Spain is a very popular retirement destination because of the climate, breathtaking vistas and scrumptious cuisine. Her scenery is varied, her climate probably the best in Europe, with the possible exception of the Greek islands, there is a wide Anglo-American population which guarantees companionship if you cannot find it among the Spaniards, and the luxuries as well as the necessities of life are available.  Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula in the southwest of Europe. Spain calls Portugal, Gibraltar, Andorra and France its neighbors.  Find out more about what makes Spain one of the best places to live and retire.

Living in Spain is also a pleasure with many everyday living expenses far lower than you would find in the UK. Eating out is a way of life, affordable and outdoors. There are tons of places to eat great food in Spain, and the diet is good for keeping the pounds off.

There are many other reasons to think of Spain as one of the best places to live. For example, the landscape is very beautiful. There is every modern amenity you may be interested in, but you will still find that around the next corner is a perfectly suitable location for tranquility. In terms of cost, when you retire in Spain, the cost of living is more affordable than in the United States, but higher than more rural countries. Compared to other European countries, Spain continues to be affordable.

With outstanding cultural heritage everywhere you look and people who want to welcome you into their homes, Spain has something to offer for just about everyone involved!

Most people know of Spain as the place where they have the running of the bulls, but it also has some other cultural attractions like famous painters. The most well known are obviously Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.

Spain has also produced some world class composers and opera singers. Enrique Granados, Isaac Albéniz, Manuel de Falla and Joaquín Rodrigo are some of the world famous composers that call Spain home. Everyone’s heard of Placido Domingo - Spain’s most famous operatic performer. Then there’s José Carreras and Montserrat Caballé.

Spain has a public health system so health care is free or low cost if you pay social security.

The Spanish National Health System has an extensive network of health centres and hospitals throughout the country which offer primary health care services.  The Spanish health system combines both public and private healthcare and within each separate state free or low cost health care is given to those who contribute to the Spanish Seguridad Social (social security).

Part time retirement to Spain is very popular, if you like the idea of snowbirding, this country is for you.  In 2004, there were 150,000 foreign residents over 65, including some 40,000 Britons.In most cases however, there are few retirement homes in Spain, as the young usually take care of the old in their own homes.  Consequently, many Brits return to the UK if they are unable to look after themselves when they are elderly.  In Spain public pensions provide retirees with the equivalent of nearly 90 percent of the country's average wage.

Asia is a beautiful and exciting place to go and a good Asia travel book is recommended. Going to a strange continent, particularly for the first time, can be a daunting prospect. There is a broad assortment to choose from, and several from well established publishers in the travel field. It can be a great culture shock for many people and it’s a good plan to have a companion guide for company. Asia is a continent of vibrant cities, historic buildings, hill villages, temples, mountains and waterfalls. Most people squeeze the sights, sounds and food and want to go back for more.

The Rough Guide to First-Time Asia declares that “everything you need to know before you go is here”. This travel guide to Asia has information on accommodation, eating places, what to take, and transport. The culture of the area is also explored and insurance and visa needs are explained. Countries enclosed include Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The latest book is a revised edition from March 2008. The Lonely Planet Shoestring Guide series includes Southeast Asia on a Shoestring. Twenty-one different countries are discussed and there is lots of advice on going there on a budget, health issues and careful planning if traveling alone. This part of the world is a very common destination with young backpackers from the US, UK and Australia and this is the perfect budget travel companion.

The Asia Book is in the Lonely Planet Pictorial sequence and is a coffee table hardback. The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia includes nine countries with Hong Kong and Macau. Advice is given on moving around the region and on borders, ferry crossings and local flight details. The beauty of the area is captured in color photographs and there is detailed information on every country. There are also lists on the greatest places to stay and restaurants and bars. There are detailed maps and plans to cover every region with hotels and restaurants highlighted. Articles present the terrain, culture, religion and the hippie trail from the 1960s. The Asia travel guide contains helpful maps and journey suggestions.

Southeast Asia (Globetrotter Travel Map) is designed to help first time tourists to the region. There are color photographs, information on where to stay and charts for climate and distance between towns. In addition to the general map of Southeast Asia, there are detailed town plans of major centers, such as Mandalay, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Singapore City, and Ho Chi Minh City. Other plans cover Bali, Penang and Phuket Town, all with places of interest and main attractions shown on the maps. Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos and the Greater Mekong is a Lonely Planet Multi Country Guide, which takes the reader on an exciting journey down the Mekong River. This Asia travel book also covers Thailand. Maps display border crossings and ancient landmarks. There is also a section on which borders are open. Find more information about holiday packages.