Some clients come to you with a ring already in their pocket. They know Greece is the answer but they just don't know WHERE...so we'll give you an extraordinary heads up so you're prepared and proactive! Santorini caldera cliffs of Oia: Classically perfect- thinki caldera-edge terraces, whitewashed infinity, and sunsets that turn the Aegean to fire. Think cliffside private terrace, a secret photographer already in position, champagne chilled and waiting. The moment becomes a scene from a film they didn't know they were in. Meteora's monastaries suspended in the sky: Altogether mythic. Ancient monasteries perched on sheer rock pinnacles above the Thessalian plain as if the earth itself is reaching for heaven. A proposal here doesn't just mark a beginning. It marks an epoch. Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion: Sea-battered columns on a cliff 60 metres above the Aegean. At dusk, the light turns the ancient marble gold. History, myth, the open ocean stretching toward the horizon. Drama, the good kind of drama. Monemvasia's medieval rocks: A fortified Byzantine town carved into a sea cliff off the Peloponnese, connected to the mainland by a single narrow causeway. No cars, cobbled lanes, candlelit tavernas. It feels like a secret the rest of the world hasn't found yet which is just the point. Hydra- no engines, no cars, no noise: Just donkeys, bougainvillea, and the sound of the sea. Hydra's port is one of the most painterly in all of Greece, and its unhurried pace creates the kind of romantic stillness that makes a perfect moment feel inevitable. Feelosophy creates bespoke proposal packages with incredible elements from secret photographers and private sunset cruises to chef's table dinners, floral setups, and post-proposal suite upgrades. |
Friday, April 24, 2026
Travel Tidbits - Proposals in Greece
Money Matters - Remittances
Ria Money Transfer, one of the world's leading money transfer companies, has published a new study analyzing the profound impact of remittances in key recipient countries, including Mexico, India, and Colombia. The report explores how these funds are integrated into the daily budgets of households and the critical role they play in both local economies and times of urgent need.
What remittances are primarily used for
For millions of families around the world, financial support from relatives living abroad carries significant economic weight and serves as a primary source of stability for households globally.
Reports from institutions such as the World Bank, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, and CSIS indicate a clear pattern: when families receive remittances, the money is primarily used to cover basic household needs. These funds are consistently directed toward:
Basic household consumption, including food, essential goods, and routine expenses.
Health, covering doctor visits, medical treatments, and unexpected health-related costs.
Education, helping to pay for tuition, school supplies, and continued training.
Housing, supporting repairs, improvements, and overall living conditions.
These regular transfers provide immediate stability to daily life and strengthen long-term financial security for receiving families.
A key contribution to the national economy
The data reveals that remittances represent a meaningful share of the national economy in these regions. According to 2024 data from the World Bank, remittances account for approximately 3.7% of the national GDP in Mexico, 3.5% in India, and 2.8% in Colombia.
These percentages represent billions of dollars that directly sustain communities and drive economic activity.
A vital safety net during times of crisis
While remittances are primarily used for everyday essentials, the Ria Money Transfer study also highlights how this support intensifies when families face serious disruptions. By analyzing search behavior, the report shows clear spikes in the urgency of sending money linked to climate-related emergencies.
In November 2025, for example, searches for "send money to Mexico" reached their highest level of the year during severe flooding in the country.
A similar pattern appears in other destinations such as India, where interest in sending money increased sharply during the most intense periods of last year's monsoon season.
In Colombia, increases were also recorded during episodes of flooding and climate-related emergencies throughout 2025.
The data clearly reflects that while family support is ongoing, it becomes a rapid response mechanism when crises directly impact households.
Family assistance that crosses borders
The study underscores that remittances are a steady source of support woven into the lives of millions of households. Behind every transfer is a decision rooted in care and responsibility, helping families stay close and support one another from thousands of miles apart.
Please find the full report here: https://www.riamoneytransfer.
Caring Causes - My Very Own Bed
Independent publisher, The Collective Book Studio, has launched a new donation campaign on its website making it easy for consumers to purchase children’s books to be donated directly to My Very Own Bed, a nonprofit organization committed to providing new beds and Dream Kits to children in Minneapolis who have experienced housing instability. Each Dream Kit provides bedding, a book, and a stuffed animal as well as information about the benefits of sleep and tips for improving the quality of sleep.
Fun Freetime - Ringling Celebrates World Circus Day with $20 Kids Tickets: Because Every Kid Deserves to Have Their First Ringling Memory
In celebration of World Circus Day on April 18, Feld Entertainment®, the worldwide leader in live touring family entertainment, is making it easier than ever for families to say "yes" to the circus. Now through the end of the year, families can purchase kids' tickets for $20 or less for children ages 12 and under with the purchase of an adult ticket to The Greatest Show On Earth, because every kid deserves to see the Ringling Circus.
For generations, the circus has been a first: first gasp, first laugh, first moment of "how did they do that?!" It's a place for families to come together, where kids sit wide-eyed, and where memories are made that last long after the final bow. This special offer invites families to step into that moment, together. The promotion underscores Feld Entertainment's continued commitment to making unforgettable moments more accessible to families nationwide.
"As a third-generation leader of our family-owned circus Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, I've had the opportunity of hearing countless stories from fans across the country—parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents—who all share the same spark in their eyes when they talk about their very first trip to the Ringling circus," said Juliette Feld Grossman, CEO of Feld Entertainment. "Those memories are more than just moments in time; they are traditions passed down through generations, woven into the fabric of family life."
In celebration of World Circus Day, Ringling is reaffirming its commitment to ensuring every child in America can experience the new Ringling circus, reimagined and modernized for today's families, while remaining rooted in the timeless wonder that has inspired generations. By offering $20 tickets for kids, Ringling aims to make these unforgettable first memories both accessible and affordable, so a new generation can fall in love with the circus just as so many have before them.
"After more than 30 years in live family entertainment, I've seen just how meaningful shared experiences like the circus can be for families," said Jeff Meyer, SVP of Domestic Event Marketing and Sales. "But we also recognize that today's economic environment is top of mind for parents, and families are being more thoughtful than ever about how they spend on entertainment. That's why delivering real value is so important to us. As a privately owned company, Feld Entertainment has the flexibility to scale our pricing to meet families where they are today, making a world-class arena show more accessible than many other family experiences. Our goal is simple: to give families an affordable way to enjoy unforgettable, high-quality live entertainment together, and to ensure those special moments remain within reach for today's generation."
The reimagined Ringling production delivers a high-energy, immersive modern circus experience built for today's families, featuring world-class performers, gravity-defying stunts, live music, acrobats, laughter, and fun moments that bring families together.
Offer Details:
- Kids tickets priced at $20 or less are available for children ages 12 and under with the purchase of an adult ticket.
- Offer is available now through the end of 2026
- Restrictions may apply
Families can take advantage of this special World Circus Day offer by visiting Ringling.com or through authorized ticketing partners. Availability is limited and varies by market. Can't wait for showtime? Fans can get a sneak peek of the action and keep the fun going at home by visiting Ringling on YouTube here.
The Greatest Show On Earth® is currently touring nationwide with limited engagements in each city—don't miss your chance to create unforgettable family memories together.
For tour dates, tickets, and more information, visit www.ringling.com. For behind-the-scenes content, tour updates, and exclusive moments, follow @Ringling on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
About Ringling®
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® is an iconic entertainment brand that has inspired play, imagination, and awe across generations. The Greatest Show On Earth® was relaunched in 2023, reimagining circus arts for today's audiences through live productions, licensed products, and immersive content that bring the spirit of the circus to life year-round.
About Feld Entertainment®
Feld Entertainment®, family-owned and operated, is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that bring people together and uplift the human spirit. Properties include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Monster Jam®, Disney On Ice, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 80 countries and on six continents. Visit feldentertainment.com for more information.
Healthy Habits - Marking Five Years of Success, the Starts Hear National Awareness Campaign Begins Its Sixth Year of Educating Families About the Newborn Hearing Screening
Despite widespread newborn hearing screenings taking place, CDC data shows that more than one-third of infants who do not pass the screening either do not receive recommended follow-up care, or the information is not reported to the state. Since 2021, Starts Hear has been reaching parents directly, empowering them to act quickly to schedule a follow-up hearing screening.
"Research shows that hearing is critical to a baby's brain development and is the foundation for listening, spoken language, and literacy," said Dr. Teresa Caraway, PhD, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT, CEO of the Oberkotter Foundation. "Families should feel prepared to take the next steps when their baby does not pass a newborn hearing screening, especially during such a critical window for development. Yet too many babies are not receiving the timely follow-up care they need. The Starts Hear campaign is designed to reach expectant and new parents where they are, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to act quickly so their babies can benefit from the sounds of speech from the very beginning."
With key messages that focus on newborn hearing screening (NHS), the importance of hearing for early development, and the critical next steps following a failed screening, the Starts Hear campaign has played an important role in increasing awareness among expectant and new parents.
In its fifth year, the campaign continued to evolve with new strategies and expanded outreach, creating more opportunities to connect with new and expectant parents at pivotal moments:
- Expanded BabyCenter en Español campaign messages to reach more Spanish-speaking moms.
- Expert Q&A Videos appeared on Instagram and YouTube in partnership with The Bump.
- Launched a Hearing Hub on BabyCenter that included a curated collection of articles, videos, and resources for families to learn about the importance of newborn hearing and urgent follow-up.
Over five years, Starts Hear has achieved significant impact:
- 1.2+ Billion total ad views
- 506+ Million video views
- 2.4+ Million visits to StartsHear.org
Based on today's science and technological advancements, the future is bright for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) outcomes are not only possible, but probable, with early diagnosis, amplification, and intervention.
By reaching parents before their babies are born, the Starts Hear campaign continues to shape the earliest stages of the hearing loss journey—helping families take timely, informed action when it matters most.
To learn more about the Starts Hear campaign and download the Year Five Report, visit hearingfirst.org/starts-hear-
About Hearing First
Hearing First, an initiative of the Oberkotter Foundation, helps caring adults provide infants and toddlers who are deaf or hard of hearing with the same listening, spoken language, and literacy opportunities as their hearing peers through Listening and Spoken Language (LSL). Hearing First offers free educational resources and online learning experiences for families of children with hearing loss and professionals who seek to advance their LSL knowledge and understanding. With two online communities, the Families of Children with Hearing Loss Facebook Group and the Professional Learning Community, Hearing First also helps members connect with other adults who share their same experience. The Oberkotter Foundation is a private foundation supporting opportunities for children who are deaf or hard of hearing to learn to listen and talk for over 40 years.
Money Matters - Cities with the. Most Affordable Rent
With rent consuming up to 34% of the median income in some cities, the personal-finance company WalletHub recently released its report on the Cities With the Most Affordable Rent, highlighting places where residents can experience the greatest financial relief.
To identify the cities with the most affordable rent, WalletHub examined the median annual gross rent across more than 180 cities and compared it with the median household income in each location.
| Lowest % of Income Spent | Highest % of Income Spent |
| 1. Bismarck, ND (15.29%) 2. Sioux Falls, SD (16.35%) 3. Cedar Rapids, IA (16.48%) 4. Charleston, WV (16.56%) 5. Fargo, ND (16.94%) 6. Cheyenne, WY (17.02%) 7. Juneau, AK (17.04%) 8. Casper, WY (17.24%) 9. Anchorage, AK (17.30%) 10. Overland Park, KS (17.34%) | 173. Birmingham, AL (28.85%) 174. Pembroke Pines, FL (28.85%) 175. Orlando, FL (28.98%) 176. Glendale, CA (29.62%) 177. Bridgeport, CT (29.65%) 178. Jackson, MS (30.09%) 179. New Haven, CT (31.41%) 180. Newark, NJ (32.09%) 181. Detroit, MI (32.27%) 182. Miami, FL (33.77%) |
To view the full report and your city’s rank, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/
“In the most affordable cities for renters, the median cost of rent is as low as 15% of the median income, compared to nearly 34% in the most expensive cities. This gives people in the least expensive cities a clear financial advantage; the money they save on rent could go toward their emergency fund or savings for future home ownership.”
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“People in Bismarck, ND, have the most affordable rent as a percentage of their income. The median annual gross rent in the city is around 15.3% of the median annual income. For comparison, Miami residents spend more than double that, or 33.8% of their income.”
- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst
Expert Commentary
What tips do you have for finding affordable housing for renters?
“Finding affordable housing today requires a more strategic approach than many renters expect. Expanding a search radius by even a few miles can significantly lower rent, especially in metro areas where pricing shifts neighborhood by neighborhood. Timing matters as well, as rental data from Bloomberg shows that prices often soften during slower leasing periods. Many renters rely only on major platforms, yet smaller landlords and local networks often offer better value. With nearly half of renters now considered cost-burdened, the most successful renters tend to be those who are flexible, informed, and willing to move quickly when the right opportunity arises.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University
What are the most common renting mistakes and how can they be avoided?
“The most common mistake renters make is focusing on the advertised rent instead of the total cost. Once utilities, parking, deposits, and fees are included, monthly expenses can rise substantially, a trend tracked by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as housing costs continue to climb. Another issue is signing leases without fully understanding renewal terms or penalties. Location is often underestimated, since longer commutes increase both financial cost and daily stress, and research… shows that commute time has a measurable impact on overall well-being. The most effective renters look beyond the price tag and evaluate the full cost of living in a location.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University
What are the pros and cons of renting an apartment or a house?
“Renting an apartment typically offers convenience, lower upfront costs, and proximity to jobs and amenities, which explains why apartments remain the dominant rental option in many cities. Renting a house provides more space and privacy, which has become more desirable as remote work continues, but it usually comes with higher rent and greater responsibility. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about one-third of US households are renters, and many are now balancing this exact tradeoff.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University
What steps can policymakers take to increase rental affordability?
“Improving rental affordability ultimately comes down to increasing housing supply. The United States is currently short an estimated 3 to 4 million housing units, a gap reflected in data from the U.S. Census Bureau... When supply is constrained, rent growth accelerates, which is why policies that streamline permitting, reform zoning, and encourage development tend to have the greatest long- term impact. WalletHub rankings consistently show that cities with greater housing availability and lower cost burdens are more renter-friendly, reinforcing the idea that affordability improves when supply meaningfully expands.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University
7 Tips for Saving Money on Rent
- Pick a smaller or less fancy apartment: The larger your living space is and the more amenities it has, the more it’s going to cost you in rent. Giving up some comforts now can help you save money and enjoy better living conditions in the future.
- Improve your budgeting skills: Learning how to budget properly is key for ensuring that you have enough money to afford your monthly rent in addition to your other expenses. In addition, if you’re interested in owning rather than renting someday, you should budget money each month toward an eventual down payment, after prioritizing your basic needs and paying down existing debt.
- Get a roommate: When you live with someone, you can split rent and utility costs with them. Just make sure you live with someone trustworthy who will always have their share of the rent on time.
- Look for units with included utilities: Utilities like electricity, water and oil/gas can add quite a bit to your monthly expenses. However, you may be able to save money by renting a place where utility costs are built into the rent, no matter how much you actually use.
- Shop around: Looking at several different places to rent before deciding on one can help you pick the one that’s most cost effective.
- Take care of your living space: If your rented apartment or house is clean and undamaged when you move out, you’ll be able to get your security deposit back in full.
- Get a rent-controlled unit: Some places have limits on how much landlords can charge for rent and on how much they can increase rent year-to-year. However, this is relatively rare, as only seven states currently have rent regulations in some cities.
More From WalletHub
Music Minute - Don McLean: Classics
The Don McLean ‘Classics’ album released in 1992 by Curb Records is a 10-song compilation featuring some of his biggest hits from the 1970s, including "American Pie," "Vincent, " "Crying," and "And I Love You So," as well as a new recording of "American Pie." The album project showcases McLean’s distinctive voice and heartfelt songwriting offering a mix of folk rock, singer-songwriter, and rock classics.
“What an honor! To be back in Nashville, where I once recorded several albums with Larry Butler is always fun, but to be presented with a Gold album from Mike Curb and the great people of Curb Records is even more special,” says Don McLean. “I am consistently surprised to learn how many new people are learning about my songs. This digital streaming era has really given new life to so many older recordings. I just love it!”
About Don McLean:
Don McLean is a GRAMMY Award honoree, a Songwriter Hall of Fame member, and a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. His smash hit “American Pie” resides in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and was named a Top 5 Song of the 20th Century by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA). A New York native, Don McLean is one of American history’s most revered and respected songwriters. After paying his dues in the New York club scene in the late 1960s, he went on to score mega-hits like “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” “Castles in the Air” and many more. His catalog of songs has been recorded by Madonna, Garth Brooks, Josh Groban, Drake, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and countless others. In 2015, McLean’s handwritten manuscript of “American Pie” lyrics was auctioned by Christie’s, selling for just over $1.2 Million. 2019 honored Don with a star on the Las Vegas Walkway of Stars, and his song “And I Love You So” was the theme for Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s wedding. Don landed a new recording contract with Time Life in 2020, with whom he released a catalog of recordings and a new album ‘Still Playin’ Favorites’. In 2021, Don’s “American Pie” was featured in the Avengers’ ‘Black Widow’ and the Tom Hanks movie ‘Finch’. McLean received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrated the 50th anniversary of “American Pie,” and recorded a version of the song with a cappella group Home Free. In 2022, McLean received six Telly Awards for his collaboration with international heavyweight Tyson Fury, released ‘American Pie: A Fable’ children’s book, and was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. In 2023, the Telly award-winning documentary ‘The Day The Music Died: The Story of Don McLean’s American Pie’ was released on DVD and Blu-Ray. McLean was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame during a public ceremony along with Darius Rucker, Joe Galante, and Duane Eddy in Nashville, Tennessee in 2023. In 2024, President Yoon of South Korea sang “American Pie” for a delighted audience of White House guests in Washington, D.C. Later that year McLean was invited to attend a State Dinner at the White House honoring President Ruto of Kenya. His latest album, ‘American Boys,’ was also released in 2024 as well as another award-winning children’s book based on his hit song “Vincent.”
For more information, visit donmclean.com.
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