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February 23, 2016 by Chase Vandros

Top safest countries in the world to visit in 2016

Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world to visit ... photo by CC user Brad Weber on wikimedia commons

According to the latest report from the Institute for Economics and Peace, a global think tank, Iceland is the safest county in the world while Syria is the most dangerous place to visit.

Now on its ninth edition, the Institute’s Global Peace Index (GPI) presents a ranking of 162 independent nations, covering 99.6 percent of the world’s population, according to their “level of peacefulness.” The index itself is composed of 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected, globally-accepted sources, including metrics for measuring violent crime levels, prison population, safety and security in society, weapons import and export, extent of domestic and international conflict, economic impact of violence, political instability and many more. In essence, the GPI gauges peacefulness using three broad themes: the level of safety and security in society, the extent of domestic and international conflict and the degree of militarisation.

Read also: Do Not Panic: What to Do if You Become a Crime Victim Abroad

Based on the Institute’s ranking system, the following are the 10 safest countries in the world to visit, if not settle in:

1. Iceland, which has a GPI score of 1.148

2. Denmark, which has a GPI score of 1.150

3. Austria, which has a GPI score of 1.198

4. New Zealand, which has a GPI score of 1.221

5. Switzerland, which has a GPI score of 1.275

6. Finland, which has a GPI score of 1.227

7. Canada, which has a GPI score of 1.287

8. Japan, which has a GPI score of 1.322

9. Australia, which has a GPI score of 1.329

10. Czech Republic, which has a GPI score of 1.341

With Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, and Finland among the top ten, Nordic and Alpine countries are particularly well represented in the Instutute’s list. Asia-Pacific is also represented at the top, with New Zealand ranking 4th, Japan ranking 8th and Australia ranking 9th. Iceland’s selection for the topmost ranking may be attributed to its relatively low level of militarisation and conflict both domestically and internationally. In fact, Iceland is one of few countries in the world without a standing army.

Canada, the lone representative from the American continent and a green destination, has never been a target of global terrorist activities despite being the largest country in the world. It also has the highest immigrants rate per capita in the world. Most of those who’ve who settled in the country claim that their quality of life has been improved dramatically.

On the other hand, based on GPI scores, the least safe countries to travel to, more so to settle in, are Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Somalia, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, and North Korea. Comprised primarily of states in the Middle East and north and central Africa, these ten least safe countries in the world suffer from frequent bouts of civil war and the effects of the global “War on Terror.” North Korea, the rogue Asian state, made it to the bottom ten in the Institute’s ranking.

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January 27, 2016 by Chase Vandros

Caribbean Spotlight: Turks and Caicos

“Turks and what?!” is the usual bemused reaction people give whenever the name of this tropical paradise is mentioned.

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Located at the southern tip of the Lucayan Archipelago, just 575 miles (862 km) southeast of Miami, the Turks and Caicos might be relatively unknown, but this Caribbean paradise offers a ton of wonderful experiences. The name of the biggest of the islands, Providenciales, may ring a bell thanks to its famous stunning beach and the seemingly endless lines of resorts that stretch alongside it. Known as “Provo” by the locals, its a growing destination for sun-seekers looking for some low-key fun.

But Provo is the exception to the rule. On every other island in the Turks and Caicos you’ll find relatively few tourists, stunningly white beaches, friendly locals and multiple great diving and snorkeling experiences. Even the picturesque capital Grand Turk, seems like a quaint little backwater town.

The Islands

Although each of the islands boasts of warm waters and gorgeously clean, white-sand beaches, the landscapes are more varied. The islands of Grand Turk, Salt Cay, South Caicos, Pine Cay, and Providenciales are flatter and more arid than the rest, characterized by low-lying scrub and bush. In contrast, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, and Parrot Cay offer landscapes that are greener and more undulating. Besides these eight inhabited islands, the East Caicos is home to numerous small cays, and islets which are largely uninhabited.

The Beaches

The Turks and Caico’s most popular beaches can all be found on Provo. Home to dozens of luxury vacation rentals that are perfect for groups, the island is surrounded by white-sand beaches on all sides, though the best resorts can be found on the norther coast. The island’s coast is dotted with luxury condominiums and hotels, though plenty of secluded, more private beaches exist. Grace Bay in Provo was named one of The Weather Channel’s “top ten beaches we love” in 2011.

The Attractions

When you get bored of sunbathing you can always take a deep breath and go for a dive. Diving is the Turks and Caicos’ main draw, thanks to its characteristic steep coral wall dives that are offer and experience comparable to anywhere else in the world.

However, there’s more to Turks and Caicos than just the ocean. Provo is also home to the only conch farm in the world, while other attractions include the wild flamingos on North Caicos, and the rock iguans on Little Water Cay. A great many wildlife can be found in the salt pons and marshes of the islands too, including birds such as pelicans, great blue herons and ospreys.

If you’re really lucky, you might just get a glimpse of JoJo the Dolphin, who resides in the waters just off the islands and is famous for his interactions with humans. Indeed, JoJo is so loved and deemed so important by the islanders that they appointed an official warden tasked with ensuring his well-being.

Oh and if you get bored of all the nature, check out the colonial architecture on Grand Turk, the islands’ sedate little capital, which is also well worth a look.

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December 23, 2015 by Chase Vandros

What is the Weather Like Year Round in Cyprus?

The weather in Cyprus is just perfect. It has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers beginning mid May until September. The winters are fairly mild with some rain and begin in November, lasting until April. Spring and autumn are relatively short periods with stable weather, spring can be glorious with all the flowers and autumn days can be sunny and warm. You can often swim well into October.

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Average Temperatures

During July and August, the hottest part of the year, the daily temperatures range between 22C to 36C, depending where on the island you are located. Some days thought, it can reach or exceed 40 degrees! It is obviously cooler in the mountains and hotter by the sea or on the plains.

In January, the coldest month of the year the daily temperatures range from 0C – 10C, again depending on your location.

Sea Temperatures

From June to November sea temperature is 22C in the open sea. From January to March the sea temperature is 16 – 17 degrees C. There are no significant daily fluctuations.

Air Humidity

During the summer humidity is low at midday, 15%-30% on the central plains. Winter days and nights all through the year, the humidity is average to slightly low, 65%-95%. There is sometimes fog in the early mornings but it is rare. Visibility is excellent but spring days can be a little hazy due to sand dust from the Arabian and African deserts.

Hours of Sunlight

Cyprus is a very sunny location with 11.5 hours of sunlight for 6 months of the year during the summer. Even in December and January there are 5.5 hours of sunlight in the day. More or less sunshine all year round.

Winds

Winds are variable in both strength and direction depending on local temperatures and the elevation of the location.

So, what are you waiting for? Rent a villa in Cyprus paradise and prepare for some unforgettable holidays in the sun! Check out Prime Property Group for the best deals.

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