Megaz Fast

Thames Cruise
The Thames is the lifeblood of London, bringing industry to the city for centuries. It is England’s longest river, leading into the North Sea at its end. It has been the base for settlements since prehistoric times, and was a strategic importance to the Romans and English Kings, as well as during both World Wars.

There are a number of companies in London offering cruises across the Thames. Cruises run as regularly as every 30 minutes from several key locations. The cruises pass several key sightseeing locations, including Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye.

Some cruises run at night so you can see the sights all lit up, whilst others are served with a meal or afternoon tea. This is a lovely and unique way to view the city, traveling along the historic Thames.

The 10 Best Small Towns to Retire in the U.S.

There's something about small towns that inspires nostalgia and the feeling that traditions of the past still exist on their quaint main streets. Many retirees look for that atmosphere, whether it recalls their own history or a long-imagined ideal place to settle down. There are also practical reasons to move to a small town upon retirement, including affordability, safety, wellness, culture, and comfort. Although not every town offers the ideal combination of these factors, there are many that meet the needs of retirees seeking a simpler life.

Definitions of small towns in terms of population vary from under 10,000 to several times that. Sometimes, towns are considered "small" based on their appearance, lifestyle, or sense of community. In creating this list of small towns, we looked at a variety of qualities (including cost of living, crime data, healthcare availability, senior housing, activities, transportation, and attractions and activities in the area) with the understanding that "best" is ultimately a matter of taste.

Here are some of America's best small towns to consider for retirement or perhaps even for a weekend visit.

Greer, South Carolina
Located in upstate South Carolina with a population of about 33,000 as of 2019, the city has maintained a small town atmosphere, with a revitalized downtown, easy pedestrian access, and attractive twinkling lights. Restaurants, weekly farmers' market, parks, and Thursday night food trucks create a community atmosphere. On the city's website, Greer is described as charming, with festivals, concerts, holiday gatherings, and a variety of recreational activities. Served by the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport as well as Amtrak, the city is accessible and convenient to additional amenities in nearby Greenville. Two hospitals and a cancer center are located within the city, and BMW's manufacturing center is nearby.

Coolidge, Arizona

This south central Arizona town has a 2019 population of 12,685 residents. Set in the northern area of the Sonoran Desert, Coolidge is about 60 miles from Phoenix. Retirees who enjoy desert living for health reasons or personal preference know that summers are quite warm, with July being the hottest month, averaging 106 degrees. Winter is moderate, and snowfall is rare. The cost of living in Coolidge is lower than the national and Arizona average. Natural beauty and a quiet lifestyle are also attractions. The nation's first archaeological reserve, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, is located in Coolidge. Central Arizona College offers personal enrichment classes, continuing education, and workshops for the community. The town is home to a variety of adult and assisted living housing.

Dillsboro, North Carolina
This small town is located on the banks of the Tuckaseigee River near the south entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With a population of fewer than 300 residents, Dillsboro maintains its 19th century railroad town charm. Its walkable downtown consists of century-old stores, restaurants, gift shops, and galleries focused on local artisans who have moved to the town. Annual events are centered around arts and crafts. The cost of living in Dillsboro is comparable to the national average, and crime rates are low. Retirees seeking true small town life, a historic setting, and year-round outdoor activities might enjoy Dillsboro, and for a change of pace, Asheville is less than an hour away.

Fredericksburg, Texas

Located in Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg was founded in 1846 by German immigrants, and that heritage infuses the town's food, architecture, and culture. Wine lovers will enjoy living in the midst of more than 100 wineries in the area, and stargazers will appreciate the city's efforts to become a Dark Sky Community, with measures to minimize light pollution. Seasonal changes are significant, with dry, warm summers and cold weather in winter. The area is safe, and crime rates are low. Hill Country Memorial Hospital in Fredericksburg includes an acute care facility and a Wellness Center. As a tourist destination with a number of historical landmarks, the city offers a variety of restaurants, hotels, museums, and entertainment. San Antonio and Austin are the closest major cities, both within 70 miles of Fredericksburg.

Cedar Key, Florida
The Sunshine State is home to many charming small towns, and Cedar Key is one of the smallest and most charming. Retirees in Florida enjoy the financial benefits of having no state income tax, and Cedar Key's cost of living is low to moderate. Set on the Gulf coast with fewer than 10,000 residents, the town is considered safe, quiet, and relaxed. Nature lovers will appreciate the proximity of Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, nature trails, and unspoiled environment. A tourist destination, especially in winter, the town features excellent seafood, with farm-raised clams and Florida oysters available all year. About an hour's drive southwest of Gainesville, the island's cottages, homes, and aquaculture are accessible by Highway 24, the only road entering the town. Residents and visitors enjoy the friendly, low-key atmosphere and a variety of events throughout the year.

Paso Robles, California

Belize to Require Travel Insurance for Visitors Starting in February

Travelers headed to Belize in search of sunshine, beaches, and world-class scuba diving will soon be required to purchase travel insurance for their trip.

Beginning Feb. 15, all international visitors must purchase an official travel insurance policy, according to a recent announcement from the Belize Tourism Board. The policy, costing $18, will cover up to $50,000 in COVID-19-related medical expenses and up to $2,000 for lodging expenses should a traveler need to quarantine in Belize.

The travel insurance requirement will remain in effect for 21 days and will also cover emergencies related to other medical conditions, medical evacuation by air, and costs related to a trip being interrupted.

"The new travel health insurance mandate underscores Belize's commitment to health and safety, enhancing travel confidence and giving visitors peace of mind to schedule that well-deserved vacation for 2022 and beyond," the Belize Tourism Board said in announcing the requirement

Travelers headed back to the U.S. must test negative for COVID-19 within a day of their return flight, a requirement that's resulted in the U.S. State Department recommending vacationers plan for surprise quarantine expenses.
Travelers to Belize are already required to test negative for COVID-19 to enter the Central American country regardless of their vaccination status. Visitors must present a negative PCR test taken within 96 hours of their arrival in Belize or an antigen test taken within 48 hours of their arrival.

Results of at-home test kits are not accepted under current policies.

Visitors also must stick to hotels and tour operators whose COVID-19 safety standards have been approved by the Belizean government. That list is being regularly updated and already includes nearly 700 accommodation options and more than 250 tour operators.

Anyone arriving without negative COVID-19 test results to Philip Goldson International Airport, outside of Belize City, is required to take a COVID-19 test onsite for $50 cash.

And anyone testing positive on arrival won't be sent immediately back home. Instead, they'll have to quarantine for a minimum of 10 days at their own expense.

Children under 5 are exempt from Belize's COVID-19 testing policies.

Travel insurance policies for Belize can be purchased prior to travel, at the airport, or at land border crossings.