Travel & Leisure Archives - Beacon Family Office

Being able to finally take that trip of a lifetime that you’ve planned and worked so hard for can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences. With such high expectations riding on this type of trip you, of course, want to make sure it’s everything you hoped it would be. That’s why it’s wise to spend some time figuring out the type of experiences that you enjoy most when travelling, whether it’s adventuring, seeing exotic landscapes, or immersing yourself in foreign cultures. If you want to take the trip of a lifetime but don’t know where to go, here are some of our top suggestions to help get you inspired.

The Galapagos Islands

Noted as one of the most magnificent natural formations on earth, the Galapagos Islands are a place everyone should strive to see at least once. These isolated islands were formed millions of years ago and used as the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s infamous Theory of Evolution; you can witness an abundance of the rarest animal and marine life that you won’t find anywhere else on earth. If you’re a fan of Darwin’s work, or just love the natural world around us, you’ll be in heaven on these ancient islands. You can spot giant tortoises, lizards, exotic birds, and so many other rare creatures throughout your days exploring.

The Amazon

You’ve seen it in movies, you’ve heard Attenborough describe it on Planet Earth. Now, just imagine seeing it up close and in person. This region of the world is what many refer to as the “heartbeat of the planet” since it’s the most biodiverse region in the world. That’s why it makes our list of places that are fitting for a trip of a lifetime. Spanning over 3.3 million square miles, this gigantic rainforest is bubbling with millions of weird and amazing species, thick jungle, and even some remote indigenous tribes. This tropical wonder is guaranteed to be one of the most surreal destinations you visit.

Iceland

If you’re an adventure-seeker, then Iceland is another hot spot that’s worth exploring. The Icelandic landscape is one full of immense natural beauty: with its towering glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal lagoons, waterfalls, and of course legendary Northern Lights. Many who’ve been there describe it as feeling as though you’re on another planet. Common things to do in Iceland include renting a car and taking an epic road trip around the country or exploring in the mysterious capital of Reykjavik to enjoy one of Europe’s more dynamic and intriguing cities.

Antarctica

If you’re ready for a true trip of a lifetime, then you need to visit Antarctica. This ice-covered landmass at the bottom of our planet is the only continent on Earth that has never been permanently inhabited, and for good reason. Even during the Antarctic summers (the only time you can travel there), you should dress for skiing in January. The desolate and barren landscape of frozen husks and shifting ice will fill you with a feeling of solitude and perspective that is sure to reset your mind and make you appreciate all that you have. Adventurers who choose to cross the Drake Passage (the roughest part of ocean in the world) will experience a harrowing journey that is sure to satisfy any adrenaline junkie.

No matter where you choose to travel, be sure to think long and hard about what you want to accomplish with this trip. If you plan on experiencing the journey of a lifetime, you’re likely not aiming to lounge on a beach by the open bar for a week. Think about your aspirations and interests — what can you do, and where can you go to enlighten yourself? What will you remember for the rest of your life?

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Retire?

June 5, 2018

by Travel & Leisure

People are living much longer than they did decades ago; the reality is that many couples will live into their 80s and beyond. With that being said, it’s not realistic to think that you can retire comfortably on just your social security benefits. You need to save up a significant nest egg to finance your retirement to avoid going back to work in your 70s or running out of money. So how do you know if you’ve accumulated enough and how do you tell when it’s time to retire?

All Your Debts are Paid Off

Sadly, more and more people are heading into retirement with onerous burdens on their shoulders. If you end up holding a mortgage into retirement or if you’ve recently helped your children or grandchildren pay for school, know that it can be challenging to make these kinds of payments when you’re on a fixed income. Most retirees cannot afford extra payments on credit card debt as they cannot generate more income to repay them. So, if you have monetary obligations that are still not yet paid off, it’s best to settle them before you retire.

Your Savings Will Cover Your Lifestyle

When you retire, your savings portfolio will need to cover the lifestyle you want to live. Some experts estimate that you need to save a whopping 80% per year of your current income to continue to live at the level you are already comfortable with. Saving 80% of your income, even in your later years, is somewhat unheard of. So, know that upon your retirement you will need to live a slightly less extravagant lifestyle. If you feel you’re not there yet, it makes sense to work a little longer to save more before you officially call it quits.

You Have Enough to Cover Health Care

Healthcare fees can be one of the most significant expenses you’ll face in retirement. As you age, there is a possibility that you or your spouse will require a decent amount of money to cover for home care or an old age home. Having an adequate plan that you can afford is essential for when you retire. If you don’t have enough saved up to cover your estimated healthcare costs, it’s best to hold off retirement until you do.

The Market is In Your Favour

The earliest years of your retirement could define how you live in your later years. If you suffer an investment loss in your early years or have even one bad year, your odds of having enough money the whole way through could deteriorate depending on the severity of the loss. If the markets are not in your favour, it may be worth waiting until they start to look more promising and your investments return to a level that will allow you to retire comfortably.

The goal for successful investing is more straightforward than you think – grow your savings to a point where the money will generate enough income to support your lifestyle through retirement. Your goal should be to obtain financial freedom where you can spend time with your loved ones and have your money outlive you. At The Beacon Group of Assante Financial Management Ltd., we help put you on the path to financial freedom so you can retire when you want to, not when you have to. Contact us today.

Spring in Calgary: Here’s What’s to Come

February 27, 2018

by Lifestyle Travel & Leisure

If you’re sick of the winter weather and can’t wait until spring, why not get a head start on planning out your springtime calendar of events? It’s one of the best ways to boost your mood and get your mind focused on better, warmer days (that are just around the corner). Here are some things coming our way during this spring in Calgary!

Baskerville: Sherlock Holmes Mystery

Looking to enjoy an evening out with a dinner and a show? This might just be what you’re looking for! This adventurous, comedic spin on The Hound of Baskerville showcases the witty talents of Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Watson at work solving a string of troubling murders. This event is hosted at the Stage West Theatre restaurant where attendees can indulge in an entertaining evening and dinner. Prepare to be thoroughly entertained – take our word for it!

For more information, visit http://stagewestcalgary.com/baskerville-sherlock/

The Secret Garden on Stage

Starting April 17^th, you can catch this classic tale by Frances Hodgson Burnett performed live on stage at the Max Bell Theatre. This classic story follows a young orphan child who is sent away to live on an estate with her uncle. While exploring the grounds, she stumbles upon a key and a secret garden, which opens up a world of family secrets and wonders. Sound intriguing? It lives up to the hype!

For more information on show times and tickets, visit theatrecalgary.com

The Suncor Stage One Festival of New Canadian Work

On Friday and Saturdays from May 25^th until June 9^th, 2018, you can enjoy free one-play acts by Canadian artists. Hosted at the Lunchbox Theatre, this event has been operating for more than three decades, allowing artists to showcase their talents, with many achieving great success. If you’re looking to discover up and coming talent before they make it big, this is right up your alley.

For a full list of details on show times, visit http://www.lunchboxtheatre.com/stage-one-festival-of-new-canadian-work

Dirty Laundry: Sunset Soaps

Looking for a good distraction from the chaos that’s happening in the world right now? The Dirty Laundry Sunset Soaps is the perfect way to do just that! This lively and entirely improvised staged soap opera that’s based in 1942 offers a unique and entertaining twist, a twist that focuses on the glamour and lights of Hollywood – aimed to help people forget about the ongoing war at the time (WW2). It’s witty, funny, and thought-provoking, providing the perfect way to spend an evening during the spring.

There’s a ton of things to do during the spring in Calgary, and if you love theatrical performances, you definitely won’t be disappointed. Be sure to check out these upcoming events, and keep your eyes on the calendar of events for Calgary as more activities are added.

6 Great Date Ideas for this Holiday Season

December 4, 2017

by Lifestyle Travel & Leisure

Looking for some great date ideas for this holiday season? As corny as this time of year may be, the festive spirit is what makes it so much fun. And with all of the magic and beauty of the holidays sprinkled everywhere you go, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the romantic and sultry atmosphere. To take full advantage, here are some fun, romantic, and festive date night ideas to consider.

Binge on Your Favourite Holiday Movies

When it’s cold and snowy outside, binge-watching some old Christmas classics is the best! You can cozy up in your PJs, make some popcorn and hot chocolate, grab your date and dim the lights to enjoy a night full of holiday nostalgia.

Check Out the Christmas Lights Display Downtown

No matter where you live, there’s always a core of the downtown area that boasts some impressive light shows and entertainment. Bundle up, get some hot chocolate, and keep each other warm as you take in the festive displays and enjoy the entertainment of the holiday season.

Make Some Gingerbread Houses

Why not feel like a kid again by making some gingerbread houses together? You can make an evening of it, decorating one together or individually and then munching on them as you dive into a holiday movie.

Roast Some S’Mores

If you have an outdoor fire pit, roasting up some S’Mores is the perfect way to stay warm. You get to enjoy the beauty of the winter night while enjoying something delicious. You can make it a double or triple date by inviting your friends over to join in on the fire and good times.

Go Skating

Skating is another great date idea for the holiday season. You can head to a local rink on a more secluded spot that you may know of, or you can opt for a lively atmosphere downtown with the bright lights and music to skate along to with your date. It’s a fun and romantic way to spend some quality time with your beau.

Late Night Tobogganing

Who doesn’t love tobogganing? If you’re looking for something that’s a little spontaneous, heading out for a late night ride down the hills gives you some time away from the screaming children and more time alone with your date. You can have fun flying down the hills together and then head to a late café for some hot chocolate to warm up.

The holiday season offers so many different, simple ways for you to create fun and romantic moments with your date. So if you’ve been struggling to pinpoint what to do, consider these to get you inspired.

The Whole-Life Benefits of a Hobby You Love

September 26, 2017

by Inner Health Lifestyle Travel & Leisure

Being able to retreat from the humdrum of everyday life and partake in a favourite hobby can help to revitalize your mental and physical health. Not only that, but the advantages stemming from taking the time to entertain your passions can bring about changes that can last your entire lifetime. Refreshing your vitality with an exciting hobby can bring about many whole-life benefits.

Inspiration and Motivation

Nothing beats the feeling of being inspired by something, and indulging in a hobby that evokes such sensations can do wonders for the mind. Whether it’s painting, sailing, or golf, a hobby acts as a never-ending source of inspirational energy that can motivate and encourage you throughout your entire life. Enjoying multiple hobbies can bolster this effect and make it even more powerful, and it’s a highly effective way of combating depression and boredom, particularly as you get older.

Creativity and Stimulation

Many hobbies such as writing and music creation allow for you to have a creative outlet. Throughout life, it’s important that we have a way to express ourselves and produce physical exhibitions of our personalities; otherwise our minds lack creative stimulation and adverse mental health effects can set in. By discovering a way to use your left brain from a creative angle, you’ll experience a greater sense of fulfillment and newfound excitement over what you’ll come up with next. Many who enjoy hobbies are excited to climb out of bed every morning and see what they can will into reality, and it also can help protect against Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other mental health issues.

Mood and Emotion Control

With something to do that’s enjoyable, you’ll most likely have a more positive outlook on life. Rather than grumbling out of boredom and loneliness, you’ll have a way of focusing and refreshing your mental energy. Many hobbyists, regardless of preference, encounter uplifted moods and firmer emotional control, particularly if they use their hobby as a distraction from life’s bumpy road. Many experience increased vitality and enthusiasm as a result.

Stress Relief

When you take the time to enjoy a hobby that makes you happy, it can help to relieve stress and mitigate frustration. Therapeutic in nature and highly effective at calming nerves, hobbies of a tranquil and calming variety such as painting, model-making, or reading offer a window into a new and evocative environment — a mental playground, if you will — that frees the mind from focusing on stressful situations. It doesn’t mean that life won’t be without problems, but it can make it all the more easy to navigate any incoming storms.

Comfort

It makes sense that when we’re having fun with a hobby, we feel relaxed and comfortable. This is because we’re willingly taking the time to simply have fun and indulge our passions, which can generate a feeling of contentment. In moments of crisis or hardship, having a hobby to turn to is a great way of numbing pain and creating solace. Essentially, it is the mental equivalent of comfort food.

Taking the time to enjoy a hobby you love enables for a lifetime of positive atmospheres, comfort, solace, inspiration, and expressionism. If you’re willing to take the time to indulge in a passion, it can refresh energy and the mind, leading to a happier, healthier, and more content you.

8 Tips for Arranging Travel Insurance

March 11, 2016

by Risk Management Travel & Leisure

Purchasing travel insurance is a great idea because it reduces the financial risks of traveling. Potential issues like accidents, missed flights, lost baggage, illness, and theft can be mitigated with the right insurance plan. We have provided eight tips to help you choose the right travel insurance for you and your family:

Activity Exclusions

Make sure you read the fine print of your policy to make sure any amateur athletic activities you plan on participating in are covered. For example, some policies may exclude coverage for scuba diving or kayaking. These are the times where you are at the most risk, so make sure you are covered.

Disclose Medical Conditions

You need to be honest when disclosing all pre-existing conditions you have that require coverage. Insurers will look at your medical stability when determining risk. Stability refers to the amount of time you go without needing treatment, medication or hospitalization.

Don’t Rely On Credit Card Coverage

Credit card companies offer a much different product than a travel insurance policy. The “travel insurance” included with some cards have a lot of limitations that are unclear until you need to make use of the insurance.

Annual Plans

If you are a frequent traveler, it could make sense to purchase an annual travel insurance plan. By paying an annual premium, you are covered for all the trips you take during the year.

Avoid Up-Front Payments

If at all possible, it’s best to avoid relying on a plan that requires you to pay up-front before receiving compensation. You don’t want to be stuck paying out of pocket at a foreign hospital.

Worldwide Coverage Restrictions

Some plans don’t cover visits to certain areas of the world. Make sure you a certain you will be covered at your travel destination before purchasing a policy.

Use the Emergency Line

Insurers insist that you phone their 24-hour emergency line if you ever need medical care. The medical professional answering the phone will work with the attending physicians to determine the best course of action while mitigating instances of misuse of medical services. Some insurers may leave you liable for some of the medical bill if you do not call the hotline.

Trust Your Advisor

You should purchase a travel insurance policy that has been recommended to you by your financial planning advisor. The advisors at The Beacon Group of Assante Financial Management Ltd. are trained to ask all the important questions and find you a policy that will leave you fully covered and your finances intact.