American’s are relocating to cities where there are better job opportunities and or lower taxes. In the past we’ve posted on the Happiest Places to Relocate to in the United States (and in the world). Now we’re posting on the fastest growing cities according to Forbes.com‘s methodology which combines population grow with economic growth to determine the fastest growing cities. Some you might expect to be growing at a faster rate because of lower taxes and a better business environment however, there are also some cities that are growing in spite of their higher taxes due to being popular locations to live.

What are the fastest growing cities in the US?

Here are the top ten fastest growing cities in the United States:

1. Austin, TX
2. Dallas, TX
3. San Jose, CA
4. Houston, TX
5. Salt Lake City, UT
6. Raleigh, NC
7. Seattle, WA
8. San Francisco, CA
9. San Antonio, TX
10. Atlanta, GA

View slideshow with data on each city.

Why are some cities growing faster than others?

Forbes writes “Seven of the top 10 cities are in the South, supporting the idea that low taxes and inexpensive real estate are still drawing jobs and economic activity from other parts of the country.” In addition, 4 of the top 10 cities are in Texas which has no income tax and much lower property values than other states which makes it a popular landing spot for corporations. Also, corporations like that fact that Texas is centrally located in the United States and international airports in Houston and in the Dallas-Fort Worth area offer easy access to new markets in Latin America as well.

Filed under: Blog Post, Social Media, The Best Thinking... |

Business travel is not business as usual. It can be an ordeal where you’re crowded into small spaces, standing in long lines, all the while moving heavy luggage among the masses. Imagine a world where traveling was a lot easier. As many of the executives who read this blog know, relocation and business travel go hand and hand. While the pain of travel may not be completely alleviated there are some things you can do to make it significantly less painful. Recently we wrote about how to deal with jet lag now we want to help you deal with airport security lines making travel effortless.

How to get access to elite or priority security lines at airports

There are several ways to get access to expedited security lines. The most common way is being invited to join by your airline because of frequent flyer status. However, there are other ways to get access through a couple of new programs announced by the TSA. For those that travel internationally several times a year they launched a program called Global Entry. Once accepted into Global Entry you can proceed to the expedited security lines. To get access to Global Entry you must apply through the Global Entry website, pay a $100 background check fee and interview with a TSA agent at an airport on their list near you. In addition, Platinum level and above American Express members can enroll for free (they are charged $100 and then $100 is credited to their account). Using expedited access can significantly reduce the amount time you are standing in line. In addition to getting expedited security access you can speed up your time at the airport by being mindful of TSA guidelines and using their recommended accessories.

What are TSA Approved Travel Accessories?

Here is a list of TSA approved accessories which will help you pass through the airport without issues:
TSA Approved Bag Locks
TSA Approved Laptop Bags which don’t require the laptop be taken out of the bag
And a long list of approved and not approved TSA items

What are your tips to help get through the airport faster? Let us know on facebook, twitter and linkedin!

Filed under: Blog Post, Social Media, The Best Thinking... |

In the past we have posted a number of tools and websites for expats living abroad. Now we would like to introduce you to JustLanded.com! It is a site that is an excellent resource for people on international assignment who are looking for more information about their new destination. In addition to country guides they also have international job boards, expat community message boards, a directory and even a classified section. In addition to the resources listed on the site they have the Just Landed Blog which is frequently updated with articles on different issues that expats face. Here are a few posts which I found interesting: Coping with poverty in your expat destination, and Where is home for third culture kids?.

For more expat resources check out some of the tools and resources we have posted in the past below.

More Tools, Sites, and Blog Posts for Expats

Interactive Tools to Compare Countries
How to Live the Good Life During an International Relocation
How to Deal with Culture Shock
The Best Social Media Tools for Corporate Relocation
Where are the happiest places to relocate to?

Let us know about your favorite tools and resources to use when living abroad on twitter, facebook and linkedin!

Filed under: Social Media, The Best Thinking... |

If your travels ever take you to a land other than your own one of the best ways to enjoy and experience the culture is to take in a soccer (also known as “football”) match. Soccer is the worlds most popular game for good reason. It is a game that can easily be played by the poorest of the poor and the elites a like. Children in the worlds ghettos even play the game without a proper ball if need be, they can take plastic bags and roll them up into a ball to kick around.

Soccer is especially popular in Europe and Latin America but is even growing in Asia and North America (the north american soccer league, Major League Soccer, has just surpassed attendance averages of both the NBA and the NHL becoming america’s third best attended sport). To enjoy the game it is important to explore the nuances of the game as compared to other games you are more familiar with. One major difference between soccer and many other sports is that there are very few stoppages of play, it is a very open free-flowing game. In addition, the game is divided into two halves of 45 minutes each (plus extra time). If the ball goes out-of-bounds the clock will continue running. While soccer players typically do a lot of running in a match (on average about 10 miles a game) often times games are known for being low scoring affairs where one team is trying to unlock the other team’s defense. The pressure of the match will continue to rise until a team scores and the crowd goes crazy.

Among the most watched soccer matches are often played in Europe, where clubs from different countries have the ability to attract the best players in the world with high paying contracts. For club teams the most anticipated competition is the UEFA Champions League where the best teams from each country face off against other teams in Europe.

One of the most important aspects of enjoying a soccer match is seeing and hearing the sights and sounds of the match. In the United States at sporting events it is common to hear the sounds of the crowd intermingled with power audio-visual effects provided by the stadium. However at soccer matches it is more common to hear the supporters sing in organized songs to support their teams. In some soccer environments you might even see or hear fireworks being set off to celebrate the exploits of a supporter’s team.

In addition to aspects of international soccer matches which are generally true, there are also nuances to how soccer is experienced in various countries throughout the world. Recently, I had the opportunity to experience a soccer match in Rome Italy between AS Roma and Udinese, in addition to a great match, during halftime we enjoyed the experience of seeing a full-blown espresso and panini stand in place of the typical concessions you would find in the states. So my advice is when in Rome, drink espresso at your soccer matches!

Soccer Resources

Basic Soccer Rules
FIFA International Soccer Organization
Soccer News, Scores, and Schedules

Filed under: Blog Post, Social Media, The Best Thinking... |

In the past we have listed a number of web-based tools related to helping employees on International Assignment find information about their destination before they move there. For example we covered the best social media tools for corporate relocation, tools to avoid missing home while on international assignment, information about the happiest countries on earth to relocate to, and even tips about drinking etiquette around the world.

A few weeks ago HSBC launched their Interactive Expat Explorer tool which compares many aspects of expat life in various countries in the world from differences in taxes to quality of life, it covers a broad range of topics in a colorful interactive format.

This tool will help you understand the details of where your relocation is taking you and how that new destination compares to your current location. You can look at how countries around the world compare on a range of topics such as economics, quality life, the safety of children and you can even compare two countries on a more granular level side-by-side.

In addition to the HSBC tool, Lloyds TSB International also has an Expat Tool as well which specifically focuses on comparing International Schools, Property and Cost of Living around the world.

Using these tools before your relocation can will make the experience much smoother because you can plan for your destination before you get there.

Use these Expat Interactive Tools:

HSBC Expat Explorer Interactive
Lloyds TSB International Expat Tool

Filed under: Articles, Social Media, The Best Thinking... |

Whether you are traveling for business or you are taking an international relocation there are a number of different perspectives on drinking alcohol related to both work and life abroad. When is it appropriate to have a glass of wine on a lunch break? Is it always expected that you accept an invitation to after hours libations with co-workers? Answer these questions incorrectly and it could make for a few awkward situations. However, understand some of the drinking habits of your destination before you arrive and you can be ready for most alcohol related social interactions.

A good place to start is to determine where alcohol is consumed most frequently around the world and then compare that with your typical drinking patterns in your current location. Do you drink more often or less often than is average in your new destination?

Which countries drink the most alcohol in the world?

According to this Economist.com map below and a recent Forbes article the leading drinking region of the world is clearly Europe although drinking alcohol is popular in many countries throughout the world.

On a per capita basis here are the top 20 drinking countries in the world:

1. Luxembourg
2. Hungary
3. Czech Republic
4. Ireland (Hello, Paragon Relocation Dublin office!)
5. Germany
6. Spain
7. Portugal
8. United Kingdom
9. Denmark
10. Austria
11. France
12. Cyprus
13. Switzerland
14. Belgium
15. Russia
16. Slovakia
17. Latvia
18. Romania
19. Finland
20. Netherlands

Other countries of note that didn’t make the top 20 list include Italy (24), the United States (26), Brazil (41), China (42), and Mexico (45).

What are the most popular alcoholic drinks in the world?

According to a WHO (World Health Organization) report distilled spirits are the most popular type of drink in the world (followed by beer and then wine) yet this varies significantly by country as shown in the map below.

What is the drinking etiquette in your country?

Because many countries are globalizing today they are assimilating a diversity of ideas about drinking into their culture. With that said there are still many underlying traditions around the world that continue to flourish and it makes sense to understand them before you move to a country on an international assignment.

A few notable examples of drinking traditions include:

Japan: In Japan is not polite to fill your own glass, wait for your table mate to fill your glass. In addition, if you fill their glass it might remind them to fill your empty glass. Filling your own glass announces to the world that you might have an alcohol problem.

Russia: In Russia drinking is often all or nothing, with vodka being a prominent drink of choice. Among many other drinking traditions in Russia, empty bottles should not be placed on the table but should be put on the floor, the first and second toast are the most important, and it is considered rude to interrupt the proceedings between the first and second shot.

Australia: In Australia there aren’t many rules related to drinking other than making it a point to buy your friends a round of drinks. In Australia the name for this tradition is called the “Shout” and often the expectation is that your round of drinks will be reciprocated by others in the group.

China: In China for special occasions its not uncommon to break out the “bai jiu” (translation – “firewater”) which doesn’t have much flavor but delivers quite a punch to your throat. Typically this beverage is enjoyed during meals at which time one of your table mates salutes you with “gan bei” challenging you to drink until both glasses are dry.  During the gan bei it is encouraged for you to keep eye contact with the one who toasted their drink to you as a show of respect.

In addition to the drinking traditions of these countries there are a plethora of resources available on the internet to research the drinking traditions of your destination before you get there. In general we recommend, searching sites like Wikipedia, Lonely Planet and Frommers to discover the drinking nuances of many different cultures throughout the world. In addition to doing research our advice would be to carry with you some level of common sense related to drinking alcohol, if you have reached a point at a social function where you shouldn’t be drinking anymore find ways to communicate that to your friends of another culture without offending them, if possible. Generally speaking, even in cultures with strongest traditions they will respect your decision to stop drinking if you communicate effectively.

What drinking traditions have you observed around the world that are different from your own? Please let us know your stories of international drinking experiences and any advice you have about drinking abroad in the comments on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter!

Bonus: How to say “Cheers” in different languages!

England: ‘Cheers!’ (Good wishes)
Wales: ‘Iechyd da!’ (Good health)
Germany: ‘Prost!’ (May it be good)
Romania: ‘Noroc!’ (Good luck)
Philippines: ‘Mabuhay!’ (Long life)
Turkey: ‘Şerefe!’ (To honour)
Croatia: ‘živjeli!’ (To life)
Poland: ‘Na Zdrowie!’ (Bless you)
Learn how to say “Cheers” in 50 languages!

Filed under: Diversity, Social Media, The Best Thinking... |

Do you consider yourself a good tipper? In some countries a tip may be taken as insult in certain situations. Therefore is it best to know what the generally accepted tipping practices are in a country before you travel there for your international assignment. While eating out at a restaurant in North America it is assumed that the patrons will give an extra 15-20% tip based on the service while in parts of Asia it is assumed that no additional tip will be given at a meal and might even be insulting if a tip was given. Below we will offer some quick advice on tipping in different countries from travel supply site, Magellans.com, and an infographic on tipping from personal finance site, Mint.com.

What is the tipping etiquette in…

Asia and the Pacific: Special care must be taken to insure that your well-meaning gesture is not taken as insulting. If you are unsure, it is best not to tip. If possible, observe the locals and follow their lead.

Europe: Many hotels and restaurants add a service charge to the bill. In most cases, an additional tip is unnecessary. If no service charge is added to your bill 10% is the general rule for restaurant service, a dollar per bag will be appreciated.

Middle East/Africa: While your tip will not be seen as insulting, it may be unnecessary. Once again, the best bet is to do as the locals do.

Central/South America: Many hotels and restaurants add a service charge to the bill, and an additional tip is unnecessary. If not, 10% is the general rule for restaurant service, and a dollar per bag will be appreciated.

How much am I expected to tip in countries around the world?

(Click to Enlarge)

Let us know if you have any international travel tipping advice to add to the above!

Filed under: Blog Post, Social Media, The Best Thinking... |

Gobble Gobble! (That’s turkey for “Happy Thanksgiving!”).

Paragon would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving wherever they are celebrating the American holiday in the world.

Paragon’s CEO, Joseph Morabito said the following about Thanksgiving today:

I want to wish all of our clients, customers and employees a happy and safe Thanksgiving. This particular holiday is a good time to take a deep breath and give thanks for our families, friends and health. And no matter what our possessions, all of us should be thankful for the blessings we have, and think of those who are less fortunate with a charitable heart. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on God’s blessings because they are real for all of us.

What’s the history of Thanksgiving?

Check out this great infographic on the history of Thanksgiving compared to how Thanksgiving is celebrated today!

We are thankful for all our clients and customers giving us a chance to do what we love. What are you thankful for?

Filed under: Blog Post, Social Media, The Best Thinking... |

How much money are you leaving on the table by not refinancing now while interest rates are low? Recently we wrote about how mortgage rates are at nearly all time lows. Now Credit Sesame, a credit rating site, has published an interactive infographic (with help from content creation company ColumnFive Media) on how much money on average could be saved for a homeowner refinancing in each state. See below to see how much people are saving in your state.

How Much are People Saving from Refinancing?

Click the image below to see how much could be saved on refinancing your mortgage in your state.

For more information about Paragon’s mortgage company, GenEquity Mortgage, and to use their refinancing calculator to see how much you can save please visit GenEquity.com.

Filed under: Articles, Social Media, The Best Thinking... |

Our post series from last week on Why You Need to Accept that International Assignment generated a lot of buzz on social media sites, especially on the LinkedIn.com Discussion Groups. The conversation that this generated and the comments from former International Assignees could be really helpful for people making the decision about going on an International Assignment so we want to pass on the best of the advice that was generated as a result of those conversations. Would you recommend taking an International Assignment with children? Leave your recommendations or advice in the comment section below or tweet @ParagonRelo on twitter!

Should I take my child on an International Assignment?

Here are responses to the question “Would you recommend taking an International Assignment with children?”:

Lisa Casey from Office Depot said:

Definitely would recommend to take the assignment with the children. I did it. My husband and our two children, ages 5 and 7 at that time, accompanied me on my assignment to Hong Kong. The exposure to culture, food, travel, and people added another dimension to their growth. We have since traveled back to the Asia region several times after the assignment was over and we still talk about it…

Susan Lomartire from HeartSilks said:

Absolutely — unless, of course, the assignment is in a high-risk area. It is my experience working with expats that all family members benefit in many ways from the exposure to other countries and cultures. It’s a fantastic educational experience — both in school and outside of it.

Jan Kasper from Russell Real Estate Service said:

We have done the international relocation and with a family. Our son was in high school when we moved to Australia. It was a great experience and we all still talk about it as a fantastic growing experience! There are always ups and downs but you will regret not taking the challenge!

Ron Scruggs from SCI Procurement said:

My wife and 4 sons joined me on a transfer to Geneva Switzerland. My 3 year assignment was extended to 10 years. The family is all bi-lingual now (though not at the start of the assignment). This was a tremendous experience for all of us. The quality of life proved to be excellent, the experience was worthwhile. Though not for everyone as a rule, this was a positive life changing experience for all of our family.

Rebecca Grappo from RNG International Educational Consultants said:

I think there are many factors that contribute to children’s success in overseas assignments. It seems to me that the kids that are able to easily make social connections, are successful learning in a mainstream, traditional setting that one finds in most international schools, have supportive parents, and a well-developed sense of self are the ones that do really well.

In contrast, the kids that struggle to make social connections, or struggle in school and don’t have their learning needs met, or who wrestle with core identity issues, are the kids who seem to not do well. I have worked with many very bright, gifted kids who could not easily relate to peers – and thus hate moving and starting over.

Rebecca Sullivan from Adare International said:

I’m over a year into an overseas relocation with my family – husband and 2 young boys (now 3 & 5). While this kind of move presents many challenges – not least a language barrier to some degree – the benefits are evident for my children. In fact the children have gained the most out of the country change. Naturally the country you move to plays a major part in the benefit stakes so homework needs to be done in advance.

Danielle Lammie from Oakwood Worldwide said:

I relocated to Europe throughout high school with my family to Luxembourg. It was life changing. We became closer as a family. I attended American International School of Luxembourg now (ISL) – this was an amazing school, with fabulous professors. I would never take that kind of experience back. I see how the world is global not just local.

Patricia D. Rivera from 123 Accounting LLC said:

There are many different aspects to international assignments one critical is where is the assignment? Children are extremely resilient. However parents need to set the stage. If the parents are excited and look upon this move as an adventure and a way to expand the children will very nicely adjust as well.

Christina Buchanan at Audubon Engineering Operations, LLC said:

In my experience, children thrive during an international assignment. Of course, not all places are children-friendly (or for that matter, people-friendly…) but in most locations children adapt quickly and will look back to it as a turning point in their lives. In a continuously changing world, let your children get “a leg up” on the competition!

From a lot of the conversation that was generated on this topic it seems that families that take International Assignments have been very pleased with the experience for their whole family. In addition, a few comments reminded that there would be challenges to every relocation but yet even in light of these challenges the comments almost all said “go for it!” in one way or another. What has been your experience? What advice would you give to a family thinking about a big international relocation?

Filed under: Blog Post, Social Media, The Best Thinking... |