You're viewing an email archive of Paradise Calling. 
Join free to receive the 5-min. newsletter, in your inbox & navigate your travels.

Turn your pals into travel buddies !
Invite your friend, forward this email to your friend →

DIGITAL NOMAD, REMOTE WORK
Work Hard, Play Harder - These Countries Offer The Best Work Life Balance

The Remote Global Life-Work Balance Index meticulously evaluates the work-life equilibrium across the top 60 GDP nations, assigning each a score out of 100. With perks like maternity leave and shorter work hours, these countries prove that life’s too short for too much work and too little play.

1. New Zealand – 79.35

This land of kiwis and stunning landscapes snagged the top spot thanks to its booming economy and stellar stats. With a whopping 32 days of annual leave, 80% sick pay, and a government-funded health care system.

2. Spain – 75.55

Hold on to your sombreros! Spain is not just about siestas; it's acing the art of work-life balance. Forget the snooze stereotypes – Spain's got a whopping 36 days of annual leave, making your vacation dreams a reality.

Plus, their average workweek is so short; you'll be sipping sangria

3. France – 75.34

With a whopping 36 days of annual leave, the French are basically saying, "Vive la vacation!"

Add in a generous minimum wage and a population of around 65 million people, and you've got a recipe for business success with a side of leisure. So, if you're dreaming of a workweek that's as breezy as a Parisian café, pack your bags – France is calling!

4. Australia – 73.71

G'day, mate! Australia isn't just about kangaroos and koalas; Aussies are living the dream.

Plus, with the highest minimum annual wage per hour globally and sick leave that pays you 100%, working Down Under feels more like a beach holiday than a job.

So, grab your surfboard and get ready for a fair dinkum good time in the land of Oz!

5. Denmark – 73.67

Ranking second in the Happiness Index (right behind Finland), this cheerful nation is all about spreading the joy.

With a whopping 36 days of annual leave, 100% sick pay, and universal healthcare.

• Tweet at us 💬

PARADISE MEMEING
😂

Love the email ?
Your Friends will love it even more 💖.

THE TOP STORIES
Happening
Your Weekly Travel Roundup about the best of travels

Updates

1. Thailand’s got your back with its new Traveller Safety initiative, you can get a medical insurance of up to US$14,000 for accidents & compensation of 1 million baht (US$28,000) in the event of death, reg. online to get benefits, but only until 31 Aug 2024.

2. Budgeting for your next European destination ? The EU suggested raising your Schengen visa fee from €80-€90 for adults & €40-€45 for children. It won’t affect certain countries, that have agreements with its member States.

3. Are you talented enough for France ? It recently unveiled its 'talent passport' program. Open to non-EU nationals, including highly skilled professionals & people wanting to invest. Check if you’re eligible.

4. Singapore will become one of the easiest countries to visit, 6 months from now. The entire check-in process will be conducted using an authentication token, reducing the need for physical documents like passports & plane tickets. Next on your bucketlist ?

Adventures & Experiences

✨ LIGHTS, CAMERA, TRAVEL - 80 million travelers worldwide select their vacation destinations based on films each year, aka, set-jetting as per Icelandair.
With over 511,000 Instagram posts, Griffith Park steals the spotlight, renowned for the emotional proposal between Edward Cullen and Bella Swan in “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”.
Featured in "The Time Traveler’s Wife" and boasting 132,000 Instagram posts, Pasadena, California took second spot as a leading destination for proposals. Baltimore, Maryland, showcased in the movie “He’s Just Not That Into You” snagged third spot with 119,000 Instagram posts.

👛 ISLAND FIT FOR YOUR POCKET - Grenada - The peaceful island has over 40 beaches along with scenic waterfalls and volcanic mountains. A major draw is the island’s underwater sculpture park accessed via snorkeling or diving.
Trinidad and Tobago - for travelers who want uncrowded beaches and quiet accommodations. travelers can explore Tobago by taking a glass-bottom boat ride to Buccoo Reef or a kayak ride on Bon Accord Lagoon for a bioluminescent experience after dark.
Puerto Rico - its mix of exciting nightlife, history and culture, and serene beaches. Also, U.S. travelers don’t need a passport, which makes Puerto Rico an ideal weekend getaway. The waters off the coast are full of marine life, perfect for boating, diving and snorkeling.

🛏 RENNOVATIONS - Get ready to experience London like never before – from the top down! The BT’s 177-metre tower, a beloved fixture in the city's skyline, is set to become a one-of-a-kind hotel destination, offering unparalleled views and a chance to sleep in the clouds.
A much-loved part of the London skyline, the former communication tower has just been sold for £275 million ($347 million) to MCR Hotels, which plans to open it up to the public by repurposing it as a hotel.”
According a statement from telecom company BT Group on Wednesday, the sale is “securing its (the tower’s) place as a London landmark for the future.”

• Tweet about it 💬

• 📰 Read - 19 REMOTE JOBS With No Experience or Degree in 2024

• 👁️‍🗨️ Watch - Delta flight forced to turn back after maggots fall on passengers

• 😲 React - This is What Happens To Your Body, When You Fly according to doctors

MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST
A Hobbit's Guide to Adventure

📍 Hobbiton Movie Set, 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Over 7,200 Excellent Tripadvisor Reviews

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Waikato region, this iconic film location brings the beloved world of Middle-earth to life in breathtaking detail. With over 44 hobbit holes scattered across the lush landscape, including the famous Bag End, and a fully functioning Green Dragon Inn serving up hobbit-inspired refreshments, Hobbiton is a must-see destination for fans of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies. Embark on a guided tour to uncover the secrets behind the movie magic and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of this cinematic wonderland.

Take a Guided Tour: Start your adventure with a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. You'll get insider stories and fascinating tidbits about the filming of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies.

Visit Bilbo's Bag End: Take a stroll to Bag End, Bilbo Baggins' iconic home. Snap some photos at the famous green door and soak in the cozy ambiance of this fictional abode nestled into the hillside.

Enjoy a Hobbit Feast: Indulge in a sumptuous Hobbit feast fit for a hobbit-sized appetite! Feast on traditional fare inspired by the films, including hearty stews, freshly baked bread, and mouthwatering desserts.

Learn Hobbiton's Secrets: Discover behind-the-scenes secrets and trivia about the movie set from your knowledgeable guide. You'll be amazed by the attention to detail that went into creating this fantasy world.

Capture Memories: With picturesque landscapes at every turn, don't forget to snap plenty of photos to cherish your visit to Hobbiton.

Shop for Souvenirs: The Shire's Marketplace offers a variety of unique souvenirs. Pick up Hobbiton memorabilia, Middle-earth-themed gifts, and perhaps a Hobbit hat or pipe to take a piece of the magic home with you.

Here are 2 other destinations that complement your , experience:

1. Waitomo Glowworm Caves:

   Venture underground to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, just a short drive from Hobbiton. Marvel at the mesmerizing glowworms illuminating the caverns as you glide through on a boat tour, creating a magical experience that complements the enchantment of Hobbiton's fantasy world.

2. Rotorua Geothermal Parks:

   Experience the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, located within easy reach of Hobbiton. Explore bubbling mud pools, erupting geysers, and colorful thermal springs in parks like Te Puia or Wai-O-Tapu, adding a unique natural element to your New Zealand adventure.

Your itinerary could look something like this:

✔️ DAY 1-3

• Day 1: Explore Rotorua Geothermal Parks

  1. Morning: Te Puia Geysers

  2. Afternoon: Waimangu Volcanic Valley

  3. Evening: Polynesian Spa Relaxation

• Day 2: Discover Waitomo Glowworm Caves

  1. Morning: Drive to Waitomo

  2. Afternoon: Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour

  3. Evening: Stargazing Experience

• Day 3: Immerse in Hobbiton Movie Set

  1. Morning: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

  2. Afternoon: Green Dragon Inn Visit

  3. Evening: Themed Dinner at Hobbiton

Recent Review - A worthwhile tour if you’re a Rings or Hobbit fan. The recent addition of recreating the inside of the hobbit holes is a great improvement and adds significantly to the experience.

This itinerary is a general guide, you’re free to choose activities based on your preferences, travel pace, and local conditions. Be sure to check weather conditions & consult with local guides for the most accurate information.

• Tweet about it 💬

Your Friends Deserve
A Ticket To Paradise!
Plan your next escape together, forward this email to your friend →

GUESS THE PLACE

This Country has built
its own Effiel Tower

- - I - A

Last week’s answer to:
You can walk across this country in less than a day - Liechtenstein.

• Liechtenstein is a ridiculously small country; only 25km long. With this fascinating country only being 12.4km wide, walking across it in one day or even half a day is more than doable.

How Was Todays Newsletter ?

• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great

• ⭐⭐⭐ Meh - was ok.

• ⭐ Not interesting to me.

If you think it was great , please consider sharing it on social media below.
This helps me keep motivated to create the best travel newsletter for you.

THANK YOU - We are constantly trying to better the newsletter.
Your feedback would be much appreciated. Click here to ▶ Provide Feedback