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Price comparison: One dozen macaroons

Macaroons are light baked confections that could best be described as either small cakes or cookies depending upon their consistency. And while the exact origins of macaroons are uncertain (most likely Italy and France), what is certain is that variations of the recipe have been enjoyed for over 500 years.

Hence, the Asian Wall Street Journal’s weekly Arbitrage column has recently conducted a survey of prices for a one dozen macaroons in various cities in Asia and around the world. The survey found that prices were highest in Tokyo and New York City and lowest in London and Frankfurt with other cities somewhere in between.  

Price Comparison*

Tokyo	2,652 Yen	US$28.23
New York City	US$27	US$27
Sydney	A$28	US$25.97
Paris	€18	US$24.07
Hong Kong	HK$168	US$21.64
Shanghai	130 Yuan	US$19.04
Brussels	€13.5	US$18.05
Singapore	S$25	US$17.60
London	11.30 Pounds	US$17.22
Frankfurt	€12	US$16.04

* Prices are based upon foreign exchange rates as of April 7, 2010.

The top 10 ways to avoid data theft while traveling and surfing the internet

If you travel frequently for business, you are probably a frequent user of internet hotspots and wi-fi networks. Hence, a recent article (Trip Tech: Is It Safe to Surf?) on Conde Nast Traveler’s Concierge.com is a must read by all frequent travelers who must surf the web while on the road.

As the article explains, there are a number of new threats out there that are aimed at harvesting personal information. Hence, nearly all security experts recommend that if you are going to surf wirelessly, then you need to use a virtual private network (VPN) which is basically a software that creates a secure, encrypted "tunnel" where information can flow securely between your computer and the Internet. Nevertheless, just using VPN software is not enough.

Hence and if you are going to surf the web on the road, be sure to keep all of the following tips in mind:

1. Use VPN software.
2. Keep your system up to date.
3. Turn off your computer's Wi-Fi when you're not using it.
4. Opt for well-known networks such as AT&T or T-Mobile whenever possible.
5. Use networks with harder-to-crack WPA security instead of WEP.
6. If you have a cellular modem, turn off your Wi-Fi.
7. When surfing, look for a lock icon in the lower-right corner of your browser or "https" in the Web address any time you send personal data online.
8. Use the Firefox browser rather than Explorer for Windows or Safari for Mac, since it has fewer security holes.
9. Make sure your computer's firewall is on (this is usually found in network settings).
10. Be wary of doing any kind of financial transaction in public.

Keeping the above tips in mind will go a long way towards ensuring that your personal data and computer remain safe from internet threats.

Some Asia etiquette dos and don'ts

Whether you travel around the Asia-Pacific region or even globally for business, it is essential to know the customs, practices and habits practiced in the countries you visit. Hence, a recent article and slideshow on Forbes.com is well worth reading as it covers different countries in different regions around the world.

For Asia in general, it was noted that neutral-colored clothing is best for women who should also dress modestly. In other words, knees and elbows should be covered and shirts should be buttoned up to the collar. In addition, never refuse coffee, water or food that is offered by your host. However, in some countries like Japan and China, getting you intoxicated may actually be scene as the mission of the host and hence, remember to drink moderately. Also, attending a business meeting without an intermediary with you will place you at a big disadvantage in most Asian countries and while timings for meetings may be flexible in some places like China or India, punctuality is expected in places like Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan. And finally, business cards are considered a representation of one’s self in China and Japan and must not be haphazardly tossed aside or into your pocket. 

In addition, the article noted some specific do’s and don’ts for China, India and Japan:   

• China: Always address a Chinese person with their last name and their title and remember that Chinese names are usually written with the family name first and the given name second.
• India: In India, a foot is considered unclean. Hence, if you ever step on a bump another person’s foot, apologize immediately. In addition, be prepared to leave your shoes at the door if you are invited to a person’s home for dinner.   
• Japan: Japan has no casual dress days and attire should always be conservative with women always wearing dresses and low heeled shoes to avoid being taller than men. In addition, blowing your nose in public is considered an absolute no-no. 

And remember, if you want to avoid being lost in translation when you visit a new country, do research, research and more research before arrive.

How to find budget airlines and budget air fare deals in Asia

If you based in or traveling around Asia and you want to save money by flying on Asia’s budget airlines but you do not know where to start, there are several websites that can be of great assistance to save you both time and money.

For starters and if you simply do not know where to begin, check out FlyBudget.com, FlyLowCostAirlines.org and WhichBudget.com to find out what destinations are served by which discount airlines. All you need to do is simply enter a destination on one of these websites and the site will tell you most if not all of the discount airlines that service that particular destination. 

However, these sites do not tell you anything about airfare and availably while sites like Expedia, Kayak, Orbitz, Vayama or Travelocity often do not search Asian low-cost-carrier routes. Moreover, searching individual discount airline sites can be time consuming – especially if you are not sure where you want to go for a quick weekend getaway. Instead, visit sites like Momondo.com, SkyScanner.net or WeGo.com but be sure to keep geography and common sense in mind as some of these sites may not come up with a route that makes sense both in terms of travel time and total cost.

If you are based in Bangkok, the best way to find cheap airfares is to go to Bangkokbestflights.com.They will send you Free Email Alerts on Latest Flight Promotions from Bangkok.

Despite a few website imperfections, the internet is making it much easier for both long-term residents and first time visitors alike to find budget airlines and budget airfares throughout Asia.

The top 10 fitness tips for business travelers

If you often travel for business, making exercise workouts a priority can be tough. However, it is important that they are not missed. After all, the healthier and the more energized that you feel, the more you will be able to accomplish.

Hence, a recent article and slideshow from Forbes.com listing the top 10 fitness tips for road warriors is well worth reading. These fitness tips included the following:

1. Look Before You Book
2. Eat Smart
3. Pack Accordingly
4. Rent Your Gear
5. Scout the Location
6. Waste No Time
7. Get Creative
8. Stick to a Schedule
9. Be Wary of Late Nights
10. See the Sights

However, the key point of the article is that in order to stay healthy and fit, frequent business travelers will need to do some planning ahead of time before they leave. This includes looking at exercise options in the places you will be staying, packing accordingly and scouting out the location you will be staying in. Once you arrive, it is still important that you stick to an exercise routine and that you eat accordingly – in other words, be careful what you order for business meals and from any hotel breakfast buffets.

Keeping the above tips in mind will help you stay both healthy and energized on your next out of town business trip.

Why should I rent a virtual office?

If you are a self employed consultant, work from home or perhaps are based in another geographic area, having a virtual office that gives you a business profile and an address makes sense. In this short video sponsored by ServCorp Smart Offices, a global serviced office and virtual office provider, you will learn about the advantages of having a virtual office. These advantages include access to a suite of technology and administrative services, board and meeting room space and additional support staff when you need it. Generally speaking, it will only take minutes to setup a virtual office online or over the phone with a virtual office provider and of course the benefit of using one with a global presence means that wherever you travel, you will be able to use their services or even their physical space if they have a presence in the destination you are visiting.

Shanghai nightlife and restaurant guide videos

Should you be visiting Shanghai either for a short term business trip or a longer term posting, check out this short restaurant guide video from TravelGuide.TV on Youtube which will give you a quick snapshot of where and what you should eat while in Shanghai. As the video shows, you can savor cuisine from every corner of the globe while visiting Shanghai.  

In addition, no visit to Shanghai is complete without checking out the city’s nightlife. Hence, this second TravelGuide.TV video guide to Shanghai nightlife will take you to dance clubs housed in traditional Chinese style buildings, DJ bars, live music venues and sophisticated jazz clubs and pubs favored by the business crowd set. 

Trendy travel must-haves for today’s business traveler

Forbes.com has recently posted a video where host Evelyn Russi asks the CEOs of Hermes and Timex plus designer Elie Tahari to share their favorite travel products and what they can’t leave home without. Product tips included the following must have travel items:

• Robert Chavez (the CEO of Hermes USA): Chavez noted that today’s business travelers are increasingly needing to take shorter but more productive business trips. Hence, he showed off some of his favorite travel bags or overnight bags that are perfect for business travelers who are both in a hurry and often on the go (Although it should be noted that these bags retail from US$3,500 to US$20,000+)
• Designer Elie Tahari: Tahari on the other hand noted that when he travels, his favorite items of clothing are simple tee-shirts and jeans which are, like the business wear he designs, are both comfortable and stylish. In fact, his own personal style includes both items paired with a blazer. For women, he also suggested having plenty of pairs of leggings and tunics.
• Hans Kristian-Hoejsgaard (The CEO of Timex): Kristian-Hoejsgaard, as the CEO of a watch company with 15 brand lines, naturally must travel with a whole collection of watches. Hence, he listed his favorite watches to travel with – especially ones that know what time zone the wearer is in and will automatically adjust according.

The short video is well worth watching, especially if you are a frequent business traveler.

KLCC Parkview Kuala Lumpur review

Located just a 5 minute walk from KLCC and just between KLCC LRT & Monorail Station, the KLCC Parkview offers easy accessibility to the City Centre, the Petronas Twin Towers, the Suria KLCC shopping mall, The Pavillion, Bukit Bintang and the KL Golden Triangle areas. On offer are fully furnished studios (like the one in the video below) that are approximately 40 sqms in area – more space than most hotel rooms. In addition, the building has a 34th floor swimming pool facing the KLCC Twin Tower along with a Jacuzzi, gym, sauna and laundry service. In other words, everything you need for either a short-term or a long-term stay.