Is the Eiffel Tower overrated? Originally built as the grand entrance to the 1889 World's Fair, today the Eiffel Tower is the undisputed romantic symbol of Paris and most-visited paid monument on Earth. Even so, that didn't stop more than 1000 ...
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Grandfather Says: The Continuing Chronicles of Elaine, Part 22
The following was written by my late wife Elaine. She wrote a long book, a diary really, from which this is one passage:
Note by Grandfather: Elaine wrote most of her epistle in 2002, when her dementia was quite advanced. one of its symptoms is ...
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Travel Mistakes: 12 Ways Travelers Inadvertently Increase Vacation Costs
Cutting costs on travel can be a boon for our wallets. But there's a dark side to some of those "discounts." With that in mind, here are 12 travel mistakes that, if you're not careful, can end up costing you more than you bargained for:
Flying ...
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How to Make the Most of Fancy Resorts Offering Low-Season Deals
I recently took my entire family -- including the in-laws -- to Scottsdale, Arizona for a little summer fun at a very posh desert resort.
Okay, perhaps I'm exaggerating just a tiny bit. Let's call it fairly posh.
Regardless, one thing is ...
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Why Window Seat Fliers Are the Happiest Fliers
You're probably not surprised that many airlines charge extra money for select window and aisle seats. It's a policy that took off in 2015. And while I might consider paying extra for a window seat, I'm still trying to understand why anyone would ...
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9 Ways to Ensure Your Road Trip Sucks
I love summer. It's my favorite time of the year. Well ... after spring and autumn.
I know. That may not sound like a ringing endorsement, but it's true.
Anyway, one of my favorite things about summer is our annual family vacation; my favorites ...
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6 Reasons Travel Insurance Is a Requirement, Not a Luxury
Traveling is fun until something happens when you're miles away from home, and you find yourself between a rock and a hard place. That one trip you were so thrilled to go to could end up being a frustration galore. In such a situation, who do you ...
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India Property Investing: What You Should Know Before Buying
As the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) eases norms on non-resident Indians (NRI) investing in property in India, more and more of them are now looking to invest in their homeland. It is not just a nostalgic, romantic attachment. With the depreciating ...
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9 Affordable Trips You Can Pay for with Your Tax Refund
Many Americans are up in arms about reduced tax refunds this year -- hopefully, you're not on the short end of that stick -- but all is not lost. You can still get away on budgets with affordable trips that range from small to a little more generous. ...
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If You’re Thinking About a Honeymoon in Australia, Here Are 7 Fun Ideas
Wine, beaches or rugged terrain? Or maybe something more exotic? If you're looking for great Australia honeymoon ideas, then you've come to the right place. Of course, that's because the natural diversity of Australia offers a range of choices for ...
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How I Fought My Parking Ticket and Beat City Hall
Usually, the only warm-blooded creature in the house that ever bothers to get up and acknowledge me when I come through the front door is my dog, Jack.
So I knew something was wrong when I walked through the door and the Honeybee greeted me with a ...
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Cheap Holidays: How to Travel Abroad During the Economic Downturn
It should be no surprise to anyone that an economic downturn has affected most of the Western world. In Europe some have been hit harder than others. This, in turn, has had a knock-on effect on the travel and tourism industries in these countries. ...
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Trying to Save Money on Gas? Driving Out of Your Way Rarely Helps
As inflation continues to wreak havoc on household budgets, people are looking to save money wherever they can. For example, I know people who will drive five miles out of their way, ten miles round trip, just to save a nickel per gallon. Then there ...
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How to Start Your Life in a New Country
Starting a life in a new country is equal parts exciting and terrifying. It's exciting because you get to embark on an amazing new journey. At the same time it's terrifying because there are many things you need to do to make it happen.
It can be ...
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Multi-Currency Bank Accounts: Do You Need One?
Owning a personal or business multi-currency account has become the best option to conduct business worldwide because it enables you to transact using different currencies depending on the nature of your business or preference without worrying about ...
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11 Ways to Ensure Your Summer Vacation Doesn’t Bust Your Budget
Going on vacation is exciting and fun-filled until you get the bill. This year, dig into your R&R with peace of mind by following these tips on how to ensure a satisfying and budget-friendly vacay:
Weigh the costs of lodging vs. ...
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6 Ways to Avoid Becoming a Pickpocket Victim
Imagine you're on vacation -- in a foreign country, no less -- and you've been the victim of a pickpocket. Cash, credit cards, passport -- all gone. What do you do? It's a nightmare scenario nobody wants to go through. Thankfully, you can lessen the ...
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Grandfather Says: Croc Hunting in Mindanao
When he was in the army, Grandfather was detailed to the island of Mindanao, serving as cadre for a Filipino surveying company contracted by the US Government to survey and map the Philippines. The Southern part of Mindanao was Moro (Muslim) ...
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San Francisco Guide: Things to Do When You Are Bored
San Francisco - also known as San Fran, Frisco, and The City - is a cultural, financial, and commercial center in California. It ranked second in the US on the Global Financial Centers Index in 2021; it's also a popular destination for people seeking ...
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What to Consider Before Closing a Deal on a Vacation Home
As you work to become more financially secure, leisure time might feel more precious than ever. This is why many professionals choose to purchase their own slice of paradise: a vacation home.
Whether this is a new idea for you or you've been ...
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