Making decisions on where to go and how to save

Whether travelling on business or being on holiday, finding a place to stay that offers easy access to a range of areas, such as the north and the south-west of England, certainly has its advantages.

What better place than a friendly, family-run hotel located close to two major motorways and two railway links, both within less than 10 miles, as well as an international airport, which is no more then 15 miles away? From here it is possible for business individuals to reach several business parks, a mall and places like Rolls Royce, the BAC, the MOD and the Airbus.

For holidaymakers, the Westcountry beckons with cider and cheese at the Cheddar Gorge, in the Mendips or at Quantocks, while Clifton Suspension Bridge, Longleat's lions and the Tortsworth Visitor Centre are just a short ride away.

Alternatively, a trip to Bristol Zoo might be fun, as would a day out at Slimbridge Wildlife Centre. Visiting Wales via the two Severn Bridges couldn't be much easier. There are castles to explore in Berkley, Chepstow and Cardiff, and then, of course, there is Bath, Clifton Village and the galleries in Bristol.

There are plenty of opportunities to play or watch golf, or maybe go to watch a football, cricket or rugby match. There is so much choice of what to do; it will be quite difficult to come to a decision.

The same often applies to finding the right high interest savings account. Here, too, there is such a huge choice available on the market, that it is difficult to know where to turn. Figuring out what to do does not, however, have to turn into a nightmare.

There are some excellent comparison sites available, which will allow a person to compare a variety of options side by side. Take individual savings accounts, for instance. Comparison sites make it possible to find some of the best ISAs side by side, allowing users to easily compare their rates, terms and conditions without having to waste a lot of time or effort.

The rates on these types of savings opportunities are among the best on the market at the moment. Some of the instant cash options offer AERs as high as 3.1 per cent, while a fixed rate product may offer 4.5 per cent on a five year term, or 3.75 on a two year term. Even a one year term will offer an excellent AER of 3.35 per cent at present.

Taking the fact that the funds accrued in these kinds of accounts are also tax free, this is not a bad choice by anyone's standards.

Other options, such as savings bonds, for example, also offer excellent rates, with some of the highest rates being 3.6 per cent on one year terms, 4.05 per cent on two and 4.3 per cent on three year periods. For terms of four years or more, savers can expect as much as 4.8 per cent on their AER.

Naturally, each different type of account will have different requirements and restrictions. Minimum investments vary from one option to the next, as do a list of other conditions. Ultimately, the choice of what will be the most suitable option will depend on personal requirements.