More and more of us are buying a second home or even opting to live in another country. Indeed in the UK, there has been an acceleration in deciding to "pack their bags", and live in a foreign country. The attractions include better life style, weather and cheaper living costs. The advent of the budget airlines has brought frequent travel to foreign climes within the reach of many families. Of course, when you can fly back to "Blighty" within hours, the safety net of the old country does not seem so distant.

Although Spain has been a favourite destination, the bad publicity and land grabs in some regions have frightened potential buyers. France, on the other hand, continues to be a popular choice. Ryanair, EasyJet, FlyBe and others have opened up this market with airports in all popular destinations. Traditionally, the Ferries had been the preferred option to cross the Channel. But cheap air travel has reduced travel times dramatically and opened up the complete country to visitors. So in the past the English bought in Normandy and Brittany, but today they are happy to buy in South as traveling time is so quick.

There is no doubt that property prices have increased dramatically in some regions over the last few years but there are still bargains around! You need to chose your area carefully. In general, property prices are highest on the coast, in major towns, and near to budget airline airports. As you go further South property prices tend to increase.

Normandy and Brittany were the source of cheap property for renovation in 90s. Property prices have increased here but in rural inland areas/market towns town houses and barns are still available for renovation with a budget of £50,000. Beware renovation costs could double your investment!

Where to look for bargains?

The Limousin has been attracting a lot of media coverage. Located in Central France, the summer climate is very attractive. The rolling landscapes to the North of Limoges are reminiscent of Dorset and Wiltshire with many lakes and rivers. Good access by motorways all the way from Calais and the popular airport at Limoges have opened up this region of France. Naturally, prices are increasing but there is plenty of rural property for renovation at below £50,000.

But even cheaper - there is plenty of rural property in the area bordered by Champagne-Ardennes / Franche-Comte / Burgundy. In recent months we have sold properties from £10,000. There is a reasonable selection from £20,000 to £40,000 with land! Close to the Burgundy and Champagne vineyards plus easy driving to dramatic landscapes in Doubs and Jura. Magnificent scenery and lovely warm summers are a feature here. Truly a bargain!

Other areas to look at in Central France where property prices are relatively low: Indre (Centre region), Vienne (Poitou-Charentes) and rural Auvergne.

One of the big attractions of buying in France is the weather. There is an old adage that you need to be south of the Loire for good weather! Well in my opinion you need to be further South! On the Med coast you can expect 200 + days of sunshine (8 hours per day). Of course, property prices are high in some spots but bargains are still there! For example, Port Fitou, Port Leucate and Le Barcares (marina) are holiday complexes (the latter two with seaside beaches) have studios for less than £50K! Village houses north of Beziers can be snapped up for less than £50K. All of these are in the Languedoc-Roussillon which is extremely well served with direct flights to Perpignan, Carcassonne, Nimes and Montpellier.

In the Provence, property prices are high on the coast but moving inland can produce bargain prices. You really need a good budget here though. Where else in the South? Well the Midi-Pyrenees is a huge region (bigger than Wales) and there are plenty of bargains in this area. You can be close to the ski slopes but enjoy excellent summer temperatures. As the area is very rural - often with dramatic scenery - there is plenty of land and property for renovation.

Why not take a look and find yourself a bargain?

Planning to take a vacation? Do you know what you really like to do? it could make your vacation even more meaningful. Many travelers go on a trip that friends and relatives recommend, but is it what they really want? You should start planning early and know what you really want to accomplish.

Ask yourself the following questions before starting to plan your vacation; do I want to relax? Do I want adventure or a learning experience? Do I want to get away from my job? When you know the answers to these questions, then you are ready to plan your trip.

Vacations are essential for our emotional, physical and mental balance. You give yourself a chance to relax, renew your energy, free from the daily routine. Vacations could be far away or close to home. Wherever the vacation may be, it does the same thing. It is the satisfaction that is more important than the destination.

There are many different types of travel according to activities involved. Some are listed below:

1. Responsible Travel. Traveling doesn't always have to be self-serving. With responsible travel, one could have enjoyment as much as respecting the local environment and the people. 2. Rediscovering nature. Rediscovering travel is all about nature and everything in it. It revitalizes the soul while smelling and feeling nature. 3. Responsible Diving. Diving not only let vacationers appreciate what is down in the sea but also making them more aware of the conservation effort.

The country of travel also leaves an indelible mark on the traveler's diary. Here are some of the most popular destinations today:

1. Thailand. Thailand is also known as Siam. It is an Asian country bounded by Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Behind the back draft of Thailand's jungles of bamboo, rubber trees and vines are the Five-star hotels of modern conveniences. In some parts of the country, elephants are still being use to lift timbers and buffalos are still being use in farming.

2. China. China is now the second largest country and fastest growing economy in the world. Most parts of China are still unexplored by tourist; however, the eastern portion is now popular to western tourist. First class hotels now offer highest class of amenities and dozens are still being built/

3. Italy. Italy is a boot-like shape country bounded by Switzerland, Austria, France, and Slovenia. The main attraction of Italy is St. Peter's Square where the Pope resides.

4. Caribbean. Caribbean is an archipelago of islands, 2000 square miles across. Most of the islands are plateaus and eruptions of underlying mountain systems. There are nice beaches of crushed coral and white or pink sand and the water at the shore is a deep blue.

Your vacation success will not depend on how much you spent or on the destination. But how well you enjoyed it and how you were able to achieve the primary goal of "getting away from it all."