Great Value Vacations

  Is 52 Too Late to Start a Civil Service Pension in the UK? Is It Worth It?: A Complete Guide Introduction: Defusing the Age Myth For many working professionals who are nearing middle age and some new entrants into the civil service, there is one fear that they commonly have: “At my age, am I too late to make a decent pension plan?” For all those aged 52 who are thinking of entering the Civil Service or are already within the Civil Service and are considering their pension plans, the simple answer would be, “No, it is not too late.” However, when the “is it worth it?” question comes up, there needs to be an in-depth analysis of the contribution rates and additional factors in the CSPS. Understanding the Value of a Defined Benefit Scheme While the private sector operates on a "defined contribution" pension plan, where the amount in your kitty varies according to changes in the stock markets, the Civil Service provides its employees with a "defined benefit" plan (whi...

  Which Are the Prettiest Towns and Villages in the UK? A Guide to Postcard-Perfect Escapes The UK is a land of rural beauty, where life appears to move slowly around the verdant hills, traditional stone houses, and winding rivers. Whether it’s the honey-colored buildings in the Cotswolds, the coastal landscape in Cornwall, or the wilderness of the Scottish Highlands, there are so many beautiful locations throughout the UK. But if you are tired of living life in the fast lane and dream of exploring narrow streets, old houses, and quaint villages instead, then the only question becomes which ones to choose first. This guide will show you the prettiest towns and villages that could be lifted out of a fairy tale. When embarking on a holiday to visit these amazing locations, the arrangements involved could at times be quite hectic, particularly in cases where one plans to arrive at one of these major destinations via air travel. In this respect, in case one is coming from Bedfordshire ...

  Why Is the UK So Densely Populated? Unpacking England’s Crowded Landscape: A Complete Guide Upon examining the population density map of Europe, one nation jumps out as being unusually bright compared to its neighbors – the United Kingdom, and in particular, England. Home to more than 57 million people within a space that is about the same size as Alabama, England qualifies as one of the most densely populated regions on Earth west of Moscow. Why would this relatively small section of the planet contain such a large number of inhabitants? The reasons are not clear-cut, but rather lie in a multitude of factors throughout history. The Geographic and Climatic Advantage Even before cities emerged, the terrain was the deciding factor for the place where the community would build their settlements. Southern and eastern parts of England, which make up the core of the reason why Britain is so densely populated, have some of the most fertile soils in all of Europe. The relatively warm cli...

  Why Do the Wealthiest 1% Areas of the United States Look Like England?: A Complete Guide A Transatlantic Architectural Mystery Drive through the gentle slopes of Greenwich, Connecticut, meander down the twisting streets of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, or wander through the pristine gardens of Atherton, California, and you might find yourself with a bizarre feeling of déjà vu – not of any other American city, but of an entirely different nation. The buildings, the urban structure, and even the overall feel of America’s most prestigious zip codes mimic the charming village towns and rural manors of England. This isn’t by chance. The style of the American upper class isn’t an indigenous creation; rather, it’s a conscious and century-long tribute to the English pastoral dream. Yet, why would the world’s most dominant capitalist state emulate the architectural idiom of its former colonial power? To grasp this concept, one needs to consider the real reasons behind the accumulation of wealt...

  Why Do UK Pedestrians Get Confused About Jaywalking When They Visit Countries Like the US?: A Complete Guide A Transatlantic Clash of Pavement Etiquette In the case of the UK traveler alighting off a red eye plane onto the scorching streets of America, the first few minutes could prove confusing in more ways than one. For instance, the road driving directions will be different from those in the UK; the heights at which pedestrians can find themselves may change. Most importantly, however, what could be more surprising to the foreign traveler is the legal ramifications that the pedestrian may incur for what should have been a simple crossing of the road. While back home it could have been a matter of courtesy between the driver and the pedestrian, crossing in America may cost the traveler fines or even charges of "jaywalking." Suppose you arrive in London Luton from a visit to New York. Suppose that you were reprimanded for crossing the road outside of the crosswalk in the r...