World's Most Expensive Cities...This Might Surprise You

Recently, CNN published a list of the world's most and least expensive cities in which to live. Typically, you'd see places like Tokyo, Moscow and Paris at the top, but a new trend is emerging. Two of the top ten most expensive cities are in Africa! In fact, Luanada, Angloa was ranked the most expensive for the second year in a row! Amazingly, the cost of expatriate housing in the city is almost double what it costs in Tokyo. With the weakening US Dollar, exchange rates are in flux, causing significant shifts in this year's rankings. The high cost of living in Luanda is also down to the fact that expats shop differently to locals. Expats tend to look for international brands they are used to at home, which have to be imported. A club sandwich and a soda meal costs $20.58 in Luanda, compared to $6.29 for a fast-food meal in New York and $3.57 in Shanghai. Angola's oil reserves do at least mean that gas is cheap in Luanda - 59 cents per liter, compared to 87 cents in New York and $1.12 in Shanghai.

The skyline of Luanda, Angola.

In recent years Angola has been attracting expats with its growing economy, driven by oil production. It produces up to 1.9 million barrels a day, with oil contributing about 85% of its GDP, according to the CIA World Factbook. While it's great to see business booming in this developing nation, the vast majority of Angolans work in agriculture and more than a third live below the poverty line, according to the U.N. Development Program.

Can I have this guy as my client?

This story just amazes me. This Chicago-based consultant for the automotive industry racked up 10 million miles on United Airlines over the last 29 years! Though most of it was for work, I was happy to see that he also earned miles while going on 80 "honeymoons" with the love of his life.

Sounds like he'd be my ideal client!

Some Fascinating Country Rankings and a Great Read

Newsweek recently came out with their "World's Best Countries" rankings and once again, most of the top ten are in Northern Europe. The rankings were based on the following categories: Education, Health, Quality of Life, Economic Dynamism and Political Environment. What's most interesting is that these thriving countries spend most the year in the dark! Despite their long, dreary winters, I have always experienced Scandinavians to be very positive and content. They seem to know that they have a good life with low crime rates, wide access to health care, subsidized education and a healthy work-life balance. Forbe's "World's Happiest Countries" rankings also put Denmark, Finland and Norway at the top of their European list. Statistics like these certainly make these countries that much more appealing to visit.

If you're interested in learning more about what makes a country thrive, consider reading  The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World by Eric Weiner. It's a witty account of a self-confessed "grump" as he journeys across an unusual assortment of countries (including the Netherlands, Iceland, Qatar, Moldova and Bhutan among others) and tries to figure out what makes people happy. Frankly, Eric's chapter on Iceland single-handedly made me want to visit the country. Since reading it, I have become very interested in Icelandic geology (Did you know that Iceland's volcanoes have erupted a third of the total global lava output?) and planned a 10-day Ring Road odyssey so I can meet these fascinating people.

For more information about happiness in Scandanavia, check out this recent article:  "BBC Travel: Why are Finns so Happy?"

New Discoveries in Paris and Ghent

I just got back from a fantastic ten-day trip to Paris and Ghent, Belgium. I discovered all sorts of little treasures along the way to pass on to my clients. 

First off, our group stayed in a beautiful apartment in the 7th arrondissement (district) of Paris. If you've never considered this type of accommodation, you should check out VRBO.com (Vacation Rentals By Owner). There are hundreds of options from big city condos and loft apartments to country villas and hideaway retreats around the world. We found that staying in an apartment allowed us to explore a quieter, authentic part of Paris. Also, since I was traveling in a group, renting an apartment allowed us to have a great common space and kitchen in which to gather in the late afternoon. We would go out for the day and then when we made our way home, we would stop at little neighborhood shops for a baguette, wine and cheese. Then we would talk about the day on the couch as we nibbled on appetizers and prepared to go out to dinner. This apartment was a great choice for this trip.

I've had several clients tell me that poking in epicurean shops is one of their favorite things to do when they travel. These kinds of shops are a great place to sample local treats and pick up some highly coveted gifts for friends and family. So on this trip to Paris, I focused on visiting some of the best the city has to offer. A few of my favorites included:

La Maison du Miel - A shop behind La Madeleine that has been selling all sorts of delicious honeys and honey products since 1887. I definitely loaded up on several jars of my all-time favorite flavor, lavender, for gifts. 9th arrondissement, 24 rue Vignon.

Mariage Freres - This elegant shop in the Marais, specializing in the "art of French tea," has been in business since 1854. I could smell their new "Happy Birthday" blend through the door. To me, this is the mark of a great gourmet shop. 4th arrondissement, 30 rue Bourg Tibourg.

La Cure Gourmande- This confectionery shop that started in the South of France makes delicious traditional cookies and chocolates. Their "chocolate olives" (chocolate-c0vered almonds painted to look like olives) are totally addictive! 6 shops around Paris. 4th arrondissement, 55 rue Saint Louis en l'ile.

A L'Olivier - The place in Paris to buy top quality olive oils and they have free tastings. Enough said. 4th arrondissement, 23 rue de Rivoli.

Dalloyau - This famous pastry shop goes all the way back to the Versailles court in 1682. Their specialties include Opera Cake (almond sponge cake with a coffee and chocolate icing) and macaroons. Run, don't walk to try their chocolate ganache macaroons! 8 shops around Paris. 7th arrondissement, 63, rue de Grenelle.

I also had a chance to sample some of Ghent's local fare, but it was more serendipitous. I came across this cart in the middle of one of the town squares overflowing with hundreds of these little purple triangles. When I asked the vendor what they were, he cheerfully replied, "These are the Noses of Ghent! They are only made in this city and with the freshest ingredients: strawberries, raspberries and violets." Violets? I thought. This will be interesting...then he offered me one. It tasted like a gumdrop, but with a liquid center. It was delicious! And it was served with such pride. I walked away with a couple of bags to bring home. It's these kind of unexpected discoveries that make travel so rewarding.

Religious Site Etiquette from BBC Travel

For many of us, time spent in a new destination often includes a visit to the local historic religious site. The churches, temples, and mosques can be some of the most awe-inspiring architecture we see on our trip. When exploring these places, it is important to treat them with a certain reverence as to avoid disturbing the worshipers.

I just came across this article on "Religious Tourism Etiquette" on BBC's Travel Blog. Some of the tips, especially for Christian and Muslim sites, were standard, but it was refreshing and informative to read about etiquette for Hindu, Buddhist and Jewish places of worship. Take a look at the list before you head off on your next trip!

Movies Help Build Anticipation

When I get ready to go on a trip, I go through all the regular motions of preparation: packing and organization my suitcase, printing my itinerary and confirmations, and securing the house for my absence. While all of these things are necessary, they aren't always fun. One thing I've found that always gets me in the mood to travel is seeing movies that feature my upcoming destination. It's a great way to get acquainted with a place and build excitement. You might even see a spot you'll want to visit during your trip!

Recently, I saw Woody Allen's new movie, Midnight in Paris. I'm going to Paris in less than two weeks and I was enchanted by Mr. Allen's apologetically romantic love letter to the City of Light. It was the perfect thing to see as I get ready to go since it was about a man who falls in love with Paris as he takes walks around the city at midnight. I can't wait to spend some time wandering through the Rodin museum gardens and popping into my favorite bookstore, Shakespeare and Company. 

 Gil (Owen Wilson) and Adriana (Marion Cotillard) enjoy the streets of Paris by moonlight.

For more information about Midnight in Paris, check out the Huffington Post's recent article. It's a great one to see even if you just want to escape at your local movie theater.

Welcome to Golden Key's Blog!

Welcome to my new blog! I'm Alexa and I just started my own travel consulting business. Golden Key Bespoke Travel Consulting provides a comprehensive range of planning services that will allow clients to focus on their experience, not the logistics. I specialize in creating completely customized itineraries based on my client's preferences, desires, and vision for their trip - leaving them to relax and enjoy an effortless experience. 

I have been blessed enough to be able to visit over 45 countries on six continents and I know the transformative power of travel firsthand. I subscribe to stacks of travel magazines, follow the latest travel blogs and websites, and I'm an avid guidebook collector. I love staying abreast of the latest travel trends, whether it be the hottest new restaurants, best deals or up and coming destinations. On this blog, I'll be sharing some of my favorite places as well as travel tips and articles.

Thanks for visiting and I hope you'll continue to check back in.