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Villa Rentals in the Caribbean: Finding the right place

06/25/2013 13:39

 

Planning a vacation to the Caribbean can be filled with excitement and anticipation. Finding the right place to stay on your vacation is an important part of the planning process. If you and your family are looking for a luxurious vacation rental, you may want to consider a Caribbean villa rental. A villa is a great alternative to a hotel offering you more privacy than you will find in a hotel.

Most Caribbean destinations will have villa and private home rentals but not all destinations are created equal. It is best, unless you have your heart set on a specific island, to do some research before deciding which island you want to visit. Each island will offer something unique and it will be a personal preference when choosing where to go.

Once you have chosen an island destination, you should look for a villa booking agent. Caribbean villa rentals can be found by searching for them on your own, but it will save you time and money if you use a booking agent.  A rental agent is able to tell you the important things about the villa you may be interested in. They may also help arrange some of the other things involved in your travel such as car rentals.

You have chosen your island destination and now you need to find a Caribbean rental villa that fits your needs. Here are a few things to consider when making a decision on which villa is right for you:

•    Know your budget, unless you are booking in peak season or last minute, there are rentals to fit most any budget.
•    What amenities are must haves, things you just won’t compromise on.
•    Beach front or room with a view.
•    Internet access.
•    Number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
•    Will you have optional service providers, such as a chef.
•    Are there any hidden fees.
•    Is the location in a place you want to be.

Caribbean rental villas may seem expensive, however, if you do the math and break the weekly price down into a nightly fee, you may find it no more expensive than a hotel and with a lot more to offer.

Don’t be afraid to barter on the price or at least ask the rental agent to throw in some extras. You can ask for free airport transfer to the villa, maybe even a free rental car or staff for the villa if there isn’t already staff on site.

A villa rental in the Caribbean is sure to give you the vacation you have always been dreaming of. With the right agent and the right research you can expect to find a villa that not only suits your needs but fits your budget as well.

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Selecting the Bahamas as Your New Vacation Spot

06/20/2013 17:34

Are you looking for an exotic trip complete with a gorgeous beach and luxurious living?  Would the laid back, relaxing atmosphere of an island with plenty of activities to fill your days and evenings be your ideal vacation?  If this sounds like your dream vacation, then consider the Bahamas for your next getaway.

Complete with luxury and amazing locales, the Bahamas is a very popular tourist location.  With something for everyone, there is no question your experience will be unforgettable.  If you decide to take the trip, there are several pleasing options for every vacationer.  With just the right accommodations it will be a vacation to remember.

For those who prefer the lap of luxury, you will want to consider a resort or villa.  With luxury concierge services and private chef services, you will be pampered every moment of your vacation.  Making it an experience you will never forget, you will never want to leave the Bahamas.  Complete with a Harbour Island guide, you will become familiar with all of the splendor of the island.  One trip and you will be hooked, wanting to spend every vacation on the beautiful beaches of Harbour Island or Eleuthera!

If you know that you will be visiting frequently you may want to consider investing in property and a permanent vacation home.  Look for Harbour Island real estate for sale in Bahamas.  With a vacation home conveniently located on one of the most beautiful islands in the world, you will be traveling back as frequently as possible. 

Prior to settling on a location for your new vacation spot, take one of the Eleuthera tours to explore the entire area and select the perfect beach view.  With Eleuthera being only a few miles wide, it is one of the most amazing stretch of beaches you will find. 

Whether you are looking for an amazing view, a beachfront property, pink sand beaches, snorkeling, or a private chef Bahamas is the island for you!  With something to do for the whole family, you will find it to be the perfect destination for everyone, singles, couples, and families.  Luxury living on an amazing island with endless diving, swimming, and relaxing will be difficult for anyone to say no to.     

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Vacation Dreaming

06/17/2013 09:58

Work is hectic, demanding, frustrating. Every day, it seems as though the pace gets faster and faster, and you end your days with your head swimming and physically exhausted. You know that you need a vacation. This time is the time for a real getaway. You need to go somewhere warm and relaxing that you can just kick back and let everything drift away with a margarita or frozen drink in your hand. If your go-to is one of those cookie-cutter cruise trips, maybe you need to reconsider. The Caribbean offers more than cruise ships and kiddie pools to explore the gorgeous views and locale of an island paradise.

 

Virgin Villas

A prime location to begin your island paradise is with Virgin Islands villa rentals. The Virgin Islands consist of multiple islands to choose from, so there are many options – from St. Thomas, to St. Croix to St. John – your paradise is located at any of these locations. Not only is a Virgin Islands villa available for special occasions or honeymoon rentals, these Virgin Island villas are for the everyday couple looking to get away for a winter holiday or spring break. So what do these Virgin Islands villas have to offer that any other vacation option does not? For one thing, Caribbean luxury villa rentals are private. You are spending your vacation with the people you want to be with – not a few hundred of your new closest friends that you are stuck with on a boat. There is no dealing with hotels, or parking garages. With spacious rooms and a whole house to yourself, there is no need to be cramped in a stuffy hotel room or cruise cabin. And with over 900 villas located throughout the Caribbean, there is sure to be one that suits your individual needs as well.

 

Custom Caribbean

Here’s the first decision to make when choosing your luxury villa rentals – Caribbean escape for one or a dozen? Prices vary depending on the number of guests that will be staying as well as the luxury level of the house you are choosing. Many have amenities like private gyms, infinity pools with views of the sea, and even your own spa! It is the perfect option for a multiple family vacation, and with the option of over six bedrooms and multiple bathrooms you can split the cost. Many villas offer optional catered meals by personal chefs, fridge stocking, concierge service, massages and more. Book your villa online today and you’ll never go back to the crowded cruise boat again!

 

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Best Propellers for Outstanding Performance of Boats

06/17/2013 09:49

The quality and features of boat propellers determine the overall performance of boats. When you buy boat propellers, you need to know certain basics to choose the right one. Propellers come with three to five blades which are made of aluminum or stainless steel. .

When you buy boat propellers, the RPM of the motor is a very important factor to look into. Usually the RPM is about 6000 for a four-stroke motor and a maximum of 5500 for a two-stroke motor. If your boat is meant for a low speed, when you buy boat propellers, you may need a high-pitched propeller to deliver a better performance. The pitch is determined by the distance the propeller would move in water for each revolution owing to the angle of its blades. Again when you buy boat propellers, consider the carrying capacity of the boat. The weight of passengers and load will considerably affect the performance.

A three-blade propeller is ideal for meant for top speed. A four-blade prop, on the other hand, is ideal for improved handling and comfortable cruising speed of boat. Stainless steel propellers are more durable than other metals. When I choose the best prop my boat, I would certainly look for the one that can offer better efficiency in terms of speed, maneuverability, durability, and of course affordability. For first-timers, it is essential to make sure that the material you purchase is resistant to corrosion and stress. There are aluminum and stainless steel propellers available in the market. Although aluminum props are affordable, in terms of strength and durability, the stainless steel props are superior.

The stainless steel propellers Yamaha are of exceptional quality and they come in different models with three and four blades configuration. Made of stainless steel they offer good acceleration and all-around performance. The propellers with smaller pitch sizes offer extra large diameter and increased blade area for maximum stability. The large ear design is ideal for pontoons, commercial hulls and heavy loads. The Yamaha stainless steel propellers are designed with heavy-duty rubber bushing to give smooth shifting without any chance for slipping. Stainless steel boat props are resistant to rust and corrosion by salt. Yamaha stainless steel propellers are widely used in outboard powered inflatable boats, pleasure boats, runabout boats, pontoon boats, and stern drive houseboats.

For a boat to perform at its best, it is important to choose the best propellers. The performance of the propellers depend upon size, number of blades, manufacturing material, and the RPM. Unless the best propellers are used, the performance of your engine can be hampered. For best propellers, you can contact authorized dealers of Yamaha stainless steel propellers near you for more details. 

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Timely Filing of U.S. Tax Abroad Returns

06/17/2013 09:44

US citizens living abroad are bound to comply with US tax abroad regulations. For this, it is essential to remain current with current tax rules. There are many experts who can offer professional service for filing US tax abroad returns.

Preparing to file US taxes abroad requires a considerable degree of knowledge about these regulations. It takes hours to read and understand through the IRS rules that apply for U.S. taxes abroad return filing. While filing returns for US taxes abroad, overseas citizens can avail certain concessions offered by IRS based on meeting certain criteria such as duration of stay abroad to qualify for foreign earned income exclusion from expatriate tax returns.

The most efficient way to prepare US taxes abroad to file expatriate tax return is to consult a CPA who is specialized in expatriate tax returns. He has the expertise to guide you through the US taxes abroad filing process. Expats seeking help with their US taxes abroad would certainly benefit from the guidance offered by a CPA regarding foreign earned income exclusion, bona fide residence test, and tax treaties.

Citizens living abroad can reduce their U.S. tax through foreign tax credit and foreign earned income exclusion. A foreign tax credit is allowed for foreign income taxes paid or accrued. The foreign tax credit is limited to that part of U.S. tax due to foreign source income. To qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion, the taxpayer must meet one of two tests: the bona fide resident test or the physical presence test. To meet the bona fide resident test for foreign earned income exclusion the expat must be a resident of a foreign country on that day and the day must be in a period of such residence that includes a full tax year.

For those who live overseas, the IRS form 2555 allows a direct exclusion of certain income under certain conditions. To be eligible to file IRS Form 2555, your tax home should be in a foreign country and second, you have to either be a bona fide resident of that country or have had a physical presence in a country or countries outside of the United States. You should be prepared for filing income tax USA returns on time. Get your books and records in order, and collect necessary forms and information. Businesses also should be prepared to make adjustments for possible extension of expiring provisions.

Americans living outside the USA must continue to file U.S. income tax returns, and pay U.S. tax on their worldwide income. They should be prepared for possible income tax expense if the provisions are not extended. Plan your tax provision procedures accordingly. Get expert advice for filing income tax USA returns.

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Planning Your Texas Tour of Auctions

06/13/2013 21:35

Have you ever attended an auction and gotten caught up in the excitement of the bidding?  The energy and the excitement can be contagious, and before you know it you are swept up in all the action.  You can attend an auction in person or bid online, and virtually everything can be auctioned off.  

You can find a number of auctions in every city, county, and town throughout the United States. If you are looking for something specific, such as cars, homes, or antiques, our Internet capabilities can search the entire US for onsite and online auctions.  If you live in Texas, there are a large number of options every day.

Of the three major cities in Texas, Houston, Austin, and Dallas offer a large number of auctions to attend.  Search each city online and via newspapers to target dates and items you might be searching for.  Even the City of Houston auction attracts avid shoppers for confiscated and surplus property.  Even though this may be a starting point, it is only one of the auctions Houston offers online. 

Austin is another city that offers a large number of opportunities for auctions.  For a listing of all auctions Austin, TX has to offer search for all available dates and auctions.  If you are a collector of antiques or classic cars, search for specific details of each auction.  Once you find what you are looking for reserve your trip to the auction in Austin.

Finally, Dallas is last but not least.  With just as many options, Dallas auction opportunities are plentiful.  With a large number of online auctions, you just might score your best find in one of the numerous auctions Dallas has to offer.     

Whether your passion is for antiques, collectibles, classic cars, or homes, there is an auction for everything.  You might be looking to add to your own collection, or to buy and resell.  Whatever your goal, there are a large number of online and onsite auctions for you to attend.  Once you attend a couple and locate your treasures you will be hooked.  Whether you live in Texas or you are willing to travel across the country to bid on your items, there is no question that you will be a bidder for life.  The thrill of the chase and the excitement of the win will have you searching for your next auction.

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Making the Road Trip Refreshing

06/13/2013 09:40

 

You spend a lot of time in your car. Probably more than you’d like to. That being said, having a pleasant smelling car is important, and in order to keep your car smelling fresh and new, you need the right car cleaning products.

Whether you chauffeur and carpool often, or fly solo, your car should be something to be proud of, and should never remind you of a sweaty locker room and an aging ripe gym bag with old socks and a wet bathing suit.

Finding the best car cleaning supply can be an arduous journey, but with the help of certain car cleaning supply companies, can be done fairly quickly and easily.

First, you must do some preliminary research, in which you assess the problem at hand. There are a number of common odor-causing problems, but perhaps most popular is the old lunch bag wedged under the seat. Food, and especially perishable food items can take over your car and create a fetid and wafting stench that will encapsulate the entirety of your vehicle, making it simply unbearable.

Car cleaning supplies can be found at any local automotive shop, but are often sold at a heavily discounted price online at websites such as autogeek.net, armorall.com, autopia.com, and autoanything.com.

Cleaning supplies for cars consist of everything you’d use for cleansing yourself and more, and you can find carpet and seat shampoos, polishes and waxes, and sprays and fragrances of all sorts.

Before purchasing a car cleaning supply, try and identify the source of your car’s stench by clearing everything out and keeping only the necessities such as brushes and scrapers for snow, coins and CDs.

In ensuring that you’ve now eliminated the source of the problem, you can get to work and purge your car of its filthy and unwanted odors, and recrudesce into a state of freshness.

Next, you want to vacuum your car in preparation for a deep carpet and seat shampoo. For this, any number of products will get the job done, and your best bet is to go online and seek out the opinions of others with experience in washing and shampooing their vehicles.

Once your car has been cleansed and is stink-free, it’s time to choose a car deodorizer. Again, these scents are all a matter of opinion, and whatever pleases your olfactory’s where you should put your money. Now, you’ve managed to clean and deodorize your interior, and it’s up to you to keep it clean and fresh!

 

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Vacationing in Rome, Paris, and London

06/11/2013 07:41

In recent surveys of which getaways Americans dream of, it is not surprising that romantic and historic cities like Rome, Paris, and London lead the list. The centuries of culture, literature, and history that so many Americans know of these three cities make it easy to understand the desire to see them up close. And of course, it’s a dream come true when one is given the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in one of these beautiful and rich cultures.

 

The many architectural wonders of the Roman Empire, as well as the food and culture, call from Italy. Whether devout or not, many visitors also come to pay respects to the Holy City and witness the beauty of the Vatican. Known also for its wealth of shopping opportunities, Rome is a feast for the sense. And the Roman City States are near enough at hand to make a tour of Italy a natural extension of your Roman Holiday. For this reason, it is advantageous to see Italy through a number of one or night commitments. This vacation plan allows you to travel more freely across the Italian countryside.

 

While the French countryside is equally beautiful, the need to travel far beyond the gates of Paris is decidedly lower than the draw of the areas surrounding Rome. If you choose Paris, you of course know it is the most romantic city in the world. For some reason, French is the language of love, and lovers would be hard pressed to find a better getaway than a week spent in a Paris apartment rental. Visits to the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Louvre, or the Eiffel Tower are just a few of the landmark opportunities waiting within walking distance for those who choose one of many beautiful Paris vacation apartments.

 

Though Rome may lend itself to a tour of the Italian countryside, once you arrive in Paris you won’t want to leave. Finding Paris apartment rentals is advisable for this reason, as you will no doubt want to set up your own Parisian home – albeit a temporary one – and give yourself over to the city for as long as you are able. Rental apartments in Paris are always in demand for this reason, so it’s important to plan well in advance where you want to be located to maximize your enjoyment of your time in the city.

 

London is another beautiful European city best served with a concentrated stay. Seeing the English countryside is so easy via the English railway system that a London apartment rental is advisable even if you end up spending one of your nights away. And London apartment rentals put everything on your agenda, from a visit to Shakespeare’s Globe to Big Ben to watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Whichever European vacation you’ve dreamed of, you can find the perfect getaway to make your dream come true.

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It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't got that Swing

06/09/2013 07:23

As the weather gets warmer with the change of seasons, most people like to spend more time out doors. Fresh air, fireflies, bonfires, and barbeques; what's not to love? When it comes to living the high life of Summer relaxation there's one piece of furniture that comes to mind, the hammock. Hammock swing chairs are incredibly comfortable and just fun to sit in. Combining the joys of a rocking chair and a swing, it really is a wonderful way to relax after a long day.

If you've ever considered getting a hammock, there are a surprising amount of variations to what is potentially one of the most simple pieces of furniture in existence. More often than not, when someone mentions a hammock, the first thing to come to mind is a bit of netting stretched between two palm trees. However, with an hammock chair swing, you don't even need to have trees in your backyard to enjoy this high style level of comfort. With a simple eye bolt drilled into the beam of the porch, you can enjoy your hammock chair swing with out the need for running complicated and potentially dangerous rigging elsewhere in the back yard.

Out door hammock chairs can also be set up with a metal frame that is often included with the hammock. This is convenient in places that have trees that are too far apart, too old to support the weight, or non existent trees. These hammocks also come in a wide array of styles and colors. To make it even better, the materials used to make these hammocks are specially designed to withstand the elements, keeping them vibrant and safe for years to come.

If you enjoy snuggle in the noon day sun with your significant other than a Brazilian style double hammock might be just what you need. Since the fabric is cut a bit wider than that of a single hammock chair, it's easier to fit more than one person in the hammock. Also, with the extra wide cloth it may be a bit easier to get into the hammock without the risk of flipping and potentially hurting yourself.

Despite where and how you set your hammock up, so long as it's secure you'll be able to relax in total comfort. What's even better is, if your not a fan of the outdoors (allergy sufferers in particular) they also make a different style of hammock chair. Indoor versions are simple and easy to set up and often use a different style of frame that a little less space consuming than the outdoor counterparts. Now no matter where you are you too can enjoy the comfort of your very own hammock chair. 

 

 

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Insuring Your Trip Abroad

05/29/2013 04:19

Planning your summer vacation is exciting.  From picking a location, to pricing out your options, and finally selecting your airline and purchasing your airline tickets, you can feel the excitement building.  As you are making your purchase you will be asked if you would like to purchase travel flight insurance.  Most people will decline the insurance option, but there may be times when you should consider travel and other available insurances. 

The more you travel the more familiar you will become with the delays and changes that can occur along the way.  Unfortunately, it only takes one incident to make you wish you had purchased the insurance.  As you price out your options you will see that there are a large number of alternatives.  The choices range from basic, cheap flight insurance to higher priced policies that cover significantly more.  Before you make your final decision, make sure to read all of the flight insurance reviews available.  Sometimes, a cheap policy may be too good to be true.  Reading the customer experiences will give you a better idea of the company is reputable and how they handle claims. 

Another important consideration as you travel abroad is health travel insurance.  Your health insurance policy in the United States may or may not cover you overseas.  Depending on which country or countries you will be visiting, doctors, hospitals, and treatments may not be covered, making the full cost of treatment your full responsibility.  Your first step is to call your insurance company and determine what type of coverage you would have as you travel abroad.  If it is determined that your coverage would be minimal or non-existent, then you should quote travelers health insurance.  You will be given options on coverage, and the longer you will be traveling, the more important this option becomes.

Your final insurance option while traveling covers accidental death.  While no one wants to consider this as they are planning their vacation, it is protection for you and your family should a terrible accident happens while traveling.  As with all other insurance policies, quote accidental death insurance rates for the duration of your trip.  The rates are affordable and the insurance will ensure financial security should something happen.

 

Every traveler has different needs.  Consider the factors of your trip, including duration, countries being visited, your own personal health and conditions, and purchase the policies that you feel would be most beneficial for you.  Especially consider the potential cost of declining insurance when you should have made the investment. 

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