A popular seasonal short break is to visit Christmas markets. The most popular ones are in Germany and Austria but they are also increasing in popularity in the UK.

Christmas Market coach trips in Europe – One of the most popular ways to visit the European Christmas markets is by taking a coach trip. These can cover one or several markets and usually include bed and breakfast accommodation, sometimes dinner too, all transport and occasionally other excursions. The most popular destination is Cologne which has one of the best markets, but other popular destinations are Berlin and Munich in Germany, Brussels and Bruges in Belgium, Vienna, Salzburg and Gras in Austria, Amiens, Lille and Paris in France, and slightly further away Prague in the Czech Republic. Some of the trips will go to one market, and others will be a multi-centre trip, offering you the opportunity to sample more than one.

Christmas Markets in the UK – Christmas markets were traditional in the lead-up to Christmas until they were prohibited by Oliver Cromwell. Victorians revived the tradition to a certain extent but they were not really known as Christmas markets at that time. Some markets last for several weeks, and some are just for a weekend. It is wise to research the markets first to make sure they will be on during the time you are in the area. The first city to revive the Christmas market tradition was Lincoln and the Christmas market there is now one of the most popular and one of the largest in the UK. It has now been going for over 25 years. Lincoln is a city worth visiting at any time and it has a beautiful cathedral, but during the Christmas market season the place really comes alive with entertainment and special events, and traders selling food and gifts.

Some cities and towns have themed Christmas markets. For example, Rochester in Kent has a Dickens themed Christmas market, near the castle. Traders dress in Victorian costume, entertainment is available and sometimes artificial snow is used to decorate the street. Other cities such as Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, London and Oxford sometimes have German-style Christmas markets. Winchester’s Christmas market is held near the cathedral and includes an outdoor ice rink. In such a beautiful setting this is worth visiting for the experience of ice skating followed by a cup of mulled wine from one of the stalls. In some places accommodation may be harder to find during the Christmas market period, so try and book a hotel or B&B as far in advance as possible.

Smaller venues – It isn’t only large cities which have Christmas markets. Take a look at events guides for stately homes and National Trust properties, as many of these also have smaller Christmas markets which are also worth visiting.

Andrew writes frequently about travel and what to do in your retirement. He also maintains a financial blog, covering everything from pensions to savings accounts to umbrella companies .

Are you planning for your retirement?  If you are expected to retire within the next year or two, you may be on the hunt for retirement communities.  With so many options to choose from, many seniors are wondering, how they can start familiarizing themselves with their options.

The first step in finding a retirement community is to decide on a location.  Do you want to stay in your current community?  Have you always dreamed of moving to Florida or another location with beautiful weather?  If so, now is the time to make your decision.  Targeting your retirement community search to a specific location can save you time.

Once you have decided on a destination, you have a number of different options.  If you will be staying in or around your local community, you can turn to your local phone book.  There, you will find a number of retirement communities located in the yellow pages or business directory section.  These centers may be listed under “retirement,” “housing,” or “assisted living.”  Your phone book should provide you with the telephone number of the establishment in question.  Contact them for more information.

If you are internet savvy, you can use the internet to find retirement communities.  If you already have the name of a retirement home or community, like one that was recommended to you, perform a standard internet search with that company or community name.  If the place has an online website, you should be directed to that website.  Not only can you get the needed contact information, you will also be provided with other valuable information.  This information may include a summary of rates, pictures, room layout plans, a detailed list of onsite services, facilities, and scheduled activities.

In keeping with using the internet to find retirement homes and communities, you can also turn to online business directories and online phone books.  Many enable you to search for a business, like a retirement home, by location, such as your chosen destination.  The information that you will be provided with should include an address, a telephone number, and possibly a company website link.  Be sure to visit the website of the retirement community in question or at least call for additional information.

Typically, you will find it easier to find retirement communities online.  In fact, you will likely be provided with more options.  Your local phone book may be limited in its information or it may be outdated.  If you are not computer savvy yourself, consider asking a friend or trusted family member for help.  An afternoon spent together can produce a large list of retirement homes and communities in or around the location of your choice.

Remember that moving into a retirement community is a huge decision.  In fact, you will need to do more than just find a retirement community. You will also need to choose one.  When making your decision, keep affordability in mind.  It is a must to choose a retirement community that you can afford.  Also, examine your needs.  Do you need assistance with living day-to-day?  If so an assisted living retirement community is advised.

The above mentioned methods are all ways that you can go about finding retirement communities.  As an important reminder, don’t just find a community to live at; choose the one that is the perfect fit for you.