Business is also important to Brighton. High-tech media companies have recently set up in the city, it also attracts many business people for conferences as it houses a large number of hotels and facilities. Transport: how to get there and around

It is easy to get to Brighton from London. The train system that was built back in 1841, can now take less than an hour to reach Brighton. The regular bus service from London Victoria Station also covers the distance in less than 2 hours. By road you can access Brighton by the M23 which leads into the A23 to get into town.

The town itself has an adequate bus service and plenty of taxis to choose from to get around. To make the distance along the seafront you can use the electric railway, which is apparently the oldest in the world. A new addition to the local transport is the tuc-tuc, a motorised trishaw from Asia, this is a fun way to travel. Weather

The weather is at its best during the summer months of July and August. You are more likely to experience some warm, dry weather. However, this cannot be guaranteed as British weather is notoriously unpredictable. Take your rain coat just incase. Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Brighton.Attractions & Events

During May you can enjoy the Brighton Festival. The city comes alive with visual arts events, street processions and performers, theatre attractions and music. The festival takes place throughout the city with a festive fireworks display each night.

It’s an amazing fact that there are around 4,000 different loans available and flexible ones, first introduced in Australia and now catching on in the UK, are amongst the newest

There is no set term with a flexible mortgage. It’s completely up to you to make the choice of how you spend your loan, although it’s important to recognise that it is secured by your property so it is very important that you keep up to date with your monthly repayments. These mortgages can be based on either a repayment type, which is a better known sort of loan, or an interest only mortgage. It’s also possible to combine the two.

These mortgages would be ideal for someone who plans a break from their career for any reason, whether it is for family commitments, such as starting a family, travel, re-training or any other reason. Subject to your own personal terms, it’s possible to reduce or suspend payments for a period. You can also increase payments and get ahead in order to either take these breaks or to lessen interest costs. Funding your credit needs via this type of mortgage will be at a lower interest rate than that of credit card use. Remember, though, any loans are secured by your home.

Some of these flexible mortgages include a range of banking services, such as cheque books, credit cards and direct debit facilities. A word of caution though, flexible deals tend to have mortgage rates than some of the fixed rate deals around at present.

If you’re the type of person who likes to keep mortgage details separate from your personal banking then this type of mortgage may take some getting used to.

For the more traditional borrower, a repayment mortgage is worth considering. The advantage of this is that, as long as payments are kept up to date, the debt will be paid off in the term of the mortgage. It is simple, uncomplicated and also easy to manage. The monthly repayments are split between the cost of interest and the repayment of the capital borrowed. During the earlier years of the mortgage life a large part of the monthly payment will, for the most part, be paid in interest. As the years progress, however, more and more will go towards capital repayment.

It’s worth bearing in mind that there is a lack of flexibility in this method. In the early years, very little capital is being repaid and overall you may pay more interest than with a flexible product.

For advice and ideas, get on to the internet and find an on-line mortgage broker, who’ll be able to offer you details of the various mortgaging methods and the most favourable interest rates. Once they have your details they’ll come up with as many comparisons as you need.

Mortgages have certainly changed over the years and you should find that there’s one out there just waiting for you.

A temperate climate ensures warm weather for much of the year with winters rarely seeing frost or snow. Excellent travel links are provided by the A83 motorway, meaning rapid routes to the Channel ports or south to Bordeaux. There’s also a good selection of destinations from nearby airports at Nantes and La Rochelle as well as access to France’s superb rail network at several local stations.

Typical prices in the area include;

Plots of land for less than €25,000 (often with planning permission)

Properties ripe for renovation for under €30,000

Homes with swimming pools for less than €100,000

There’s no shortage of leisure pursuits in the Vendee either. Walking, golf, horse-riding and fishing are all popular pastimes and the beautiful golden beaches of the Vendee are always a favourite destination.

Making the move

One person who has witnessed the changes in the area is local estate agent Jeremy Lageard. He has been helping British clients turn their dreams of owning a Vendee home into a reality since the 1990s. Originally from Surrey, Jeremy said: “Typically, people moving here are aged 50-plus with the intention of living here permanently when they retire. “They’re looking to buy and then gradually make the move to France, so when they do retire here they already know people and they’re very comfortable in the area. “They’re have also been a lot of younger families moving here recently. It’s not unusual in this area to have schools with four or five per cent British children.” Former college lecturer Jeremy added: “The British moving here tend to prefer older property, although there’s also been a tend to move towards newer homes. “Back in the late 1990s, there were lots of derelict properties that appealed to the British because they could renovate them. “However, these days there are fewer of these types of properties left, although there are still some excellent opportunities in the market here.”

Special properties

Jeremy and his English-speaking staff are all properly qualified and have the experience necessary to help clients find these special properties. Challenging conditions in 2008/9 have forced some with houses on the market to cut their prices. Beautifully renovated properties, including many with swimming pools, can be found at extremely attractive prices and there are still bargains at under €30,000 that would be ideal for those aiming to take on their own renovation project.

A good time to buy

However, with the south-east Vendee having so much to offer, it’s unlikely these attractions will be available for long. “Now is a good time to be buying here,” added Jeremy. Potential property buyers will also be reassured to know that Jeremy and his team provide their extensive services in English.

After-sales support

There is also commitment to customer care even after the property has been sold. Jeremy added: “Some agents will take your money when you buy a house and they don’t want to know you after that, but we are different here. “We offer an extensive after-sales support service and we have had many customers coming back to us if they want to later sell their property.” For a comprehensive listing of available properties in the Vendee at great prices, please visit Vendee Property For Sale.

Medical tourism, as the name itself suggests, is a combination of medical services with tourism. In other words, it’s tourism with a purpose. The practice of visiting new places in search of favorable climate or on just being advised by a doctor to go ‘on a change’ is not new. Medical tourism is just an evolved form of this age old habit of humanity.

The primary reason behind its surging popularity is better healthcare services at an affordable budget. When one’s health is one’s concern, it is natural to look for the best treatment options within one’s budget. Countries such as India, Malaysia and Dubai are fast coming to the forefront as provider of world-class healthcare facilities. These include a wide array of highly skilled healthcare professionals, trained in various specialized disciplines, state-of-the-art equipment and modern amenities, impeccable service and personal attention to every need of the patient, and all these at a cost that’s surprisingly affordable.

Let’s face it, medical services in the west are expensive by most standards. Most people in need of specialized healthcare services feel daunted by the high cost associated with them. Countries such as US, Canada or some European nations, offer the same high standard healthcare facilities as India, Malaysia or Dubai, at a cost that’s substantially greater. Frankly, not everybody can afford the high cost associated with healthcare services in his or her own country.

All this naturally necessitates the need to look for similar healthcare services elsewhere, where the cost is significantly lower. Healthcare tourism makes it possible to save up to 80% (as compared to US/UK) on medical costs by opting for countries like India. Healthcare tourism in India is fast gaining in popularity because of this simple reason.

Medical tourism also gives you other advantages such as reduced waiting periods for your treatment. If there is a critical treatment involved, or an operation that needs to be done quickly, you can initiate the process almost immediately after contacting the healthcare professionals in these countries. Most hospitals or medical establishments in the US or UK have lengthy waiting lists and necessitate wait for a substantially longer period of time.

Medical tourism does not mean that you have to compromise on anything just because you are not in your own country. Smart and well-informed professionals, speaking fluent English and attending to every detail with meticulous attention, only add to the overall experience. You can rest assured knowing that the task of caring for your health is in good, able hands.

In the final analysis, the reasons that contribute to the ever increasing popularity of medical tourism are not difficult to understand. Exorbitant cost of healthcare and medical facilities in advanced countries, ease and affordability of international travel, favorable currency exchange rates in the global economy, rapidly improving technology and high standards of medical care in the developing countries – all of these have contributed to the rapid development of medical tourism.

The station is the southern terminal of the East Coast Mainline which runs between London and Edinburgh. King’s Cross is situated opposite St Pancreas which operates as the southern terminal for the Midland Main Line.

Lewis Cubitt was responsible for designing the original building that still stands today despite several changes to the inside platform configuration.

In 1972 a small extension was added to the front of the station and although it was intended only to be used temporarily it still stands today.

In 2005 Network Rail announced that £400million funding would be spent restoring Kings Cross, which will see the 1972 structure replaced and a new open air piazza will be developed.

Today the station is served by routes from the North and East of England and Scotland, connecting London to major cities such as Leeds, York, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Inverness.

These routes are operated by three networks; GNER, First Capital Connect and Hull Trains, with GNER being the main and controlling operator.

Over 20million people use the station each year many of which regularly commute to London from northern cities for business commitments.

The station features in the Harry Potter stories as the starting point for Hogwarts Express train and filming for the film ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’ took place in the station, however St Pancreas was used for the external shots.

Kings Cross station is well served with several shops including a WH Smiths newsagent and a Burger King and has its own tube station. There are also regular bus services that operate from the station and taxis are readily available. Car hire is also available one mile from the station through Sixt rent a car who also offer a low cost service called Sixti. Sixti allows the renter to hire a small car from just £9 per day.

If you are travelling to London and think using King’s Cross is the right option for you tickets can be booked online through the train networks or independent booking agents.

The very best place to have been born and bred turns out to be Italy, if you’re talking healthy years and you drew the short straw if you happen to come from Finland. Here in the UK we come in below Italy, Spain, Germany, Poland and the Netherlands, as far as men are concerned, but above France, Hungary, Portugal and Finland. Interestingly, as far as women are concerned, Portugal and the Netherlands “swap places”. Whatever the position, it’s obviously a case of “could do better”.

60,000 EU households took part in the study, via a questionnaire asking questions regarding sickness rates, overall health and death. Research into the study is at a preliminary stage. It is hoped that politicians can be encouraged to focus on lengthening the healthy years, rather than merely prolonging life expectancy.

The blame for our very poor figures are thought to be due to a number of reasons, including diet, smoking, variations in healthcare systems and even the good old British weather gets a look in. The research department of Help the Aged say that there is a very great difference in climate in Europe and a decreasing trend in cardiovascular disease as you travel from north to south. Maybe we don’t appreciate the risk to health of the cold weather in Britain.

There is no doubt that the Mediterranean diet, with its plentiful fish, vegetable and unsaturated fats may well be a major contributory factor in the nation’s health.

Without sounding too many alarm bells, what can we do to retrieve the situation? Obviously you are in a better position if you’re a perfect weight, non-smoking person without any family history of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or other hereditary illnesses or conditions. It also helps if you exercise regularly and have a sensible lifestyle. Prevention is said to be better than cure, but there are steps you can take to alleviate the financial aspect of ill health if you’re unlucky enough to fall prey to it. All of your lifestyle facts will be taken into account when you request insurance quotes, but it is important to remain honest and not jeopardise any future claim you may make.

Critical illness cover is a very useful financial tool. Most critical health policies now cover a range of around 65 medical conditions. The main ones tend to be cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular problems – check the individual policy to see what exactly is covered. The way the insurance works is that if you are diagnosed with a listed condition, you will receive a lump sum payout of a standard amount. As some of the conditions can require you make major changes to the way in which you live, adaptations to your home or car, for instance, or even a change of employment and re-training, this cover is invaluable.

Life insurance should also be considered, for the benefit of your dependants in the event of your death. You need to make adequate provision for their continued financial care.

Some of the best insurance deals come via the internet. Log on and find an on-line broke who will search for the right cover for your needs and make sure you’re covered, whatever the future has in store.

Paris: fashion capital of Europe

Surrounded by style and romance you just cant help fall in love with Paris. Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, street café’s and fashion boulevards, a boat trip on the River Seine there is so much to see and experience.

Transport: how to get there and around:

The main airport which greets most visitors to Paris is Charles de Gaulle. Paris can also be reached with ease by train from surrounding countries and many destinations within France. If traveling from the UK the ferry is also an option.

Getting around Paris is best on foot, it’s a great place for walking and sightseeing. If your not feeling so energetic there is a metro system.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Paris.

Weather

Paris is fortunate to be situated in a basin so has little rain compared with the rest of the country. Generally the weather in the capital is temperate.

Attractions & Events

Parisians love to celebrate, here are just a few events you should look out for.

* The glamorous Paris Fashion Week showcases the latest designer spring collections in March.

*Bastille Day is a special day for the whole country. The French National Day is celebrated in Paris with style on the 14th July with parades, parties and fireworks.

*The International Photo Fair is also worth a visit and takes place in November.

Nice: treasure of the Côte d’Azur

Nice has a special ambiance and charm that attracts a great number of visitors to walk through its old cobblestone streets. Nice offers history, culture as well as the modern delights of shopping and night life. Add to this the long stretch of beach and you have a great holiday combination.

The temperature in Nice makes the pebble beach a great spot to relax. The waters are warm, clear and inviting and are just a pebbles throw away from neighboring St Tropez and Cannes.

Transport: how to get there and around:

Traveling around France is easy using the impressive, fast rail system. You can get to Nice by train and bus or if traveling from further a field, the International Airport is just 6 km’s from town. Ferries are also an option, they run to Corsica.

Getting around Nice is easy on foot, it is pleasant to walk around and explore the sights.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of Nice hotels

Weather

Summertime in Nice can be scorching up to 40 C. Typical climate however can be described as Mild, averaging 15 C. Winter is also mild with lowest temperatures being around 5 C.

Attractions & Events

*Nice holds an annual carnival during the latter half of February. The lavish street parades end with a fabulous fireworks show.

*During June, the city hold religious processions and prayers for patron saints St John and St Peter.

*July is for music lovers as the worlds finest Jazz players meet in the city for the Nice Jazz Festival.

The station is the southern terminal of the East Coast Mainline which runs between London and Edinburgh. King’s Cross is situated opposite St Pancreas which operates as the southern terminal for the Midland Main Line.

Lewis Cubitt was responsible for designing the original building that still stands today despite several changes to the inside platform configuration.

In 1972 a small extension was added to the front of the station and although it was intended only to be used temporarily it still stands today.

In 2005 Network Rail announced that £400million funding would be spent restoring Kings Cross, which will see the 1972 structure replaced and a new open air piazza will be developed.

Today the station is served by routes from the North and East of England and Scotland, connecting London to major cities such as Leeds, York, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Inverness.

These routes are operated by three networks; GNER, First Capital Connect and Hull Trains, with GNER being the main and controlling operator.

Over 20million people use the station each year many of which regularly commute to London from northern cities for business commitments.

The station features in the Harry Potter stories as the starting point for Hogwarts Express train and filming for the film ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’ took place in the station, however St Pancreas was used for the external shots.

Kings Cross station is well served with several shops including a WH Smiths newsagent and a Burger King and has its own tube station. There are also regular bus services that operate from the station and taxis are readily available. Car hire is also available one mile from the station through Sixt rent a car who also offer a low cost service called Sixti. Sixti allows the renter to hire a small car from just £9 per day.

If you are travelling to London and think using King’s Cross is the right option for you tickets can be booked online through the train networks or independent booking agents.

The capital city of Sweden is also the most enchanting. The attractive city offers waterways, parks, gardens, fairytale castles, churches and palaces. The maritime feel to the city also makes it a lively, energetic place to visit.

Transport: how to get there and around

By air, you can travel to Arlanda airport. Stockholm’s airport is located about 30 miles from the city centre. By land you have the option of long distance bus or train. The main bus station is Cityterminalen, which is nearby the train station Centralstationen. If coming from Helsinki or Turku, the ferry is also an option.

Climate

From May to July you can enjoy the Swedish summer which brings around nine hours of bright sun each day. The winter however dark and very chilly with frequent snow. The temperature in July and August averages 16 C and below freezing in the winter.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Stockholm.

Attractions & Events

*From May to August there are theatre performances at Drottingholms Court for the Summer Music Festival.

*For great food, drink and entertainment head to Kungstradgarden for the Taste of Stockholm event in early June.

* The Jazz Festival is held mid July, in early August you can experience the lesbian and gay Stockholm Pride event.

*Film lovers can watch 24 hours of films at the November International Film Festival.

Oslo

Oslo the capital of beautiful rugged Norway has plenty to keep the visitor interested. Fo one thing, the city boasts 50 museums and many art galleries. Highlights are the Viking Ship Museum, the Munch Museum and Holmenkollen. A new attraction is the Nobel Peace Centre.

Transport: how to get there and around

The International airport in Gardermoen serves Europe and North America well.

The train can link you as far as London, and the bus serves Russia, Germany and other Scandinavian countries. Ferries also run to Germany and the UK.

Oslo city is compact enough to walk around, although you could spoil yourself with a ferry trip on the fjord. There is also a choice of buses, subway system and taxis.

Weather

Oslo weather is fairly tame in comparison to other Scandinavian locations. Temperatures are around 16 C upwards during the long days of the summer. However being coastal there is frequent rain. Winter is snowy and there isn’t much daylight, so can be quite gloomy.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Oslo.

Attractions & Events

*An important day in the Norwegian calendar is 17 May. Constitution Day is a traditional day is widely celebrated with dressing in folk costume.

*Beach bonfires are lit on Midsummer’s Eve, another big celebration in Oslo.

Helsinki

The city with its waterways and parks feels the fresh air from the nearby sea. With influences of Russia and Sweden, the Finnish capital has a bustling market square enveloped by classic architecture and al fresco cafes make if a great place to hang out on long summer nights.

Transport: how to get there and around

Vantaa International Airport, 12 miles away from the city serves flights from Russia and other European countries. The ferry connects Sweden, Estonia and Germany. The train also has international connections.

Traveling around the city is made easy by a single ticket which serves all public transport including the tram, metro, ferry and bus. You can also conveniently rent a cycle from a coin machine and try one of the city’s cycle trails.

Weather

The winter months can get as cold as -5 C in Helsinki, where as the summer averages 25 C. If you are looking for some sunshine, the best months to visit are June to September.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Helsinki.

Attractions & Events

*If you like a tipple, the event where most drinkers overindulge is the May Day Festical, Vappu.

*Kaivopuisto Park holds weekly concerts each Sunday throughout the summer.

• The Arts Festival at the end of August to September is a popular time for celebrations in the city.