The International Travel Check List: Four To Dos Before Departure

April 4, 2016 by  
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By Phineas Upham

Booking an international trip can be exhilarating, until the reality of preparation sets in. Most of us don’t have a butler to handle our preparations for us, so these tips will give you peace of mind before you depart. You don’t want to be 12 hours away from home and forget something crucial, so use this check list to make sure you don’t forget anything.

Passports

You’ll need significant time to order and have a passport shipped to you, and pay a small fee. Take care of this during the trip planning, or shortly after. If you already have your passport, check its expiration date before booking.

You should also bring copies of your passport. It may not 100% pass in all situations, but it’s better to be prepared for the worst.

Conversion

If you convert money at an airport, you’ll likely pay higher rates for the privilege. Instead, contact your bank and ask if there are international processing fees involved with an ATM transaction. If there are, you can take out a few hundred every couple of days to reduce the costs. You’ll end up paying less overall, and cash is important.

Research the Area

Guidebooks are your friend, but you can find a great deal of information online as well. Look for any events that may be going on while you’re there too. Events make the trip just a bit more memorable, especially depending on what you’ve come to see.

One Final Tip

If you plan to bring a phone with you to another country, you’ll need a proper charger to use it.


Phineas Upham is an investor from NYC and SF. You may contact Phin on his Phineas Upham website or Twitter page.

Things to consider when renting a car in the UAE

March 24, 2016 by  
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2By Monte Carlo Rent A Car, LLC

Car rentals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and UAE can range from very affordable to very expensive. If you are planning on visiting the UAE and intend on renting a car for your stay, it is best that you consider the tips below.

  1. Number of drivers – When hiring a car, you will have to specify how many drivers will be driving the car during your renting period. Keep the number of drivers to a maximum of 2. The more drivers you state the higher your car will cost.
  2. Car insurance – You could opt for the car insurance offered by the car rental company. However, the insurance offered by the rental company, will be quite high. Instead speak to your own car insurance company and ask them if they cover insurance on rentals.
  3. Do not rent a car at the airport – Most travellers think that renting a car at the airport is a easy option, for example there are many cheap car rental in Abu Dhabi airport, but they come at a premium. Instead look for car rentals online and select a car prior to your arrival.
  4. Bring your own extras – Extras like GPS and car seats can cost a lot. Instead, get a local data plan and use your phone to navigate through the city. If you are travelling with an infant, bring along their car seat.

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Monte Carlo Rent A Car, LLC provides rental car services across the United Arab Emirates, look to them for your next car hire abu dhabi.

Tips for Finding Tahiti Excursions Travel Agents

February 16, 2016 by  
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Are you interested in Tahiti excursions? If so, then one of the best things that you can do is to find a good travel agent.  But if you have never used a travel agent in the past, there are a few things that you can do to choose the right travel agent to use for your vacation.

Recommendations – The first thing that you can do is to get recommendations from people that you know who have used a travel agent in the past.  Find out who they have used and get their information from them. Find out what they liked about them and what they didn’t like, and what you can expect.

Research – The second thing that you can do, if you don’t know of anyone who has used a travel agent, is to do some research online to find the right travel agent for you. This can be done through reading reviews of travel agents as well, though you are not going to get as accurate information about them as you would from someone that you know.  None the less, you are going to get information that you can use to help you find the one that is going to give you a great deal.

If you are interested in Tahiti tours, one site that you might want to check out is www.tahitiexperience.com. They have lots of information on Moorea hotels and other things that you want to know about when planning a trip for yourself or your family to Tahiti.

Grand Cayman: A Renter’s Paradise

December 21, 2015 by  
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cayman-starfishDiscover the many riches that this island has to offer.

If you are nearing retirement or are already there, you might be intrigued by the thought of a beautiful vacation home on an island that prides itself in not only its culture but its way of life. That island is Grand Cayman. With a surplus of beaches and a gorgeous view of the Caribbean Sea, there isn’t a more relaxing environment to surround you and your loved one to celebrate the “golden” years of your life.

Renting on Grand Cayman

Picture yourself stepping out onto a wooden patio. The air is littered with the sweet scent of exotic plants. After years of toiling away at work, you’ve finally rewarded yourself with what you deserve. This dream can be a reality as Grand Cayman condo rentals are fairly priced but still carry all the amenities that you would want in a rental property. It’s truly a paradise.

A Luxurious Lifestyle

Being retired, your schedule has obviously opened up tenfold which gives you the freedom to explore the island and take advantage of every opportunity that is available to you. Enjoy the laid-back style of the island and the relaxed pace that everyone desires.

Being the popular travel destination that it is, you’ll be able to experience all of the popular destinations year-round. Vacations can be limited due to time constraints and the vast amount of activities that there are around the island. By taking advantage of Cayman Islands residential rentals, you’ll be given the freedom, and the access, to all of these world-class spots any time of the day.

Summing It Up

If you’re looking for a rental property or even a place to retire, Grand Cayman is an excellent choice that provides a high standard of living, a gorgeous environment, and the greatest experience that you’ll have on an island.


 

REM Services offers premier Cayman Islands residential leasing services all at an affordable cost. Visit them online today.

A Spectacular Tahiti Experience

December 8, 2015 by  
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Are you thinking about planning a spectacular Tahiti experience for this summer because you want to offer yourself some lifetime memories? In this case, you should google “Tahiti” in order to get some fantastic ideas about your summer vacation. Sometimes, it is recommended to visit specialized websites as they also offer details about the vacation of other people who have visited the place that you are also planning to visit; these people are ready to share their experience with others and you can take advantage of this to the fullest.

bora boraA very special holiday idea would be, for example, a Tahiti cruise. Going on a cruise means visiting the most picturesque islands in the area, enjoying the warm sun and the crystal clear waters to the fullest. A Tahiti travel agency can help you make the right choices for you and your loved one or for you and your family and friends. Choose the holiday package that best suits your needs and it is a certainty that your experience in a Tahiti will be one that you will never forget. In which concerns the accommodation, you should consider choosing one of the Moorea hotels, as they are famous for offering gorgeous scenes and breathtaking views of the lagoons and the impressive Tahiti mountains. The amazing views will offer you an important reason to wake up in the morning, ready for a new day of warm sun and delicate beaches. You will surely have a lot of fun in Tahiti, as your holiday there will be fantastic

The History of the California Academy of Sciences

December 2, 2015 by  
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By Phin Upham

One of the sites most devastated by the 1906 San Francisco earthquake was the California Academy of Sciences. The site had been a rich a collection of scientific specimens, and a library of research materials and knowledge. It was reduced to a literal pile of rubble, with not more than a wheelbarrow full of recovered materials.

The Academy was founded in 1853, just three years after California officially became part of the US. It was founded with the goal of cataloguing every detail that the region of the United States had to offer. It also emphasized the collaboration of women in its endeavors.

A resolution was passed during its first year of operation that was quite forward thinking, with regards to the involvement of women in STEM. The academy wrote that it “highly approved” of hiring females for all levels of work during a time when women in science were relegated to menial tasks.

The museum wing of the Academy operation didn’t open until 1874, when it supposesdly drew up to 80,000 visitors every year. These curious visitors were treated to the museum’s intricate collection, which was lost to time during the earthquake. The good news for guests then (and now) is that the museum has housed several important exhibitions since then.

After the earthquake, the Academy site was reduced to rubble and had to be relocated. The new space was located in Golden Gate Park, and it has since contributed heavily to the sciences. Today, the public can witness some of those discoveries firsthand, including a fully-staffed research lab.


About the Author: Phin Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media and Telecom group. You may contact Phin on his Phin Upham website or Facebook page.

Fine Dining in Abu Dhabi

November 19, 2015 by  
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Fine dining in an amazing setting is what a vacation should be all about.

With cultural attractions and palace-inspired suites, the natural beauty of Abu Dhabi offers more than enough for the first-time visitor to check out. The untouched deserts and stunning city life makes this travel destination a one-of-a-kind experience. With a modern and cosmopolitan look, the architectural masterpieces of the local palaces are astonishing in every way.

Upon arrival to this Gulf Petro-city, the first thing that might be speaking to you may not be your inner-adventurer but your stomach. Abu Dhabi offers a variety of local and international cuisine with numerous Michelin-starred chefs leading the way to a culinary experience that is worth dying for. A convenient way to travel around the city to find these world-class restaurants is to find a cheap car rental in Abu Dhabi. Their prices are fairly reasonable and will allow you to freely roam the city without having to walk or use a bus.

Also, an alternative to a rental would be finding a moderately priced car lease in Abu Dhabi if you’re planning on staying for a longer period of time. It also helps to bring a global GPS with you if you don’t have one primarily because the roads and the signs may be in a foreign language making navigation more difficult. To remove the hassle of finding your next destination, a GPS could end up being a lifesaver.

Be sure to check out the numerous award-winning restaurants that specialize in Chinese, Moroccan, and French dishes. The city has transformed into a multi-cultural melting pot of exquisite food that draws food enthusiasts from all over the world. A breath-taking experience with so much to offer, Abu Dhabi is a memorable experience to say the least.

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Monte Carlo Rent A Car, LLC is a leading car rental service. If you’re looking for a car rental at Abu Dhabi International Airport in Abu Dhabi, speak with one of their representatives today.

Make Your Next Vacation an Adventure

November 6, 2015 by  
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By Crystal Seas

If you’re like most people, you have two weeks of vacation to enjoy every year. What does that usually entail? Generally, it means going to the cabin or just taking the odd day off for yourself.

CrystalSeas1The next time you have time to spare, why not plan a truly memorable vacation? Many people kayak in Washington every year and swear it’s a trip they’ll never forget. Kayaking in San Juans is considered some of the best in the entire world.

Why is it so great? Well, for one thing, the Pacific Northwest is renowned for how gorgeous it is. You just won’t find natural beauty like this anywhere else in the entire world. Yet, staying here and enjoying the local sites is extremely affordable.

On top of all this, though, going kayaking in the ocean is absolutely incredible. You’ll get a one of a kind perspective of the state and all it has to offer.

It gets even better though. Have you ever dreamt you’d be able to share the water with actual orcas? That you could paddle right alongside these gentle giants and enjoy them in all their majesty?

With a trip to Washington you can! Make this next vacation one that’s actually worth waiting and working for by going for a kayaking trip in the Pacific Northwest.

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Want a Washington kayak trip you’ll never forget? Then check out what Crystal Seas has to offer. This kayaking company will show you an amazing time complete with orcas sightings!

What Every Trip to the Caymans Must Include

November 4, 2015 by  
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By Andy’s Rent-A-Car

Most people wouldn’t think it would take a whole lot of planning to enjoy a trip to the Cayman Islands. How could it? This part of the world is heaven on earth, after all. You just show up and enjoy paradise, don’t you? The toughest decision is probably just choosing a drink for the beach, right?

Andys4The truth is that you should actually take your time planning this important trip. Though the area may not be huge, there is still plenty to do. The land is rich in natural wonders (the water too, obviously), there are amazing restaurants, shopping and much more.

This is why it’s highly recommended that you invest in a Cayman Islands rent a car service before you step foot here. Without your own car, you’ll basically need to wait on someone else to proceed with your vacation.

While there is public transport, it’s really no substitute for a car hire in Grand Cayman. With your own car, you go where you want, when you want and can even return whenever you want. It becomes so much easier to modify your vacation as you see fit when you don’t have to worry about some driver you’ve never met.

So do you and your loved ones a favor by investing in a car for your trip.

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If you have a vacation to Grand Cayman coming up, don’t forget the most important part. Contact Andy’s Rent-a-Car to invest in your own Cayman car rentals and enjoy your vacation on your own terms.

How the Bowery Neighborhood Fell from Grace

October 2, 2015 by  
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By Phineas Upham

The Bowery neighborhood truly went from rags to riches and back again, following the trajectory of the entire state prior to the Civil War. When the Dutch settled the area, they immediately recognized the value in farming. The Bowery neighborhood was something of a town at the cross roads, with a road leading to Albany and Boston crossing paths at the site.

Its early history was marked by much of the same trials and tribulations most farming communities go through. The population was small, but people were happy and prosperous for the most part. They’d learned to take advantage of old Lenape trade routes and hunting grounds, which enabled them to work the lands and move their goods efficiently.

The area began to see growth in the form of more shops, Churches and places of business. Bowery attracted wealthy patrons too, becoming a den of high society to rival Fifth Avenue.

Unfortunately, the Civil War ended that growth and prosperity. The area that had once had theaters and live music had brothels and pawn shops by the 1870s. The neighborhood also became a haven for the underground gay community, including an illicit prostitution trade.

By the early 1900s, it was a place mostly inhabited by men. It’s most prominent features included cheap clothing stores and even cheaper places to eat. It was a working class neighborhood on its way downhill, and sliding quickly. By the 1940s, it was akin to New York’s version of modern day skid row. Crime was rampant, homelessness remained a problem until the 1970s, and the revival of this neighborhood has been slow.


About the Author: Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media and Telecom group. You may contact Phin on his Phineas Upham website or Facebook page.

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