Choosing an Asian Travel Destination

Choosing a destination point in Asia for your next vacation means choosing between the following locations: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Cyprus, East Timor, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Yemen. Russia and Turkey are part of Europe and Asia, by the way.

How to choose the right destination spot is the focus of this article.

Where To Begin

There are really so many options here that you must narrow it down quickly or get overwhelmed. Exclude those countries that are at war or have a high level of violence associated with them at the moment. Then, break down the possibilities according to what interests you most. Is it religion, cuisine, architecture, art, crafts, natural phenomenon, history, a particular event, or even a particular animal? Choose a category or come up with your own and then consider further breaking down the chosen category.

Building On An Idea

For instance, an interest in the religions found in Asia could center around Hinduism and a trip focused on visiting the various areas where Hinduism is concentrated. Building on this idea add the category of architecture. Now you can locate and visit the Hindu temples in the regions you have identified. Further add the crafts that are associated with the Hindu religion and you now have something to collect on your trip.

Lets try another one. Start with cuisine. Maybe you love hot, spicy food. What makes food hot and spicy? What if your whole trip centered around chili? Discover which country has the kind of spicy food you love best and not only eat your way through the trip but visit the farms and people where these chili’s are grown and harvested. Build this trip further by learning about the history of the plant and discover whether there are particular tribes, a person or a location connected to the cuisine and worth adding to your trip.

Triggering The Travel Bug

In taking the first steps to plan a trip, you may stumble upon a new idea or path to follow. If a topic tugs at your interest, read up on it and see where it takes you.

Another way to choose an Asian destination is to plan a trip based on a favorite region. Even a trip like this can be overwhelming to plan due to the vast landscape of Asia. Again, break it down once you have chosen a region. What is it about the region that draws you in?

Plan your daily activities around a city, a district, or an idea. What if you were to follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan? What if you have family history in Asia?

One visit is not enough when visiting Asia because its vastness and variety do not fall under one category. Each country, each city, each street corner is filled with something worth traveling to see. Be prepared to return again and again.

Terengganu, Malaysia

Terengganu, Malaysia

Despite the discovery of offshore oilfields, Terengganu with its fine beaches remains a holiday maker’s dream. Terengganu is one of the Malaysian states, which is endowed with a wealth of charming and refreshing natural landscapes. She has beaches, exotic islands, lush virgin tropical jungles, quaint fishing villages, and dazzling waterfalls. Her islands are among the most picturesque and fascinating.

Terengganu’s history goes back to as far as the 1st Century and has long been an important area of Malay settlement. Throughout that time up to the present day, Terengganu has been ruled by 16 Sultans.

Kuala Terengganu

These days, the capital is a hive of activity. Changes have been brought about and is showing marked changes in the skyline. New buildings are replacing the old ones; the general upliftment of the state’s economy brought about by oil and gas has provided an acceleration into industrialization. Yet, the charm of the old world is neither lost nor forgotten. Fishmongers can still be seen haggling over prices of various seafood. It is as if nothing has changed. It was the way of the old days and is still the way of the present day. This can be seen daily on the waterfront.

Terengganu State Mosque

The mosque was built on the estuary of Terengganu river and its intricate design gives viewers the impression that the mosque is actually floating on water. This place of worship is beautifully lit at night and provides a holy landmark for the city.

Marang

A picturesque fishing village that is furnished with tall swaying coconut trees, cool fresh air, an incredible beautiful lagoon, and a fleet of fish trawlers. Any visitor to Marang will be easily captivated by its natural beauty and simple ambience.

Chendering

About 6km south of Kuala Terengganu is “Sutera Semai Centre”. It is Malaysia’s pioneer silk weaving center where visitors can witness different stages of silk manufacturing. Here, visitors can witness the painting of batik designs onto the fabric, thus resulting in beautiful batik shirts, scarves, handkerchiefs, and more.

Kenyir Lake

Located in the interior part of Terengganu, Kenyir Lake is the largest man-made lake in Southeast Asia. Covering an area of 369 sq. km, it is also Malaysia’s largest rock-filled hydroelectric dam. Sharing its border with Kelantan in the west and Pahang in the south, this immense lake also servers as another gateway to Malaysia’s National Park.

Sekayu Waterfalls, Kuala Berang

A favorite retreat for visitors and locals alike, it has seven cascades surrounded by its natural landscape of lush jungle-clad hills, a fruit orchard, a mini zoo, a bird park, a flower garden, and countless species of flora and fauna. Various facilities such as shelters, changing rooms, chalets, and rest-houses have also been provided for visitors’ convenience.

Rantau Abang

About 60km south of Kuala Terengganu, the beach at Rantau Abang is the venue for the annual migration of huge leatherback turtles. Visitors have to lay in wait quietly from midnight to dawn to watch giant leatherback turtles laying eggs. These giant turtles, up to 2.5m in length and sometimes weighing more than 375kg, is indeed a phenomenal sight to behold. From the months of May to September, Rantau Abang is one of only six places in the world visited by these turtles.

On the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia are some of the most beautiful underwater spots in the country. And they are located off Terengganu’s coastline. Among the numerous beaches in Terengganu, visitors should at least visit Redang Island, the Perhentian Islands, and Kapas Island.

Redang Island

Redang Island is a scuba diver’s paradise, which is located 50km from Terengganu. The island is surrounded by crystal clear waters, pearly white shores, a colorful Array of spectacular marine life, a breathtaking sunset, and what could be the world’s most mature coral garden.

Perhentian Islands

Situated 21km off the coast of Terengganu, Perhentian Islands consist of two islands: Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil, which are both tropical paradises.

Kapas Island

A long kept secret by lovers of the underwater world, this island offers many secluded areas, which are unspoiled and quiet.

London – the Contradicting City

Discovering London and making it your own can be a bit of a challenge. Daniel Defoe wrote about London “stretched out in buildings, straggling, confused, out of all shape, incompact and unequal; neither long nor broad, round nor square.” The actual City of London proper is 1 square mile. All of the gargantuan rest of the city is made up of separate villages, boroughs, and corporations each having its own mayor and administration. Together, however, they add up to a mammoth metropolis.

The core of London is one of the most fascinating places on earth. With every step, one can feel the tremendous influence this city once exerted over global culture when it had an empire on which the sun never set. London is a mass of contradictions. On the one hand, it’s a decidedly royal city, studded with palaces, court gardens, coats of arms, and other regal paraphernalia, yet it is also the home of the world’s second-oldest parliamentary democracy.

London manages to retain its charming English traditions within the world of a modern cosmopolitan city. One can enjoy afternoon tea with cucumber sandwiches, or relish a ploughman’s lunch at one of the friendly neighborhood pubs where Londoners gather with friends to watch soccer and drink ale. Also savor the pungent flavors of cuisine from India, Malaysia, China, the Caribbean, Africa, or the Mediterranean. Over a third of London’s population is immigrants; the benefits of this diversity are evident in the distinctive, exuberant neighborhoods of Soho, Mayfair, Marylebone, Piccadilly Circus, Bloomsbury, Knightsbridge, Kensington, Chelsea, Notting Hill, and Bayswater.

London’s size, vast crowds, and hectic pace add to the exhilarating energy of the city. Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, The National Gallery, Kensington Gardens, and Harrods department store, the Royal Opera House all these enchanting sites are worth a visit. The dazzling civic landmarks, Roman ruins, baroque churches, quiet squares, narrow alleyways, and perfectly manicured parks make London the walker’s paradise. However, London’s greatest treasure is perhaps its unparalleled theater scene. From the Royal Shakespeare Company to recent Broadway hits and avant-garde pieces, the fine productions offered continue the most distinguished and innovative thespian tradition in the world. In addition to the high quality of the shows, discount tickets are almost always available at one of the many entertainment outlets around town.

London is a year-round tourist centre, with few of its attractions closing or significantly reducing their opening hours in winter. The best chance of good weather is, of course, at the height of summer in July and August, but there’s certainly no guarantee of sun even in those months – plus it’s when you can expect the biggest crowds and highest prices.

The outward shapes of London may alter and the inner spirit may be warmer, the base-rocks of London’s character and tradition remain the same. Deep down, Britons have a sense of the continuity of history. Even in the modern metropolis, some things rarely change. The British bobby is alive and well. The tall, red, double-decker buses still lumber from stop to stop. Teatime is still a hallowed part of the day.. Then there’s that greatest living link with the past—the Royal Family. The Changing of the Guard, at Buckingham Palace and at Whitehall, is one of the greatest free shows in the world for any tourist.

Kuala Lumpar the Centre of the Federal Government

Kuala Lumpur is situated midway along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, at the confluence of the Gombek and Klang rivers. It is approximately 35 km from the coast and sits at the centre of the Peninsula’s. It is easily the largest city in the nation. Kuala Lumpur, or KL as it is commonly known, is the focal point of new Malaysia. The city had its share of set backs before it evolved into one of Asias richest capitals.

KL is at heart an earthy place, where people sit around the kedai kopi coffee house and talk about religion food and business. It is also the centre of the federal government. It is one of the most fascinating cities in South east Asia.

The patriotic locals are out in force on 31 August, the anniversary of Malaysian independence, KL’s proudest moment as the Union Jack slid down and the new Malaysian flag was hoisted above the capital.

The city is known for having the best night life in Malaysia. The people of the city love going out at night and tourists who enjoy having fun after dark should follow their lead. The city is full of pubs night clubs and discos that stay open very late. The night areas include the Golden Triangle Area of Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bangsar Baru and Sri Hartamas, outside of the city’s centre.

The night markets scattered around the city are crowded and atmospheric, buzzing with the sounds of haggling and portable stereos pouring out Asian pop. When it is time to move on to indoor entertainment, the Golden Triangle and Bangsar areas are the places to head for dancing and bars.

The main attraction of china town is “Petaling Street”, which is the one of the most favourite tourist destination. There you can get the duplicate and copies of the top brands of the world, and the best thing is that the duplicate and copy is so true like a original brand. You will get the Top Most brands like, Christian Dior Gucci Esprit and D&G.

A view from the Sky Bridge at the 41st floor of Petronas Tower is not to be missed when you are in this city. There are 82 floors in the Towers and viewing is allowed only from the 41st floor. There are actually 2 levels in the Sky Bridge. However the 2nd level is used to commute between the 2 towers and is open only to authorised personnel.

An Introduction to the Best Beaches in Asia

Fine golden sand and crystal clear water; a perfect picture for a peaceful day, full of solitude or romance. For many, combining this is the ultimate in enjoyment. Add water to the mix for those with families, and the peace so hard to come by at home is assured as the children swim in the ocean or build sand castles, leaving parents alone to talk quietly while the children cavort. It’s hard to find this tranquil atmosphere at a beach, there are simply too many. The developed, commercialized beaches tend to lose their charm, so to beaches with a towel spread and an umbrella pitched at every few steps.

This is exactly what makes beaches in Asia more desirable than the overcrowded resort paradises advertised so heavily. The potential to stroll along pristine sand with no one around is a vision hard to let go of, and there are many beaches in Asia that allow this vision to come to light, and interestingly, there is no off season if you want a trip to Asia, there is a getaway spot for you in Thailand and Malaysia from November to February and there is no better time to visit Bali than June to August. The water is still unpolluted, clear blue, the landscape still beautiful and lush, but the chance of having a beach to yourself, or at least with much fewer interlopers on your personal paradise is much higher. This does not mean that there isn’t many hotels in Asia that are located near the amazing beaches.

To top things off, beaches in Asia give a sensation of a tropical island; complete with brightly colored parrots flying through the air, and monkeys chattering in the trees and swinging from branch to branch. Diving into the clear blue water of a lagoon is a depiction seen often in movies; the reality of actually doing so is attainable here, letting you live out fantasies uninterrupted by hoards of people milling about. Further fuelling this dream is the possibility of staying in a bungalow close to the water’s edge, or walking through lush vegetation to reach your destination.

The other side of the picture offers an Array of shopping and dining experiences unique to the area. An added plus to Asian beaches is the opportunity to immerse in a different culture. Learning the history of the area with local tour guides, or exploring by yourself and letting the ebb and flow of the lives around you soak into your being. The serenity found cannot be beat, even by other areas sensationalized for their tranquillity.

Must see attractions in Malaysia – Part 5

Redang Island A Divers Paradise

Redang Island is located in the South China Sea. It lies just off the coast of Terengganu, Malaysia and is considered one of the most spectacular dive locations in Malaysia. The island 45 kilometers north-northeast of the state capital of Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, and approximately 22 kilometers from the Merang Jetty, which is the main boarding point for visitors to the island

Visitors to Redang Island will board at the Merang Jetty for a 45-minute boat ride.

Upon arrival at Redang Island, visitor will be overwhelmed with the reception they receive. Crystal clear water and white sandy beaches are in abundance at Redang Island.

There are currently 17 resorts operating on Redang Island ranging from budget accommodations such as beach huts and chalets, to four-star hotels. Most of these resorts are located on the two main beaches at Teluk Kalong and Pasir Panjang on the eastern coast of the Island.

Redang Island is rich with diverse marine life in the surrounding waters. 80% of the species found in the “coral triangle”, an area bounded by Indonesia, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. This “coral triangle” is known to have the highest number of marine species in the world.

Divers can select from a wide range of diving experiences at Redang Island. From Beach Dives, Shallow Water Dives and challenging Deep Dives, the diving sites are near the islands and easily accessible by speedboat. Dive centers can be found at most resorts and most dive centers offer PADI/NAUI certified courses.

There are three dive sites towards the north of the Island. Tanjung Tokong and Tunnel Point are the most popular of the northern sites. They offer divers abundant marine life with a maximum depth of 30 meters. Tanjung Lang, the least popular, has a maximum depth of 18 meters. The northern sites are the most popular sites among divers and are also the healthiest in Redang. They are located away from most of the resorts and in close proximity to the protected beach Chagar Hutang, which hosts SEATRU’s conservation efforts.

Pasir Panjang is a popular dive and snorkeling site. The beach is easily accessible and the house-reefs are good for snorkeling, beach dives and also discovery dives. Other popular snorkelling locations not far from Pasir Panjang are Pulau Paku Besar and Pulau Paku Kecil. These are popular snorkeling locations but have enough marine life to keep divers happy too.

In the vicinity of Teluk Kalong, Cina Terjun has become a photographer’s heaven. The sandy bottom at Cina Terjun is home to stingrays and scorpion fish and stone fish nestled amongst the reefs. Divers are almost certain to encounter eels and lion fish at this location. This spot offers divers an excellent location for day or night dives with a maximum depth of 18 meters.

The southern dive sites are among the most popular in Redang. Terumbu Kili is a rocky outcrop that appears above the water and slopes down to a sandy bottom at approximately 20 meters deep. It is one of the top dive sites in Redang. Pulau Ling and Batu Chipor were once the most popular dive sites in Redang. It still offers divers a rich biodiversity in marine life but both these sites are less visited due to the increasing traffic of large boats surrounding the area. Another popular dive site on the southern side of Redang is Pulau Ekor Tebu.

With the rich diversity of the marine life at Redang, the island has grown into one of the top dive sites in the world. Visitors to Redang Island can expect to have an enjoyable time whether they are there for relaxation or for adventure.

Thean Hou Temple

 

Located on a hilltop overlooking the Federal Highway, the Thean Hou Temple is dedicated to the Heavenly Mother, referred to as Tian Hou in Chinese. The temple was completed in 1987, but officially opened in 1989. The Thean Hou Temple doesn’t belong to a single religion or doctrine; instead, it’s a place of worship for Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

 

The temple’s impressive structure showcases the ability for modern architectural techniques to exist in harmony with authentic traditional designs of such temples. The elaborate carvings, massive columns, magnificent roofs and complex ornamenting seen in the temple has made it a sought-after tourist site. The front entrance is multi-arched, housing red pillars. Red is believed to be the color of good fortune and prosperity. The Thean Hou Temple’s first level houses several souvenir stalls and a snack outlet. Level two contains the temple’s multi-purpose hall and level three is reserved for the temple administration offices. The fourth level is three-tiered and the prayer hall is located here.

 

The Thean Hou Temple has three altars inside its prayer hall, one per deity or goddess. The right-side altar is dedicated to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. The central altar pays tribute to Tian Hou, while the the Goddess of the Waterfront, Shui Wei Sheng Niang, stands on the left. Two pairs of Kau Cim oracles are placed between the altars, which can be used by the visitors. Although the temple is dedicated to Tian Hou, there are many areas dedicated to worshiping Guan Yin as well. Additional to the prayer hall altar, there’s a small statue of Guan Yin located on the right side of the hall, amidst a small waterfall and rocks. The falling water is considered as holy and received as a blessing from the goddess. A large statue of the goddess is found at the temple entrance grounds.

 

The temple also includes a Chinese Medicinal Herbs Garden, Wishing Well and a Tortoise Pond. Opposite the temple grounds, you’ll fine a collection of deities, representing the twelve animals in Chines astrology. Fortune telling, marriage registration services, tai-chi, wushu, qigong and traditional Chinese exercise activities are also available at the Thean Hou Temple.

 

Malaysia is a hot tourist destination and the only thing preventing some intrigued travelers from going there is the high cost on accommodation. Now there’s an alternative – the discount hotel. Kuala Lumpur is massive and interesting, with both history and the present offering so much to see and do. Stay at the Citrus Hotel Kuala Lumpur if you’d like to save a bit more for your tours and activities while in the city.

 

The World’s Top Retirement Havens in 2007

The World’s Top Retirement Havens in 2007

By Laura Sheridan

Whether your retirement is fast approaching or just something you find yourself often dreaming about, you’ve probably imagined spending it in some far-flung tropical haven. But moving to a country that you know little about is a lot of hassle, right? It’s probably not worth the time and effort, you think. Besides, all your family and friends are here.

Take it from us: it’s worth it. If you look beyond your own shores you’ll find that many countries around the world offer far greater benefits and advantages for retirees than those offered at home.

One of the simplest ways to improve your retirement lifestyle is to choose the retirement destination offering you more of what you want at the best price. It’s a question of priorities. What’s important to you? Is cost of living Number One on your priority list?

Maybe for you weather is the key consideration.

Are your must-haves telecommunications and infrastructure? Proximity to the States and Canada may also be a factor.

Maybe you aren’t anywhere close to retirement. Nevertheless, it’s important to think about and plan for your future. Like every phase in your life, you’ll be surprised how fast retirement creeps up on you.

That’s why, once a year, in our Global Retirement Index, we look closely, specifically, at the best opportunities worldwide for retirement living. Where will the pensioner’s dollars go furthest? Which country is the safest? Where is the health care best? We give top priority to those things that matter most to anyone planning for retirement, including programs of special benefits for retirees (tax breaks, discounts, and freebies, for example, that various governments proffer to residents, sometimes specifically to foreign residents in an effort to attract investment and retirement dollars).

We can show you the opportunities and possibilities, the winners of our top retirement countries, but it’s up to you to decide what your main priorities are before you find your ideal retirement haven. The aim of our Index is to give you a good starting guide.

Mexico-our new winner

Moving up four places to take our top spot as the world’s top retirement haven this year is Mexico. Mexico offers the perfect mix of centuries-old traditions and contemporary lifestyles. Moving to Mexico means you can still have all of the amenities you grew accustomed to north of the border: cable TV, high-speed Internet, and modern home appliances. And if you prefer, when you move to Mexico you can even bring all of your favorite things with you without paying import taxes.

Goods and services cost less, so you can afford the kinds of luxuries only the very wealthy enjoy up north: a maid, a cook, and a gardener for example. In your retirement here, you’ll have time to volunteer at the local school, time to golf in the mornings, time to relax on the beach…time to savor life.

Whether your vision of the ideal retirement involves shopping, fishing, sunbathing, diving, biking, mountain climbing, parasailing, collecting crafts, visiting archeological sites, partying, going to concerts, attending the theater, or fine dining, in Mexico you can engage in all of these activities, and many more.

How our Global Retirement Index is scored

* Real estate. Countries where real estate prices are low and the purchase of real estate is relatively easy receive the highest scores. We use our own experiences plus reports from our contributing editors and real estate contacts around the world to rate each country. Weight: 15%

* Entertainment, Recreation, and Culture. This category considers the number of newspapers per 1,000 citizens, the number of museums and cinemas per capita, the number of university students, the literacy rate, and the variety of cultural and recreational offerings. Weight: 10%

* Cost of living. This score is based on statistics from the Indexes of Living Costs Abroad, Quarter Allowances, and Hardship Differentials, published by the United States Department of State, and on data published by Business International. We also use our firsthand experiences living and traveling in these countries. The lower the score, the higher the cost of living. Weight: 20%

* Safety and stability. This measure of unrest in each country is based primarily on Interpol data and State Department statistics. It also takes into account the civil liberties and political rights granted by each government. Our own experiences and reports from expatriates living in these countries also influence the safety scores. Weight: 5%

* Health care. Considered in this category are the cost of a typical visit to a general practitioner and the cost and coverage particulars of health insurance. Weight: 20%

* Climate. Countries with temperate weather throughout the year, moderate rain fall, and little risk of natural disaster come out on top in this category. We use data representing each country as a whole instead of favoring one region over another. Weight: 5%

* Special benefits. This category considers government provisions that make moving to and living in each country easier and more affordable for foreigners. Taken into account are property rights for foreign residents, property tax rates, duty-free imports on personal belongings, currency controls, employment restrictions, voting rights, and transportation discounts for seniors. Weight: 20%

* Infrastructure. This section considers the number of cars and telephones per 1,000 residents, the length of railroad track in usable condition, the number of airports, the quality of the country’s road and highway network, and the availability of telecommunications. Weight: 5%

If health care is a concern, you should know that in much of Mexico the health care is first rate. Private clinics and hospitals are staffed by expert physicians (many of whom trained in the U.S., Europe, or in Mexico’s own world-renowned teaching hospitals), and medical care and prescription drugs will cost you only a fraction of what you would pay in the States. In our Index, Mexico scores 79 out of a possible 100 points in this category.

Mexico is such a diverse nation that everybody can find exactly what they want. You don’t have to choose between water or mountains; here you can have both. And because of geographic diversity, you can also choose the climate to enjoy during your Mexican retirement: from hot and dry in the north, to hot and humid in the south, to spring-like temperatures all year round in the Colonial Highlands.

You can also own the home of your dreams in Mexico-for much less than it would cost you most anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. The real estate market offers endless possibilities for your retirement. Mexico receives a high score of 84 in our Real Estate category. Despite what you may have heard, it’s not too late to buy real estate here.

You can own beachfront-not just ocean view property-in Mexico for less than $100,000.

Once you decide to move to Mexico, it’s difficult to know where to go-it’s a big country. Below are the 10 places we think make the most sense for expatriate living in this country, based on criteria such as health care, climate, infrastructure, and housing costs. These are places our husband-and-wife team in Mexico, Dan Prescher and Suzan Haskins, have personally scouted and personally recommend above other options in this great big country. They are: Rosarito Beach, Puerto Vallarta, Quer?ro, Mazatlan, M?da, La Paz, Campeche, Playa del Carmen/Riviera Maya, Ajijic/Chapala, and Sayulita/San Pancho (San Francisco). Of course, we’re not forgetting San Miguel de Allende, one of Dan and Suzan’s favorite places in Mexico. Suzan recently reported of this town: “San Miguel is one of the prettiest towns in all of Mexico. Stepping into San Miguel’s Centro is like stepping back in time…but with all of today’s modern conveniences.”

In second place…

Ecuador

Ecuador always does well in our Retirement Index, but this year it moves from 10th position last year to take second place this year. If you retire in Ecuador, every clich?ou’ve heard about living large on little money-about settling into the lap of luxury on even a pensioner’s budget-is true. Ecuador gets 85 points in our Cost of Living category, making it one of the world’s cheapest places to live. Take $250 out of the ATM Monday morning and your expenses are covered for the week. In fact, we ranked Ecuador as the world’s best retirement haven in 1999, after it weathered the earlier economic, political, and natural problems of the previous two years, and went on to prosper.

Of course, low prices alone do not make for an ideal retirement or investment destination. There are plenty of places the world over where you can buy cheap land, but where you wouldn’t want to live; not so in Ecuador.

It’s hard to pinpoint the best reason for retiring to Ecuador, but one thing’s for sure: this is an affordable-and beautiful-retirement destination. Ecuador also offers a high quality of life. This is no isolated backwater. It’s a land of opportunity, where a middle class is forming. After waking from a long economic slumber, Ecuador is preparing to join the global economy.

Retirees aged 65 or older have an extra incentive to consider Ecuador: airfares to North America and Europe are half-price on several airlines; all in-country transportation costs are 50% lower, and big discounts apply to a variety of other expenses such as taxes, utilities, and entertainment.

And remember: Ecuador is one place where the U.S. dollar is not losing value, which makes an Ecuadorian retirement especially appealing. Following the late-1990s’ debt default, Ecuador decided to adopt the U.S. dollar as its official currency, which eliminates currency risk. Inflation is less than 3% and most economic indicators are positive.

Top for Europe

Italy comes third in our Index this year with high scores across the board. It’s difficult to figure out whereabouts in Italy you picture yourself living-there is probably more beauty per square mile here than in any other corner of Europe. It’s no simple matter to hit on the ideal location, even if you know for sure that you prefer big city life to the tranquility of the countryside. Right now, International Living recommends two places: Umbria in central Italy, and Calabria-situated in the toe of Italy.

“The green heart of Italy,” Umbria is just as alluring as its more famous next-door neighbor, Tuscany. With expats seeking farmhouses and other rural properties, prices are catching up fast. Although Umbria doesn’t possess a coastline, everywhere you look you’ll see rumpled hills crowned with fortified towns and higgledly-piggledly villages. From certain vantage points, you can see several hill towns at a time.

Many parts of the province are within an hour’s drive of Florence or Siena. Towns like Assisi, Todi, Spoleto, Orvieto, and Norcia are every bit as beautiful and as historic as any small town in Tuscany.

To give you an idea of property prices in the region, in Monteleone d’Orvieto, there’s a 968-square-foot apartment in need of restoration. Selling for $85,000, it has two bedrooms and one bathroom, plus a ready-made vegetable garden. There’s another apartment in the same town that’s habitable: 807 square feet, two bedrooms, and one bathroom. Price: $100,000.

Calabria’s shores are lapped by the Tyrrhenian Sea on the west, and the Ionian Sea on the east. What about property prices here? In the Calabrian seaside town of Scalea, an attractive second-floor apartment of 430 square feet is selling for $50,000.

Why Panama fell from glory?

Panama won our Retirement Index for six years in a row. But, it’s fallen from the top spot in 2007 and is now in fourth place. Why? Panama still has the same great retiree benefits…this hasn’t changed since last year (see the sidebar on retiree benefits on page XX). Still, unless you have a verifiable pension or pockets deep enough to afford a $40,000 investment in a forestry project or a $200,000 investment in real estate or a government bank CD, it can be difficult to get a resident visa in Panama. Since the government of Panama recently put a 30-day limit on its tourist visa, it has become more difficult for anyone seeking to rent a home or apartment and stay in the country for any length of time.

And it’s true that this country’s popularity has driven up real estate prices. Once plentiful real estate bargains-from $100,000 apartments in Panama City to $40,000 lots in Boquete-are getting harder to find.

Panama still has much to offer, though. Whether you’re enticed by the friendly people or the tropical climate, Panama is a great retirement destination (remember, it’s still in our top 5).

We don’t have print space here to talk about every country in our Index, but you can access information on all countries featured here at our website. In the search engine, type in the name of the country of interest to you to find out more.

NEED TO KNOW

Countries with special retiree benefits

Mexico

If you’ve considered retiring to Mexico, you now have another good reason-foreigners who hold a valid residence visa for Mexico can now take part in Mexico’s senior citizens’ benefits program.

The program, for adults aged 60 and over, offers discounts on a wide range of services. These include discounts on health-related services (hospitals, doctors’ visits, lab tests, medical devices, pharmacies, and dental work); cultural activities like theater tickets and entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites; travel-related costs, including airline tickets, buses, car rentals and purchase, and hotel accommodation. Discounts can range up to 50% off the full price of the good or service. Non-Mexicans who wish to take part in the program must go to a local office of INAPAM (Instituto Nacional de las Personas Adultas Mayores) to request a membership card. See: http://www.inapam.gob.mx/DirecINAPAM07.pdf for more information (in Spanish).

Malaysia

Three years ago, the government of Malaysia launched “Malaysia-My Second Home” (MM2H), replacing the former “Silver Hair” program introduced in 1987. MM2H provides incentives for foreigners, particularly retirees, to live permanently in this country. Successful applicants initially receive what is, in effect, a five-year visa with unlimited entry/exit privileges. There is no minimum annual residence requirement. After the first five years, you can apply for permanent residency. While you’re not guaranteed it will be granted, you can expect automatic renewal of your original visa if you continue to meet its conditions. Within six months of approval, MM2H residents may bring in household effects duty-free, and import or purchase one vehicle locally, tax free. Savings on auto taxes can amount to thousands of dollars on expensive models. Other benefits include exemption from Malaysian income tax on pension and other income remitted into the country, plus that on the interest from any fixed deposit made under the MM2H program (a savings of about 29%).

In addition, residents may purchase up to two properties with a value of not less than $40,000 each. Banks may advance up to 60%. For information on cost of living and many other useful topics, including domestic help, see www.mm2h.com. Registration at that website will also bring you updates on MM2H.

Panama

If you can document a minimum monthly pension of $500 (plus another $100 per dependent), you are eligible for a long list of perks in Panama, including: Import duty exemption for household goods; tax exemption to import a new car every two years; 50% off entertainment anywhere in the country (movies, theaters, concerts, sporting events); 30% off in-country bus, boat, and train fares; 25% off in-country airline tickets; 50% off hotel stays Monday through Thursday; 15% off hospital bills (if no insurance applies); 10% off prescription medicines; 20% off medical consultations; 50% reduction in closing costs for home loans; 25% discounts on utility bills…and many more.

Ireland

If Ireland is your choice as a retirement haven, you can take advantage of the many retirement incentives this country has to offer, including free health care, free public transportation, a fuel allowance, and significant discounts on hotel and electricity bills. You’re even allowed to vote in local elections.

Belize

Expats can apply for status as a Qualified Retired Person (QRP), and, with that status, you can avoid Belizean income tax and also import your household goods tax-free up to a total exemption amount of $15,000. You can also bring in a vehicle (a car, light aircraft, or boat) tax-free. In fact, every five years you can import a new vehicle, tax-free.

10 Travel Adventures That Wont Break The Bank

Dreaming of taking a Big Trip in 2007? Finances a bit tight? Well, take a look at the following destinations.VietnamFor the ultimate traffic tale to tell the folks back home, head for Hanois old quarter. Any attempt to cross the road turns into a heart-racing adventure. Not only are you contending with psycho-cyclos (rickshaw bicycles), there are thousands of motorbikes and scooters whose riders regard a red traffic signal as a suggestion rather than an instruction. Best place to experience the utter chaos is from within a cyclo rickshaw.The southernmost of the Baltic States, visitors usually couple Lithuania together with Latvia and Estonia. However, you can easily spend a week in Lithuania alone. Quirky cities like Vilnius and Kaunas are steeped in art, music and historical curiosities…mushroom-scented woods and farmers riding on haycarts…mysterious sites steeped in pagan traditionsthe windswept sands of the Curonian Spit where you can beach-comb for amber.Granada, NicaraguaGoa, Southern IndiaIncluding four beers, two people can eat in a beach shack for under $10. And if you want to cut your expenses to the bone, theres accommodation in simple beach chalets for as little as $8 a night.Famed for its port wine lodges (yes, they do offer free samples), Porto is Portugals second city. An historic Atlantic trading port, its warren of laundry-hung alleys plunges down to a waterfront of boats, nets and fish restaurants. Sheets of cod (bacalhau) hang outside grocery stores with original art nouveau tiled facades; the church of Sao Francisco has a gold leaf interior that would make King Midas salivate. Dont miss the Bolhau food market or the Torre dos Clerigos, Portugals highest belfry tower. From the top, youll get great views over the jumbled cityscape of churches, bridges and red-roofed houses.MontenegroNow paint in monasteries slotted into mountain crevices and fishing villages of red-tiled roofs and deep-green shutters. Roman mosaics…olive groves…water-lilied lakes…deep canyons and the mighty Boka Kotorska, Europes southernmost fjord…the border town of Ulcinj with its minarets and tales of pirate slave-trading.The Alps? Theres no denying that Switzerland is one of the most scenically gorgeous countries on earth. But unless youre armed with an expense account, I can promise you that exploring its mountains, lakes and medieval towns will wreak havoc on your finances.Penang, MalaysiaWith a distinct Chinese flavor, one of Malaysias star turns is Georgetown, capital of Penang island. You come across snake temples, arcaded shophouses and tiny workshops specializing in mahjong tiles and dice; kong-teik craftsmen who make funerary paper artifacts; fish getting dried like laundry in the open air. On the Weld Quay waterfront, around 2,000 fishing families live in rickety wooden dwellings on the Clan Quay jetties.On the Greek island of Crete, Chania is one town that it would be criminal to miss. Cretes former capital, its history goes back 5,000 years. In the Old Towns skinny alleyways youll find icon workshops…lyres hanging in dusty musical instrument repair-shops…bursts of white jasmine cascading from archways…cats snoozing on balconies…the unlikely sights of a pencil-thin minaret above church towers and a mosque squatting on the waterfront.Bohemia, the Czech RepublicMany towns have stoupas…lofty “plague pillars” adorned with chained devils. They commemorate deliverance from the plagues, which swept Europe during the Middle Ages. Then theres Karlovy Vary, the oldest of Bohemias grand spa towns. With spa water bubbling up all over town which visitors can collect for free, its a gorgeous place of baroque buildings in sugar-plum colors, flowery parks, and shops glittering with Bohemian crystal.

Good Things to Know About Singapore

Singapore is the perfect destination for tourists in search of relaxation, peace and quiet. The diamond-shaped island of Singapore is a magnificent oasis of exotic vegetation, consisting of various magnificent species of plants. The beauty of the botanical gardens and parks found in Singapore is renown all over the world. One of the most treasured Singapore places of interest is the National Orchid Garden, which contains an impressive collection of more than 3000 species of orchids, some of them growing only on this particular island.

Situated in the Southeastern region of the Asian continent, Singapore is a very important center for trade and tourism. Singapore communicates with Malaysia through a set of bridges, while the access to the neighboring islands of the Indonesian archipelago is facilitated by the presence of many ferry ports along the coastal regions, ferry boats providing a quick means of transportation by sea. A major center for tourism, Singapore also has an extended and modern network of airlines, facilitating the tourists’ access on the island by air.

The vast, beautiful beaches found on the island are a major Singapore attraction. The tropical climate of Singapore renders the island the best destination for people in search for a memorable vacation by the beach. The beaches of Singapore are packed with tourists over the entire duration of the year, as the island preserves its warm climate regardless of season. The only impediment for tourists who enjoy sunbathing and swimming is tropical rain, which wets the surface of the island in brief, sporadic showers. However, the good news is that rain predominantly falls in autumn and winter, more rarely showering the island of Singapore during spring and summer.

A very famous Singapore place of interest is the world’s first open zoo, which shelters a wide range of species characteristic to various geographical regions. The zoological garden found in Singapore is a major attraction for tourists, allowing visitors to closely observe the various animal species sheltered by the island. Unlike conventional zoos, the zoological garden in Singapore doesn’t confine animals inside cages. The simulated environments and landscapes themselves separate the species that grow here, while additional man-made barriers prevent visitors from getting too near from the animals.

Apart from these common attractions, the ancient cultural and religious monuments found on the island are also major reasons for you to visit Singapore. Additional Singapore places of interest such as Thian Hock Keng temple, the shrines built in honor of Ma Po Cho – the Mother of the Heavenly Sages and the abundance of other religious monuments and statues render the island of Singapore an appropriate destination for tourists in search for mystical places. Whether you decide to visit Singapore for its sunny beaches, the splendor of its gardens or the intriguing ancient Oriental worship sites found on the island, a vacation in this region of the world is definitely a unique and unforgettable experience!

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