Monaco - Defying The Recession

The Monaco Grand Prix held at the end of the May shows Monaco in her full glory to the world for a Sunday afternoon, and this year was no exception as Lewis Hamilton won the race for the first time. Monaco is known the world over not just for the best Grand Prix of the F1 season, but for million and billionaire residents, glamour...and some of the most expensive property in the world. But with the world on on the brink of a possible recession and falling house prices both in the US and Europe, Monaco could buck the trend in the years ahead and see surprisingly big gains in prices while those around her go into freefall. Part of Monaco's price increases in recent years, and for the medium term future too, is that new housing being built is for locals, and a strong new supply of openly available apartments is unlikely to happen for ten years - and with strong demand and little supply it suggests further price rises are likely for this year and next. British citizens have moved to Monaco in high numbers in recent years and as UK taxes show no sign of falling this large group is expected to swell further in 2008. Previously a relatively small group of Monaco residents, the number of British people living in Monaco has doubled in the last three years since 2005, with some 3000 now claiming residency in Monaco. Attaining residency in Monaco necessarily means renting or buying an apartment. The lowest priced property on the market at the moment is a 30m2 studio with a 7m2 balcony in the Fontvieille district at 720,000 Euros. With closing costs this rises to over 800,000 Euros. As well as buying a property, to gain residency in Monaco a bank account needs to be opened in the Principality, with account opening deposits varying between 100,000 and 500,000 Euros.

Mid range is a 210m2 3 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment in Monte Carlo, close to Casino Square, at 4,200,000 Euros. And at the top end is a three floor penthouse apartment in the well known Eden Star development at 25,000,000 Euros, equivalent to around 16 million Sterling. At the opening of Monaco's new consulate in London recently, Prince Albert of Monaco acknowledged the important contribution British people are making to his country, and said he would like to see more in the Principality. Prince Albert is particularly keen to see British entrepreneurs move to Monaco, but one travel guide for the country doesn't think Prince Albert has fully thought through his ideal scenario. 'Prince Albert said recently that he welcomes British entrepreneurs moving to Monaco, but that he wouldn't be distributing leaflets on London's streets to get more to do so. But he is missing the point. The costs involved in moving to Monaco are prohibitively high, even compared to London standards, and if he is serious about British talent moving to Monaco while we don't expect Monaco to remove the financial barriers he could move to lower the bar a bit at least.' A well respected US magazine recently claimed Monaco has the most overpriced real estate in the world, claiming the rental returns as part of their figures meant the tax haven's property costs were unduly high. In response a Monaco internet site says the American magazine are wrong, and have forgotten why Monaco's property prices are high in the first place. 'The error they made was comparing Monaco with places like Rome, Warsaw, Los Angeles and Vancouver, and they also overestimated closing costs. While admittedly high in Monaco at around 11 per cent, it's not common to be 20 per cent that their research was based on.' Monaco property buyers would find it difficult to find anything at all for 700,000 Euros, even for the smallest studio apartment, and realistic starting prices are from a million Euros. Prices last year rose dramatically, with the Casino Square area seeing price increases close to forty per cent, and in Fontvieille, close to the helicopter pad which connects Monaco with Nice Airport, prices nearly doubled. Overall it is thought that demand has grown by around thirty five per cent over the last five years, with few new Monaco properties becoming available to meet the new buyers expectations and putting pressure on already high real estate prices.

The 10 best places to live in the U.S.

Photo: LoneStarMike/Wikimedia

Austin, Texas, is famous for its music scene, and its economy benefits from the many technology firms that call it home. That blend of economic opportunity and cultural attraction helped put it on RelocateAmerica’s annual Top 10 list of best places to live. Each year, the company reviews information about local housing markets and economies, cultural and recreational opportunities, and safety, plus collects feedback from city leaders and residents, to come up with a Top 100 list of the best places to live in the country. Its Top 10 list reflects the best of the bunch. RelocateAmerica, based in Brighton, Mich., helps people who are moving find resources to make their move easier.

Photo: Grguy2011/Wikimedia

Grand Rapids, Mich., made RelocateAmerica’s Top 10 list for its solid schools and strong economy, especially when compared with the rest of the state. “It’s got the best of everything in a smaller large city,” said Steve Nickerson, president of RelocateAmerica.

Photo: Jesse Varner/Wikimedia

Boulder is a stable community at the foot of the Rocky Mountains — and a city that is well-loved by its residents, said Steve Nickerson, president of RelocateAmerica. In addition to its picturesque scenery and opportunities for outdoor recreation, the city offers a variety of cultural attractions, according to RelocateAmerica. Pictured here is the Flatirons rock formation near Boulder.

Photo: Justin Doub/Wikimedia

The employment picture in Raleigh, N.C., helped land it a spot on RelocateAmerica’s Top 10 list of best places to live. It’s the largest city in the “Triangle,” an area that includes Research Triangle Park, known for work in the biotechnology, telecommunications and computing fields, according to RelocateAmerica. Pictured here is the J.S. Dorton Arena.

Photo: Dallasborn&bred/Wikimedia

Dallas scored high on RelocateAmerica’s list of Top 10 cities partly due to its business growth, said Steve Nickerson, the company’s president. Plus, people who live and work there tend to have a strong passion for the city. Pictured here is the downtown Dallas arts district with the reflecting pool of the Winspear Opera House in the foreground and the I.M. Pei designed Meyerson Symphony Center immediately behind.

Photo: CantoV/Wikimedia

Greenville, S.C., is another one of those “smaller big cities,” said Steve Nickerson, RelocateAmerica’s president. Companies including BMW, Michelin, GE Energy and Lockheed Martin have a presence in the region, and Greenville’s downtown is also a draw, thanks in part to recent improvements to the city park, Nickerson said. Pictured here are the falls in downtown Greenville.

Photo: Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Riverwalk in Augusta, Ga. The city’s low cost of living, affordable housing, many cultural opportunities and mild climate make it popular with retirees. Plus, the area has seen a lot of business growth, according to RelocateAmerica.

Swimmers float along the Boise River about a mile from downtown Boise, Idaho. Boise made RelocateAmerica’s Top 10 list of best places to live due to its stable economy — the city experienced dramatic growth over the past two decades — and many recreation opportunities.

Photo: Mongo/Wikipedia

The skyline of downtown Omaha, Neb., at night. Job growth, particularly in the industrial sector, helped put Omaha on RelocateAmerica’s Top 10 list of best cities to live. The city on the western bank of the Missouri River has been an agricultural and transportation center since the late 1850s.

Photo: Soonerfever/Wikipedia

Bricktown Canal water taxis in Oklahoma City. Job growth was also a factor in Oklahoma City’s inclusion on the Top 10 list of best places to live. In addition to downtown business development, the city has experienced a renovation of convention, cultural and educational sites, according to RelocateAmerica.

Budget Slovenia Hotels

Whether you are a domestic traveler, or an international tourist, you can easily find hotels that take care of all your needs. There is absolutely no dearth of cheap hotels, here in Slovenia.Though comfort and luxury are terms that can vary in meaning for different people, a number of people cannot compromise with their standards of comfort. Being cheap hotel Slovenia doesn't mean it has to be a warren full of filthy rooms, but sadly many cheap hotels do not fare better. But there are a few hotels that despite charging rock bottom prices for their services offer the best in category services. The hotel offers rooms of economy and luxe category with all the necessary conditions and facilities. The location of the hotel allows its guests to organize trips to the local sightseeing. Slovenia Hotel welcomes its guests offering clean, comfortable, cozy rooms and a warm friendly atmosphere with affordable prices. All rooms are equipped with private bathrooms with constant hot and cold water, central heating, TV with satellite receiver. All these are served with the best coffee you have ever tasted or if you prefer, a cup of tea or a glass of fresh juice, Holiday breaks in Slovenia, Our hotels provide with large and huge Family Rooms in Slovenia that you can stay very safe and secure, We can also provide Special Offers in Slovenia Hotels offers you a variety of lodging options, One of them would be a large Cottages in Slovenia Hotels, for four people, perfect for families or groups of friends, Enjoy your stay for the vacations and Christmas Celebrations in Slovenia Hotels. Instead visitors can book a room, reach the place as per schedule and make payment at the time of check-in. Along with booking options you can check out the travel and tour tips. Receive affordable room booking quotes as per the number of days of stay. Slovenia Hotel are numerous and splendid. Visitors flocking to experience the essence of the beautiful regions of the island continent, are spoilt with the modern luxuries and comforts embodying Slovenia Hotel. The hotel offers rooms of economy and luxe category with all the necessary conditions and facilities.

North York Toronto, Canada Flooring Trends

Canada's largest city has been a major tourist destination for decades, and offers a great deal for the traveller keen to see the sights, and experience the vibrant lifestyle that Toronto offers. With plenty of museums , the former largest standing free tower in the world, a rich cultural life, and areas of supreme natural beauty such as Niagara and Algonquin National Park all within striking distance, Toronto has become the most visited city in Canada, and many people visit every year, some coming for just a few days as part of a larger tour of the country, others taking advantage of cheap airfares and excellent shopping to visit Canada for a short city break from neighbouring USA.

Toronto has all the style, excitement and exuberance of a major metropolis but, unlike most, it's also clean and well-run (the transport system actually works!), and it has the lowest crime rate of any major North American city. Downtown Toronto is a compact area with a good bus, streetcar and subway system that connects the city districts. The downtown is also very clean and vibrant with people from all walks of life bustling about. Toronto is a safe city even at night when the city is still fairly busy and apart from a few select areas, the streets can be wandered unhindered at all hours.

Living in Holland

The Netherlands or as it is very often called Holland is a country extremely loved by tourists. It is known for being friendly and tolerant. It also has a pretty good level of life. If you want to relocate here are some pieces of advice for you.

Finding a Place to live in Amsterdam, Holland

Since Amsterdam is a pretty big city, it is rather difficult to find an apartment here taking into account that prices are high as well. If you are not going to buy an apartment and you are looking for rent, you should aware that it will cost you about 1 000 $ per month for a small apartment.  Real estate in Holland is pretty expensive.

Finding a Job and Working in Holland

As in any big city finding a job in Amsterdam is not the easiest task especially taking into account the increasing unemployment rate. If you are a foreigner working for a Dutch employer, your work permit is only valid for the specific company. If you want to change job or find a better one, don't forget that you will need a new work permit.

According to Dutch law there is a maximum limit of 45 hours a week. The usual working hours are between 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Friday. The salaries in the Netherlands are average and are usually paid in the end of the month. The amount of salary is average if to compare with the rest of Europe. What is positive about Dutch salaries, is that companies in Holland usually give bonuses to their workers. It the majority of companies it happens twice a year in summer and for Christmas.

In search for job use all the possible methods of job hunting. Besides internet and newspapers there are also employment service and employment agencies in Holland. Ask your friends and acquaintances in Holland to help you with finding a job.  In fact all sources will do.

 Money and Cost of Living

The currency in Holland is Euro. Exchange rates in the country are the same in all exchange bureaus and banks that's why there are no black markets in the country.

The Dutch almost always pay in cash. Credit cards are used very rarely except for online purchases of course.

Here is a small of some common monthly expenses:

Health Insurance -  90-120 EURO

Internet -  20-30 EURO

Electricity, Gas, Water – 150 – 300 EURO

Travel Path – 45 EURO

Only in San Francisco! Top Rated Attractions in San Francisco, USA

San Francisco is among the most popular cities in the USA located in the state of California. San Francisco is a city that is not considered to be a tourist destination in the proper sense of the word but it draws the interest of people from all over the world coming to enjoy its beauty. There are many places of interest in the city that are inherited from the rich cultural and historical heritage of the area. San Francisco has witnessed different periods from the historical development of the USA and has always been among the leading cities. There is no doubt that being in San Francisco you will be able to feel the atmosphere of the American way of life. San Francisco is more than words can ever say. It should be seen with your own eyes! If you visit this American city for the first time, you will probably remain speechless in front of all landmarks. So take some time to discover all the treasures placed there. So here in this blog/article I will try to point out some of the must – see places of interest that you should include in your must – visit list while being there.
1.    Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is a notable landmark in San Francisco. It is considered to be the major symbol of the city and probably it will be the first thing that you will notice while being there for the first time. The Bridge was constructed during the 1937 and from that moment on it has been attracting people from different parts of the world. It is located in the San Francisco Bay into the Pacific Ocean and can be seen from all over the city. If you visit the bridge, you will recognize that this is actually the longest suspension bridge span. Over the years several other bridges were built across the Golden Gate mainly because of the traffic expansion. There is no traveler being there who doesn't like it. For that reason it is also reputed to be the most beautiful bridge construction ever built. The Golden Gate Bridge has also a dark side from its history. Usually it is a popular place for people who want to commit a suicide. According to the data, every two weeks a suicide is being done. In most cases people who are desperate and can't cope with their problems, find the bridge a suitable place to end their lives. This is quite sad but the US government has already taken some measures to prevent this practice and to preserve the good reputation of the bridge. Probably your travel to San Francisco will be incomplete if you miss to pay a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge! It is really worth visiting!

2.    The Exploratorium

The Exploratorium is one of the most interesting science museums in San Francisco, California. The museum has a central location and you can barely miss it out. What's more its architecture is quite impressive and you will notice it immediately. The exhibitions in the museum are dedicated to the development of science in all its fields. Here you will see either some simple examples of scientific discoveries or the replicas of the Einstein's theory of relativity. There is no doubt that you will like this place because there is something for everyone. It is the perfect place for family visits. The special thing about this museum is the fact that its exhibitions are aimed to draw your interest with their design which is interactive, educational, safe and most importantly fun. Here you will have the chance to enjoy an experimental laboratory. You can also experience a tornado, shape a glowing electrical current, or take a sensory journey in total darkness. It sounds adventurous, isn't it? Because of the great interest to the Exploratorium, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance.

3.    California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a popular entertainment and educational place in San Francisco. It is a popular place to visit not only by tourists but also by locals because of its great variety of entertainment options. It is the only place in the world that combines an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum and scientific research program. In the aquarium you will see more than 38 000 live animals. In the planetarium you can take the advantage of taking part in a solar tour. If you get tired from your tour around the California Academy of Sciences, there are also many places where you can eat or drink something and to enjoy watching the attractions at the same time. So if you ever travel to San Francisco and still doesn't know what to do, this is a great idea.


The mentioned places of interest are only a small part of the great variety of attractions in San Francisco. They all are an inevitable part of the San Francisco tourism. The only thing you have to know by planning your travel to San Francisco is that this city is best enjoyed slowly. Only a day or two will not be enough to take the most of this city. So you have to think of a good place of accommodation. There are many options for accommodation in San Francisco. The best alternative is to stay in one of the San Francisco hotels. All hotels in San Francisco are nice and the quality of the service is excellent. To guarantee your stay for the chosen hotel in San Francisco, it is better to make an online reservation in advance.