In their haste to move to the sun, many expats ignore the facts relating to getting old and the possibility of becoming infirm. There are now several generations of expats, who found themselves in a good financial position following the rapid rise in UK houses prices a decade or so ago, and others who managed …more

The short version of a long story looks something like this: I was about to hit the big 40 when I decided to bail out. I quit the dead-end job, sold the house, the car and all my ‘stuff’ and traded it all for a backpack and a one-way ticket to nowhere in particular. Sounds …more

Erik and Mona visited Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) 70 times in the last 46 years and recently received an award from the island’s government. The draw of a welcoming, warm and healthy climate, as well as tennis and long, leisurely evenings spent with good friends has ensured the return of this 80-year-old Swedish couple to …more

Great Biking Routes   It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such …more

Great Hiking Trails continued   In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. -John Muir Tour de Mont Blanc France One of the top 10 hikes in the world the Tour de Mont Blanc provides a spectacular hiking adventure. The 106 mile trek that requires 9 to 14 days to complete …more

Great International Retirement Locations Perpignan, France Retirement Description:Peirgnan is in the Languedoc-Roussillon region in the southwestern part of France. The region includes Roman ruins, castles and history (dating back before the Roman times), vineyards, olive orchards, the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Seashore. Perpignan situated near the Spanish border has a French Mediterranean and Catalan culture …more