Author: Crystal Waston

I'm a travel and lifestyle expert and content strategist. In this Transformative Travel column, we look at how travel can transform lives. Introduces movers and shakers and highlights trends and destinations that appeal to the modern traveler.

Franchisees of McDonald’s who decide to open new restaurants will soon face an increase in their royalty fees. Starting on January 1st, the fast-food giant will raise these fees from 4% to 5%. This marks the first time in almost thirty years that McDonald’s has opted to raise its royalty fees. This alteration will not have an impact on current franchisees who are maintaining their existing establishments or those who are acquiring a franchised location from another operator. Furthermore, it will not apply to establishments that are being rebuilt or to restaurants that are being transferred within family circles. Nevertheless,…

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Many Airbnb guests staying in New York City during the upcoming holiday season are now looking for other accommodations. According to the report, the company announced that it plans to withdraw and refund the remaining invoices after December 1. It was decided to respond to new regulations from September 5 to limit short-term restrictions in the city. The law, which has sparked controversy among tourists and short-term rental property owners, requires owners to stay on the property for 30 days or less and allow two guests at any time. Additionally, hosts must be registered and approved by the municipality, and…

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New dining destinations, California’s constantly changing food scene is a lively mixture of innovation and the blending of variety cultures. It goes more than just basic food, serving as a energetic mirror of the state’s creativity, commitment to environmental, and its profound respect for a wide range of flavors and traditions. Enjoy in variety food journeys at these five recently established dining establishments that pay homage to taste, culture, and creative food. From a focus on farm-to-table principles and global inspirations to refined classics and daring fusions, each restaurant promises a distinct and exceptional dining experience. 1. The Newly-Opened Kiln,…

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In China, Jack Ma officially holds the title of the richest individual, with a net worth of $25 billion. He possesses a 7.8% share in Alibaba and a 50% stake in Alipay. Astonishingly, Alibaba’s value surpasses that of Facebook, and the combined volume of goods traded through Alibaba exceeds that of Amazon and eBay. Despite these impressive achievements and numbers, Jack Ma encountered significant challenges in his life, making his story genuinely inspiring and relatable to many. Childhood and Early Years of Jack Ma Jack Ma’s life started with a simple upbringing, and he put in relentless effort to become…

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American citizens, are facing increased expenses in vital areas like groceries, utility bills, and fuel due to a 3.2% increase in consumer inflation over the past year, up to July. This situation is compounded by the latest job report, which revealed the addition of only 187,000 jobs in August, pushing unemployment up to 3.8%. These combined factors are putting pressure on the finances of single-person households. To assess the cost of living, Recently a survey examining the annual living expenses for single individuals in all 50 states. The States With the Highest Living Costs Hawaii $108,847 Massachusetts $84,520 California $76,810…

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Although people often say that love doesn’t come with a price tag, weddings present a different picture. In 2022, couples in the United States spent an average of almost $30,000 on their weddings, as reported by The Knot, a popular wedding website. However, this wasn’t always the norm. Back in the 1950s, the “Complete Guide to Wedding Etiquette” advised couples to set aside (which is around $38 or $482 when adjusted for inflation) to cover reception costs, including alcohol. Interestingly, it’s even possible to have a more affordable wedding in today’s world. What’s Included in a $15 Wedding Package The…

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Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 19th, as we have two exciting events lined up! Join at Bell Community Garden for an informative session focused on the advantages of involving children in the process of cultivating and cooking food. Discover strategies for designing a home or school garden tailored to this purpose, along with valuable insights on preparing meals alongside children. Together, create a nourishing garden snack, and all participants will receive a collection of recipes and useful materials to take home. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to stay for a tomato tasting, a communal potluck, and engaging, kid-friendly…

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Bernard Arnault stands among the wealthiest individuals globally. The French investor, entrepreneur, and leader of the esteemed luxury brand conglomerate LVMH, has recently regained his position ahead of other notable billionaires such as Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. The exceptional business expertise and once more financial feats achieved by Arnault deserve significant recognition. Bernard Arnault’s net worth is estimated at around $191 billion. Therefore, delving into the journey of this visionary tastemaker, our intention is to explore the evolution of the legendary figure. So, if you’re prepared to commence the exploration of Bernard Arnault’s motivating tale of victory and impressive…

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Familiar with setting world records, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa has achieved another remarkable feat. The latest accolade comes from a recent study, which crowned it as the most visited landmark worldwide, based on annual visitor count. An astonishing 17 million visitors make their way to the tallest tower on the planet each year. The platform meticulously examined search volumes and average visitor statistics for over 150 of the most renowned landmarks across the globe, aiming to determine which ones are garnering the highest global interest. Rising to an impressive height of 828 meters, which is three times taller than the iconic…

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Subway is offering a unique opportunity for one lucky fan to enjoy free sandwiches for the rest of their life. The fast food chain has revealed that any customer willing to legally change their first name to “Subway” will be eligible for this remarkable reward. If you’re interested in participating in this contest and make a commitment to officially change your first name. The offer is valid from August 1 until midnight on August 3. It’s important to note that this contest is open to customers who are 18 years of age or older in all 50 U.S. states and…

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