Thailand - Might be our favorite so far....

We recently returned from a 18 day trip to Thailand. We explored more of the country than we ever thought possible in such a short time frame. And, we were rushed. And, we spent time on planes, trains, automobiles, ferry's, long-tail boats and tuk tuks! But it ended up being one of our most favorite places in the world!

The food....the culture....the people....the architecture....the Wats (temples).....the beaches....and the privilege of being a tourist in such an accommodating country - simply amazing!

I will write more later to share. For now, please enjoy some of my favorite photos from our exploration.

 

Relax...It's Just Travel...Right?

(NOTE: I wrote this article as a ghost writer for a new brand of hotels.) 

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Are you tired of the travelers who refuse to wear easy lace up shoes in the airport security lines? Or, the people who don’t know that airlines now charge for baggage and then make a fuss at the ticket counter airline personnel as if they can change the rules?

Traveling is just plain difficult and these experiences make it that much more unbearable. Short flights can be just as painful as international flights. It’s even more frustrating to wait in a 30minute security line after you have arrived one hour early, only to board a flight that takes 40 minutes. Good grief….you could have driven to your destination city by this time! 

And, why is it that the coffee lady doesn’t seem to understand that you are about to miss your flight as she takes her sweet time to get your latte? It should be a rule that everyone who is employed at an airport would work under the assumption that each person there is about to miss a flight. The process would just go a lot smoother that way.

Don’t even get us started on international flying! If you can’t afford first class (which most of us can’t) then be prepared…..coach isn’t a pretty sight on a 10 hour flight my friends!

The only way to survive such chaos is to keep a sense of humor about it all. Arrive early and watch the other’s (who are running late) struggle with that belt that they don’t seem to realize has metal on it for the third go round of metal detection. And, the guy who is getting, what appears to be, a full body cavity search, get frustrated at security. Just laugh it off and enjoy the fact that you, for once, have arrived early and are reaping the rewards!

Another way to make your travel that much more rewarding…. Stay at ______– where it’s all about you being “Free To Be You!” Our suites are tech savvy, well-appointed, comfortable, beautifully decorated and have an emphasis on being your home away from home! We want you to walk into your suite for the night and forget all about the lady who brought a bag too big for overhead storage and now needs to get back to the front of the plane to check it. This too shall pass!

Don’t forget to bring Rufus and your IPOD because we have a place for them both!  

Your Dad Can't Even Handle This Hotel

(NOTE: I wrote this article as a ghost writer for a new brand of hotels.) 

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Remember pulling over for that night’s stay in some strange city on the way to the family vacation destination? There always seemed to be a conference room table beside the wall-inserted air conditioning unit. Those units read hot or cold with arrows pointing in either direction. You never knew what temperature that meant so you stayed under the covers only to awaken to sub-zero room temperatures. Over that conference room table was a huge floral chandelier with tassel trim and an antiqued gold chain draping from the wall socket.

When you checked into the room, you simply had one box TV, one blinking clock radio and fresh (but cardboard like) towels. Those rooms served their purpose; there is no doubt. They kept us warm (or really, really cold) and provided a taco type atmosphere in which to sleep at night. Without a doubt you would wake up snuggled entirely too close to your older brother who smelled funny and made strange snoring sounds.

Well, there is a new cowboy in town and they aim to please!

Finally, hotels have evolved and are making our lives comfortable, like home. The theme is…..“Free To Be You!” This means your parents wouldn’t know what to do with this brand of hotel! No conference room tables or cheesy chains…only high-tech, cool décor and pet friendly rooms to ensure Rufus doesn’t have to sleep in the car (and you don’t have to sneak him in through the back door late at night).

_____ has opened its first hotel in ____________ and launched us into what will surely be the next generation of expectations in the hotel business. These suites have thought of it all! They focus on convenience and are trendy and hip, insanely affordable and generally just a cool place to be seen!

They will catch your eye with the bright color schemes and sleek lines (but we can’t give you the name of our decorator…sorry). Nothing has been left out from the 42” HD Flat Panel TV to Serta Suite Dreams Bed and wireless access to well-appointed kitchens.

So, bring Rufus and your IPOD/MP3 player, because they enjoy both. These suites are so comfortable that you might just end up staying longer than planned!

Princesses Stay In Castles - A Hotel Review

Schoenburg Castle - Oberwesel, Germany

Nestled high above the town of Oberwesel, Germany towers the brilliant Schoenburg Castle. It reigns over the town, as if to say, “You are royalty in these gardens!” This castle draws you in as one of the most magnificent structures along the Rhine River. It’s no wonder that dukes and duchesses have called Schoenburg home for centuries. First mentioned between 911 and 1166, Schoenburg is unique in that it is one of the few that would “fall” (or be bequeathed) to each of its immediate heirs. Which means, when the duke of the castle died all of his sons became heirs instead of only the eldest. This cultural “right of passage” aligned in such a manner that in the 14^th century there are notations of over 250 people living in the castle from 24 different families. Therefore, as I arrived for my stay, I began to feel just like the princess that my grandmother always said I was meant to be.

Today, your nightly stay at Schoenburg transcends as though you are royalty retiring to one of the many estate rooms filled with rich history and seductive romanticism. From the smallest of single rooms to the large stately rooms, every detail of this experience will leave you breathless. 

As you drive across the small bridge into the castle courtyard, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe at the majestic view. Upon check in, you will gather your royal map describing the brief history of the property. The key to unlock your door is just as majestic as the castle itself. The 8” silver plated figurine is that of a soldier or knight that feels (in your hand) as though you are regally entering your room and now are actually holding a piece of this castle.

As you explore the castle take note of the details and intricacies. A small room hidden in a tower serves as a private dining area for six. The walls are darkish brown and grey stone showing their many years of wear and tear. Uncover the many balconies scattered around the grounds that offer you a different perspective of the various parts of the castle and heart-stopping views of the imposing Rhine River. 

The courtyard in the middle of the castle is the perfect resting place for a morning coffee. Undoubtedly, you will feel the morning dew and the dampness that surrounds the castle courtyard in the morning; the very same dampness that the lady of the castle may have felt in 1100. After a brief sit, enter the dining room for a daily breakfast buffet. It is included in the price of your stay. You will take pleasure in customary German cuisine such as cheese assortment, cold cut fresh meats, variety of rolls, pastries and cereals.    

During the day or just before dinner, have a quiet read in the brilliantly decorated blue and red library. The wait staff is happy to bring you beverage of choice while you enjoy the roaring fireplace and choose from a plethora of books ranging in dates and interests. 

For dinner, you will have difficult decisions to make amongst exquisite dining options such as smoked breast of duck with green apples and goat’s cream cheese or roasted saddle of venison in spiced goat cheese with cherry sabayon and au-gratin potatoes. You might be greeted with a complimentary chef special appetizer, such as cool cucumber soup or blue cheese on crostini with a dash of pepper. The dinner prices are on the high end, but it is more than worth the price to indulge your palate. I would not suggest you skip this part of the experience.

For a little adventure, take a hike along a narrow path beside the parking lot. Along this trail, the enduring gate to the gardens still stands and each column is topped with ancient castle cannon balls. Shortly after, along the path, wonder at the large black and red door; it seems to lead to a retired entrance directly under the castle. You might envision it to be a secret passage for the queen or knight of the castle. It’s hidden in the overgrown shrubbery, so look carefully. By utilizing the path in the front of the castle, you can descend down 200 yards to a beautiful oriental style garden and pond in a tranquil courtyard.

Honeymooners, you will want to experience the private honeymoon quarters. It’s a picture perfect place to begin your journey of life together with a lovely four poster bed, extensive courtyard views and a large bathing tub (perfect for two). It is separated from the main stay of the castle and therefore offers the perfect amount of seclusion.

The small house structure is the seperate honeymoon quarters.

Enjoy your time in this special place; you will not soon forget your royal stature! I think you will be happy staying at Schoenberg Castle with or without children. Be sure to take time to explore and spend time walking the grounds. This is a place of beauty and intrigue that will leave you feeling as if you just walked in the footsteps of kings and queens and the history of the walls will draw you in for sure. I hope that you will have thoughts similiar to mine as I left this place...."Princesses do stay in castles."

My assessment: 5 Star Rating

Best Value Destinations for 2011

What a fabulous list of reasonably priced (yet exotic) destinations! Thank you Lonely Planet and Wallet Pop!

Check it out: http://www.walletpop.com/2010/12/22/lonely-planets-best-value-destinations-of-2011/

20 Interesting Things About Me.....

Most of you know that I am exploring careers in travel and social media. Something that combines the two would be amazing! In this quest to interview for Paradise Hunter, I decided to show a more about myself in an effort to help people know me a bit better and thus be inclined to vote. Part of the role of Paradise Hunter is to blog, take pics and help market their brand, so I would get the opportunity to pursue both of my passions in this role. However, it is a competitive job and there are no guarantees. So, I hope that these insights into me will help you feel inclined to vote and encourage friends to vote as well ;-) Thank you!

1. I was recently the Executive Director of a non-profit that celebrates and enhances the lives of people with Down Syndrome. Not because I personally have someone in my life with Down Syndrome, but because I believe no one should be told they can't succeed. We should all have equal opportunities to pursue our passions, regardless of ability or disability.

2. I LOVE to cook anything and everything!

3. I LOVE wine...but only red.

4. My family is the most important thing in my life, and sometimes I might even be a bit obsessive about them ;-)

5. My son was born in Germany. We lived there for three years and were dirt poor. However, we made the best of it by driving everywhere. We had a lot of picnics and walking tours to keep it economical.

6. I have traveled to 14 countries. I love experiencing the different cultures, exploring the housing markets/design, sampling the varieties of food and making new friends everywhere I go.

7.  Travel is the thing that I love second to my family. I can't get enough and WILL find a way to make travel my job very soon (hopefully Paradise Hunter). It truly is my passion and calling to be part of the world around me. Of all the jobs in the world; it's the only one that I want.

8. I listen to all kinds of music.....rock, country, heavy metal, classical, etc. My husband says my IPOD is eclectic - that's his way of saying I'm weird ;-)

9. I have been incredibly successful at every job I have ever had and have never left a company on bad terms. I don't say this to be egotistical, but just to show that I put my all into everything that I do.

10. I graduated from high school when I was 16. However, I discovered I was pregnant shortly after graduation.  I raised my daughter on my own (not by choice) until she was 3 years old.  We had a lot of hard times, but I don't think any of it was a mistake.....it made me the person I am today and she turned out to be a remarkable young girl.

11. My friendships mean the world to me; I cherish and hold them very dearly. I am that girl you can call at 2:00 a.m. in a jam and I will be in the car on my way before we even hang up.

12. I grayed prematurely and have been coloring for years - Thanks Mom and Dad!!

13. I am obsessed with understanding your story. If we meet and hit it off, I want to know about you and what makes you happy and sad. Then, I will do all that I can to make you happy. That is why I have such strong friendships. It truly does mean a lot to me to know and support my friends.

14. I drive way too fast and have higher insurance rates to prove it! UGGHHH

15. Being near water makes me happy.....I honestly cannot be unhappy if I am near any body of water.

16. My favorite vacation was a cruise that we took with our kids.  They went into a Haitian village to go shopping without telling us (they were 14 and 9), scared the crap out of me (because it was not a safe town at that time) but also made me laugh hysterically.....they got it honestly ;-) no fear of meeting new people.

17. I married my husband with two days notice in a tiny chapel (held 40 people) in Wisconsin. We were at a family reunion and all of the kids came together to pick wild flowers, the president of his University married us, the kitchen staff made us a cake and one of the family members had brought bagpipes, learned (and played) the wedding march. Serendipity!

18. I miss my grandfather a lot....he passed away 1 year ago and we were very close.

19. I love animals......and I talk in baby voices to my dog and my daughter's cats ;-)

20. I have never followed my true passion or pursued something for just me.....this is the first time!!! So, please vote for me and help my dream come true: www.paradisehunter.com/vote/jenniferparker3.html

Top 8 best hangover breakfast spots in Europe

Top 8 best hangover breakfast spots in Europe
It's a great list!

Check out Frugal Traveler Article on Buenos Aires

http://frugaltraveler.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/23/b-a-the-frugal-way/

Spain Real Estate - Property For Sale in Murcia

Check out this awesome house for sale in Murcia, Spain!

Spain Real Estate - Property For Sale in Murcia

I made it to the semi-finals! I was chosen as one of 40 out of 700 people!!!

Vote for Jennifer Parker for Paradise Hunter!

Purchasing Property in a Foreign Country - Know the Regulations

Investing in a second home or investment property in a foreign country for the first time can be a thrilling and exciting time.  Just imagine, sitting on that first flight, excited about the prospect of finding that perfect bungalow in Belize or villa in Italy, with all of the standard questions going through your head: How much house can we afford? Is that gem still out there in the locale we want? It is completely normal to be excited and a little apprehensive at the same time.  However, before you take that first flight, there are a few additional questions you should ask and answer for yourself.  What country’s real estate laws are friendly to foreign buyers?  Will the local rules and regulations make it easy to purchase?  How long will the process take?

I am hoping that this article may give you a glimpse of a few country requirements and help guide you through the investigation process.  At the end of the day, preparation, perseverance, patience and knowledge will make your process so much smoother.

There are some countries that make it easy for foreigners to own property and others that are not quite as flexible.  That being said, I suggest that once you have found your paradise, stick with it and see it through.  Do the research and know the local processes and procedures.  A little extra preparation is definitely worth it if ultimately, you find that perfect second home in paradise.

I have done a little research on some desirable areas to give a first blush regarding the relative ease or difficulty of purchasing a property.  Here is what I found:

Portugal:

• The initial sales contract is called the contrato de promessa de compra e venda (CPCV).
• Deposits are required on property; typically 10 – 12%
• If a seller is to walk away from a “CPCV” they are obligated to pay twice the amount of the deposit. This is unheard of in most countries and offers an extra layer of protection for you as a buyer.
• Foreign nationals wishing to buy real estate in Portugal are required to obtain a “Fiscal Number” from the local tax office. It is very simple and quick, but required.
• The signing of a final contract and deed take approximately 3 to 4 weeks. Once this is complete, the transfer of real estate takes place.
• The last two steps are to make a payment of the Imposto Municipal Sobre, a tax on real estate. And, the buyer will need to register the deed with the Land Registry Office.

Morocco:

• Morocco has been working very hard to attract more foreign investment.
• The first step is to make a verbal offer by the potential buyer to the seller; typically through an agent.
• Lawyer’s draw up initial preliminary agreements/contracts once verbal offer and negotiations are finalized.
• Deposits are required once the initial contract is executed, typically 30%.
• There are some mortgage lenders doing business in Morocco. If you find one, it is recommended to utilize their services.
• A foreign national must open a bank account in the Kingdom to consummate the sale.
• Final conveyance of property can happen very quickly (a matter of days), however sometimes the beginning process when the seller is ensuring no encroachments exist and property is legal to transfer, can take several weeks.

Croatia:

• It is still somewhat restrictive to own here, but not completely impossible.
• In the 1990’s Croatia begin to relax the laws of real estate ownership for foreign nationals, making it easier for foreigners to purchase. They developed a statue of reciprocity for foreign ownership of real estate. The provisions state that if the country of origin of which the foreigner lives allows a Croatian the ability to own real estate, Croatia will allow that foreigner to own real estate in Croatia.
• To begin the process you must obtain permission from the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They will verify ultimate ownership interests.
• Sometimes this process of review by the Ministry can be rather lengthy.
• The sales contract and petition to own property must be submitted to the Ministry simultaneously.
• A deed cannot be filed in the Land Books of Croatia by a foreign national without all of the paperwork approved and issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Commonly, 10% is the required deposit for purchases and there are no mortgage lenders (at this time) for foreign nationals in Croatia. Funds will need to be secured elsewhere.

In all matters of purchasing real estate in a foreign county, it is recommended that you reach out to a realtor and a lawyer for a more thorough understanding of the local laws and regulations. This investment will be well worth your time.

After it’s all said and done, enjoy your new slice of heaven. For years and years to come, your family and friends will enjoy the investment and inevitably it will become a large piece of your personal memoir in the storybook of your life.

Investing Overseas - Be Wise but Have Fun!

Buying an investment property in a foreign country can be both rewarding and challenging. It is wise to be fully aware of what you are getting into before deciding to purchase. There is nothing more exciting than owning a second home in a new country and utilization of that property for income is almost always the best way to help subsidize the mortgage. So, enjoy and explore, you’ve earned it, but be wise when shopping and always ask questions.

There are still many countries where investment properties can be had for a bargain, but more and more the price of real estate is increasing just as fast, if not faster, than the US market. Therefore, a wise investor will do his/her research to fully understand what they seek in their ideal investment home.

Often, investors are looking for the latest “hotspot.” However, this can change rapidly and be confusing for an inexperienced property investor. If you choose one of these hotspot locations, be sure and research before purchasing. And, don’t forget to consider what the region will look like in 5 – 10 years, i.e. flooding of the investment market, ownership vs. rental, etc. Some of the most recently coined hotspots are Malaysia, South Africa, Turkey, Greek Islands and Abu Dhabi. These were all chosen by a survey of over 100 seasoned overseas property investors. The factors that went into this survey were: housing market entry prices, potential capital growth, types of property available, ease of purchase for international buyers, stability of the region, accessibility by international travelers and attitude of government towards overseas buyers. These are all important factors to pay attention to when looking for your slice of paradise. Each one will affect your investment, in both the short-term and looking over a period of years.

If you are planning to keep the property as a long-term investment you will need to know what the rental potential is for that particular region. You will also want to ask yourself some very important questions. Below are some examples of things to think through as you are shopping:

* Will the rent you receive cover the mortgage payment plus all other

costs such as landscapers, cleaning crews, taxes, insurance, etc?

* What is the average days of the year that you can expect to

rent vs. times of vacancy?

*How many days of the year will you and/or your relatives and friends want to

utilize the home and will you charge them or not?

Some of the best ways to find local rental market information is through blogs and real estate agents. There are thousands of blogs on international investing. First, start to follow quite a few until you get comfortable with 2 – 3 of them, then continually watch their posts and research their archives. Finding a realtor in these areas is helpful too and will provide the most current market data. However, be upfront with the realtor to let them know you are fact finding first and investing later. A good realtor will be happy to help. The realtor who does not want to help is probably in it for short-term gain and isn’t worth working with anyway. To help get you started, I have listed some recent rental and purchase numbers in various locations around the world.

Below is a list of potential rental market rates: (data current as of 11-2010)

Location	Size	Daily Rental	Weekly Rental	Description
Kauai, HI	380 sq ft (1 bed/1bath)	$122.00	$450.00	Beachfront, small studio but nicely appointed
Exuma, Bahamas	1850 sq ft (2 bed/2 bath)	$150.00	$1100.00	Beachfront, serene and private beach cottage
Puerta Plata, Dominican Republic	650 sq ft (1bed/1ba)	$72.00	$450.00	Beachfront, studio, well appointed and clean
St. John, US Virgin Islands	500 sq ft (1 bed/2ba)	$185.00	$1200.00	Beach Views, not walking distance, relaxing top level condo
Ocho Rios, Jamaica	8000 sq ft (5 bed/5ba)	$400.00	$2800.00	Walking distance to beach, gorgeous villa with private butlers and cooks
New South Whales, Australia	Pricing quoted as one room of this B&B.	$145.00	$520.00	Rent out one room of this B&B, 300 meter walk to beaches, quaint/comfortable

Below is a list of sales prices of homes: (data current as of 11-2010)

Location	Purchase Price	Size/Description	Beach/Town Proximity
Tel Aviv, Israel	$450,000.00	2 bed/2ba, brand new, no need to remodel	Near beach – walking distance
Amsterdam, The Netherlands	$380,000.00	1 bed/1 ba, move-in ready	In heart of city, on largest canal, ground floor
Sydney, Australia	$850,000.00	4 bed, 4 ba, family home, move-in ready	In suburb of Sydney, family location, near harbor
La Paz, Mexico	$167,000.00	2 bed/2 ba, brand new, upgrades throughout	Ocean View, walking distance to main city and beach
San Ramon, Costa Rica	$530,000.00	3 bed/3ba, all upgraded, beautifully furnished	On top of a mountain, overlooking the Serene Mountains
Luquillo, Puerta Rico	$128,000.00	1 bed/1 ba studio, condo, nicely appointed	On ocean, views all around.

Remember, this is your dream and could be your next really big reality. It’s an exciting time, but don’t get caught up in all the nostalgia. Stay focused on your end result and goal, which is to find your little piece of “paradise.” If you do the research and take the time to truly understand what you can afford, rental rate returns and bottom line return on investment, the reward will be so much more satisfying.

Happy house hunting! I’ll be looking for my invitation for cocktails in your new home very soon!