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- The Best 8 Places to Go to When You’re Looking for Affordable Healthcare
- Top 6 Golf Courses for a Tee Party
- 6 of the Most Lavish Homes in the World
- New Expedia Holiday Coupon and Sunny Escapes
- FamilyGetaway.com Top Deals of the Week & Westin Nova Scotian Hot Deal!
- Priceline’s $50 Hotel Bonus Cash Coupon
| The Best 8 Places to Go to When You’re Looking for Affordable Healthcare Posted: 22 Oct 2010 02:25 PM PDT
Top 1: Thailand for a lot of medical treatments First on the list is the pioneer when it comes to Medical Tourism. Thailand has long been known for the high quality of its urban hospitals. While treatment for cancer isn't the primary niche for this country, you can go here for cheap cosmetic treatments ranging from nose jobs to sex changes. Of course, the medical practitioners here aren't limited to plastic surgeons. You can also have the best orthopedic or cardiac surgery in Thailand for as little as a-tenth of the cost in your home front. Dental procedures, which are very pricey and sometimes uncovered by your health insurance back home, are very affordable here too. Top 2: India for alternative medicine Coming in close at second place is India, which is actually one of the few thriving countries which pioneered in alternative treatments (non-Western). Despite its "alternative/new age" reputation, though, the main factor that drives most tourists here is the fluency of medical practitioners in the English language. Ayurvedic treatments are, of course, offered in this country. There is also a wide range of massages, herbs, and yoga courses to look forward to. If you no longer believe in the old medical system at home, you might want to try what the medical practice here wants to offer. Top 3: Singapore for impressive medical service and facilities For such a geographically small country, Singapore is very successful in a lot of aspects including their medical practice. Pleasantly, they also offer one of the cheapest medical treatments around the globe, coming in at fourth place in this list. They also have one of the best systems and facilities in health care according to the World Health Organization so you won't have to worry about compromising the quality of your treatment for the low price. Top 4: China for the stem cell therapy For a country that, like India, pioneered in herbal treatments, it's pretty surprising that China only came in fourth on this list. This is probably because of the recent news people have been receiving about China's unethical manner in harvesting organs. The tainted drugs usage which was released even more recently didn't help to make the country more popular in medical tourism. However, if you're looking for surgeons who are capable of performing experimental, if not controversial, medical procedures like the stem cell therapy, then this is the only place to go. Stem cell therapy is said to treat anything from neurodegenerative diseases to spinal injuries. Top 5: Poland for dental care Are you tired of expensive dental care which makes you wait for almost half a day back home? In Poland, you'll find refuge in their inexpensive dental care which can be done in a jiffy. Dental tourism to this country is growing more and more popular especially among those who are in Britain. Aside from the dental care, the Polish government has been aggressively marketing their spa treatments, thermal baths, and salt caves as well. So you might want to reconsider that trip to Rome. Check out the reviews on Polish spas because you might be cutting down that out-of-the-country spa visit by as much as half the cost if you decide to experiment a bit. Top 6: Hungary for dental care Another country which has been slowly earning a reputation for cheap but efficient dental services is Hungary. Most people from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland have been flying in from their home countries to look at the professional dental services offered in Hungary. This is because across Europe, dental care expenses have been shooting up the roof. The services in Hungary, however, have remains stably and comfortable low. Hungary is also much nearer than Thailand which makes the trip shorter and less expensive. Top 7: Mexico for plastic/cosmetic surgery While the neighborhood crime stories haven't exactly been very helping Mexico convince Americans to retire to their side of the border, the younger ones have continued to flock their shores for the beach life, and of course, the cheap cosmetic procedures. You'll be surprised at the number of efficient plastic surgeons in Mexico, most of them only charging as little as half of what a plastic surgeon in California or Beverly Hills would. So far, the satisfaction ratings from American consumers have been impressively high. US insurance companies have also been adding Mexican clinics into their policies, so this should cut down the costs more. Top 8: Costa Rica for retreats, dental care and plastic surgery Aside from the pristine beaches, the volcanoes that evoke both power and beauty, and the untouched cloud forests, Costa Rica is also pretty popular as a medical tourism destination primarily because of its recovery ranches and retreats. If you're trying to get better, either from physical or emotional trauma, Costa Rica might just help you heal more efficiently. Just like the other countries we've mentioned in this list, Costa Rica is also pretty popular because of its cheap but trustworthy dental care. Do your pearly whites need work? If those braces or cosmetic dental procedures are too expensive for you back home, it may be possible for you to have it done here without burning holes through your pockets. Costa Rica also has quite a number of capable cosmetic and plastic surgeons. You may want to check their customer reviews first, though. Once you've tracked down a plastic/cosmetic surgeon that you can trust, you can probably make that trip to Costa Rica. This should be an easy trip, considering how near the country is to both the U.S. and Canada.
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| Top 6 Golf Courses for a Tee Party Posted: 22 Oct 2010 02:12 PM PDT Golf has been around for ages, and for a sport that seems just a tad calmer than all the other ball games, it's still pretty popular. We believe it's more than just the social status that comes with the territory. It must be all that green, and the way the fairways just seem to take every stressor out of the picture. Below are the top six golf courses you should visit in this lifetime. Top 1: Pine Valley Golf Club Location: Clementon, New Jersey Specifics: Par 70 ~ 6,755 yards; Crump/Colt (1918) The Pine Valley is the Holy Grail equivalent for golfers simply because it's quite a challenge to locate and the property itself is exclusive. You'd have to go through a lot of pins and needles just to play here unless of course you're a VIP. This golf course is located in the Pine Barrens in New Jersey, and those who were lucky (and experienced) enough to play in its fairways claim that it's the world's best golf course to date. The golf course was founded in 1913 and it started off with only 184 acres. Later on, 416 acres of woodlands, which add sheer vibrancy to the place, was bought by the property owners. Top 2: Cypress Point Club Location: Pebble Beach, California Specifics: Par 72 ~ 6,536 yards; Mackenzie (1929) Even if you're not familiar with the golfing world, you would have heard about the Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach. It's one of the most mentioned golfing destinations in the movies, media, etc. and you can be sure that it's not overrated. This is also one of the most private golf courses in the world, so once you have a chance to play in its green, try not to miss it. You might not get the chance again. Aside from the exclusivity, the golf course also gives you a prime vantage point of the Pacific Ocean. What else can you expect from a golf course that's located at Big Sur, California? The Cypress Point Club boasts of an 18-hole golf course designed by the famed Alister Mackenzie who was also responsible for the Augusta National Golf Club. Top 3: Muirfield Village Golf Club Location: Gullane, Scotland, United Kingdom Specifics: Par 71~7,221 yards; T. Morris (1889) Of course, this won't be a list of the most beautiful golf courses if we ignored Scotland. The Muirfield Village Golf Club has been home to the world's pioneering community in the sport. It's definitely one of the oldest, most well kept golf courses in the world, having been open since 1744. Of course the improvements it underwent over 200 years later were pretty dramatic. Historically, the golf course is also very iconic. This is where the famous Jack Nicklaus attained his very first British Open. Located near Edinburgh, a good number of golfers also consider the golf course a fine test of their skills in the game. Top 4: The Old Course in St. Andrews Location: St. Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom Specifics: Par 72~7,279 yards Any serious golfer wouldn't let his/her lifetime pass without setting foot and playing at the Old Course of St. Andrews, Scotland. In terms of fame and popularity, this golf course certainly takes the trophy. The game has been played in these greens since the 15th Century, so you can just imagine the historical and sentimental value of the place. For something that's literally ancient, the patch of grass is impressively well-kept. Aside from the impressive greens of the Old Course, St. Andrews is also home to four other 18-hole golf courses and one more 9-hole course. There is also a practice center for beginners who would like to try their swings first before playing out in the open. The good news is that all of these golf courses are open to the public (which probably explains St. Andrews' fame) but there's a slight setback. You will have to make reservations if you want to play here. Among all of the golf courses, the Old course is the toughest. This particular golf course is set in the dunes of the North Sea. If you don't think you can play like the great Tiger Woods, you might want to start with the Strathtyrum course first. If you're a beginner, or if you're playing with children, the nine-hole golf course (Balgrove) is recommended. Top 5: Pebble Beach Golf Links Location: Pebble Beach, California Specifics: Par 72~6,737; Neville/Grant (1919) The Pebble Beach Golf Links might have missed the top spot among the most beautiful golf courses in the U.S.A. but it certainly is the most popular. Like its more exclusive counterpart, the Cypress Point Club, it boasts of a fine view of the Pacific Ocean. While it's true that the golf course's narrow fairways are tough to complete, it will do you good to take a short breather. The view of the horizon is always spectacular. It's no wonder people keep on coming back to this golf course to play the game. Watch out for the view once you reach the 18th hole. Don't get too distracted, though, because at this point, the wind's bound to play tricks on you. Make sure that you pick the right club so you can make the hole with a clean shot. Top 6: Royal Melbourne Golf Club Location: Melbourne, Australia Specifics: Par 72~6,598 yards to the East; 6,589 yards to the West; Mackenzie/Russel (1926) The sixth most beautiful golf courses in the world is located in Melbourne, Australia. The Royal Melbourne Golf Club boasts of two 18-hole courses running opposite each other. The 18-hole golf course to the East is slightly larger than its twin to the West, but both are tourney-ready. In fact, the Royal Melbourne Golf Club (which is the most exclusive golf club Downunder) plays host to the major golf events in the country. It was also the site of the Canada Cup, having been around since 1959. The Canada Cup is what we know now as the World Cup.
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| 6 of the Most Lavish Homes in the World Posted: 22 Oct 2010 01:51 PM PDT You could definitely get used to these top-of-the-line luxury homes. Too bad only a select few can afford them, but if they're up for viewing, a peek shouldn't hurt. Below is a list of the most luxurious homes not just in the U.S.A. but around the world. Look at what you're missing. Mumbai's first Billion Dollar Home
Believe it or not, the most lavish home around the world is not in the U.S.A. but in India. You can find this treasure at Antilla, Mumbai, owned by no one less than the fifth richest man on the planet: Mukesh Ambani. How did this palace happen? Mukesh Ambani just happens to own one of the most prominent petrochemical companies in India: the Reliance Industries. Thanks to this company, he is safely insured with $43 billion worth of assets. Not only that, this man is also about to own the skyscraper that has people talking in town. This particular skyscraper is the first home built here that's worth $2 billion. He doesn't want his wife to live any less like a queen while the construction is going on so Nita Ambani is checked in at the Mandarin Hotel of N.Y.C. The Mrs. was impressed with Mandarin's Asian doors so she told us that she wanted something similar incorporated into their Billion Dollar home. When a home is based on a hotel, two things are expected. The Billion Dollar home in India is now the most expensive and the biggest house the world has ever seen. It would have 27 stories, and each floor would be built according to the specifications of the extravagant couple. With every story looking like an independent home on its own, the cost escalates to how much it would take to build twenty seven different properties. It doesn't matter because the couple has the means for it. The lucky contractor for this one-of-a-kind project is the Hirsch Bedner Associates and they promise that the property is going to be an eye candy for anyone who are fortunate enough to view its interior. England's Updown Court
Worth at least $150 million today, the Updown Court in England remains among the most significant private homes in the United Kingdom. It has been regarded as so since the 19th century, and you'll recognize it as soon as you come across its huge palatial iron gates. This is a short 25-mile drive from London, and it shares the neighborhood with Elton John and the Queen of England. Among the most lavish features of the home are the 24-carat leafing on its study's mosaic flooring, the five swimming pools that surround the property, the tennis court, squash court, bowling alley, and screening room which can seat 50 guests, a marble driveway which is also heated, a helipad, and an underground garage which currently houses eight limousines. The property is currently listed with the Savills and Hamptons International. Even if you're not of royal lineage, as long as you have the dough for it, you can live just like, if not more extravagantly than, royalty. Versailles, Florida's Biggest Mansion
Third on the list is the Versailles mansion in Florida which has 30 bedrooms—more than enough for a resort. It can also function like one if the owners wished because it has its own bowling alley, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and its own roller-skating rink. Certainly, it's the biggest home built within the U.S.A. The catch is that it's still not done. Reports say that there's still 18 whole months of work to be accomplished on the mansion. The construction started three years ago, funded by time share tycoon David Siegel and his wife Jacqueline who used to be a beauty queen. So far, the property is already worth $75 million. According to reports, at least $25 million is needed for the property to be finished. This magnanimous house doesn't just have 30 bedrooms. There are also 23 bathrooms built on it, special handmade windows, a ballroom, and a theater for children. One of the windows of the house provides what today is probably the best view of Lake Butler. The garage can fit 20 cars, the property has its own boathouse, an entire baseball field, at least 2 tennis courts, manicured formal gardens, and a gatehouse with its own apartment. There's not one but two grand staircases, a Grand Hall that's at least 60 by 120 foot wide, a stained glass dome that's 30 sq. feet and a wine cellar with two stories. It also has three spas which can be found behind the curtain of an 80-foot high waterfall. Each of the 23 bathrooms is a full bathroom with its own Jacuzzi, and the property is aptly named Versailles because it's frontage is a close replica of France's Palace of Versailles. Mariah Carey's Flor de Lys in Beverly Hills
Actually owned by Mariah Carey and not just a backdrop for her beautiful legs, the Flor de Lys is the fourth most extravagantly lavished mansions in the world. It's built right at the heart of Beverly Hills which means that aside from the generous trimmings of this palace, it's also rooted on prime land. The asking price for this treasure is $125 million, and it covers a sprawling five acres of land. Just like the mansion-in-progress we've mentioned earlier, the diva's crib was also modeled after the Palace of Versailles. Hugging the mansion are hectares and hectares of manicured lawn, trees, ornamental (pricey) gardens, a tennis court that can play host to a championship game any day, and garden folly. The property also has its own pool and spa in a private pavilion, as well as a manager's and staffer's quarters big enough to house ten people. Godfather Mansion of Beverly Hills
Otherwise called the Hearst Mansion, the Godfather Mansion in Beverly Hills is next to the diva's mansion in terms of extravagance. While the Godfather mansion's asking price is higher at $165 million, the styling details are just a bit humbler than Mariah Carey's palace. It was formerly owned by the famed tycoon William Hearst, and the statues that you see outdoors were imported from the Hearst Castle itself. The property has 29 bedrooms, tennis courts, three swimming pools, a cinema theater, a nightclub, life-size paintings of Betty Davies, and a quirky H-shape structure. Hearst first acquired the property in 1947 at $120,000. It was bought by someone else in 1976, and has been put up again for sale in 2007. Should you be able to afford this home, you'll be rubbing elbows with celebrities like Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, and the Beckhams. Florida's Acqua Liana Mansion
Celebrated as the most luxurious mansion standing, to date, the Acqua Liana was designed by the famed Frank McKinney. This property sprawls for a total of 15,000 sq. ft. and is a proud "eco-mansion" inspired by the artist's trips to Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, and Bali. It's a humble 7-bedroom palace with 11 bathrooms, a "wet bar" (an aquarium that curves to double as a bar table), solar panels (it does have to be environmentally-friendly and not just eco-inspired), and a water system which collects and treats the property's run-off water to supply the water of its pool for at least two weeks. The mansion is also claimed to have a highly efficient lighting system which cuts of electric usage by up to 70 per cent. While it's still a lavish mansion, the Acqua Liana seems to have been built with more environmental concern than the rest.
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| New Expedia Holiday Coupon and Sunny Escapes Posted: 22 Oct 2010 10:06 AM PDT The holidays are arriving early this year because Expedia is offering a $200 coupon! When you book your holiday travel by December 20th and travel by January 3rd, you will receive a $200 Coupon to use on travel between March 31st and April 30th, 2011. Mexico and the Caribbean are staying hot all winter and Expedia is helping you get there! Pack your swimsuits and sunscreen and book a vacation package through American Airlines including Flight + 4 Nights from $333! Book by November 30th, 2010 and enjoy the sun between October 24th, 2010 and March 31st, 2011! No passport? No problem! Get your tan lines stateside in the Sunshine State! Sunny Orlando is beckoning you with up to 40% off select hotels. Book by November 9th and travel by December 15th 2010. A perfect getaway before the holiday season! Top Offers NEW! Expedia Holiday Bonus: Book a flight now, get $200 off your next vacation! – Expires 12/20/10 NEW! American Airlines Mexico & Caribbean Vacation Deals: Flight + 4 Nights from $333! – Expires 11/30/10 NEW! Save Up to 40% on your stay in sunny Orlando! – Expires 11/9/10 Hotel Promotions NEW! Las Vegas Sale: Get up to 25% off at prime Las Vegas Hotels and Resorts – Expires 11/17/10 Seasonal Promotions NEW! Book your Veteran’s Day weekend today! Hotels from $34+! – Expires 11/10/10 Car Promotions NEW! Budget Special: $25 off your weekly car rental! Use Coupon Code #MUWZ022 – Expires 12/31/10 Cruise Promotions NEW! Royal Caribbean Cruises: Great deals + get up to $100 to spend onboard! – Expires 11/17/10 Activities Promotions NEW! Great deals at select Orlando theme parks: Get 3 parks for the price of 2! – Expires 11/17/10 Air Promotions NEW! British Airways Sale Ends 10/26: Roundtrip flights to London from $412+ – Expires 10/26/10 Canadian Promotions NEW! Expedia.ca: New York Sale – Save up to 30% on hotels – Expires 11/3/10 NEW! Expedia.ca: It’s Vegas Time! Flight + Hotel from C$363! – Expires 11/26/10 NEW! Expedia.ca: Save on LAN Airlines- Flights to Peru from C$859! – Expires 11/27/10 NEW! Expedia.ca: Book early & save 20% off Ski Getaways! – Expires 10/30/10
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| FamilyGetaway.com Top Deals of the Week & Westin Nova Scotian Hot Deal! Posted: 22 Oct 2010 09:51 AM PDT We are excited to announce more top FamilyGetaway.com vacation packages. Don’t miss out on these opportunities! Also, you can save $100 on your first FamilyGetaway.com purchase. Below are Family Getaway’s Top Deals for the week. $100 off your first purchase at Family Getaway with code FG100
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| Priceline’s $50 Hotel Bonus Cash Coupon Posted: 22 Oct 2010 09:37 AM PDT Featured Fall deal for any hotel of your choice: The Bonus Cash Coupon can be applied toward a future Name Your Own Price® Hotel offer price at a maximum of $10 per day, for up to 5 days. Offer is only good on hotels with a 3-star rating or higher and requires a 3-night minimum length of stay or more. Get $50 Coupon for your next hotel stay*! ends 10/31
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