France

January 2019 - April 2024
An open-ended adventure by alice Read more
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  • Day 1

    france

    January 29, 2019 in England ⋅ ⛅ 2 °C

    Across the English Channel is a country known for good weather, food and culture, which means there’s no surprise that many Brits want to move here. France is a beautiful country that offers busy city living and quiet seaside towns, and regardless of whether you’re moving for work or retirement, there are dozens of reasons to live in this country. But before you make any commitments, here’s a look at some of the essential areas to consider if you are a UK citizen looking to move to France.
    French Visa Requirements
    Currently, British citizens don’t actually need a residence permit or visa to work, study or live in France. But in June 2016, the UK voted to leave the European Union during the countries referendum. Just under three years ago and it is still not yet known how this will affect British citizens that currently reside in France as the negotiations are still currently underway. This won’t change until the official date of exit as the decision to leave is still under scrutiny, but for expats, there is the possibility that they lose their right to work in France.

    For people who currently own or want to buy a property in France, they should be aware that the exit may trigger an alteration in tax laws and inheritance. It’s best to speak to a European tax expert if you a concerned about your current property.

    Brexit isn’t making moving to France easy, but if it is something you want to do in the near future, there is little you actually need to do in regards to moving, just make sure you are registered as a resident of France. As a UK national you can sign up for a carte de sejour (registration card), but it isn’t actually a requirement to have one
    Driving in France
    UK driving license holders are legally allowed to drive in France and reading about the slight differences about the road will help a lot. If you want, you can have your UK license changed into a French one, but after six months of driving, it is essential that you register your car with the French authorities.

    Healthcare
    The NHS offers an extensive guide into the healthcare system worth reading, to outline it, you will need a free European Health Insurance Card to receive emergency treatment. During the early stages of your move, it’s also a good idea to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover any medical problems that aren’t included with your EHIC.

    After you have registered as a resident of France, you can get a social security card for healthcare called a Carte Vitale. After this, you then need to register with the local Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie and they will show you the documents you need to complete your registration.
    Why Live in France
    Other than Paris, most France offers residents the simple life. A much slower pace when compared to the UK, France offers a warm climate that cherishes food and drinks by using sustainable farms and vineyards to create a modest lifestyle. This and the south of France have been ideal retirement locations for Brits for many years as it’s a beautiful country to live while being an easy journey back to the UK when required.

    The Cost of Living in France
    While rural France is very affordable, Paris is a costly city to live in and prices of accommodation are similar to London. Naturally, you can find compromises such as location, neighbourhood and living space to help reduce the costs. Other than the price of accommodation, the cost of utilities is similar to the UK, however broadband is more expensive as there is little competition in France to tempt any reduction in price. France also offers lower property taxes for those wanting to buy a home, which is another reason people move here to retire.

    https://iasservices.org.uk/british-citizenship/
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  • Day 17

    What's in my bag?

    February 14, 2019 in England ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    What’s in my Travel Bag?
    As a traveller, the art of packing all of your belongings into a small suitcase or a travel backpack is hard to master. I personally have a medium between overpacking and underpacking (i.e. I pack unnecessary items and leave out things that I really should bring).

    After staying in countless hostels, sleeper trains, overnight coaches, I feel as though I have mastered the art of packing pretty well. So, I thought that I would give you an insight into getting everything sorted out before you travel.
    What I’m currently reading
    I absolutely love having a good book when I am travelling. The issue I find is that I usually run out of reading material when I am halfway through my trip. So, one of my friends recommended that I get a Kindle, as I can store hundreds of books on here to last me through the trip.

    Honestly, I would so recommend doing this, as it saves storage for other important items, it’s so easy to travel with and I never get bored. I really like getting into a good book when I am on a long-haul flight or in a sleeper train, as I find that this really helps to pass the time.

    I’m currently reading “The Memoirs of an Addict”, which is written by a neuroscientist. This book is so interesting, it’s a real life account of a recovering drug addict neuroscientist, who explains the cause and duration of his drug addiction. He also explains what is happening to his brain when he takes drugs and also when he is deprived of them. This is honestly one of the most gripping books I have ever read.
    My travel fale-safes
    For those of you who know me, will know that I really take pride in my little travel gadgets. Take the time to read up on all of the different gadgets that are available to you, but make sure that you do the research as some can just end up cluttering your backpack.

    My favourites are the trtl travel pillow, which is an absolute lifesaver when I’m on crowded flights and trains. This wraps around your bag, so it doesn’t take up any additional space, which I find really convenient.

    Another one of my favourite items is my water bottle that converts dirty water into drinkable water. So, if you’re ever in a country where you can’t drink the tap water, you can actually filter this down and make safe drinking water. This is such a great invention and I honestly don’t leave the house without it!

    How I pass the time
    Travelling solo can be quite difficult and boring if you have long travel journeys. It’s important to make sure that you are making the most of this time spent travelling. I use an app called Duolingo which I would honestly recommend to anyone and everyone. This app teaches you different languages in a really easy and manageable way. If you want to brush up on your local lingo, then this is a great tool to use.

    Other than that, I usually have a journal packed into my bag so that I can write recounts of the trip so far and basically everything that I’m thinking and feeling. This is a great outlet and if you’re ever feeling a little bit lonely, it can often be a source of comfort on your travels.

    https://trtltravel.com
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  • Day 24

    Beaches Blog

    February 21, 2019 in England ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Whether it’s a long stretch of golden sands or a beach just off the resort you’re staying at, beaches around the world can acquire to everyone’s taste. For the ultimate guide to the best beaches to visit, scroll down to find one that suits your needs and spend the rest of your time relaxing in the sunshine.

    Seagrass Bay, Laucala Island, Fiji

    Home of a tropical jungle, this private island stretches around 7.5 square miles and is one the quietest resorts you can visit. It boasts some of the rarest birds and animals which doesn’t have you feeling completely alone. The island is so isolated, the only place you can stay whilst you’re there is Laucala Island Resort, a beautiful hideaway that says everything luxury.

    Sunset Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

    There’s a reason Hawaii is a romantic and ideal holiday destination for couples. The tropical island has clear waters that gush against the beach surface and it’s also a an ideal destination for keen surfers. If you want to get a bit of adventure under your belt, feel free to take up a bit of snorkelling or surfing. Turtle Bay Resort is a great place to stay whilst you visit, which has been newly renovated and refurbished in a $45 million dollar project.

    Praia da Falesia, Albufeira, Portugal

    Stretching over 10km, Praia de Falesia has car park located just above the clifftop. As you descend from above, the view that the beach offers one of the most beautiful you are to ever witness. Down below on to the beach, your feet can sink into the soft, golden sand which is ideal for a long stroll across the beach. There are plenty of luxury villas Vilamoura based that can be ideal places to stay whilst you’re out there.

    Elfonisi, Crete, Greece

    Located on Greece’s largest island, Elfonisi in Crete can be extremely popular during the Summer season. Unique elements with this particular beach are the wildflowers that blossom around it as well as the rock formations that have been created around it. The Blue Palace resort and spa have plenty of private pools for its visitors.

    Those looking for a quiet and peaceful time away can do no wrong than with a beach stay at their favourite holiday destination. These are just a few places to visit where you’re sure to have the relaxing time that you deserve.

    https://therealalgarve.com/
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