look see trip

Philippines

What Is a "Look and See Trip" – And How to Prepare For It

A “look and see trip” (or look-see trip) is a service that is some times provided by companies to singles or families that are moving abroad on an expatriate contract. The purpose of this trip is for the individual or family to see, feel and experience the country and region that they may be moving to in near future. Companies will provide this service only to those who have already agreed beforehand to being flexible and open to such a move. Before flying out to your new destination, you will be contacted by the relocation company working together with your firm to discuss your personal needs and wishes in regards to your future life in the host country. Your particular needs may, for example, include an apartment close to the office or close to the airport, as you will be a frequent traveller in your new position, or it may include a house with three bedrooms and close proximity to an international school of high standards. Your personal wishes may include an ocean view and an apartment close to shops and nightlife, or maybe a swimming pool in the yard and a mall with a supermarket close by. Whatever your needs and wishes consists of, it is important that you do your research beforehand, so that the relocation agency can assist you in the best way possible. Don’t hold back when it comes to expressing your wishes. The more details you can give, the better chance the agency can help with pinpointing your ideal home in the future.

If you are a single person, it will likely be relatively easy for you to find a convenient time to fly out to your future destination and visit your potential future office and explore housing options. If you are part of a family moving abroad, you will need to find a time for travel that is not only convenient for all members of the family, but that will also allow you to visit all the necessary facilities, such as, for example, daycare or schools at the right time. A trip planned during school holidays may not portray an accurate picture of an area, as the amount of traffic can be quite different from it’s usual daily buzz, construction work may be halted temporarily, and daycare and schools may be closed down, or the premises will be running on half-empty.

A typical look and see trip lasts a week. Upon your arrival at your destination, or soon thereafter, an agent from the relocation agency will meet with you at the hotel, or the place where you are staying, to discuss the program of the week. This program is naturally based on the needs and wishes that you have expressed previously. However, if misunderstanding have occurred, then now is the time to correct these before wasting any time seeing things you are not really interested in seeing. The agent will be eager to show you as many things as possible in as little time as possible. If you feel that the program is too overwhelming, do not hesitate to cut down on the programmed activities. Just keep in mind that there will only be one look and see trip!

A standard look and see trip program may look like this:

Welcome package (including brochures of attractions, list of helpful websites, etc.) Country presentation, cost of living, cross-cultural tips, historical information about your host country. Home sampling (min. 4-5 housing options) Visit to daycare or schools (if applicable) Visit to car dealers and information about car ownership (if applicable) Familiarization tour, including supermarkets, malls, restaurants, banks, sport centers, etc.

The look and see program usually operates on a half day basis, giving you some free time to do some exploration of your own. You can use this time to visit tourist attractions and shops, or to simply stroll around your preferred area to get a proper sense of the place. For those who are tormented by jet-lag, a well-earned rest after a hectic day may be the top priority!

If you don’t have the option or time available for visiting your future host country, then you can make your own look and see trip by surfing the internet, reading relevant books, looking at films and images from your future destination, and talking to people who have lived there. Thanks to the vast information available to us these days through the internet, chatrooms and satellite images, etc., it is indeed possible to acquire a very good feeling and idea of a country or place that we have not yet visited in real life.

Source by Camilla Dessing

Expat ‘look-see’ trips

The Expatability Chat Podcast

Nailing Your ‘Look-See’ Trip

How to make the most of your look-see trip.

The “Look-See” Trip is an exploratory visit to the country you’re moving to – an exploratory visit or a pre-location visit.

It is important to make sure that your look-see trip is planned efficiently so you can get as much done as possible on the visit

There’s a lot to achieve in a relatively small period of time, so I hope this guide will help you to make a fool-proof plan.

Hopefully, you’ll come away from the “Look-See” trip armed with valuable insight into your soon-to-be-life, schools, and neighbourhoods.

To help you make the most of your Look-See Trip, I can give you the gift of time by doing the research on your behalf. Cut down your overwhelm and mental load by using someone with efficiency and insight to sort through the multitude of options you may have.

Learn more about how I can help you here.

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transcription

[00:00:18.520] Welcome aboard the Expatability Chat podcast, helping expat parents navigate the challenges of moving and living overseas. With Carole Hallett Mobbs, Expat Life Mentor and Consultant and founder of ExpatChild.com [00:00:23.370] Hi, welcome back to Expatability Chat. I'm Carole, and today I want to talk about what to look for on your look see trip. The 'Look See' trip is an exploratory visit to the country you're moving to. Now, this is particularly relevant if you're moving overseas as a work assignment. I would expect if you're emigrating or if you've chosen to live abroad, you've already got some actual experience of the country you're moving to. But that's not an assumption; I know that people do move somewhere they've never been before, but for a work assignment, there's generally a quick look-see visit included for many businesses. [00:00:59.820] Sometimes you get a chance to visit your future destination before you decide whether or not to accept the overseas assignment. For most expats, though, it comes after you've accepted the move abroad. In addition to giving you the chance to look at housing options and local schools in person, a look see visit can also help alleviate culture shock upon moving. You can take all the virtual tools you want. You can read brochures and look at endless photos, read blogs and info sites about your new home. [00:01:29.850] But until you actually go and see for yourself, you don't truly understand what you need to plan for. And not everyone gets an opportunity for a look see trip. And that's OK too. Sometimes it may work out better for you not to know, especially if you have no choice in your move. [00:01:47.700] We don't ever get a look see trip as part of our relocations. We don't even get to choose our own home. Well, we could visit the city, I guess, if we paid for it ourselves and could find the time to do it, but we could never manage it as a family. Husband has always travelled all over the world with his work, so he usually knew somebody there and the basic layout of the area. Well, the office and which restaurants to go to anyway. But living there as a family is very different than working there for a few weeks at a time. [00:02:16.380] In our last posting, we were placed in temporary accommodation for a few weeks and for once I had the chance to view my new home before moving into it. It was just down the road of the compound, but I chose not to look because I had no choice where I lived. So if I didn't like the place, it would spoil things and depress me before I made that final move. It turns out I was right not to look! I have no options, so I just have to make the best of it. And that's what I did. [00:02:44.170] Either way, the look see trip is just that. It gives you a chance to get a glimpse into your new life and see what it will be like in that area. So a look see trip is exactly what it says on the tin; a chance to look around your prospective new home and to see what's there, and what isn't. [00:03:01.080] Someone once said to me, you don't know what you don't know until you find out. And honestly, that is so true. So in this episode, I want to give you tips on what to look for, what to look and what to see and how to get the most out of your visit. [00:03:15.650] So what to consider when making this visit? It's important to make sure that your look see trip is planned efficiently so that you can get as much done as possible on the visit. There is a lot to achieve in a relatively small period of time. So I hope this will help you make a fool proof plan. [00:03:31.940] Your look see visit should be all about familiarisation. Get to sample the culture a little bit, get a sense for the local style, habits and etiquette, as well as finding out where school is, where work is and where you may like to live. Observing local habits, the way people greet and interact with each other and even the way they dress can help guide your packing, your expectations and your social understanding of the area. [00:03:55.910] You should plan to be asking questions, search out all the local facilities and make connections. Making a few expat or local contacts can give you a tremendous sense of security as you prepare to make the move abroad. If you've been talking to expats in your future destination, try to meet up with them while you're actually there. It makes a huge difference to the first few days of your new life if you have someone familiar nearby. Hopefully, you'll come away from the look see trip armed with valuable insight into your soon to be life, your soon to be schools and your soon to be neighbourhood. Or you may feel more confused and overwhelmed because the school neighbourhood your research showed would be best may not be right after all. [00:04:37.650] At the very least, this now gives you an opportunity to rectify your plans and to look for a different school or a different home area. Try to make lists of pros and cons for everything while you're there. These lists can be very helpful when you have to make decisions before you move, and it's ever so easy to forget things once you've been there. So keep a little diary. [00:04:58.210] So your look see is booked. What are you going to do with it? Organisation and preparation are key to ensuring a successful and productive look see visit. [00:05:07.300] By its nature, the look see is quick. Too quick, some would say, and it can feel like a real whirlwind. You may have just a few days to make what feels like really, really, really important decisions about the rest of your life or your life for the next few years. Before you leave research things like finding the addresses of the places that you need to visit and make appointments. Arriving with an itinerary in hand can give each day structure, which is especially important considering everything you have to cram into a short space of time. [00:05:38.320] Include in your itinerary, things like familiarisation. So getting used to what the place is like, what the culture is like, or the climate is like, make sure to ask as many questions as you can and make a note of the answers in case your memory is like mine and you forget! Check out local facilities and make connections if you can. [00:05:58.150] So there are certain things to consider with regards to planning your particular look see visit, one of which is jet lag. Factor it in. There is little point planning a really important meeting as soon as you land if you don't know which way is up. Jet lag can last around about 24 hours, if not longer. So try and keep the really important meetings for the next day. And also try to go for more than just a weekend. It's really advisable that your visit includes at least one weekday, not a public holiday, an actual working week day, so that you can visit schools when they're in session and get a feel for the local atmosphere during the working week. Make sure you build in some free time to explore. [00:06:42.100] While much of your visit may be filled with meetings and appointments do set aside time to simply explore and enjoy the area. So create an itinerary that you can use to maximise your time. But as a confusing alternative, don't try to do too much. So focus on the essentials that you can deal with in the amount of time that you have. Your essentials are yours, not mine, but as a guidance, I'd include; employment where you have to go to work, the commute, the schools. If you have to go and look around different schools, make sure you have appointments that you can visit without a rush, public transport, or will you have to have a car? Local facilities, food shopping? Where are you going to find your groceries? Are you going to be able to get them home easily? What's the neighbourhood like? What kind of social life can you expect to have? And if you have specific hobbies, see if they're available nearby as well. [00:07:37.270] If you're starting a new job, contact your manager in advance of your trip to see if you can meet your colleagues. You may be able to schedule a meet and greet session and a tour of your workplace. And this will help you feel far more comfortable on your first official day of employment. With schools, allow at least a full day to visit prospective local or international schools and make those appointments well in advance or you may well be disappointed. [00:08:01.540] Arrange a visit to your child's new school or potential school if you've already chosen one. Ask if you're allowed to take photos so that you can show it to your kids. That's if they're not with you, of course. Consider making a little photo book or video journal of important points to show your children if that's at all possible and relevant. The classroom, the cloakroom, the lunchroom, etc.. So your children get a feel for where to go, what to expect. It's the little things that can help a child with this huge transition. [00:08:29.400] With the facilities scout out the grocery stores, the local bank, the shopping malls, the parks, entertainment venues, cafes, petrol stations, hospitals, doctors, surgeries and pharmacies. OK, most of those can be done on a map, but sometimes it's useful to get a feel of them; you don't want to be schlepping around all the doctor's surgeries and hospitals. But find out if all the things that you need are going to be readily available. Plan any alternatives if the answer is no. [00:08:57.210] The more information you can gather now, the more prepared you'll be. It's too late after you move to discover that you can't obtain a specific medicine there, or find that the local store doesn't stock anything your child will eat. Or if there's nothing for you to do in the area that you've chosen. How are you going to move about in your new location? Will you be driving? Will you have a car, will you have two cars, or will you have to rely on public transport? [00:09:23.790] How long is the school run going to take? Take a tip from a hideous experience of mine and don't assume a handful of stops on the Metro will be a short journey, especially if there are changes of line involved. Our first few weeks journey to school in Tokyo took two and a half hours each way. Two and a half hours! It was horrendous with a five year old. And then a lovely new friend told me about the buses and we shortened that journey down to a happy hour each way. Once I got a car, However, it only took 20 minutes. So distances can be confusing. Public transport can make journeys a hell of a lot longer or a hell of a lot quicker. It depends on the country, it depends on the town, and it depends where you live. [00:10:10.900] Research the local transport links and take a few trips to and from the important places to get a feel for traffic flow and the amount of time you might need to allow for travel. Try to get out and about in the rush hour too as these can vary hugely from location to location and you need to know what you're up against. [00:10:28.710] With your neighbourhood, do research prior to your trip to find out which neighbourhoods interest you. Try to narrow this down as much as possible. Leave house-hunting till last. By the time you've seen and done all the above, you'll have a much better idea of where you'd like to live. On your trip, spend as much time in each of these neighbourhoods living like a local. If possible, stay in a hotel or rent a home in the neighbourhood that interests you most. [00:10:53.760] Having said that, you're only going to be there for a few days, so you will be doing lots of travelling. But if you look see visit is longer than maybe you can hop around neighbourhoods. Walk around each area and visit the local restaurants and hang outs, so that you can interact with the locals and see who's living in the area. Moving overseas is a massive commitment and you need to know whether or not you'll be able to fit into the local rhythm and social etiquette. [00:11:18.210] What will your social life be like? Try to make some connections with other expats? You may not want to restrict your social circle to the same people after you move, but to start with, they'll be a huge help for you. They will also be a valuable source of insight and information. Talk to the locals too. Try engaging in conversation with shop owners, passers by and neighbours. Be a bit weird for a while! Get a feel for the culture and see how easy it will be to build social connections. [00:11:46.070] One key point with a look see visit - and people are very divided on this - is to whether to take the children or not? Children can benefit greatly from a pre-move visit to their new home. There are several things to consider before you rush out and book family tickets. If you take the children with you on your look see visit. How likely is it that the whole trip will revolve around their needs and their wants? You may feel obliged to go to the tourist spots, the fun parks, Disneyland and so on, and the important things that you need to know may get neglected. [00:12:18.230] Remember, the look see visit isn't a sightseeing trip. So if the answer is very likely, then you may want to consider leaving them at home and plan how best to communicate your findings when you get back. Another consideration is what if the trip doesn't go to plan? What if the kids get bored or stressed or see something they don't like? There's a real risk that this might put them off the move and cause big problems down the line. You may be better off telling them all the great things about their new home instead of letting them experience it too soon. [00:12:48.080] Most families do all go together. One of my lovely group members, Lucille, says, "yes, taking the kids is hard work and they are dragged around to schools and houses. But we do fun things with them, too and I feel it's important for them to be part of the process and feel like their opinions matter too. My kids are 8 and 10 so still young enough for me to spin some magic. I can't speak for teenagers. So the tone of the trip is less, let's go and see if we like it but more, this is our next home. Let's explore it together. My kids have never hated a location on a look see trip, but that doesn't mean they've always wanted to move. It's a fine balance." [00:13:26.860] And because I personally have never been on a look-see trip, I threw the question open to my group, so I'll share some of their valuable experience and advice to you now. This is advice from Marta; [00:13:38.420] "Really ask yourself, could I live here and be happy, outside of work? Be clear about what your priorities are and think of the obvious ones as well as the mundane ones too. Safety, health care, cost of living, retirement, career advancement, culture, nightlife, schools, restaurants, even things like are there good hair salons, are they affordable? Some of these may not be deal breakers, but they will help you make a more informed decision should you choose to move there. Priorities and quality of life and not a cookie cutter thing. Really ask yourself what this means to you. Also, remember that everything will look better on a look see than it really is. If a company has invested in arranging a look see trip for you, they really want to convince you to live there. It's kind of like dating someone new - we all show our best qualities. Lastly, be clear on what the company will pay and what they won't, as well as the timing. Is this a shorter term assignment, i.e., will you go back home after two years? Or is this a definite relocation? It's a huge decision and it's not always easy, but it is a privilege to have the option of being able to choose where to live and work." [00:14:48.090] And here's some advice from Annabel: [00:14:50.550] I needed to picture how life could be and if I could picture the kids living there. During a look, see, it is a whirlwind. You see neighbourhoods, but you have no idea where they are compared to each other. You visit schools, which was the most important part for me, and it allowed us to pick the school we really liked. The company usually takes you to the nice neighbourhoods to wow you. Do get in touch with expats living there beforehand so you can get an idea of what the neighbourhoods and schools are like. And also double check the commute and the school run. The relocation company may have you visit places that will actually be really far from work or not doable as a commute. So it's best to have insider info." [00:15:29.010] Actually on the topic of relocation companies, or destination services and many other descriptors, if you are fortunate enough to have someone on the ground there, make sure they fully understand your needs. I have heard of so many destination service agents who have never even moved out of that area. Let alone moved and lived overseas as an expat. They're just ticking boxes and earning their fee. Another tip is to make sure your agent truly understands what it's like to be a parent. Kids and their needs and requirements are often left out of the itinerary. [00:16:01.900] And some more advice from Lucille: [00:16:04.090] "Educate yourself about areas and schools as much as possible. Don't just rely on the relocation agent to present their version of what they think an expat wants, just because it's what everybody else does. If you've seen a bunch of houses and the agent just isn't getting it right, ask for someone new, will start looking online yourself and give a list of houses that you'd like a relocation agent to go for. Don't be afraid to break rank. Go with an open mind, ask loads of questions, even if you think that they're daft, and schedule in some fun time too. But remind yourself that look see life and real life are very different." [00:16:40.180] And from Alice: [00:16:41.500] "I like to go to grocery stores and wet markets to see what's available and how much it costs. That way you can better prepare for things you might need or want to bring with you. A certain spice or face cream, for example." [00:16:54.320] And Rebecca says, [00:16:55.370] "My big tip would be to try and find a Facebook group for local mums prior to your visit. I was able to join one beforehand, so I already had some tips from locals on places to see and where to eat. And I got a really good feel for the area when we arrived. [00:17:10.300] So that's some great advice from people who have been on look see visits. So to summarise, I just want to say, plan ahead, create an itinerary, research where and what you want to see and when you want to see it. Make a contact list, make appointments in advance with schools and so on. And remember that look see life and real life are different; good, but different. [00:17:34.610] Go for as long as you can and make sure you include weekdays too. Allow yourself free time to explore and have fun. Maximise your time, but don't do too much. [00:17:46.250] And as I said before, your look see visit is all about familiarisation and getting a sense of the culture climate in general, day to day life. All of this can help you plan your packing, manage your expectations and boost your understanding of the area and also help prevent any culture shock or at least minimise the culture shock. [00:18:06.400] I do hope you get a chance to have a look see visit all the very best, take care and I'll talk to you again soon. Bye bye. [00:18:33.470] Thank you for listening to the Expatability Chat podcast, please check out ExpatChild.com for more free information and resources and follow me on your favourite social media. Don't forget to join me next week for another episode. Until then, bye bye.

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Six Tips for Expats Planning a ‘Look-See’ Trip

If you’re planning a move overseas, a “look-see” visit can be very helpful for setting up your new life abroad..

A look-see trip is an exploratory visit to the country you’re moving to that helps Expats to determine what life will be like in the area. It is important to make sure that your look-see trip is planned efficiently so you can get as much done as possible on the visit. Give yourself a decent amount of time on your trip to explore the area and begin making decisions about your life abroad.

Here are six tips for planning your “look-see” Trip

1. Stay in the neighborhood

Do research prior to your trip to find neighborhoods in the area that interests you. On your trip, spend as much time in each of these neighborhoods living like a local. If possible, stay in a hotel or rent a home in the neighborhood that interests you so you get a feel for everyday life.

2. Avoid Tourist Attractions

You’re here to see what everyday life is like, so spend time living like the locals, not the tourists. You can set aside time at the end of your trip for tourist activities.

3. Meet the Neighbors

Walk around the neighborhood and visit the local restaurants and hangouts, so you can interact with the locals and see who is living in the area.

4. Transportation

Research the public transportation and see how easy it is to get around. Determine if you need to purchase a vehicle to live in that neighborhood. Remember to test your commute to your new job from the neighborhood where you’re looking to live.

5. Visit the Schools

If you’re relocating with children, set up appointments with the local schools in the area. Remember that in some cases where you live affects which schools your children can attend, so be sure to ask about all requirements.

6. Meet the Local Expats

Reach out to some Expats living in the area through social media networking groups, and ask if they can meet you for a drink. The local Expats will be able to tell you better than anyone what it’s like to move to the area.

Need help staying organized during your relocation? Download the free Expat Moving Checklist for a step-by-step guide to planning your relocation.

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Home » How to Plan a ‘Look-See’ Trip to the United States

How to Plan a ‘Look-See’ Trip to the United States

Six tips for Expats planning their ‘Look-See’ visit to the United States.

A look-see trip is an exploratory visit to the country you’re moving to. It can be very helpful for Expats who are planning a move to the United States because it can help determine what life will be like in the area.

The U.S. is a very large country and there are vast cultural differences from region-to-region. Even if you have been to the country before, the area you visited is not necessarily going to be similar to the place you’re moving.

It is very important that you plan your trip efficiently so that you can get as much done as possible on your visit. Give yourself enough time to explore the area and to begin making decisions about your life abroad.

Follow these six tips for planning your ‘look-see’ trip: 1. Stay in the neighborhood

Before your trip do research to find out which neighborhoods you’re interested in living in. If possible, stay in a hotel or rent a home in these areas. Spend as much time as possible in each neighborhood living like a local to get a feel for the area. 2. Avoid Tourist Attractions

Spend time living like a local, not a tourist. Try to get a feel for everyday life in the neighborhood. You can set aside time at the end of your trip for tourist activities. 3. Meet the Neighbors

Try to interact with the locals and see who is living in the area. Visit local restaurants and hangouts and spend time just walking around the neighborhood. 4. Transportation

Research what transportation options are available in the area. Determine if you can easily take public transportation, or if you will need to obtain a vehicle. Test your commute to your new job from the neighborhood you’re interested in. 5. Visit the Schools

If you’re relocating with your kids it’s important to check out the schools in the area. Set up appointments with local schools in the area. Be aware that where you live affects which schools your children can attend – remember to ask about the enrollment requirements. 6. Meet the local Expats

Use social media networking groups to find local Expats living in the area and ask them to meet up while you’re in the area. They will be able to tell you better than anyone what it’s like to move to the area.

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June 16, 2022

Lump Sum Relocation: How to negotiate a great relocation package

Has your employer told you that you will be getting a relocation package for your overseas assignment?

Congratulations! An overseas assignment can be exhilarating, fascinating, and life-changing.

You may already be researching bucket-list vacation destinations and hot new restaurants, not to mention planning to ace your new role and advance your career.

But before you can enjoy any of these things, you have to organise your move.

Some relocation packages are structured as a lump sum payment amount that gives you flexibility and choice of how to spend the funds. These are more common for domestic relocation offers because your employer will still need to provide other international services separately, such as immigration filing or tax support as your work location changes.

With a lump sum relocation package, you will be (mostly, if not completely) responsible for arranging all aspects of your relocation. You may have to work with a fixed budget based on your tenure and destination, or you may be able to negotiate your lump sum budget based on anticipated expenses.

Whether you are negotiating a new agreement or wondering how to stretch a lump sum package you have been given, knowing your likely expenses is key.

Lump Sum Relocation: How to negotiate a great relocation package

Our comprehensive list of relocation expenses can help you and your employer communicate clearly about your expectations and needs – before relocating for your new role or overseas assignment.

Building a relocation package: Expenses to consider

Some of the expenses you may encounter when planning an overseas assignment include...

Moving and storage expenses

When you are moving overseas, the actual “moving” part is one of the first things you think about, so let’s get this one out of the way.

Yes, you will probably need to hire a mover and no, this is not a time to take short-cuts. If you are moving thousands of kilometres, you need professional international movers. They specialise in overseas packing for air and sea shipments and know the customs clearing process in your destination country.

Don’t take unnecessary items, but don’t expect to purchase or rent everything you need overseas either. Some items are difficult or expensive to buy overseas, and – if you are moving with children – you may want to have some comforts of home when you are living far away.

You may also need short and long-term storage in your home country.

Home Finding and School Finding

Back in the day, every overseas assignment started with a “look-see” orientation trip. You and your spouse would travel to your new country, to be met by a friendly and knowledgeable expert in your destination. You would visit top tourist destinations, see school options for your children and tour homes and apartments for rent.

While a guaranteed pre-decision “Look-See” trip may be a thing of the past, the needs that it met haven’t changed . Plan a trip for you and your spouse to visit your assignment city ahead of your move. Hire a real estate agent, look at housing options, and meet with school administrators.

Any money you invest in finding a home and schools for your family will pay dividends in your enjoyment and success in your new role.

Visas or work permits

To work overseas, you will most likely need a visa or permit. It is customary for your employer to arrange your immigration paperwork because the company has a duty to keep itself and its employees compliant.

If immigration filing support isn't mentioned explicitly in your relocation offer, ask early to ensure that you understand how your company supports this important step in cross-border relocation.

Consider hiring a pet relocation company with your lump sum

Pet relocation services may be expensive but – most expats agree - they can be worth the cost.

Pet relocation companies provide complete door-to-door services, which are key when you are busy arranging an international move. Don’t assume that you will be able to take your pet with you on an international flight. Most airlines have major restrictions about which overseas routes are acceptable for pet transport.

The day of your move – if you are like most of us – will be very hectic. Adding in a two-hour round-trip drive to get proper agricultural documents for your pet may just tip you and your family over the edge. Get a price for professional pet relocation and consider adding this to your relocation budget.

Tax assistance for your lump sum relocation

Expat assignments often come with tax consequences.

In many tax jurisdictions, relocation reimbursements and cost-of-living adjustments are considered taxable benefits, so your company's payroll reporting will need to reflect this. Your company will likely provide support, and they can help you to ensure that your tax provider has expertise in overseas or dual-country returns.

Temporary housing during your overseas move

You may need temporary housing at both ends of your move – at home, while your household goods are packed and shipped, and at your destination, while you wait for your moving shipment to arrive.

Real estate services for your existing property

As exciting as your move overseas may be, you also will have responsibilities at home that need to be addressed. Will you sell or rent your current home?

Some expats keep their family home and return home every summer. Others choose to keep or rent their family home, only to find several years later that their needs have changed. For many, selling their home right away allows them maximum flexibility during their holidays and at the end of their assignment.

Whatever you decide, each option has associated costs – from estate commissions for a home sale to property management for rentals or long absences.

Additional expenses when considering an overseas assignment

While not technically part of your initial relocation, you may also want to consider:

Travel costs during an overseas assignment

Most relocation packages include travel expenses to move to an assignment country and a flight home when the assignment is over. In addition, some relocation packages cover the costs of air travel for a set number of “home visits” per year or per assignment.

GASA (Goods and Services Adjustment)

Your employer may offer a Goods and Services Adjustment if the cost of living in your new country is much higher than that of your home country. This allows your employer to keep your current salary and bonus structure intact while helping you meet increased financial needs.

Tuition and housing assistance

Your employer may reimburse the tuition expenses for your minor children, especially in countries where local schools are not an option due to language differences. You may also get assistance with your housing costs if they vary significantly from your housing costs at home.

Lump Sum Relocation Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Q: what are the most common types of lump sum relocation packages .

A: There are many types of lump sum relocation packages. The most common are cash lump sum – a fixed amount that the employee spends as needed, “Managed Cap” – where the employer contracts with specific providers and provides cash or “points” limits for services, and hybrid models – which combine a lump sum for general services and contracted critical services such as taxes or immigration.

For an international assignment, a pure lump sum offer without additional support is rare. Companies have a responsibility to ensure that their operations and employees are compliant with the laws and taxes of where they they work, so expect a hybrid approach for most overseas relocation offers.

Q: What is an average lump sum relocation package?

A: Lump sum relocation packages can vary widely based on the destination country and an employee’s role and tenure within the company. Packages can range from limited reimbursement for in-country moving to full reimbursement of all aspects of an international relocation.

Q: What expenses can I negotiate for my lump sum relocation package?

A: While each relocation package is different, you and your employer should clarify who will pay for the following:

Orientation trip: airline flights, hotels, food, child-care during your trip
Moving expenses: household goods moving and storage, auto shipping, pet relocation
Temporary housing at origin and destination
Real estate services : costs associated with selling or managing your property at home and real estate search in your assignment country
Language and cultural training
Ongoing expenses which may include but are not limited to: tuition, housing, “home visit” trips, GASA, tax preparation and tax gross-ups, etc.

Q: What does GASA mean?

A: GASA stands for Goods and Services Adjustment. It refers to a cost of living adjustment that may be paid by an employer to an employee on an overseas work assignment, particularly if the assignment country has a much higher cost of living than the employee’s home country.

Q: What does gross-up for relocation expenses mean?

A: In many tax jurisdictions, lump sum relocation packages are considered taxable benefits. In this case, a company may help offset additional taxes by increasing lump sum reimbursements to cover both the relocation expenses as well as employment taxes associated with the benefit.

Get the most from your lump sum relocation package

If you are wondering how to get the most from your lump sum budget, we can help. We specialise in relocating the employees of major companies around the world, and we help individuals like you every day with custom international moving solutions.

Spend your lump sum wisely - on just the relocation services you need. Contact one of our international moving specialists today .

Moving for an overseas assignment – learn more!

Our caring and supporting move specialists can help make every aspect of your move a success. Visit our international moving services page to learn about our highest quality services.

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10 Things To Do On A “Look-See” Trip

When deciding whether or not to relocate, many people take what is known as a “look-see” trip to thoroughly investigate a particular location before moving there.

During my lifetime, I have taken two “look-see” trips, one in 2002 and one in 2009, both to Hong Kong.

Why two? Because locales, like people, tend to have a life of their own and change over time. The marriage between the two, where you are in your life and where your destination is in its own, will ultimately determine the success of your union.

Although I spent nearly three years living in Hong Kong between 2003 and 2005, I visited a second time seven years later before deciding whether or not I would return. Based on the due diligence I collected during that trip, I decided against it.

Though the concept of the “look-see” trip generally applies to the future expat (someone who resides overseas), the same principles can also be applied to anyone investigating a city or town they are considering as a potential second residence or as a new home.

Over the past few years, I have traveled to several U.S. cities, including both Austin and Houston, each with an eye toward my future. At the time of this writing, I am visiting beautiful Savannah, Geo’gia.

What differentiates this trip from the others is that I am treating my visit to Savannah as a “look-see” trip. That doesn’t mean my Eat, Pray, Love cravings for a more meaningful existence are not being satisfied. They most certainly are. And that’s a good thing because I firmly believe if I am ever to feel truly comfortable living somewhere, they must.

That said, there are other, equally as important, criteria to consider before committing to a move. Here are 10 things I recommend doing on any “look-see” trip, whether domestically or abroad, to ensure your visit is a worthwhile one

1. Live. A “look-see” trip is not a vacation, as tempting as it may be to make it one, especially if you are visiting a place you have never been to before. In fact, I have been working ever since I stepped off the plane a week from last Friday. Remember, you are visiting your location for a reason — to see what life is like.

To mimic real life conditions, I opted to rent an apartment for the duration of my two-week visit instead of staying at a hotel. There are several reputable services that can assist with this process, including VRBO and Airbnb .

For a true “look-see” trip, I recommend staying no less than two weeks in one location, preferably three, in order to thoroughly research your surroundings.

2. Tour. Of course, it is okay to be a full-fledged tourist and engage in vacation-type activities while you are visiting. Actually, I highly recommend doing so, especially as a way to get your bearings. It is important to discover what makes a particular city unique and why it is “on the map,” so to speak.

So far during my stay in Savannah , I have been on a trolley tour around the city, visited the Sorrell-Weed House for a ghost tour, taken a tour of a local synagogue, visited Savannah’s City Market, walked, shopped, and dined along the Savannah River, and met with a psychic for my first ever Tarot card reading.

There are other destinations still on my list, and I plan on hitting a few more of them this coming week as time allows.

3. Locate. Find the places you need to make your stay a comfortable one. Supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, dry cleaners, coffee houses… whatever. This should be your top priority.

When I first visited Hong Kong, my children were only 27 months and 15 months old. During our three-week stay, I scoured supermarket after supermarket searching for the products my family liked and what they (and I) were familiar with. It took some time, but eventually I found (almost) everything we needed. Domestically, doing so may not present as much of a challenge. But, I have to confess, finding Starbucks on my second day in Savannah did put a big smile on my face.

4. Calculate. How much will it cost to live in your city of choice? From housing prices to the price of milk, it is important to create a realistic budget for yourself. The cost of living varies from place to place, and from item to item. Do your homework so you are not surprised later. I remember the first time I bought a gallon of milk in Hong Kong. The then price of $16 USD per gallon made it an experience I will never forget!

5. Eat. Eat some meals in and some meals out. If you are going to live somewhere, behave like it. I am not suggesting you cook yourself a five-course meal during your stay. But try handling the banality of everyday life by eating a bowl of cereal at your kitchen table or frying up some eggs. You will not only save money but likely a few calories, too, especially here down south.

When dining out, also be sure to try the local cuisine. Food is an important part of any location’s charm and appeal. One caveat, though. If on a “look-see” trip overseas, do be mindful where you are eating. Stay away from street vendors and places whose cleanliness you cannot vouch for. And always be sure to abide by directives and advisories from U.S. agencies that pertain to your specific destination.

6. Pray. Even if you are not religious, you may be surprised to discover what an important role religion can play when living somewhere new. One of my biggest regrets while living abroad is not having become more active in Hong Kong’s Ohel Leah Synagogue . Though my middle child attended preschool at the synagogue’s Carmel School for one year, I did not fully immerse myself in Jewish life and, as a consequence, missed out on the sense of community organized religion potentially offers.

During my first week in Savannah, I toured the city’s reform synagogue, Congregation Mickve Israel . I was fascinated to discover this congregation dates back to 1733 and is the third oldest in the United States. I had the privilege of attending Shabbat services at Mickve Israel this past Saturday, and was welcomed afterward to a kiddush luncheon sponsored by a local family in honor of their daughter’s first birthday. At lunch, I had the opportunity to meet and converse with other visitors like myself, as well as local congregants, most notably the synagogue’s eldest member, a 98 year-old descendant of one of the synagogue’s founding families. What could be a better testament to the cohesiveness and devotion of Savannah’s Jewish community?

7. Love. If you are looking for that special someone, it is important to investigate what single life is like in the city you are considering.

Approximately one week before my arrival, I changed my home city to Savannah on both my JDate and Match profiles. Though I received a good deal of inquiries on Match (mostly from non-Jewish men), JDate was much slower than I had originally anticipated.

Despite a strong Jewish presence here in Savannah, I did not feel that same presence online. It seems that it is with good reason because when I searched for men in my preferred age range on JDate, I discovered only three! Networking, it appears, is a more effective way to meet Jewish singles in Savannah, though I have been told that, too, presents its own challenges.

As I have come to realize over the past three plus years since I first began dating , it is important for me to be with someone of the Jewish faith . Although I never rule anybody out solely based on religion, I do consider religion to be an important factor in my search for a life partner. Had I not investigated Savannah’s social scene now, I would remain unaware of the challenges I could possibly face later.

Walk. I find it fitting that Savannah is home to Chippewa Square, the place where the fictional character, Forrest Gump, memorably sat on a park bench in the movie bearing the same name waiting for a city bus, telling everyone who sat beside him what his momma always said: “Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

Forrest’s momma was right. Sometimes.

Immediately after my unforeseen separation, I became a veritable Forrest Gump, walking on average eight and a half miles daily either on my treadmill or around my neighborhood as the weather allowed. Like Forrest Gump, walking was the way I cleared my mind, and my walks have stayed near and dear to my heart (and head) ever since.

Having lived in New York City and several of its surrounding suburbs, as well as in Boston and Hong Kong, I know I want to be somewhere that I can walk for extended distances. It is one of the things I loved most about living in Manhattan and Boston, and least about living in Hong Kong. Although a picturesque city, Hong Kong was not necessarily a walking city, and I missed that during my time there.

Which is why I deliberately did not rent a car during my stay in Savannah. Armed with my Nike app, I have chosen instead to explore the city on foot, sometimes walking a whopping 10 miles per day! Not only has walking enabled me to learn my way around, but I have had no regrets indulging in a yummy southern-style dessert whenever the mood strikes me.

9. Talk. Speak to the locals. Almost every meal I have eaten so far has been either at the counter or in the bar area of the restaurants I have frequented. From bartenders to patrons, I have gotten more local flavor than I would have if I sat at a table by myself. I also talk to tour guides, store clerks, and people on the street whenever the opportunity arises. Trust me when I tell you that I am NOT an outgoing person by nature (that is, until you get to know me). But, as I have gotten older, I realize everyone has something to say. And, wouldn’t you know, people are more than happy to hear from me, too!

10. Connect. During any “look-see” trip, it is important to connect with others. Exchange business cards, email addresses, and phone numbers. You never know when you may need advice from someone who is familiar with your place of interest or have a question.

If at the end of your investigative trip you have done your job well, you should be better able to answer for yourself the most pertinent question of all: Have I connected with the place I am visiting?

It may take more than one visit to determine how deep that connection is, and that’s not only okay, it’s preferable. Relocating is a big step.

Though I am happily settled in my current hometown and have no intention of uprooting my children while they are still attending school there, I know Savannah and I have embarked on an exciting new relationship together, and I look forward to all the city has to offer and all I am gonna get.

What have you discovered on your travels post-divorce?

What One Nine Year-Old Boy Really Wants From His Divorced Dad
Loving The One I Was With: My Last Minute Romantic Getaway
Holocaust Remembrance Day: Dachau, Divorce, And Dignity
Visiting Tulum: Revisiting The Past And Reinventing The Future

About the Author

I was a typical (yet still fabulous) SUV-driving suburban Jewish housewife. Although I graduated from a large national law school, I worked for all of one minute (not as a lawyer), and made the choice early on to stay home and raise my family while my husband built his career as a successful M&A lawyer.

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Make the most of your 'Look-See' trip

Get the best out of a ‘look-see’ visit, what is a look-see visit.

You don’t know what you don’t know until you find out

Not everyone gets an opportunity for a look-see trip. And that’s OK too! Sometimes it may work out better for you to not know; especially if you have no choice in your move.

We don’t get a look-see trip as part of our relocation; we don’t even get to choose our house. In our latest posting we were in temporary accommodation for a few weeks and, for once, I had the chance to view my ‘new home’ before moving into it. I chose not to look because I had no choice where I lived, so if I didn’t like the place, it would spoil things and depress me before the final move. Turns out I was right not to look… I have no option, so I have to make the best of it.

Your look-see visit should be all about familiarisation; sampling the culture, asking questions, searching out all the local facilities and making connections. There’s a lot to achieve in a relatively small period of time, so I hope this guide will help you to make a fool-proof plan.

Taking the children?

Take the kids, or not to take the kids – that is the question…

If you take the children with you on your look-see visit, how likely is it that the whole trip will revolve around their needs and wants and the things you need to know will be neglected? If the answer is very likely, then you may want to consider leaving them at home and plan how best to communicate your findings when you get back.

Another consideration is what if the trip doesn’t go to plan? What if the children get bored, or stressed, or see something they don’t like? If you have a very sensitive child there is a real risk that this may put them off of the move and cause problems further down the line. You may be better off telling them all the great things about their new home instead of letting them experience it too soon.

If you decide not to include the children in this important fact-finding mission, then you can still make them feel like an important part of the process.

Take lots of photos and videos of all the things they’ll be interested in. Their new school, the local play facilities, parks, leisure centres and interesting places you can visit together. Use these to give your child a really positive picture of their new home, to encourage them to ask questions and to promote a sense of excitement and anticipation.

Google Street Maps can be a really good familiarisation tool and if you look at these with your child after your visit you’ll be able to give some great insights and add colour and experience to your virtual tour.

Planning your Look-See visit

OK, so your look-see visit is booked; now you just need to create an itinerary so you can be sure to maximise your time. From experience, we think you’ll find the following list useful:

If you’re starting a new job, contact your Manager in advance of your trip; you may be able to schedule a meet and greet session and a tour of your workplace. This will help you to feel more comfortable on your first official day of employment.

Arrange a visit to your child’s new school (or potential schools). Ask if you’re allowed to take photographs and perhaps even try to get their new teacher to record a video message saying how much they are looking forward to welcoming them into the school. Consider making a little photo book or video journal of the important points; the classroom, cloakroom, lunch room etc. so your children get a feel for where to go and what to expect.

Visit the local Bank, shopping centres, entertainment venues, cafes, petrol stations, hospitals, doctor’s surgeries and pharmacies. Find out if all the things you need are going to be readily available (prescription medication for example) and plan your alternative if the answer is no. The more information you can gather now, the more prepared you’ll be; it’s too late after you move to discover you can’t obtain a specific medicine there, or find out the local store doesn’t stock anything your child will eat, or that there’s nothing for families to do in the town you’ve chosen.

How are you going to move about in your new location? Will you take your car, buy/rent a new one there or rely on public transport? How long is the school run going to take? Take a tip from a hideous experience of mine – don’t assume a handful of stops on the metro will be a ‘short journey’, especially if there are changes of line involved. Our first few weeks’ journey to school in Tokyo took two and half hours… each way ! Then a lovely new friend told me about the buses and we shortened it down to an hour each way. Once I got a car, the trip took less than 20 minutes.

Research the local transport links and take a few trips to and from the important places to get a feel for traffic flow and the amount of time you might need to allow for travel. Try to get out and about in the rush hour too; these can vary hugely from location to location and you need to know what you’re up against.

Social life

Moving overseas is a massive commitment and you need to know whether you’ll be able to fit in to the local rhythm and social etiquette. Try to make some connections with other expats; you may not want to restrict your social circle to the same people after you move but, to start, they’ll be a valuable source of insight and information. Talk to the locals too; everywhere you go try engaging in conversation with shop owners, passers-by and neighbours. Get a feel for the culture and how easy it will be to build social connections.

Try to enjoy it!

A Look-See visit is a mission rather than a holiday, but if you make it too stressful you’ll put negative connotations on your move. Try to plan some time for sightseeing and relaxing; soaking up the culture and sampling the local leisure facilities.

Do your research before you go , find out how much time you might need, make a realistic plan then stick to it. Take it all in your stride and go home armed with loads of useful and productive information to help make your new life a great success.

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7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner

As a travel planner, my clients seem to be increasingly interested in all-inclusive trips .
Some of my favorite luxury resorts are in Costa Rica, the Maldives, and Isla Mujeres.
Cruises, group tours, and adults-only lodgings can also come with all-inclusive options.

As a travel planner at Marvelous Mouse Travels , I know vacations are expensive — especially if you're looking to go somewhere this summer . But all-inclusive travel is often a great way to get the most value out of a luxury experience.

I've been on several all-inclusive vacations with my family, friends, and work, and I've helped other people book them in destinations around the world .

Here are some of the best all-inclusive experiences I'm recommending to my clients this year.

Try a split-stay vacation to see the best of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is one of the most sought-after vacations , and for good reason. It's great for both relaxation and adventure.

I recommend booking a split stay, starting at an all-inclusive resort in Guanacaste near the beach for some fun in the sun and moving to a resort near the famous Arenal Volcano for a jungle adventure.

Some of my favorite resorts in Costa Rica are the Westin Reserva Conchal and the Dreams Las Mareas. And if you're looking for an even more unique experience, check out the glorious swim-out suites with private pools at Dreams.

Baglioni Maldives is one of my favorite all-inclusive resorts.

The Maldives, a remote set of islands in the Indian Ocean, offers a plethora of resort options for couples and families, but Baglioni Maldives is my favorite.

For many in the US, getting to the islands can be daunting — there are very few direct commercial flights, and it can take almost an entire day. But it's hard to beat the country's luxury accommodations and gorgeous landscape.

The Maldives also has some of the most beautiful marine life and coveted spots for snorkeling and scuba diving.

No matter where you go, overwater bungalows are the ultimate all-inclusive splurge.

Overwater bungalows — villas standing on poles over open ocean water — are prevalent at all-inclusive resorts in destinations like the Maldives, Fiji, and Bali.

But I've also come across the luxurious accommodations at select adults-only Sandals Resorts throughout the Caribbean.

I think having a private villa on the water is the perfect way to unwind and relax.

Adults-only vacations are on the rise.

Traveling with kids can be a blast, but I also think it's important for adults to take a much-needed break on their own.

Adults-only resorts have been a total respite for me and my husband after hectic months of juggling work with our kids' school and sports schedules.

If you're looking to unwind with a partner, relax on a girls' trip, or even connect with your adult children, there are countless adults-only, all-inclusive resorts to choose from, depending on where you're looking to visit.

Some properties, including Sandals and Beaches Resorts, also offer butler service. Designated staff members can help with anything from room requests and dining reservations to cabana rentals and transportation coordination.

I upgraded to the service at my favorite adults-only spot, Le Blanc Los Cabos, and I felt totally pampered.

Isla Mujeres is pure luxury.

Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancún, is known for its crystal-clear, turquoise water and peaceful vibe. It's also home to Playa Norte, one of the best beaches in Mexico .

Impressions Isla Mujeres by Secrets is a gorgeous all-inclusive resort on the island. It offers luxury at its finest, but with only 125 rooms, it has a boutique feel.

One of my favorite features of the resort is the waterslide that leads right into the beautiful ocean.

There are plenty of all-inclusive packages at sea.

Cruising is one of the most popular vacations , whether it's an epic adventure on a Royal Caribbean Cruise, a couples-only journey on Virgin Voyages, or a regal tour of Europe on Viking River Cruises.

Although cruises aren't traditionally considered all-inclusive, with the right booking, they can have the same feel as a luxury resort.

Most cruise bookings include food, nonalcoholic drinks, and live entertainment. If you add beverage packages and excursions in advance, your trip should be fully paid for before you depart.

Book a small-group or private tour if you're looking for adventure.

Group travel is a great way to explore new places while soaking up culture and history.

Popular destinations include Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, and Alaska, and many travel companies take care of everything for you, essentially making it all-inclusive.

I like Adventures by Disney , which offers small-group travel all over the world facilitated by seasoned guides. All the trip details are taken care of, including experiences, food, lodging, and transportation.

Additionally, Kensington Tours offers luxury private travel where every facet of the trip is meticulously planned for you.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

I accidentally ended up on a Saga holiday – aged 30

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Amelia Harvey on holiday with her mum, lots of mountain/lake scenery in the background

My mother and I were sitting in the open restaurant of a lodge in Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya .

Kilimanjaro was hidden behind a low cloud. We were waiting to set off for another afternoon safari when suddenly, an adult elephant peered over the back fence.

Pointing in delight, we sat and watched it in silence as it continued to nose around, waving its trunk. inquisitively.

It felt like a moment in a movie, which was pretty apt as I’d spent our whole dream holiday feeling like I’d stumbled into the starring role of a comedy film.

At the age of 30, I found myself on a Saga holiday to Kenya and Tanzania.

It had always been my mother’s dream to travel to Africa. She wanted to see wild animals in their natural habitat since she watched Born Free and Daktari as a kid. But, for one reason or another, she’d never made it there.

Then, in 2023, thanks to her retirement and me becoming my own boss, we were finally in a position to book it.

Amelia Harvey with a lion in the background

For almost a year, Mum searched for the best value-for-money trips that visited all the places she had dreamed of seeing, before ultimately landing on Titan Travel’s ‘The Great Migration Tour’.

The Titan Travel package included everything we wanted, including visits to Amboseli National Park, which is known for its elephants; Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and its elephant orphanage, where we’d see young elephants being bottle fed, and The Olduvai Gorge, which is referred to as the cradle of civilisation.

The trip also included the Masai Mara and the Serengeti , where we could see the Big Five and enjoy African wildlife and nature.

The accommodation was luxury camping and lodges so we’d have an authentic experience in comfort – perfect for Mum, who has some health concerns and couldn’t spend 10 days on a blow-up camping bed.

With our excitement brewing, we wasted no time in paying our deposit – though, in hindsight, I wish I’d paid more attention to the Saga logo at the bottom of the payment form.

Saga, for those that don’t know, offers exclusive holidays for those over-50 – although companions over 40 are welcome, too.

I remember thinking it was strange that their logo would be associated with this tour, which seemed to be for everyone. But a quick Google search explained that, though Titan Travel had been bought out by Saga back in 2009, the two companies still operated separate tours, so I thought nothing more of it.

Before I knew it, November 2023 arrived, and Mum and I were headed for Africa.

When we arrived at Nairobi airport, our tour guide was waiting for us amidst the sea of tour operators and hotel pickups. He was easy to identify thanks to the Titan Travel sign he held – though somewhat confusingly, the other side of his sign said ‘Saga’.

I reasoned that, as the logo had featured on all the paperwork, it was just another way for folks to identify this as their trip.

But as our group of 16 slowly began to gather, I realised that, at 30 , I was the only person under 60 on the trip.

Some people explained that they’d noticed the trip was available through both companies and weren’t too bothered that younger people may be included.

Amelia Harvey having a drink with her mother on the trip – they're sitting at a table outside on grass with lots of trees in the background

But others critically eyed my nose ring and tattoos, as well as Mum’s wonderfully pink hair.

Things didn’t exactly get better from there, either.

At the hotel, the receptionist asked if I was part of the Saga group during check-in. When I reluctantly confirmed that I was, they must have presumed I was the tour guide as, giving a kindly smile to Mum, they gave me the keys and the paperwork.

And I cringed later on that night as I made my way to the long, pre-assigned dinner table with a large Saga sign on it.

I hadn’t really known who to expect on this Titan Travel trip when it came to my fellow travellers. I knew safaris were often associated with ‘retirement holidays’ – and I knew it wasn’t going to be full of twenty-somethings partying all night – but I thought we might be a little more mixed, age-wise.

That first night, I felt like I was at a job interview , rather than making small talk on holiday.

I was quizzed about how I could afford the holiday, why I was travelling with my mother, and why I had chosen not to marry and have children .

I could tell many in our group immediately were wary of me, and I had to prove to them I wasn’t a petulant teenager, or the drinking-and-dancing stereotype often depicted in Ibiza weekender horror stories.

I could see the shock on their faces when they found out I read classic literature, was well-travelled and listened to music from the 60s.

Of course, the main question was whether I knew I would be on a Saga holiday with an older demographic. ‘Definitely not!’ I assured them.

However, everyone on the trip had to overcome their judgements of the others to get along, and the more I spoke directly to people, the more they warmed to me as a fellow traveller and I saw their fun, jovial sides coming through.

Once home, my friends asked me how my holiday had been. ‘Well, it turns out that turning 30 has some unexpected side effects,’ I laughed. ‘You can even go on a Saga holiday.’

But in all seriousness, I messaged Titan Travel, expressing my disappointment at the lack of warning about the trips. I’d already combed through both companies’ pages, and nowhere on the marketing material did it indicate that the two tours would be combined.

I’d also spoken to our tour guide before we left, who confirmed we were not the first travellers to find themselves accidentally on a Saga tour. On the tour before us, a couple had been similarly grouped with people decades older than them.

Titan Travel did respond, saying that ‘although Saga customers are now travelling with those who have booked with us, the tour provided by both brands is highly complementary, and there should be minimal impact on the level of service provided’.

Amelia Harvey on the SAGA holiday with elephants in the background

It felt pretty dismissive to me. While I didn’t want any compensation, they didn’t seem to want to acknowledge that they hadn’t been totally upfront in their marketing. It just leaves other people open to taking a trip that is wrong for them.

Granted, accidentally ending up on a Saga tour didn’t affect my enjoyment of the trip.

I’ll never forget seeing wildlife in their natural habitat and the thrill of seeing my mother finally live out her dream.

It was incredible to look out of our hotel room’s bathroom window and see a zebra grazing. Nothing will spoil that.

Yet, we could have avoided a few awkward dinners, and it would have allowed Mum and I to relax and enjoy every moment from the off, if we’d been made aware.

Still, at least I’ve learnt that you are never too old to go on an adventure.

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A Saga spokesperson said: ‘It’s lovely to hear the customer thoroughly enjoyed her holiday. Our tours are designed and operated by Titan, and we do our best to communicate that to all customers as many book through other companies. Our commitment is to inclusivity and transparency for all those who travel with us. We welcome customers from all high street retailers as well as through Saga, our sister company, and have no age restrictions for adults.’

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing [email protected] .

Share your views in the comments below.

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‘Sacramento’ First Look: Kristen Stewart and Michael Cera Drive a Road Trip Coming-of-Age Comedy

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Kristen Stewart continues her 2024 indie reign following the Sundance premieres of “Love Lies Bleeding” and “Love Me.”

Now, Stewart has a supporting role in “ Sacramento ,” directed by “Minx” star Michael Angarano, his second feature behind the camera after 2017’s “Avenues.” The road trip buddy comedy premieres at the 2024 Tribeca Festival in the U.S. Narrative Competition alongside Morrisa Maltz’s “The Unknown Country” follow-up “Jazzy,” Mark Duplass-produced “The Knife,” and more.

The official logline reads: “When free-spirited Ricky suddenly reappears in father-to-be Glenn’s life, the two former best friends embark on a spontaneous road trip from LA to Sacramento in Michael Angarano’s original take on the buddy comedy.”

Actor/director Angarano co-wrote the script with Chris Smith, with the duo also producing along with Stephen Braun, Chris Abernathy, and Eric Fleischman.

Angarano is not the only actor-turned-filmmaker behind “Sacramento”: Stewart is still prepping her directorial debut with the adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir “Chronology of Water.” Stewart has been attached to direct the film since 2018 and co-wrote the script with Andy Mingo. Imogen Poots is confirmed to lead the feature. Stewart recently told IndieWire’s Anne Thompson that taking on her own directorial project with “The Chronology of Water” has been a “body-ripping” and “overwhelming” experience. She is also set to pen a stoner comedy.

“Sacramento” premieres at the 2024 Tribeca Festival and is currently seeking distribution.

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Prince Harry lines up London trip after not speaking to Prince William, Kate Middleton for a year

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Prince Harry is set to return to the UK in just a few weeks — sparking questions over whether he will finally see Prince William and cancer-stricken Kate Middleton , after not speaking to his brother in more than a year.

The Duke of Sussex, 39, is slated to speak at a special service marking the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, the Olympics-style contest for wounded service personnel which he founded, at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London on May 8.

The potential visit comes as it was revealed Monday that Harry has lost an initial bid to appeal against a High Court ruling over his personal security in the UK.

Meghan Markle gives Prince Harry a kiss as she hands over a polo trophy.

In February, he lost his legal challenge against the Home Office’s decision to change the level of his personal security when he visits the UK as he’s no longer a working royal.

A well-placed source said, “Everyone is asking whether Harry will see his father and will he see Kate and the Wales kids — if not his brother?”

Harry has spent the past few days in Florida with his wife, Meghan Markle, 42, where they were seen canoodling as they made their new polo show for Netflix. However, she is not expected to join Harry in the UK.

Harry founded the Invictus Games to help wounded servicemen and women, and the British Government has now launched a £26million bid to host the games in Birmingham in 2027.

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate Middleton watch a flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace in July 2018.

They were most recently held in Düsseldorf, Germany last summer and have also been hosted by cities including Orlando, Florida, in 2016 and Sydney, Australia, in 2018.

The timing of next month’s visit could well allow Harry to see his father, King Charles, who is also battling cancer, and potentially Kate and his nephews, Prince George and Prince Louis, and niece Princess Charlotte.

Kate Middleton watches tennis with Meghan Markle.

Harry is keen to mend ties with his family and jetted more than 5000 miles from his home in California to see his dad in London after it was revealed he was sick back in February – spending just 40 minutes with him.

A source in the Sussex crowd said, “I can imagine that Harry may see his father, and check in, but things are still very fraught with William, this is the real problem.”

William and Harry have not spoken for more than a year in the wake of Harry’s bombshell memoir, alongside hurtful claims that Charles and Kate were the “racist” royals who asked what color Harry and Meghan’s children would be.

Prince William and Prince Harry share a joke together, dressed in flight jumpsuits.

While Harry was told about his father’s illness before it was made public, both he and his wife were kept in the dark about Kate’s medical crisis and found out at the same time as the rest of the world, sources told Page Six.

“We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace,” the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said in a statement. They also are believed to have reached out directly to William and Kate.

Prince Harry smiling with his hands joined together in apparent prayer.

We revealed how Charles is set to invite the Sussexes’ and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to the Scottish royal estate, Balmoral, this summer as he is desperate to see his grandchildren.

However, the Suxxeses and the Wales could visit separately.

Reps for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were unavailable for comment.

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accommodate
accommodation
all eyes are on someone/something idiom
penetrating
rest on someone/something
rubbernecking

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have irons in the fire

to be involved with many activities or jobs at the same time or to make certain that there are always several possibilities available

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'Civil War' is one of hardest movies to watch, and the most important you'll see this year

It’s misleading to call “Civil War,” Alex Garland’s latest film, political, because despite all appearances there are no politics to speak of.

Which maybe in itself is political. But there’s no bothsideism here. There are no sides at all, at least not in that way. What there is, in propulsive, unrelenting intensity, is war — and the violence and the horror and the destruction it demands. This is the aftermath of politics gone wrong, of deepening divisions and hunger for unchecked power — and the journalists documenting it all, and the price they pay to do so.

It’s one of the best movies of the year. And among journalists, at least, it should be one of the most-talked about.

What is 'Civil War' about? Probably not what you think

The film opens with the President of the United States (Nick Offerman, outstanding, as ever), hair helmet firmly in place, rehearsing as he is about to address the nation. “Some are already calling it the greatest victory in the history of mankind,” he says. Sound familiar? The images we see put a lie to what he’s saying: This “victory” is the U.S. military turned on American citizens. Texas and California — strange political bedfellows, which is doubtless the point — have seceded, forming the Western Alliance. Florida has formed its own breakaway nation.

The president is in his third term. He has disbanded the FBI. He hasn’t given an interview in more than a year. If this sounds like Trumpian wish fulfillment, fair enough, but that’s it for the political backdrop. We don’t learn more about how or when the nation split apart. We only know how it’s playing out.

And it isn’t pretty.

The film tracks four journalists who are chronicling events. The informal leader is Lee Miller (Kirsten Dunst, as good as she’s ever been), a legendary war photographer. She and reporter Joel (Wagner Moura) work for Reuters. They’re covering what turns into a bombing in New York when Lee helps out Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), a would-be photographer who thinks of Lee as a hero. Later that night, at a hotel bar, Lee and Joel chat with Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), an aging reporter for “what’s left of the New York Times.” He’s a mentor of sorts to Lee.

They’re going to attempt to drive to Washington D.C. the next day; Joel and Lee have a line on the elusive interview with the president. Much to Lee’s chagrin, Jessie tags along. What follows is a road trip through the worst nightmare of what the country could become.

Jesse Plemons is terrifying in a small role

At least let’s hope it’s the worst. A run-in with a rogue soldier played with menace as quiet as it is chilling by Jesse Plemons is horrifying. At a gas station a gun-toting lunatic talks about how one of the men he’s got strung up out back didn’t much talk to him when he was in high school. It is the petty grievances that have become so popular taken to their logical conclusion. And it is terrifying.

To Lee, it’s a matter of getting everything on the record. Should they intervene in violent situations? Should they stand against something they know is wrong? “We don’t ask those questions,” Lee tells Jessie, who has done just that. “We record, so other people can ask those questions. If you want to be a journalist, that’s the job.”

But is it? How far do you carry that belief? Lee gives you a pretty good idea after she warns Jessie she’s afraid she’ll lose her mind or get shot.

“Would you photograph that moment — if I got shot?” Jessie asks?

“What do you think?” is Lee’s simple reply. What matters most to her is the story, and she will go to almost any lengths to get it. It is a dedication that goes increasingly unappreciated — the dedication to telling the truth, no matter how ugly that truth is.

Alex Garland's direction is flawless

Garland, who also wrote the script, shoots incredibly intense battle scenes. I saw the film in an IMAX theater and recommend it. The sound enveloped the audience, percussive, disturbing. Between the galloping pace of the action and the percussive soundtrack and sound editing, you remain tense the entire time. Garland just won’t let you relax.

But there are subtler touches, as well, and Garland’s direction is flawless. As they drive through Pennsylvania we see the words “Go Steelers” painted on a bridge. It takes a moment to notice the bodies hanging from it.

Eventually, they arrive at their destination. But they are changed. What they have seen and are about to see is unimaginable. Or it should be. What happens when your job is to bear witness to the destruction of everything you have known or believed in?

“Civil War” offers some answers, none of them easy. Let’s hope these are questions we never really have to ask.

Don't miss: Alex Garland's 'Ex Machina' passes the test

'Civil War' 5 stars

Great ★★★★★ Good ★★★★

Fair ★★★ Bad ★★ Bomb ★

Director: Alex Garland.

Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Nick Offerman, Cailee Spaeny.

Rating: R for strong violent content, bloody/disturbing images, and language throughout.

How to watch: In theaters Friday, April 12.

Reach Goodykoontz at [email protected] . Facebook: facebook.com/GoodyOnFilm . X: @goodyk . Subscribe to the weekly movies newsletter .

Subscribe to azcentral.com today . What are you waiting for?

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A jury of his peers: A look at how jury selection will work in Donald Trump’s first criminal trial

How will the attorneys and judge overseeing the trial of Donald Trump find a “fair and impartial” jury to sit in judgement of a former and possibly future president charged with a crime? A New York criminal justice professor breaks down the process. (AP Video: Joseph B. Frederick)

Trump the defendant and 2024 presidential candidate aims to campaign at New York hush money trial

The first of Donald Trump’s four criminal trials will begin in New York on April 15. Here is a look at some of the key figures in the case. (AP Video: Ted Shaffrey)

FILE - Former President Donald Trump, center, appears in court for his arraignment, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in New York. Trump’s history-making criminal trial is set to start Monday, April 15, with a group of 12 jurors and six alternates chosen to decide whether Trump is guilty of a crime. The idea is to get people who are willing to put their personal opinions aside and make a decision based on the evidence. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, Pool)

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FILE - Judge Juan Merchan’s Manhattan courtroom sits empty between proceedings, March 12, 2024, in New York. Former President Donald Trump’s history-making criminal trial is set to start Monday, April 15, with a group of 12 jurors and six alternates chosen to decide whether the former president of the United States is guilty of a crime. The idea is to get people who are willing to put their personal opinions aside and make a decision based on the evidence. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

FILE - Former President Donald Trump awaits the start of a pre-trial hearing with his defense team at Manhattan criminal court, Monday, March 25, 2024, in New York. Trump’s history-making criminal trial is set to start Monday, April 15, with a group of 12 jurors and six alternates chosen to decide whether Trump is guilty of a crime. The idea is to get people who are willing to put their personal opinions aside and make a decision based on the evidence. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, Pool)

FILE - Adult film actress Stormy Daniels arrives at an event in Berlin, on Oct. 11, 2018. Former President Donald Trump’s history-making criminal trial for charges related to a sex scandal involving Daniels is set to start Monday, April 15, with a group of 12 jurors and six alternates chosen to decide whether the former president of the United States is guilty of a crime. The idea is to get people who are willing to put their personal opinions aside and make a decision based on the evidence. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File)

FILE - Judge Juan M. Merchan poses in his chambers in New York, March 14, 2024. Former President Donald Trump’s history-making criminal trial is set to start Monday, April 15, with a group of 12 jurors and six alternates chosen to decide whether Trump is guilty of a crime. Merchan will ask the potential jurors a critical question: Can they serve and be fair and impartial? For this trial, jurors who indicate they cannot serve or be fair will be dismissed. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

FILE - Judge Juan Merchan’s courtroom sits empty between proceedings, March 12, 2024, in New York. Former President Donald Trump’s history-making criminal trial is set to start Monday, April 15, with a group of 12 jurors and six alternates chosen to decide whether Trump is guilty of a crime. The idea is to get people who are willing to put their personal opinions aside and make a decision based on the evidence. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

FILE - Judge Juan Merchan’s name plate sits on the bench in his Manhattan criminal courtroom, March 12, 2024, in New York. Former President Donald Trump’s history-making criminal trial is set to start Monday, April 15, with a group of 12 jurors and six alternates chosen to decide whether the former president of the United States is guilty of a crime. Merchan will ask the potential jurors a critical question: Can they serve and be fair and impartial? For this trial, jurors who indicate they cannot serve or be fair will be dismissed. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump’s history-making criminal trial is set to start Monday with a simple but extraordinary procedural step that is vital to American democracy. A group of regular citizens — Trump’s peers, in the eyes of the law — will be chosen to decide whether the former president of the United States is guilty of a crime.

The process of picking a jury could take days. Lawyers on both sides of the case will have limited opportunities to try and shape the panel in their favor, but the court’s goal won’t be to ensure that it has a partisan balance between Democrats and Republicans, or is made up of people oblivious to previous news coverage about the trial.

The idea is to get people who are willing to put their personal opinions aside and make a decision based on the evidence and the law.

Here are some of the factors that will go into jury selection:

What to know about Trump’s hush money trial:

Trump will be first ex-president on criminal trial. Here’s what to know about the hush money case.
A jury of his peers: A look at how jury selection will work in Donald Trump’s first criminal trial .
Donald Trump is facing four criminal indictments, and a civil lawsuit. You can track all of the cases here.

Who can sit on the jury?

This jury will be made up only of people who live in Manhattan, one of New York City’s five boroughs. All English-speaking, U.S. citizens over age 18 who have not been convicted of a felony are eligible for jury duty in New York. Court officials identify potential jurors from lists of registered voters, taxpayers, driver’s license holders, public benefit recipients and other sources.

The pool of potential jurors for Trump’s trial will have been chosen at random. People can volunteer for jury duty, but they can’t pick what trial they serve on.

What if a juror doesn’t want to serve?

Jury duty is compulsory, but you can get excused for a variety of reasons, including a financial or medical hardship.

How will the jury get picked?

Judge Juan M. Merchan will begin by bringing a large group of potential jurors into his courtroom. He will then give a brief outline of the case and introduce the defendant, Trump, to the jury. The judge will then ask the potential jurors a critical question: Can they serve and be fair and impartial? Those who cannot will be asked to raise their hand. For this trial, jurors who indicate they cannot serve or be fair will be dismissed.

Those who remain will be called in groups into the jury box, where they will be asked 42 questions, some with multiple parts.

The lawyers on each side will have a limited number of strikes they can use to exclude potential jurors who they don’t like, without giving a reason. They can also argue that a particular juror should be excluded, but have to get the judge to agree to dismiss that person.

The process continues until 12 jurors and six alternates have been picked. More large groups of potential jurors can be brought into the courtroom, if needed.

FILE - Judge Juan Merchan's courtroom sits empty between proceedings, March 12, 2024, in New York. Former President Donald Trump’s history-making criminal trial is set to start Monday, April 15, with a group of 12 jurors and six alternates chosen to decide whether Trump is guilty of a crime. The idea is to get people who are willing to put their personal opinions aside and make a decision based on the evidence. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

What questions will jurors be asked?

The judge won’t allow the lawyers to ask whether potential jurors are Democrats or Republicans, whom they voted for or whether they have given money to any political causes. But there are multiple questions aimed at rooting out whether people are likely to be biased against, or in favor of, Trump.

Among them:

“Do you have any political, moral, intellectual, or religious beliefs or opinions which might prevent you from following the court’s instructions on the law or which might slant your approach to this case?”

“Have you, a relative, or a close friend ever worked or volunteered for a Trump presidential campaign, the Trump presidential administration, or any other political entity affiliated with Mr. Trump?”

“Have you ever attended a rally or campaign event for Donald Trump?”

“Do you currently follow Donald Trump on any social media site or have you done so in the past?”

“Have you, a relative, or a close friend ever worked or volunteered for any anti-Trump group or organization?”

“Have you ever attended a rally or campaign event for any anti-Trump group or organization?”

“Do you currently follow any anti-Trump group or organization on any social media site, or have you done so in the past?”

“Have you ever considered yourself a supporter of or belonged to any of the following: The QAnon movement, Proud Boys, Oathkeepers, Three Percenters, Boogaloo Boys, Antifa.”

Jurors will be asked what podcasts and talk radio programs they listen to and where they get their news.

Will the public learn the identities of the jurors?

The judge has ordered that the jurors’ names be kept secret, an unusual but not unprecedented step in trials where there is a potential that jurors might wind up being harassed or threatened during or after the trial. There is nothing to stop jurors from voluntarily talking about their experiences after the trial is over. While it is pending, they aren’t supposed to talk about it to anyone.

What will this jury decide?

Jurors in this trial will listen to testimony and decide whether Trump is guilty of any of 34 counts of falsifying business records. Their decision to convict or acquit must be unanimous. If they cannot agree on a verdict, the judge can declare a mistrial. If jurors have a reasonable doubt that Trump is guilty, they must acquit him. If they convict him, the judge will be the one who decides the sentence, not the jurors.

IMAGES

Six Tips for Expats Planning a 'Look-See' Trip
What Is a "Look and See Trip"
How to Plan a ‘Look-See’ Trip to the United States · RelocateUSA
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COMMENTS

What Is a "Look and See Trip"
February 24, 2023. A "look and see trip" (or look-see trip) is a service that is some times provided by companies to singles or families that are moving abroad on an expatriate contract. The purpose of this trip is for the individual or family to see, feel and experience the country and region that they may be moving to in near future.
Expat 'look-see' trips
The "Look-See" Trip is an exploratory visit to the country you're moving to - an exploratory visit or a pre-location visit. It is important to make sure that your look-see trip is planned efficiently so you can get as much done as possible on the visit. There's a lot to achieve in a relatively small period of time, so I hope this ...
Six Tips for Expats Planning a 'Look-See' Trip
A look-see trip is an exploratory visit to the country you're moving to that helps Expats to determine what life will be like in the area. It is important to make sure that your look-see trip is planned efficiently so you can get as much done as possible on the visit. Give yourself a decent amount of time on your trip to explore the area and ...
Make the most of your 'Look-See' trip
I have no option, so I have to make the best of it. Your look-see visit should be all about familiarisation; sampling the culture, asking questions, searching out all the local facilities and making connections. There's a lot to achieve in a relatively small period of time, so I hope this guide will help you to make a fool-proof plan.
Why a relocation "look-and-see trip" is important
The purpose of the look- and-see trip is to acquaint the employee, their spouse/partner, and family with the new city or country environment and local living conditions and to gather an insight ...
How to Plan a 'Look-See' Trip to the United States
Follow these six tips for planning your 'look-see' trip: 1. Stay in the neighborhood. Before your trip do research to find out which neighborhoods you're interested in living in. If possible, stay in a hotel or rent a home in these areas. Spend as much time as possible in each neighborhood living like a local to get a feel for the area. 2.
Lump Sum Relocation: How to negotiate a great relocation package
Back in the day, every overseas assignment started with a "look-see" orientation trip. You and your spouse would travel to your new country, to be met by a friendly and knowledgeable expert in your destination. You would visit top tourist destinations, see school options for your children and tour homes and apartments for rent.
Why the Look-And-See-Trip is so important for the decision to move
A look-and-see-trip or pre-move-visit is precisely what it says: a chance to look around your prospective new home and see what's there. It might be sponsored by the company that sends you abroad and also means an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with the country and even the local company that hires you.
Shanghai Relocation Guide (16)
LOOK-SEE TRIP The nature of most look-see trips can be best described as frantic. Most expats say they simply didn't have enough time to see all that I they wanted to see and do what they felt ...
The Right Move: Recruiters' Role in Candidate Relocation Decisions
The longer you wait to do the look-see trip, the longer the whole family can let negative assumptions about the location cloud their decision and create doubt. You need the whole family to start ...
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10 Things To Do On A "Look-See" Trip
When deciding whether or not to relocate, many people take what is known as a "look-see" trip to thoroughly investigate a particular location before moving there. During my lifetime, I have taken two "look-see" trips, one in 2002 and one in 2009, both to Hong Kong. Why two? Because locales, like people, tend to have a life of their own ...
A 'Look-See' Tip List: What to Do on the Visit Before the Big Expat
A 'Look-See' Tip List: What to Do on the Visit Before the Big Expat Move. By. Monika Anderson. March 19, 2015 2:00 am ET. Share. Resize. FOR ASPIRING GLOBAL nomads inclined to test the ...
Road Trip Planner
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Wanderlog: best free travel itinerary & road trip planner app for your
Use Wanderlog to share your itinerary with tripmates, friends, and families and collaborate in real time, so everyone stays in the loop. Plan your road trip or vacation with the best itinerary and trip planner. Wanderlog travel planner allows you to create itineraries with friends, mark routes, and optimize maps — on web or mobile app.
LOOK-SEE
LOOK-SEE meaning: 1. a quick look: 2. a quick look: . Learn more.
Make the most of your 'Look-See' trip
A look-see visit is exactly what it says on the tin; a chance to look around your prospective new home and see what's there (and what isn't!). Someone once said to me 'you don't know what you don't know until you find out' and honestly, that is so true. You can take virtual tours, read brochures and look at endless images but until ...
Find your trip
Find your trip or travel credit. Last name is required. Enter the 6-letter confirmation code or 13-digit ticket number. When you book a trip on American, you'll receive a unique 6-digit confirmation code made up of letters. It's also known as a record locator. Example confirmation code: JCQNHD.
How do I find my Priceline itinerary?
To view and print your itinerary: Go to our website at https://www.priceline.com/ Select Find My Trip at the top of the page. If a different/incorrec...
Find Your Trip: Delta Air Lines
Trip Type:, changes will reload the page . Depart and Return Calendar ... Look Up a Trip . Enter your information to look up a trip. You can search by confirmation number, credit/debit card number or ticket number. ... See specific offer for details, and visit SkyMiles Membership Guide & Program Rules. United States - English Link to change the ...
7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a
Isla Mujeres is pure luxury. Isla Mujeres is a beautiful island in Mexico. Kari Becker. Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancún, is known for its crystal-clear, turquoise water and ...
What Is a "Look and See Trip"
A "look and see trip" (or look-see trip) is a service that is some times provided by companies to singles or families that are moving abroad on an expatriate contract. The purpose of this trip is for the individual or family to see, feel and experience the country and region that they may be moving to in near future. ...
I accidentally ended up on a Saga holiday
Amelia was the only person under 60 on the trip (Picture: Amelia Harvey) For almost a year, Mum searched for the best value-for-money trips that visited all the places she had dreamed of seeing ...
Kristen Stewart, Michael Cera Hit the Road in 'Sacramento' First Look
Now, Stewart has a supporting role in "Sacramento," directed by "Minx" star Michael Angarano, his second feature behind the camera after 2017's "Avenues." The road trip buddy comedy ...
What Is a "Look and See Trip"
A 'look and see trip' (or look-see trip) is a service that is some times provided by
Will Prince Harry speak to Prince William in London?
7. Prince Harry has not spoken to his brother Prince William is more than a year - but his sister-in-law Kate Middleton is now battling cancer. Getty Images. They were most recently held in ...
LOOK-SEE
LOOK-SEE definition: 1. a quick look: 2. a quick look: . Learn more.
'Civil War' review: road trip through worst of what we could become
Garland, who also wrote the script, shoots incredibly intense battle scenes. I saw the film in an IMAX theater and recommend it. The sound enveloped the audience, percussive, disturbing. Between ...
A jury of his peers: A look at how jury selection will work in Donald
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump's history-making criminal trial is set to start Monday with a simple but extraordinary procedural step that is vital to American democracy. A group of regular citizens — Trump's peers, in the eyes of the law — will be chosen to decide whether the former president of the United States is guilty of a crime.