American Express today announces availability in Apple Pay™, the easy, safe and private way to pay with iPhone® 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad® Air 2 and iPad mini 3. Apple Pay will be available for eligible U.S. Consumer and OPEN American Express® Card Members(i).

Apple Pay allows American Express Card Members to seamlessly add their eligible Card and pay with their mobile device at contactless merchants in stores or directly within participating apps that accept American Express. When paying with Apple Pay, Card Members will continue to receive all of the protection, service and benefits offered by American Express.

In addition, Card Members who use an eligible American Express Card in Apple Pay get these features:

• Real-time notifications and details for all purchases
• Seamless connection to the Amex® Mobile app for enhanced account monitoring, servicing and access to rewards and offers

How to Add an American Express Card to Apple Pay
After downloading iOS 8.1, Card Members can go to the Apple® Passbook app to get started. If a Card Member already has an eligible American Express Card on file with iTunes, they only need to type in the Security Code – or they can simply choose to add a new American Express Card.

Availability
Apple Pay will begin rollout in the U.S. starting Monday, October 20, 2014, with iOS 8.1. Apple Pay works in stores with iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Apple Pay is also available to pay for physical goods and services in participating apps with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3.

Trusted Safety & Security
Whether a Card Member swipes, clicks or taps to pay, American Express has their back. With fraud and online protection, American Express is working to safeguard Card Members:

According to a report by Su Zhou and Zheng Xin a growing number of countries are modifying their visa-application procedures in order to attract more Chinese tourists.
Many Beijing residents have just been given a surprising six-day holiday to coincide with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit being held in the Chinese capital in November. The unexpected break has resulted in a boost for tourist agencies, and domestic tourism spots and countries that have relaxed their visa-application procedures will be the big winners.
Dai Yu, marketing director of the Tourism Department of Ctrip, an online travel service provider stated that the number of trips booked to countries with easier visa-application processes has risen sharply in the past few days. He said, “When we introduce our travel products, we recommend those countries because of the limited time on offer. ”Now Chinese tourists have a wider range of choices than before, so if they can have a great vacation in a country that doesn’t require a visa at all, they won’t bother to choose one where it takes days to obtain a permit,” said Dai, who added that 49 countries and regions
have visa-free or “visa-on-arrival policies” for Chinese citizens.
The World Tourism Cities Federation and Ipsos reported in August, the top three visa-related problems Chinese outbound tourists experience are time-consuming application procedures, the strict requirements for obtaining visas, and very expensive fees.
In recent months, many countries have introduced easier ways of obtaining visas, by speeding up the process, reducing the documentation required, opening more application centers, and providing longer term multi-entry visas for regular visitors, despite concerns about issues such as overstays, terrorism, and illegal immigration.
During Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to Germany on Oct 10, Berlin announced that it would shorten the visa-application process to 48 hours – at present, it takes at least three to five working days – and, to cater to people from inland China, more visa application centers will be opened in those areas.
The Canada Tourism Bureau said it upgraded single-entry visas to multi-entry ones earlier this year, hoping to attract more Chinese visitors by making it easier for them to travel to the country. Minister-counselor for consular affairs at the United States embassy in Beijing, Charles Bennett, said that in the last three years the embassy has taken steps to make visa applications simpler, more efficient, and less expensive. As a result, most applications have been processed within an average of five working days.
Thailand waived visa fees for tourists from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan from August to October. The United Kingdom has introduced a ”super priority” visa service in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou under which Chinese citizens can obtain a visa within 24 hours of applying. Meanwhile, Italy has shortened its application process to 36 hours, and France has adopted a 48-hour service for Chinese tourists.
In 2012, China became the world’s largest tourism source market – the World Tourism Organization calculates that Chinese expenditure on foreign travel hit $129 billion in 2013 – and is expected to overtake the United States as the world’s largest travel and tourism economy in 2027. Encouraged by the drift, Chinese travel agencies are planning to expand their overseas travel operations.

Andrew Harper, who loves luxury travels, has developed a travel community offering personalized services and exclusive benefits to travelers seeking luxury accommodation and travel.

In Harper’s “Best Recognition Awards” for 2014, the hotel Amanzo’e in Peloponnese, Greece, was awarded for its impressive pool. It is the first resort of the famous hotel chain Aman Resorts in Greece.

The impressive Beach Club of the hotel not only offers an enchanting atmosphere in a peaceful Aegean bay near Porto Heli, but also impresses with impeccable customer service. Guests also have the opportunity to swim in one of the two freshwater pools located parallel to the sea. A separate children’s pool ensures the tranquility of customers while sunbeds provide privacy and relaxation

Source : greece.greekreporter.com

Apartment Rental Scams – How to Recognize and Avoid Them

Hello,

34% of Chinese high net worth individuals have invested overseas in 2013. 70% of Chinese buyers pay cash.

China’s leading luxury property show, LPS Shanghai 2014 will once again welcome over 5,000 elite property buyers and investors in the heart of downtown Shanghai.

The world’s most prestigious property firms will once again advertise their properties at LPS Shanghai 2014: Sotheby’s International Realty, Knight Frank, Savills, Christie’s International Real Estate, Douglas Elliman, Keller Williams, Alain Pinel, Keppel Land, Raimon Land, Cushman, Re/Max, and many more.

To be held on December 12-14 at the glamorous 5-star Marriott Shanghai City Centre, LPS Shanghai will present luxury properties from over 30 countries to Chinese elites: USA, Canada, China, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, Austria, Cyprus, Greece, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia… and many more.

To stay in a vacation home it is imperative to pay a security deposit. This is an amount that most vacation home owners charge from the occupants as a compensation for any damages that may occur during their stay. The security deposits are not cheap. This is because when somebody is entrusting you with their major financial asset to which they are emotionally attached and financially dependent there has to be a cost for it.

So, you may be asked to deposit about $200 to $500 depending on the type of vacation home you choose. And, unfortunately, most of the time, it is not an easy task to retrieve the security deposit from the owners. This is because there are certain laws that the occupants must follow and sometimes in the urge to enjoy vacations these rules are ignored. But if you by abide the rules, getting the security deposit back should not be such a big challenge.

To help you safeguard the security deposit, mentioned below are some vital tips that you must keep in mind when renting a vacation home.

1. Know everything about the rental’s fees and deposits

It is good idea to understand the deposit and rental fee in detail before hiring a rental. Bringing clarity in the deal can help you in avoiding unexpected expenses and save you from paying more money than you expected. Most of the owners of the vacation rentals charge a non-refundable fee for pets and cleaning, etc. So, it is good to know about the guidelines and structure of the fee from the vacation rental owner before moving into it.

1. Check for any issues in the property on arrival

   Instead of directly unpacking the suitcase upon arrival to the vacation home, you should take a few moments to inspect the property. Make notes and take pictures about any issues or complaints regarding the property. Let the owner know of it immediately by making a call so that you are not held responsible for the damages. It is also a good idea to email the owner so that you have a documented proof of the situation.

2. Familiarize yourself about your rights regarding rental security deposits

   It is good to know about few laws about rental security deposits and rights of the occupants. It can help you stay guarded in case the owner tries to play some tricks. In general, the property owners must not hold the security deposit more than the given time period, which can range from 14 to 30 days. If they hold the amount in case of any alleged damages, they must give a detailed list of it and the amount they wish to withhold for its repair. In some countries the owner may have to submit the receipts of the spending, which were used from the security deposit for covering the damages. For usual wear and tear or already existing damages, the owners do not have any rights to charge the fee from the occupants.

3. Keep any breakable things in a safe place

   At vacation homes if you find any decorative pieces or items which are delicate and potentially damageable, store them in a safe place. By doing so you can protect yourself from unnecessary damages and the fees associated with it. This step is especially applicable in case you are with vacationing with children and pets as the chances of destruction are more.

4. Abide with the rules stated in the contract

   It is important to follow the rules stated in the contract to ensure you get back the security deposit without any issues. It means when the agreement specifies any specific number for guest or doesn’t allow pets then it is good to follow it. Because some rental contracts allow owners to hold the deposit if the occupant violates rules, even when there aren’t any damages on the property.

5. Disclose any damages done

   Damages are normal, so if they occur be bold enough to accept them. Show willingness to replace or resolve them by contacting the property owner or company. It is not a big deal to manage small replacements and by doing so you can ensure getting back your security deposit.

6. Keep the property tidy while checking out

   Though most of the vacation homes have housekeepers, and they state that housekeeping will be done after your check out, it is good to tidy up things in the property before leaving. This helps you to avoid facing problems like extra cleaning fees. Besides, it prevents owners from looking for reasons to deduct your security deposit.

7. Opt for insurance policies

   It is good to go for travel insurances that consists of Security Deposit Protection and Accidental Rental Damage. This can help in managing the damages with a small fixed fee rather than huge repair bills.

According to FIABCI’s latest research, here are nine current trends:

2. Five years ago, Asians were parking their money in Asia. Today, they have shifted to moving their investment dollars to the U.S.

3. Canada is still the No. 1 source of international U.S. investment.

4. The Canadian government recently closed down its equivalent of the U.S. EB-5 visa program. (The U.S. EB-5 visa program allows visas to be issued to those who invest at least $500,000 in the U.S. and use that money to create or preserve at least 10 American jobs.) Canada’s decision drastically reduced Chinese investment in Canada and has driven more U.S. investment by the Chinese.

5. High tax rates in France and the relative weakness of the euro are driving European investment outside of Europe.

6. Instability in other nations is also driving U.S. investment. Ukrainians are purchasing in Florida, Atlanta, Houston and Jacksonville. Brazilians and Venezuelans are driving the Miami economic recovery as Venezuela undergoes a systematic collapse. Puerto Ricans are exiting Puerto Rico and virtually no one is returning.

7. The current Arab influx in the investment market is huge. People from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon tend to purchase multi-unit buildings of between six and 12 units. They normally don’t purchase hotels and restaurants because of Sharia law prohibiting alcohol sales.

8. Getting money legally into the U.S. continues to be a major issue.

9. Middle Eastern clients tend to prefer more ostentatious properties, while Asians normally prefer new, with top-of-the-line quality.

Only days after Storm Fay disrupted the quiet stretch in the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Gonzalo formed Sunday afternoon just east of the Leeward Islands.

“Pouring rain will lash the northern Lesser Antilles Monday,” said AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Andy Mussoline.

Torrential rain and locally damaging winds will blast the northern Leeward Islands Monday as Gonzalo tracks over them before moving toward Puerto Rico Monday night.

Gonzalo is expected to bring many dangers with it as it tracks westward. “Life-threatening flash floods and mudslides will threaten the region,” said Mussoline.

Gonzalo will likely reach the Virgin Islands Monday night before passing Puerto Rico just to the northeast by early Tuesday morning.

Warm water and low wind shear will allow the system to strengthen over the next few days and Gonzalo very well could be a Category 1 hurricane when it nears Puerto Rico.

A cold front will steer Gonzalo on a more northerly path by midweek. Folks in the Bahamas should be on alert once again as the northerly turn will take Gonzalo toward them late this week or weekend, perhaps as a hurricane.

During October, on average, areas most likely for tropical development in the Atlantic Basin tend to shift closer to the nearshore waters of North and Central America.

The Atlantic is behind the curve for the average number of named tropical systems. After about a three week lull, Fay and Gonzalo recently brought the number of named storms to seven. Every year, on an average, there are nine named systems over the Atlantic by the middle of October.

With 18 named systems this season, the eastern Pacific is running ahead of the average. By the middle of October, the average number of named systems is 15.

As a source of inspiration and information for holidaymakers travel blogs are becoming more and more popular. For a number of years ITB has held several events for international travel bloggers, providing opportunities to exchange knowledge and enabling them to meet with trade visitors and exhibitors. Next year, in cooperation with TransitMedia and visitBerlin, for the first time ITB Berlin will be organising a Blog Camp. On 1 and 2 March 2015 Sebastian Canaves and Conni Biesalski will be among those giving fascinating workshops and creative sessions aimed at teaching participants how to improve their blogs in order to reach more readers and showing them how they can earn money with their reports and trips.

From 13 to 26 October 2014 anyone interested can sign up for the ITB Blog Camp at https://www.blog-camp.de/itb-blog-camp-2015/, where detailed information is available about the camp and on how to apply. Applicants should be passionate about blogging and travelling, have a minimum blogging experience of two years and post blogs at least four times a month. Twenty bloggers will be selected from the applications. The first five successful applicants will receive free overnight accommodation from Saturday to Sunday in a hip Berlin design hotel and take part in a bicycle tour, both sponsored by visitBerlin. In general, participants must pay their travel and overnight expenses themselves. Anyone arriving on Saturday, 28 February 2015, can join the networking evening. visitBerlin also organizes a rallye to the Teufelsberg on 3 March 2015. Application details to be announced soon.

Participation in the ITB Blog Camp is the ideal way to prepare for a visit to the world’s leading travel trade show. The event will take place on the weekend before ITB Berlin, which opens its doors on 4 March.

What if you could capture the dimensions of your home simply by walking around with your phone before you went furniture shopping? It’s one of several big questions Google is asking as part of Project Tango, an effort by the company’s new Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) group to expand the reach of space and motion for mobile devices to a “human scale.”

The technology is “still in the very early stages,” said Iska Hain, global communications and public affairs manager at Google, in an e-mail interview, but the implications for Real Estate and home improvement are huge.

The new prototype – a 5-inch Android smartphone armed with custom-built sensors and software designed to track the full motion of the device – can create a real-time 3D model of the space around you.

“These sensors make over a quarter-million 3D measurements every single second, updating the position and location of the phone, fusing this information into a single 3D model of the environment,” said Johnny Chung Lee, project lead at ATAP, in a YouTube video introducing Project Tango, where an example of its capabilities included the mapping and placement of furniture in a home. It is an effort that has spanned a year of work with universities, research labs and industrial partners around the world, aiming to concentrate the robotics and computer vision technologies of the last decade into a mobile phone, according to the Project Tango website and YouTube video.

Google is shipping a limited number of prototypes to professional developers by mid-March, and, according to Hain, is challenging them to think about questions that could change the way Real Estate agents do business:

What if directions to a new location didn’t stop at the street address?
What if you never again found yourself lost in a new building?
What if the visually impaired could navigate unassisted in unfamiliar indoor places?

“There are so many possibilities,” she said. “As we get further along, there is potential for the technology to be used by many verticals (retail, art, Real Estate, etc.).”