Ever dreamed of traveling to Albania? Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Albania is a traveler’s paradise if you are looking for a laid back, outdoors summer vacation. Enjoy the pristine coastline with its clear waters, hike the Dajti mountains for a captivating view of the capital city, learn ancient culture in the Butrint ruins, and explore castles that are scattered throughout the nation.
You may be asking yourself, why travel to Albania now? Summer season has encouraged the nation to ease its visa restrictions by making Albania even more accessible. Since May 13, 2011, the Albanian government is allowing citizens from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Ukrain, Russia, China, and Taiwan to travel to Albania for up to 90 days visa free. Visitors have until October 31, 2011 to enter without a visa as long as visitors have valid travel documents.
Ambassador Sokol Gjoka explained that this new temporary visa policy is “not only for tourist, but also for all other categories of citizens, including businessmen and participants in international and cultural events.”
This comes after last year’s statistics were published finding that the number of tourists grew 32% last year to 3.5 million visitors. Albania has no intention of stopping there – it is hoped that this temporary visa-free period will continue to attract visitors from around the world making Albania a top summer destination.
Last month, US President Barak Obama visited Poland to reach out to an important ally of the United States. During his trip, he expressed his support to back Congress in easing visa restrictions for Poles traveling to the United States.
Currently, some members of Congress are looking to include Poland in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). While the US-Poland relationship remains strong, Poland’s President Bronisław Komorowski and supporters have expressed disappointment with the existing visa requirement which forces travelers to stand in line for hours to buy a visa. In fact, Poland is the only country in the 25 member Schengen area who is not part of the VWP.
The United States has a Visa Waiver Program which allows visitors to travel to the United States up to 90 days for either business or tourism visa-free. If legislation in Congress passes, Poland would be the 37th nation to join the VWP and join the ranks of countries like the United Kingdom, South Korea, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan.
As U.S. Senator Mark Kirk put it, “Despite its strong support for the United States, Poland remains one of the only major democratic U.S. allies to be excluded from the Visa Waiver Program.” Following his visit to Poland, President Obama wrote a letter to the legislature, “I also share your support for Poland and disappointment that this close NATO ally has been excluded from the VWP to date. Poland’s strong and steadfast support during our missions in Iraq and Afghanistan demonstrates the deep alliance we have forged and the close partnership between our two countries.”
This issue continues to be debated on Capitol Hill, especially as elections in Poland approach in October for Prime Minister Donald Tusk. While this issue may not be resolved before then, President Obama vowed that “this problem will be solved during my presidency.”
According to the Wall Street Journal, US companies that operate globally continue to cut jobs in the US and focus employment overseas. Even with the excess employment pool and stagnant wages during the US recession, these trends were in no way reversed. This trend comes as no surprise as the media has been reporting on this employment shift prior to the worldwide economic downturn. However, what is recent is the new statistics released by the U.S. Commerce Department.
These new findings reflect that 2.9 million employees were cut from the payroll in the US and, at the same time, 2.4 million workers were hired internationally since 2000. This trend is quite concerning to officials as most multinational corporations employ America’s middle class workers. The Gini coefficient, which measures the inequality in the distribution of income in a country among the population, is quite staggering in its finding. Currently the CIA WorldFact Book found that, based on this statistic, the United States ranks #40 in the world as countries with the highest unequal distribution – sandwiched between Jamaica at #39 and Cameroon at #41. According to the Census Bureau, this unequal income distribution among the population has been increasing year after year and is further predicted to increase.
This news is continuing to turn heads and raise questions. Unfortunately, there have not been many answers. The Wall Street Journal tried to get some answers; instead they found that most multinational corporations refused to quantify how many of their workers were abroad and how many were in the United States. The answers they did get said that they were not hiring due to for cheap labor (which is a direct response to many of the accusations at multinationals), but instead expanding into to markets, requiring investments in research and development, infrastructure, employment, etc.
Let us know what you think. How do you think this trend will affect the global economy? Do you think this trend is going to proceed? What do you think are the underlying problems?
Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, your long distance travel usually involves an airplane and like many of us these days, it can be the most stressful time of your entire trip. By the time you’ve lugged your bags to the counter, attempted to understand the new touch screen check-in system, waited in the long lines that are zigzagged throughout the airport, taken off your shoes and belt (and perhaps some change in your pockets!), found your baggie of liquids that barely measure to a glass of water, and have successfully gone through the security – you are just about to begin your journey!
If you are lucky enough to make it this far with a stamp of approval as you pass the final security clearance, then you are ready to enter the next phase of your travel – the airline. As they say on the overhead announcement, “please sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight.” Right?
That is being more and more frequently debated. Many of you frequent fliers may have noticed that airlines are cutting costs to become leaner and more efficient. As carriers compete to be the lowest cost option, many of you may have recognized that the airplane seats get smaller and smaller and the seat chairs recline less and less. You are not alone. That is why we’ve put together a list of tips on how to choose the best airplane seats to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. After all, each of us put time, effort and money into this trip; why not make it as pleasurable as possible?
Tip #1 – Book your seats when you book your tickets!
Ever been stuck in the middle for an entire 13 hour leg? If you have, then you have probably already learned this lesson! When you book your tickets, be sure to look at the seat arrangements at that time to ensure that you don’t get the least favorable option.
Tip #2 – Think about how the airplane is structured.
We’ve come across SeatGuru and wanted to share it with our fellow readers! This website allows you to search your airplane for your upcoming trip. Allow this site to be your guide on how to choose the best airplane seat! Once you can view your airplane’s layout, you can view the color coded map to see where the good and bad seats are located (and where you can see the TV monitors!). You can also view the amenities the plane has to offer so you can arrive prepared.
Tip #3 – Decide what seats work best for you.
Do you prefer the aisle or window? Do you prefer the front or the back? Be sure to consider this before purchasing your ticket so that you are more likely to have a comfortable journey. Usually, people like the front of the plane because it usually quieter and means that you are going to be able to easily enter the airplane – and you can easily exit in case you are going to run for your connecting flight! You will also find that most airplanes serve beverages and food from the front to the back.
Tip #4 – Sign up for frequent flyer programs.
Whether or not you fly often, it is always a good idea to sign up for frequent flyer programs. As you accumulate miles, you may be able to improve your access to preferred seats among other advantages.
Tip #5 – Bad seats or none available when you book, check in online.
Many carriers will now allow you to check in online by simply putting in your confirmation number. You can usually do this 24 hours before your departure time and many additional seats become available. If you do not like your current seat or if you do not have a seat at all, you may be able to finalize your seat online.
Tip #6 – Don’t assume, confirm!
So you did everything right before arriving at the airport, you checked in online, confirmed your seat, and all you need to do is show up? Think again. When you arrive at the airport, it is important to confirm your online reservations since your seat selection is not guaranteed. Make sure that all your research on how to choose the best airplane seat is not lost at the counter – bring your paper confirmation with you just in case!
In what many hoped would not turn into another airline shut down, another volcano in Iceland is forcing flight cancellations due to ash in yet another repeat episode from last year. Iceland’s volcano Eyjafjallajokull sent ash in all directions last year stranding millions of travelers. This year, when news broke out about volcano Grímsvötn, many feared that this would be a repeat experience for many travelers. And let’s face it, the time could not be worse. May and June happen to be the beginning of the busiest travel season of the year (see chart).
So far, 250 flights have been canceled Tuesday mainly disrupting flights in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thousands of travelers were displaced due to the British National Air Traffic Service (NATS) restrictions in both Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Winds are carrying the ash to farther distances and Germany is next on the list with predictions that the ash will be in the air as early as Tuesday evening. The weather service is monitoring ash concentration and is expecting between 0.2 and 2.0 miligrams of ash per cubic meter of air in Germany. Airline regulators are assuring passengers that this volcano eruption will not be as devastating as last year since preventative measures have been taken. That being said, flight delays are expected in other areas depending on the wind patterns including in parts of Scandinavia.
If you are planning to travel to or from Europe, you may be concerned about flight cancellations due to ash. The RoundTrip International plan is designed to provide you with cancellation insurance coverage in case the unexpected happens and you need to cancel your trip. Because the volcano has already erupted, you would need to purchase the option to cancel for any reason which would allow you to cancel the policy in case you cannot make your trip. The Round Trip Choice offers trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of mortal remains, accidental death and dismemberment, and other incidental coverage and services for persons traveling outside their home country. Don’t let flight cancellation due to ash force you to lose thousands of dollars – plan smart, plan ahead!
If you are following the news, you will notice that there is a lot of discussion over oil prices. On the supply side, the political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa has caused disruptions in the supply and led to higher prices for the end consumer. This, along with future speculation, continues to bid oil prices higher and higher.
If you are a frequent flyer, you may notice that the price of oil directly impacts the cost of your flight. In today’s climate, airlines point to the rising cost of oil and say that they desperately need to increase their profits and control these rising costs. In fact, according to the International Air Transport Association, jet fuel in North America has had a 45% cost increase compared to the 2010-2011 year.
That being said, what is an airline carrier to do to keep prices low while costs continue to soar? In today’s climate of rising oil prices, there has been a shift to alternative energy and perhaps the future saving grace for the airline industry. Thanks to a team of engineers, last Friday evening (May 13th) the Solar Impulse flew from Brussels to Switzerland in the first international flight fueled by solar energy. This prototype airplane flew at night for roughly 13 hours through gusty winds for the first successful international trip. The plane consists of four engines and has the same wingspan as a Boeing 777 of over 200 feet (61 m). Weighing only 1600 kg (3,527 lb), the plane carries almost 12,000 solar cells which supplied all of the energy needed to make the international journey. The airplane was founded by Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg (the pilot at the controls) whose primary intention was to show what renewable energy can do – not for commercial airlines.
That being said, the application of this technology can change the way we know international travel. Let’s not kid ourselves, we’ve still got a ways to go! While a typical non-stop flight from Belgium to Zurich is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, this test flight might hold the futures answer to airline cost regulation and decrease reliance in oil volatility.
I am writing you today as I just arrived in my destination country. As excited as I was, the plane ride was about 24 hours. Since this was my first trip on an airplane, I was unable to decide between the aisle or window seat. I made a list of the pros and cons of both, and at the end was unable to decide. That was a poor decision on my end as 24 hours on an airplane sure does give someone a lot of time to reflect – as I did as I traveled the whole way in the middle seat. With no options left, I wanted to spare you, Fellow Traveler, in hopes that this would not happen to an innocent passenger again. Below, I have pondered the pros and cons of the aisle and window to help you with this decision.
Aisle – Pros and Cons:
Easily accessible to the bathroom should you need to move around the cabin
Other passengers and food/beverage carts pass through the aisle frequently and can bump or hit you in the process
Offers more leg room as you can somewhat sprawl into the aisle
Little interference to get out, grab your bags, and exit quicker (especially important if you have a tight connection!)
Can access your baggage from the overhead compartment during the flight
Unfortunately with that access, you will also have to get up when others need to go to the bathroom or access the overhead compartment
Limited window view
Window – Pros and Cons:
You can look out the window and enjoy the view from liftoff to landing
You have a place to rest your head as you doze away
Accessibility to the restroom requires passengers to exit first
Some people say it helps with claustrophobia
Can be colder as it is usually up against the vents
You do not have to worry about passengers who want to get in and out of their seats
You also have main control over whether to open or close the window shades
I wish you the best in determining the best airline seat for you, as I myself was victim to indecision. The pros and cons of aisle versus window seat can be a hard decision! If you, fellow traveler, have experiences that you’d like to share, please let us know.
Last night, US President Obama announced that Osama Bin Laden was killed during a military operation in Pakistan. As this moment was marked, the Department of State also announced a worldwide travel alert to all US citizens to advise them of possible terrorism around the world. Set to expire on August 1, 2011, this advisory warns travelers that there is an increased likelihood that this event “could cause anti-American violence [and that travelers] are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations.”
If you are planning to travel during this time period, there are a few considerations before your departure. Many insurance plans include terrorism as a benefit included in the plan. Read the description of your terrorism benefit carefully as many travel insurance plans usually removed this benefit if a travel warning is issued in the 6 month period prior to your trip. If you have already purchased a travel insurance or are considering purchasing a travel insurance, we recommend contacting your carrier to ensure that your terrorism benefit is included in your plan.
- Our Atlas Travel policy will continue to provide the terrorism benefit as this plan considers this notice to only be a travel alert – and not a travel warning. This international travel plan does exclude terrorism if there has been a travel warning within the 6 months prior to your date of arrival in your host country.
Before departing your home country, however, you may want to consider enrolling in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This program has been designed specifically for travelers so that you remain up-to-date with changes in the global environment. By enrolling in the STEP program, you will continuously receive real-time updates including Travel Warning and Alerts to keep you abreast of new situations that may affect your travel plans.
The Royal Wedding is not only being celebrated by the British, but is a celebration around the world. On April 29, 2011, Prince William and Catherine Middleton will tie the knot in marriage. The anticipation is growing – 50 heads of state, 1,900 guests, 2 billion TV viewers, and 10 million spectators in the street – and are going to be one of the many guests planning to attend?
If so, you may want to purchase Royal Wedding Celebration insurance, called the Atlas Travel Insurance plan. This Royal Wedding Celebration Insurance will cover you in London as you celebrate with the happy couple. This insurance plan provides coverage for inpatient and outpatient services, prescription drugs, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, doctor office visits, etc. This plan allows you to choose your maximum coverage limit (from $50,000 to $1,000,000) and your deductible (from $0 to $2,500).
With the Royal Wedding Celebration Insurance, you can get same day coverage since it is a guaranteed issued plan. The policy will cover you outside your home country in case of sickness or injury. If stopping off in London to attend the Royal Wedding is just part of your itinerary, you may find the Atlas Travel plan well suited as it will cover you while you travel to multiple destinations.
To get you in the spirit, here’s a dress rehearsal put out by T Mobile:
Ever wonder how expatriates lives vary depending on where around the world they live? Do individuals in one country tend to have a more positive or negative experience than other expatriates? Are you moving abroad and what to know what to expect?
Now is your chance to further investigate the trends in the expatriate community around the world. The Expat Explorer survey is the largest independent global survey of expatriates around the world. This survey, now three years running, is becoming a reliable source of useful information for expatriates relocating overseas. Supported by HSBC Bank International, a sample of 4,127 expatriates spread out throughout 100 nations have been questioned on various topics including in regards to the economy, standard of living, finances, raising children, etc. Based on this information, they have been able to identify interesting trends:
Belgium, Spain, France and Germany are top countries to raise children according to the following combination of statistics: high quality and low cost of childcare, high health and wellbeing, time children spent doing outdoor activities, and low amount of junk food eaten, etc.
Expatriates are spending less time abroad in their host country however many are traveling to other international destinations instead of returning home.
Many expatriates are finding that they are earning more in one of the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) countries as compared to in their home country. Not only this, but expatriates are also finding that they have better career opportunities in these fast growing countries as compared to back home.
57% of expatriates moved overseas because of money prospects and career opportunity. In fact, according to these statistics, 85% of the expatriate population relocated to Saudi Arabia because of career or money prospect. After Saudi Arabia, 83% of the expatriate community in Qatar, 76% of the expatriate community in Russia, 74% of the expatriate community in Philippines, and 74% of the expatriate community in United Arab Emirates moved overseas for money or career opportunities.
After work and financial considerations, 55% of expatriates moved overseas in order to broaden their life experience, 25% relocated overseas because they were tired of the situation in their country of origin, and only 18% moved overseas because a current employer sent their employee overseas.
Discuss your insurance needs:
Instant Live Chat with our agents
Send us an email inquiry
RSS Post Feed
