Buying Holiday Properties Off Season For Bigger Discounts

During the monsoon season in Southeast Asia, it rains almost every day. The hotels are empty, the beaches are bare and only a few people can be found in the restaurants around town. During off season is a great time to buy island properties because developers will offer bigger discounts.

Now, while in low season here in Phuket, Thailand is no different. Locals like the quiet season as a time to relax and recharge before the next high season. The real estate market is quiet like every other business. Developers are hungry to make a sale if they are overextended on their loans and are willing to take a discount to move a property or properties are aren’t selling well.

During high season, you’re hard pressed to find a hotel or a guesthouse that isn’t full in Phuket. Tourists are in the streets, many bars, shops and cafes around the island. The roads are congested with cars, busses and tuk-tuks taking people here and there. Developers have plenty of customers knocking at their doors looking to buy properties.

Depending on what time of year, most local Thai and foreign property owners will take an increase in property prices at the end of the year. There is a nice shoulder season starting in October thru November where the chance of rain is a lot less and the weather is still very nice. It’s a great time of the year to Visit the Island because the big crowds haven’t starting coming yet and room rates are still generally low.

This shoulder season is a great time to visit the island and look at properties to purchase. You’re a new arrival for high season but on last year’s prices. This is a great time to buy a property before new price increases are out.

Most other businesses like cement, concrete, steel, labor and other industries also increase after New Years so it’s very natural to raise the prices on finished houses, lots or apartments in Phuket after the New Year. Property values usually get a new assessment at the New Year also.

Phuket, Thailand property market isn’t the one area that does price increasing at New Years. I am told this has been a Chinese tradition that gone on for centuries. With the passing of every New Year, Chinese like to increase what they have by taking a small increase in prices. Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore Hong Kong and even the Philippines like to take New Years increases.

Buying before contractors and developers are looking at new increases is a good way to purchase. If a property holder is selling a real estate property they will be less likely to take a discount when they are faced with higher costs on all other fronts. Buying just coming out of the low season is smart investing for the property investor big or small. Visiting Phuket during Shoulder season is a great time to visit and a wonderful time to invest in your dream property.

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Both new and experienced cruisers will enjoy the luxurious and extraordinary amenities which are available onboard a Royal Caribbean Cruise. All of Royal Caribbean’s ships have a variety of restaurants, bars, casinos and scheduled evening entertainment as well as a whole host of the expected daytime amenities such as pools, spas and fitness centres.

What makes Royal Caribbean Cruises stand out from its competitors are the additional exciting amenities for children and the more adventurous which include ice skating, a rock climbing wall and a Surfinder!

Royal Caribbean Cruises also have Adventure Hosts who are there to ensure your cruise lives up to your every expectation and more.

A five night ‘Spice of Southeast Asia’ cruise on the ship ‘The Legend of the Sea’ departs from Singapore and includes onboard accommodation, the majority of meals, some drinks and most of the onboard entertainment. This exotic cruise takes in a wide variety of spectacular sights and fantastic opportunities for duty free shopping.

This cruise is also sold to guests from Asia and the onboard food, drinks and entertainment are focused on Asian cultures and preferences. English is spoken onboard, however, it should be noted that the local language will be spoken by the majority of the crew. These cultural differences makes this cruise ideal for those who wish to sample and be part of the wonderful Asian way of luxurious life.

The cruise begins in Singapore and sets sail during the evening to begin cruising the Andaman Sea. Day two is spent at sea relaxing onboard, making new acquaintances or packing the day full of exciting activities. The ship docks in Phuket, Thailand at breakfast time and remains in port for a whole day, giving more than ample time to explore the whole island, as it is only just over one hours drive from north to south. There are a number of optional excursions available including rain forest trekking through the Khao Phra Taew National Park or a ride on an elephant. Phuket also has glorious beaches which has some amazing snorkelling opportunities for those who adore the beach.

Passengers rejoin the ship to sail through the night arriving in Langawi, Malaysia first thing in the morning. These magical ninety-nine islands are surrounded with myths, legends, ancient geological wonders, caves and mist shrouded mountains which provide some for the most spectacular scenery in the world. This tropical paradise is a perfect holiday destination for those who relish experiencing the unusual and impressive landscape. The ship leaves this spectacular area in the late afternoon and continues to cruise overnight before docking in Port Kelang. This fascinating and breathtaking area is a blend of Malaysian, Chinese and European influences offering a whole host of optional excursions for optimum sightseeing experiences as well as fantastic shopping in vibrant Kuala Lumpar. Passengers rejoin the ship in the early evening to spend their final night onboard a truly luxurious liner before disembarking in Singapore the following morning.

Royal Caribbean Cruises operate in the traditional way of cruising with gratuities expected and not all amenities included in the price, however, they do offer the ultimate of luxurious cruising experiences.