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
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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.
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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 31, 2025 | greece, hiking, hiking trails, Travel, travel destinations
Curving through the Aegean Sea and rugged hills, the Palia Strata provides an impressive route across the island of Amorgos, located in the Eastern Cyclades. This challenging yet memorable trek allows each step to uncover a landscape that remains wild and unspoiled.
The Palia Strata, a donkey path winding alongside the cliffs
On Amorgós, in the
Cycladic archipelago
The Palia Strata trail connects Chóra with Langada, traversing the island’s dry terrain and fertile hills emerging from the Aegean Sea. This ancient route has been traditionally utilized by shepherds to access remote settlements, running along the crest before slowly descending toward northern communities. Over a distance of 14.5 kilometers, you will travel through a network of dirt trails, terraces, empty highlands, and old agricultural properties. The blend of ocean vistas and interior landscapes turns this into one of the most enchanting hikes available in the Cyclades.
Beginning in Chora, at the center of the Amorgos mountains
The journey begins at Chora, situated 400 meters above sea level, located in the hilly heart of Amorgos. The trail starts from the main road heading toward the coastline, climbing old stone steps. Soon, structures transition into short walls, along with clusters of prickly pears and juniper bushes. From here, the Aegean Sea becomes visible below. The route gradually descends, passing through deserted farming areas and rocky enclosures, alongside some lone chapels, until arriving at a cliff face offering views of the southeastern shoreline.
Chozoviotissa, a monastery situated above the ocean
After two kilometers, the trail arrives at
one of the most remarkable places in Amorgos
The Monastery of Chozoviotissa. Constructed in the 11th century.
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A monastery perched on a cliffside, accessible through a steep staircase etched into the rock 300 meters above the ocean — the sense of solitude intensifies with each step upward. Within, a slender chapel, several small rooms, and some Byzantine icons bear witness to a continuous spiritual tradition spanning nearly a millennium. From the balcony, the panorama extends over the Aegean Sea, encompassing the islands of Nikouria and Keros to the north.
From Kapsala to Asfondilitis, following the path of Amorgos’ shepherds
Following the monastery, the Palia Strata heads further northeast. The trail ascends across rocky ground and passes the remains of Kapsala, once a high-elevation settlement featuring some ruined sheep pens. You will then arrive at Asfondilitis, an empty village famous for its dry-stone walls and simple carvings. From 1897 until 1943, a lone herdsman named Michalis Roussos chiseled images of women, flower patterns, crosses, and names onto the flat stones along the road.
While descending towards Potamós, a terrace offers a view of the Bay of Aegiali
The path follows the coastal road before easing into a more gradual climb as you near Potamós, a small settlement perched above the Bay of Aegiali. The scenery slowly transforms here, featuring short, neatly maintained stone walls, stepped agricultural areas, and clusters of olive trees. Down below, the harbor of Aegiali and its whitewashed homes create a busier section of the region. Potamós stays a peaceful hamlet, boasting some meticulously renovated buildings, tight stairways, and unbroken vistas across the northern hillsides of the island.
Last part of the coastline approaching the village of Langada
The final part traces the shoreline along a terrace all the way to Langada, located on the northeastern shore of Amorgos. As you follow the incline, you encounter groves and some farmland. The village gradually becomes visible, situated on the hillside and overlooking Mount Krikellos. Charming and famous for its great eateries, Langada maintains its classic design, featuring stone-paved roads, steps, and tiny churches. From the central plaza, you may descend towards the Araklos Gorge or ascend to the walled church of Agía Triáda perched atop a cliff.
Key details to consider before departing
The Palia Strata trail is ideally hiked from April through October, when the weather is most suitable. Plan for an outing lasting anywhere between four and a half to five and a half hours, based on your walking speed and how often you stop. The path isn’t consistently marked, making it advisable to carry a map or utilize a GPS application to ensure you remain on course. During summertime, temperatures along this route can rise rapidly without any shelter or access to water sources. Starting your journey early in the day, preferably before 9 am, helps you escape the peak heat. Wearing appropriate shoes is crucial too, since certain parts of the trail are quite narrow, others are steep, and many areas may be slick because of worn-out stone surfaces.
Amorgós
www.amorgos.gr
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 25, 2025 | news, tourist attractions, tourists, Travel, world
Unguja. In July, Zanzibar achieved record-high monthly visitor numbers, receiving 98,370 international guests—a 44.2% growth when compared to the same time last year, according to official tourism statistics published on July 7. This number marked an impressive 45.7% increase from June 2025. Europe continued to be Zanzibar’s primary tourist origin, comprising 64.4% of all incoming visitors. Italy topped this list with 10,403 entries—accounting for 10.6% of overall arrivals—an exceptional recovery from June’s count of 2,660, which saw a remarkable 291% month-over-month boost. France followed closely behind at 7.7%, whereas Japan had the lowest percentage at just 0.2%. The data indicated that 99.4% of those who visited in July did so for recreational purposes; nearly 91% arrived via air travel. Men made up 54% of these visitors, while women comprised 46%. Over 86% of the tourists fell within the ages of 15-64, with senior citizens forming about 4.5% of the group. Almost one-third of vacationers stayed precisely a week, with most intending stays extending slightly past seven days. Hotel room availability reached 81.1%, with approximately 741,000 out of the 913,911 beds occupied throughout the month. Emerging destinations including Poland, India, Russia, Israel, China, and Ukraine experienced a collective 42.2% rise in guest counts relative to June, highlighting increasing diversity away from conventional European sources. These July outcomes reflect not only Zanzibar’s rising worldwide popularity but also Italy’s significant contribution towards boosting summer-time tourism. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
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by admin | Aug 23, 2025 | community, culture, tourist attractions, tourists, Travel
Featuring ancient windmills and sloped-roof wooden homes situated along a winding river, the picturesque and widely popular spot known as Zaanse Schans is essential to visit for anyone exploring the Netherlands.
However, the village with its historic structures close to Amsterdam has been labeled “a national emblem of over-tourism” by local officials, who currently aim to implement a controversial entry fee.
The intense discussion regarding the proposed 17.50-euro ($20) ticket for next year occurs amid worldwide opposition to overcrowded tourism, with popular destinations such as Venice imposing fees for daily visits.
On a magnificent summer day during AFP’s visit, lengthy lines for the renowned windmills stretched outside the entrance, with groups moving across bridges, patiently awaiting photo opportunities showcasing the picturesque landscape.
Buses release hundreds of sightseeing visitors throughout the day, filling up a modestly sized space that remains open and accessible without charge — at least temporarily.
The local authority in neighboring Zaanstad claims the charge is essential for maintaining historic structures, which are facing “intense strain” due to large visitor volumes.
“Over the past few years, the Zaanse Schans has become a national emblem of over-tourism,” stated councilor Wessel Breunesse.
Approximately 2.6 million visitors came in the previous year, according to the council, with projections indicating an increase to three million in future years unless action is taken.
A ticket charge might lower the yearly number to approximately 1.8 million visitors and generate millions of euros for maintaining these historical structures.
“Not taking action is not feasible. With insufficient funds for proper upkeep, the heritage will disappear within a few years,” stated the council in a message delivered to AFP.
Tourism-dependent economy
Many visitors remain unaware until their arrival that although numerous structures originate from the 16th century, the location itself is a modern and constructed anomaly.
Following World War II, conventional wooden building techniques faced the risk of being completely lost.
Enthusiastic about safeguarding this piece of history, local Mayor Joris in ‘t Veld proposed a solution: he intended to move the homes and place them at a newly secured location.
In 1955, the first mill came into existence, followed by the first home a few years afterward. In time, the “Zaanse Schans” location became renowned enough to be formally inaugurated by Queen Juliana in 1972.
“Zaanse Schans was not originally intended to be the global attraction it has become, drawing millions of tourists from around the globe,” said councilor Breunesse.
However, for local resident and entrepreneur Ingrid Kraakman, the proposal to impose an entry fee would be catastrophic, not only as a community member but also for the dairy store where she is employed.
“A local living here doesn’t wish to reside behind a barrier… that’s unacceptable,” said the 62-year-old person, speaking to AFP from her 17th-century house located in the center of Zaanse Schans.
Kraakman and her husband Ko have resided in this region for 33 years and feel that implementing an entry charge would severely harm the local economy and employment opportunities.
“She mentioned there is significant fear,” she noted, adding that approximately 80 percent of the regional economy relies on tourism.
Her dairy store is full of visitors drawn in by complimentary tastings and mementos, yet she mentioned that the charge would significantly hinder their expenditure.
A household of four would already be spending approximately 80 euros including parking, which cuts into their funds for in-venue shopping, she pointed out.
“They do not purchase cheese. They do not buy clocks. Instead, they opt for a keepsake or perhaps the tiniest piece of cheese available,” she said to AFP.
Referendum demand
The Kraakmans have gathered over 2,000 signatures for a vote on this matter, yet their efforts have not been heeded at the municipal office.
Knowing about certain local opposition, the council has promised that the location will remain accessible to residents and that there won’t be any barrier surrounding the space.
Even though the plans are set for next year, an adjustment has been proposed to account for potential postponements. Currently, 2026 appears as an overly ambitious target — referred to by a local authority figure under confidentiality as a “moonshot.”
Many visitors believed the journey was worthwhile despite having to cover the costs.
Spanish tourist Robert Duque said to AFP: “It’s a beautiful location, although at times it gets very busy and you can’t fully appreciate the experience.”
A 35-year-old operations manager stated that he would be open to paying an entry fee to reduce tourism numbers.
“I believe it’s beneficial; thus, we can space out the arrival of visitors and make better use of the amenities,” stated Duque.
by admin | Aug 21, 2025 | local news, missing persons, news, poland, Travel
A 54-year-old man from Poland who lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, went missing on July 30 while walking close to Chefchaouen in northern Morocco, according to his relatives.
Adam Jordanowski journeyed from Edinburgh to Málaga, Spain, on July 25th, subsequently entering Morocco through Tangier Med prior to traveling to the mountain town, which serves as a well-known location for hikers, according to a Scottish national tabloid newspaper.
Daily Record
reported on Friday.
Jordanowski was supposed to go back to Scotland on July 31, making a layover in Barcelona. While UK border officials stated he registered for his flight to Edinburgh, his relatives worry he did not depart from Morocco.
His relatives have initiated a campaign via online platforms seeking information about his location, asking individuals to reach out to Police Scotland (101, case number 2663 from 03/08/2025) or the Polish Embassy in Rabat (+212 661 414 119).
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