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Holiday Villas in Lanzarote – 10 Top Tips For Successfully Renting Your Villa Author: Sep 23

There are now estimated to be well over 3,000 holiday villas in Lanzarote, and the biggest holiday rental sites have over 600 each on their books. With the recession hitting visitor numbers to the island to the extent of them being 20% down in the first 3 months of 2009, this is sombre reading for owners of holiday villas in Lanzarote, who need to rent their properties out for a large proportion of the year. It’s very competitive out there!

So what can Lanzarote villa owners do to ensure they successfully let their properties in the current climate? We suggest the following 10-point strategy:

1. Furnish well – the trick is to invest in robust furnishings that look great and photograph well, but will also stand wear and tear. This usually means that buying cheaply is a false economy – remember you are furnishing a holiday home, not student accommodation.

2. Use great photographs and prepare them well. Before taking the picture, spend as long as possible staging the photo, arranging furniture and fittings etc, and make sure the lighting is right. Take exterior shots on a sunny day, and do not feature people in your photos. You could also consider filming a video tour of your villa – this gives an added dimension that photos alone cannot deliver, and may give you an edge. Again, however, make sure your filming is stage managed to emphasise all the best aspects of your villa.

3. If your photography and filming skills are not up to scratch, hire a professional! It will probably pay for itself in the first year.

4. If you are not planning to manage the villa yourself, spend time researching and appointing good Villa Managers. The key things you are looking for are high quality and reliable cleaning services (for the pool and villa), laundry, and being responsive and attentive to customer queries. Remember, these people are the equivalent of the holiday rep if you are not nearby.

5. Be realistic with your pricing. Review some of the villa rental sites that are already advertising, and check out some of your competitors in the same geographical area. If you are planning to charge more for your villa than they are, make sure the reasons are obvious in your advertisement!

6. Focus your selling copy on your real points of difference – with so many villas on Lanzarote, you need to have some unique selling points. These could be property features (for example hot spa, private pool), views (especially a sea view), proximity to other attractions (beaches, golf, nightlife etc). Make these USPs (unique selling points) STAND OUT in your villa advertising copy.

7. Advertise – these days, the internet is where people look for holiday villas, so choose sites that rank well for key search terms on Google. How many sites you choose to advertise on is a matter of affordability, but if you are looking for 20 or more weeks of lettings per year, we would recommend advertising on at least two, and preferably three sites, rather than relying on one advert.

8. Show an Availability Calendar – this is a double edged sword, because if it has lots of gaps, it doesn’t look good! However, potential customers will need to know your villa is available when they want it, so we’d recommend it.

9. Respond to enquiries promptly, and always within 24 hours. Most enquirers will have written to a short list of villa owners, including you, so simply replying quickly should help you to convert more enquiries to sales. When replying to initial enquiries (which usually ask for confirmation of price and availability), again emphasise your USPs (the points that are unique about your villa), but do this succinctly and factually, without ‘over selling’.

10. Add finishing touches – the Welcome Pack, luxurious towels and good linen will speak volumes when your customers arrive, and will encourage them to book with you again next year.

So there you have it – a suggested 10-point strategic plan for successful villa rentals in Lanzarote. Put this plan into action, and you should see the inquiries arriving sooner rather than later.

Miles Couchman is the Editor and owner of All Things Lanzarote (http://allthingslanzarote.com), a website offering information on Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands. The site advertises a wide ranage of villas and apartments for holiday rental, hotels, flights and car hire, as well as offering a comprehensive guide of places, things to do and see on Lanzarote.

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Holiday Apartments For Rent in Barcelona Spain – Book Direct With the Owner – No Agents’ Commission Author: Sep 15

As a holiday destination, Barcelona has it all, including fabulous holiday apartments for rent in Barcelona Spain where you can also find sunshine, beaches, museums, shops and great restaurants. You can avoid paying travel agent commission when you rent your vacation apartment rentals in Barcelona Spain by booking directly with the apartment owners. You can rent a city property in Spain from the Internet by putting in searches like holiday villa select, owners- direct-Spain or even holiday apartments for rent in Barcelona Spain etc. Needless to say, when you do book on line, you should make sure you are transferred directly to the owners and that you are not dealing with the website owner, a travel agent or a tour operator etc. as they all take commission which of course has to be paid for. And don’t forget to book your flights into Barcelona Spain early.

Fewer than 20 years ago, most travellers would never have even thought of north-eastern Spain and cities like Barcelona as a place for luxury villa rental Spain. The formerly neglected industrial quarter of Barcelona is currently in the process of gentrification, and stylish holiday apartments for rent in Barcelona Spain are available there. Today, this neighbourhood boasts a wide variety of excellent eateries, interesting museums, art galleries, boutiques, and historic buildings. There is something to satisfy every taste.

The weather is ideal in Barcelona, so tourists choose to lease Spain villas there throughout the year. It is comfortably hot in the summertime, about 60 degrees in the wintertime, and boasts both a metropolitan atmosphere and the attractions of the seashore. There are all sorts of holiday apartments for rent in Barcelona Spain available at every price which makes it a perfect destination no matter what your budget may be. Inexpensive flights into Barcelona Spain are increasingly in demand, making this one of the continent’s favourite getaway spots.

One district you must see is the El Born District which has been transformed from a neglected area to one that is modern and eclectic. It is a very fashionable area for vacation apartment rentals in Barcelona Spain. In the delightful stone-paved streets are trendy galleries and restaurants serving delicious food; you must try the unusual tapas dishes that this area has become celebrated for.

Another area recommended for booking holiday apartments for rent in Barcelona Spain is Gracia – a lively quarter with lots to recommend it and a huge selection of vacation apartment rentals in Barcelona Spain. Gracia once a working class industrial district is now one of the fashionable areas, where the trendy and creative people gather. It still has a strong Catalan identity and has some of Barcelona’s richest festival traditions. The Festa de Gracia is one of these and everyone joins in and decorates the streets in mid-August, as each street competes for the honour of best decorated street. Gracia also houses Barcelona’s most striking park, created by Antoni Gaudi, the Parc Guell. This park is a work of art and well worth a visit.

Finally, and while we always recommend booking direct with the owner for your holiday apartments for rent in Barcelona Spain , likewise with your flights into Barcelona Spain, we strongly recommend you use a good travel insurance broker to ensure you get expert advice and insurance at the most competitive price.

Have an exciting break by booking holiday apartments for rent in Barcelona Spain. Flights into Barcelona Spain can be very reasonable as long as you book early. Vacation apartment rentals in Barcelona Spain are available to book directly with the owners. Clive Long, the author, is a Director of http://www.holiday-villa-select.com a website offering cost effective holiday villa rentals in Spain booked direct with owners who advertise their holiday villa-apartment on this website no commission charged.

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Eco-Tourism: Responsible Holiday Adventures Author: Aug 28

The Meaning of Eco-Tourism

The concept of Eco-tourism came into its own in 2002, when the United Nations celebrated the “International Year of Eco-tourism”. The International Eco-tourism Society defines eco-tourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people”.

Eco-tourism puts focus on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, cultural and individual growth, and learning new and better ways to exist in our world. It is classically defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Responsible eco-tourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural uprightness of local people. In addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, there are initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water re-use, and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities. All of these factors form an integral part of eco-tourism.

What are Eco-Tourism Holidays?

In a nutshell: a holiday that does not contribute to the damage of an environment and does not put existing species at risk! Over time people in different communities have become aware of the adverse effect of tourism, and have put structures in place to ensure their landscape stays protected. If youd like to contribute to a community plus have a great holiday Look for the eco-tourism signposts i.e. accommodation built with natural, locally found materials whose staff comprise of local people. The hotel or lodge should have environmentally sound energy and water-saving policies. Holidays should help preserve environments and encourage and maintain traditional cultures rather than contribute to their ruin.

There are some wonderful, informative eco-tourism holidays where you can have a special adventure plus contribute to the surrounding communities. Here are some examples

Botswana: Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is one of the largest inland deltas on earth and one of Africas most beautiful and unique wetlands, supporting an abundance of wild animals. For Africa as a whole, and in the Delta in particular, the single greatest attraction for safari-goers is the lion. As carnivores at the top of the food chain, lions are a key component in the Okavango ecosystem and need to be carefully managed.

In 1997 Christiaan and Hanlie Winterbach, two experienced wildlife biologists, set about constructing a scientifically sound, long-term ecological monitoring programme and lion research project in a Wildlife Management Area in the south-western part of the Delta, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to track & study lions in the wild! The Delta also offers an overabundance of other wildlife and birdlife.

Christiaan and Hanlie Winterbach have set up and co-ordinated the lion surveys since their inception in 1995 under the guise of Tau Consultants (already members of the World Conservation Union), in co-operation with the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks. Having worked and studied in Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa, Christiaan, a zoologist is able to offer first-hand information on the behavioral patterns of lions while Hanlie, a botanist, introduces travellers to a world of evolving flora that survives in this incredible Delta. A large percentage of the money paid for this experience goes directly to the camp, enabling them to continue their vital work.

South Africa: Tsitsikamma Forest Nature Reserve

Lush indigenous vegetation and forests framed by majestic mountain ranges on the one side and the Indian Ocean with its pristine white beaches on the other make the Garden Route, situated on the East Coast of Southern Africa, one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa.

This is an ideal eco-tourism holiday with accommodation available in the Tsitsikamma private nature reserve, set on the edge of the Tsitsikamma indigenous forest. The hotel has breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and Tsitsikamma Mountains. The 14ha property is zoned a private nature reserve by Cape Nature Conservation.

In addition, a newly constructed path to Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary gives guests the opportunity to view numerous indigenous species such as Stinkwood and Yellowwood trees, a variety of Fynbos and wildlife such as Bush Pig, Bush Buck, Lynx, Otters, Baboons, Monkeys and prolific bird life including the Knysna Loerie, whilst enjoying the hour long walk starting at the lodge.

Activities in the area include: nature walks, bungy jumping, boating, a forest journey, horse riding, golf, canoeing, sandy beaches, boat-based whale and dolphin watching trips or even an aerial view (flights are available)

iDrivesa takes you on a tour of the top tourist attractions and places of interest in SA and Namibia. Whether you are interested in an eco-tourism getaway to the top game and nature reserves or a luxurious holiday along South Africa’s magnificent coastlines, iDriveSA will provide you with the information you need to turn your holiday dreams into reality.

http://www.idrivesa.com

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Have a Greener Holiday Author: Jul 26

It seems like lately we have been inundated with new slogans – go green, reduce your carbon footprint, become energy efficient.

These may get a little tiresome and sound a tad confusing, but they are important issues that we do need to take seriously.

And luckily, it is not actually hard to go green, reduce your carbon footprint or become energy efficient – even when you are going on holiday.

A greener holiday

We have all been offered a plethora of tips on how to go greener in our homes. But what happens when we go on holiday? There is no need for your time off from reality to adversely affect the environment – just imagine, you will come home relaxed, refreshed and with a clear conscience to boot.

Before you leave – turn off your water heater or set it to vacation mode – this will save energy and money. You can also turn off all your plugs as even when switched off, appliances still draw energy from these sockets.

The journey – flying uses an incredible amount of energy. Where you can, consider holidaying locally so that you could drive to your destination or take a shorter flight. You will also be surprised at what is on offer in your own country and at how much cheaper it is. If you are flying, pack lightly – believe it or not, every gram makes a difference.

Getting there – consider taking public transport to the airport if you are flying. Trains are the most efficient option and have the added bonus of letting you admire the scenery along the way, without worrying about keeping your eyes on the road.

Where to stay – deciding on accommodation is an important part of a green holiday. Many hotels now offer green packages or are rated according to their contribution to environmentally aware practices.

Do a little research before you go and find a hotel or guest house that falls in line with your green principles. If you can’t find a hotel that acts in a manner green enough for you, make sure that you leave a comment or suggestion with the manager about how they can improve their color.

Getting around – if you do need to hire a car, try and use a fuel-efficient or hybrid vehicle. If you can avoid using a car at all, make use of public transport or, even better, hire a bicycle and really get to know your destination.

While you’re there – don’t neglect your good eco-friendly habits while you are on holiday. You can still switch off lights and appliances when you go out and you can even still recycle. You can also make a difference by not requesting clean towels and bedding everyday (I mean, who has a clean towel and sheet at home every day anyway?).

Another helpful hint is to make sure that you add some of the area’s natural attractions to your itinerary. Frequenting and supporting places like blue flag beaches and World Heritage Sites will help contribute to their survival – and guarantees a spectacular experience for you.

Buying stuff – whether you are purchasing food or souvenirs, try and buy local products. This means that there has been minimal transport involved in getting the goods there – reducing carbon emissions. Not to mention how much the locals will love you.

When you’re home – pass on your brochures (you know you pick up at least ten along the way) – someone else will appreciate them or you can recycle them.

Flying in general – consider taking one longer holiday a year, as opposed to several shorter ones. This cuts down on several flights or car trips and lowers your personal carbon footprint.

If you do need to fly, try and take a direct flight and enquire if that airline has a carbon offset program. These programs take a small contribution from you and invest it in ecological projects in order to offset the damage you cause by flying.

About the Author

GoTravel24 supports responsible tourism in South Africa and offers excellent advice on all travel-related issues. Their cost-effective, all-inclusive packages also ensure that everyone has the time and money to focus on going green on holiday.

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Holiday Spain Villa For Rent – Why Not Try the Fabulous Area of Sotogrande Author: Jul 23

Sotogrande in holiday Spain villa is a fabulous choice if you are looking to rent a luxury villa in Spain! Sotogrande is commonly referred to as the prettiest village in Andaluca and has won many best kept village prizes. Sotogrande is conveniently located near Gibraltar Airport, which now accepts many international flights making it easy to get to popular Sotogrande golf villas Spain. This scenic village now competes with the more popular village, Marbella, as one of the most important quality tourist centres in Andaluca. The pristine geographical location provides the climate and beautiful surroundings necessary to make Sotogrande one of the best holiday locations in the country with some of the most beautiful beach front property in Spain.

The town boasts an excellent tourist infrastructure, with exceptional activity centres like the Valderrama and Sotogrande golf courses on your door step. Sotogrande certainly prides itself in having some luxurious and exclusive golf courses. In fact Sotogrande’s Valderrama is one of the most exclusive and finest golf courses in the world. Another exclusive hobby is Sotogrande’s Equestrian school. The area of Sotogrande is full of sporting activities so I must mention the pleasure harbour and the polo club, absolutely ideal for golf villas Spain in Sotogrande

In addition, Sotogrande is a location rich in colour and for apartments and charming gay villa Spain for rental. Sotogrande is also a very popular destination for jet-setters, a place where princes and dukes can be seen relaxing at their games and partying at the exclusive nightspots and restaurants following a polo match.

Sotogrande is a very popular place to rent with privately owned holiday Spain villa and residential apartments readily available for rental in Andaluca. Sotogrande provides contrasting views of sea, hills, cork forests and green fairways, including the Rock of Gibraltar and the Moroccan coastline on a very clear day. Sotogrande is also well known as an architectural showcase with colourful gay villa Spain available for rental and, irrespective of whether you want an activity holiday, sight-seeing or simply sun bathing in a luxury environment.

Along this prestigious shoreline you will discover colourful Spanish rental villas in Sotogrande. There are also magnificent yachts in the large marina area which has over 530 jetty locations and a fancy sailing club. It’s a first-class harbour that invites you to holiday there in one of Spain’s luxurious gay villa Spain rentals. These self catering luxury villas which are suitable for such a fine locale can be rented from the owners direct.

Those who don’t want to give a cut of their holiday money to a travel agent should make their own reservations directly with the private owner of a holiday Spain villa , now when booking a Spanish vacation villa in the town of Sotogrande you can do this by looking online for a reliable, trustworthy site which specialises in holiday rentals in Spain direct from the owner.

A website like this allows you to get in touch with the owner directly, who can provide you with helpful information and tips regarding villa rentals in Spain, and the surrounding areas. You might even be able to get a discount for an extended stay. Additionally, if you thoroughly search the web you can locate discount airfares by flying into Gibraltar Airport, where you can find low-price car rentals. With all these potential savings, you should be able to make a short visit to Sotogrande, a beautiful, luxurious, and well-known town near Gibraltar.

Sotogrande and a beautiful holiday Spain villa can be rented from the owners direct. Golf villas spain are also very popular. Sotogrande is a colourful village to rent where of course cheerful Gay villa Spain rentals are also keenly available. Clive Long, the author, is a Director of http://www.holiday-villa-select.com a website offering cost effective holiday villa rentals in Spain booked direct with owners who advertise their holiday apartment rentals on this website with no commission charged.

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Top Ten Holiday Destinations For 2009 Author: Jul 20

Recession? Resmession! Despite the financial pinch, the public are still keen to go on holiday. Indeed, trips away are one of the last ‘non-essential’ expenses that consumers will axe when cutting back on their spending. And rightly so – it’s important to get away and unwind once in a while. Possibly even more when times are tough.

But where to go? With the Pound faring poorly against the Euro, trips to the Eurozone are less than ideal from an economic point of view. So holidaymakers are increasingly going to mid and long-haul destinations. With this in mind, here are our top ten holiday tips for 2009:

1. Turkey

A typically sunny day at Ephesus, Turkey. Turkey was a notable beneficiary of travellers looking a little further afield in 2008, and should do well with British tourists this year too. Why? Well, it’s not only because the Pound will have legs there. It’s a top spot for culture vultures, due to its rich history and sites of archaeological interest – including Ephesus, Pergamon and Troy.

And on the days when you don’t fancy looking at magnificent old historical structures, there are beaches a-plenty, and great spots for diving. Plus it’s nice and hot. Lots of boxes ticked there.

2. Iceland

Iceland has been a particularly expensive destination traditionally. However, its economic plunge in the second half of last year now means that the cost of living is entirely reasonable… Which is great news for bargain hunters.

Iceland is the perfect spot for adventure sport enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities to go kayaking, cycling, and zipping around on glaciers on a snow-mobile. And if you’re not thrilled at the prospect of releasing lots of adrenaline, there’s plenty of other stuff to do – including watching geysers, fishing, spotting whales, and lazing around in geothermal pools.

Note that although your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) will only cover you for urgent medical treatment here – but not repatriation, ongoing treatment or anything less than a medical emergency. As such, comprehensive travel insurance shouldn’t be overlooked.

3. Lithuania

This year could well be a good one for Lithuanian tourism. Firstly, this is the millennial anniversary of its name. And secondly, the capital Vilnius is the European Capital of Culture for 2009. The country offers national parks, spa towns, a selection of UNESCO heritage sites such as the Old Town in Vilnius – its historical centre, hearty food, and a bronze statue of Frank Zappa. What more could you possibly want?

4. USA

The Manhattan Bridge, New York, USA. Although the Pound isn’t as strong against the Dollar as it has been, the US is still likely to be a popular destination for Brits abroad in 2009. Why? Well, the election of Barack Obama has brought about a lot of good feeling regarding the US. But that’s not all. One of the alluring factors of the States is that there’s just so much to see and do. It gets a lot of repeat visitors because it’s virtually impossible to do everything you’d want to do in just one trip. And as extra incentive, this year marks the 400th anniversary of the discovery of New York – a city which is already a firm favourite.

If you’re heading off to the States, please bear in mind that it is now compulsory to fill in an online ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) form before doing so. For more information, read our article ‘Going to the USA? Then Don’t Forget ESTA ‘.

5. South Africa

South Africa is becoming increasingly popular among British holidaymakers. Sterling is faring well against the Rand at the moment, so visitors are likely to get more pow! for their Pound. Which is just as well, because the food is well worth wiring into. Plus rugby fans may well be keen to catch some of The British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa this summer, between the 30th of May and the 4th of July.

A few pointers, though. Medical treatment can be very expensive in South Africa, so going there with anything less than a comprehensive travel insurance policy isn’t advised. Also it’s well known that there is a lot of crime in South Africa – although this predominantly occurs in the townships, rather than tourist areas. Still, it’s an idea to have cover for all eventualities. To find out the latest travel information and advice, go to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s South Africa page.

6. Egypt

Bargain hunters could do a lot worse than heading towards Egypt. There are countless iconic sights for visitors to experience first hand: the pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, the Temple of Ramses III, the Aswan Dam… We could go on.

Beach lovers are spoilt with a selection of Red Sea resorts. And Egypt’s not just exclusive to culture vultures… For those who are up for some Club 18-30 shenanigans, Sharm el Sheikh will be beginning just such a programme this year.

Be sure to read up on the customs before you go however, as what may count as acceptable in the UK may not necessarily be so here. In particular, it’s important to dress modestly – especially when visiting traditional spots.

7. Mexico

For lovely beaches, great food and atmosphere, a trip to Mexico is difficult to top. There is an excellent range of all-inclusive deals available, and a trip to this gateway to central America is widely considered to be great value. There will be a number of resorts on the beautiful new Riviera opening this year. And there are now more flights available, as Mexicana airlines launched a new service in January linking Gatwick and Mexico City twice a week.

If saline activity is your thing, then Banderas Bay has a wide range of water activities available – including diving, sailing and even deep sea fishing. There are plenty of fascinating landmarks to see, such as Meso-American ruins, pyramids… And then of course there’s the wonderful cuisine and the tequila!

Do bear in mind that English is not as widely spoken outside the major cities as one might expect. So – if you’re planning on having a bit of a wander – be sure to at least familiarise yourself with some useful Spanish phrases.

8. Thailand

Beautiful Krabi, Thailand. For friendly folk, enormous cheap fresh fish and among the world’s best beaches, Thailand simply rocks. From the temples and tuk-tuks of Bankok, to the white beaches of Krabi and the surrounding islands, you’re simply never going to forget a trip to Thailand.

There’s something here to suit all budgets. Backpackers are very well catered for, as are flashpackers – travellers with a bit more cash to spend. Although the pound isn’t faring against the Baht as well as it could, you’re still likely to find that everything is great value – from the five-star hotels all the way down to the cheap market shopping.

Unfortunately at the time of writing, there is uncertainty concerning the political situation in Thailand. Before travelling there, it’s recommended that you check out advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s Thailand page.

9. Australia

The Pound has strengthened against the Australian Dollar, so – despite the initial large expense of a flight to the other side of the planet – British tourists should at least get good value while they’re there. But they’re assured to get good value in terms of sunshine, and things to see and do. Whether you’re intending to explore the outback, find out about Aborigine culture, go surfing or sample the nightlife, Australia is sure not to disappoint.

British tourists need a visa to enter Australia, even for a short holiday… So don’t leave home without one.

10. The UK

According to a survey in November last year, one in five Britons claim that going abroad for a holiday in 2009 is a luxury that they are unlikely to be able to afford*. But it’s well worth bearing in mind that our very own isles are well worth exploring further. Plus you’re unlikely to meet with any language barrier, or lose out due to fluctuations in exchange rate.

There are far too many great places in the UK to hope to list here. But just a handful of places that we love include Bath, York, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Pembrokeshire, and Monkey World in Dorset. Plus the number of diverse festivals in the UK has really blossomed over the last few years. Our favourites include Latitude in Suffolk, the Edinburgh Festival, Truck in Oxfordshire and Brecon Jazz Festival… But what type of festival you can attend is nowadays limited only by your imagination. Read our guide to festival survival to get you in the mood and for some handy tips.

Compare travel insurance on http://www.confused.com/travel-insurance

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The Top 5 Holiday Destinations Author: Jun 30

The heap of anguish caused by the claustrophobic city life can only be eradicated when you take a stride down the blue beaches of Australia or relax at the foot of Christ De Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. When life demands too much and you want to escape from this mundane world, take a flight to one of your desired destinations and spend the holiday there with your loved ones. Give yourself a chance to enjoy the gorgeous Greek Island, scintillating Cuba or the magical Thailand. The unparalleled exquisiteness of the five top destinations below is alluring visitors to feast on the amazing beauty.

1. Australia – Whitsunday Islands

The spectacular scene of Australia has made it the suitable holiday destination for people from all over the world. The very thought of the coral reefs, lush rainforests and the amazingly warm ocean water would chill you up and you won’t be able to resist the charm of holidaying in this country. Whitsunday coasts and islands seem to have been naturally tailored to quench your need of getting lost in the soothing greens and serene blue of the water. The Islands are centrally located on the Queensland Coast where almost all flights have been given access. The airport is about 40 minutes away from the Airlie Beach and leisure can be enjoyed to the full extent. Apart from this Island particularly, Australia is encompassing within itself a wide array of holiday zones. The Gold Coasts, Hunter Valley, Sunshine coast, the wonderful Sydney and so on. At Whitsunday, you will get the opportunity to select resorts and hotels of your choice. The availability of the peaceful ambience, spas, swimming pools, gardens and other amenities will vary with the denomination of the accommodation you choose. The exciting Great Barrier Reef, the stunning beauty of the Proserpine River and the luxury yachts are bound to drive you ecstatic. Holiday packages to this Island will seem to be incomplete, as you will fall in love with Whitsunday forever.

2. Brazil – Rio de Janeiro

It may be the outstanding color of its beaches or the magical sound produced by the forests that has made the creation of samba music possible in Rio de Janeiro. The high-spirited people of this state make Brazil one of the liveliest places on earth. Those of you who are fond of sports must take your family to this city to enjoy the essence of sports and sporting spirit. The intense cultural life of ravishing Rio includes mind-blowing music and heart throbbing belly dances. The state is the pride of Brazilians for it includes within it, theaters, clubs, museums, beaches, gardens, forests, lagoons and the memorabilia of the World War II. Winter is full of events and it would the best time to take a flight to Rio and give your life a new refreshing turn. Hotels and inns are available at your fingertips, which you can reserve even via the Internet.

3. Greek Islands

If you are a travel freak then you must spend your next holiday at the Greek Islands, which are about 22 in number. Mykonos would take you down the memory lanes with the windmills turning the pages of history. Affordable hotels and excellent services are designed to make your visit very pleasurable. Naxos is the island of churches, Venetian castles and homes just opposite to the nightlife culture that Rhodes can give. Lesvos is a perfect destination to soothe your tired mind and eyes. Wildlife, restaurants, spas and greenery can cheer you up for the rest of the hectic year ahead. Most of the islands here are breathtaking and you can zoom through the clouds directly or can halt in mainland Greece and then move ahead. Accommodation places are always ample, just prior booking is essential.

4. Cuba

Vigorous salsa, mind-blowing architecture, exciting tropical beaches and the swashbuckling nightlife can be the most apt phrases to describe Cuba – the dream destination for most people. Relaxation coupled with luxury is going to make your holiday in Cuba one of the most memorable experiences. This unique and safe Caribbean Island has got a historic importance of its own. Fishing or sailing in a tranquil ambience can reinvigorate you to your fullest. The journey to Cuba would revitalize you, shedding all the lethargic loads that you had been carrying so far. Your stride through the Las Terrazas will enable you to relish the flora and fauna. The coffee at a famous Cafetal restaurant would make you nostalgic, and sips at the Darquiri cocktail at Tropicana Cabaret are definitely an enchanting experience. Ecological tours of the Western Cuba can also be a sumptuous and momentous moment for you. If you are looking for cheap eats and lodging, you can find it at this top holiday destination.

5. Thailand

Thailand gains prominence as one of the hottest tourist sports for the sky kissing mountains, green meadows, multi-colored orchids, fascinating native handcrafts, coupled with the tropical climate. The country is well known for the hospitality, and the local food is also superb to taste. For the active traveler, this can be the ideal spot to spend the holidays. Travel packages booked earlier can make your journey to this place an interesting one. Bangkok is the main gateway to Thailand where the international airport is situated. The religion followed in this country is Buddhism and everywhere place you visit, you are going to find information pertaining to Lord Buddha. The elephant conservation center, wildlife sanctuaries, Thai crafts and the fruit carving are simply wonderful. The capital Bangkok is of great prominence due to the natural beauty that it ensembles. Makha Puja, Flower festival, Pattya festival and the Sonkran festivals attract throngs of visitors every year to this country. For a cool escape, the southern beaches are a definite hot spot and are not to be missed, Phuket having the biggest tourism numbers followed by Koh Samui.

Jason Sands has done extensive traveling and research. Whitsundays holiday packages can be found at affordable prices, and be sure to travel safe and keep protected with sun protection clothing and insurance.

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Holiday Destination – Spain Author: Jun 22

1954 saw the first ever package holidaymakers to land on the Costa Brava. It’s hard to imagine how things must have changed since then. This pioneering group of travellers stayed in a small village with only a handful of family run hotels. There were no banks or other amenities and one local shop could change traveller’s cheques.

Today Spanish tourism is big business; no other country in Europe entertains so many tourists each year. Almost the entire southern coast has been opened up to the travel industry. In the early 1980’s it was Torremolinos and Malaga which were the fashionable places to visit. Just down the coast road from Torremolinos is Benalmadena, often named by locals as Torremolinos MKII, where Torremolinos was allowed to grow haphazard, Benalmadena had a little more planning. The marina when finished won the award for most beautiful marina in the world for several years running. The famous 24 hour square or Plaza Sol y Mar to give it’s real name still remains a nightlife mecca for young holidaymakers visiting the Costa del Sol.

These days almost the entire Costa del Sol is a tourist haven, many of the original, quickly constructed hotels have been removed and new, modern and luxurious resorts replace them. The Costa Brava has also seen major re-development as the original accommodation erected hastily to house the droves of tourists flocking to the area in the 1970’s have been replaced with some of the best resorts found in Europe.

Who can mention a Spanish holiday without mentioning the Golf? There are over 300 world class courses along the coast, many of them forming part of a resort. Green fees are generally much lower than the UK, although some of the better courses, mostly designed by world famous golfers, reflect their high quality in the price you pay to play.

Spain is not all about sun and sand, the cosmopolitan town of Barcelona positively brims over with character and is an excellent destination for a short city break from the UK. Flights are generally inexpensive and accommodation options are varied. If architecture is your thing then Barcelona is the city for you. Not only will you find Gaudi here but many modernist pieces by such people as Puig i Cadafalch and Domenech i Montaner.

Travelling to Spain is easy and cheap, flights are often less expensive than a train journey within the UK. Amazing deals can be had especially when booking last minute. Almost all major UK tour operators have products to suit a huge range of travellers.

As a prime European holiday destination Spain carries a ‘been there done that’ kind of attitude. Originally making many mistakes as it attempted to cater to the almost overnight bloom in tourism, it has now refined its offerings and once again sits at the top of the list as a European travel destination. No matter what kind of holiday you are looking for Spain has it all, from the bountiful. Idyllic beaches of the Costa Brava, the quant white villages of Andaluca to the heady nightlife of Barcelona and Madrid you are bound to find something to your taste in a Spanish holiday.

Julia Vakulenko is a licensed broker associate with Tampa4U.com Realty. She has one of the hardest working Tampa Real Estate team in Florida. Please feel free to copy any of Julia’s articles as long as you credit her and a link to her website. Include our Tampa Real Estate Blog to your regular reading as well.

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Apartment Holiday Rent Spanish in Fuengirola – A Fabulous Holiday Town on the Renowned Costa del Sol Author: Jun 21

An apartment holiday rent Spanish in Fuengirola, Spain is highly sought after because of the short distance from the Malaga Airport. This well-known town along the Costa del Sol provides sunny beaches and the sea, where active and adventurous tourists can enjoy themselves.

There are definitely many holiday options available today that cater to a wide variety of lifestyles. If you happen to be a member of the gay community, a gay villa in Spain could be a superb place to spend a holiday.If you want to spend time in Spain, then you might care to look into renting an apartment holiday rent Spanish in Fuengirola. There are numerous choices when it comes renting in Spain, so it is best to look online for information regarding the different holiday properties and the location that will suit you in Spain. There are many websites that can provide you with the basic information but always make sure that you book with the owners direct for your seaside Spain villa holiday.

The lavish town of Fuengirola is a place that is enjoyed by many people all year round. In the summer the young holiday fishers come to enjoy the outdoor beauty. In the off season of winter the retirees come to see the bright colours and a gay villa Spain can be easily found. If you want to escape from a cold, grey winter or just want to enjoy sunshine and splendor, then Fuengirola is a vacation spot for you.

An apartment holiday rent Spanish property in this very well-liked part of the Costa del Sol is also sought after because to its close proximity to the Airport. Where else on the European mainland can you be in your rental seaside Spain villa and in the sun in under 3 hours from the UK? Furthermore with cheap flights to Malaga Airport, this makes Malaga one of the most visited airports in Spain.

Fuengirola is a compact, subtropical, seaside resort community which offers sun and a seaside Spain villa all year long. Fuengirola is located roughly an hour’s ride away from the lovely Sierra Nevada mountain range, where, during the lengthy ski season, holiday makers usually visit for skiing. Some avid skiers leave in the early morning to return in the late afternoon to sunbathe on the gorgeous blue flag beaches of Fuengirola. But many stay local to their apartment holiday rent Spanish and sunbathe, or, if they feel very active, go for some scuba diving in the fantastic Mediterranean Sea. I may add that this is simply one of many water sports that the town of Fuengirola offers.

However, you cannot rent a apartment holiday rent Spanish villa in this cosmopolitan Fuengirola town without visiting the market open on Tuesdays and the numerous gift shops and restaurants for the discerning tourist. One other very popular destination in the city centre is the state of the art Zoo which the children love. Fuengirola Zoo is also open in the late evening. So this town is definitely the place to rent a bright and beautiful gay villa in Spain

Ultimately if you decide to holiday in Spain we always recommend booking direct with the owner of a apartment holiday rent Spanish and likewise book your flights direct as this will save you a lot of money. However we do strongly advise you to actually use a good travel insurance broker to ensure you get expert advice and insurance at the most competitive price.

Fuengirola is the place to go if you want a beautiful apartment holiday rent Spanish holiday home. Or hire a seaside Spain villa. You can book your bright and colourful gay villa Spain now with the owners-direct in Spain. Clive Long, the author, is a Director of http://www.holiday-villa-select.com, a website offering cost effective holiday villa rentals in Spain booked direct with owners, who advertise there holiday villas and apartments on this website no commission charged.

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Villa Holiday or Package Holiday Author: Jun 19

Everybody knows someone who has been on one and an awful lot of people have been on one themselves. Yes we are talking about the age old Package holiday. The safest, most common holiday. Package holidays have been around for years and I am sure everyone will know someone that has went to a travel agent and booked a holiday through them. Is the tide turning though? Have people found a better way to enjoy their holidays costing them a fraction of travel agent prices?

Villa Holidays is now becoming the main way to book a holiday. For the first time since villa holidays came on the scene more holidaymakers are booking their holiday direct with the owner or through a website that offer villa holidays than with a Travel Agent.

Let us have a look at the Pros and Cons of both types of holidays. Firstly the Package Holiday. Most people know this as the safest way to book a holiday because travel agents are ABTA approved and feel more secure booking holidays through a travel agent. You do have the added gusrentee that if anything is wrong with the holiday you have some governing body to complain to and for that peace of mind you pay a premium for this. Travel Agents charge customers per person for their holidays. On the other hand if you were to book a villa holiday then you don’t have the guarentee of the governing body, you deal directly with the person that owns the property therefore you cut out the middle man. Instead of paying a per person price for your holiday you pay for the villa or apartment as a whole no matter how many people are travelling. Let’s say for example you were wanting to go on holiday to Spain. A travel agent could easily charge about 300 per person for an apartment in Cosat Blanca, if 4 people are going on that holiday that would cost 1200 and that is including flights. Okay now lets look at the pricing for a similar apartment in Costa Blanca. 2 weeks at the height of the season in July or August would cost 550 but that is for the apartment, that is 137.5 per person, just for the accommodation. The days of the internet are upon us and even flight companies are offering cheap flights to their customers. An average price of a flight to the Costa Blanca is about 59 so the total price of the holiday booked direct with the villa owner is 196.50 now the total cost of the holiday for 4 people is 786 saving you 414 that is over 100 per person.

Now I hear you cry but you have no guarentees! If you follow a few simple steps you can have the guarentees in writing. We spoke with Peter Hartley the Managing Director of Last Minute Villa Holiday who said ” Villa Holidays are a boom at the moment, people are wanting to go on holiday and have more money to spend when they are on holiday. You can save a lot of money by booking a villa or apartment rather than booking with a travel agent but I would advise on following these simple guidelines to make sure you have the guarentees you are looking for. Firstly always speak to the villa owner by telephone,it is better than just talking by email, Before you phone make sure you have a list of questions written down that you want answered. If you do not feel comfortable with the answers then you do not book the villa or apartment. Always make sure you get emailed confirmation of the reservation of the villa or apartment before you send a deposit or the full payment. If you are still feeling unsure about booking with a certain villa owner contact the website you found it on and speak to them directly. Our Company LastMinuteVillaHoliday.co.uk always ensure that our customers are happy before they book the accommodation. We can put them in touch with the villa owner directly or if they would rather deal with a company we would make the booking for them. In Summary if they follow these simple rules then they are assured a great holiday.”

So is it a Villa Holiday or a Package Holiday this year. I would always go for the one that saved me the most money and allowed me more money to spend on Holiday.

Peter Hartley
Managing Director Last Minute Villa Holiday
info@lastminutevillaholiday.co.uk
http://www.lastminutevillaholiday.co.uk

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