Travel

Here you will find special offers relating to travel: Tours, trips, discounted airfares, lodging, auto rentals, bus tours, gear you must take with you — anything to make your travel more enjoyable.

We have invited our travelling friends to send along their “must-have-items” for travel whether it’s by car, bike (including motorcycles), bus, plane, train, cruise ships. And we’ll be asking for their “must-see-locations.”

As they send in their favorites, we will post them here with links to purchase in the event you aren’t near a sporting goods, luggage, or travel store. (If you can shop locally, please do; everyone benefits, especially our communities. If you aren’t able to find what you need locally, consider our recommendations . . . we are hand-picking items at online affiliate-marketing shops that we use.)

Collectively, this generation of our family has been to about 50 countries and most of the United States. People often ask: “What was your favorite place?” That’s impossible to answer because our world is amazing, we are passionate about travel, learning, being awestruck by people, flora and fauna, and man-made structures . . .

Personally, though, images from French Polynesia, such as the view from an inexpensive hotel above right, will always be part of the backdrop in my mind . . . as will this Road Hog, Polynesian-style.

If you have a favorite item, shop or location, please let us know! We’ll be happy to exchange links if your site is family-appropriate.

The Passport Book: The Complete Guide to Offshore Residency, Dual Citizenship and Second Passports, Robert Bauman

Bob Bauman reveals why millions of people already have their second passports and how you can join them by removing the government’s vise-like grip from around your neck and how you can become an independent, “world citizen” — free to live, work, and acquire property anywhere in the world, without Big Brother always watching over your shoulder.

Never in the history of the United States have working people had so much of their hard-earned incomes stolen from them through exorbitantly high income taxes that seem to increase every year.

Never before have people had to live according to so many complex statutes, laws, and regulations, many of which are useless and many of which are frequent changed and/or ignored. They keep thousands of lawyers, bureaucrats, and government workers fat and happy in their jobs.

Our rights as U.S. citizens and our civil liberties are being eroded and our personal privacy violated, all in the name of “national security.” You and I know that more people are killed in the United States each year by automobile accidents than by acts of “terrorism.”

“They who give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

It’s been well over 200 years since Benjamin Franklin said that, and it holds just as true today. After practicing law for over 40 years, the author of The Passport Book is convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that you can have a life full of personal freedom and abundance by learning the latest strategies contained in his best-selling book.

Here are just a few of the dozens of powerful and life-changing secrets that you will discover in this information-packed, 722+ page essential “field guide” to international traveling and living.

Secrets like…

• The top websites and contact information for over 80 foreign embassies and consulates that will take the hassle out of “going offshore”.
• The shortest and easiest ways to obtain an EU Passport so you can live and work permanently in any of 27 European countries without immigration troubles.
• Which foreign officials to contact to expedite all passport and citizenship documents.
• How to live tax-free in Canada for five years (no, that is NOT a misprint!).
• Five ways to acquire dual citizenship (you may qualify just because of your ancestors!) and how to reap extraordinary tax, privacy and business benefits from it.
• Discover the two beautiful Caribbean island nations that grant immediate citizenship.
  

  We just “had” to know this, so looked it up. Since 1984, the St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship Act has allowed foreign investors who acquire qualifying real estate to obtain citizenship and a passport. This makes it the oldest existing citizenship-by-investment program. To apply for citizenship, you must invest a minimum of US$250,000 in real estate. In addition, government fees of US$35,000 or more apply, depending on the number of applicants. But this is hardly a sacrifice, because St. Kitts & Nevis has some of the Caribbean’s most stunning beaches.

• The four best countries for starting and operating a business.
• Where to find tax-free Alpine retreats with all the winter outdoor sports you can handle.
• Trading in your dress slacks for Bermuda shorts and relaxing on the white sand beaches of a secret residential haven.
• Learning how simply making a direct cash contribution to banana crops could lead you to the most private and reliable way to travel — without a visa — to more than 100 countries and territories.

About Robert Bauman

After getting his juris doctor degree from the Law Center of Georgetown University, he practiced law and less than a decade later, he was serving as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives (1973-1981). The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The National Review, and many other publications have featured his work.

His work in Congress took him on trade and diplomatic missions around the world — from Beijing to Panama and points in between. Since then, as Legal Counsel to The Sovereign Society, he has led offshore banking expeditions to dozens of countries on five continents.

Currently, he is a sought-after advisor, author, and lecturer on many aspects of wealth protection, offshore citizenship, and international residency.

Bob has truly been around the global block. And while he still believes the United States to be one of the best countries of the world…the sad yet undeniable facts are that the American way of life has continually gotten worse over the past 50 years. And the pace of decline is only accelerating.

The Passport Book also includes:

• The four countries that are the most affordable for retirees who live on a fixed budget.
• Discover the nation that provides the highest level of personal and business privacy in the world for investors.
• How to successfully protect yourself from “international identity theft” while avoiding passport fraud and counterfeit travel documents.
• How a second passport can save you from incarceration and possibly even your life!
• The five best countries for qualifying for government health programs and FREE prescriptions.
• Discover the nations that are ready to roll out the red carpet for you and offer you special financial and lifestyle incentives if you are a scientist, engineer, medical professional or other educated professional able to fill critical positions within their communities.
• Five countries that offer endless acres of beautiful, pristine landscapes for all of your outdoor adventures . . . for less than 1/3rd of what you’d pay in the US.
• Where you can live like royalty for less than $390 a week!
• How to own a resort rental just a few steps away from the beach in one of the world’s most exciting locations… with tax breaks and 50% savings as part of the deal.

 

Online Exclusives – Find the Perfect Cruise, including Family Cruises, Last Minute Cruises and featured deals from Norwegian, Carnival, Princess, Celebrity in popular destinations so that you can escape from the cold to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Hawaii or Mexico.

Princess is offering reduced deposits on most upcoming cruises and cruise tours. Many sailings also qualify for shipboard credits of up to $185 per stateroom.

Norwegian is offering shipboard credits of up to $200 per cabin on most 2012 cruises. Select sailings also qualify for a reduced deposit and a FREE upgrade within the same cabin type (ex., inside to inside, oceanview to oceanview). Click here for dates and prices.

Holland America is offering reduced deposits on many upcoming cruises and cruise tours. Some sailings also qualify for shipboard credits of up to $1000 per stateroom. So extraordinary is the cuisine aboard Holland America ships that the fleet has been inducted into the prestigious Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, a gourmet society founded in Paris and devoted to promoting the pleasures of the table. Explore over 250 ports aboard the five-star fleet and enjoy a uniquely gracious onboard ambience.

All voyages lead to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. Disney Cruise Line is offering shipboard credits of up to $200 per stateroom on select cruises. Disney’s 7-Night Caribbean Cruises sail to the eastern or western Caribbean. Select the 7-Night Land and Sea Vacation that starts with all the fun and fantasy of the Walt Disney World Resort during its 100 Years of Magic Celebration before taking you out to sea on a magical voyage to The Bahamas. Or, for a getaway you’ll never forget, choose our 3- or 4- Night Bahamian Cruise getaway. For kids and teens, it’s Never Never Land. For adults, it’s Shangri-La. Disney’s Castaway Cay, is a magical place. Live out your Robinson Crusoe fantasies exploring secluded white-sand beaches on a bike. Or let Disney pamper you in one of their open-air massage cabanas. Enjoy a Bahamian barbecue, or kick back with your favorite cocktail. In true Disney fashion, this day-long island experience is one you’ll never forget.

Celebrity is offering our customers shipboard credits of up to $225 per stateroom on certain cruises and cruise tours. Some of these sailings are also eligible for reduced deposits. Click here for dates and prices. Celebrity sails with one of the youngest fleets in the cruise industry. Savoring cuisine that is consistently rated the finest of any cruise line, gaze at an emerald island in the sapphire sea, framed by 15-foot-high windows. Museum-quality works of art and bouquets of fresh flowers, hand polished brass railings and crystal clear glass. Piano music playing softly in the background. An air of understated elegance and a festive, carefree ambiance you feel from the moment you step aboard.

Crystal is offering shipboard credits starting from $320 per stateroom on select sailings. Click to view sailings and specials.

Royal Caribbean is offering shipboard credits of up to $300 per cabin on select cruises and cruise tours. Click here for dates and prices.

MSC Cruises is offering shipboard credits of up to $200 per cabin on select cruises. Click here for dates and prices. Also, kids 11 and under sail FREE on select MSC cruises when sharing a cabin with two adults. Click for dates and prices.

Cunard is offering reduced deposits, plus shipboard credits of up to $700 per stateroom on select sailings. Click here for dates and prices.

Windstar is offering shipboard credits of $200 to $300 per cabin on select sailings. Windstar is also offering special rates on select sailings. Teak-lined decks. Towering white sails. A voyage on a Windstar luxury cruise feels like your own private yacht — luxurious amenities, gourmet cuisine, exceptional service and the world’s most exotic and unique ports of call. Sail to the Greek Isles, Italy, Europe or warm waters of the Caribbean or Costa Rica. With less than 320 guests on board you’ll quickly discover a genuine freedom to escape and explore as you want, when you want. You’ll love this journey as much as — if not more than — the destination! Online Exclusives – Find the Perfect Cruise,

Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering customers shipboard credits of $200 to $500 per stateroom on select Tahiti cruises. Some sailings also qualify for an additional spa credit of $200 per stateroom.

Rome

Take a small group walking tour of Ancient Rome’s major sights; by joining this tour, you will skip the queues for the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. Perfect for first-time visitors, this guided morning tour is the ideal introduction to Ancient Rome, leaving you with the afternoon free to explore Rome at your leisure. Several major sites are covered in just three hours, and you’ll receive enlightening insights into Rome’s millennia of history, without wasting time waiting in line.

Tours begin atop the Colle Oppio with a panoramic view of the Colosseum (image right), Rome’s most recognizable landmark. You will be able to skip long lines and gain special access to the Colosseum. Once inside, your expert official guide will take you through the bloody past of the amphitheater as you listen to tales of gladiators, mock sea-battles and executions. (Entrance fees are included, tours are led by expert guides, and you will skip long lines.)

After a brief rest at the Arch of Constantine, the tour visits the Palatine Hill, the most famous of the seven hills of Rome where you will view the Roman Forum and Nero’s Circus Maximus where chariot races were held.

The last stop on this half-day tour is a walk along the Via Sacra or "Sacred Way," the main path through the Roman Forum that was used for triumphal processions.

Colosseum’s Underground Chambers

For the first time in history, in 2011 the Colosseum opened its underground level to visitors, as well as the Colosseum’s third tier, which hasn’t been open in decades. The 8:30 a.m. tour includes special access to both areas and see the tunnels where gladiators prepared for fights and where lions and tigers were once caged. You’ll also go up to the highest existing level of the Colosseum – the third tier (terzo anello). The view from the third tier includes not only a new perspective of the inside of the Colosseum, but also the surrounding Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Important Note Winter 2012: The underground areas of the Colosseum have been closed due to excessive flooding. Tours may include the third tier of the Colosseum with the smaller-groups (10 people). The underground may open by March; tour guides will notify guests upon commencement of tour.

Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride

Stroll around Venice’s cobblestone passages and take time to view its hidden treasures nestled amid its squares, bridges and narrow streets. This tour includes a gondola ride through the Grand Canal.

Your expert guide will lead you from the Piazza San Marco through the streets of Venice to lesser-known Venice sights. The exact itinerary on your Venice Walking Tour will be determined by your guide on the day. The half-day tour continues with a 35-minute gondola ride along Venice’s famous Grand Canal – undoubtedly a highlight of your trip.

This is the perfect way to get to know Venice as a must-do introductory city tour for new visitors, as well as anyone interested in the city’s colorful history. NOTE: The tour does not include interior visits so plan on another day.

Photography Tour in Venice

Venice Photography Walking TourGet to move around Venice not as tourist but as a Venetian photographing some of the most famous places in the world. Your guide will give tips on approaching people and capturing the spontaneous emotions, expressions and interactions among people that tell the story of Venice and the people who celebrate it with you from a photographic point of view. You will see the Venetians’ life, their markets, the bars and the mysterious and hidden places. Places visited will be Saint Mark’s Square, Mercerie, Rialto (Fish and Vegetable Market).

The way to see any city is via a walking tour if you are able to stroll. Amsterdam’s Walking Tour includes the home of Anne Frank and the fascinating Red Light District called de Wallen (with women offering themselves via window displays . . . leave the kids at home for this one!), winding canals.

Tours begin with a stroll around the historical center with its peaceful, tree-lined canals, inviting side-streets and perfectly preserved 17th century houses; your experienced guide brings to life over 800 years of Amsterdam culture.

From tales of the city’s humble beginnings on the river Amstel to its glorious “Golden Age,” you’ll get to know Amsterdam in a personal way and you will surely find locations you wish to revisit. Be sure to attend a recital at one of the city’s fine old churches.

Amsterdam’s Walking Tour includes:

• Amsterdam’s Royal Palace and Dam Square
• The “de Wallen” Red Light district of Amsterdam
• Munt Tower
• The House of Anne Frank and Descartes
• Rembrandt’s Home
• Old city gates of Amsterdam
• The south and western churches
• 17th and 18th century architecture: Some of the old buildings (such as that on the right) are now used as lodging for travelers. While they are basic, and bathrooms are often down the hall, they are inexpensive and in the heart of the city. These give a flavor of life in old Amsterdam in a most unique way.
• Rembrandtplein
• The famous Spinhuis
• Flower market
• Historic Museum
• Kalverstraat and the Rokin
• Convents and hidden churches
• Jordaan Neigborhood

Book Your Tour Before Leaving Home: Amsterdam’s Walking Tour

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Stuck at an Airport?

For the first time ever, I was stuck at an airport when US Airlines missed connections by ten minutes, did not hold up the outgoing flight (which was one of their own connecting flights), and make no accommodations for travellers other than to offer a 50% discount on local hotels as we landed at 10 p.m. Because of hour, everything at the airport was closing.

(Note: I’ll never fly them again as a result of the way they treated their own passengers and as a result of them blaming everything on everyone else. The weather was excellent, so that had nothing to do with their missed connections. (The creative person on the right "barricaded" himself in, along with the flowers he was bringing home as we were told the airport wasn’t necessarily safe for sleeping.)

As a result of never being stuck, I didn’t have back-up ideas other than reading, browing through airport shops, or seeing about a local tour. However, it was 10 p.m., airport shops were closed, local tours were out of the questions, and the budget was too tight for lodging. CheapOAir has a list of ideas for stuck travelers, listed below. Some of their suggestions are on my list, but, again, it all depends on timing.

Things To Do When Stuck At An Airport: Ideas from CheapOAir

Increased tourism means more inbound and outbound flights. Some airlines think delays are a part of the “travel experience,” whereas it seems that they need to schedule more appropriately unless impossible due to weather. Due to security measures, especially on international flights, travelers need to check-in 2-3 hours prior to departure. In this instance, layovers and delays aren’t always avoidable. Even though you plan everything down to the last detail, you can’t control the weather, routine inspections and other delays that come up. Essentially, you might find yourself stuck at the airport.

Shop at the Airport: Yes, you read it right, shop! This is probably one of the best ways to kill time. If you’re at an international airport, explore duty free shops. Check-out the various things on display. These shops offer great stuff at reasonable prices. My daughter does her holiday shopping while on vacation. Layovers provide excellent opportunities to buy gifts for your friends and relatives. Additionally, buying from duty free shops is a safe bet that you’re purchasing quality products.

Explore the City: This is my favorite . . . At times, the layover timing is sufficient to allow time for a local tour. (ALWAYS be aware of traffic and traffic patterns so you don’t get stuck in rush-hour traffic if you decide to leave the aiport to see surrounding sights!) Major airports have helpdesks who can give you ideas. Again, be mindful of the time. If your flight leaves in 3-hours, you probably shouldn’t leave the airport. However, if you’re set to take-off in 5 or more hours, that might be time to get out and do some sightseeing or walking.

Always Have a Camera With You for those “A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words” moments: Wandering airports provides excellent opportunity for self-amusement if have any proclivity photography. Airport shop windows are quite colorful (such as the one above right which was in an airport in Jamaica). Or you can take shots such as this thing on the right . . . do you know what that is? Because of today’s small, excellent cameras such as the Nikon COOLPIX 14 MP Digital, the Canon EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens or, my current favorite, the 16.1 megapixel Panasonic DMC-FH25K 16.1MP Digital Camera with 8x Wide Angle Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Black). These are all great cameras. The Nikon and the Panasonic are small enough to fit in a pocket or purse. Also, I’m now interested in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 12.1 MP Rugged/Waterproof Digital Camera with 4.6x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Orange)

Surf the Net to Check Email: If you’re behind on emails and to let family and friends know of your changing arrival time, this is a great time to catch up. During your travel you might miss important e-mails, so it’s a good time to catch up. Many airports have free WIFI and if you’ve got your laptop, why not? In case you don’t have one, some airport bars and restaurants have computers for your use. Nothing passes time faster than surfing the net and playing online games.

Hungry? Snacks, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner: Many airports offer selections from noted chain restaurants, regional cuisines and local fare. When travelling from home abroad or from abroad back to home, you can take this opportunity to indulge in regional delicacies.

Reading, Books and Magazines: Always bring reading material with you. It’s a great time to download Best Sellers for your Kindle Fire or carry a few books. If there’s time, browse airport bookstores and other kiosks offering reading material. Check the bestseller lists. Buy a book that looks engaging. A few pages in, you’ll be so engrossed, you’ll wonder where the time went when you’re called to board your plane. Pick up your favorite newspaper or magazines.

Take a Shower: Most air terminals now offer shower facilities. With increased air travel, airports offer so many modern amenities.

Listen to music: Sure it might sound obvious, but it’s definitely worth mentioning. While waiting, you can divert your mind from the frenetic pace at the airport by listening to your favorite songs on your iPod shuffle or MP4 player, or on your cell phone.

Frequent Flyer Clubs:Before leaving home, join any airline clubs you’re eligible for when booking flights. Most of the airlines these days have lounges at all major airports. Access to a lounge means sitting in comfort, sipping coffee and reading your favorite sections from the newspaper. It’s always a better choice than waiting for the plane at the gate. Again, timing can be an issue. Be prepared to have such clubs closed if you are stuck after 10 p.m.

Sleep: Many airports have hotels adjacent to them. If you know your flight is going to be delayed for 12-24 hours, check-in at an airport hotel. Relax and go to sleep. Wake up fresh and ready to board your flight.

Even the savviest traveler can’t control an airport delay. We hope that the tips from CheapOAir experts go a long way in helping you spend your time stuck at the airport more relaxing, enjoyable and fun.

Never had a botched flight. Ever. And this in good weather from San Antonio, Texas to Phoenix after a superb time in San Antonio.

Travellers’ Caution

We’ve been on overseas flights roughly 70 times and around the U.S. dozens of times during all seasons in all types of weather. We’ve never had a glitch with an airline until January 2012. Lucky with our flights through the years? Perhaps. However, the handling of a schedule glitch by US Airways seems inexcusable.

US Airlines captains and in-flight crew are fabulous.

However, the ground service is a nightmare. NEVER have we missed connections due to an airline’s scheduling. US Airlines knew for two weeks that Phoenix runways have been a nightmare due to construction, yet no warnings were presented so that people could change travel plans if need be and no arrangements were made for managing to get people from an incoming flight to an outgoing flight.

Dozens of people missed connections from Phoenix to other cities; we flew in late from San Antonio and missed the last flights of the night by 10-20 minutes. Through the years, airlines such as American or United held connecting flights to enable passengers to make connections.

There were no weather problems – clear skies all the way across the U.S.

No accommodations were provided for stranded passengers. 50% discount vouchers were given, but the missed connections were the airlines’ problem, NOT the passengers, so accommodations should have been covered by US Airways. Many passengers were on tight budgets who could not afford another $50 or $100 plus meals. Dozens of us slept in the airport, including this young man who was bringing flowers home.

We have NEVER slept at an airport all night. US Airways made excuses as to why it wasn’t their fault, including blaming their late arrival on the Federal Government.

Several passengers were seniors on tight budgets. Even if we had funds, the problem emanated from the airlines, NOT the passengers. One senior was trying to get to his ill 90+ year old father in British Columbia. Because of US Airways’ unreliability, he opted to go home saying that he would never fly again. A woman traveling with a small child was stranded (although I believe US Airways finally funded her room . . . one can only hope). Another young man said this was the first time he’d flown in years and adamantly said he would never do so again.

Ground personnel made excuses: NOTHING was the fault of US Airways. Really?

US Airways’ ground staff, with the exception of one man/manager, was uncaring and babbling excuses. In their defense, I’m sure they were tired as this had been going on for two weeks and your ground crew’s hands are tied. We asked the airport police if they could do anything. Civil rights? Senior rights? Anything? The response was “no,” but they said that US Airways received many complaints and suggested safe places to sleep in the airport. Other personnel in the terminal indicated that US Airways has a poor reputation with workers at Phoenix Airport; they indicated that there are many complaints about US Airlines’ service, more than any other airline.

Around 7 a.m. Saturday, one ground crew blithely explained away US Airways customer service glitches. She became overwrought as we indicated that we don’t buy it. She went to a supervisor crying while saying that the planes were threatened. That is ludicrous. What was said is that US Airways’ operations were so sloppy and penny-pinching that the safety of the planes themselves became a concern. When she was asked, “Where else is US Airlines cutting costs? Are the planes safe? Is there a danger that one will go down?” She stormed off. A supervisor came over and threatened to call airport security. Because complaints had already been offered to airport police regarding US Airways lack of concern for their passengers, she was encouraged to call them again.

This was a first trip on US Airways and will probably be the last unless someone can convince us otherwise. Again, US Airways captains and in-flight crew were wonderful. Other than that, again, it seems personnel needs help on how to run an airline starting with advising passengers to avoid Phoenix (or wherever) because of construction (or whatever).

If anyone out there — other than US Airways personnel — has a positive experience with that airline, PLEASE include it here. We appreciate balanced views.

February 1, 2012: A note from US Airways Customer Relations suggests that the late flight was out of the control of US Airways and that no compensation would be offered. However, they are escalating the issue to management so the jury is still out. Interesting. As mentioned, US Airways has had flight problems for two weeks so wouldn’t it be logical to warn passengers, or recommend going through another city, or accept responsibility and cover lodging and food for the night?

If you’re going through the “eat, pray, love” part of your life, or whether you need change for economic or reasons of maintaining sanity, join the millions of Americans considering an overseas retirement.

In How to Retire Overseas: Everything You Need to Know to Live Well (for Less) Abroad, Kathleen Peddicord shows how living in an unconventional retirement destination can cost less than a traditional home in Florida, Arizona or most other places in the U.S. Peddicord addresses death, taxes, health care, bank accounts and covers the upside and downside of various countries around the world.

Of her book, The Wall Street Journal reported: “If you’re thinking about living abroad in retirement, this book is essential reading . . .

World and market events are generally beyond our control. Perhaps you are frozen while hoping for the best. While it may not seem so, the situation is far less desperate than you may fear. Economies collapse and then recover . . . values–of real estate, of stocks fall and rise, financial meltdowns come and go. However, there’s always somewhere where the living is good or even better, and there’s always some place where your dollars (or euro or pounds) go much, much further. Kathleen Peddicord also sends weekly newsletters (if you sign up at the link below) to keep you up-to-date on the latest retirement hot spots and expat living.

Live and Invest Overseas

Kathleen is part of Live and Invest Overseas. Not only does she keep up with happenings around the world, she invites you to do so through weekly updates in your eMail, through her Live and Invest Overseas website, or through publications, including free reports and photographs of locations around the world.
Examples:

• Panama for $820 a month
• Belize for $1245 a month
• France — The Basque Region for $1320 a month
• Mexico, including Puerto Bahia, Puerto Vallarta, Morelia (in the mountains), for $407/month
• Live and Invest Overseas reports also cover China, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, etc.

Living overseas has always been a great desire of ours. But it’s also mind-boggling when you begin dealing with the ins and outs of America’s federal system for receiving benefits that you’ve worked for in the U.S.

That said, even though some aspects are daunting, absolutely everyone we know that has moved to live and work in another country values that experience. Some have never returned; we have friends who ultimately moved lock, stock and barrel to France, Spain, various countries in South America, China, Thailand, India, Japan . . . one newspaper reporter left San Francisco for the South Pacific; we’ve never seen him again. He hated shoes and wanted to live where they didn’t matter. Truly!

We feel it’s important to hold onto your ties in America in the event you do want to return. When people do return to the U.S. they are often stunned by the ever-climbing expense of living in the U.S. and, currently, the challenging job market. We’ve also seen people without the funds to get away from whatever country they’ve moved to at a moment’s notice . . . you never know! Always have a Plan B, no matter where you are in the world.

Personal Finance for Overseas Americans

How to Direct Your Own Financial Future While Living Abroad is for Americans living overseas, or planning to. The basics of financial planning and money management are included, but so are many little known and little understood aspects of financial life for Americans living outside of North America.

As an Expat, your finances are complicated by U.S. and foreign laws and practices that affect everything from buying insurance to buying mutual funds. To make the financial choices that are best for you, you need information pertinent to your life style. Personal Finance for Overseas Americans provides that information along with sound financial strategies and methods that work for the long term. This work covers those topics that most affect the financial lives of Americans living overseas. Part 1, Financial Planning, helps you understand the tradeoffs involved in setting and achieving your goals, near term and long term. Part 2, Money Management, gives you detailed information on managing cash, debt, financial risk, investments, and taxes.

Overseas Americans: The Essential Guide To Living And Working Abroad contains vital information and actual documents from all the government agencies that you as an expatriate will have to deal with, including the IRS, State Department, Customs, and Social Security Administration. Find answers to all your questions about living or working abroad before you go: must I pay U.S. taxes? What travel documents, visas or work permits will I need? Is my destination safe for Americans? What should I do if I’m arrested in a foreign country? Can I lose my U.S. citizenship by living overseas? Will my health insurance be good? Can I vote in U.S. elections while living abroad? This guide also provides a list of helpful Web sites for Americans abroad, as well as the password to a site for readers of Overseas Americans.

New American Expat

Thriving and Surviving Overseas in the Post-9/11 World People are taking jobs abroad more than ever, yet overseas employment has seldom been more complicated or risky. New markets and new opportunities draw professionals overseas as our world changes; for the American expat, this change is striking. Americans abroad are often faced with shifting and sometimes hostile attitudes, depending on what the U.S. government is or isn’t doing and who is in office.

Of course, the point of travel is to see things you’ve never seen and to learn about other people and countries, including politics. While we prefer to avoid politics while on the road, people in other countries seem to be more politically aware than many Americans, so we advise staying up on what the U.S. is or isn’t doing.

While sitting at that pool bar in Phuket (right, taken prior to the Tsunami in 2004), an Aussie cautiously said something about then-President Bush. We noted the not-very-well concealed dislike in his voice and said something like “that crook . . . we didn’t vote for him.” We became fast friends as he brought the next round of drinks as we discussed world politics.

Americans have never been able to relocate expecting a warm welcome and an easy transition. Without preparation, working and living overseas can be an overwhelming proposition. New American Expat: Thriving and Surviving Overseas in the Post-9/11 World is an essential guide that shows Americans how to be safe and secure, as well as successful, in their overseas assignments. The New American Expat provides a clear plan for thriving in the experience, with tips on how to find a job, negotiate a compensation package and set up a new home base. In addition, this is the only book to address how to be a good American while living and working abroad, highlighting the fact that we are all ambassadors for our culture and home countries. Brimming with checklists and practical advice, The New American Expat will be useful to anyone looking to turn an overseas assignment into both a career opportunity and a rich, fulfilling experience. This book will be valuable to any American considering an overseas assignment or just traveling around the world with an American passport. It includes a focus on safety, security and topics such as “how to be an American” while living and working abroad.

Before going anywhere, pick up Language Phrase Guides for any/every country you are visiting. One very simple “rule” is to learn to say “thank you” and “excuse me” in every language. You will be amazed at how much mileage that will buy you. Of course, there’s an app for that also. Languages: Kindle Editions

Other selections to help you find your job overseas:

• The Big Guide To Living And Working Overseas: 3,045 Career Building Resources (Fourth Edition with CD-ROM)
• Work Overseas: How to Find a High-Paying, Tax-Free Job
• Opportunities in Overseas Careers

Cruise Direct sends along their top six most popular cruises and their last minute cruises every month or so. Here are their current listings.

We’ve been on a two-week Caribbean cruise and a 14-day Mediterranean cruise and would do them again in a heartbeat. We’re now thinking about cruises in Northern Europe and Asia. Also we’re really interested in some of the smaller ships that navigate rivers and are checking out those travel specials also.

CruiseDirect is featuring:

• 7 Night Bahamas Cruise on the Norwegian Jewel from $429. Beautiful ships. This cruise is round-trip from New York and includes Port Canaveral, Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau and a couple of days at sea.
  

  In the event you’ve never sailed, be assured that you can choose to do absolutely nothing but enjoy the silence; we have never heard our on-board neighbors! Or join in on parties, dancing, dining, visit the gym, spas, or library. Or gamble. Also, take advantage of land tours for days in port. We’ve met people who travel by ship so much that they don’t even get off when the ship is docked. They like the sense of effortlessly going from port to port, obviously.




• 7 Night Alaska Cruise on Holland America’s Alaskan Explorer. Round-trip from Seattle through Puget Sound and Tracy Arm. In port at Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Alaska and Victoria, British Columbia. Oceanview rooms start at $949 per person.
• 7 Night Europe Cruise on MSC, a well-regarded, popular Italian shipping company which covers the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Atlantic, Caribbean, South America, the Indian Ocean and South and West Africa.
• 6 Night Caribbean Cruise on Carnival’s Valor. Round trip from Miami with stops at Key West, Georgetown in the Grand Cayman’s, Ocho Rios in Jamaica. If you have the time and the funds, we highly recommend a 14-day cruise such as this on Princess Cruises. While we prefer smaller vessels, the large ships can travel through rough seas without you even noticing. We followed Hurricane Richard around the Caribbean during this cruise and weren’t aware of any inconvenience. (Of course, a great captain and crew helps.)
• 7 Night Mediterranean Cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas. Round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Genoa, Ajaccio in Corsica, Spain (Barceona, Palma De Mallorca and Valencia)

Also, they generally have last minute cruises which can save you quite a bit. Again, unless you are fond of sleeping in closets, stay away from booking inside rooms. The rate is somewhat lower, but we’ve never heard anyone say the savings were worth it.

If you really want to spoil yourself, book an Asian Cruise. Friends went last year, loved it, and came home with dozens of stories and hundreds of photos of exotic people, places and things.

Cruising up the Yangtze River is on our Must Do list.