Corsica is a dream come true, for those looking to find peace, beauty, sun and sea. There are many different sides to this island to choose from, when you will make the decision of where you would like to stay, during your holiday. In this article, we will help you to discover a few of them, so you can make your choice more easily.

• How to choose the area where you will stay in Corsica

Without actually being on the ground, in Corsica, it can actually be very difficult to choose one place from another. A suggestion we can make, is for you to look at Corsica villas and find the one you prefer, in order to make that very important decision. After all, your home away from home is the most important element of any trip. With one of the villas, you’ll be able to live in comfort, and enjoy every moment you spend there. You can even cook and share a meal on your terrace, or have (new) friends over for dinner. It is certainly one of the safest ways to choose your destination.

• Ajaccio

Let’s start with the capital of Corsica. If you are travelling on a budget, Ajaccio is the city where you want to drop your luggage. It is the least expensive city on the island, and there are activities, restaurants and boutiques for everyone. The city is best known for being the cradle of Napoléon, which is why around town, you will discover information about him, via street names, museums and statues. In terms of beaches, look for Plage de Capo di Feno.

• Porto-Vecchio

If you travel with the whole family, then you should definitely think of staying in or near Porto Vecchio. Located on the south coast of the island, you will have all the amenities you may need, to entertain everyone. Many kids’ activities are offered to keep the younger ones happy and having a good time. Adults will definitely appreciate the exquisite French restaurants and the small boutiques, to do a little shopping. There is no beach in Porto Vecchio, but some of the most gorgeous ones on the island are located nearby. Look for Tamaricciu Beach and Plage de Palombaggia.

• Bonifacio

Many people, when visiting an island, prefer to stay on the southern side. It is usually the best way to ensure getting a maximum of the sunshine. Bonifacio is located on the south side of the island and features a beautiful marina. If elegance is what you are looking for, you will find it, near the harbor, filled with palm trees and Italian restaurants. There, sit on a terrace and enjoy being away from the metropolitan cities of the world, while drinking a strong espresso. If you want to change décor for a day, take a ferry to Sardinia, and enjoy their beautiful beaches.

• Corte

If you are looking for something unique, away from the crowd, then Corte is the ideal Corsican location. It will also provide you with the most beautiful views on the island, thanks to its high altitude. Encircled by mountains, you will finally discover the true meaning of the word “freedom.” However, if you are looking to spend a week at the beach, then Corte is not your location, as it is far from the coast.

• Calvi

If you don’t want to think too much, and you are only looking for a few days of relaxation, while discovering a new environment, then do as most tourists do and stay in Calvi. On the northwestern coast, Calvi offers the largest selection of beaches on the island. There is everything you may need, whether you are looking to shop, eat in various restaurants, visit historic sites or just want to catch some sun while enjoying the Mediterranean Sea.

 

Dubai is known for many things. Aside from being a popular business hub, the “City of Gold” is also recognized for all kinds of scenery that would leave any tourist wanting more.

Excursion packages in Dubai offer a variety of different activities for every occasion. So, whether you’re spending your birthday out of town, commemorating a romantic milestone, or completing your travel bucket list, you’ll find something worthwhile there.

When planning to visit the city, be sure to select activities to include on your itinerary based on the purpose of the trip and your specific interests. For a start, here are the six best things you shouldn’t miss when in Dubai:

Burj Al Arab

Nestled between the Palm Islands and Jumeirah Beach, the Burj Al Arab is a jaw-dropping building that continues to wow people with its architecture. It was opened in 1999 and overlooks the great Arabian Gulf on its own man-made island.

It boasts a curved glass façade reportedly modeled from the sails that have cruised through the Dubai waterways in the past years. Besides being considered one of the world-class luxury hotels in the UAE, it is also deemed as having the world’s tallest atrium and being the highest hotel building in the world at 600 feet.

Besides its architectural prowess, the Burj Al Arab is also famous for amenities as unique as revolving beds and as luxurious as a helipad for those who think arriving on the complimentary Rolls-Royse is too ordinary.

Of course, you don’t need to spend all your fortune staying at the Burj Al Arab to appreciate it. You can also just grab a bite at one of its onsite restaurants, some of which feature huge fish tanks with floor-to-ceiling windows and a scenic vista from the building’s 27th floor.

Palm Jumeirah

If there’s one destination that will always be included in the best Dubai heritage tours, it’s Palm Jumeirah.

As one of Dubai’s impressive “firsts,” Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island built to look like a stylized palm tree when viewed from a seaplane. It was made from a reclaimed landmass and composed of several artificial archipelagos.

Also called “The Palm,” the archipelago boasts ease of mobility with its well-developed tunnels, roads, and public transportation. In fact, you’re less likely to get stressed when hopping from its various restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions, especially if you travel via the Palm Monorail.

You can also enjoy a cruise on a yacht or speedboat around Palm Jumeirah while basking in the wonderful scenery from the water, or sky diving from above the island for a bucket-list-worthy experience.

Jumeirah Mosque

Towering over the northern part of the Dubai Marina, the Jumeirah Mosque is a sight you can only behold in the city. Outfitted with a highly detailed white façade, this man-made wonder mirrors the medieval Fatimid architectural style. It’s no wonder the place was chosen to grace the 500-dirham note in the country.

Despite being a sacred ground for the Islamic religion, the Jumeirah Mosque allows non-Muslim visitors to bask in the beauty of its ornate décor and feel the solemn ambiance inside it. Just remember to dress modestly when visiting in respect of the Muslim customs and traditions.

Long skirts or pants and long sleeves are ideal. Women must also cover their heads with a scarf when inside the mosque. If you’re dressed differently, they will happily provide the appropriate clothing, which is an entrance requirement to the place.

Even if you’re not the religious type, the Jumeirah Mosque is still worth considering for your trip to Dubai because of its cultural and educational value.

Burj Khalifa

Your trip to Dubai wouldn’t be complete if you weren’t able to see the Burj Khalifa. After all, a visit in the city is your best chance to witness the world’s tallest building.

Rising exactly 2,722 feet above Dubai with its 160 stories, the Burj Khalifa is also where you’ll find the world’s highest outdoor observation deck.

As you ride the elevator to the 124th floor, you’ll get to witness the breathtaking view not only of Dubai but also the entire stretch of the Arabian Gulf. Once you reach your destination, you can use special telescopes provided on-site to see how Dubai was at different points in time.

If you’re willing to pay extra, you can also go higher to the 148th floor where the observation deck is perched.

Although traveler reviews are mixed when it comes to the Burj Khalifa, it remains one of the best places to visit in Dubai. After all, you can’t witness the sun setting from the highest point in the city anywhere else.

If you do decide to reach the top, make sure that you book your visit ahead, as those elevator rides can sell out quickly. Remember to schedule this part of your trip around the sunset, which some travelers deem worth the long elevator trip.

The Dubai Fountain

After you view the city from atop Burj Khalifa, don’t leave just yet because nestled at its base is the stunning Dubai Fountain. After sunset at around 6 p.m., this man-made attraction lights up and erupts into a beautifully choreographed water dance.

This occurs every 30 minutes, so you won’t have to rush down. You can even book a boat tour to watch the show to get the best view of the 6,000 glittering lights and musical geysers while experiencing the sway of the water of the lake yourself.

Dubai Souks

As a trade giant with centuries’ worth of history, Dubai is also known for its “souks” or Arab marketplaces. In fact, it was able to preserve these traditional bazaars located along with the Al Fahidi Historical District on both sides of the creek.

A quick stroll will show you how commerce was like in the past, with products like fabrics, spices, perfumes, and even gold being offered in the streets.

The Gold Souk on the south bank of Deira is particularly famous for adding glitz to the historical place and is considered one of the world-renowned gold jewelry trading centers. It even serves as a channel for around 20 percent of the world’s gold supply.

Of course, there’s much more to see there than gold. You can also find diamond, platinum, and silver items – all of which are guaranteed genuine, thanks to the government’s tight leash on the trading center.

Sights to See, Experiences to Explore

Dubai offers plenty of sights and experiences for tourists to enjoy. Make sure you get the most out of your trip there by adding the items on this list to your itinerary.

Holidays are the time of the year every member of our family eagerly waits for. They bring us the opportunity of discovering new exciting places and enjoy activities we would not be able to experience during the rest of the year. Picking a destination for our holidays that would make every member of our family happy may seem tricky, but what if there was a place with alternatives for everyone? ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres is here to answer the prayers of parents and children alike.

A place where adults can relax

We live stressful lives, and the fact that we are suffering from a global pandemic does not help exactly. Picking a place where you and your family can have fun while being safe from the COVID-19 may seem like an odyssey, but nothing further from reality. The most exclusive resorts in Mexico, like ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres, are the perfect alternative for your next holidays.

Located on the breathtaking Mexican beach known as Playa Mujeres, we can find ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres, probably the best all-inclusive luxury family resort in Cancun. This luxurious 5 stars resort offers a wide range of activities and facilities for people of all ages, making it the perfect alternative for some family holidays.

One of our main concerns while travelling these days is the COVID-19 pandemic, but in ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres, you will not need to worry. They have created the Shielded Vacations program following the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the directions of the Mexican Government at the State and Federal level. The result is a series of Prevention, Hygiene and Disinfection Protocols that helps keep the resort’s guests and customers safe. In ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres you will be just as safe as in your own house.

Parents can leave their children in the exclusive Doodle Land® and relax, finally earning that little me time we desperately sometimes need during the year. When it comes to relaxing, we cannot stop recommending that you check the resort’s spa, Nuup Spa. Nuup Spa has the most innovative treatments that will awaken your senses into a new state of mind, all while being in perfect harmony and balance. The spa has 18 private cabins, its own hydrotherapy circuit (with a sauna, ludic pool, steam room and sensations showers), a tea station with assorted flavours and an exclusive beauty salons where you will be able to get your hair, manicure and pedicure done.

But if spas are not your thing, you can always get away in the resort’s fantastic 18 hole golf course or in one of the many bars across the resort, especially those next to the pool. After all, there is nothing like relaxing with some drinks near the water to take all your stress away.

You and your family will be able to grab food in any of the restaurants and coffee shops across the resort. These restaurants feature gourmet meals from all over the world, pleasing even the pickiest eater.

Before you realize, you will be having the time of your life without any worry in your mind.

Kids will have the time of their lives

Finding a place that offers our children a wide variety of recreational activities is never an easy task, but thankfully, ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres is among the best kids friendly resorts in Mexico.

Thanks to their innovative Doodle Land®, kids will have a place where they can have fun and express themselves. The Doodle Land® installations are decorated with illustrations from the famous cartoonist and illustrator Carlos Varela. Carlos Varela, who has more than 27 years of experience behind his back, is a Mexican artist critically acclaimed all across the world. Its works have appeared in the covers of the most prestigious magazines and newspapers’ editorials. The illustrations by Carlos Varela will help sparkle our kids’ imagination.

The Doodle Land® program has been specially designed for children of any age with different interests. On their workshops, kids will be able to:

• Make fun science experiments on the Fab Lab.
• Enjoy exciting beach and pool sports.
• Experiment with the technology workshop, with production processes as interesting as robotics or 3D printing.
• Discover the universe that surrounds us in an impressive Planetarium.
• Experience nature first hand exploring the jungle, the beach and even a mini-vegetable patch.
• Learn how to cook Mexican and gourmet meals.
• Express themselves in an art workshop with guest artists that will help them bring out all their potential.

Oliver Reinhart, CEO of ATELIER de Hoteles, knows how important is to motivate children since their early ages, and therefore, he has to spare no effort creating Doodle Land®, a safe haven for children to have fun, while their parents rest reassured that their children are in the best hands.

Do not leave your pets behind

For many of us, our pets are part of our family. Having pets during the holiday season has always been hard on many families, who find themselves forced to leave their pets behind at home since many places do not accept pets in. Thankfully, when it comes to Cancun pet friendly resorts, ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres comes on top.

The staff at ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres knows how important our pets are for us, and have created the innovative Pet-It® program, where your pet will be as welcome as any other guest.

Thanks to the dog-friendly Pet-It® concept, our pet will receive all the spoiling it deserves during our holidays. You will have access to a doggy sitter service if you do not wish to ever leave your pet alone. And in case any sudden medical inconvenience occurred, you will also have access to the best veterinarian services.

In the suite, our pets will have access to a 5 plate gourmet menu and lots of toys and accessories, so they can feel comfortable during your stay.

On top of that, ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres has lots of activities and happenings for pet owners, so your family can share some quality time and fun memories with your pet.

Overall, ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres is the best alternative for your next holidays, featuring activities that all the members of your family will love and helping create fond everlasting memories.

Are you considering moving abroad to a warmer climate? Would you love to have the opportunity to travel and live somewhere new? Becoming an expat is something that can be a reality for you. But you will have to do your preparation when it comes to finances first. Indeed, a common question is; how much does it really cost to move abroad? Let’s break it down.

The Financial Side

You and your family may be emotionally ready to move abroad. But you are going to want to consider the financial side before you dive into your new life. Of course, you have your flights to book and all of your personal items. But you really need to think of the expenses that are going to come your way as an expat.

Primarily, the big expense you are going to have when you become an expat is your cost of living. We are talking about paying for accommodation and your day-to-day living. Most people rent at first when they move abroad. This allows you time to see whether you like living in the country and to find the right neighborhood for your family. Then you need to budget money for food, healthcare and other essentials. Be aware that you may have to pay out or a security deposit on your accommodation too.

In order to work out how much it is going to cost to move abroad, you will have to do your research. Some countries have a lower cost of living than others. For example, moving to Singapore is going to have higher expenses than moving to Mexico. Create a budget spreadsheet to work out how much the following are going to cost you so you know how much to save:

• The monthly cost of living
• Flights
• Insurance policies
• Additional expenses

Moving Abroad in 2021

When it came to travel in 2020, it was largely disrupted by COVID-19. In fact, it caused a lot of worry for people that were planning on moving abroad. Some borders were closed and there were restrictions put in place across the world to deal with the global pandemic. Therefore, families will be wondering whether their expat dream can come true in 2021 as the coronavirus economic impact has been severe.

It is hoped that some progress in suppressing the coronavirus will be made in 2021. While some expats have expressed their desire to return home, others have found they are confident with their financial situation abroad. This will have to be something you consider personally. You will have to do some research on whether it will be possible to move abroad to your new country during this time. You will also want to weigh up what the healthcare system is like and if you have the financial backing to support you and your family. If you were planning on traveling and exploring as an expat, it may be best to delay your trip as this may not be done safely.

 

Destination weddings and destination bachelorette parties often make the news, but you seldom hear about destination baby showers. That’s a shame. A destination baby shower is a great way to get all your friends and family together and celebrate the impending birth of your child.

Destination baby showers are becoming more popular these days for new parents-to-be. If you have a large number of out-of-town friends and family or simply want to get away one last time before you become a parent, a destination baby shower is the way to go.

If you are considering a destination baby shower, take a look at what the Windy City has to offer. A destination baby shower in Chicago is a fantastic experience that will be as memorable as it is fun. Here are a few reasons to consider Chicago for a destination baby shower.

Central location

One reason destination baby showers are becoming so popular is that people tend to have more friends all around the country. As technology helps keep us more connected, it is easier to keep in touch with your college roommate in Dallas or your cousin in Des Moines. When you have your baby shower, you want to invite all these people but asking them to travel to you can be asking too much of a favor.

Chicago, also known as the Jewel of the Midwest, is the premier big city in the middle of the country. If you want a destination for your baby shower that is convenient for the most invitees, Chicago is it. The city is no more than a three-and-a-half hour flight from basically anywhere in the country and is drivable from a good chunk of it. It is the perfect “meet in the middle” location.

Two airports

In addition to being relatively close to everyone coming to your baby shower, Chicago is also easy to get to from virtually anywhere. Chicago has two major airports – O’Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport. New York, LA, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Washington DC are the only cities with comparable travel options.

This offers travelers a better chance to get direct flights, reasonable prices on flights, and flights at convenient times. Flying into either of these airports is fine since both are close to downtown Chicago and offer a number of easy transportation options to get into the city. Having two airports is an underrated draw when it comes to destination events.

Large variety of venues

In addition to Chicago’s central location and ease of access, there are also an incredible amount of wonderful venues to choose from to host your baby shower. No matter what your taste, style, and budget, you can find a perfect Windy City venue where you can throw your party.

Whether you like classy and traditional, funky and modern, or anything in between, there is a Chicago venue for you. The city is also home to world-class caterers, entertainment companies, photographers, videographers, and more. You can find everything you need in Chicago for the baby shower of your dreams. Party Slate has compiled a list with some of the best Chicago baby shower venues if you’re looking for a place to start.

Many Activities

The important thing to remember about a destination baby shower is that the baby shower piece is generally just one part of a larger weekend, or even week. It is the reason you are all there but it is not the only thing you will do while in town.

If you have your destination baby shower in Chicago, finding things to do while you are not baby showering will be very easy. You can see some of the famous Chicago sites such as the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and the famous Bean (aka Cloud Gate) sculpture in Millennium Park.

If you and your party want to do a little retail celebration while you are in the White City, great shopping is available, too. The Magnificent Mile, in the heart of downtown Chicago, offers high-end retail that rivals Fifth Avenue and Rodeo Drive. You can find trendy boutiques around the city, too, especially in neighborhoods such as Logan Square, Bridgeport, and Andersonville (A-Ville to the kids).

Great food and drink

If you are coming to Chicago for the first time, you may want to try one of the city’s famous indulgences such as Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, or a Chicago dog run through the garden. For a destination baby shower, though, you probably want some more upscale fare. Luckily, Chicago has that covered these days, too.

Several celebrity chefs call Chicago home including Stephanie Izard, Rick Bayless, and Grant Achatz. Achatz’s Alinea restaurant is Chicago’s only 3-starred Michelin restaurant but Arcadia, Oriole, and Smyth all have 2 stars, and 21 others in the city make the prestigious list with 1 star.

As for drinks, if the baby shower is in your honor, you probably won’t spend a late-night bar-hopping in Wicker Park or River North, but many great neighborhoods in Chicago offer fine bar-hopping locales. Don’t worry, you won’t get left out of the drinking festivities just because you’re pregnant.

The historic Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago hosts a well-known Afternoon Tea in its lovely Palm Court room. The room oozes elegance with a fountain in the middle and a huge chandelier. You can get tiny sandwiches, delicate desserts, and a three-tiered tray of scones here. A tea sommelier can walk you and your group through what you’re drinking. It is the perfect pairing for a destination baby shower.

Conclusion

A destination baby shower is a great idea for expectant parents who want to do something a little out of the ordinary for their baby shower. If you think this may be a good idea for you, Chicago is a great place to do it. The city is centrally located with two major airports and chock full of venues, things to do, and places to eat and drink. It will make your baby shower one that people will remember long after your baby is delivered.

 

It is an unusual time for everyone in the country, to say the least, this year has been full of pandemic and protest news. As such, if you are in the market for an escape and are looking for travel destinations, you are not alone. The good news is that if you are looking for a destination that’s choke-full of activities and sights and sounds that you can explore safely, it doesn’t get any better than what Atlantic City has to offer.

Like most parts of the country, Atlantic City is trying as best as it can to carry on as usual. With affordable midweek rates for rooms and canceled out of state vacations, Atlantic City is an attractive option for many people itching to get out and travel. Plus, you’ll never run out of things to do while in AC.

If visiting Atlantic City sounds like a plan to you, here are 5 things I did last time I went to Atlantic City that you may want to try out:

Go to the beach

If you have been stuck indoors for a while and are craving a bit of normalcy, the beach could just be what you need. For anyone residing anywhere in the northeast, a road trip to Atlantic City Beach is a great and budget-friendly vacation. And a motorcycle road trip will be even more of a scenic experience of the beach views. Simply browse through the Harley-Davidson road king models, and you’ll be well on your way to beach paradise!

Indeed, the best place that you can be during this pandemic is outdoors. Not only is going to the beach good for you, but there are lots of other activities that you can try such as kayaking or surfboarding. Just remember to bring your hand sanitisers with you so that you can remain protected at all times.

Experience the boardwalk first hand

There are many boardwalks in America, but none are as well-known or as well-liked as the Atlantic City boardwalk. Unlike many other parts of town, Atlantic City did not shut down its beaches or boardwalk. As such, you will find that most eateries and restaurants on the boardwalks already enjoyed ample outdoor space.

The boardwalk stretches as far as the eyes can see and is lined with restaurants and casinos for you to explore. You’ll find that most people are in masks at the boardwalk and there is sufficient space to maintain a good distance between yourself and other travelers.

The city also allows open drinking on the boardwalk, so you shouldn’t have any issues ordering drinks, alcoholic or otherwise. Most restaurants either offer customers lush outdoor seating areas or takeaway options although the seating capacity has been limited thanks to the virus. If you opt to sit for a meal, arrive early or expect to wait in line as restaurants currently are experiencing hardships accommodating everyone arriving from the casinos.

Shop your heart out at Tanger Outlets

The Tanger Outlets are situated right behind the beach and boardwalk. This ginormous outdoor mall hosts 109 big name stores that are spread out around 3 blocks. So if you are looking to take some knick-knacks back home, this would be the place to spend your hard-earned cash.

The stores inside the mall are constantly offering discounts to keep customers coming back. As such, this is a great location to carry out some bargain shopping. Please note that you will be required to wear a mask while inside. If you don’t have one, you can easily get one from the Shopper Services center where you will also find some hand sanitizer to keep you safe.

Go to the Steel Pier

If you still have time after your lunch at the Boardwalk, consider heading out to the Steel Pier. The Steel Pier is situated on the boardwalk just a couple of steps from the beach and the casino resorts. Not only does the Pier have rides to excite visitors of all ages and sizes, but it also offers some of the best views of the city.

This is a great stopover especially if you have little ones thanks to the rides and attractions contained in the 1,000 ft long amusement park. For weeks, the park remained closed thanks to the pandemic, but it has since re-opened its doors with strict hygiene protocols.

All the rides have been configured to maintain the recommended safe distance between groups and amenities are constantly sanitized so that you can continue to have a great time without worrying about your safety.

Try legal sports betting for the first time

Unless you’ve been taking cover under a rock, you must know that states all over the country are now working to legalize sports betting. What you may not know was that none of these sweeping changes happening in the world of sports betting would have been possible without New Jersey and Atlantic City’s casino’s as a whole.

It was the Garden State that pioneered the legalization of sports betting. So it comes as no surprise that New Jersey is now referred to as the gambling capital of America, overtaking once-great sports betting states like Nevada.

This means that if you’ve never tried sports betting before and are curious to try your hand and luck, there is no better place to do it than AC. You’ll be treated to an array of sportsbooks that are decked out with lounges designed to make you as comfortable as possible. One of the very best sportsbooks so far is the Borgata New Sportsbooks which launched recently.

Because MGM is Borgata’s parent company, expect nothing short of perfection and first-class entertainment at the Moneyline Bar & Book. Like many sportsbooks, the total capacity has been reduced, which means that you will have lots of space to enjoy yourself around the bar or tables. But don’t take my word for it, this review article has everything that you need to know: https://www.njgamblingfun.com/nj/review/borgata-online-new-jersey-review.

How to travel to Atlantic City safely

While the pandemic cases continue to rise and fall in the country, you will want to make sure that you are traveling safely to keep those you love and those around you safe. Some flights might require proof of a negative COVID-19 test depending on which part of the world or country that you are arriving from, so you will want to put this into consideration when making your arrangements.

If you do decide to travel to AC:

· Look for hotels and casino operators that are following strict COVID-19 safety guidelines.

· Check your state’s travel advisory.

· Educate yourself as much as possible so that you can learn which things to avoid and stay safe during this pandemic.

 

From the calming sounds of the sea to the awe-inspiring beauty of Mother Nature’s untainted creations, island nations have it all.

If you’re like most people, living on a peaceful island may sound like an expensive vacation that you can only experience in a dream.

But believe it or not, that dream can become a reality. With Caribbean citizenship by investment, you can enjoy the perks of having a home closer to nature and have an opportunity to grow your wealth through real estate investment.

Whether you’ve decided to relocate elsewhere, the Caribbean should be one of the first places to consider for your dream island home.

4 Reasons to Build Your Dream Island Home in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world. But while this is a well-known fact, some people are still unaware that the region can also be a great place to call home.

If you’re planning to build your dream island home, below are the four crucial reasons the Caribbean should be your first choice:

Paradise-like location

Tourism is and has always been the bread and butter of the Caribbean nations, and this is all thanks to the region’s paradise-like locations.

Paradise is often painted as a place with azure waters, lush foliage, and pleasant weather. If this is the same as your definition, you can consider the Caribbean as paradise.

Many island nations under the jurisdiction of the Caribbean are known for their beaches and natural attractions of unparalleled beauty. This and the colorful culture and diverse population make the Caribbean a place worth considering as your second home.

International mobility

Although it may not be the primary reason you’re buying in the Caribbean, one of the major perks you get from investing in a real estate property is international mobility.

With Caribbean investment properties, you can have a home to live in at a beautiful place while also enjoying easy access to many other countries and territories around the world.

Take the island of Antigua, for instance. Located in the Leeward Islands, the bigger of the twin-islands of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda is near Europe and several North American countries. With its strategic location, Antigua is a suitable place to stay for both business and leisure.

It also has close ties to other countries and is a member of both the United Nations and the British Commonwealth. Because of this, a passport from this country grants you access to over 100 countries worldwide without a visa.

Tax benefits

As far as money is concerned, Caribbean citizenship offers more value than others because of the tax benefits you can enjoy.

As an economic citizen, you can save a lot on tax exemptions from wealth, global income, inheritance, and gift taxes. This is true for most of the islands in the region, especially popular tourist destinations like Antigua, Grenada, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and many others.

Potential for rental investment

Besides freeing yourself from some taxes, another way to get the most value from Caribbean real estate is by using it as a rental investment. With the region being quite famous among tourists, it’s safe to say that you are likely to fill your house with renters all-year-round.

On top of that, people are more than willing to pay a reasonable sum of money for a beachfront villa, especially when they are on holiday. The Caribbean is quite popular among couples, too, with the region once deemed as the top honeymoon destination by a Luxurious Magazine report.

By considering this, you can make the most of your real estate investment not just from soaring property values but also from the steady rental income you can get from it.

4 Things to Consider When Investing in Real Estate in the Caribbean

There are plenty of considerations you need to consider when buying a property for investment anywhere, but these four are the most crucial when it comes to the Caribbean:

Eligibility

Before you decide to invest in real estate, you should first determine whether you are eligible.

In some countries like St. Lucia, you will be required to be in the island to sign the conveyance documents necessary for the property purchase.

In Jamaica, the process won’t begin unless you have your own unique taxpayer registration number, which you can get from the Tax Administration Department. Meanwhile, other island nations would require you to accomplish other mandatory requirements before you can buy a property.

Purpose

When buying a property, people usually have two primary purposes: for residence and for rental.

For the former, you can choose to live there permanently or use it as a vacation home for when you’re in the country. The latter comes with different rent modes you can choose from, such as long-term lease and vacation rental. All this is crucial in determining what kind of property you must invest in.

Living in the Caribbean is most recommended, but if that doesn’t fit your circumstances, you can always use the property as a stable source of a second income. If this is the case, you should buy real estate near amenities like restaurants, shops, beaches, and offer facilities that make your property more luxurious.

Long-term profits

Whether you choose to stay in your Caribbean home permanently is up to you. However, it is still wise to think about the potential for long-term profit from the property you buy.

Besides the rent, the value of your real estate property matters when choosing where you must buy into.

In the Caribbean, you can expect properties to retain their value or appreciate because the islands are well-known tourist destinations. Plus, such places are geographically limited because only a few villas can be built near the best beaches or mountains.

Rental income potential

Besides value appreciation, island properties also have a high potential to become a stable source of rental income.

Since the Caribbean is popular among tourists, you have a better chance of having a steady income source because of the continuous stream of guests for vacation rentals and long-term leases.

Just don’t forget to crunch the numbers before you decide. Maintenance, utilities, and other expenses you incur on top of the actual price of the real estate can significantly affect your potential profit. If you’re a passive investor, you might even need help from property management experts.

Fulfill Your Dream to Live on an Island

Be it short-term or permanent, fulfilling your dream of living on an island is best achieved in the Caribbean.

With plenty of real estate properties to choose from, your decision to build your dream island home in the region will be worth it.

AUTHOR BIO

Kal Kennard is a Partner at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship, residency, and investment into the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. Based in the Caribbean for the past 15 years, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide.

 

I love ferry rides. Before the pandemic, every now and then, we will go for holiday on a nearby island. We usually travel by car and parked our car near the ferry jetty. Then we will buy the ferry tickets from the tickets counter and wait to board the ferry to take us over to the island. The ferries departed at scheduled time. If possible, I will always look for a seat next to the window. I love to watch the view outside and also to feel the sea breeze blowing in my hair.

While boarding the ferry, I also enjoy watching people loading all types of goods and motorcycles onto the ferry. Before that, I used to wonder how the vehicles such as motorcycles, cars, and trucks were taken over to the island. It was only recently that I have some rough idea and the procedure involved on how to transport a motorcycle, a car or a truck over to an island.

For some islands, it is possible to bring along your car or motorcycle over to the island by ferry. There are ferries providing transporting services for car, motorcycle, van, bus and truck to and from the islands. If you are looking for services to ship your motorcycle or any other vehicle from one place to another, the best place to start your search for transporting or shipment services will be at Shiply. Shiply will help you get the best competitive quotes from multiple shipping companies and to enable you to make quotes comparisons from the different companies. All you have to do is to make direct calls for future inquiry concerning your shipment.

The rates quoted will depends on the size and weight of your shipment. It will also depends on the distance between the original or boarding location and the destination location. The charges will be different depending on the time taken to deliver your shipment. If there is a fixed time frame, definitely the rate will be much higher than those taking normal delivery time. Another factor affecting the rate is the route taken by the transport company.

If the destination is not on the common route and is far off, then extra charge will apply just to get a transport on the purpose to deliver one single item. The longer the distance, the higher the rate. The rate also depends on the method of transportation used to transport the motorcycle. Before committing to the shipping company, it is better to find out the type of services provided and what to expect if your motorcycle is damaged during the transportation.

There are three ways to transport a motorcycle. The first method is loading your motorcycle onto a pickup truck. The second method is securing your motorcycle to the sides of a truck or a trailer. If you are not comfortable with these two methods of transportation, then the next option is to use a shipping company. This is when you will decide whether you wish to transport your motorcycle in an open trailer or in an enclosed trailer.

 

Holidays used to be the time of the year we would all eagerly wait for. They would bring our family a chance to spend some quality time together while discovering new places. But now, because of the global pandemic situation caused by the COVID-19 virus, leaving the safety of our homes may seem scary for most of us. Thankfully, there are safe alternatives where your family and you will be able to enjoy your holidays in a safe and controlled environment.

The perfect opportunity to discover Cancun

Who hasn’t ever dreamt about visiting the Caribbean? Especially the stunning city of Cancun, in the beautiful shores of Mexico. The combination of nature, white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and luxurious resorts have made this destination one of the most visited by tourists every year. Just imagine how much fun your children could have playing on such beautiful beaches!

However, many people decided to postpone their summer holidays this year because of the global pandemic. But contrary to what some people may believe, Cancun is safe for travel.

The best all-inclusive resorts in the area have recently instated safety measures in accordance with the Mexican Government and the recommendations given by the World Health Organization (WHO). That is the case of Atelier de Hoteles, a luxurious hotel chain that has recently reopened its doors with its shielded vacations program. This program aims to keep both clients and employees safe during their stay in the hotel.

To ensure this, the following safety measures have been taken:

• Shoes and guests’ suitcases will be nebulized upon arrival.
• A mobile app has been developed to assist with check-ins, consulting the restaurants menus, ordering suite service and chatting with the e-concierge. This will drastically reduce human interaction and therefore, exposure.
• All public areas and food/beverage outlets count with anti-bacterial gel dispensers.
• A “health squad” was created to deep clean and disinfect all rooms and hotel areas.
• Anti-Covid 19 spraying on the suites before the guests’ arrival, as well as constantly on the common areas.
• Safe distancing measures will be implemented in the beverage and food outlets.
• Obligatory hand washing program.
• Use of the detergent and chemical products “USA Clean Line” and “Global 9” for disinfecting and cleaning all areas.

All the fun your family could wish for

Now that we know how safe your holiday experience in Cancun will be, the next thing is to decide where you are going to spend it. The best All inclusive Resorts Mexico are, by far, those run by the hotel chain Atelier de Hoteles. That is why we can not stop recommending their resort Hotel Playa Mujeres. Traditionally, parents would have to sacrifice their own share of fun in order to find activities for their kids to enjoy themselves in, but this does not have to happen any more. This resort was created keeping the needs of all the family in mind, so you can all enjoy your holidays without having to give up on anything.

Kids can enjoy themselves and interact with the world through the many activities offered at the exclusive Doodle Land® program. With its exclusive gastronomic workshops, interactive activities, art sessions, etc., your kid will be entertained while having fun with other children within his same age.

Adults also have their fair share of fun at Playa Mujeres Family Resort, enjoying their multiple installations like the luxurious Nuup Spa or the fantastic 18 hole golf course.

But what makes this resort so special is the amount of activities your family will be able to enjoy together. From spending time together in the luxurious suites (in which, by the way, pets are allowed too since they are considered a member of the family) to luxurious dinners in one of the 5 different restaurants in the resort or to have fun by the hotel pool. The possibilities are endless as long as you are together with your loved ones.

The Vatican is a place that many dream of visiting when they’re in Rome. For some, it’s a place they visit for religious reasons, including to hear the Pope address large crowds.

The Vatican is steeped in history as well as some mystery. There has been numerous scandals, too, including claims of sexual abuse against children, unfortunately.

Despite some of the potentially darker sides of the Vatican and its history, it’s still a major tourist destination.

If you’re planning a trip there, keep the following in mind.

An Overview of Vatican City

Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, and a two-mile border with Italy surrounds it. Vatican City covers a little more than 100 acres, and it’s governed as an absolute monarchy, with the pope as the leader.

The Vatican mints its own money, issues passports, operates media outlets, and has its own flag. It doesn’t assess taxes, however. Instead, the revenue for the Vatican is generated through admission fees to the museum, sales of stamps and souvenirs, and contributions.

On Vatican Hill during pagan times was a Roman necropolis. Emperor Nero crucified St. Peter there.

Vatican City was signed into existence by Benito Mussolini, following a dispute between the government of Italy and the Catholic Church. The 1929 Lateran Pacts let the Vatican exist as a sovereign state.

The Swiss Guard was hired as a mercenary force in the 1500s, and you’ll still find the guards there, whose sole role is the protection of the pope.

The Vatican is to the west of the Tiber River in Rome, between the districts of Prati and Aurelio.

When To Visit

Lines start forming early at the Vatican, as it’s a destination for more than six million tourists a year.

The earlier you can get there in the morning, the better. It’s advisable to try and be in line by 7:30 to get in when the museum opens at 9 a.m. unless you’ve booked a tour that allows you to get in at a certain time.

If you get a Vatican Museum ticket, you get admission to several museums, including the Sistine Chapel.

There are skip the line tickets offered by tour companies.

The Vatican Museums are closed Sundays other than the last Sunday of the month, which is a free day.

There’s not one day, in particular, that’s considered the best day to visit the Vatican, but the weekends can be busier.

On Wednesdays, if there is the Papal Audience, the crowds might be quite a bit bigger.

If you want to beat the crowds and you visit Rome from April to October, you can book a Friday night visit to the Vatican Museums.

The most crowded day is probably Saturday because there are not only international travelers, but there are often visitors from other parts of Italy.

As far as the pope’s audience, this may be different because of the coronavirus pandemic, but typically it’s held each Wednesday except in July. In warm weather months, it’s in the square. In cold months, it’s in a hall to the left of the basilica.

If you are going to the Vatican specifically for the Papal Audience, you can get tickets in advance, but it’s still first-come-first-serve, so you may want to get there early to get a good seat. It gets very hot in Rome in the summer when the Audience is outside.

The Papal Audience usually starts at 9 or 9:30 a.m.

There is also the chance to see the Pope on some Sundays at noon if he’s in Rome. Sundays are called the Papal Blessing, and this is when the Pope appears at an apartment window and gives a short speech and blessing. The event in total usually lasts anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes.

What Are the Rules?

When you visit the Vatican, you have to follow some rules. First, be aware of what the restrictions are for bringing backpacks or bags in. You can’t bring large umbrellas, video stands, tripods, weapons or knives.

You have to dress appropriately, meaning that you need to wear clothes covering your shoulders and knees. You can’t wear shorts, short skirts or sleeveless shirts.

You can’t take videos or photos in the Sistine Chapel, although you can elsewhere. You also can’t use a mobile phone in the Sistine chapel.

You can’t touch any art either.

Main Areas

If you’re going to the Vatican without a tour, you might want to start with the museums because they’re the most rigorous part of visiting.

If you do take a tour, you can go directly from the Sistine Chapel to the basilica.

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the world’s largest churches, and it dates back to the Renaissance era.

It’s not a cathedral but does have a bishop.

If you want to climb the Vatican dome, there are hundreds of steps, and it can be claustrophobic.

If you make it to the top, the views of the city are beautiful.

The Vatican Museums showcase the world’s largest private art collection.

You can’t just go and see the Sistine Chapel. To see it, you have to go through the whole of the Vatican Museums, although you can book express tours which last just under two hours. You still have to walk through the other museums, but not actually tour them.

Overall, if you have the opportunity, it can be best to see the Vatican, especially for the first time, with a tour guide. This might mean a group tour or a private tour, but either way, it can make your experience a lot more fulfilling and manageable. There’s a lot to see and it’s overwhelming to try to do on your own without a guide.

You can also have a scheduled time to enter with a guide, and a guide can help you figure out what your priorities are as far as what you most want to see during your visit, so you don’t miss those things.