The Insurance Doctor

Tag: vacation

Funflation is Here!
Recently, I saw a piece covered by two TV stations that mentioned that the “Top of the Rock” was moving towards “Dynamic Pricing!”

The “Top of the Rock”, also known as the rooftop of Rockefeller Center, is known for its unobstructed views of iconic landmarks, such as the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Chrysler Building, the George Washington Bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty!

You might be asking yourself, “What does this mean?”

Have you noticed in recent years that the cost of attending live events, whether it’s a major sports game, a concert, or a Broadway Show has skyrocketed? This phenomenon, often called “FunFlation,” refers to the rising prices of entertainment due to increased demand and evolving ticket pricing strategies.

One of the biggest drivers of ‘FunFlation” is “Dynamic Pricing!” This is similar to airline and hotel pricing, where vacationers are charged more money during spring break compared to the vacation offseason. Dynamic Pricing uses an algorithmic model that adjusts ticket prices based on demand, often making events far more expensive than they were just a few years ago.

The “Dynamic Pricing Model” benefits organizers, artists, and teams by maximizing revenue. I call it a MONEY GRAB! It also drives up costs for fans, especially for high-profile events! Some artists have deflected blame to ticket companies. The situation is murky at best.

The “Top of the Rock” is a perfect example of what “Dynamic Pricing” is doing. I went to their website, which advertises an adult ticket (ages 13+) for between $40-$61. The prices can change by time slot as the early afternoon prices were $40 each; however, going during the sunset hour can cost $100 each.

Ticketmaster’s Dynamic Pricing Model can change ticket prices in the middle of the on-sale process based on demand. In the “old days,” which can be only 3 years ago, ticket prices for entertainment events were fixed, with different tiers based on seat location and venue capacity. This means that you can buy a ticket, for example, for $100 during a “pre-sale” event that can double in price 15 minutes later, based on demand. The “re-sale” sites like Stubhub can be even worse as ticketholders can jack up the price even more after or during the ticket sale period.

For the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no live in-person entertainment. I remember when major league baseball and NBA teams were playing in empty stadia with cardboard boxes in seats instead of fans. Once this ended, demand for live entertainment skyrocketed!

Live Nation statistics show live music stadium shows are up 60% this year over the first two months of 2024. Numerous artists are planning big tours for 2025, such as Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce (with Post Malone), Pitbull, Sabrina Carpenter, Billy Joe,l and AC/DC (in Europe, not the USA), to name a few.

Some tips to avoid being a victim of “Dynamic Pricing” are:
1. Pre-Sale: Try and budget your time accordingly so you can buy tickets as soon as the portal opens, before “Dynamic Pricing” kicks in.
2. Check Other US Cities: Often, other cities have much better pricing than major cities such as New York. For example, on 4/10/2021, we found much better-priced tickets for The Rolling Stones in Pittsburgh than in New York. We flew to Pittsburgh and stayed in a hotel for two nights for less than it cost to go to the show at MSG.
3. Check Other Countries: During the Taylor Swift “Eras Tour,” savvy concert goers flew to Poland for much better ticket pricing and got a mini vacation out of it for less than going to the USA.
In closing, it makes financial sense to do your homework when buying tickets for live entertainment! ENJOY the shows!
March 5, 2025
5 Tourist Traps to Avoid
There are so many fabulous places in the world to visit. Avoid the hype as these 5 tourists traps that are a waste of time!
1. Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England: This mysterious site may date as far back as 3000 bc. More than 1.3 million visited in 2014. It takes hours to get there and you can longer go into the central ring of stones. It’s a ton of tour buses with tourists walking in circles aimlessly!
2. Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota: Receives over 40 million visitors from around the globe each year. Expect heavy crowds and over-priced goods. Unless you are going on rides it’s a waste of time!
3. La Boca, Buenas Aires, Argentina: It’s a brightly painted neighborhood that attracts tourists looking to take tango lessons and photograph crayola-colored houses. It’s basically 1 fake-looking street painted to get tourists to visit the over-priced coffee shops, bars and restaurants.
4. Walk of Fame, Hollywood, California: It’s comprised of 15 blocks of Hollywood blvd and marked by commemorative stars in the sidewalk. Seedy sin city type crowds with hookers, dirty streets and solicitors everywhere.
5. Manneken Pis, Brussels, Belgium: Manneken Pis depicts a naked boy urinating in a fountain. For some this 17^th century sculpture is a work of art. For most this is a small statue that’s a waste of time!Are you prepared for your financial journey? Avoid the traps by contacting Robert today.
April 16, 2019
10 Reasons to Stay at the Bogota, Colombia BNB Inn
Colombia has an old stigma as a beautiful yet dangerous place to visit. Tourism is booming as there is so much culture and depth to this country. I strongly suggest staying at the Bogota Bed & Breakfast Inn.
1. Location: Nestled in cozy middle class Teusaquillo near the airport, downtown and the Bogota Botanical Garden. Downtown is 15 minutes and a $2-3 Uber ride anywhere. Easy one-hour flight to Medellin or Cartagena.
2. Safety and Security: 16 high-tech security cameras and a 500 lb. steel front door with remote, nice residential area.
3. Family-owned by a wonderful couple: Rick Estrada and Beatriz (Aunt B to me) Leon. Rick was born in Manhattan and grew up in Florida. Ex-military (USAF) he’s also a historian and runs the best tour. Bea, born in Cali (Colombia) and helped transform the community. They both speak fluent English and Spanish.
4. The Price is Right: The only true BNB in Bogota is under $100/night including breakfast, a briefing and fast free internet, business services and so much more…
5. Food: Omg the food is so good, they make breakfast to order. They cook traditional American, arepa with eggs and specialty dishes like Tamel. Also, excellent pizza and burgers as well as upscale restaurants are blocks away.
6. Clean and neat: They won the TripAdvisor Green Leader award for eco-friendliness. This place is spotless!
7. Sight-seeing galore: A plethora of options, Monserrate mountain, Nemocon salt mine (“Los 33” Antonio Banderas Chilean minor’s movie was filmed there), graffiti walking tour, gold museum and Guatevita the flooded city.
8. People and the scene: Cosmopolitan capital Bogota is home to warm, welcoming people who appreciate a small effort to speak Spanish. The city offers culinary, art and live music scenes that rival Buenos Aires or Mexico.
9. The “Rick Special Tour”: I suggest taking this tour the first 2-3 days in Bogota. Rick can customize the trip based on your interests. An encyclopedia of knowledge, he will give you a great picture of Colombia’s history past to present.
10. Feels like home: Unlimited library of music, I felt comfortable for 9 days wearing my PJ’s (pants only) around the house. Where else can you text the owners on WhatsApp and get prompt answers? Click the website above for video on each room and book the reservation!
April 2, 2019
5 Reasons to Visit Sicily
If there’s one place I love to visit it is ‘old country’, Sicily that is. If there is one destination that is ‘bucket list worthy’ it is Sicily.
1. Taormina: Sicily’s greatest resort, Taormina was built on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea. With great shopping and panoramic views of the sea and Mount Etna, Taormina is a must for Sicily visitors.
2. Mount Etna: The tallest active volcano in Europe, Etna offers a variety of different hikes. I was actually on the mountain in 1994 which was the last time it erupted.
3. Syracuse and Ortygia: Siracusa is a dramatic mix of old and new. It was once a key city in the Greek empire. Ortygia, thousands of years old is known as the old city. Having been bombed several times, Ortygia was rebuilt in what is called Sicilian Baroque. These wonderful places can be seen on the same day.
4. The Godfather tour: In Fiumefreddo (cold river) it’s about a 30-minute drive from Taormina. I haven’t seen it advertised, however, it’s a must for Godfather fans. The most famous scene shot there is when Michael’s Sicilian wife Appolonia blew up in a car meant for Michael. The property owner, Franco Platania was on the set as a kid in 1971 when Godfather 1 was filmed.
5. Food and wine: I have had several of my best all-time dishes in Sicily including Tiramisu and rice balls. Sicily is a must especially if you have been to Italy as many feel that it’s a different country!
February 12, 2019
5 Things to do on a Budget in New York City
NYC is a great place to visit however it can burn a hold in your wallet

Check out these options!
1. Top of the Rock Observation Deck and MOMA (Museum of Modern Art). You can get a combination ticket to visit both for $44 total and can even go on different days.
2. Museum of Moving Images. in queens just went through a multi-million dollar upgrade with the most collectible from tv/film. Adults $15 and kids get in for $9 ages 3-17.
3. Coney Island. home of the new Luna park where a 4 hour unlimited wristband can be purchased for $40, fixed date in advance for $29. While there you can see a Brooklyn cyclone baseball game for $20 or less and the aquarium with the new shark exhibit is currently half price $15 for adults, $12 for kids.
4. Rockaway Beach. Admission is free and parking at Jacob Riis park is
$10/day and $65 for the summer. Ride the waves, sunbathe, baseball basketball and various activities are available with no charge. Hidden gem.
1. Central Park. entrance is free and there are a variety of things to do or just relax or picnic on the great lawn.
Contact Robert today for your personal review of your budget, financial plan & financial freedom here today.
July 18, 2018
8 Fun facts about ML Baseball Spring Training
This week pitchers and catchers report for spring training. I get excited because the baseball season is beginning and winter is ending. These minor league stadiums are a lot of fun to visit. Enjoy these tidbits!
1. The Florida “Grapefruit league” and Arizona “Cactus league” are a 50/50 split which 15 teams training in each state.
2. Do you want a closer look at your favorite players than from your seat? Visit their spring training stadium where access rules are very lax.
3. George M. Steinbrenner Field (Tampa) has the same outfield dimensions as Yankee Stadium. It also sits directly across the street from Raymond James Stadium where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play.
4. Surprise Stadium (Royals and Rangers) in Arizona has a merry-go-round in the right-field concourse.
5. The foul poles at Phoenix Municipal Stadium (Athletics) were originally used at the polo grounds.
6. Fans attending Blue Jay’s games in Dunedin, Florida get to hear both the Canadian and USA’s national anthems. They also have Labatt’s beer on tap at Florida auto exchange stadium.
7. Bright House Network field in Clearwater, Fla. Caters to Phillies fans serving Philly cheese steaks and Yuengling beer.
8. In 2017 the “Ballpark of Palm Beaches” (West Palm Beach, Fla.) will open and be the new home of the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals.
  
  To hit a home-run with your personal finances contact Robert here today.
February 20, 2018
10 Dirt Cheap Places to buy a Vacation Home

This article looks at places both in the USA and around the world where you can purchase a home and live in relative luxury on a poor man’s salary.

1. Argentina: Argentina has been a tourist mecca for generations and is a great producer of wine. A 1500 sq, foot home can be had for about $140,000. The cost of living is a fraction of anywhere in the US and it has the amenities that many Americans and Europeans expect.

2. Mexico: Americans have known for a long time how inexpensive Mexico is as many Americans relocate, vacation and get medical treatment there. For about $700/ month you can find a nice 1-2 bedroom home near a tourist area including internet and sightseeing.

3. Quito, Ecuador: Some great things about Quito is that it’s already an ex-pat US destination and is uses the American dollar for currency. There are places along the coast which are similar to US places. Also, food is so cheap that it costs less to eat all meals out in restaurants than it would cost to go to the supermarket and cook for yourself at home.

4. Cambodia: Cambodia is super cheap! A full-time housekeeper costs about $120/month. A 4 room villa with a pool costs about $600/month and about $7/day to eat all meals out in most areas. About $20,000 will buy you a nice 3 bedroom home on 1 or more acres.

5. Vietnam: Vietnam has become a tourist destination. You used to have to own a business to buy property however those rules have been relaxed. For $25,000-$50,000 you can find a nice home in or near a resort area. Food is very cheap as is labor so you can have a cook when there. Also, because of demand, it’s easy to rent the house out.

6. Thailand: Thailand is a legendary tourist destination for food, nightlife and amenities. Like Vietnam, it’s easier to buy property now. For $30,000 you can buy a high-rise condo with amazing views. For $60,000 you can buy a 2-3 bedroom home with a beautiful garden and pool.

7. Bulgaria: Bulgaria is stunning from the ancient architecture to the surrounding hills and countryside. For $1,000/month you can live in comfort and like a king for $1500/month. The average monthly salary is about $800 and for $20,000 you can buy a very nice home.

8. Budapest, Hungary: Hungary is one of the oldest and architecturally stunning places in the world. A $1,000 sq. foot home with some land runs about $90,000. The people are kind and hospitable and there are about 50,000 ex-pats living in Budapest alone.

9. Mississippi, USA: Mississippi offers comparable prices to Budapest and Bulgaria. A plush 3 bedroom house can be had for $80,000. The north offers music and jazz while the south has beaches and gambling. There is great weather year round and cultural diversity.

10. Louisiana: Louisiana offers a combination of southern charm and Cajun flavor. You can buy a fully renovated historic 1800’s home for under $100,000. There is fantastic wildlife and you can hire a cook for half the price of eating out.

November 15, 2017
6 London Attractions to See on a Budget

6 great attractions in London on a budget

After a ten day visit, I can say that London is a fantastic place to visit however it can burn a hole in your wallet or purse. Today’s exchange rate is about $1.50 US dollars for every 1 pound (Lb).

Check out these 6 FREE must see options below:

1. The British Museum: Ranked #15 of top 25 places to visit in the “world” in lonely planet’s august 2015 survey. It’s 1 of only 2 museums listed (the other is in Australia). This massive museum houses priceless artifacts from all 7 continents. It’s set up by country and subdivided by era. It’s also free! Was so nice I went twice. They suggest a 5-pound donation however not mandatory.

The Borough Market, London

2. Borough Market: A hidden gem located walking distance from London Bridge. Words don’t describe how interesting it is (see my FB pictures). Before 5 pm the market is loaded with tasty treats. Some of the best cheeses I’ve ever had. After 5 pm it’s filled with locals getting out of work.

3. Tate Modern Museum: an art gallery with pieces (Picasso’s and Warhol’s) mostly from 1900-present and is 1 of 4 Tate galleries in the UK. There’s a great balcony for pictures of the Thames river and St. Paul’s. It’s located a short walk over the millennium bridge across from St. Paul’s cathedral. It’s about 75% free as there’s one floor with current exhibits that they charge for. Also, check out the lounge area with couches the unique activities for the kids. They can draw and be creative and see their drawings projected onto the wall. A 4-pound donation suggested not mandatory.

4. Camden town: Reminds me of our Greenwich village in Manhattan. Cool hipster edgy area with interesting vintage clothing shopping and people watching. Go to their Camden market which used to be horse stables that were converted into many little unique booths. Great place to find the same goods as centre city London for less than half the price. For you shopaholics (you know who you are, lol) also visit Harrods department store. It takes Saks 5th avenue to a whole new level.

5. The National Gallery: This gallery has one of the best collections of paintings in the world. Read the captions as I was interested to see some of the pieces were given to the gallery in lieu of paying estate (inheritance) taxes. It’s located in Trafalgar square which is a really fun place to just walk around. The architecture is breathtaking!

6. London Rock Tour: This is a bonus tidbit although it’s not free. There are two different mini-bus tours 9-1 and 2-6 that cost about $50 each. They are run by a former band promoter named Bob. Go to Abbey road and abbey road studios. See Paul McCartney’s house, the Rolling Stones sticky fingers restaurant and get great stories of these British bands on their way up.

Contact Rob here for your free financial review today

April 26, 2017
5 reasons to visit Sorrento
Wedged on a ledge under the mountains and over the Mediterranean, Sorrento is long and narrow. Sorrento is reasonably priced and can be done either as a day trip or 1-2 nights will suffice.
1. Stunning Cliffside views: Spectacular stretch of coastline over the bay of Naples and near Capri.
  Shopping in Old Town Sorrento
2. Lemons and Limoncello: Sorrento takes it to the next level serving all types of edibles with limoncello inside. Be careful as alcohol contents range from 14-24% potent levels for sure!
3. Old Sorrento town: Very pleasant old city where many people speak English. Streets are narrow with colorful shops and quaint trattorias.
4. Shopping: Wide variety of shops offering everything from leather goods, homemade sandals to creative olive and lemon products.
5. Sightseeing: Easy to walk Sorrento boasts a wealth of elegant historic architecture, Greek, Roman and Medieval buildings
November 22, 2016
10 Fun & Not So Fun Facts About Puerto Rico

After 20+ years I just spent a week at the El San Juan and learned that it’s not what it used to be. Here’s what I found.

streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico

1. Leave your passport home: PR is a U.S. territory hence, you can ditch your passport! Bring a valid / current photo ID though.

2. The drinking age is 18 and currency is U.S. dollar: It makes things very easy to buy what you forgot to pack.

3. There are 5 Miss Universe winners from PR: Unfortunately, I didn’t see any of them at the beach.

4. PR has 270 miles of beaches and is an archipelago: which means there are more islands to explore.

5. The west coast of PR has some of the best surfing and diving in all of the Caribbean: A hidden gem for sure.

6. PR has some of the best coffee in the world: Having been on 5 of the 7 continents I rate them in my top 5.

7. PR is the home of the world’s largest telescope: It’s called the Arecibo Observatory.

8. PR is almost always between 70 to 80 degrees year round: Weather is steady but no guarantee. We were just had 2 of 7 days that were sunny. We did find that the humidity seemed lower and less bugs than before.

9. PR is in deep debt that is currently $72B: Old town San Juan was noticeably run down with many closed businesses and less people. There was actually a shortage of luggage earlier this year because so many people are leaving the island.

Zip line fun in Puerto Rico

10. Currently, PR has no bankruptcy protection: PR is in a deep recession and there’s no guarantee that the USA will bail them out. They are having elections in may and corruption is rampant. The relationship between the U.S. and PR is a “tricky” one. We shall see how it plays out.

In summary, PR is still a fun place to visit. That being said if you were there years ago like us you will notice the difference and might be disappointed!

April 29, 2016