Friday, June 18, 2010

Sell timeshare - convert to cash

I still remember the time when I shared a timeshare in a holiday resort with few others. After bringing my family to the resort for a nice holiday a few times, all of us got got bored and no longer wanted to use the timeshare anymore. That is money spent on buying the timeshare wasted, down the drain.

How I wished then that I know how to sell a timeshare, we would have converted the unused timeshare which is not only just sitting there wasted but is also causing us unnecessary expenses.

Faced with such a waste plus with the bad economy facing all of us, I would jump at any chance to sell my timeshare for free.

So if you are faced with a similar situation, stuck with an unproductive timeshare, I would suggest you sell time share and convert unused timeshare to cash.

Friday, March 14, 2008

What Middle East countries can do with their oil money

With the oil prices at all time high, the oil-rich Middle East countries will be awash with cash. Now what are they going to do with them? Perhaps a few suggestions:

Invest oil money in real estate properties

Nearly everyone (except for babies of course) knows that land is a fixed commodity. It cannot be created, not unless you are God or you go for land reclamation from the sea. Most will know about the expanding world population and therefore increasing demand for real estate properties. Any 1 cent economist can tell you what happen to prices when demand increases but supply remains fixed or even decrease. It will increase, if not rocket sky high. So I thing the best investment for oil-rich Middle East countries is to invest in real estate properties.

What kind of real estate properties to invest in?

The obvious answer will be to invest in properties that is cheap, popular and therefore easy to sell if you ever need to sell, and of course has a very good prospect of prices increasing. Now I wonder if Nicaragua land is a good bet. That website compares Nicaragua beachfront property with stunning ocean views in Malibu or San Diego 100 years ago at amazingly low prices. Yes, I can imagine. I could have bought those properties at dirt cheap prices and now reaping the fruits of that golden investment. Unfortunately I am only 59 years old, so even if I had been born 100 years ago, I would not have the money to purchase those gems.

But now Nicaragua beach property offers you just that kind of situation if you believe what they have to say. The website says there are hundreds of miles of beaches identical to the California Coastline beside the Pacific Coast and that are why it is one of the fastest growing investment opportunities in real estate today.

Don't like seaside properties? No problem. I understand they have other types of Nicaragua real estate.

How I wish that I am a Middle East oil baron, but still, I have been teaching my sons to choose to be happy and content with what you have. But if you have the means, and I don't think you really need to be a Middle East oil baron to be above all those investment opportunities mentioned above.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Online accommodation booking for Middle East countries

Having a worldwide hotel booking site like Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, Motels and Lodging is a real convenience when searching for accommodation when you travel. If you plan to travel to the Middle East, that site has a section for Middle East Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfast. There are countries listed there - Bahrain, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Republic of Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Syria and United Arab Emirates.

Surprisingly, Egypt, the most interesting country to visit is not listed. There is Luxur where you can find the Temple of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, the Luxor Temple, the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari and the Tomb of Queen Nefertari. In Cairo, there is the Step Pyramid of Djoser. In Giza, there are the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu) and the Great Sphinx. However, although no Egyptian hotels are listed, at Egypt Yoga Retreats, there was listed a United Kingdom travel company, the "Yoga Travel" which organises adventure yoga holidays by the Egyptian pyramids and the Red Sea.

However, I don't believe things there are static, and by the time you surf over there, you may see different things. Egypt being such a tourist attraction, I wouldn't be surprised if accommodations will be listed some day in the future. I do hope you would chance upon this post before 31st December 2008 because with the Special Offer Code, SPC7258603, you can get a saving of $10.00 for reservations over $100.

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Destination Dubai

Destination Dubai
by: Rhiannon Williamson

Dubai is one of the seven states making up the United Arab Emirates and it is located in the Middle East at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa.

Dubai is a city of striking contrasts; it is an exciting destination both for travelers seeking thrills and adventure and for expatriates seeking a healthy employment climate and a tax free lifestyle.

Those expatriates planning on moving to the UAE or who are seeking the latest job opportunities in Dubai are certainly not alone. The population of Dubai is one of the fastest growing in the world and over the past twenty five years it has quadrupled.

Employment prospects in the city rise annually by an average of 8.3% and the increasing availability of quality jobs has attracted record numbers of expatriates to the region. The appeal of Dubai lies in the fact that it is a liberal and moderate emirate and it has attracted major players from every single significant business sector of note because of the tax free trade zones Dubai is famous for. These industry giants from the media, IT, engineering and financial sectors for example can recruit internationally and many offer their staff a tax free salary with attractive relocation benefits on top meaning they attract the best, most dynamic employees from around the world.

The expatriate population in the entire UAE makes up 91.5% of the working population so you can see how popular a destination Dubai is with international executives from around the world. To work in Dubai it is necessary to obtain an employment visa, if you secure a job offer before you fly out your employer will sponsor your visa for you. Alternatively you can travel to the country on a 30 day temporary visa, seek work and as soon as you secure a job offer you can apply for your employment visa.

In terms of those who holiday in Dubai they are divided into a number of categories – you have shopoholics who come for the tax free prices on luxury goods and jewellery, you have those who want an adventure in and around the ancient and fascinating heart of Dubai, you have families keen to hit the theme parks and adventure centres and those who come for the sporting highlights of Dubai such as the world class golf, polo, diving and desert safaris.

Visitors to the city of Dubai require a visa unless they herald from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman or Saudi Arabia. Those visitors who are staying in one of the amazing and luxurious hotels Dubai is famous for will be provided with a visa by the hotel for the duration of their stay. The process to obtain a visa is very simple, in fact most travel agents or hotels will fill in the necessary paper work for you and you can either apply for a 14 day ‘transit visa’ or a 30 day ‘visit visa’ and then enter the country and be free to enjoy your time exploring this dynamic and breathtaking city of contrasts.

About The Author

Rhiannon Williamson is a freelance writer whose articles about living and working abroad have appeared in many major lifestyle publications throughout the world.

You can find more of her articles at:- Shelter Offshore.

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Tour Egypt for Ancient and Exotic Adventures

Tour Egypt for Ancient and Exotic Adventures
by: Chris Robertson

If you've ever dreamed of witnessing the magnificence of the Great Pyramids, standing in awe before the Great Sphinx, or reveling in the treasures found in King Tut's tomb, the magic of Egypt awaits you. You can tour Egypt for an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

Whether you want to cruise the Nile in the style of Cleopatra or visit the Valley of the Kings, a Cairo program tour may be just the thing to fulfill your dreams. If your tastes lean toward adventure travel, a Cairo tour may mark the beginning of a journey that will include, for example, a diving excursion in the Ras Mohammed underwater nature reserve or a trek to a desert Bedouin Camp.

A Cairo museum tour will enchant you with the breathtaking antiquities of ancient Egypt, while retaining the services of a Cairo travel guide will allow you to experience the beauties and mysteries of a city from a local perspective.

If you have an interest in Egypt's ancient Holy Lands, you can travel Cairo and see the Red Sea and visit Old Cairo, where early Judaism and Christianity flourished.

While you're in Cairo, photo travel adventures await. You'll want to bring plenty of film - or extra storage cards for your digital camera - when you visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Saint Serguis Church, the Great Citadel begun by Saladdin, and the Mohamed Ali Mosque, also known as the "Alabaster Mosque."

In Cairo, Egypt, travel can mean entering a time machine and visiting the sites of a wondrous and mysterious civilization, or enjoying very modern activities and amenities such as golf, cruises, and even bowling. You'd be doing yourself a disservice, though, if you didn't learn at least a bit about ancient Egypt before booking a Cairo, Egypt tour.

Some other things to know before you go:

* According to the U.S. State Department, a passport and visa are required to visit Egypt. Although renewable, 30-day tourist visas are available for US$15 upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, if you're arriving overland, you should obtain your visa prior to your arrival in Egypt.

* Egypt has close to 79 million residents, and Egypt's size is approximately three times the size of New Mexico.

* The official language of Egypt is Arabic, although French and English are widely spoken and understood.

* Egypt is bisected by the fertile Nile Valley, which spurs Egypt's economy.

* The currency is the Egyptian pound, and the exchange rate in 2005 was 5.78 Egyptian pounds per U.S. dollar.

Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, with the right tour, Egypt will enchant and engage you, drawing you in to its ancient mysteries.

About The Author

Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. Majon International is one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource web site at: http://www.majon.com

To learn more about subjects like tour Egypt please visit the web site at: http://www.magitour.com

For more information and informative related articles and links about this subject matter and content, please visit Majon's Travel directory: Travel

Friday, July 6, 2007

Are There Any Health Benefits In Using Dead Sea Products?

Are There Any Health Benefits In Using Dead Sea Products?
by: Paul Keene

Firstly, it is important to understand a little about the location of the source. The Dead Sea has a unique climate which has been shown to offer excellent natural treatment for many health problems.

The Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth, over 400 metres below sea level located between Israel and Jordan, the region has a dense air rich in bromine and other elements which filters and limits the ultraviolet B radiation from the sun, reducing the danger of sunburn and allowing longer exposure to the sun's rays. The thick atmospheric pressure is also associated with an increase in oxygen - 5 per cent richer than air at sea level and 10 per cent higher than the air in Jerusalem, only a two hour drive away.

The water in the Dead Sea contains 345 grams of mineral salts per liter and is approximately ten times higher in saline than ocean water and enriched by hydrogen sulfide gas. For this reason no plant or animal can survive in the water and bathers are able to float in the sea. The major salts are magnesium, sodium, potassium and calcium.

The benefits of being in the water are legendary. Calcium clarifies the skin surface and relieves pain

About The Author

Paul Keene has been living in Israel since 1999. His occupation is managing several hotel and travel websites located at Cyber Travel Network

View their website at: Hotels Isreal Jerusalem

paul@cybertravelnetwork.com

Thursday, July 5, 2007

The Red Sea in Egypt for Scuba Diving

The Red Sea in Egypt for Scuba Diving
by: Clint Leung

For many Europeans, traveling to the Red Sea for scuba diving is like many North Americans going to the Caribbean. For a scuba diver based in North America or anywhere else outside of Europe or Africa, a journey to the Red Sea is considered one of the more exotic scuba diving trips. Like other overseas travel, getting to the final destination is the hardest thing. The Red Sea can be dived from ports in both Egypt and Israel but most international scuba divers do so from the Egyptian side. There are two major scuba diving areas in Egypt, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. Sharm El Sheikh at the northern part of the Red Sea is the more established center having been a popular vacation resort area as both Egyptians and Europeans have been vacationing here for many years. The local scuba dive industry grew along with the overall steady growth of classy resorts, shops and other tourist services in Sharm El Sheikh. Hurghada, once just a sleepy fishing village along the west side of the Red Sea, is starting to grow as scuba divers discover this alternative to Sharm El Sheikh.

More than likely, travelers going to either Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada will have to fly to Cairo before connecting with Egypt Air or taking a bus to their final destination. Many scuba divers turn their Red Sea diving trip into a major extended holiday in order to both dive and see the many wonderful ancient Egyptian sites such as the pyramids. There are many things to see and do in Egypt in addition to the ancient ruins including museums, markets and Nile river cruises. So it is highly recommended to do some research and plan accordingly for any trip to Egypt as one would not want to run into the situation where not enough time was allocated to see everything one wants to see there in addition to scuba diving.

Many of the scuba operators in Sharm El Sheikh are affiliated or close by to a hotel resort. Most of the dive shops are actually owned and staffed by Europeans working in Egypt. This is similar to the situation in the Caribbean where many of the scuba operators there are American owned. The Red Sea has a higher salt content than Caribbean waters so it is recommended to add 4 to 5 more pounds to the amount of weight divers usually use. Like most European diving, the scuba community here in Egypt uses the metric system so weights will be in kilos while air pressure will be in bars. Most dive computers should be able to display both metric and imperial systems.

Many scuba operators in Sharm El Sheikh use a very interesting system for scuba tanks. Rather than using their own tanks, their dive boats go to a common central barge anchored in the harbor. This is where all the scuba tanks are supplied from and the dive boats collect the number of tanks they need for day’s dive trips. At the end of the trips, used tanks are dropped off at the same barge before heading back to port.

The majority of the dives in the Red Sea are semi drift dives where the dive boats drop off divers at the dive sites and then pick them up afterwards. One very different aspect of the Red Sea compared to other dive destinations in the world is that the coral reefs here can extend up to very shallow depths. As a result, the standard safety stops at 15 feet are done drifting among many of these sloping reefs along with the accompanying marine life. Therefore, these are some of the most scenic safety stops scuba divers will ever do. This is certainly different from the usual bland safety stop in the Caribbean. One thing to note is that the maximum allowable depth for recreational scuba divers in Egypt is 30 meters which is about 90 feet.

As expected, the marine life in the Red Sea is spectacular. There are many species of fish, crustaceans and marine plant life here that are not found in the Caribbean. In fact, many of them are indigenous to the Red Sea only. While lionfish can be extremely rare sightings elsewhere, they are quite abundant in the Red Sea which is a real treat for scuba divers. It is also not unusual to jump in the water to be among a large school of tuna or other fish. Many night divers will see coral reefs here to be more spectacular than in the Caribbean.

For many scuba divers, the Red Sea is one of those ‘must dive at least once in a lifetime’ destinations. It is a very unique place to dive especially with the desert background visible from the dive boats. The excellent diving with the many awesome sights of Egypt make the Red Sea a dream dive trip for any scuba diver.

About The Author

Clint Leung is a NAUI certified Master and Rescue Scuba Diver. He is also owner of Free Spirit Activewear (Free Spirit Active Wear) , an online retailer/designer specializing in premium quality scuba diving activewear. Free Spirit Activewear has numerous information resource articles on scuba diving as well as free eCards.