by Roberta Murphy

Travelers from all nations once had the luxury of cruising Egypt’s Nile River, exploring the country’s ancient pyramids and steeping themselves in the mystery and intrigue of Ancient Egypt. But that was before the Great Recession and recent political and civil turmoil.

Egypt had been planning on a tourism rebound in 2012, but it appears those plans have gone up in flames as Royal Caribbean International cancels its Egyptian calls and transfers them instead to European ports. Other cruise ships will likely follow suit as a safety precaution.

Rioters in Egypt (and whoever pulls their strings) are setting up landmines of unintended consequences with their hostilities. Last night, Bill O’Reilly urged millions of his Fox viewers to boycott travel to Egypt–and even travel guru Arthur Frommer has issued a strong warning to American travelers via his travel blog:

Until matters change, and steps are taken by Egyptian officials to discourage such violence, it is clearly unsafe for Americans to visit Egypt as tourists. I feel sad to voice that opinion, because I think of all the fine Egyptian people who are dependent on tourism. Safety comes first, and, currently, Egypt is not safe.

Additionally, even local tour guides in Egypt are warning that there is a lack of security for visitors to Egypt’s historical venues. Police are largely absent and there are no guarantees of safety.

Egypt depends not only on foreign aid, but its population is very dependent on tourism to put food on the table. And with an unemployment rate of around 25 percent for its youth, tourism and its jobs could do much for local economies. Regrettably, all will suffer thanks to political instability and anarchy in the streets.

UPDATE: El Al just announced it is seeking to cancel all flights from Tel Aviv to Cairo–a route it has served for three decades. —Roberta Murphy

UPDATE: 12/29/2012  Apparently Egypt’s own citizens are not allowed to take more than $6000. out of the country–as a response to recent run on banks by terrified Egyptians. Many are buying dollars. “The panic came as the country’s new president, Mohammed Morsi, called for ‘unity’ after a referendum approved a controversial constitution which gave him and Islamist allies more powers.”

It’s a move that could cause tourism-in-reverse as more people seek to escape the Muslim Brotherhood and its faltering economy.

Hat Tip: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2253525/Egypt-fears-run-banks-imposes-limit-people-withdraw.html#ixzz2GNuKCUlo

The post Tourism in Egypt Implodes appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.

by Roberta Murphy

More and more people from around the world are choosing to spend at least part of their lives in coastal Costa Rica–and more than a few decide there just might be no better place to spend the rest of their lives.

Why?

1. A warm climate, beaches, mountains, jungles–and breathtaking biodiversity. The people and government of Costa Rica are committed to preserving Costa Rica’s clean air, beautiful beaches and precious flora and fauna.

2. Costa Rica has one of the oldest and most stable democratic governments in the Americas. In fact, this peace loving nation has twice won the Nobel Prize for its peacekeeping efforts.

3. Costa Rica is a peaceful nation and has no standing army; it was disbanded in 1949.

4. The people are generally fond of foreigners and welcome them to Costa Rica. American’s included.

5. The cost of living is very reasonable–especially once one owns a home in Costa Rica. Taxes on a $500,000 home, for example, may run only $500 per year.

6. Good medical and dental care is not only widely available, but are also very reasonable. Many travel here for cosmetic procedures that cost a fraction of what might be charged in Europe or the U.S. And what a lovely place in which to recover!

7. Costa Rica has a highly educated population. The government currently spends around 27 percent of its budget on education. The literacy rate in Costa Rica is at 93 percent.

8. Costa Rica is only about the size of West Virginia, but has wonderful coastlines with 132 miles along the Atlantic, and 631 miles of prime Pacific beaches (especially in Guanacaste) and coastline. The interior is graced with farmland, mountains and jungles.

The reason for my recent keen interest in Costa Rica is that we will have been selected to help represent the Azulera developers in the sale of the long-awaited and luxurious Hyatt condos and resort village that are being developed along the breathtaking Guanacaste coast.

But details of that venture will come–sooner rather than later. Say tuned!

The post Dreaming of Costa Rica Luxury Real Estate…. appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.