A wise friend once told us that it really is our choice whether we live in poverty or in prosperity. You can spend your life in a welfare line or you can grab the bull by the horns and live a life that involves seeing the world, traveling by charter jet, having money in your pockets, and so many of the better things in life.

Don’t get us wrong; we’re not saying that you can just choose to be prosperous today and jump onto a private charter jet tomorrow for some tropical island where you wile away the rest of your days in comfort and luxury. We all know that life just doesn’t work that way. What we are saying, though, is that you can have the better things in life if you make the choices that will lead to them.

Everyone’s situation is different, so there’s no way we could tell you exactly what you need to do to live the kind of lifestyle you’d like to live. What we can do, though, is give you some general ideas that can help you start living a life of prosperity:

• Eliminate the poverty mindset. Poverty is like a disease of the brain. Once you have it in your head that you’ll only have enough to get by (or worse, won’t even have that), you’re going to start living as if that were true. Most impoverished people spend every dime that comes their way. But you don’t have to. Start using a percentage of your money to work for you, whether you invest it, start a business, or even just put it into a quality savings vehicle.
• Set goals. No one plans to be a financial failure. It happens fairly easily because people fail to plan. No one would get in the car and start randomly driving and expect to get anywhere. Map out your future. Start taking control. Even if you can only take small steps at first, map them out and take them.
• Be generous. Contrary to popular belief, most wealthy people are fairly generous. We believe that part of the reason for that boils down to an age old truth: what goes around comes around, what you sow, you reap, and those who give, receive. We’re not trying to pass an offering plate like a tent revivalist, but we do suggest that you make charitable giving a regular part of your life. If nothing else, it instills a sense of discipline with your finances that translates well into other financial dealings.
• Be your own boss. No one is going to give you anything if they don’t have to. While there’s nothing wrong with steady employment, it’s much better to have at least part of your income from your own business or investments.

Prosperity is a choice. Rather, it’s the result of a series of quality choices that only you can make for yourself.

Saving money and charter jet flight are two phrases you won’t see in the same sentence very often. Yet while it’s true that chartering a jet is going to cost you more money than flying coach, or even first class, there are ways for a savvy flyer to enjoy the comfort of a chartered flight and still save a few (thousand) bucks.

Do you want to know a secret?

Here’s the dirty little secret: more often than not (around 60% of the time, actually), charter jets fly without passengers. Often, this is because they are simply returning after dropping off a one way customer. At other times, this is because they are carrying cargo instead of live passengers. In either case, they are going to be making the same trip, whether they have you on board or not.

Often, you can get a great price on a charter jet flight by simply asking the company if they have any “empty leg” flights going your way. If an empty charter jet happens to be headed the direction you want to go, you can usually negotiate a very good deal on the flight.

How much can I save?

Savings typically run in the 20%-25% range, but if you stand your ground you can often get an even better deal. After all, the jet is going to be making the trip and burning the fuel anyway. It simply makes sense for them to take on a passenger at any reasonable price if they have the opportunity to do so.

Of course, this often means that you will need to work around their schedule a bit. Still, if you’re not in a particular hurry, there’s no reason to pay full price for a chartered flight if you can hop an empty leg flight instead.

Can I really do this?

Your chances of hitching a ride on an empty leg flight go up dramatically if you’re traveling along the beaten path. Your chances of catching a charter jet going where you want to go aren’t quite so good if you are traveling to (or from) one of the less popular destinations. Of course, it never hurts to ask. Unless you’ve already made travel plans, it’s always a good idea to check to see if you can catch an empty leg flight.

Today, you’re flying in a charter jet to Stockholm. With any luck, tomorrow your destination could be the moon. While we’re not there yet, private companies are working furiously to begin a new space tourism industry that could offer you travel opportunities which are (quite literally) out of this world.

Recently, Virgin Galactic, one of several private companies hoping to break into the emerging space tourism industry, conducted its first manned flight over 45,000 feet above the earth’s surface. While this is only a start, it holds a great deal of promise for people hoping to one day fly into space.

So much hope, as a matter of fact, that many are already shelling out the $20,000 it takes to put a deposit down on a space tourism flight. That’s right, 20 grand is just the deposit. The flight itself is expected to cost in the neighborhood of $200,000 (and you thought a charter jet was pricey).

Of course, while most people don’t have 200 grand sitting around for a vacation, you have to consider that this is really a once in a lifetime opportunity. We mean, really, who hasn’t dreamt of flying into space? And to think that it might be a real possibility in the next couple of years.

What’s more, the deposit (which is actually refundable) allows you a great deal of access to the workings of Virgin Galactic, including involvement in media events, tours of the research and manufacturing facilities, and VIP invitations to locations such as:

• The Caribbean Islands. Virgin Galactic holds astronaut forums there at the home of Sir Richard Branson.
• South Africa. We’re not sure what it has to do with traveling to space, but being invited to a South African game reserve is certainly not a bad little perk.
• Scaled Composites. The site where much of the R&D is done is available to you at times.

Of course, when you are invited to one of the VIP events, you’ll want to take a charter jet. It just wouldn’t look quite right flying coach to go to an astronaut meeting regarding your impending vacation to outer space.

Using a charter jet has become a real possibility for many who would not have even considered it just a few years ago. With the increase in problems and prices from the larger airlines, taking a private charter has become a much more sensible option for business professionals with a need to get where they are going quickly.

Of course, this means that charter jet companies have been expanding. It doesn’t take an economics major to figure out that the increasing demand for private flights leads to many new job opportunities in the charter jet industry. While there are many opportunities available, here are some of the best careers available for those who want to work with charter jets:

• Pilots. With more flights taking off, it’s three shades of obvious that more jet pilots are needed. Those with experience flying smaller jet aircraft are especially in demand, and former military pilots will find themselves with a host of opportunities.
• Hospitality/ Flight Attendants. While not all private flights make use of a hostess, those which do are looking for the best. If you have experience as a flight attendant with an airline and want better working conditions and higher pay, you may consider looking into working with a charter jet service.
• Brokers. Private charter jet brokers serve to match clients with an appropriate private flight. A high degree of professionalism and ability to market the company’s charter services is required for this kind of position. These positions basically boil down to sales positions, albeit with a very upscale clientele. Those with strong sales or marketing experience can often land thee positions even without prior experience in the airline or charter jet industry.

Regardless of what specific position you are seeking, the charter jet industry is a global industry. This will likely require you to be willing to move around as the company’s needs dictate. Pilots and flight attendants, of course, travel as part of their day to day careers.

Pay in the private charter jet industry is comparable to what you can expect to make with the major airlines, in most cases. Of course, pay for pilots and flight attendants is largely dependant upon how much you fly. Brokers are often paid partly or entirely by commission.

If you’re involved in international business on a global level, chances are that you’ve spent plenty of time in airports. If you fly on the commercial airlines, you can spend untold hours waiting for flights to take off or dealing with other delays. Even if you take a charter jet, you’ve probably spent more time than you’d care to admit in many of the world’s 49,000 airports.

Of course, some airports are better than others, both in terms of comfort and amenities and in terms of how long you typically have to wait. In our experience, the smaller, private airports are much offer much better service if you’re taking a charter jet. Inevitably, though, we all get stuck in the big airports one in a while. Here are the world’s 10 biggest, busiest airports:

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, this is the major stop into and out of the Eastern United States.
2. Beijing Capitol Int’l Airport. Located in the heart of Beijing, this airport is a testament to the fact that the world’s largest country (in terms of population) has become a major player in the world of business, and in terms of international flights.
3. O’Hare Int’l Airport. Located in Chicago, Illinois, O’Hare is a major hub and if you fly anywhere within the US, you’ll probably spend a lot of time there. Of course, using a private charter jet will eliminate a lot of layover in busy airports like O’Hare.
4. Heathrow Airport. London’s airport is the UK’s busiest, and the 4^th busies in the world. It goes without saying that many business flights come to and from Heathrow.
5. Tokyo Int’l. By far the busiest airport in Japan and the 2^nd busiest in Asia, Tokyo.Ironically, most of the air traffic to and from Tokyo International is domestic. Tokyo has a different airport for international travelers. However, many charters do fly into and out of Tokyo from Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
6. LA Int’l. The major point of entry or departure on the US West Coast, Los Angeles International. Of course, if you’re on a private jet, you can bypass LAX in favor of one of several smaller airports which are closer to business and recreational interests.
7. Dallas-Ft. Worth. This is actually the world’s largest, if you’re only considering runways that don’t intersect. It’s also considered by many as the world’s best airport for cargo and freight. Incidentally, as large airports go, it isn’t too bad for passengers, either.

Aurora Aviation, a charter jet operator, is hosting a “Challenge Air Fly-Day” event on August 7^th so that kids with disabilities will have the chance to experience the thrill of flying. The event is the result of a partnership between Aurora Aviation and Challenge Air for Kids and Friends.

Based in Dallas, Texas, Challenge Air for Kids and Friends, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. They offer motivational and inspirational experiences to children and youth living with disabilities and serious illnesses through free aviation-related events. The charity was founded in 1993 by Rick Amber, who lost the use of his legs after his fighter jet crashed in Vietnam.

Challenge Air Fly-Day events have taken place from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles in the past few years, offering kids with disabilities and severe illnesses an experience of a lifetime. In partnership with numerous charter jet operators, Challenge Air for Kids and Friends hopes to inspire young people facing incredible challenges that are all too familiar for Amber. The group’s founder also hopes to foster confidence in these young people by sharing his dream of flying.

Many of the children are able to briefly take control of the charter jet aircraft during their half-hour flight, which gives them an exhilarating taste of what flying a charter jet can feel like. It also builds confidence when young people with disabilities see that they are able to do something so cool.

“Our mission is to inspire and build self-esteem in children with disabilities,” said Leana Gibson, West Coast Director of Challenge Air. “They realize that they can fly an airplane. They can do anything.”

Parents and families say the benefits are obvious, since it lets the children try new things – things they probably never dreamed they could do. It also allows the children to feel “normal” for a little while.

“It helps Sebastian know he’s not the only one,” says Sibelia Chalyahat, mother of one of the children who took part in the event. “There’s other children with problems. It’s not a big deal.”

To find out if Challenge Air has a Fly Day in your area, check the organization’s website.

Protecting the environment is everyone’s concern these days, and we all know that driving cars and flying in airplanes produce greenhouse gases. Luckily, charter jet companies and private plane manufacturers are looking for more ways to go green. The effort is in response to environmental concerns, which are important many of the industry’s VIP customers.

Politicians, Hollywood celebrities, and business leaders alike need to focus on the environmental, as well as financial costs, of doing their thing. They also have to protect their public image and not be seen as heavy polluters. All these factors mean that charter jet customers are putting pressure on the industry to be more environmentally neutral, or to at least have less of a negative impact on the earth. The result is a new direction for manufacturers of charter jets.

Aircraft manufacturers are now leading the charge to greater fuel efficiency as well as the transition to alternative energy sources.

• By taking advantage of government matching programs that reward investments to develop environmentally sound aircraft, Boeing recently launched its ecoDemonstrator Program for accelerating environmental technologies. The program is meant to emphasize up-and-coming technologies in the areas of fuel efficiency, noise reduction and operational efficiency, while at the same time developing technologies for aviation applications at a faster pace than before.
• The Swiss are also getting in on the action. The Solar Impulse is an experimental, fully solar-powered aircraft. It recently completed its first 24-hour test flight successfully, after having aced its earlier, shorter tests. This recent milestone comes after seven years of research and development, to the delight of solar engineers and aviation specialists everywhere.
• Not to be outdone, the British Zephyr, a solar-powered high-altitude long-endurance (Hale) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), recently topped the endurance record for any UAV. It has flown nonstop now for at least seven days, besting the existing record by 400%, and it’s still in the air. The team’s project manager, Jon Saltmarsh, said Zephyr would be brought down only after it had flown nonstop for at least two weeks.

None of these applications is available to private charter jet customers just yet. Most of the aircraft are experimental, and the programs are research-oriented. However, we think it’s just a matter of time before charter jets will also be able to take advantage of a number of these eco-friendly technologies.

With so many business travelers flying by charter jet these days, the industry is adding more and more flexible options to keep rates competitive. Gone are the days when chartering a flight meant paying full price. Several business models have emerged in recent years that are making private charter jet options more accessible and affordable for the average business traveler.

Aircraft Management Services

The global economic crisis has put pressure on companies to get rid of their corporate jets, but it hasn’t eliminated the need for private jetaservices. For companies who haven’t yet abandoned their corporate fleets, but want to stabilize the costs of maintaining their aircraft, there are aircraft management services. These companies provide the personnel, aircraft hangers, and maintenance facilities to corporate owners.

Partial Ownership Programs

Instead of outright ownership of corporate fleets, some companies are opting for partial aircraft ownership. It works kind of like an airplane timeshare. They still have some upfront costs, but they enjoy low rates for air time. On the other hand, they must pay certain maintenance costs or membership fees, and have to coordinate travel with other participants.

Jet Card Membership Programs

One highly flexible service is a private jet membership card program. Usually run by charter jet brokers, these programs allow members to purchase airtime on a particular class of aircraft at flat rates. Typically, the airtime can be bought in increments of 25 hours and up, with no blackout dates and no expiration. For companies in frequent need of private jets, these jet cards can offer great savings.

Ride Sharing

Are you going my way? A new program offered by WannaJet offers a kind of charter jet on-demand service for certain limited areas. WannaJet allows travelers to post an itinerary on its website, or join a charter already scheduled. It makes the trip affordable by splitting the costs among four to six passengers. Travelers can expect to save up to 20% off of standard charter jet rates, making the ticket price comparable to flying business class, in some cases.

WannaJet is currently servicing 25 flight paths, limited to three-hour distances. They charge no membership fees, and offer perks for frequent customers.

Everyone could use a little help in the dating game, and nothing will impress your lover more than a trip to one of these great romantic getaway spots. Make the weekend even more memorable when you whisk him or her away on a charter jet for the absolute best in a luxury vacation.

1. Anguilla, British West Indies

Probably the best-kept secret in the Caribbean, Anguilla offers 33 beaches and plenty of privacy. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, this island is for you. With only 10,000 inhabitants and one stop-light, you can really get away from it all with a charter jet flight to Anguilla. When you’re ready to poke around for some fun, take the short 20-minute ferry ride to St. Martin for shopping, dining, nightlife, and more.

1. Paris, France

Paris has always been considered the most romantic city, and for good reason. The hotels offer special packages for honeymoons and other romantic occasions, and there’s no end of places to go and things to see together. The food is fabulous and the art museums second to none. For a longer list of suggestions on what to do in Paris, impress your lover with these ideas.

1. Shimla, India

If you’re looking for something a little more exotic, take him to the Wildflower Hall. Nestled in the mists of the Himalayas on 23 acres of virgin woods, this little getaway spot is more than a little out of the way. It may take some extra time to get there, but the serene views and secluded luxury are well worth it.

1. Venice, Italy

Don’t underestimate the impact of a gondola ride through this beautiful city. The architecture alone is worth the trip, and if you’re lovers of art, you’re in for a treat. Venice has the most masterpieces per square mile anywhere on the planet. Plan your trip during Carnival season for the most excitement, or October through February for the upmost in privacy.

1. Bali, Indonesia

The island offers exotic appeal from every direction. Wander the many beaches, see the waterfalls and rainforests, or sightsee among the ancient temples with a guided tour. If you’re looking for more seclusion, stay in all day at a five-star resort. This island has the best of everything for couples. Arrive by charter jet to make the most out of this romantic destination.

Couples that have good relationships know what it takes to keep the spark alive, and one thing that is a great thing for any relationship is getting a romantic weekend together at least every few months or so. As you get older and have kids it tends to get harder to find the time, as well as finding babysitters for a whole weekend, but taking the time to plan weekends away every once in a while should be a priority as well, because in order to be happy couples need this type of getaway. Here are some great ideas for romantic weekend getaways, so if you haven’t had a weekend away with your loved one in a while hopefully some of these posts will inspire you.

1. Holiday Apartments – Big cities like Manhattan, Las Vegas, and Lake Placid are sometimes the most romantic  places to getaway for a weekend to get lost in the crowds and have time to yourselves.
2. Suite 101 – Romantic weekend getaways can be found right here in the United States from Saratoga, New York to Maui , Hawaii and this site lists a few of their favorites full of history and romance.
3. Mystagogue – This is a list of the best places in New Jersey to bring your significant other on a romantic weekend getaway and where to stay to get the most of your weekend.
4. Easy Hiking Guide – This is a blog about finding romance on a weekend hiking adventure.
5. Blog Weekend – This blog has a few favorite romantic weekend getaway hot spots in Europe such as Paris, Malta, and Vienna.
6. My Power Leveling Blog – This blog suggests winery tours, whale watching cruises, and more as the perfect romantic weekend getaway in Anaheim, California or where available in your area.
7. Vacation Idea – This is a blog dedicated to the best romantic weekend getaways found all over California.
8. Money Crashers – There are some very good tips here about finding great deals, adventure, and perfect romantic weekend destinations right in your own neighborhood.
9. Life Love Beauty – This blog has 7 suggestions for activities and destinations that are close to you no matter where you may live in the United States.
10. Loving You – This blog has 4 romantic weekend getaway suggestions from little cabins tucked in the Smokies to a bed and breakfast in Atlanta.
11. Away from the Maddening Crowd – This post includes 6 suggestions for how to make a weekend getaway romantic and memorable.
12. Couples Resorts Online – There are lots of ideas for romantic weekend getaways, activities, and more all for very little money in this post.
13. Travel + Leisure – This blog has pictures and descriptions of what the author feels are the 50 best romantic weekend getaway destinations all over the world.
14. Private jet Charter – This is a blog that has many, many suggestions for surprising that special spouse for a romantic weekend getaway.
15. Local Getaways – This is a blog about what the beautiful Tri-Valley region of San Francisco has to offer lovers on a romantic getaway weekend.
16. New York Romantic Getaway – This is blog specifically shares information about short-term cruises for romantic weekend getaways.
17. Wedding-Surrey – This is a post about some favorite destinations that are perfect for honeymooners, valentines, and romantic weekend getaways.
18. Wadialny – Listed here are 10 great ideas for romantic weekend getaways from a quaint bed and breakfast to an exciting weekend at the casino.
19. Travel Everywhere – This is a nice blog about romantic weekend getaway destinations that the state of Virginia has to offer.
20. Everyone Loves to Travel – This blog has 3 easy and affordable options for romantic weekend getaways in Baltimore.
21. Compare Cruises – This is a blog that gives great information about two, three, and four day cruises and why they are affordable and memorable romantic weekend cruises.
22. Flexijourney – This is a great blog that includes pictures and descriptions of 45 of Europe’s most attractive romantic weekend getaway spots.
23. Love’s Gumbo – This is a blog that explains why Labor Day weekend is perfect for couples who want to reignite their romantic side and includes plenty of links for events around the United States.
24. Romantic Best – This is a great blog about adventure-filled romantic getaways like ATVing, white water rafting, and scuba diving.
25. The Wonderous – This is a blog that lists the author’s favorite romantic weekend getaway hotels for those who don’t plan on leaving their lover’s side.
26. Pursuitist – This is a blog about the author’s favorite 10 romantic hotels that are perfect for a weekend alone.
27. Daily Knowledge Tree – This post makes some suggestions for those who want nothing but the best and those who have a more modest budget for their romantic weekend getaway.
28. Indonesia Media – Romantic hotels and all of their amenities from around the world are featured in this blog as the perfect weekend away for couples.
29. Daily Trend News – This blog is a guide for what couples can do on their romantic weekend getaway in Virginia Beach.
30. American River Rafting – This is a great resource for anyone who is looking for a romantic weekend getaway in Michigan.
31. Eyes on Elders – This blog has some suggestions of romantic getaway destinations and tips on how to make your weekend the most enjoyable.
32. Motivate Love – In this blog, the author suggests that adding a few touching to your backyard can provide the perfect romantic weekend getaway literally right in your backyard.
33. Maine Kayaking – This is a blog that suggests adventurous activities for those who are not looking to cuddle up in a quiet hotel room for their romantic weekend getaway.
34. My Dear Valentine – This blog has a lot of great ideas for surprising your loved one with a romantic weekend getaway.
35. Ron Edmondson – This is a personal blog about why bed and breakfasts are great for romantic weekend getaways.
36. Excellent Romantic Vacations – This blog is great for anyone interested in a romantic weekend getaway to Atlantic City.
37. VisitNJShore – This is a post that has a lot of information about activities for a romantic weekend getaway to the Jersey Shore.
38. The Romantic – This blog includes suggestions for a romantic weekend getaway to New York City.
39. Confidence Secret of the Stars – This blog shares ideas for couples in non-traditional relationships looking for a romantic weekend getaway such as cruises or booking travel for LGBT hot spots.
40. Ideas for a Date – This is a blog that lists what Dallas, Texas has to offer a couple looking for a romantic weekend getaway.
41. Travel Talk – Some examples of beautiful destinations for romantic weekend getaways all over the world.
42. Europe Air Fare – This is a blog with a lot of great suggestions about how to get the most out of your New York City romantic weekend getaway.
43. Frugal Save Wave – This is a blog about saving money with fun activities to share with your loved one on a romantic weekend getaway.
44. Miranda Gardens Resort – The author of this blog shares their opinion of what the 6 most beautiful and breathtaking romantic weekend getaway spots are within the United States.
45. Across and Abroad – This is a guide to great couples destinations in North America.
46. All Massage Needs – This blog lists 6 American cities that are known for romantic appeal and are attractive to couples looking to get away for the weekend.
47. I Want to Fall in Love – This is a blog with ideas for romantic weekend getaways in the Midwestern United States.
48. Travel Guide Utah – This blog provides the reader with a guide to outdoor activities that couples can enjoy together on romantic weekend getaways.
49. Coldsip – This blog lists 6 weekend getaway retreats in Alaska for couples looking for romance.
50. Wandermelon – This blog has detailed information about very romantic weekend destinations from California to the Caribbean.

Image Credits: René Ehrhardt