Norway is still the best country in the world to live in according to the annual Human Development Report produced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Norway is a long, narrow country situated in the Northwestern edge of Europe. The northern third of Norway lies above the Arctic Circle and is called the land of the Midnight Sun. Due to its location, Norway has been called the "Land of the Midnight Sun" - yes the sun shines 24 hours a day in the summer. Oslo, Norway’s capital and largest city, is in the southern part of the country.

Norway, along with Denmark and Sweden, is one of the Scandinavian countries. It is the world’s third largest oil exporter and western Europe’s largest gas producer. It has been saving oil revenues in a fund worth around $190 billion for future generations.

Ever since Vikings left home waters in the ninth century, Norway has drawn strength from the sea. Its highly-developed shipping industry boasts of having the world's largest merchant and oil tanker fleets, while landing the largest fishing catches in all of Western Europe.

Wealth from oil and gas in the North Sea, first tapped in the early 1970s, subsidizes public health and welfare programs

Norway is mostly a high, mountainous plateau covered by bare rock, and it has a relatively small amount of farmland. But the rivers that rush down from the mountains provide much cheap electricity. Compared to other countries in the world, Norway produces the highest hydroelectric power per person ratio. Production in Norway relies on this cheap power source. Important products of Norway include chemicals, metals, petroleum, processed foods, and wood pulp and paper. The country also has massive oil reserves and is one of Europe's biggest petroleum producers. Which has made Norwegians one of the richest people in the world.

The climate of Norway is much milder than that of most other regions as far north, especially along the country’s west coast.

Outdoor sports are an important part of Norwegian life. Recreation areas lie within short distances of all homes. Skiing, Norway´s national sport, may have started there thousands of years ago as a means of crossing the snowcovered land. In Norway, there's a ski jump in almost every town. The second most popular winter activity is ice-skating. Norwegians also have long enjoyed bandy, a form of hockey played by 11-player teams on large rinks.

Soccer is the favourite summer sport. Norway’s forests and mountains provide many other recreational opportunities.

Norwegians have contributed much to the development of the arts. Henrik lbsen’s realistic plays of the late 1800’s brought him worldwide fame as the father of modern drama. Three Norwegian writers have won the Nobel Prize for literature. The 1900s saw the rise of the expressionist art style, led by painter Edward Munich. Statues by Gustav Vigeland, perhaps Norway’s greatest sculptor, stand in Oslo’s Frogner Park. Edvard Grieg, Norway’s bestknown composer, used melodies from folk songs and dances in his orchestral works.

Norway enjoys both a relatively low crime rate and has so far remained free of terrorist attacks.Norway provides retirement, disability and survivors benefits. If you have Social Security credits in both the United States and Norway, you may be eligible for benefits from one or both countries.

In addition, Norwegian Social Security taxes cover several other programs including unemployment and work accident insurance and certain benefits for single mothers.

Those are just a few reasons why Norway is not just one of the best places to retire but also one of the cheap places to retire in the world.

Your singles European holiday in Paris can be your ultimate dream come true experience.

An Ideal Time to Come to the City of Light

Paris is also known as the City of Light basically because of its advances in terms of the intellectual, cultural, economic, and learning aspects. The city is in fact a cradle of historical preservations as well as modernity. So you must wonder as to the perfect time to take a tour in Paris.

Ideally, the months of March until June, from September all the way to the Christmas season, and then January are the most perfect moments to plan a visit to the city. During the months of July and August, the weather can be very terrible. The key destinations may either be crowded by several visiting people or the major business establishments may be closed for operation. Likewise, the month of February proves not a good time for a tour as well because of the weather. 

Love is in the air mostly in the months of the winter season. Imagine yourself cradled in the arms of somebody as the gigantic edifices of the city form their shadows as mirrored in the floors of the parks. More so, the summer months may make you uneasy since the sunshine can be really hot. Thus, enjoying your most favored water sports may be carried on during this time.

Parisian Sceneries to Enjoy

Indeed, Paris has several sights to enjoy. It opens its arms wide enough to accommodate many visitors who seek refuge in the romantic and rejuvenating ambience that this city boasts of. Where should you go to? Here is a list of the top destinations that you may seek out in your Parisian holiday getaway.

The Eiffel Tower. As a frequented city, it is likewise a must to visit the Eiffel Tower. This is actually one of the most sought after epitomes of the city of Paris.

Notre Dame de Paris. This cathedral has been given life through a movie. It is situated in Ile de la Cite and its Gothic architecture provides the reason for a number of people who flock the city’s borders. As of the moment, the cathedral is utilized by the Roman Catholics.

The Bibliotheque Nationale de France. It stands as the nation’s national library wherein the compilation of the French writers are kept. More so, this French library is regarded as the principal contemporary bookhouse in the whole world.

Places des Vosges. This is held to be the former Le Marais square which conveniently seats along the boundaries of Place de la Bastille and Centro Georges Pompidou. As you visit this site, you can gain the opportunity of paying a visit to the abode of the world-renowned Victor Hugo. Likewise, you may kill the time by engaging yourself in a narcotic reading.

Basilica of the Sacre Coeur. It is a must that you take the effort of getting into this church’s rooftop. A bird’s eye view of the entire city will bring you a satisfying feeling.

Getting around the city is no problem. Public transport is widely available. You can choose from the array of options which include the buses, the metro, RER, and hired cars too. Having fun is never difficult as you take into account a prospect singles Europe trip in Paris.

Please also be sure to click for more travel information: Book Your Toronto Vacation. Moreover, never forget to ask about whole life insurance quotes online.

Another must-see sight is the Champs Elysees or the Elysian Fields. It is considered as the most beautiful avenue in the whole world which started as a plain field but later on converted into a pathway lined with trees. It runs from the Concorde Square up to the equally famous Arc de Triomphe and became one of the attractions and features of Paris. It is one of the most famous streets in the whole world.

Who can leave Paris with out visiting the Arc de Triomphe. It is a large arc which serves as a roundabout a meeting point of more than twelve avenues in the whole city of Paris. It stands as a commemoration of the great victories of Napoleon. To get to the top of the Arc requires 284 steps: Paris will get you fit. It is one of the main landmarks of the city.

The attractions of Paris means that it definitly is still one of the world’s best tourist cities. The catacombes, Saint Chapelle and Tuleries Gardens should all be on your must-see list. Still, there are other landmarks that you can visit when you plan a vacation in Paris. These places will make your stay in Paris memorable and will make your sleep in your Paris lodgings as peaceful and as dreamy as ever.

By Jim Nettleton

There certainly is no denying that traveling these days is a lot more expensive than ever before and the need to find bargains when we vacation or travel on business is extreme. Many families during these times are severely curtailing vacation plans or eliminating them altogether. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

There are many outstanding travel bargains to be found if you just know where to look. Let’s examine a few ways to save money on travel. For more details and information on budget travel, visit my web site through the link in my resource box below.

Airlines

With the cost of jet fuel soaring, higher prices are in effect at all major airlines. In the midst of all this, you can still locate bargains on the web. Many online specials exist, especially if you’re willing to wait until your proposed departure date is near. Browse the airlines’ websites along with Travelocity and Expedia for special pricing. Sometimes the individual airlines will have specials that don’t appear on Travelocity or Expedia, so don’t forget to check them.

Accommodations

You might have to sacrifice a bit here in order to find bargain places to stay. Again, the web is your best friend in tracking down cheaper rates. Rather than reserving space at a pricey hotel, you might be better off staying at a cut-rate motel. After all, you’re on vacation and you’re only going to use the place to sleep. Seek out those that are not adjacent to major attractions, since their rates will be lower.

Cruise Deals

Aim to take that cruise vacation during early fall or the end of summer. You’ll find much better rates. A cruise can be one of the most economical vacations on the planet. The ship is your hotel and food is included. You couldn’t take a vacation as cheaply if you paid for these items separately. Just do a Google search for ‘cheap cruise deals’ and take a look at some of those travel bargains. At the time of this writing I found one, for example, that offers a 7 day Caribbean cruise for as low as $329 per person, or a Canadian adventure for as low as $249 per person. These are amazingly low prices for all-inclusive vacations.

Package Deals

There are many of these available at all times. Travel Agencies purchase in bulk from suppliers and sell to the public at reduced rates. Bear in mind, however, that the quality of package deals can vary widely, so make sure you shop around before finalizing a deal. Remember, too, that if you are planning to travel to a place at a particular date, or have your heart set on a certain destination, it is always advisable to book in advance to avoid any last minute hassles.

If you plan carefully, you can still take that vacation without breaking the bank. A final thing to keep in mind is that these days, it’s a buyer’s market. Vacation destinations need business, cruise lines need business and accommodation vendors, whether hotel or motel also need business. That puts you in the driver’s seat.

About the author:

Jim Nettleton is a radio and TV professional with wide-ranging interests including the world of travel. Visit his web site for more tips, details and information about traveling on a budget at http://www.jaynetinc.com/BudgetTravel

1.  Huntingtower Castle – Is located close to Perth and as well as being unusual, it has been well preserved over the years. The actual building was built in 3 separate phases which took place during the 15th and 16th centuries. The most notable parts being its 15th century keep, the 16th Century L Plan Tower House and a small building range connecting to the Tower House. 

You’ll quickly discover these buildings have a very fascinating and varied history to reveal to visitors who want to spend time on this. Mary Queen of Scots visited in the early sixteenth century and the castle witnessed the birth of the Jacobite Commander Lord George Murray.

2.  Perth Sculpture Trail – This fascinating display of sculptures are located on a trail that runs for one mile through some of the most beautiful parkland in the city. It was created by the Perthshire Public Art Trust and offers people are chance to look at and enjoy some of the most outstanding contemporary art without having to pay an entrance fee. 

3.  Scone Palace – The Earls of Mansfield have the pleasure of living in this global tourist attraction. 1,500 years ago this was actual the capital of the Pictish Kingdom as well as being the centre for the Celtic Church. But along with being used as a seat for parliaments and place where kings have been crowned and at one stage was home of the Stone of Destiny. Shakespeare made sure that the palace would be remembered when he wrote about it in Macbeth.

4.  Kinnoull Tower – This is also located close to the town of Perth and is well served by buses as well as being easily reachable by car. It can be found at the top of Kinnoull Hill and was built by the 9th Earl of Kinnoull. It’s design was inspired by the castles that can be found along the River Rhine in Germany. 

When you stay in Perth, be sure to check this list of Perth accommodation.

1.  Balkerne Gate – This is the most complete Roman gateway you will find in Britain and it is thought to have been built in 55 AD. It was originally actually the main way that visitors would enter the town but over time was then transformed into a triumphal arch instead. Then, later, the gateway was merged into the town’s walls then in 465 AD it got blocked up to help improve the town’s defence system. It was rediscovered about a hundred years ago and this is why it has remained in such good condition that you see today.

2.  Charter Market – The oldest recorded market in the United Kingdom has been run here for more than 800 years now. The market was granted a Royal Charter in 1189 by King John and this is where its name originates from. You can still find a market at Charter Market twice a week, on Fridays and Saturdays and there is a wide variety of things to choose from as no two stalls can sell the same items. 

3.  Colchester Castle – This Norman castle is built on the foundations of what was the Roman Temple to Claudius. However, the temple was destroyed in 60AD when Queen Boudica razed the town to the ground in order to get the Romans to leave. The actual stone that was used by the Normans to make the current castle is in fact much of the materials used to build the Roman temple. 

The castle boasts one of the largest and oldest castle keeps in the whole of Europe and inside the walls of the castle there is much to do and see. The castle houses exhibitions, which span more than 2,000 years of British history and there are interactive displays to keep your youngsters busy. Whilst touring the castle you can learn more about Matthew Hopkins the Witch finder General who used it as a jail at the times that the trials were taking place.

4.  Colchester Zoo – One of Europe’s finest zoos and is only a short drive from the town itself. Set in some 60 acres of beautiful countryside the zoo is home to over two hundred different species for you to look at. Along with elephants in Elephant Kingdom, and Chimp World is home to the zoo’s chimpanzees. Plus you will find other parts of the zoo just as enthralling. Certainly, you may well find it difficult to actually get the kids to go home.

Check out this list of Colchester accommodation for your next visit.

The town of Llandudno sits between Great Orme and Little Orme. The town faces the Irish Sea on one side and to the other is the estuary of the River Conwy. Between these headlands and the western and northern shores, the town has much to offer tourists.

The Great Orme is over 680 feet high and is home to Tudno Church, Great Orme’s copper minds and you can take the Llandudno Tramway to it.  The hill is also home to a flock of Kashmiri goats whose ancestors were a gift to the Queen Victoria from the Shah of Persia (now Iran). 

As you’d expect, Little Orme is smaller, this only rises 463 feet above Llandudno Bay and is the ideal location to view the Great Orme, Anglesey and even across to Snowdonia. Its cliff face offers bird spotters the chance to see razorbills and cormorants. Further back in time, one of its caves held a printing press that printed various Catholic prayer books. 

In Llandudno, you can visit The Alice in Wonderland Centre which features all sorts of characters from the famous book. The centre was opened, as Llandudno is a place where Alice Liddel the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s book, spent her childhood. 

Another of the most popular attractions in this town is its Pier. The structure was actually designed and built in only one year by James Brunlees and Charles Henry Driver and then officially opened in 1878. If you choose to walk along the pier, you will see a variety of ornately decorated small buildings that are home to a bar, cafe and traditional amusements. There are also gift shops if you’re on a hunt for souvenirs.

In the summer, the pier is where one can get the Steam Packet boat from to sail over to the Isle of Man. Along with the sailing over to the Isle of Man there are organised trips arranged so that you can explore it as well. Over the years, the pier has been extended and now stretches 695 meters out to sea.

Get your Llandundo hotel or guest house from this list.

you’ll find lots of things to see and do in the city and close by.  A short drive from the city and visit the woodlands of the Royal Forest of Dean or looking at the views from atop the Malvern Hills. In the other direction Gloucester borders the Cotswolds and its many quaint and beautiful villages, which you can visit. 

Although historically the city has been a port, the docks got neglected and but have since been extensively renovated. There are plenty of riverside open spaces to wander around or you can visit one of the many shops in the docks area. There are also some lovely bars for you to relax with a quiet drink and maybe some food. One of the warehouses that are situated in this part of the city also houses the National Waterways Museum. Whilst in Custom House you will find a museum that is dedicated to the Soldiers of Gloucestershire. 

Other attractions that are of interest in the city include the Cathedral. This building has been a place of worship for more than thirteen hundred years. If you take the time to expore inside, you’ll be able to see its detailed architectural features and the cloisters are generally thought to be some of the most beautiful in present day England. If you get a sense of deja-vu, you recognize this building from somewhere you almost certainly do as it was used as a set for the Harry Potter films.

Another place that many people like to spend time in when visiting the city of Gloucester is its park. This is located very close to the heart of the city and was probably the first park to be developed. The park has lots of space to keep your children occupied and you to enjoy a picnic on a summers afternoon. The park is host to a number of different events during the summer. You can find out about these online or at the Information Office which is located in a cottage that dates back to Tudor times and will tell you exactly what is happening at the time of your visit.

One more place that may well be of interest to you when you v is Blackfriars. This is the oldest surviving Dominican Priory in England.  Although the friary itself was dissolved back in 1538, the buildings were then bought by Thomas Bell. He then spent money converting the church into a home and the remainder of the building was turned into a factory which made clothes locally. If you time your visit well, you may be able to take one of the guided tours offered by English Heritage.

Check out this Gloucester hotel directory for your next visit.

One of the towns in the area is Bakewell in Derbyshire and it is right in the heart of the Peak District, is a small and extremely beautiful market town. The town is situated on the River Wye and from the historical point of view the five arched bridge which dates back to the 13th century is still open to traffic. Due to increase in traffic over the centuries it was widened in the 19th century.

There is a lot of history to Bakewell that a lot of people don’t know about, the town its self has even been mentioned in the Doomsday book as having two priests a church which signified importance all those centuries ago. The local grammar school was founded in 1637 by the marriage between Sir George Manners and Grace Pierrepont and the school is known as Lady Manners School.

The local church, All Saints Parish of which the majority stands now, dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries, with fragments of Norman and Saxon stonework, again like the bridge considerable restoration work took place in the 19th century. The church is low and broad with an octagonal tower giving grace to the beautiful spire.

There used to be in the centre of Bakewell the White Horse Inn, which has been replaced by The Rutland Arms Hotel, with some other various buildings being demolished in 1805, to form Rutland Square.

Centuries ago, these would of catered for coach travellers who passed through the town, and it has always been reputed for the connection to Jane Austin, who was reported to have stayed at this hotel, whilst writing Pride and Prejudice, and that Lambton in the book has been identified as Bakewell.

Another truly great invention happened by accident at the hotel, and that is the famous Bakewell pudding known throughout all of the UK. The story is told, that when the cook misinterpreted the baking instructions, and pored the egg mixture over the jam instead of adding to the pastry what should have been a tart had now become a pudding.

There are numerous shops in the town centre where these puddings can be purchased.

Bakewell in the peak district is at the southern end of the Pennines in Central England, there are thousands of people who visit this beautiful area every year, probably making it the second most popular National Park in England.

There are some really beautiful and interesting places to visit on Peak District holidays especially in and around Bakewell. The area has something for everyone, whether you want a hotel, or a guest house, there are plenty to choose from, who all offer good food and quality Bakewell holiday accommodation.

To fine out more about this delightfull region visit the Peak District tourism blog

If you are basing your Peak District holidays here, then there is a delightful array of comfortable Peak District holiday cottages for you to choose from , but many get booked well in advance so book early to get the best choice. Also as would be expected the area has a number of luxury hotels if you prefer the more pampered style of holiday.

The town, dating back to the Georgian period, was a highly fashionable and busy place for the wealthy all those centuries ago. Whilst walking around and looking at the buildings, which are truly magnificent, you can imagine, long ago, all the ladies walking around in all their beautiful finery.

With mellow town houses, and resplendent coaching inns, there is a truly unique atmosphere about this small town. Taking a stroll along the main street, you will come across historic alms houses and the 16th century old Grammar School. On a beautiful day, you can also take a walk along the Heritage Trail which takes you around the town.

Being a fair trade town means fair trade products are available in the restaurants, cafes, and shops, and there is still the local market which takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the year with tradition going as far back to 1257.

Ashbourne has a wide variety of quality accomodation if you need somewhere to stay. In the central area of Ashbourne, there is the Beresford Arms Hotel, which offers accommodation and breakfasts. It all depends on the individual couple, or families as to what type of accommodation they require.

Outside of the town, there are farms to stay at, or privately run guest houses; some dating back to the 19th century. What ever the choice, there will always be something to suit everyone, whilst exploring this lovely town and the area around.

It must be remembered while visiting or holidaying in or around Ashbourne, right on the door step is the beautiful Peak District which offers something for everyone. For the avid walker, there are some truly amazing and beautiful walkways.

It is always good to have good rambling boots, which are also great for climbing. Walking and climbing are available provided local knowledge and advice has been found.

There are also numerous caves in the area, so if you are felling really adventurous ask about pot holing. There are many, many things on offer around this beautiful area, so it is well worth having a camera at the ready for snapshots of the scenic views and any animals you may come across.

Ashbourne is simply the perfect choice for your Peak District holidays.