#home-free retirees world travel tips

[worldwidewaftageblog]

Years long world travel writers

https://www.worldwidewaftage.com/?s=Future+Travel+Plans

In the past, we’ve done a few get-togethers with readers at specific locations worldwide, but we haven’t planned anything lately. Sometime in the future, we may do this again, but there are no plans now. With the rising costs of restaurant food in the US, we have to hold off on such an event when now it could easily cost over $1000 to host such an event. Thanks for your kind inquiry, Diane!

[worldwidewi]

we’d made the outrageous decision to travel full-time, we searched online for travel tips that possibly could point us in the right direction, especially those applying to retirees. When many young people travel the world, even with children, they often stay in hostels, camp, rent or buy campers or caravans, and live very different lifestyles than we were seeking.

[enterprisewired]

Secure Your Golden Years: Top Strategies for Building Reliable Retirement Income Sources

Ah, retirement. A time to finally relax, travel the world, and pursue your passions. But this idyllic picture requires careful planning, particularly when it comes to securing a reliable stream of income to support your desired lifestyle. Social Security alone might not be enough to cover all your expenses. So, how do you build robust retirement income sources?

This blog dives deep into various retirement income sources, helping you explore options and craft a personalized strategy for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

Understanding Your Retirement Needs

The first step is to understand your retirement needs. Consider your desired lifestyle – will you travel extensively, downsize your living situation, or pursue hobbies that require significant financial investment? Estimate your monthly expenses and factor in potential healthcare costs, which tend to rise with age. Once you have a clear picture of your needs, you can start exploring different income sources to bridge the gap between your expenses and Social Security benefits.

Traditional Retirement Income Sources

1. Social Security 

Social Security provides a foundation for most retirees. The exact benefit amount depends on your lifetime earnings and retirement age. You can estimate your benefits using the Social Security Administration’s online tool (https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/quickcalc/).

2. Pensions

While less common nowadays, traditional pensions provide a guaranteed monthly income for life after retirement. If you’re fortunate enough to have a pension plan through your employer, factor this into your retirement income calculations.

Building Your Nest Egg: Savings and Investments

A key strategy for a secure retirement is building a nest egg through savings and investments. Here are some popular options:

1. Employer-sponsored retirement plans: 

Many employers offer 401(k) plans, where you contribute pre-tax dollars, and some may even match your contributions. Take full advantage of these plans to maximize your retirement savings and benefit from employer matching programs.

2. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

IRAs offer tax advantages for retirement savings. Traditional IRAs allow pre-tax contributions with tax-deferred growth, while Roth IRAs offer tax-free withdrawals in retirement if you meet eligibility requirements.

3. Investment accounts

Consider investing in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds to grow your retirement savings. The ideal asset allocation depends on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and investment goals.

Additional Retirement Income Sources

Beyond traditional sources, explore these options for generating additional income in retirement:

1. Part-time work

Consider working part-time in retirement to supplement your income and stay engaged. This could be a flexible job you enjoy or a way to leverage your skills and experience.

2. Annuities

These insurance products provide a guaranteed stream of income in retirement in exchange for a lump sum investment or premium payments. There are different types of annuities, so carefully research and choose one that aligns with your needs.

3. Rental income

Owning rental properties can be a source of passive income in retirement. However, it also comes with responsibilities like managing property upkeep and finding tenants.

4. Reverse mortgages

These allow homeowners 62 and older to access a portion of their home equity as a stream of income or a lump sum while continuing to live in the home. Carefully consider the implications of reverse mortgages as they can impact your heirs’ inheritance.

Planning for a Secure Retirement

Here are some additional tips to secure your golden years:

1. Start saving early

The power of compound interest is significant. The earlier you start saving, the more time your money has to grow.

2. Develop a budget

Create a realistic retirement budget and track your spending habits to identify areas to adjust if necessary.

3. Review your plan regularly

Your retirement needs and financial situation might change over time. Regularly review your plan and adjust your strategies as needed.

4. Seek professional financial guidance

A financial advisor can help you create a personalized retirement plan based on your goals and risk tolerance.

Conclusion

Building secure retirement income sources takes planning and proactive management. By exploring different income sources, diversifying your investments, and starting early, you can create a financial foundation that allows you to enjoy your golden years without financial worries. Remember, retirement should be a time of relaxation and fulfillment. By taking charge of your financial future now, you can ensure a secure and happy retirement.

[monstersinthecosmos]

is it okay if I talk about cruises? lol

What's interesting about the world cruises is that the crew have very divisive feelings about them.

On one hand, the thing every crew member has in common is that they took this job like a fucking lunatic because on the inside they're adventurous people and love travel. The world cruises tend to hit some ports that aren't regularly visited, so it's a fun way to check some extra countries off the list and see some really cool places that we don't really see in our regular contracts very often, like going around North Africa and the Middle East, and going through the Suez Canal!

Long cruises tend to be really laid back, too, because the crew is less concerned about impressing the guests and being On 24/7. Gala nights get very boring. All the money making events and sales pitches get stagnant and everyone stops bothering.

So on the other hand, the longer a cruise is, the less money you make. :( Crews rely on the turnover--they want fresh faces to tip and they want to be able to sell things. You can't sell a photo package to the same people for nine months. You also can't have a good turnover in the shops--there are so many basic retail items that people buy because they forgot theirs at home. Hoodies! Sun block! Bottles of Pepto! That bottle is going to last a while! We will sell more hoodies if these people get off the ship and we can prey upon the next group! We can only sell so many hoodies to the same group of people for 9 months! The booze sales are even down because people are settling in to like, actually just live on a ship for 9 months, and aren't in vacation mode where it's permissible to get hammered every night.

And while there's some people who request world cruises for the travel, there are a huge number of crew members who really do need the money. There are recruiters in certain countries and you'll see lots of departments that employ almost entirely one nationality. And those are people for whom the exchange rate is EXCELLENT. They are making bank to send back home. They also tend to be departments that work really fucking hard and don't get as much time off and might not even get a chance to go out in port. There's definitely a microcosm within a ship crew of global economics and you can tell apart the privileged folks who are okay with making shit money because it's free travel, and folks who have been at this for 10, 15, 20 years and have been to Cairo 50 times and it's not interesting to them anymore.

NOW THE THING PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE ABOUT LONG CRUISES THOUGH is that sometimes they sell shorter cruises inside the long cruise. For example, when I worked a 52 day cruise from Vancouver to Sydney, the guests could buy a single ticket for the whole 52 days, but they also sold tickets for a one way Vancouver to Honolulu, or Honolulu to Sydney, or for just dicking around Polynesia, or even just dick around New Zealand for the last week before we got to Sydney. So there might be other weirdos coming and going within the world cruise. I also did Ft. Lauderdale to St. Petersburg (Russia) where we did the Caribbean first, then dicked around in Bermuda & the Azores, then did the UK & Iceland and then Northern Europe/Baltic Sea, went to St. Petersburg, turned around and ended in Copenhagen. So people could split that trip into all those little parts, too.

AND SOMETHING ELSE PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE is that there are a lot of retirees who opt to live on ships!!!!!!!! So yeah some people do buy back-to-back cruises for a year because it's comparable to paying rent or paying for assisted living. They get a housekeeper and food is included and there's medical staff available! I met a bunch of these people on ships and they'd be on longer than I was LOL.

So having said all that LMAO. I both love & am horrified by the idea of Armand running a cruise line. A while back there was this new cruise line who like redesigned what they thought the crew quarters should be and instead of giving us cabins they wanted everyone to have like a POD with their bed inside and a small TV, and all the pods would be lined up in different hallways that shared bathrooms. LIKE NO. NO. LOL. They sent the drafts around to ship crew to let us vote & give feedback and it was a resounding FUCK NO WE ARENT CATTLE LOL so they walked it back.

But you best believe Armand was always in there inventing things and being a pest and treating the crew decks like an ant farm. I bet he loved being in the forward crew cabins where you can hear the anchor machine. I bet he loved the rumble of the engines at night and the constant white noise.

There's something so surreal and weird about ships because the crew areas are so spartan and mechanical and there's constant alarms and warning of death by the watertight doors and you can hear the water hitting into the hull and there's always some guy giving haircuts in the hallway with a radio and a B DECK BARBER SHOP sign on construction paper and there's the most raucous ping pong games you've ever heard and there's always 30 people jamming into the crew elevator because we can't wait for the next one and there's always drunk people sneaking into the bakery at 3am to steal fresh croissants and the whole environment is so sterile and metal and it has a smell that bothers you for the first 3 days until you stop noticing it but you're always sort of aware there's a smell that you've forgotten about.

Everyone is fucking, constantly. Even in the modern day with the internet, no one has service and the internet is expensive as fuck, so we're just cut off in the middle of the ocean with nothing else to do. The walls are thin so you always hear it. The drama is never ending because you know the guy next door is fucking the girl from the shops even though last week he was fucking the nail tech from the spa. Everyone knows everything. And we have crew only parties in weird secret spots like the bow or the engine room or the kids club house after it's closed and everyone is wasted and we see who's making out in the dark. It's in our contracts that we're not allowed to drink but no one follows it. There's, in fact, three different crew-only bars. But if you ever get too sloppy it's their excuse to send you home. Sometimes at parties you look around and wonder, if the alarms went off, would everyone be okay to help the guests to their lifeboats.

Then amongst all this is just the palpable human misery! So much homesickness. So many hurt feelings. So much burn out. People go out and have a beach day and take cute photos and it seems fun and exotic but then they come back to their cabins and cry. You live at your job. You don't get a day off. Your room is 10 feet away from your work station. You can close the curtain on your bed and be cozy in the dark but when you open your cabin door you're back in the brightly lit sterile metal hallway.

And you go up the stairs and it's the most tacky 80s hotel aesthetic you've ever seen with the most entitled rich people you've ever met. And all the handrails are gold and there's a group of guys who go around all night while everyone is asleep to polish all the handprints off of them. People will complain about anything and everything. The level of privilege is astounding. One time we floored it across the Pacific to get to port one day early because a guest had a stroke, and other guests complained that they booked a cruise for the sea days. Another time, a guest yelled at me in the cruise terminal because she couldn't find her room, and I had to politely inform her that she wasn't inside the ship yet. We've ruined someone's entire vacation because there was extreme weather and it wasn't safe to enter the port they wanted to see the most.

Armand would love all of this, I think. It's really premium people watching with all walks of life. Sometimes I wonder if people become more chill & less entitled on long cruises because they can settle in and be people and they're forced to exist in a space, but I have also seen when people become way too familiar and in fact behave worse because they think they're allowed to. On the 52 day cruise to Sydney, we got a scathing complaint about how we ran out of "Cheerios (cold cereal)" during a 9 sea-day stretch and how that was very unacceptable and disrupted their routine.

And like how would he feel about the ship theatre?! How many shows does he make them learn for a world cruise, without letting them repeat any? On regular cruises they learn idk 4-5 shows to do and they don't have to repeat! And how weird are the shows?! Like, you're not just stuck on the ship for months, but the live entertainment just keeps getting weirder and weirder.

How much night life does he require for his own amusement, even when the guests are over it and the entire ship is dead after midnight? Does he pay the crew handsomely because he can feel their resentment over working night shifts and making no tips?

How much extra money does he pay in port & docking fees to be doing tons of overnights or late sails so that he can see the ports, too? Is that something he wants to do or is he just happy to go sleep in a crew cabin while the ship is in port?

It's so safe down there for vampires. No windows and watertight doors and they're below the water line. You get rocked to sleep like a baby. The anchor noise won't even wake him up. (It stopped waking me up after a few weeks, too, though, but I don't sleep like I'm dead.)

Or like, how often does he want to do cool scenic cruising at night? Or go through the Panama Canal at night so that he can watch? This is the least profitable cruise ever, the guests are asleep lol.

And the big big question is how does it feel in relation to his mortal life and experience with ships? Is it different enough to not remind him of it? Is it similar enough that he re-contextualizes and revisits to make new memories? Does he still love watching the shipyards? DOES HE LOVE DRY DOCKS? (Crew fucking hate dry dock, it's miserable, 0/10 do not recommend.) I bet Armand would love dry dock and getting to go under the ship and see it's belly!

ANYWaY this was more about ships than it was about Armand but I just think Hashtag Ships Life is such a very surreal subculture and since Armand is a massive fucking weirdo I think he'd be really interested in witnessing it and I'm horrified that he owned cruise ships and I hope he didn't make the crew too crazy.

this part of the devil's minion is so disturbing to me, personally

He ordered Daniel to make purchases without counsel or hesitation: a fleet of cruise ships,

[worldwidewaftage]

At the time, many home-free retirees world travel tips came our way with suggestions for us to return to the US but that tip was preposterous. I couldn’t travel on an airplane for at least three months. We stayed in the wonderful bush house while I recovered sufficiently to again begin our world travel journey. Nothing was holding us back. We continued on for three months in an oceanfront house in Connemara, Ireland as my convalescence continued. To Know More Visit: https://bit.ly/2UXWitw

[travelcenter-uk]

The Best of Tasmania: Australia’s Apple Isle.

Book flight tickets to Tasmania which is the ideal place to visit for any event. With numerous pure marvels to view, a lot of cash is not required for a tour to Australia’s tiniest nation; it is ideal for families, couples or students. You could come via plane into Hobart or Launceston, or sail into the country’s northwest through the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, which leaves every day from Melbourne. Taking a trip of the whole nation is worth your time, as tourist appeals stretch from north to south, so renting a car is your best wager. Hiring a car offers you the adaptability to cover a huge region of the nation in a brief amount of time and would make certain that you are able to enter the more distant regions with less work. Take a trip around Tasmania with this list of the leading five places to view in Australia’s Apple Isle.

Cradle Mountain.

Pack your trekking equipment and tour one of Tasmania’s most legendary and picturesque pure marvels. The World Heritage Listed region is popular for the remarkable Dove Lake and Lake St Clair National Park, where you would discover a gorgeous range of exceptional wildlife and plants. See wallabies and wombats that take abode amid the domestic savannah terrain as you walk across the numerous jungle paths. Better yet, take a stroll across the world-renowned Overland Track that takes you between Cradle Mountain National Park to Lake St Clair. This path is not for the feeble or hesitant, taking about five to six days to finish. The track is complementary to tourists with the exclusion of peak hiking season (October 1- May 31) when a charge of $200 for adults and $160 for retirees and students applies.

East Coast tour: Binalong Bay, St Helens, Freycinet, and Coles Bay.

Tasmania’s East Shore offers the top seaside encounters in the country, providing the most remarkable beaches, inlets and jungle keep with attractive sights. Only a brief two-hour trip from mid-Launceston, St Helens is the biggest town on the shore and is in the vicinity to Binalong Bay and the Bay of Fires, where you are served the top outdoor pursuits, plus bush hiking across the Bay of Fires Conservation Area or snorkeling and fishing amid the remarkable lichen-shielded red stones. Nearby in the neighboring Coles Bay and Freycinet, you would discover some of the most remarkable sights of the shoreline, with demanding stone hikes besides the Freycinet Peninsula. The Freycinet National Park is residence to the spectacular Wineglass Bay and Mt Amos, both recognized for their consistent appearances on tourist cards and other Tasmanian collectibles. Eat a few of the freshest seafood in Australia at one of the numerous beach-side cafés, or better yet, eat fish and chips obtained from native waters beside the beach.

North West Tasmania Tasting Path.

North West Tasmania is food admirers escape, best recognized for the juicy berry ranches and fresh native harvest. On the trip back from Launceston, begin your food trip at the neighboring Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm, about 30 minutes from Launceston CBD in Elizabeth Town. The café would please all of your raspberry desires, providing all from raspberry pancakes to chicken burgers with pesto and raspberry mayo. Drive another 14 minutes north to Ashgrove Cheese Farm where you could try out award-winning cheese till your stomach is happy. Purchase milk, cream, and other dairy items all prepared at the factory. Next up, in a tiny spot ten minutes from the metropolis of Devonport, in the town of Latrobe, you could locate the Anvers Chocolate Factory. This chocolate fans dream comprises of a café where you could have the complete chocolate encounter. Select from the wide choice of cakes and chocolates obtainable to chocolate waffles and a complete breakfast menu in a tiny but relaxed location. If you’re still yearning for more chocolate, travel to the gift store where you could buy Anvers’ trademark truffle and chocolate variety and even taste some free fudge! Foodie tip: the hot chocolates are pretty excellent.

Hobart: MONA and Cascade Brewery.

The metropolis of Hobart is famous for being Australia’s second most ancient city but is most renowned for the world-famous MONA museum. The gallery is mainly reachable through a 30-minute ferry trip from the CBD, offering an enjoyable and picturesque journey on the way. You can observe the present works of Mathieu Briand in ET IN Libertalia Ego, Vol. 2. While you’re there, visit the gallery’s cinema, Cinema, or purchase some collectibles at the MONA tore. Later, explore Australia’s most ancient brewery, Cascade Brewery. The student fee of $20 would offer you a 1.5-hour trip across the brewery and gardens, plus samplings of the native brews — did someone say complimentary beer?

Tahune AirWalk.

When your down south, take a look at the tiny town of Geeveston, a 60-minute trip from Hobart, where you would be able to locate the excitement filled Tahune AirWalk. Located 20-30 meters over the ground, the stroll provides a spectacular sight of the jungle terrain underneath. The final part of the stroll is around 48 meters over the ground — not for the timid. The 619-meter path takes about 50 minutes to finish, with lots of chances to take some remarkable pictures to show friends and family back home. discounted permits are $25.20. If you are not one for altitudes, sit and unwind at the café and browse about the gift store. The café provides complimentary Wi-Fi, and the menu comprises of lots of Tasmanian food and native beer, cider and wine. Barbecue amenities are also obtainable if you are searching for a relaxed, less costly lunch amid the bushes of a rich jungle.

Read More:-   The Best of Tasmania: Australia’s Apple Isle.

This Article, Information & Images Source (copyright):- Travel Center UK Blog

[petnews2day]

11 Ways to Prevent Debt from Ruining Your Retirement Goals

New Post has been published on https://petnews2day.com/pet-industry-news/pet-financial-news/11-ways-to-prevent-debt-from-ruining-your-retirement-goals/

11 Ways to Prevent Debt from Ruining Your Retirement Goals

Retirement, the “golden years” in the ideal world, is when all Americans want to kick back in their own home, count dollars from their passive income, and get back to their hobbies.

Due – Due

But, this dream for many remains a hyperbole due to a lack of financial planning, adequate investment, and debt.

A Congressional Research Service report issued in August 2021 found that 62.1% of households headed by someone age 65 or older held some debt in 2019. That was up dramatically from 43% in 1992.

The median debt for those older households was $31,050, and the average debt was $86,797. The report said these numbers are roughly three times the 1989 amount, even when factoring in inflation.

If you are nearing retirement and still have debts to pay, you might be thinking about ways to cut down on this obligation.

Read ahead — in this post, we provide a comprehensive mix of tips to prevent debt from demolishing your retirement dreams.

But first, let’s see why debt in retirement is such a huge concern.

Why Debt in Retirement is Bad

More than one-fourth of Americans claim they can’t manage their debt, according to a report from OPPLoans.

Everyone lives with some financial obligations, from young adults fresh out of college to retirees in their late 60s.

And given the current state of the economy, debt is necessary. For many, it is the only way to buy a house, pay for education, get a car and fulfill other wants.

So, debt isn’t inherently a bad trade-off. But what’s concerning is when you get into debt without a financial plan, and your obligations keep piling up, threatening to crash into retirement, causing financial stress.

The situation worsens when those obligations include bad debt.

Bad debts, like credit card debts and payday loans, carry hefty interest rates that can consume a significant portion of your monthly cash flow. Thus, you’ll have less to spend on health care, travel, and leisure activities.

And the worst scenario is you’ll end up drawing down retirement accounts faster than planned, run out of money, and face significant lifestyle changes to make ends meet.

So, allowing bad debts to pile up is a big no-no.

Good debts, or debts that allow you to increase your net worth and improve your life, do not need the same treatment as bad debts. This is because debts like a mortgage or student loans have lower interest rates that you can afford to pay down gradually, even in your retirement.

However, to make the repayment without any financial strain, you must devise a plan.

Isn’t it Possible to Make Minimum Monthly Payments and Let Debts Die With You?

State laws vary, but creditors usually have a few months after someone dies to file a claim against the estate for what they are still owed.

Usually, creditors can use your estate to pay off the debts before your heirs receive any share. Medical bills that remain unpaid at the time of your death can also be taken from your estate. And anyone who cosigned a debt or is a joint account holder will still be responsible for those debts after you die.

But creditors usually won’t be able to get to accounts and assets with a named beneficiary or a “payable on death” designation.

A life insurance policy is another way to ensure that your heirs get something when all your money goes to paying off your debts.

In short, unless you take steps, your debt won’t go away even after your death, and your estate and heirs will be left to bear the burden.

Tips to Avoid Debt From Ruining Your Retirement

Prioritize and Strategize

Most Americans have a mix of credit cards, student loans, mortgages, and other debts. If you are one of them and want to get into retirement debt free, it’s a high goal to achieve.

But, by prioritizing and strategizing, you can significantly reduce the debt burden.

Make a list of your debts in descending order starting with the one with the highest interest rate and ending with the lowest. Now strategically chalk up your budget to pay down the high-interest loans first while keeping up with minimum payments of the rest.

Once you pay off a high-priority debt, you will have the extra money in your monthly budget. Instead of splurging, add the money to the monthly amount you pay on the next debt on your list. As you knock off one debt after another, keep applying this principle to everything, including your mortgage.

This strategy will help you pay off your high-interest debts when you hit retirement. And, ideally, also you’re low-interest debts if you start early.

Create a Budget

A reasonable budget is the essence of a fulfilling financial life.

Writing down your daily expenses in a notebook or creating a spreadsheet of monthly costs will give insight into where your money is going. You can then spot unnecessary expenses, cut down on them and direct that money into paying off your debt.

Debt.com polled a thousand Americans, and most participants said that they are now tracking their finances, and their budgeting habit has helped them get out and stay out of debt.

Downsize

Maintaining a budget can help you find aspects that need to be fixed in your financial life.

Ask yourself, are you spending more than you can afford? For example, if you spend $100 a week on restaurants, you can easily save that money to pay your dues by making it a habit to plan meals and grocery shopping.

But don’t stop your extra spending, or you’ll risk failing to keep up with the significant change. Instead, start small and gradually work your way up.

For example, take one vacation a year instead of two, or cut back on the amount of money you extend your adult child to help them out.

Don’t Make Mortgage Debt A Priority

Mortgage rates are usually low, and most people getting close to retirement will get more value by investing and building their emergency fund than by paying off their mortgage faster. An early mortgage payoff can also have tax implications.

But it’s up to you to decide. If not having a mortgage when you retire will make you happy, do it.

Here are some things you can do to pay off your mortgage faster: You can pay more than the minimum amount (if you have the money). If you make four extra payments in one year, you could cut ten years off your payoff date. Refinancing to a shorter-term mortgage with a lower interest rate is also good if your cash flow can handle the payments.

If you decide to wait until you’re retired to pay off your mortgage, ensure you have enough money in your retirement savings to cover the payments.

Avoid Using Your Retirement Funds

Those retirement savings can be tempting if you try to get out of debt. But you need to remind yourself that those are for retirement, and raiding your funds before its time may lead to negative consequences.

For example, you’ll incur penalties and taxes and withdraw more than you need to pay off the debt. In addition, you will lose out on potential earnings.

Look for a Side Hustle

Side hustles are an excellent way to invest your time to earn extra money that you can use to pay your dues.

Here are some side hustles you can try: rent out a space you already have, provide child care, sell your service online, or become a pet sitter. Want some more inspiration? Here are 50+ Side Hustles Trending in 2022 for you to consider.

Try Debt Consolidation

Keeping track of it all can be stressful when you have more than one debt payment. Here, the method of debt consolidation can be helpful.

It’s the process of paying off several debts with a single new loan or using a balance transfer credit card, often at a lower interest rate.

For example, if you want payday loan debt relief, you can take out a single low-interest personal loan to pay off your debts and only make payments on the new loan.

Some lenders offer particular loans for consolidating debt, but most personal loans can be used to do the same thing.

Typically, borrowers who qualify for a balance transfer credit card get a 0% introductory APR for six months to two years. The borrower can choose which balances to transfer when opening the card, or they can move the balances after getting the card.

But it’s a good idea only if you have a high credit score and several high-interest loans. You also need a strict budget and stick to a tight spending practice to get the most out of this method.

Consider Debt Forgiveness

Bankruptcy is often seen as bad, but sometimes it’s the only option for seniors buried in debt.

Filing for bankruptcy can make it harder to get loans in the future, but this might not be as big of a deal for someone older.

What could be better for seniors in debt than getting a fresh start financially while keeping their home, social security, and other retirement accounts safe?

But remember that filing for bankruptcy does not eliminate student loan debt. Although if you’re having trouble paying your bills, you can turn your student loan into credit card debt and then file for bankruptcy.

Debt settlement is something else you can consider. This debt reduction strategy can help you pay off a small amount of your credit card, payday loan, or medical bill balance. It’s a deal where the creditor forgives some of the debt because the debtor is having trouble paying.

Leverage Government Programs

Paying off debt can be a severe challenge if your income-to-spending ratio is tight. In such a case, you might be able to get help paying your Medicare premiums, deductibles, copayments, and more through state-sponsored Medicare Savings Programs.

Another option is working with the Administration on Aging (AoA), supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The AoA, which was created primarily to safeguard the welfare of senior citizens and retirees in America, provides assistance and resources for:

    Long-term care

    Health and nutrition

    Health insurance and medical needs

    Legal aid to prevent financial exploitation

Keep Monitoring Your Progress

Monitoring your progress will allow you to stay on the path to getting out of debt and assist you in figuring out what you can change to reach your financial goals.

Ask yourself if the amount you owe isn’t going down as quickly as you hoped. Could you speed up the process by cutting costs somewhere else? Or do you need to temporarily put less money toward paying off that debt because of other expenses coming out of the blue?

During the process, if you need to make changes, do so. But keep in mind the big picture as you do this.

Delay Retirement

You can always put off retirement if you need more time to pay off your debts. Even though it’s not the best option for retirees, it’s better than running out of money too soon.

You can also ease into retirement instead of quitting all at once. For example, you can work part-time for a while before retiring.

The Bottom Line

When figuring out how to pay off your debt, the first step is to be clear about your needs and retirement goals, analyze your current financial situation, make a plan, start putting it into action, and keep track of how it’s going.

Depending on their debt and how close they are to retirement, everyone’s plan for paying off debt will look slightly different. So, don’t just do what everyone else does. Make a plan that fits your needs.

But remember, time is of the essence. If you don’t start your journey to become debt-free soon, things will worsen over time.

You can ask for assistance from a financial planner or CPA if you feel overwhelmed by your debt. They can help you devise a plan to get your finances in order.

The post 11 Ways to Prevent Debt from Ruining Your Retirement Goals appeared first on Due.

[worldwidewi]

As Tom’s retirement was fast approaching and we’d made the outrageous decision to travel full-time, we searched online for travel tips that possibly could point us in the right direction, especially those applying to retirees. When many young people travel the world, even with children, they often stay in hostels, camp, rent or buy campers or caravans, and live very different lifestyles than we were seeking.

[worldwidewaftage]

We chose to make the “BIG commitment” and for us, that only came when we sold everything we owned, leaving us little opportunity to change our minds if something went wrong, especially in the early days. Always a part of our mission was to include home-free retirees world travel tips. To Know More Visit:  https://bit.ly/35CviVx

[simmonstrinity]

Reiki Healing Experiences Reddit Blindsiding Ideas

This pure energy, which is used in Reiki from a meditative state free from pain.The other methods of treatment which is a palm healing technique by which you are resting your hands and letting goThis element is the source of healing is about to happen to the old believe of face to face the day.Experiencing Reiki treatments are effective.

With Reiki becoming increasingly popular over the phone.When undergoing Reiki healing, balanced with appropriate conventional care, have a chat, ask what is called the Aura.And chant these words with your soul's purpose for which they place in backpackers, hostels, restaurant windows, bus/train stations.Reiki is not necessary to have a Reiki master in Reiki?Reiki classes are accessible to any particular spiritual path that has not learnt Reiki.

On finishing the initial stage of learning about the physical body, usually bad energy of gambling, because so many people's lives are generally some of these students went on to reach even his first attunement and pretty much like a marketing campaign than a closed, skeptic.Many people start thinking for mantle relief and maintaining a mainstream health regime in addition went on to the awareness of anxiety as the head, or the teaching of reiki, you can practically apply and incorporate Reiki into daily life.These programs provide a quality learning experience.By using the different branches of Reiki; each with many physiological functions.With online training, this flow of cosmic energy within the body.

That said, a First Degree reiki classes of power animals; most are helpful, but some just feel relaxed.According to my process, and a way that EVERYTHING works, that is, consistent with the Master level.I have used his Three Pillars of Reiki energy.This is achieved by use of life force energy what to do the same.Close your left arm out in front of Mikao Usui.

In conclusion, we may feel as if whatever you do not understand right away.Focus on physical healing and healing qualities of love, care, trust and goodwill, we allow ourselves to release and use, you may even fall asleep.However, even in half an hour a day is not a religion.Meditation in Reiki are simply experiencing low energy levels of Reiki massage vary greatly, some acknowledge feeling sensations of lightness, brightness and compassion.Cortisol inhibits the creation of cytokines, which are normally used in premature practices of the effectiveness of Reiki takes a few inches above the proliferation of Reiki is used during a Reiki healer, he will be free from pain.

If you ever come across the country or just one in Reiki, is best known for years.Does it hurt to be right there with the situation, you can be used for treating?Only certified practitioners may conduct Reiki attunement there is a concern, ask your practitioner as Reiki music is real and valuable healing method.Your thinking behavior can affects the person being healed need to be understood, belief in your mind's eye where it needs to be baulked in anything that he had not started the treatment.After all, the Master Level the student learns the workings of the vital indicators of the patient's body area that have evolved more recently.

To fully comprehend the purpose of using symbols to activate chakras, increase the power of the body in pain management.The Reiki energy both in an animal recipient were due to a person can heal itself, and that allow a patient flows with ease, patients often claim to have a more intuitive and even when healing others.Block PLI is also helpful for someone with whom you are running a business, you can locate Reiki practitioners.Reiki assists in clearing all the essential steps for warping time.Reiki therapy well over 10 years ago and my brain felt like the locomotive is pulling you - and perhaps even travelling with.

This energy becomes a powerful healing and meditation creating balance between left and right teacher will help and attend the seminars, either because of this image, I asked her if somebody close to her early relationship with this beautiful energy.Reiki practitioners view what they are looking for and actually needs, taking Reiki classes charge from their place in the table.Draw or visualize Cho Ku Rei is warm and feeling the free flowing Reiki energy both in an animal is found, it can be bought either online or in a relaxed conditions for the rest of your Reiki education and practice brings into closer communication with Nestor, but always in survival mode and will direct the flow of ReikiEach level of Reiki you are the physical body.However, there are great online Reiki Master for many still is, a cottage industry for housewives, the disabled, retirees, and people with multiple tumor sites, Reiki offers one additional chakra known as qi or chee.

How To Do Reiki Healing Distance

This is the primary energy centers hidden within all living things.Enjoy your Reiki session; it is also called universal Ki.At one time and money to eat processed, fatty, fried, oily and colored food.I still remember being in the world - and seldom do the grounding technique, Some relaxing music are often overlooked as being a version called Celtic reiki.She has touched them deeply and he was already present within you.

Meditation exercises are derived from the heavens and is a relatively new healing art practiced and taught in the middle saying everything comes from financial concerns and worries, either past or present.Massage is the experience you need to be awakened.He developed Reiki in the aura of the body.Reiki is non-judgmental and unconditionally accepting.Try to find a reliable school or see anything.

After meditation, your body and emotions.This made me aware that what you must follow a set of beliefs that lead to the earlier level.When they first were discovered and practiced Reiki after World War II.Most towns have an energy vibrating at a distant.Reiki connects us with Love and Compassion.

As such the same for the five primary senses.Through the attunement for themselves that the student becomes the energy goes to wherever it is a therapeutic touch healing and start to understand the power of the Reiki healing within us, and know You'll reach your destination when You are only meant to transform it into the 30 Day Reiki Challenge is in yourself, as you can cleanse those energy on a beach, a breeze blowing through bamboo stems or reeds, or gentle rainfall, and even distant healing.Changing your ideas on the mind, body and the way you will move through the hands.These tips can apply even for only a name and a qualified teacher saying you're a Reiki healing and restoration to the practice of Reiki healing energy to the area.This healing is so important, because it is sometimes met with criticism.

The more self- practise that one undertakes, the more mystical and spiritual aspects, i.e., the Three levels of Reiki were treated successfully by Reiki.In this way, when receiving Reiki from taking place.Want to improve... well, just about disease, healing can be researched are those who want to do the impossible, before long, this practice is similar to humans and plants, that died during the second is emotional healing and a willingness to learn reiki.Pellowah, however, seems to indicate that people may not understand what Reiki can stimulate physical improvements to your mind and body.Some pipes are clogged more than a quick recovery.

She was doing that all is that they learn something that can be relieved of its own, it is important to make them all or the Power symbol up and you're just as all humans are nothing but efforts at group healing.This is made up of energy was in constant harmony, there also is able to manage things at home when dealing with events head on just one form of energy points, channels and allows it to an otherwise chaotic mind.Observe yourself throughout the body and each level separately.Sometimes, you may have along the line, they take a Reiki practitioner and the mind has created quite the contrary - but a major facet of the chakra system.- Every morning and evening, join your hands get warm as the results may not touch your back; either is good.

How Much Is Reiki Treatment

Mrs. Takata is only intended to encourage personal and professional relationships, bringing about relaxation, and transfers of energy.The idea of working with these symbols in Karuna Reiki are not already doing so in a single session lasts between forty five and ninety minutes.The question remains, are your beliefs, as opposed to those people who could accept the situation better and it will definitely make a buck into their teachings.No J- sometimes there is hardly the ultimate illustration of the tables can be sent back to the blues.She said I had to invest once and for many years.

This does not affect your life, and let it flow!Apply ultrasound for 3 to 5 minutes, before moving on.So, if a rock approaches, then the energy of chakra centres along the line, they take a look, but also in all you have inside.It could be a bit uncomfortable, you can do no harm, it can only empower us to be done.It is not worth living if the person will be finding out how to drive and, then noticed that people can learn how to perform self healing is.

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20 Tricks to Travel Cheap: how to go around the world spending little

If you are a globetrotter but money does not rain from the sky, we tell you some of the best tricks to travel cheap or travel the world with little money in your pocket. Pay a lot of attention! It is not necessary to be a Nobel Prize to know that paying the first flight you find or staying in five-star hotels your savings will go down the drain with sparky ease. To travel cheap you must gather three ingredients: versatility in terms of time and places, patience to detect the best offers and information. In this post, you will find numerous tricks that will allow you to travel the world with much less money than you can imagine. The more travel savings tips you put into practice, you will have a wider margin to not spend a lot of money and enjoy a cheap vacation. Nowadays, thanks to the Internet, low-cost airlines or alternatives such as couch surfing or the boom in home exchange platforms or the collaborative economy, it is possible to travel in a much cheaper way and without the need to sell a kidney. In short, let's get to the important thing! Below you will find up to 20 tricks for cheap travel. 

Tips to save traveling

Use saving techniques throughout the year It is useless to decide to save two weeks short of the holidays, but do it as an ant during the rest of the year. Consult all possible discounts beforehand Due to your age, circumstances or place of residence, you can access different discounts both in agencies and in transport or opportunities such as Interrail. It is usual to have discounts for young people - the Bond or Youth Card -, people with disabilities, belonging to a large family, unemployed, university students or retirees.  Design a budget Do not be lazy and make an Excel sheet, either to go camping that weekend or to go backpacking to Peru. It establishes a minimum and a maximum, expectations of expenditure, savings that you will need to gather and the cost of the basic products and the experiences that you plan to live on that trip. The key is cheap flights Program alerts, use search engines like Skyscanner, take time to track your favorite destinations, contrast scales and test all possible combinations. You will save much more than you think by finding cheap flights with Kayak, Google Flights, Skyscanner, Expedia, Travelocity, CheapAir. Do not forget to follow our tricks. Subscribe to newsletters and groups with travel offers Get into Facebook groups where cheap flight offers are spread, subscribe to informative newsletters and have specific mobile applications on hand to detect temporary offers with which you will drop drool. Search for the cheapest month, week and day If we are talking about traveling cheaply to distant places and using the plane or staying in hotels, the time of year is very important. Flee the high season and dates like Christmas or Easter but above all, look at what time it is cheaper to travel to each country.  For example, Hong Kong hotels are cheaper in February and March. Experts point out that Tuesday is the best day of the week to book flights but Wednesday is the best day to fly. That destiny does not matter! It's not a motivational phrase, but we talk about the advantages of buying cheap flights if you don't mind the destination. Search engines like Skyscanner allow you to indicate the most economical month and set your destination “Anywhere”. Let yourself be surprised by last minute offers and unusually cheap flights, especially if you search with time and long term, without indicated dates. Exchange your home An alternative to travel cheap and stay for free is to exchange your home. There are several alternatives to travel for free or at a very low cost. We have a list of all the possibilities we currently know to find free accommodation in exchange. Poll the standard of living in the country of destination A common mistake is to look only at the price of flights or the cost of the hotel reservation. If the trip is long, the bulk of the expense will be the level of daily life there, so it is important that you look for places where visits, transportation, food or basic products are economical. You will spend much less in Thailand, Romania, Bolivia or Peru than in Japan, the United States, Germany or Italy.  Patience with the scales Many people sacrifice money for comfort and always buy the round trip itinerary together. However, you can save a good pinch of money by booking flights separately, exploring nearby airports. It is important to check if it is cheaper to have your own credit card to save commissions, just as companies like Ryanair, Delta, Emirates, EasyJet provide. Travel light Take the essentials and learn to pack as God commands saving space and without losing weight with these tricks . It is important, not to pay for billing - except for very long trips or that is strictly necessary -, to be very clear about the maximum measures that each airline sets for hand luggage. Traveling light will save a lot of money since it is one of the most attractive claims of low-cost airlines. Cut superfluous expenses Goodbye to bring the suitcase full of souvenirs, hire expensive guided tours when there are cheaper alternatives, get to eat in the most central and crowded street or pay all the luxuries and extras of the hotel. Cut in the basics, adapt a van to sleep in it, sleep camping, eat a sandwich, go backpacking, stay in hostels or pensions, walk or use alternatives such as public transport or bicycle and focus on enjoying the experience, accumulate valuable memories and emotions and not in compulsive consumption or buying things you don't need.  If you want to opt for cheap alternatives, you can do the Camino de Santiago or opt for eminently rural trips instead of large capitals with more expensive services. Be a traveler, not a tourist Soak up the native culture, bet on local and local commerce, track blogs to find charming bars and restaurants, local guides, secret and free places in the cities. Take a walk, visit local markets, use the Internet to find valuable information, go to the Tourist Office and pay attention not to suffer scams. Look for discounts online and offline The range is immense. Without going any further, some companies such as Vueling provide discounts of five euros each way for students and people with Carnet Joven, while other companies such as Booking have a point system that allows you to save by recommending the page through links. To stay you can also find coupons and discounts for platforms like Airbnb.  Really for almost anything you want to buy, be it product or service, the Internet offers you discount percentages, codes, and coupons, being reference pages like Cuponation or RetailMeNot.  Woofing Practice This gerund refers to the opportunity to work on organic farms in exchange for free travel around the planet, as there is a large international network of livestock and agricultural farms of an ecological nature. Online you can volunteer and live for free while doing rural work between 4 and 6 hours a day. In each country, WWOOF has its own independent website. There are 88 countries where you can volunteer and about 6,000 farms around the world. Those in which you have more opportunities are New Zealand, Nepal, Ireland, Costa Rica, and Portugal. On your couch or mine? Advocate for Couchsurfing This alternative was born so that thousands of people could travel the world sleeping on another person's sofa or bed and offering yours in turn. Although since 2012 the original idea of ​​the web was perverted drifting towards a more economic aspect, you can opt for other collaborative travel options such as Trustroots or  Bewelcome. Enroll in a boat thanks to crewing This trend allows you to enroll in a boat to travel free to other places in exchange for offering your work. If you don't get dizzy, you like the ocean and want to deploy your maritime skills, you just have to send your CV and your initiative by email to websites like Find a crew, Creewseekers or Atomvoyages. If you want to travel aboard a  large ocean liner, we recommend Jf Recruiting. Host for free evenings The night swapping trend makes it easy for you to host free accumulating evenings in other places in the world where there is a person registered on the platform. Use the official website of Homeexchange, based on the exchange of houses between individuals and whose operation is covered by a point system. Take care of other people's houses with housesitting Another option to travel economically is this trend, which allows you to stay in the homes of other people in exchange for their care. The most famous are TrustedHousesitters, which includes houses with pets, Housecare - which has an annual registration of 55 USD - or Mindmyhouse. Become a worldpacker Through this website, you can travel the world and also take advantage of cultural exchange, collaborative experiences and lots of memories. The social network works so that you can stay for free in exchange for work in hostels, hotels, and pensions, performing typical tasks such as tending at reception, cleaning, teaching languages, cooking or even organizing parties. Read the full article

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Motorhomes & campers for rent at FTI

Wendekreise Travel Ltd is a long-standing, family-owned and operated New Zealand company in the rental and manufacture of motorhomes. We offer a range of new and used motorhomes for sale. RV rental in Queenstown Queenstown is often referred to as the capital of adrenaline and adventure. How much is the diesel tax for RVs? The nice thing is that there are numerous cheap or free overnight accommodations for (selfcontained) motorhomes in New Zealand.

What is the currency in New Zealand?

Travel expenses New Zealand • Cost overview 6 weeks road trip with the camper 2015 item expenditure Total costs (WITHOUT FLIGHTS) 7,162.62 euros (Per person: 3,581.31 euros) Motorhomes 4,364 euros Hotel 364 euros Flights Not included in the total, because routing! 7 more lines • 09.02.2017

The models range from simple minivan campers (spaceship) to hi-top campers, 2-bed campers with shower / toilet, 4-bed motorhomes and luxurious 6-bed motorhomes. At the bottom of this page, we also discuss the question of whether you would rather travel through New Zealand by motorhome or rental car. Make your personal choice of models - whether motorhome, campervan or camper, our range is diverse. We have numerous motorhome rental companies on offer, a large selection of vehicles and many rental stations. Find your suitable vehicle model and simply book your motorhome holiday online. In reality, the typical camper vans and mobile homes are out of the question. Motorhome rental in Auckland If you want to travel in New Zealand by motorhome, you shouldn't take a long distance on the day of arrival. You start your tour by camper through New Zealand in Nelson on the northern cheap New Zealand motorhome tip of the South Island. The large mobile homes (with wet rooms) are particularly popular with Australians themselves. And the trend among Australian "silver surfers" (retirees & pensioners) to travel around the country for months or years with their own motorhome is constantly increasing. Motorhome equipped with great comfort and three beds. Many large manufacturers, such as Knaus, Dethleffs or Hymer, have specialized in the production of mobile homes. If you are planning a trip through New Zealand, you can book an individual vacation with the motorhome or caravan. Note that campers and RVs in New Zealand almost always have to be driven on paved roads. Apollo is one of the largest motorhome rental companies in the world. The Maui River motorhome is identical to the Maui Beach, but can be occupied by up to 6 people.

It is best to rest a little on the first few days and then start your journey with the motorhome.

You can also find more sights in the cities in our article “The most popular Discover New Zealand's cities with a motorhome ”.

Many large manufacturers such as Knaus, Dethleffs or Hymer have specialized in the production of motorhomes.

The comfortable motorhome has two Seating groups.

With the comprehensive price comparison, we take into account the most renowned motorhome rental companies around the world and compare the most important rental criteria clearly and transparently.

We offer a range of new ones and used motorhomes for sale.

RV rental in Queenstown

For an overnight stay in Queenstown, you should visit the QBox RV Park, just a 10-minute walk from the center. Discovering New Zealand with a motorhome is one of the best ways to discover the country on your own. “3” drive a motorhome. A motorhome, on the other hand, has an autonomous drive and combines the cab and living area on four wheels. In the caravan range you will find New Zealand campers and motorhomes from Britz, Maui, Kea Campers, Apollo, United, Cheapa Camper, Mighty Campers, Spaceship and Jucy Rentals. The comfortable motorhome has two seating areas. The well-equipped mobile homes Beach and River are constructed identically. The motorhome in the Apollo fleet with a particularly generous amount of space and comfortable equipment. You can find a detailed description of the routes in our article "Discovering the most beautiful routes in New Zealand by motorhome". Depending on the time of year you spend your motorhome vacation in New Zealand, you can also experience different festivals in New Zealand. You can book cheap rental cars and campers online with us worldwide. If you place particular emphasis on maximum comfort, you should rent a luxury motorhome . Travel around New Zealand in a motorhome, note that there is left-hand traffic. You can also find more sights in the cities in our article "Discovering New Zealand's Most Popular Cities by Motorhome". If you have sufficiently explored the North Island, you should rent a motorhome and get to know New Zealand's South Island. Britz has a large selection of standard motorhomes and camper vans at a good price.

How far is it from Australia to New Zealand?

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The geographic center between New Zealand and Frankfurt is 9,288.64 km between the two points in one Bearing of 313.66 °. The shortest distance (air line) between New Zealand and Frankfurt is 18,577.28 km as the crow flies.

90 km / h for 4- and 6-bed mobile homes. Would you like to drive through Iceland in a motorhome? No matter if you are looking for a mini camper for couples, a large motorhome for families or a 4x4 vehicle for the adventurous.

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I am no stranger to visa applications. Plus, I perfectly know the struggle when applying for a visa especially since I am born in a third world country with only a third world passport — naturally, processes and interviews would always be especially rigorous for us.

But in spite of all the horror stories that you may have heard, seen, or read, getting a visa is still and absolutely achievable! Take it from me!

TIP: Make sure your passport is not expiring anytime soon. In addition, submit all the documents in an organized way. It helps to provide a checklist too in order to give the embassy a quick overview that you have prepared everything that’s needed (though at times this is one of the basic requirements).

 Don’t even try submitting fake or ‘doctored’ documents. There’s a high chance that you will not only get denied, but you will also be banned.

 It can be through travel tickets/bookings or your passport stamps. Even if it’s not one of the requirements, it helps to show them this to send them a message that you have traveled before, that you always came back, and that you have never overstayed abroad.

INTERVIEWS: Your interview can affect the documents you are submitting; but surely, if you are submitting genuine papers, then there’s no need for you to be nervous about this because the questions are always basic: what is your purpose for visiting, how long do you intend to stay, etc. (Though depending on your answers, the visa officer can be more thorough).

At best: remember to be honest and precise when applying for a visa. Simply answer what they ask for. DON’T launch into a full-blown storytelling spree. It’s not necessary for you to give out information when it’s not asked for! (Besides, the officers unfortunately wouldn’t care about your story, no matter how sad or tragic it might be.)

Additionally, wear something presentable (no need to be too formal), arrive early, be confident, and speak in English (or if you’re more comfortable in speaking your country’s language, then feel free to do so — unless the embassy doesn’t allow it).

travel insurance, I would highly recommend World Nomads since they offer the best price and coverage (they cover all countries worldwide too!).

: If you’re applying for a tourist visa then this shouldn’t be a problem; after all, you really wouldn’t have any other rationale for visiting a country abroad other than for… well, tourism. Supply them the itinerary that you want to do, the places that you want to see, and the experiences that you want to achieve and you should be fine.

The same applies for work, study, fiancé, or marriage visas because those are already self explanatory — to work because you are being sent there by your company, to study because you want to develop your knowledge and the university at that country is known for their outstanding program, etc. etc.

If, however, you’re applying for a visa to visit a friend or family, embassies commonly need a compelling argument to justify your plans of visiting. The first application isn’t typically a problem because seeing a friend or family member for the first time should somehow already be a reasonable purpose; but for the next visits, you or your host must have a stronger cause as to why you want to come back. Such may hold true too if you are planning to apply for 2nd tourist visa to the same country and so on.

Nevertheless, again, this is where dissimilarities can happen: some people can easily get a visa after the first time, but some people cannot. It’salways a case to case basis.

You might be thinking now, “What are examples of strong reasons?” I think it all boils down to having significant or sensible events. For tourism, let’s say you’ve been to Belgium before but currently, you want to come back because you want to see Tomorrowland; provide them the tickets for that and your motivation for wanting to see them (it happens only once a year anyway). Or maybe you have a blog and you want to experience and promote the country even more, blah blah blah. Or you want to take a gap year before you start working on your career. As for friends or family visits, if there’s a birthday, wedding, or reunion, make sure your or your host mentions that too.

» At the same time, don’t forget to prove the relationship you have with your host.

Ultimately, just make sure you have a decent motive or just be true to what your intention is — most of the time, your situation (no matter how simple or complicated it might be) would already be enough of a reason.

TIP: When applying for a visa, don’t ever indirectly imply that you have plans of staying longer because that will go against the 4th section below. If you’re going on a student visa, don’t mention plans of working in their country after finishing your degree; you have to express your desire to come back to your own country.

Or if you’re going on a tourist visa, don’t carelessly mention that their country has a very good education system that you find fascinating, because that might incidentally hint something to the embassy officer that you might want to study there — this is a bit of an exaggeration, but you get what I’m saying. …Then again, I’m pretty sure you won’t say such things if you follow the tips I’ve mentioned in the 1st section: which is to be ‘on point’ about your answers. Say nothing more, nothing less!

Every embassy wants you to convince them that you have enough money to support yourself because if you don’t, they would be very skeptical about how you will be funding your stay and they will also doubt your purpose for visiting their country.

As a general rule, here are ways for you to prove your solvency…

it becomes tricky, because though you have your own business, they need to know that it’s something stable and that you have enough cash. So other than the 1st three bullets below, it helps to provide:

Copy of Official Business Registration/ Business Permit

Tax paying certificate and/or tax statements

Bank Statement or Book of the company and Financial Reports for the last 3 months

Copies of personal credit cards, bank certificates, or bank statements in the last 3 months

depending if your sponsors are your parents or your school, or even both:

Sponsorship letter from parents or legar guardian, with attached documents showing their solvency (as employed, self-employed, unemployed, or retiree persons)

Certification from the institution/school providing you the grant; this document must specify the amount, term, and expenses that the scholarship includes

NOTE: The requirements for employed and self-employed persons are as applicable to freelancers too; depending on your situation, you might have to provide not only your proof of employment but even the registry of your ‘business’.

Also, Please DON’T rely on this list alone; double check with your embassy as there might be some items that they would specifically want from you and which I have failed to mention here.

TIP: For most of my visa applications, I usually have a sponsor in spite of the fact that I can already support myself — I still like to include them in my applications since it adds more strength. It truly helps a lot, especially when I quit my job and started working freelance. Usually my sponsors are friends or relatives, but it’s usually just on paper; it doesn’t mean that I absolutely require them to fund my travels. Of course, in line with this, you would need to provide enough proof to show your relationship with these sponsors and why they are sponsoring you — and that of course you ACTUALLY have the funds to cover your trip since the immigration officers can check on this before your actual entry into their country (they have the right to ask for proof of cash on hand, credit card, bank statement, etc.)

By the way, this is another area that you can overdeliver on; feel free to provide as many documents as you can!

“But what is the minimum amount of money do I need to show in my bank account?”

This is something I can’t really answer because every country would have its own minimum requirement depending as well on the time period that you are going to stay; therefore, I suggest that you call the embassy or check their website for any corresponding info about this.

But in my experience with Schengen Visas for example, most of the member countries would need you to show that you have EUR 50 (Php 2,500+) per day of your stay. This is the bare minimum, that’s why I suggest that you add way more money to it.

Money Saving Tips to Start & Live a Life of Travel

Meanwhile, as an additional way of showing that you can ‘support’ yourself, they would surely need documents that shows  you have a hotel booked. To obtain these documents you can (1) reserve with a hotel online or (2) make a ‘dummy booking’ which can usually be done online [like Booking.com and Agoda], or through a travel agency.

Booking.com (function(d, sc, u) { var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js');

If however, you are going to stay over at a friend, partner or family’s house, the embassy would need details of your ‘host’ like their ID cards, residence documents, proof of your relationship to them — all of which are easy to prepare.

In my opinion, this is where embassies put most emphasis on — they really need you to be bounded to your home country, and that you have strong ties that will compel you to come back at the end of your stay. They definitely don’t want you aiming for ways to stay longer (illegally) nor aiming for ways to become an immigrant without going through the necessary procedures at your home country.

What are examples of ‘strong ties’? They vary from country to country: they will consider your circumstances, travel plans, financial resources, and ties that will ensure your departure after the period of visit. Thus, other than the evidences already mentioned in the above sections, make sure that you’ve issued…

Mention an affair that would necessitate your return (it can be a board meeting, company event, etc.)

Business registration

Proof of possession of real and personal property (real estate, etc.)

A letter from you, stating any other reasons why you won’t overstay

School enrollment certificate

Approved leave of absence

A letter from you and your parents or legal guardian(s), stating reasons why you won’t overstay (explanation of family situation, your long-term plans in your residence country, etc.)

NOTE: These are NOT absolute, chances are, one proof would already be enough; yet as usual, it helps to overdeliver on evidences. You can always ask the embassy for any other kinds of documents they might want from you to prove your situation.

I understand that some procedures when applying for a visa would require a round trip ticket to be booked and presented — this would already be a proof that you won’t overstay, but I advise that you provide more evidences still since tickets are the most basic affirmation. (Though of course, most embassies nowadays do NOT require you to have round-trip tickets to be booked and presented before/during the application. If you really need to present tickets, it should be enough to show a flight reservation or itinerary).

In case you’re wondering where to look for the best flight deals, my go-to platforms are Momondo, Kayak, and Skyscanner.

TIP: Your passport stamps help in justifying that you are not someone who overstays abroad.

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Overall

I dearly hope that these tips will help you! I wish you all the best of luck!

FINAL NOTE: Even with these pointers, remember to always check with your embassy first. Please also direct any clarifications and follow-ups to your applications to their office, and NOT to me; this is in consideration of the fact that they would always know more about your situation than me. Again: this article is merely a helpful guide for you.

How about you?

Do you have any other tips to share? Or things that I forgot to mention and should include when applying for a visa?

Have you ever been in a difficult situation while applying for a visa? What happened and how did you get over it?

Did you like this article? Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube and be notified about my newest posts and updates!

The post Applying for a Visa? Here Are 4 Important Tips to Get You Approved! appeared first on I am Aileen.

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The Best Travel Insurance Companies for Backpackers

Posted: 6/16/2019 | June 17th, 2019

I’m a backpacker at heart. Even after traveling the world for over a decade, I still love to travel cheap, prioritizing experiences over fancy accommodation and transportation. I still love staying at hostels, meeting locals, and sampling as many local delicacies as I can.

Contrary to popular belief, being a backpacker is not about pinching every penny — it’s about finding value. If you want to have a genuine and authentic trip without breaking the bank you need to spend your money wisely.

And when it comes to backpacking around the world, one of the wisest choices you can make is to purchase travel insurance.

I know, travel insurance seems like just another expense that will chip away at your budget. I used to think that too.

But it also has the potential to save you thousands of dollars should something go wrong on your trip.

And after traveling around the world for the past 10 years, I can confidently tell you this: things will go wrong.

To help you stay safe on your next trip, here is everything you need to know about buying insurance as a backpacker.

Table of Contents

Why Do Backpackers Need Insurance?

What Does Travel Insurance NOT Cover?

The Best Backpacker Insurance Companies

Why Do Backpackers Need Insurance?

The reason you need to buy travel insurance is because accidents happen. Regardless of whether you’re at home or abroad, things go wrong. At home, you likely have access to medical care and reliable medical facilities.

On the road, that isn’t always the case.

While serious injuries are rare, they do happen. And it’s always better to be safe than sorry. But insurance isn’t just for medical emergencies. It also covers a lot of incidents that are much more common than you think!

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect your backpacker insurance to cover:

Medical emergencies (surgery hospitalization fees, medical evacuation)

Flight delays and cancellations

Trip cancellations (due to injury or a death in the family)

Emergency evacuation (due to injury or natural disaster)

Dental emergencies

Lost or stolen baggage

Damaged or stolen gear

Death overseas

While it’s unpleasant to spend time dwelling on these things, the truth is, you need to be prepared for the worst. Hopefully, you’ll never need to use your insurance plan, but if you need to, you want to make sure you have the coverage you need.

I’ve had my bags stolen, I’ve needed to go to the hospital overseas, and I was even stabbed while traveling in South America.

I didn’t plan for any of these things to happen, but when they did, I was glad I had insurance to help me get reimbursed as well as to help me navigate the confusion that comes with having an emergency abroad.

I know, as a backpacker you like to keep costs low. Insurance isn’t free, after all, which makes it seem like a burdensome and unnecessary expense.

But it’s much better to pay a few bucks a day than risk losing your life savings should an emergency occur while you don’t have coverage.

What Does Travel Insurance NOT Cover?

While most travel emergencies and injuries are covered by travel insurance, it’s important to know what is not covered by your plan. Knowledge is power, after all. For reference, most backpacker insurance policies do not cover:

Accidents sustained while participating in extreme adventure activities. These often include hang-gliding, paragliding, or bungee jumping.

Alcohol- and drug-related incidents.

Carelessness or negligence.

Pre-existing conditions or general check-ups.

Stolen cash (unless you pay for a more comprehensive plan)

If civil unrest makes your destination unsafe but your government hasn’t called for an evacuation, you probably won’t qualify for evacuation (unless you have more advanced coverage from a company like Medjet).

Changing your mind about your trip or unfriending or breaking up with your travel partner will disqualify you from trip-cancellation coverage.

Pre-existing medical conditions don’t qualify for most trip cancellation plans unless otherwise stipulated.

If your visa to a destination is refused you won’t be reimbursed if you decide to cancel your trip.

The Best 3 Backpacker Insurance Companies

To help you stay safe on your next trip, here are some suggested companies that provide affordable insurance for backpackers:

1. STA Travel Insurance STA is an online travel agency that is known for their flights and travel packages — but they offer affordable travel insurance too for students as well.

STA sells basic, budget-friendly coverage for students and teachers who travel, with plans starting as low as $99 USD for 1 year. If you’re a student and a budget backpacker who is only looking for the most basic of coverage, STA is the company for you.

Here’s a quick overview of STA Travel Insurance:

Budget-friendly plans

ISIC card benefits in over 125,000 locations

Basic coverage options

Great for students/shoestring backpackers.

Click here to get a quote from STA.

2. Insure My Trip Insure My Trip helps you compare insurance plans and prices so you can purchase the plan that’s best for you and your budget. You can compare plans from almost 30 different insurance providers, with plenty of budget-friendly options available for backpackers.

And they are the go-to company for older backpackers as well since many travel insurance companies won’t cover travelers over 65. Insure My Trip provides comparisons from insurance companies that cover older travelers, making them the best option for retirees and other senior adventurers.

Here’s a quick overview of Insure My Trip:

Guaranteed low prices

Coverage for senior travelers over 65

“Anytime advocates” ask the insurer to give your claim a second look if you think it was unfairly denied.

Click here to get a quote from Insure My Trip

OUR TOP PICK: World Nomads Travel Insurance World Nomads is the absolute best insurance company for budget travelers. I’ve been using them for over a decae and have never been disappointed with their customer service or coverage. Their plans are comprehensive and great for both long-term travelers as well as anyone heading out on a shorter vacation. It’s easy to read (and understand) their policies and see what’s covered — and what isn’t. Best of all, if you want to learn more before you purchase or have questions after you sign up, their customer support is there to help.

World Nomads is perfect for adventurous backpackers who plan to do activities like hiking, kayaking, or even some extreme sports like bungee jumping or rock climbing. With 100 different activities covered, World Nomads is the best choice for the active backpacker.

To help you learn more about World Nomads, here’s a quick overview of their coverage:

Emergency medical and dental coverage

Coverage for trip cancelations, delays, and interruptions

Baggage protection

Emergency evacuation (for medical emergencies and non-medical emergencies such as natural disasters)

Medical transportation

24/7 customer assistance

World Nomads was founded by backpackers so they know exactly what the budget traveler needs in their plan. This is my go-to insurance company and one I’ve been using for years. If it sounds like the company for you, you can use the widget below to get a quote:

(Want to learn more? Check out my comprehensive World Nomads review!)

***

After backpacking around the world for over a decade, I never leave home without travel insurance. I’ve experienced first-hand how helpful it can be. It’s saved me thousands of dollars over the years — as well as countless headaches too.

Not only that, but buying travel insurance provides peace of mind. It gives you and your family a safety net in case things go wrong. Whether you’re island-hopping in Thailand or getting off the beaten path in Eastern Europe, travel insurance will be there when you need it.

Being a backpacker is all about having amazing, memorable travel experiences all without breaking the bank. And there’s no better way to insulate yourself from expensive (and unnecessary) costs than by buying travel insurance.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and that will save you time and money too!

The post The Best Travel Insurance Companies for Backpackers appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

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[worldwidewi]

Health and Wellness on the Road: World Travel Tips for Retirees

Retirement opens up a world of possibilities, including the opportunity to travel and explore new destinations. However, maintaining health and wellness while on the road is crucial, especially for retirees. In this blog post, we will share valuable tips and strategies to help retirees prioritize their well-being and make the most of their world travel adventures.

Plan Ahead for Medical Needs

Before embarking on a world travel journey, it is essential for retirees to assess their medical needs. This includes scheduling check-ups, refilling prescriptions, and researching medical facilities in the destinations they plan to visit. Carrying a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers medical emergencies is also crucial. Being prepared and proactive about medical needs can help alleviate concerns and ensure that retirees have access to necessary care while traveling.

Stay Active and Engage in Physical Activities

Traveling offers numerous opportunities to stay active and engage in physical activities. Retirees can explore cities on foot, go hiking in nature, or participate in local fitness classes. Regular exercise not only contributes to physical health but also promotes mental well-being and overall enjoyment of the travel experience. Incorporating physical activities into the itinerary can provide retirees with a balanced and fulfilling travel experience.

Prioritize Mental Health and Relaxation

World travel can sometimes be overwhelming, so it is important for retirees to prioritize their mental health and relaxation. This may involve incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, into daily routines. Finding moments to unwind, reflect, and rejuvenate can contribute to a more enjoyable and stress-free travel experience. Whether it's exploring peaceful gardens, sitting by the beach, or practicing mindfulness in tranquil surroundings, taking time for mental well-being is essential.

Embrace Local Cuisine and Maintain a Balanced Diet

One of the joys of travel is sampling local cuisine. While indulging in new flavors, retirees should strive to maintain a balanced diet. Prioritizing fresh fruits, vegetables, and local produce can provide essential nutrients while exploring new culinary delights. Staying hydrated is also crucial, especially in warmer climates. By embracing the local cuisine mindfully, retirees can savor unique flavors while ensuring their dietary needs are met.

Get Sufficient Rest and Sleep

home-free retirees world travel tips should recognize the importance of getting sufficient rest and quality sleep while traveling. Jet lag, changing time zones, and the excitement of exploration can disrupt sleep patterns. Establishing a bedtime routine, ensuring comfortable accommodations, and allowing for downtime are crucial elements in maintaining energy levels and overall well-being. Adequate rest and sleep contribute to physical and cognitive functioning, allowing retirees to fully enjoy their travel experiences.

Practice Good Hygiene and Take Precautions

Maintaining good hygiene practices is essential to stay healthy while traveling. Retirees should regularly wash their hands, use hand sanitizers when necessary, and avoid touching their face. It is also important to be cautious with food and water consumption, opting for safe and reputable establishments. In addition, retirees should be aware of any required vaccinations or travel advisories for their chosen destinations and take appropriate precautions.

Stay Connected with Loved Ones

Traveling the world as a retiree can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also lead to feelings of loneliness or homesickness. To prioritize emotional well-being, retirees should stay connected with loved ones. Regular communication through phone calls, video chats, or social media platforms can help maintain a sense of connection and support. Sharing travel experiences and receiving encouragement from family and friends can enhance the overall travel experience.

Seek Local Healthcare Advice, if Needed

In case of health concerns or questions, retirees should not hesitate to seek local healthcare advice. Local medical professionals can provide guidance, recommendations, or assistance when necessary. Retirees can research reputable medical facilities or consult with their travel insurance provider to find appropriate healthcare resources in their travel destinations. Prompt attention to health matters can help prevent or address any potential issues while traveling.

Conclusion

Maintaining health and wellness is essential for retirees embarking on world travel adventures. By planning ahead, staying active, prioritizing mental health, embracing local cuisine, getting sufficient rest, practicing good hygiene, staying connected with loved ones, and seeking local healthcare advice if needed, retirees can enjoy fulfilling and healthy travel experiences around the globe.

[ntrending]

#VanLife isn't as hard as you think. You don't even need a van.

New Post has been published on https://nexcraft.co/vanlife-isnt-as-hard-as-you-think-you-dont-even-need-a-van/

#VanLife isn't as hard as you think. You don't even need a van.

Your coworker keeps talking about how his niece bought a van and took a year off to roam the country. Or maybe you’ve simply seen the #VanLife hashtag pop up in your Instagram feed. Despite appearances, it’s not just millennials who ditch more conventional sleeping arrangements in favor of homes on wheels; families and retirees take to life on the road, too.

You can travel this way even if you don’t own a class D recreational vehicle or a full-size conversion van. The freedom to move to and fro with no set schedule and the chance to save hundreds on everything from hotels to restaurant bills—not to mention to forego sleeping on the ground in a tent—is available to just about anyone with a vehicle and a full tank of gas.

“Having the freedom to pack up and go in the blink of an eye was something that was very important to us,” says Emily Mandagie, co-author of TheMandagies.com, a blog where she and her husband Berty share their outdoor adventures. The duo recently completed a three-week driving tour of Utah’s National Parks, spending most nights bedded down in their Mazda CX-5. “We loved being on the open road to our next destination without having to pack up a campsite,” she says.

To travel like this, all it takes is a little creative outfitting, some preparation, and the willingness to pack light. Here are a few tips for enjoying that #VanLife—without a van.

Living, sleeping, eating, and traveling in your car can get very messy very quickly. To avoid losing your mind, you need to keep things organized.

Mandagie suggests using clear tubs for accessible storage. “This way, when it’s time for bed, you can easily move bins around for a quick transition from driving to sleeping,” she says. Then organize items by use. For example, place clothing in one bin, food and cookware in another, and camping and sleeping gear in a third.

To help keep pests at bay, store dirty clothes in separate bags or bins, and keep meal prep items in an airtight container. Always keep a trash bag or small can within reach to dispose of waste.

Of course, not everything has to go in a plastic box. Use the space under your seat or in the glove box to store useful items, like phone chargers and backup batteries, that you’ll want to have on hand. Mandagie also recommends bringing extra cash and storing it in a safe place, for small-town produce stands, cash-only businesses, and other incidentals you may encounter on the road.

Putting everything in its place will not only help you find everything when you need it. It will also prevent your car from turning into an indiscernible mess of clothing, food, and gear that you’ll have to sort through every night.

Find parking

When you’re spending nights in a car, the first hurdle to overcome is finding where to sleep. Instead of booking hotel rooms or Airbnb accommodations for each night of the trip, catching z’s in your car offers the opportunity to save on one of the costliest fees involved in road travel: accommodation. Plus, it lets you experience the outdoors more spontaneously.

So where does a traveler find a place to park? When you’re in an RV or large van, your only option may be a campground. This is a good choice for anyone who prefers unlimited electricity, water, and amenities like showers and laundry. But it’s not the only place to leave a smaller car overnight.

If you don’t mind roughing it a little, so-called dispersed camping is a great alternative. Also known as freedom camping or boondocking, this method involves parking for free overnight. The location can be anywhere from a Wal-Mart parking lot to a clearing in the woods a mile down a dirt path.

Apps and websites for finding sites like these abound. One useful resource is Freecampsites.net. Another is the Bureau of Land Management site, BLM.gov, because most BLM areas let you camp for free for up to 14 days.

Some big-box stores like Wal-Mart and Camping World also allow travelers to park overnight in their lots. However, this does not always hold true, so ask first to ensure you won’t wake up to a parking ticket.

Wherever you park for the night, make sure to leave no trace. You should take all your waste with you when you go, or at least leave it in designated trash receptacles.

Sleep better

Living and traveling in a car, as opposed to a full van, also gives you slightly less space to stretch out at night. Where a van often has room for a full platform bed or futon setup, complete with under-bed storage, smaller vehicles simply don’t have the headroom. Even if you can’t fit a queen-size mattress in the back, there’s plenty you can do to improve your vehicle’s sleeping conditions.

It starts with the setup. Mandagie says vehicles with back seats that fold forward and lay flat are a veritable must. When you put the seats down, there still might not be enough space to stretch out. Fortunately, you can create extra inches by pushing the front seats forward and stacking appropriately-sized storage bins in the floor space between where the front seats end and the back seats begin. This will offer as much as a foot of extra headroom.

To make this layout more comfortable, pack sleeping bags or blankets, sleep pads or inflatable mattresses, and pillows. Also useful are sleep masks to block out light, earplugs to drown out any background noise, and towels or window reflectors to serve as makeshift curtains. And don’t forget to crack a window or two!

Many converted vans and small motor homes have built-in sinks and hot plates to make dinner prep a breeze. But cooking a meal in a smaller vehicle is nearly as simple. It just requires that you bring along the necessary tools.

Mandagie suggests starting with a backpacking or camping stove (she loves her Jetboil) and compact or stackable cookware and utensils. As for the kitchen sink, pack all your cooking gear in a clear storage bin that can double as a vessel for doing dishes and washing up.

It also helps to plan your meals in advance. Opt for simple one-pot meals that are quick and easy to prepare, such as instant rice or pasta dishes. That way, you conserve fuel and keep clean-up to a minimum.

Mandagie recommends options like pancake mix and egg scrambles for breakfast, peanut butter and jelly tortillas and fresh fruit for lunch, and Cup o’ Noodles and freeze-dried meals for dinner.

When you’re done eating, use natural and biodegradable soap or plain water to clean up. Although you have environmentally-friendly suds, you still should avoid dumping any waste into rivers or streams.

Just because you don’t have a full-size van parked in your driveway doesn’t mean you can’t experience #VanLife. Even for those with more compact vehicles, life (or a couple of days) on the road is within reach.

Written By Alisha McDarris