| In today's global society, having friends, | | | | Of course, be wary of giving your credit card |
| loved ones and business associates in other | | | | information to unknown companies in other |
| countries has become commonplace. | | | | countries. Stick to recognized florists you |
| Fortunately, new online technologies and | | | | know and trust.What is the best floral gift |
| innovative international florists make it | | | | to send? That depends on the occasion, |
| easier than ever to show you care and | | | | sentiment, season, and local customs. When |
| celebrate life's special moments with flowers | | | | it's winter in the northern hemisphere, it's |
| delivered worldwide.Flowers are a language | | | | summer in the southern hemisphere. So, |
| understood the world over, but until | | | | flower availability varies. Customs vary, |
| recently, sending flowers internationally was | | | | too. For example, in some countries white |
| difficult at best. Language barriers, time | | | | flowers are most appropriate for a funeral. |
| zone differences, currency exchange rates, | | | | In others, white flowers may be a sign of |
| seasonal variations in flower availability, | | | | disrespect. Similarly, in Western Europe and |
| and even differing local customs made flower | | | | much of the Far East, wrapped flowers are |
| sending across continents a daunting task. | | | | more popular gifts than arranged flowers. |
| Fortunately, all that has changed, thanks | | | | How do you navigate these kinds of |
| largely to advancements in global | | | | international issues? It's actually quite |
| telecommunications, the Internet, and | | | | easy, because the florists in each country |
| international florist networks. Today, | | | | are experts at what are the best values and |
| international flower delivery is surprisingly | | | | most appropriate styles in their locales. |
| easy to most major metropolitan areas of the | | | | Simply allow a little latitude, so they can |
| free world. Some of the countries may even | | | | do what they do best. Some of the better |
| surprise you.Today's international florists | | | | international florists online do this for |
| deliver to more than 140 countries -- from | | | | you, by offering only a few of the best |
| Brazil to Thailand and Australia to Turkey -- | | | | international floral gifts and prices. Each |
| with delivery to most areas normally within | | | | is filled to value by skilled florists in |
| just one or two business days. Some of the | | | | keeping with local styles and availability. |
| most popular bouquet destinations include the | | | | So, while specific flower types will vary, |
| United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and | | | | your gift is always appropriate for the |
| other western European nations, but | | | | occasion and area.What are some other good |
| deliveries to Japan, Mexico, Singapore, and | | | | tips to keep in mind? Order early. While |
| the Mideast are growing in popularity, too. | | | | international flower delivery is available |
| Of course, there are a few areas with little | | | | next-day or even same-day in many areas, |
| or no floral delivery service due to | | | | service varies by region, and delays are |
| political, economic, or geographic | | | | sometimes unavoidable. If possible, order a |
| constraints. Some of these more difficult | | | | few days or even a week in advance. Then, if |
| areas include the Congo, Cuba, Ghana, Haiti, | | | | any question arises, there's plenty of time |
| Nigeria, portions of the former Soviet Union, | | | | to clarify an address or forward additional |
| and any extremely remote or rural areas. As | | | | information. It's well worth the effort, |
| a rule of thumb, however, you can easily send | | | | when you think of how much impact your gift |
| flowers to most cities and suburbs of | | | | will have. Don't skimp on price when sending |
| developed countries in the free world. So, | | | | flowers overseas either. It's a lot less |
| whether for a birthday, get well, | | | | expensive than you might think, but you still |
| anniversary, new baby, promotion, funeral, or | | | | want to allow an ample budget for the nicest |
| almost any occasion, you can send flowers | | | | flowers and best service.Think of it you; can |
| with confidence across continents.What is the | | | | touch someone's heart almost anywhere in the |
| best way to send flowers overseas? Simply | | | | world with a beautiful gift of flowers. Just |
| order online with your favorite Internet | | | | order online or call your local florist. |
| florist, or ask your local florist to forward | | | | It's a great way to stay close to people far |
| your order for you. Most florists are linked | | | | away. After all, nothing says, "I love you," |
| to other great florists around the world | | | | "I miss you," or "You're special to me" like |
| through FTD, Teleflora, Interflora, and | | | | fresh flowers with your personal message -- |
| similar associations that facilitate reliable | | | | especial when they're sent half way around |
| worldwide delivery. If you prefer to order | | | | the world.***By John E. Williams with special |
| flowers online, you'll find helpful resources | | | | thanks to 1-800-FLORALS florist, providing |
| at Other respected international florist | | | | USA, Canada, and international flowers |
| sites include ftd.com, teleflora.com, and | | | | delivery. |