by admin | Aug 31, 2025 | cruises, lifestyle, money, passports and international travel, Travel
A shipping company is providing seniors with an unprecedented chance to reside aboard a vessel indefinitely through the launch of a ‘Golden Passport’.
“Endless Horizons” is an innovative “residence at sea” initiative launched by Villa Vie Residences, offering visitors the opportunity for “lifelong residency” aboard a collection of fully inclusive cruise vessels.
From £75,000 ($99,999), individuals possessing a Golden Passport can embark on non-stop voyages covering over 400 locations spanning 140 nations, with every trip extending between three to three and a half years.
Many of the port calls will last between two and three days, allowing passengers plenty of opportunity to discover every location during the ship’s stay.
Travelers will receive an “all-encompassing way of living” which includes food, cleaning services, maintenance, leisure activities, and online connectivity, along with wine or beer provided during meal times.
Additional service fees will also apply, but ticket buyers will not have to pay unexpected costs or terminal taxes.
Possessing the Golden Visa grants visitors access to complimentary yearly health examinations to maintain optimal well-being.
The program provides price tiers based on age groups, with the $99,000 plan exclusively available to individuals who are 90 years old or older.
The highest-priced plan, costing $299,999, targets people who are between the ages of 55 and 60.
“As individuals retire, one of their primary concerns is running out of funds,” stated Mike Petterson, founder of Villa Vie Residences, according to reports.
Unilad
.
He added, “Thanks to the Golden Passport, that unpredictability vanishes — a single fee guarantees a lifetime of exploration. Our tiered pricing structure means Endless Horizons isn’t merely a fantasy for some, but a feasible option for numerous people.”
Kathy Villalba, chief executive officer of Villa Vie Residences, stated: “Life passes swiftly, and the common remorse many express is not having explored the globe when they had the opportunity.”
The Golden Passport turns that dream into reality—and at an accessible price—something the cruise and travel sectors have not encountered before.
This is not the initial unrestricted travel program available.
A
A U.S.-based carrier is providing its passengers with a yearly “unlimited flight” membership at a cost below $600.
For travelers envisioning endless adventures in 2025, Frontier Airlines is ready to help aspiring flyers with a time-sensitive offer for its GoWild! Pass.
Purchasing this deal for only $599 allows smart travelers to take advantage of endless flights within Frontier’s network covering both U.S., Caribbean, Mexico, and Latin American routes.
The permit is effective for travel from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, after which it will automatically renew for $699 per year.
Cardholders receive various advantages, such as the ability to reserve local flights one day prior to their journey, and ten days ahead for overseas trips.
Travellers who organise themselves in advance can book flights earlier by opting for GoWild! whenever it’s available – although an additional fee for booking early might be charged.
Frontier Miles membership is automatic for passholders once they sign up, allowing them to accumulate miles on every purchase qualified under the Go Wild! program.
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by admin | Aug 27, 2025 | lifestyle, relocation, retirement, retirement planning, Travel
Dhaka, August 10 – Debra Taylor has experienced many significant events this year, including going through a divorce, getting ready for retirement, and moving from southern California to Portugal along with one of her children.
Following her decision to move overseas, Taylor narrowed down possible nations considering tax factors (Spain was eliminated because of property taxes), weather conditions (Costa Rica proved excessively warm), and convenience of traveling across Europe, which she loves. She visited Portugal through Expatsi, a moving assistance company, and opted to reside in Aveiro—a lovely coastal town on the western side recognized as the “Venice of Portugal” for its appealing waterways.
From that point onward, the procedure became more about logistics. Taylor obtained a one-year rental agreement (necessary to move forward), hired Viv Europe to manage documentation and governmental formalities, finished an FBI criminal record check, and set up a visa interview for later in September.
The decision was influenced by her youngest child. “Following the election of our current president, my 18-year-old transgender daughter expressed a desire to leave the country as quickly as possible,” Taylor said. “I fully supported her.”
Her older daughter, who is 20 years old, will stay in the United States to complete her university studies. Taylor stressed that this decision is not final: “I intend to use it as a starting point for further exploration of the area. My intention is to purchase a house someday, but just after having spent additional time residing in different neighborhoods.”
Authorities specializing in aging and moving advise that Taylor is opting for sensible decisions.
Retirement relocation trends
The rate of relocation among older adults differs based on elements such as political environment, availability of affordable homes, and expense of living. While elderly individuals tend to relocate less often compared to younger generations, more than 3 million Americans who are 65 years old and above moved within the country during the five-year period preceding the pandemic, according to census statistics.
Students encounter detentions and phone calls from authorities due to mistaken alerts from AI monitoring systems.
Of those relocating overseas, U.S. political issues have become the primary reason, as stated by Jen Barnett, co-founder of Expatsi. Nonetheless, several well-known retirement locations tend to favor younger workers rather than older residents.
Many older Americans remain in their current homes, yet staying put comes with difficulties such as increasing housing expenses, costly alterations to living spaces, and insufficient local support systems including medical care, essential services, and security. Rodney Harrell from AARP highlights the significance of preparing for upcoming requirements, covering aspects like health, movement capabilities, and financial shifts.
By 2034, the number of individuals aged 65 and above in the United States is expected to surpass those younger than 18, representing a significant shift in population structure.
Beyond climate and family
Selecting a place for retirement goes beyond just considering climate or being close to family members. Think about your personal lifestyle needs such as availability of colleges, places of worship, and opportunities for community involvement. Harrell suggests evaluating the social environment—whether locals are welcoming or prefer privacy—and utilizing tools like the AARP livability rating.
In case proximity to family is important, retirement advisor Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons suggests open dialogue regarding participation levels and assessing the stability of grown-up kids prior to relocating.
Casey and Dave Bowers, now living on Portugal’s Silver Coast, enjoy the region but struggle with being separated from their families, even though they have adapted to the scenery and daily life.
Retirement advisor Sarah Friedell O’Connell advises those who have retired to consider how they wish to utilize their additional spare time.
Assess your lifestyle carefully
Financial advisor Chad Harmer suggests that retirees start with a “lifestyle review,” imagining their perfect everyday schedule several years from now, incorporating factors like location, social interactions, interests, medical care, and time spent with relatives, prior to considering tax implications.
He advises setting aside funds for unexpected charges such as insurance in areas prone to disasters and ongoing travel expenditures. Parsons suggests opting for temporary leases to assess lifestyle suitability prior to making a long-term relocation decision.
Harmer’s rule: If 80% of your ideal daily life can be maintained at your new home for 80% of the year, you’ve probably discovered the suitable spot. Anything less could indicate pursuing unattainable goals.
Source: Agency
by admin | Aug 19, 2025 | commuting, health, health and exercise, health benefits, lifestyle
Walking
Working helps save money and increases your steps – however, researchers indicate it also reduces the likelihood of specific types of cancer.
Walking to work reduces the likelihood of developing liver tumors by nearly half and significantly lowers the chances of experiencing kidney issues.
cancer
by a third.
In comparison, commuting daily raises the risk of developing bladder cancer by nearly 40 percent.
Scientists from
Oxford University
and the University of Auckland at
New Zealand
examined the impact of everyday commutes on the likelihood of developing specific cancers, analyzing the transportation patterns of over 250,000 individuals between the ages of 40 and 69.
They discovered that 14 percent of participants walked to their jobs, 8 percent rode bicycles, 15 percent took public transportation, and 63 percent drove cars.
Earlier studies conducted by the group found that regularly walking or biking to work reduces the risk of developing breast and colon cancer.
Recent studies featured in the International Journal of Epidemiology examined connections between commuting and 16 different types of cancer. Except for liver and kidney tumors, the researchers discovered no clear relationship between transportation patterns and the remaining forms of cancer.
They stated: “Engaging in active travel, like walking, incorporates physical activity into everyday life, whereas driving contributes to a more inactive lifestyle.”
The verified method for maintaining a comfortable temperature
Mercury levels are rising once more, and Britain is enjoying another period of intense heat.
However, if you’re curious about the most effective way to remain cool in extremely hot weather, take heart — researchers have developed an ideal solution.
The key is to utilize an electric fan to lower the temperature of your outer skin, while consuming the appropriate quantity of chilled water based on your body weight—to prevent internal overheating.
Scientists at Hebei Vocational University of Technology and Engineering in Xingtai, China, discovered that the most effective way to cool down is by sitting close to a fan and consuming 6 milliliters of chilled water per hour for each kilogram of body weight.
An individual who weighs 90kg – approximately 14 stone – should consume 540ml of chilled water, which is slightly less than a pint, each hour. Someone weighing 60kg, or just below 10 stone, needs to intake about 360ml per hour – equivalent to roughly two-thirds of a pint.
These scientists discovered that this approach proved most effective for reducing body heat, minimizing fluid loss through sweating, and lowering both blood pressure and pulse rate. Consuming small amounts of water combined with a fan—or simply using a fan alone—was significantly less successful, as indicated by findings reported in the Journal of Thermal Biology.
Chinese scientists gathered 14 male participants and exposed them to an intense heat environment for eight hours, where the average temperature was 36.5°C (97.7°F). During various periods, the subjects were either not provided with any cooling devices, only utilized a fan, or received a fan along with varying amounts of chilled water.
Audience members contributed to some extent, yet not consuming enough water at the same time raised the chances of becoming dehydrated, according to the research. Additionally, an insufficient amount of cool water was ineffective in countering the harmful impacts of high temperatures on the body.
According to a study, the researchers noted that heatwaves will pose a greater risk to public health—particularly because numerous households lack air conditioning systems.
Smiling is the most effective remedy for coping with stomach surgery discomfort.
Undergoing abdominal surgery might not seem amusing — however, viewing only 25 minutes of humor prior to the procedure could help lessen post-operative discomfort, according to research.
Every year, the NHS performs approximately 1.3 million of these procedures in England, such as appendectomy and hernia surgery, which typically require patients to take pain medication afterward.
It is well established that laughter encourages the production of endorphins—natural substances produced by the body to alleviate pain—and helps reduce muscle tension, which may lead to discomfort. To investigate the extent of this effect in real-life situations, scientists invited 176 individuals scheduled for abdominal surgery to participate in the study.
One half of the participants were instructed to view 25 minutes of scenes from a well-known television sitcom, whereas the remaining individuals did not have any content provided for them to watch.
Findings published in the journal Nursing and Health Sciences indicated that individuals who experienced a hearty laugh felt less anxious prior to surgery and experienced decreased pain following the procedure.
On average, their levels of anxiety and discomfort were discovered to be nearly half compared to individuals who didn’t view the program. Turkish researchers determined that viewing humor might serve as an effective natural method to get ready for surgical procedures.
Patients often experience pre-operative anxiety whether the procedure is minor or major,” they stated. “However, humor and laughing can enhance resistance to pain and improve emotional well-being.
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by admin | Aug 15, 2025 | business, community, culture, lifestyle, local news
Having managed a rural guesthouse for six years, Tay ethnic woman Thong unexpectedly gained popularity on social media, bringing recognition to her secluded village in northern Vietnam.
“Never before have I had my homestay completely reserved for three consecutive months since I began this six years ago,” said the proprietor of Ban Lien Pine Homestay, located 20 kilometers away from Bac Ha Town in Lao Cai Province, which lies 300 kilometers north-west of Hanoi.
we were unable to handle the influx of reservation inquiries.
In April, her host family home was selected as the shooting site for a Vietnamese reality television program.
In July, when the program was broadcast, the 36-year-old gained widespread attention; her videos documenting everyday activities received millions of hits.
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A front-row view with Thong leads artists through rural daily activities as part of a television series. Image provided by Gia Dinh Ha Ha
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She states: “I wasn’t particularly impressed with it during production. I had no idea how famous the visitors were.”
The unexpected attention brought happiness along with an influx of reservations. Her guesthouse was fully reserved from July through September, including weekday dates. However, Thong’s family maintains a slow and eco-friendly schedule: three days of welcoming guests, followed by two days of break.
Pham Hoang Long, a tourist from Hanoi, spent his stay at the homestay during June.
Following the performance, he was pleased the venue received acknowledgment, describing it as a restorative refuge offering clean air, beautiful scenery, and tea.
What set it apart was the host; she is skilled at cooking, proficient in playing the leaf flute, and organizes distinctive excursions including hat making, fishing, and tea preparation.
He mentioned that he would come back provided he could secure a room.
In 2019, Thong and her spouse initiated the homestay project as part of an eco-friendly countryside tourism initiative involving four additional households.
It offered instruction in hospitality, secure food preparation, and home stay administration, along with providing loans worth 50 million VND ($1,911) to attendees.
Within a 100-square-meter elevated home, Thong allocated seven dormitory-style rooms and one individual room to host 20 visitors.
Her charges begin at VND150,000 ($5.70) per individual each night.
Although tourism provides a more convenient lifestyle compared to agriculture, Thong’s family continues to manage their rice paddies and incorporates agricultural tasks into the visitor activities, allowing guests to gain deeper insight into local customs.
She mentioned that hospitality can be demanding, yet interacting with individuals from various places makes it rewarding.
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Thong (R) demonstrates to a guest how to transport a conventional basket. Image provided by Ban Lien Pine Homestay
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The trips are adaptable and designed according to the family’s everyday routine. Guests are encouraged to participate if they choose to drink tea in the morning or help with rice planting in the fields during the afternoon.
In addition to other activities such as touring waterfalls, Thong and her spouse alternate in handling household responsibilities while providing guided tours for payment.
Thong states: “80% of our visitors like to stick to our daily schedule. They consume what we eat, and participate in whatever activities we undertake.”
Certain visitors consider the agricultural tasks demanding and leave before completing their stay; therefore, the family hires additional assistance as required.
More dangerous activities are avoided, and every guest receives information and is required to sign a release form prior.
Tasks such as harvesting vegetables or moving rice seedlings often require half a day or longer.
The price ranges from 400,000 to 500,000 Vietnamese dong per group for four to five distinct activities ($15 – $19).
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People attempt to catch fish. Image provided by Ban Lien Pine Homestay
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Although tourism brings additional duties to their agricultural lifestyle, Thong views it as a means to maintain cultural customs and generate consistent earnings.
She begins her day at 4 or 5 in the morning and finishes long after midnight.
She leaves for the field before dawn, as her visitors remain asleep.
By 7 a.m., she returns to the kitchen to prepare morning meals. Her spouse assumes responsibility for cooking, their daughter lends a hand whenever possible, and during large gatherings, neighbors contribute, although Thong prefers to personally escort the visitors.
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A collection of international tourists enjoy a meal alongside Thong’s family. Image provided by Ban Lien Pine Homestay
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Despite her increasing fame, she continues to focus on eco-friendly travel practices.
She prevents overcrowding, keeping a schedule that her family can handle. If the number of visitors goes beyond what she can accommodate, she directs them to other local families, making sure the advantages of tourism are distributed throughout the neighborhood.
At age 39, Thong remains involved in agriculture, hosts visitors, and acquires new abilities to enhance her tourist experiences. She is committed to developing a tourism approach that preserves her mountainous cultural heritage.
“If the entire village benefits from tourism, it can continue, and remains authentic to our identity,” said the local leader.
by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | business, commerce, community, lifestyle, local news
Approximately 3,000 residents of the Kitenden community in Amboseli are set to benefit from their investment in a WorldLife conservation camp.
On Thursday, April 3, Tourism Cabinet Secretary (CS) Rebecca Miano presided over the ground-breaking ceremony for a highly luxurious and select upscale tourism complex in the region.
“Today, we welcome a pace-setting development as we witness the groundbreaking of the construction of an ultra-luxurious and exclusive high-end tourist facility in the Kitenden area of Amboseli,” said Miano in a press statement seen by
SANGGRALOKA.co.ke
.
In what manner did the local community consent to construct the lodge?
The CS mentioned that the Amboseli Kitenden Lodge stands out as a pioneer in its category and distinguishes itself with numerous unique aspects.
The upscale 9-bedroom lodge financed by Conservation Equity Ltd is scheduled to be located within the 50,000-acre Kitenden conservancy, which is jointly owned by around 3,000 local residents.
The local residents have had their property titles completely documented thanks to the developer, who incurred a expense of KSh 90 million for this process. The CS highlighted that it is especially satisfying that the collaboration between the Kitenden community and the lodge developers of Amboseli Kitenden began with mutual agreement from the very start.
Miano disclosed that the agreement between the Kitenden Conservancy and the developers of the Amboseli Kitenden Lodge includes specific terms of engagement designed to nurture a positive relationship throughout the 25-year duration of the contract.
What advantages do local people gain from staying at Kitenden Lodge?
Initially, the lodge management committed to payinglocals an annual dividend of $400,000 (more than KSh 50 million). They also planned to increase this sum by 5 percent each following year throughout the duration of thecontract.
The funds will be distributed directly to each of the 3,000 people within the Kitenden Conservancy community.
As she mentioned, the compensation provided by the Amboseli Kitenden Lodge exceeds threefold compared to typical standards.
The construction of the lodge will begin with 100 local unskilled men and women working on-site.
The creators of the Amboseli Kitenden Lodge pledged to hire 200 local residents as staff members during the initial five-year period of their operations.
It is anticipated that the lodge will draw wealthy tourists looking for exclusivity, sustainability, and genuine cultural experiences. Conservation Equity Ltd. thinks this approach could establish a new standard for upcoming projects within Kenya’s travel sector.
“This pact goes beyond being merely a contract; it’s a pledge to guarantee that local communities reap the rewards of their rich natural legacy,” stated a spokesperson for the firm.
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | diet and nutrition, health, health risks, lifestyle, nutrition
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EXPLORE FURTHER: Researchers Identify Diet That Protects Against Brain Damage in Old Age
Retired prison officer Donald Gorske has devoured an enormous quantity of Big Macs throughout his life, consuming approximately 600 annually since 1972.
Once upon a time, when the current 71-year-old was hailing from Fond du Lac,
Wisconsin
, was consuming nine of the 580-calorie burgers daily but has since cut back to only two.
His impressive feat has secured his spot in the Guinness World Records for consuming the most Big Macs over a lifetime, totaling 35,000 as of this month.
However, what toll has his multi-decade fast-food regimen taken on his well-being?
To his surprise, there was nothing, but he believes there must be fascinating explanations for this.
Sharing in an excerpt on
YouTube
, Mr Gorske’s wife Mary mentioned that doctors had declared her husband fit and healthy.
‘”His blood glucose levels have been within the normal range, and his cholesterol has been remarkably low,” she mentioned.”
As for himself, Mr Gorske acknowledges that ‘a lot of people believed I would have passed away by this point’.
However, he attributes his robust good health to his routine six-mile strolls and his habit of not ordering fries with his meals.
“I’ve maintained my fitness level quite well since, among other things, I tend to be somewhat hyperactive,” he mentioned.
I log a lot of steps by walking. I often jest with folks, saying I “go for a walk around the block,” yet they remain unaware that our block circles about six miles.
He informed Guinness World Records that he feels ‘fortunate to have a fast metabolism’ and has advised others against attempting to surpass his record.
“I could be the sole individual still living who can consume Big Macs daily without experiencing adverse consequences,” he stated.
Mr Gorske said he intends to continue increasing his present tally of 35,000 burgers consumed until either his demise or tooth loss occurs, with his spouse prohibiting him from blending a burger.
“If I consume Big Macs daily and eventually face the consequences, then my children could jot down the number of Big Macs I had and inform others, ‘This is how many Big Macs it takes to be fatal,'” he stated.
Mr Gorske initially consumed McDonald’s signature burger on May 17, 1972.
On that particular occasion, as well as with every subsequent Big Mac he consumed, Mr. Gorske has saved the receipt along with the packaging of the burger to validate his record-breaking accomplishment.
Health experts warn that eating excessive amounts of fast food, usually high in fats and salts, can significantly raise the likelihood of various severe medical issues.
Fatty and salty diets boost the likelihood of developing heart disease and hypertension, conditions that elevate the risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke.
An individual American Big Mac includes 11 grams of saturated fat, which is slightly more than one-third of the suggested maximum of 30 grams for men.
The burger includes approximately 2.7 grams of salt, which is almost half of an adult’s suggested daily maximum intake of 6 grams.
For comparison, a Big Mac served in the UK has 8.8g of saturated fat and 2g of salt.
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