Making The Most Of Barcelona This Christmas

Expats living in Spain have been advised that Barcelona offers some great discounts on designer brands when compared to other world cities such as London or New York.

According to Expatica, international residents enjoying their first Christmas in Spain can expect to see substantial reductions on designer goods, although some imported brands may be more expensive, with Habitat said to be a notable example.

"Barri Gotic, though better known for its architecture, has some wonderful independent boutiques, while the centre of the city is where the brand name shops are found," the site advised.

Meanwhile, for those who are planning to move to Spain in the new year, the expat community site's healthcare writer Nick Snelling recently reported that the country boasts excellent and efficient hospitals, a factor which may be particularly comforting to older generations planning a move.

However, taking out an expat health insurance policy may be a further comfort, as access to state healthcare may be limited for early expat retirees in the new year.