Comments on: Cost effective first class travel http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/cost-effective-first-class-travel/ Mon, 06 Sep 2010 21:11:50 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Naud http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/cost-effective-first-class-travel/comment-page-1/#comment-1636 Naud Sun, 27 Sep 2009 15:12:02 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=350#comment-1636 Hey, I also used a systemwide VIP uprade last time it was great! Cost me 400$ one way though. I can't find any of 200$'s! Not even on Craiglist.. can you e-mail me when you found one and when you're not gonna use it? Cheers Hey,

I also used a systemwide VIP uprade last time it was great! Cost me 400$ one way though. I can’t find any of 200$’s! Not even on Craiglist.. can you e-mail me when you found one and when you’re not gonna use it?

Cheers

]]> By: Steve Loy http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/cost-effective-first-class-travel/comment-page-1/#comment-666 Steve Loy Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:50:44 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=350#comment-666 Simon: I need some info seriously on Panama. I read your articles. So getting the gold bars out of the US, No problem, But how do you get them into Panama. They check at the airport. I have heard the police will take anything they want and you are lost. Yeh the president gets mad, but it still goes on. Any advice>>// Ready to move, and ready to move gold now! Steve Simon:
I need some info seriously on Panama. I read your articles. So getting the gold bars out of the US, No problem, But how do you get them into Panama.
They check at the airport. I have heard the police will take anything they want and you are lost. Yeh the president gets mad, but it still goes on.
Any advice>>//
Ready to move, and ready to move gold now!
Steve

]]> By: Victor http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/cost-effective-first-class-travel/comment-page-1/#comment-628 Victor Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:48:19 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=350#comment-628 Where does one learn how to fly a plane or helicopter. I am a civilian. What good schools are there in the USA (or better yet, a cheaper country in which to live and soak up some culture where one can learn to fly a helipcopter or plane)? Any recommendations? Where does one learn how to fly a plane or helicopter. I am a civilian. What good schools are there in the USA (or better yet, a cheaper country in which to live and soak up some culture where one can learn to fly a helipcopter or plane)?

Any recommendations?

]]> By: Branimir http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/cost-effective-first-class-travel/comment-page-1/#comment-592 Branimir Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:50:07 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=350#comment-592 Mr. Black, I enjoy the "Notes from the Field" even more than Without Borders. Thanks for sharing! If you come through Bulgaria I would like to offer you assistance in whatever way necessary/possible. My email is included with this posting... Mr. Black, I enjoy the “Notes from the Field” even more than Without Borders. Thanks for sharing! If you come through Bulgaria I would like to offer you assistance in whatever way necessary/possible. My email is included with this posting…

]]> By: Carlos http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/cost-effective-first-class-travel/comment-page-1/#comment-570 Carlos Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:59:05 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=350#comment-570 Very useful tip! Keep these coming! Very useful tip! Keep these coming!

]]> By: Smith http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/cost-effective-first-class-travel/comment-page-1/#comment-569 Smith Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:26:02 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=350#comment-569 BW--- What Doug was referring to was the fact that on the (relatively) new US customs declaration forms, you must list all countries visited prior to your arrival in the US. So, if you visited 20 countries on your trip, you're required to list all of them. Here's the relevant form: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/sample_declaration_form.xml BW— What Doug was referring to was the fact that on the (relatively) new US customs declaration forms, you must list all countries visited prior to your arrival in the US. So, if you visited 20 countries on your trip, you’re required to list all of them.

Here’s the relevant form: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/sample_declaration_form.xml

]]> By: henke http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/cost-effective-first-class-travel/comment-page-1/#comment-568 henke Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:34:08 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=350#comment-568 Hey Simon Thought I'd share some facts about Swedbank: SWED-A has over300% of its tangible equity exposed to the baltics, and 380% total exposure to emerging markets. With a 20% loan loss on this exposure, SWED-A's tangible book value would decline by 67% (= 3 years of pre-loss profits) A 20% devaluation in local currency would actually m,ean an increase in SWEd-As equity because they have more asssets than liabilities in local currency, but the real problem is that 80% of their lending is made through loans in EUR and USD, and their clients have their deposits and incomes in local currency. So unless teh govt forces a conversion before devaluation, SWED is in deep sh*t. Loan loss provisions are way too low. Also, only 4,4% loan losses are reflected in the share price today. Swedish stress tests passed SWED barely at a 6% tier 1 ratio assumption at a theoretical 6,6% loan losses - but if loan losses go higher, they will quite obviously need capital injections. Since none of the other swedish banks are in a position that is anywhere near as bad, the govt will not relax these provisions as they sometimes do during times of stress, but rather force SWED to get money from the markets, which they will probably get, but at far lower prices than todays ridiculous shareprice of 60+ SEK. The question becomes: Do you think SWED will have only 4-6% loan losses in the baltics? I don't. This is the number one short out there. Henrik Hey Simon

Thought I’d share some facts about Swedbank:

SWED-A has over300% of its tangible equity exposed to the baltics, and 380% total exposure to emerging markets.

With a 20% loan loss on this exposure, SWED-A’s tangible book value would decline by 67% (= 3 years of pre-loss profits)

A 20% devaluation in local currency would actually m,ean an increase in SWEd-As equity because they have more asssets than liabilities in local currency, but the real problem is that 80% of their lending is made through loans in EUR and USD, and their clients have their deposits and incomes in local currency. So unless teh govt forces a conversion before devaluation, SWED is in deep sh*t.

Loan loss provisions are way too low.
Also, only 4,4% loan losses are reflected in the share price today.

Swedish stress tests passed SWED barely at a 6% tier 1 ratio assumption at a theoretical 6,6% loan losses – but if loan losses go higher, they will quite obviously need capital injections. Since none of the other swedish banks are in a position that is anywhere near as bad, the govt will not relax these provisions as they sometimes do during times of stress, but rather force SWED to get money from the markets, which they will probably get, but at far lower prices than todays ridiculous shareprice of 60+ SEK.

The question becomes: Do you think SWED will have only 4-6% loan losses in the baltics? I don’t. This is the number one short out there.

Henrik

]]> By: BW http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/cost-effective-first-class-travel/comment-page-1/#comment-565 BW Wed, 05 Aug 2009 06:07:26 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=350#comment-565 I'd like to know about the airports and screening processes. Doug Casey mentioned in one of the reports that he knew of some travelers who had to fill out forms, when entering the US, which demanded that they fill in all the last 20 countries they had been to, or something to that effect. Maybe this doesn't apply to U.S. citizens. Anyway, it would good to know. And do you manage to always eat somewhere nice before you fly? Do you only have one set of clothes, which I guess you get someone to dry clean or wash/dry just in time to catch your next flight out? I’d like to know about the airports and screening processes. Doug Casey mentioned in one of the reports that he knew of some travelers who had to fill out forms, when entering the US, which demanded that they fill in all the last 20 countries they had been to, or something to that effect. Maybe this doesn’t apply to U.S. citizens. Anyway, it would good to know.

And do you manage to always eat somewhere nice before you fly? Do you only have one set of clothes, which I guess you get someone to dry clean or wash/dry just in time to catch your next flight out?

]]> By: Expat X. http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/cost-effective-first-class-travel/comment-page-1/#comment-563 Expat X. Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:43:38 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=350#comment-563 I've used www.airlineconsolidator.com several times and have been able to get some very inexpensive international flights, albeit all coach. I’ve used http://www.airlineconsolidator.com several times and have been able to get some very inexpensive international flights, albeit all coach.

]]> By: Christine http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/cost-effective-first-class-travel/comment-page-1/#comment-562 Christine Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:29:15 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=350#comment-562 I actually purchase Amex points from people I find on Craigslist.com or Ebay.com 90-120k points usually cost me anywhere between $1,200-1,800. That's really all you need to book a business class ticket depending on where you are going. Middle East usually requires higher points. The only airline I found thus far that doesn't accept Amex points to be transferred is Lufthansa, I Have no idea why? I actually purchase Amex points from people I find on Craigslist.com or Ebay.com 90-120k points usually cost me anywhere between $1,200-1,800. That’s really all you need to book a business class ticket depending on where you are going. Middle East usually requires higher points. The only airline I found thus far that doesn’t accept Amex points to be transferred is Lufthansa, I Have no idea why?

]]> By: Phillip http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/cost-effective-first-class-travel/comment-page-1/#comment-560 Phillip Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:29:39 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=350#comment-560 Simon, No personal tactics to add, but please feel free to explore this topic more in future newsletters. I've recently returned to the US from a trip to the EU, and am planning a trip to South America in the near future, so this is of interest to me. Having divested myself of most of my "hands on" investments over the past several years and transitioned into more passive investments, lifestyle and locale changes are in order. I believe I discovered you just in time. Thanks! Simon, No personal tactics to add, but please feel free to explore this topic more in future newsletters. I’ve recently returned to the US from a trip to the EU, and am planning a trip to South America in the near future, so this is of interest to me. Having divested myself of most of my “hands on” investments over the past several years and transitioned into more passive investments, lifestyle and locale changes are in order. I believe I discovered you just in time. Thanks!

]]> By: Peter Macfarlane (Q Wealth Report) http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/cost-effective-first-class-travel/comment-page-1/#comment-559 Peter Macfarlane (Q Wealth Report) Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:40:09 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=350#comment-559 Airlines are really hurting at the moment. I already had an economy class booking for my family transatlantic on British Airways for next month and they recently sent an e-mail asking if we would like to upgrade for about $100 each way. Of course we accepted! You can always ask the station manager at the airport before boarding, if there is a chance to upgrade for a fee like this. Even if they don't advertise it, the answer will quite often be yes. Airlines are really hurting at the moment. I already had an economy class booking for my family transatlantic on British Airways for next month and they recently sent an e-mail asking if we would like to upgrade for about $100 each way. Of course we accepted! You can always ask the station manager at the airport before boarding, if there is a chance to upgrade for a fee like this. Even if they don’t advertise it, the answer will quite often be yes.

]]> By: Fabio Herrero http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/cost-effective-first-class-travel/comment-page-1/#comment-558 Fabio Herrero Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:14:27 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=350#comment-558 I find that the internet site www.orbitz.com is quite good, or http://www.skyscanner.net/ you can find some small cheaper airlines. In Asia AirAsia, in South America LAN and in Europe Easyjet are good very cheaps alternatives, but they offer limited (when at all) seats in Business/First class. I find that the internet site http://www.orbitz.com is quite good, or http://www.skyscanner.net/ you can find some small cheaper airlines.
In Asia AirAsia, in South America LAN and in Europe Easyjet are good very cheaps alternatives, but they offer limited (when at all) seats in Business/First class.

]]> By: Nick P. http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/cost-effective-first-class-travel/comment-page-1/#comment-557 Nick P. Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:12:05 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=350#comment-557 Good tip Simon. The best travel cost saving measure I found is Skype. I pay 50 USD for a phone number and a basic plan. When I'm overseas as long as I have an internet connection I can call the US for free. This is because I have a US based Skype number. I used this in South America, Europe and several countries in Africa. With an unlocked cell phone with Wi-Fi capability and Skype to go, you can have all your contacts saved on your phone and use the free calling or just pop in a local SIM card and use a calling card. Good tip Simon.

The best travel cost saving measure I found is Skype. I pay 50 USD for a phone number and a basic plan.

When I’m overseas as long as I have an internet connection I can call the US for free. This is because I have a US based Skype number. I used this in South America, Europe and several countries in Africa.

With an unlocked cell phone with Wi-Fi capability and Skype to go, you can have all your contacts saved on your phone and use the free calling or just pop in a local SIM card and use a calling card.

]]> By: bill huggins http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/cost-effective-first-class-travel/comment-page-1/#comment-556 bill huggins Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:01:44 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=350#comment-556 I always go to www.seatguru.com to get an overview of the seat layout on the plane I will be in. Then I book that seat when making my ticket purchase. No surprises when I board. It shows you the seat numbers to avoid and the best ones to snag....on long hauls, it makes a difference. I always go to http://www.seatguru.com to get an overview of the seat layout on the plane I will be in. Then I book that seat when making my ticket purchase. No surprises when I board. It shows you the seat numbers to avoid and the best ones to snag….on long hauls, it makes a difference.

]]> By: bujjai http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/cost-effective-first-class-travel/comment-page-1/#comment-555 bujjai Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:01:08 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=350#comment-555 Simon, Frankly I'd like to be you!! I'm semi-retired, living in Toronto, after 25 yrs in NYC as a banker. I just got divorced and am taking care of kids, so I cannot be "you" completely. But I'd like to travel maybe 7 days every month but would like to do it in a meaningful capacity, volunteerism, humanitarian, getting with the locals and really getting in deep with culture and "giving back" in some manner. Anyway, if you have thoughts along meaningful travel do let me know, otherwise, keep the travel tips and insights coming....Thanks. "jealously yours...but in a good way". AK Simon, Frankly I’d like to be you!! I’m semi-retired, living in Toronto, after 25 yrs in NYC as a banker. I just got divorced and am taking care of kids, so I cannot be “you” completely. But I’d like to travel maybe 7 days every month but would like to do it in a meaningful capacity, volunteerism, humanitarian, getting with the locals and really getting in deep with culture and “giving back” in some manner.

Anyway, if you have thoughts along meaningful travel do let me know, otherwise, keep the travel tips and insights coming….Thanks. “jealously yours…but in a good way”. AK

]]> By: will http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/cost-effective-first-class-travel/comment-page-1/#comment-554 will Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:59:38 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=350#comment-554 I was also wondering about living arangements...do you only travel to certain areas? or do you just travel to all parts of the world and do you have a certain type or brand of hotel you prefer..thanks I was also wondering about living arangements…do you only travel to certain areas? or do you just travel to all parts of the world and do you have a certain type or brand of hotel you prefer..thanks

]]> By: george hoskins http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/cost-effective-first-class-travel/comment-page-1/#comment-553 george hoskins Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:51:20 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=350#comment-553 no travel tips to offer but thanks for all of your insight. i'm up to here in casey publications (and i love em) but i open your mail first. thanks again, george hoskins no travel tips to offer but thanks for all of your insight. i’m up to here in casey publications (and i love em) but i open your mail first. thanks again, george hoskins

]]> By: will http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/cost-effective-first-class-travel/comment-page-1/#comment-551 will Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:38:34 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=350#comment-551 awesome. seems like you answered my question, personally. I am looking for someone that is of your caliber to kind of mentor me ....how about getting your own pilots license i know a place where you can get it for less the 10k. also how about hotel stays and drivers do you usually hire a driver. I am an international investor and like to travel as well however I am trying to figure out how to get the best hotel prices, and flights.. awesome. seems like you answered my question, personally. I am looking for someone that is of your caliber to kind of mentor me ….how about getting your own pilots license i know a place where you can get it for less the 10k. also how about hotel stays and drivers do you usually hire a driver. I am an international investor and like to travel as well however I am trying to figure out how to get the best hotel prices, and flights..

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