Top 10 Reasons For Moving To Spain

If you're considering joining the hundreds of thousands of people that up-sticks each year for a life overseas, then Spain could be the ideal place. Here are 10 reasons for making it your destination of choice.

1) Sunshine

A plentiful supply of sunshine is always more appealing than endless days of rain (unless you happen to be an Australian farmer). That's especially true if you come from northern Europe, with its dark winter days and erratic summers. By contrast Spain is, by and large, well-endowed throughout the year with those golden rays. Plus there's no more need to fret about where to go on your summer holidays - simply stay home!

2) Outdoor Activities

With the sunshine and warmth come ample opportunities to get out of the house and enjoy the Great Outdoors - sailing, diving, hiking, climbing, cycling, golf, or simply paddling around at the beach. And in the winter there is decent skiing at both ends of the country, in the Sierra Nevada mountains in the south, or the Pyrenees in the north.

3) Natural Beauty

In many minds Spain has become synonymous with tawdry beach resorts that blight its once pristine coastline. But that is by no means the whole story. Yes, parts are overdeveloped nightmares. But there are still plenty of beautiful stretches of coast to be found.

And once away from the main tourist areas of the Mediterranean shore there are an array of natural wonders to explore, including the wild coastline of Galicia, the lush forests of the Basque country and the majestic Picos de Europa national park.

4) Cost of living

Since the introduction of the euro in 2002, Spain has become noticeably more expensive than it once was, as businesses over all descriptions took the opportunity to round up their prices. Nevertheless, the cost of items such as food, alcohol, petrol and property still compare favourably to those in many other industrialised nations, particularly the UK.

5) Food and Drink

Spain may not have the culinary reputation of France or Italy, but there is more to the local menu than just paella and tortilla (although both are delicious). And as you would expect from a country of such size, there is a great variety of styles between the different regions (with Basque cuisine of particularly high repute). Likewise, while a nice glass of cava or a Rioja red are not to be sneezed at, Spain's wine industry has far more going for it.

6) Pace of Life

Spain is renowned for its siestas and mañana approach to life. The pace may be picking up, especially in major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, but generally there remains a more relaxed approach to the clock, with people taking the time to chat with neighbours, or to linger over coffee at the end of a meal.

7) Health Care

The Spanish state health care system is among the best in the world. Indeed, the World Health Organization, in comparing countries' health systems for its annual report in 2000 (World Health Report 2000 - Health Systems: Improving Performance), ranked it seventh overall. And in my experience (of which I've had plenty) the facilities are modern, well-equipped and clean, the staff are well-trained, and treatment waiting lists are short.

8) Family Life

In general, Spanish families tend to be close knit, and children oriented. It is common to see families spanning three or four generations sitting down to lunch together each day. Children are common sights in restaurants in the evenings too, rather than being left at home with the babysitters while the adults go out. And wherever they go, the children are always the centre of attention, for doting members of the extended family and strangers alike.

9) Fiestas

Fiestas are an integral, and much-anticipated, part of Spanish life. There are famous extravaganzas, like the bull-running in Pamplona (San Fermín) or Seville's Semana Santa and Feria de Abril, that are well worth the effort to visit, if only once. But each town and village has its own catalogue of saints' days and feast days too, which can be just as energetic and intoxicating (in every sense).

10) Cultural Riches

Spain's glory days as a world-conquering empire may be long gone, but a wealth of history and culture remain. There are museums, the world-famous art galleries of Madrid and Barcelona, architectural jewels as distinct as the Moorish Alhambra in Granada, the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and Bilbao's Guggenheim museum. There is flamenco, Picasso and Cervantes. Or simply take a stroll around Salamanca, surely one of Europe's most beautiful cities.

Paul Allen is a freelance journalist and writer who has lived in northern Spain since 2003. He is the author of "Should I Stay Or Should I Go? The Truth About Moving Abroad And Whether It's Right For You," a comprehensive e-book guide for people seeking advice on whether or not to move abroad. For more details about the book, and to get lots of free information and advice on moving and living overseas, visit his website at http://www.expatliving101.com/

Housing Boom Hits Northern Arizona

Northern Arizona's high country lies on a vast landscape of rolling hills, fragrant pine forests and snow-capped mountains. While summer temperatures in the valleys top 100 degrees, temps in Prescott, Payson and Flagstaff average in the high 80s. Even chilly winter days are pleasant because the high desert sun shines 300 days per year. Because of its climate, vast recreational opportunities and low crime rates, this region has seen an influx of retirees and second-home buyers in recent years.

From California to the East Coast, newcomers are taking advantage of low, national interest rates to flood northern Arizona area markets. With most land locked up in National Forests and Parks, the supply of new homes hasn't kept up with demand. In less than two years the housing markets in Flagstaff, Payson and Prescott have increased from 12% to 35%, and real estate agents from all three towns predict another few years of boom. Despite this bullish market, average home prices still remain reasonable compared to other U.S. mountain towns.

Prescott:
At 5,400-feet, Prescott boasts a mild climate with four seasons and pristine air quality. Cultural, educational, job and health care opportunities compare favorably to those found in metropolitan areas, but the city still retains its small-town feel. Subsequently, newcomers have flooded to the area at a steady rate and housing prices have almost doubled in five years. Prescott's 37,500 residents now pay an average of $360,000 for a single-family home. Although significantly above the national average, these prices haven't deterred two-thirds of residents from owning their own homes.

According to Red Arrow Real Estate Broker John Clark, because Prescott is the "most desirable place to live in Arizona," every part of the market is booming. "Years ago, it was more of a retirement community," he says. "Now they come because of jobs and growth, which creates more jobs." They also come to buy second homes. Low interest rates have allowed many Californians and lowland Arizona residents to refinance their primary residences, freeing up money they then invest in second homes in Prescott. Things aren't slowing down either. "Builders are growing homes as fast as they can to meet demand," says Clark, "but we have more buyers than we have sellers and inventory is not available in certain prices ranges."

Payson:
With the 7,000-foot, 200-mile long escarpment of the Mogollon Rim and two mountain ranges as its backdrop, its no wonder newcomers flock to Payson. Scenery and recreational opportunities aside, this town of 14,300 boasts a low cost of living and lower than national average home prices. At $283,000 home prices are ideal for retirees and second-home buyers. Around 80% of residents own their own homes.

According to Coldwell Banker agent Lori Coleman, market prices have increased at rates up to 25% in the last 18 months because of the aggressive market and a lack of available private land to develop. "We've seen prices go up dramatically," she says. Still, she adds, because Payson is smaller and harder to find, prices are lower than what is found in other American resort towns (home prices in Aspen, Colorado, for example, are closer to a million). This appeals to the countless Californians who want to buy second homes and to the retirees that flood the area. Adds Coleman, because Payson doesn't have industry like other areas, "people who are usually here for the long term."

Flagstaff:
Surrounded by the Kaibab and Coconino national forests as well as canyon and desert terrain, Flagstaff residents enjoy stunning scenery and a plethora of outdoor adventure opportunities. At 7,000 feet, this town of 56,000, which sits in the heart of the San Francisco Mountains, is the second highest established metro area in the country. The city boasts the most educated population in the state and a housing market that has increased 50% in the last five years. Average home prices recently reached $403,000. Despite elevated costs about half of residents own their own homes.

Realty Executive real estate agent Pat Loven, a 26-year veteran in the field, says he's never seen such a phenomenal market. "It's not unusual to have multiple offers on your property," Loven says. "There's more demand than there are houses." Because only 18% of the Flagstaff area is privately owned (the rest is owned by the state or reservations), development costs are increasing and houses are appreciating at rates of 12% to 20%. And, says Loven, the future looks bright. The steady flow of incoming students along with an infusion of retirees and second-home buyers looking to escape lowland heat will stabilize markets for years to come. "Even when interest rates were 17%, our market didn't go down," Loven explains. "Investments in this area are a good idea."

Lizzy Scully Managing Editor, http://www.FindYourSpot.com, the Internet's best source of relocation information. http://www.findyourspot.com and [http://www.findyourspotrelocationwebsite.blogspot.com]

Best Bangkok Nightlife Hotels 2009

Bangkok's nightlife has welcomed millions of visitors every year with open arms. It's interesting mix of dance clubs, jazz clubs, pubs and of course the infamous sex districts has attracted hard core party addicts from all corners of the world. Whatever you're into, Bangkok's nightlife has it all and more.

To experience the full breath of Bangkok's nightlife it's best to book a hotel in the center of Bangkok, in areas such as the district of Patpong and along Sukhumvit road. The advantages of staying in a hotel around  those areas is it's easy for tourist to travel and get around. Plus those are the areas where most international shops and businesses are available and familiar to tourist. Another top reason is because of the easy transportation offered by the BTS Sky Train. This is a very efficient elevated train system that runs above the streets of Patpong and Sukhumvit. Since Bangkok's traffic is horrendous especially around the nightlife areas it's best to take full advantage of the BTS Sky Train.

Most people have already heard of Patpong already, infamously known for the seedy sex shows and the equally seedy touts who try to lure tourist in. It's also where dozens of go go bars are lined with even more touts promoting cheap booze and sex. But in and between these dens of flesh are popular dance clubs such as Lucifer. There are several English pubs in the area too with refreshing micro brewed beer and traditional English fare such as Shepherd's Pie and Bangers & Mash. There are also live talented bands playing a mix of rock and jazz to tap your toes while downing your beer.

Some of the popular hotels in the vicinity of Patpong's nightlife area are Montien Hotel, Siam Heritage Boutique Hotel and Swiss Lodge. All of these hotels are top rated so they are very popular.

Another well known Bangkok nightlife district runs along a major road called Sukhumvit. Sukhumvit has a large concentration of upscale clubs to small beer bars that are all equally packed nightly. The names of some popular upscale clubs are Q Bar and Bed Supper Club. Sukhumvit road also runs through two red light districts called Nana and Soi Cowboy. Both are extremely popular with male tourist who have a habit of visiting go go bars. There are literally hundreds of small open air bars or beer gardens where hundreds of freelance Thai prostitutes hang around as well.

There are many Bangkok nightlife activities in this area and it's a wise decision to stay in a hotel around Sukhumvit road. Some names of popular hotel choices are Majestic Grande, Dawin Bangkok Hotel and Ambassador Hotel. The BTS Sky Train also runs above Sukhumvit road and are all within easy walking distance from the hotels mentioned here.

For further information visit Bangkok Top 10 Nightlife Hotels on hotels mentioned here as well as other useful tips on getting around Bangkok.

Edwin M. Clark is a business consultant who travels to Southeast Asia, specifically to Thailand for over 8 years. His experience and knowledge in the region has provided valuable information and resources for business ventures and mid range to major corporations in the travel industry.