Many people, if not most, will develop the strong desire to have a child at some point in their lives. While some people believe this responds to an inborn paternal instinct that is innate in most animals for the sake of the species preservation and propagation, others argue that it is a social construct what leads most parents to conceive a baby. Still, for many hopeful parents there are less biological or cultural factors and more personal reasons attached to this decision. Whatever the main motive is, the truth is that parenthood is both an objective to be fulfilled and a fulfilling experience for many couples and individuals.

Nonetheless, different reports claim that birth rates in Western countries are in serious decline due to a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it seems that today’s busy life of developed countries together with a change of mentality and a wider access to contraception methods have been decisive for many people putting off their plan to have children. The truth is that society is not what it used to be and getting an education, pursuing a career, travelling and achieving economic stability, among others, have taken precedence over creating a family. Another, perhaps less obvious but no less important, key factor are the prevailing challenges to combine family life and work. Not to mention the existing inequality between men and women in the labour market when it comes to having a child.

Hence, as a result of delaying pregnancy, infertility is increasingly becoming an issue for many parents, especially in the European continent where the the lowest birth rates have been recorded. That means that only 1.5 children per woman are conceived in Europe, compared to the 2.4 children per woman who are born at a global scale. To make things worse, the prospects are not really promising as childlessness is expected to decrease at speed of 8%-9% annually. Being infertile can cause frustration, stress and unhappiness for many individuals and couples to the extent that it has become one of the main triggers for divorce. Yet, not everything is lost for hopeful parents who are struggling to conceive as thousands of them have already found a solution in fertility clinics.

But, when is it advisable to seek the help of an infertility specialist? It goes without saying that the first step is to visit a gynecologist, and an urologist in the case of men, who will run the necessary testings and come up with the source of the problem. In general terms, fertility treatments are recommended to:

• Women who have suffered various miscarriages
• Women under 35 who haven’t got pregnant after one year of trying
• Women over 35 who haven’t got pregnant after half year of trying
• Men who have been diagnosed with poor semen quality

Once the specialist has evaluated the patients’ case, she or he will outline a treatment plan that will range from fertility medications, to stimulate the production of eggs or sperm; lifestyle changes, such as diet adjustments; to the so-called In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) technique when none of the previous have worked. However, although many people come to the conclusion that they need to go through some kind of assisted reproduction technique, selecting the most suitable clinic can be really nerve-wracking.

Choosing a fertility clinic

As a consequence of the growing demand for fertility treatments, the number of specialized doctors and centers in the field have not stopped growing in recent years. This has subsequently led to, on the one hand, the development of new and more effective techniques,  and, on the other, the progressive reduction of prices thus facilitating the access of these therapies to a wider population. However, all fertility clinics are neither the same nor offer the same services. That is why it is necessary to do some research before making a sensible choice.

Key aspects you should keep in mind when deciding on the best clinic for you are: the percentage of success rates, previous customers reviews, the number of embryos transferred as well as the range of services and treatments provided. Needless to say, it is essential to make sure that these are certified centres run by a team of highly qualified IVF specialists that use the most innovative techniques. As the search can bit a bit overwhelming, we have created a ranking of the best fertility clinics according to the parameters outlined above.

10 – Medicana Fertility Clinic, Turkey

With more than 1000 IVF/ICSI cycles performed in their premises every year, Medicana Fertility Clinic has been regarded as one of the most solid fertility clinics in the Middle East region. Trained in Europe and the USA, Medicana team is a ready to offer their patients a remarkable variety of treatments at an excellent value for money. To name some, IVF, ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm injection), Embryo and Sperm Cryopreservation, Intrauterine inseminations (IUI), ovulation induction, and Co-Culture, are some of their flagship procedures.

9 – Gyncentrum Fertility Clinic, Poland

Another highly-regarded team of assisted reproduction professionals is the one formed by Gynocentrum Fertility Clinics, located in Katowice and Krakow. When looking at the numbers of their popular “2+1 Program”, these centres stand out for achieving up to 90% of success rates. This In Vitro program includes two procedures at the price of 4000€ and offers patients a third attempt for free when the previous have been unsuccessful. Interestingly enough, those women who get pregnant at the first attempt receive a refund of 1600€.

Conscious of their international outreach, patients from abroad are ensured close assistance throughout the whole process, be it in the planning of the journey, the stay in the country as well as the departure, so that they get an experience that is as carefree and pleasant as possible.

8 – Repromeda, Czech Republic

For more than 21 years, Repromenada Clinic has been able to validate their motto: “We are helping to start a family”. In fact, they have made possible the birth of 5000 in their two branches of Brno and Ostrava. Beyond the high quality of their services and established expertise, Repromenada is especially recognized for having an outstanding customer care service. Additionally, this centre also offers its patients alternative medicine therapies such as acupuncture or phytotherapy as a complement to maximize pregnancy chances.

7 – Serum IVF, Greece

Considering their excellent customer reviews, it is not an overstatement to say that Serum IVF is a benchmark in fertility medicine inside and outside Greece, where their premises are located. Besides the significant array of fertility treatments provided by this clinic, it is important to note that they also feature their own sperm bank for the convenience of patients. The access to state-of-the-art technologies at affordable prices has proven to be an essential aspect to their success. So, if you are on a tight budget but you don’t want to compromise quality, then Serum IVF might be an excellent choice.

6 – GATJC Fertility Center, Italy

Proof of the high level of services, cutting-edge technologies and highly-qualified team, GATJ Fertility Center in Gioia Tauro has been accredited by the prestigious GRC (Global Clinic Rating). As well as obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive medicine, GATJ is comprised by a multidisciplinary team of professionals specializing in anatomic and clinical pathology, psychotherapy and medical genetics.  Whatever your case is, you can be sure GATJ will be ready to assist you with all the means and knowledge at their disposal.

5 – Tambre Fertility Clinic, Spain

Tambre Fertility Clinic in Madrid has provided assisted reproduction for over 40 years, making it one of the most solid and experienced clinics in the field. Conscious of the importance of scientific development and innovation, Tambre has been actively participating in research projects in collaboration with different universities and has made significant scientific contributions, especially on male factor infertility. Choosing Tambre Fertility Clinic to undergo your long-awaited fertility treatment is without doubt a guarantee of quality, professionalism and high chance of success, as they count on the most innovative equipment for assisted reproduction.

4 – Dunya IVF Clinic, Cyprus

98% of Dunya IVF Clinic patients have claimed to be completely satisfied with their experience, something that is not surprising as they feature one of the highest percentages of live births. Actually, their high quality standards have been recognized by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization), thus certifying Dunya’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement in customer care. Furthermore, the fact that reproductive medicine is the only area of expertise of this centre has allowed them to concentrate their efforts in what they do best to the extent that they offer especial support to women of advanced age as well as same sex couples who are willing to have a baby and find obstacles elsewhere.

3 – Klinika Bocian, Poland

After 13 years of experience, 4 clinics in Poland, more than 23.000 patients annually and a GCR accreditation, Klinika Bocian is a true example of success. Just one look at their web page reveals that, unlike other fertility clinics, ready-made packages are not part of their offer as they strongly believe these do not cater individual’s needs. Instead, Klinika Bocian is willing to design personalised plans according to the particularities, needs and challenges of each case. Thanks to their great investment capacity, they are able constantly update their equipment and have access the latest technologies as far as IVF, ICSI, IMSI and egg donation are concerned. What is more, their competitive prices with respect to other European clinics attract national and foreign visitors alike.

2 – Sanatorium HELIOS, Czech Republic

In association with the prestigious Australian company Genea World Leading Fertility, the first to implement IVF in the world, Sanatorium Helios has been able to establish itself at the forefront of assissted reproduction medicine worldwide. As a result of this collaboration and their close contact with the sphere of scientific research, this team of professionals have been pioneers in the implementation of the newest procedures earlier than the rest.

Along with their assisted reproduction department, Sanatorium Helios is ready to provide assistance in the field of gynecology, genetics and cancer prevention in the most discreet and empathetic way possible. What is more, they count on one of the most complete databases of egg donors what makes it very easy to find a compatible one almost immediately. Last but not least, they are available for you 365 days a year without exception.

1 – IVF Spain, Spain

If there is a IVF clinic that stands out from the rest, that is IVF Spain. Although their headquarters are located in Alicante, they have now opened branches in Donostia and Madrid to give response to the high demand of their services.

Despite the clinics listed above being guarantee of high standards, IVF Spain gathers all the essentials to be considered a leader in fertility medicine: excellent customer feedback, highly-qualified staff, modern facilities with the most cutting-edge technologies, an overwhelming range of services and, most importantly, great expertise in the treatment of challenging cases. In fact, IVF Spain is frequently the last resort for women patients who have suffered from repeated miscarriages and implantation failures as well as for those with immunology and genetic conditions that could not get pregnant in other centres.

Another aspect that distinguishes this clinic from the rest is their outstanding customer-centred approach. Aware of how stressful the journey of getting pregnant can be, a personal assistant will give you all the necessary support in your native language even before departing from your home country. You won’t have to worry about travel arrangements as additional services include free taxi transfers and special fares in nearby hotels.

As a result of all this, IVF Spain has achieved up to 80% of successful pregnancies, exceeding the Spanish and EU average in most cases.

Everything considered, it is right to conclude that there are more chances than ever before for infertile couples or individuals to fulfill their dream to become parents. Even when infertility has been caused by complex conditions. Recent advances in science and medicine have resulted in the development of innovative methods that are painless, more effective and more affordable. However, it is necessary to make sure you choose the best centre for you based on your economic possibilities and needs after carrying out thorough research ahead of time.

Finally, if you have read to here it is probably because you are considering the option of assisted reproduction. But, if you have already visited any of these centres, you know somebody that has or you just want to share your personal experience, feel free to contribute with any comments or suggestions that make us improve this ranking or expand our knowledge in the topic.

According to different reports, around 60% of the male population and 40% of the female population across the world suffer from or are going to develop some kind of alopecia at some point in their lives. Be it for genetic, psychological, dietary, behavioural, hormonal, traumatic or environmental factors, the truth is that hair loss is one of the most pervasive human conditions that worries people the most. As such, it is not surprising that only in 2017 a total of 635,189 hair restoration procedures were practised worldwide. A number that is expected to grow exponentially in the following years.

Such increase in the demand of hair transplant surgeries has been to a great extend motivated by two main factors. On the one hand, the development of new hair transplantation techniques which have notably increased success rates; and on other other,  the accessibility of patients to more affordable packages. Furthermore, these packages often include transportation, a language interpreter, accommodation in a 5-star hotel and post-surgery monitoring at the patient’s origin country, which makes it even more attractive for potential patients.

Yet, the explosion of activity in this market has also led to the emergence of so not reliable operators. This is the reason why it is important to carry out some comprehensive research before deciding on the best clinic that meets your expectations and needs. The truth is that not all the clinics are neither the same nor offer the same conditions to hair transplant patients. But here’s the good news: we have done the hard for you work and we have here compiled a list of the most reputed hair transplant surgeons in the field.

10 – Dr. Hamid Aydin

Based in Turkey, Dr. Hamid Aydin has been offering hair transplantation services for over 25 years at the best quality-price ratios. Yet, competitive prices do not equal poor quality, as this specialist of the FUE technique, PRP treatment and hair mesotherapy has an extensive professional background gathering a wide list of qualifications. If you are on a tight budget or you just simply want to skip luxurious services and extravagant add-ons, then CliniFUE might just be for you.

9 – Dr. Muttalip Keser

Dr. Muttalip Keser also appears in  list as features one of the most advanced and complete medical centres for hair restoration. Dr. Keser is well-known for successfully bringing patients’ hair back, especially to those with severe hair loss problems. There is no doubt that Dr. Kesser’s clinic is one of the best options if, beyond a regular hair transplantation surgery, one is looking for a way to increase hair density and strengthen hair follicles.

8 – Dr. Serkan Aygin

Besides FUE Sapphire and DHI hair transplantations on scalp, beard and eyebrows, Dr. Serkan Aygin also offers complementary treatments such as hair mesotherapy and PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) which contribute to the hair thickening and strengthening, specially important after the post-surgery healing process. Besides its wide range of treatments to choose from, Dr. Serkan Aygin has also gained wide popularity in recent years thanks to its media presence, especially in Turkey, Spain, Italy, Russia and Ukraine, among others.

As far as numbers are concerned, Dr. Serkan Aygin boasts of having a 10,000 satisfied patients, a 98% success rate, 23 years of experience in the field and 49 conferences worldwide.

7 – Dr. Mbaraka Ljohiy

The FUE method, mostly performed on men, has established as the flagship treatment in most hair transplant clinics. Yet, unlike other centres, Sanantur Clinic has also specialized in female hair transplantation by adapting to the special particularities of this condition in women. For this reason, they are especially careful when it comes to head shaving and offer women to work on a small area at a time while leaving some locks of hair that camouflage the process. Another thing that should not be overlooked is the fact that Dr. Mbaraka Ahmed Ljohiy, leading a team of 15 professionals, belongs to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), comprised of the world’s most recognized specialists in the field. This in itself constitutes a unique guarantee of quality and reliability.

6 –  Dr. Serkan Yavuz

The added value of undergoing a hair transplant in Medical Hair Park led by Dr. Serkan Yavuz is that it offers its patients nothing less than a lifetime warranty. Treatments are carried out in its outstanding premises in the Medical Park Hospital, a leading medical institution in the region. What is more, the Joint Commission International (JCI) granted this clinic with a health care accreditation that recognises and guarantees excellent quality and patient safety standards at a global scale. In addition to this, the Swedish Ministry of Health has licensed Dr. Serkan Yavuz to perform hair transplantations in Europe after passing a thorough medical examination.

5 – Dr. Serdar Gökrem

Educated in Ankara and Zurich, it is worth mentioning the Dr. Serdar Gökrem from the Ankara International Saç Ekimi, who has been regarded as one of the most important specialists in hair transplantation. This highly skilled surgeon has specialized in the FUE technique as it has proven to be one of the best state-of-the-art methods with the most satisfactory results to date. Along with his professional career as surgeon, Dr. Serdar Gökrem has actively participated in the study and research of hair transplant procedures which, in turn, has led him to the publication of different scientific articles and teaching as an associate professor at university.

4 – Dr. Koray Erdogan

Thanks to the leadership and expertise of the Dr. Koray Erdogan, the Asmed Clinic has gained wide reputation among experts in the field of hair transplantation and customers alike. Patients with a wide array of alopecias (be it androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata or traction alopecia, to name some) as well as those in need of a mega session often choose this center as the best option. These so-called mega-sessions, where more than 2,500 grafts can be transplanted in one single day, are becoming especially popular among patients with either a tight agenda or aggressive hair loss conditions who want to reduce treatment times while covering wide extensions of their scalp at once. Whatever the case, Dr. Koray Erdogan has always been a synonym of quality and effectivity.

3 – Dr. Balwi

With more than 20,000 patients treated in its premises and more than 10 years of experience, Dr. Balwi is a highly qualified surgeon who has himself developed new products, techniques, and surgical procedures for the treatment and prevention of alopecia. If you have realized you need to get your precious hair back and do not want to worry about the arrangements, then Elit Hair Transplant clinic might be the right choice as they offer one of the most complete all-inclusive packages based on the FUE technique.

Another thing that distinguishes this clinic from others is that it offers an in-between, less invasive solution for baldness. Hair pigmentation, which is a permanent tattoo simulating shaved hair on the scalp, is especially interesting for those patients who either do not have the sufficient quantity of grafts on the donor area or simply like the shaved head style and do not want to care about their everyday hair routine. It goes without saying that, together with a 30-year warranty, the fact they have been backed by the JCI constitutes in itself an irrefutable “seal of quality” and trustworthiness.

2 – Dr. Tayfun Oguzoglu

Ranked as one of the top hair transplant surgeons in Istanbul, Dr. Tayfun Oguzoglu has been one of the precursors of hair restoration in Turkey and one of the pioneers to perform the first Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) surgeries. In fact, FUE is now considered one of the most -if not the most – innovative and effective procedures to date.

As one of the most prominent members of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery since 1998, Dr. Tayfun Oguzoglu has extensively contributed to the creation of a worldwide framework for safety and quality standards for patients this kind of aesthetical procedure. In fact, his work was so important that he received the ”ISHRS Promoting High Standards of Safety and Quality of Care of Hair Loss Patients” award in 2016. What is more, he is one of the 200 surgeons to receive the title of American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery Diplomate (ABHRS).

Dr. T Hair Clinic, located in Medistate Kavacık Hospital in Istanbul, has exclusively devoted to the FUE technique as they argue it is the technique which has demonstrated the best and most natural results with the fastest recovery times. It is also interesting to note that this clinic offers Unshaven Fue Hair Transplant for those patients for whom shaving their hair completely could be too traumatic.

1- Dr. Oğuz Kayiran

Everything considered, if there is a Turkish clinic that stands out among the rest, then we should be talking about Capilclinic. Comprised by a solid team of professionals and led by the reputed Dr. Oğuz, Capilclinic is considered as the best option to undergo a hair transplant surgery in Istanbul. This is backed by, on the one hand, the prestigious Gold Seal of Approval granted by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and, on the other, the high satisfaction rates among its patients. 

Apart from receiving extensive training in Turkey and the UK, Dr. Oğuz, as the highest representative of this medical centre, has also participated in the research and investigation of hair loss and plastic surgery. On top of that, he is actively involved in the activity of different associations in the field of medicine and cosmetic surgery such as the the Turkish Medical Association, the Turkish Association of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, the Aesthetic Surgery Association and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, among others. 

Interestingly enough, Capilclinic has also opened a centre in Barcelona for the convenience of European patients. Their centres have established as a benchmark of excellence featuring particularly well-equipped facilities with the most cutting-edge technologies. As well as the FUE Sapphire and DHI techniques for hair transplantation, they have recently included a pioneer treatment using stem cells for the enhancement and regeneration of scalp skin cells which, in turn, stimulate the growth of new hair.

Last but not least, they are so confident of the quality of their services that they offer nothing less than a lifetime warranty. That means that your hair will look perfect forever.

Hair transplant in Turkey

The fact that most of these clinics are based in Istanbul or Turkey is not a coincidence and there is a good reason for that. In fact, there are a bunch of good reasons for that.

First, hair transplantation packages are up to ten times cheaper in Turkey than in Western countries while at the same time offering the best services and most experienced surgeons. This has been greatly motivated by both government grants and investments from private corporations who have seen the potential of health tourism in Turkey.

Secondly, there is a wide array of clinics to choose from, which has caused a great competition among these to distinguish from each other. This situation has consequently led them to grow rapidly and develop the most advanced cosmetic procedures to stand out in the field.

The third factor relates to the city of Istanbul itself. It is not the same to recover at home than to spend your recovery time exploring the charming capital of the Ottoman Empire. As the postoperative period of a hair transplant is simple and does not require hospitalization, patients can take advantage of these days to visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, sail the Bosphorus, get lost in the Grand Bazaar and devour the mouth-watering delicacies of this Middle Eastern country.

All in all, it can be argued that getting your lost hair back and rocking a new bushy hair is possible at very affordable prices. However, if you are thinking to undergo a hair transplant surgery with permanent results and hassle-free, it is key to carry out some previous research bearing in mind your budget and the technique that best fits your needs.  In fact, just be providing some pictures of your case, most clinics offer a charge-free evaluation of your alopecia together an estimate quotation of the recommended treatment.

Along with hair-replacement treatments, the number of people travelling to Turkey to undergo their desired cosmetic surgery has not stopped growing in recent years; something which has certainly placed this Eurasian country as a global leader in health tourism. Looking at the numbers, circa one million people rely on the Turkish healthcare system every year for cosmetic purposes according to the last report of the Istanbul International Health Tourism Association. But, what are the main reasons that make Turkey such a popular medical destination?

Rhinoplasty, abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, breast lift, buttock augmentation, liposuction and lifting are just some of the many medical procedures performed by expert Turkish clinics. Regardless of the type of , these clinics have well-qualified specialists with certified experience and expertise in the field which have brought them wide international recognition. Actually, Turkey has been ranked third in health tourism by the International Medical Travel Journal.

As well as being assisted by a solid team of professionals, it is worth mentioning that these Turkish clinics count on state-of-the-art facilities and technologies, thus providing patients with the newest and most precise treatments for almost any kind of cosmetic surgery. In turn, these have permitted them to reduce not only waiting but also recovery times. As a result, they can boast of achieving one of the highest success and satisfaction rates among its patients.

However, it is the low cost of their surgeries which have proven to be the determining factor for the majority of visitors in the Ottoman country. Yet, despite what many people may think, low cost does not equal low quality. Thanks to government investments and the high volume of patients it receives, these Turkish clinics can work at the best quality-price rations in comparison to other clinics in western countries. For example, while a patient in the US can pay up to 10,000$ for a rhinoplasty, the same procedure in Turkey would only cost one-third or even a quarter of its price.

Istanbul: plastic surgery and holidays for the same price

Last but not least, undergoing a plastic surgery in Turkey, and in most cases Istanbul, provides an added value due the the wide array of options it offers at a cultural, historical and gastronomical level. The magnificent Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, a boat tour on the Bosphorus, the awe-inspiring sunsets or the delicious Turkish kebabs are just some of the many attractions that make most of its visitors fall in love with the Turkish capital.

All things considered, it is clear that choosing Turkey in general or Istanbul in particular for a plastic surgery turns out to be an excellent option as it allows, on the one hand, to get your long-awaited cosmetic change and to enjoy, on the other, a holiday in one of the most unique and enchanting cities in the world. Interestingly enough, most plastic surgery packages include accommodation at a high-end hotel, airport transfers and a translator, thus making it the most comfortable experience possible.

Ibex, NASDAQ, Dow Jones… may all ring a bell but most people still have trouble understanding these financial concepts. While these give name to some of the most important stock market indices, the truth is that there are hundreds of them. But, what do they really stand for and what is their function?

A stock market index is frequently defined as measurement or indicator which reflects the value of a specific section of the stock market at a specific point in time. More specifically, each of these is comprised of different companies or assets that gather common characteristics and their numerical value is calculated on the basis of their performance. Therefore, both traders and investors use these indicators as a tool to decide their trading strategies and forecast the return of their investments. Yet, not all stock indices are the same nor formed according to the same criteria.

Types of stock market indices

There are four major categories of stock market indices: national, regional, international and sector-related. Of these, the most quoted ones are the national indices, which are those comprised by assets from the same country. A well-known example is Dow Jones Industrial Average, which integrates 30 of the most powerful companies in the USA, along with S&P 500 from the same country.

Something similar occurs in Europe with the most powerful assets of each country featuring a common national stock market index. That is the case of, for example, the British FTSE 100, the Spanish IBEX 35, the German DAX 30 or the French DAC 40, among many others. Likewise, we find the Japanese Nikkei 225, the Hang Seng Index from Hong Kong and the SSE Composite from Shanghai as the most prominent indices in Asia whereas the Mexican IPC, the Argentinian Merval and the Chilean IPSA stand out in South America.

The third group corresponds to those indexes which extend beyond national boundaries or have a supranational origin. Notable among these are the MSCI World, comprised by more than 1,600 companies from 23 different countries; the Eurotoxx 50, which integrates the 50 most important companies in the eurozone; or, the S&P Asia 50 including companies from the stock exchanges in Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan, to name some.

The fourth category of stock market indices refers to those consisting of companies belonging to a common sector. Wilshire US REIT, for instance, is made up by a total of 80 assets from the real estate sector, whereas Nasdaq 100 gathers 100 assets belonging to the technological sector.

Bitcoin: the new safe haven asset

A new group of assets that are gaining popularity in recent years are the cryptocurrencies, of which most popular representative is the Bitcoin. This digital asset works as any other currency with the exception that it is neither linked to any state nor operates within the framework of the stock market.

Although the value of this asset keeps fluctuating due to its recent creation, some experts expect that it will reach the price of 1.000.000 USD in the next years. Such optimistic forecast has inevitably attracted greedy traders as well as investors seeking to store their cash in times of crisis and geopolitical instability.

You are a true ‘travelholic’ but you feel you are always short of money? There is no need to panic. As long as time flexibility and destinations are not a problem for you, there are a bunch of options to find accommodation and transportation for free, or almost for free. These are some of travel experts’ best kept secrets.

Car relocation

Very few people know that car rental companies offer free one-way rental cars and campervans. But there is a good reason behind it. Car rental companies often face the problem that some of their branches run out of cars or, just the opposite, get so many that they cannot manage them owing to the simple fact that some routes are just more popular than others. To solve this unbalanced distribution of their fleet, companies offer drivers to relocate their cars at specific drop-off points for free, resulting in a win-win deal. Although this service is available all over the world, it is especially popular in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

House-sitting & Pet-sitting

Another win-win option for both owners and adventurers is that known as house-sitting or pet-sitting when it comes to accommodation. There are a number of online platforms where homeowners offer their properties for free while they are away in exchange of some little maintenance and, in some cases, taking care of their beloved pets. You will only need to register in one of the websites offering the service, complete a brief introduction of yourself and find the stay that best fits your plans in terms of dates and destination.

Couchsurfing

If you are not looking for medium to long-term stays as it is the case of most house-sitting and pet-sitting deals, then you might be more keen on a homestay. The platform and social networking site Couchsurfing brings together hosts offering their couches for free and travelers looking for a place to stay. This offers an excellent opportunity to both save money and meet people from all over the world, thus turning an ordinary trip into a much more stimulating and enriching experience.

WWOOFing

From planting seeds in Austria to making cheese in Canada to feeding sheeps in New Zealand. These are just a few examples of volunteering works you can do for accommodation and board all managed and monitored by the platform WorldWide Opportunities on Organic Farms. WWOOF aims to promote sustainable farming through these field-based cultural and educational exchanges. Volunteers usually work from 5 to 6 hours a day and the duration of the program usually depends on the requirements of the volunteer as well as the hosting farm.

Free walking tours

As well as transportation and accommodation, it is also possible to find free guided tours in a variety of languages in almost every city around the globe. You will just have to google your target destination plus the keywords ‘free tour’ and book the time slot that best adapts your journey plan. The traveller will never be asked to pay any preset fees, but rather tour guides will be open to get any voluntary contributions after the tour.

 

Hair is without a doubt one of the traits that greatly influences or even makes a difference in people’s physical appearance. Thus, it is not surprising that hair loss is a major worry for a great deal of the population and the main reason why remedies promising a healthy and bushy hair within a few months have proliferated so easily around the globe. Yet, despite the interest and research investment to find the secret formula to get people’s hair back, the truth is that making people’s hair grow is not a reality yet.

Alopecia or baldness is a widespread condition which is most commonly found among men, although it is also affects many women. Researchers have not yet completely understood the process, but they agree about the fact that the causes for hair loss are many. These include, among others, hereditary factors, age, stress episodes, diet as well as a variety of environmental or behavioural factors. Fortunately, not everything is lost.

Hair transplantation, consisting of removing hair follicles from one part of the scalp to another, appears to be the only solution to date which has proven natural, effective and permanent results. Consequently, both patients and medical centres specializing in this surgical technique have grown up to a 60% in the past two years according to different medical reports.

A good example of this is Turkey with Capilclinic.uk, one of the countries that has most invested in health tourism closely followed by Mexico, a new emerging and fast-growing market in the sector. This has been to a great degree motivated by the support of the Mexican government as well as both international and national investors who have put great effort to establish the country as a global reference for hair transplantation.

More specifically, the Aztec country is already the most popular destination among Canadian and US citizens, who undergo this cosmetic procedure for half the price as in their home countries. While in Canada or the USA patients are expected to pay an average of 9,000USD for the treatment, their Mexican counterpart offers packages for half the price. But, unlike some people might think, lower prices do not mean low quality treatments. And how is that possible without compromising quality?

Mexican clinics are able to provide affordable hair transplants while guaranteeing equally high quality standards for one basic reason: operating expenses in Mexico are lower due to the lower cost of living. That is, paying for staff salaries, facility maintenance, or simply the electricity bill are not as expensive as in the aforementioned western countries. So, if you are looking a baldness treatment at the best quality-price ratio, Mexico appears to be the best choice.

Benefits of getting a hair transplant in Mexico

• Pretigious clinics with state-of-the-art facilities
• High-qualified and experienced surgeons and specialists
• Cutting-edge technologies and hair-replacement techniques
• Competitive prices with the best quality standards
• Affordable packages including transfers, accommodation in the city, surgery aftercare as well as a Spanish interpreter
• And most importantly, the treatments from these specialized clinics have demonstrated permanent results

Established as the richest country in the world and a major gas and oil producer, Qatar has also become one of the biggest and most promising markets for those seeking for job opportunities. For this same reason, it is not surprising that more of the 80% of its population is made up of expatriate communities who have already chosen this emirate to boost their professional careers. And the reasons are many.

Being an economy of constant growth which aims for an ambitious yet sound development of its infrastructures and industry, there is a high number of well-qualified vacancies in Qatar. Not only business-related jobs such as engineers, sales representatives, marketing agents and accountants are wanted; but also doctors, nurses, chefs and teachers are among the most demanded ones. Most often, these positions are accompanied by relaxed working days, high salaries (at QR16,500 on average), health insurance and, last but not least, no personal taxation.

Although safety tends to be most people’s concern when deciding about the move, the truth is that this Middle-Eastern country is among the safest and most stable of the region, with very low criminal rates. By contrast, it offers excellent living standards with world-class educational and healthcare institutions fueled by major government investments. For the most part, accommodation is spacious and rather new with the most popular options being the so-called villas or compounds where 24-security, swimming pool, gym, cleaner and even cafés, supermarkets or squash courts in the most upmarket ones are found.

Despite its Islamic culture, the welcoming and forward-thinking attitude of this emirate has attracted expatriates from all over the world, including Indian, Lebanese, American, British, French, Spanish and Canadian citizens, among others. This has greatly contributed to create a multicultural environment with an interesting choice of leisure activities, bars and restaurants of all kinds. For those who are wondering, the consumption and purchase of alcohol is permitted but limited to the licensed hotels, bars and stores. Night clubs and music venues have particularly proliferated in Doha in recent years, boosting the nightlife options in the capital. Nonetheless, Qatar economy extends far beyond its oil and gas reserves as well as its world-famous capital.

Qatar, much more than just Doha

Contrary to common belief, Qatar is much more than just Doha. In recent years, and to a great extent fostered by the hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a number of different urban centres are rapidly developing. These, perfectly connected to the capital, have in turn become the headquarters of many of the big companies settled in the country.

If not already the case, within a few years Qatar is expected to become a global centre for international trade and tourism alike. To do so, as it is constantly claimed by the Qatari Government, they will employ all the available means and resources that are necessary.

Newcomers will soon find themselves shopping in their innumerable ultramodern malls and colourful souqs, exploring its magnificent desert, smoking sheesha and enjoying, among other delicious dishes, the famous sish taouq.