).
The most popular destinations for British expatriates
easyexpat
09 November, 2009 09:40
Following last year survey from HSBC on expat existence, Halifax International has published a report on British expatriates. Their research shows that 4% of Britons already own a home abroad and a further 27% of
Britons have said that they are considering the option of moving or
buying property abroad in the future. Almost one third (32%) of Britons considering a move abroad are below 35 years of age and additional data have also shown that over two-fifths (41%) of those
that have moved abroad have no intention of ever returning.
Most Popular Destinations for British Expatriates
Forget New Zealand or Australia: when it comes to leaving the UK to settle somewhere else, France as the most popular destination for Brits moving abroad, according to Halifax.
| Rank |
Country |
Share of total (%) |
| 1st |
France |
16 |
| 2nd |
Spain |
10 |
| 3rd |
USA |
8 |
| 4th |
Australia |
4 |
| 4th |
Switzerland |
4 |
| 4th |
Germany |
4 |
16% of British expatriates currently live in France, with Spain in
second place with 10% of the total. The most popular overseas
destination for people to move to outside of Europe was the USA at 8%.
Australia, Switzerland and Germany came in joint 4th place at 4% of the
total each.
Differences in the answers according to age
However those figures need to be considered overall. Indeed, when broken down by age category, it shows that almost one third (33%) of respondents in the
survey, aged between 16 to 35 years of age, ranked Australia as being
their favourite place in the world to live. When
it came to Europe, the younger generation would most like to live in
either France or Spain, with 6% of under 25 year olds opting for France
and 6% of those aged between 25 to 35 years olds preferring Spain.
Italy was voted the ideal European destination for those aged between
35 and 45 years of age.
On the other hand, the research carried out shows that British pensioners prefer Canada as
the ideal overseas destination in which to enjoy their retirement. One
in six pensioners (15%) have considered moving abroad and a further 12%
of respondents have voted Canada as the most popular overseas
destination, closely followed by Spain, Australia and New Zealand, all
with 10% of the response cast.
As most of them live in Spain or France, there is therefore a big difference between "wish" and "will".
British expatriates in France vs USA
Over two thirds (67%) of British expatriates living in France are aged
55 and over. Nearly one third (32%) are aged between 55 and 64 years of
age.
Age of British Expatriates Living In France
| Age Of Person |
Share of total (%) |
| 30 to 44 |
9 |
| 45 to 54 |
19 |
| 55 to 64 |
32 |
| 65 to 75 |
24 |
| 75 years and over |
11 |
Of those British expatriates living in the USA, half (50%) were aged
between 45 and 64. Compared to France this is a relatively younger
population pointing to a higher percentage of professional expats.
Age of British Expatriates Living In USA
| Age Of Person |
Share of total (%) |
| 30 to 44 |
13 |
| 45 to 54 |
24 |
| 55 to 64 |
26 |
| 65 to 75 |
18 |
| 75 years and over |
10 |
In all, around an estimated 5.5 million British citizens live abroad (Public Policy Research) - a significant percentage of the population (according to the Office for National Statistics, 400,000 British citizens chose to leave the country last year alone).
Oslo, Zurich and Copenhagen the most expensive cities in the world
easyexpat
27 October, 2009 19:33
According to the latest report from UBS on the cost of living (Prices and Earnings comparison), Oslo, Zurich, Copenhagen, Geneva, Tokyo and New York are the world's most expensive cities in the world. London, the second most expensive city in the 2006 review, plummeted nearly 20 places following the pound’s steep devaluation, landing in the middle of the Western European rankings. Currency devaluation pushed down prices in many emerging market cities as well. Prices slipped the most in Mexico City, Moscow and Seoul.
Paris goes up 2 places from 11th to 9th between 2006 and 2009.The survey says: "Since our previous survey, in 2006, the financial crisis has exerted relentless downward pressure on exchange rates in many countries."
Living costs are calculated based on a survey of 154 items in total. They include 122 products and services that are used directly to calculate the reference basket. When rent prices are factored into the equation, New York, Oslo, Geneva and Tokyo emerge as especially pricey places to live. The basket costs
the least in Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Delhi and Mumbai. The study was
based on data collected in 73 cities around the world between March and
April of this year.
Highest food prices in Japan and Switzerland
Tokyo, Zurich and Geneva are the most expensive cities for food, while Mumbai, Delhi and Kiev are at the bottom of the list. It is amazing to notice that geographically, Tokyo and Mumbai are not very far apart. When it comes to food prices, however, they are in different galaxies. In Mumbai, you can buy our basket of food for close to USD 150 – around one-fifth of the asking price in the Japanese capital, Tokyo.
For the analysis, they put together a basket of 39 food items weighted mainly according to Western European consumption habits, whereby very important staples were included in larger
quantities.
The housing markets are heavily fragmented
Global average monthly rent for an unfurnished 3-room dwelling near the city
center is around 1110 euros. The most expensive homes in this category
are in New York, Hong Kong and Dubai. In terms of average rents, it is
noticeable that they have suffered the effects of the crisis in
countries of Anglo-Saxon tradition, but they have remained fairly steady worldwide.
To name a few popular destinations for professionals: Montreal (1190 USD /
month), London (1450 USD in 2009 against 2390 in
2006), Paris (1600 USD) and Geneva (1900 USD). On the other end you can get a monthly local rent (medium) of 220 USD in Cairo.
Costly rail travel in the United Kingdom and Germany
A second-class one-way ticket for a 200 km rail journey in Germany (USD 67.20) costs approximately 1.5 times as much as in the rest of Western Europe. Only the United Kingdom is more expensive. In London, passengers have to be willing to pay USD 89.10 – double the fares charged in other Western European cities. The rates look even pricier when compared with worldwide averages; travel in Germany costs 2.5 and in the United Kingdom 3.4 times as much as the global average.
Contrary to popular belief in Europe, the London taxis are more expensive
than Paris: 17.09 USD in London (for a daytime ride of 5 km within the city), and 15.69 USD in Paris, well above the world
average of 9.10 USD.
Mexico City, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta offer low-cost getaways
The cost of a short city break usually includes much more than just
food and accommodation. Whether a trip to a foreign city turns out to
be a bargain or a financial black hole depends largely on the general
price level and prevailing exchange rates.
The
costliest places for a city break package (overnight stay, dinner
for two, a taxi ride, car rental, theater, public
transport and a handful of minor expenses)– which does not cover travel to and
from the destination – are Tokyo, London and Doha. For cheap city
trips, tourists can travel to Mexico City, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta,
where a short visit costs less than USD 330.
The average worldwide price for the package is roughly USD 650. On a
regional basis, Africa and South America offer the cheapest rates for
the package. Mid-range regions are Oceania, Eastern Europe and Asia.
The most expensive regions for a short trip are North America, the
Middle East and Western Europe. The widest price gap – around 40% – was
observed between cities in Asia. Western European metropolises were
found to have the lowest price gap.
Earnings highest in Switzerland, Denmark and the US
The survey of 73 international cities found that employees in Copenhagen, Zurich, Geneva and New York have the highest gross wages. Zurich and Geneva – the two Swiss cities in the study – top the rankings in the international comparison of net wages. By contrast, the average employee in Delhi, Manila, Jakarta and Mumbai earns less than one-fifteenth of Swiss hourly wages after taxes.
The case of the iPod
While they still compare the cost of a Big Mac around the world (employees have to work a global average of 37 minutes to earn enough to pay for a Big Mac - but 12 minutes in Tokyo and 2.5 hours in Nairobi), they have introduced a new benchmark for comparison. The iPod nano with 8 GB of storage is an ideal example of a globally uniform product. An average wage-earner in Zurich and New York can buy a nano from an Apple store after nine hours of work. At the other end of the spectrum, workers in Mumbai, need to work 20 nine-hour days – roughly the equivalent of one month's salary – to purchase an iPod nano.
Long working hours in the Middle East and Asia – shortest in France
People work an average of 1,902 hours per year in the surveyed cities but they work much longer in Asian and Middle Eastern cities, averaging 2,119 and 2,063 hours per year respectively. Overall, the most hours are worked in Cairo (2,373 hours per year), followed by Seoul (2,312 hours). People in Lyon and Paris, by contrast, spend the least amount of time at work according to the global comparison: 1,582 and 1,594 hours per year respectively.
Cost of living per continent
Americas:
A dollar earned in the US is worth more after deducting taxes and social security contributions than in neighboring Canada. While the basket of 122 goods and services is somewhat cheaper in Montreal and Toronto, the net hourly wage in these Canadian cities is also lower than in the surveyed US cities of New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago.
Asia-Pacific:
In no other continent is the price spread between the most expensive and the cheapest city as wide as in Asia. While Tokyo ranks as one of the world's five costliest cities, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Delhi and Mumbai are all at the bottom of the price range. Workers in Tokyo earn the highest wages in Asia. Likewise, consumers in Tokyo, Hong Kong and Taipei have the greatest purchasing power in the continent. Sydney ranks among the top ten cities in the international comparison.
Europe:
Prices in Eastern and Western Europe have converged very little despite the EU's enlargement in 2004 and Slovenia's adoption of the euro as its official currency in January 2007 and Slovakia's in January of this year. A basket of 95 goods and 27 services was roughly 35% cheaper in the cities of Eastern European EU member states than in Western European metropolises. As a comparison, UBS's 2006 study found that the price differential between Eastern and Western Europe was around 38%. On average, workers in Western European cities receive gross wages more than three times higher than their colleagues in Eastern Europe. The lowest incomes are paid in Bulgaria (Sofia) and Romania (Bucharest). The wage level in these two countries, which joined the European Union in January 2007, is comparable to that of Colombia or Thailand.
We are using the data provided by the UBS study in our Cost of Living Calculator on Easy Expat. Our nifty machine allows you to calculate the salary you should make regarding you current wage and your style of life. Unselect the category of goods you wish to exclude, enter your current
salary and choose the current city and the one you want to compare with.
In order to compare different countries, all our data are translated into indexes (e.g. if London/food index is 100, Paris/food index is 93). Therefore the same currency or index is represented in both boxes.
INTERVIEW: OneWorldCV
easyexpat
12 October, 2009 17:50
Presentation
OneWorldCV.com offers an English resume writing service for non-English native speakers.
OneWorldCV.com was established in answer to the low success rate of job applications from international candidates and to support them in their job search overseas.
Anne, from OneWorldCV.com is answering our questions. 
Can you talk about your company?
Our unique service goes way beyond resume translation as our clients benefit from a personal consultation with a bilingual expert in recruitment, who will identify their skills and competencies, advise them and tailor their resumes to help them reach their career goals.
Can you talk about your activity/process?
Our approach is personal and straight-forward. Our clients are first contacted by phone for a personal consultation. This conversation will allow the resume writer to fully understand our clients’ career objectives and to gather all the necessary information to develop the content of their resumes. Our clients will receive a first draft within a couple of days. We will write a final version of their documents based on their revisions and have it proof-read before emailing them.
We praise ourselves for not using templates. All the resumes we provide are unique, completely tailored to the client’s skills, qualifications, experience and achievements, as well as their target country.
Do you offer additional services?
Our service concentrates exclusively on providing our clients with the highest quality job hunting documents.
In addition to our resume writing service, we can provide a resume translation and formatting service and we also write cover letters for our clients who wish to apply for specific positions.
Because our team of consultants are composed of experienced HR and Recruitment professionals, it keeps us aware of any developments in the recruitment process and ensures that our clients are provided with the most up-to-date and consistent resumes to maximise their chances of finding the best job opportunity.
What is the profile of your clients?
The profile of our clients ranges from students looking for internships to experienced professionals seeking international roles. These last few months we have helped a lot of people recently made redundant and willing to try their luck outside of their home countries.
The majority of our clients are French, Italian, Spanish and Japanese nationals looking for employment in international companies and/or in the UK, Ireland and Australia.
Can you speak about your service/ and the difference regarding competitors?
We believe our service is very unique as we offer our clients a complete English resume writing service that is not only personalised through individual consultations, but also adapted to the country of their choice.
Our competitors we are aware of only offer resume translation services which we only recommend to our clients if the original documents are already developed and formatted appropriately. To put it bluntly, what it is the point of translating a resume that is not well structured in the first place?
Where we truly add value is with the advice we offer to enhance the content of your resume and highlight your skills and competencies in the best possible way.
What is your activity on the Internet?
Being present on the Web is central to our service. In fact, this is what allows us to virtually operate across borders and reduce service delivery time to a minimum.
Irrespective of our clients’ and consultants’ locations, we always manage to communicate efficiently using phone calls and emails.
What discounts could you offer to our readers?
- We will offer all readers of EasyExpat a 10% discount on our services if they mention EasyExpat when they contact us.
This special offer will be valid until the end of the year 2009.
We are confident we can really make a difference in their job search and we look forward to working with them to bring them one step closer to a successful international career!
Contact:
