There are simply thousands of fabulous holiday villas in Spain to rent as well as other types of accommodation such as apartments, penthouses and fincas. There are holiday villas in Spain to suit all ranges of budget and taste. There are some great bargains to be found with cheap holiday villas and apartments and there is also the other end of the scale where you could pay into tens of thousands for a luxury villa in Spain to sleep many people. (more…)
There are thousands of rental apartments in Europe and other accommodation available to let within its many countries. With a surface area of 3,930,000 Square miles is the world’s second smallest continent. Four main bodies of water wash it’s shores; from the freezing Arctic Ocean in the North to the beautifully contrasting Mediterranean Sea in the South. There is the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Black Sea in the east. (more…)
Italy really does have it all, from popes to painters and poets to polenta. Its beautiful and rich landscapes seem to be created to inspire romance and its three millennia of history, culture and cuisine seduces just about everyone who visits. There are thousands of rental villas in Italy. These range from huge estates and old villas in Italy to countryside fincas and beachside apartments. (more…)
France is still at the top of the list when it comes to European destinations to visit. Regardless of what you’re looking for when deciding on where to go on holiday, France really does have it all. From fabulous holiday apartments to rent to luxury villas along the coast, there are simply thousands of properties to choose from to suit all budgets and tastes. (more…)
There are many great holiday rentals in the USA from discount holiday accommodation to the higher end, more luxury villas that you can rent. The United States of America is a vast country that lies between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. It is bordered by Mexico in the south and Canada in the North. There are 50 states, one district, Columbia and five territories which that have landmarks that have become icons of the country itself. (more…)
If you’ve been inspired by the recent running of the London Marathon and feel that it’s time to do something energetic and challenging yourself (but perhaps not that energetic and challenging) then why not head to New York this spring for The Great Saunter.
The Great Saunter is an annual 32 mile walk around Manhatten’s edge. The pace is steady, but not too fast and most of the route is fairly flat. Whatever the weather the event goes ahead and walkers tend to keep to the waterside as much as possible, though the trail does also run through 20 of the city’s parks.
The walk begins at 7.30am at South Street Seaport (corner of Fulton and Water Streets) and ends in the same place at 7.30pm for a celebration as the moon rises over Brooklyn. And you don’t even have to do the whole course as there are various points at which you can meet up with the Saunter on its way round.
The much heralded open skies deal between the US and European Union has now come into effect….but what does it mean?
Any European airline can now fly to the US from anywhere in the EU. Previously, airlines had to fly from their home countries, so British Airways could only fly to the US from airports in the UK, Lufthansa from airports in Germany and so on. Now, the airlines can fly from any airport so Air France could fly directly from Madrid to New York, or British Airways from Berlin to Chicago. And of course, any US airline can now fly to any EU airport.
But with limited availability of new slots at the major airports of the US and EU and the increasing cost of fuel, the impact for tourists may not be seen for some time. The deal was supposed to increase competition and lower prices for travellers but it remains to be seen how quickly either will happen.
If you’re looking for a summer sun holiday with a difference this year, why not avoid the crush on the beach and head for the mountains.
The Alps offer a fantastic summer holiday with clean mountain air, lush green countryside, beautiful fresh water lakes and of course plenty of warmth and sunshine. Best of all perhaps there are no annoying French ski instructors to be found anywhere in sight!
For the energetic tourist, it’s a great time of year to go hiking, especially as many of the chair lifts, cable cars and gondolas that shuttle skiers up the slopes also run in the summer. With a well-maintained network of hiking paths, mountain huts and cafes there’s plenty for both the serious walker and amateur rambler to enjoy.
If you prefer your travel a little faster then there are plenty of options to mountain bike or horse ride. Climbers are of course well-catered for, but you can also enjoy paragliding, balloon rides and the world’s highest dry luge at Pfingstegg and the world’s longest at Pradaschier.
The Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean just 100 miles from Africa are popular all year round thanks to their warm climate, developed tourist industry and frequent flights from the UK.
Tenerife is the largest of the islands with a dormant volcano and mountain range splitting the island in two. The south is warmer and drier, and hence more popular with tourists, and the north greener and cooler.
Gran Canaria has the largest population and like Tenerife is split into a warmer south and greener north thanks to a central mountain range. Shoppers head to Las Palmas, beach lovers to Maspolmas and the fishing villages of Puerto Rico, Puerto de Morgan and Pasito Blanco offer picture-postcard views.
Lanzarote has the darkest landscape as a result of the islands volcanic orgins and also the finest sand on the beaches. The National Park of Timanfaya is a must for any visit to the island with stunning scenery.
Fuertaventura is popular with golfers and has the longest beaches of any of the islands, including a 4 mile stretch of golden sand between the towns of Jandia and Pajara.
The remaining three islands of La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro have less developed tourist accommodation and attractions but are still worth visiting
According to recent reports from Virgin Trains, the number of people using rail services to get to France versus flying to other short haul destinations is increasing.
Virgin Trains reported that rail works and the Channel Tunnel are being “well-used” and increasingly seen as a greener and more convenient way to travel.
Philippa Richardson, Communications Manager for Virgin Trains, said: “More and more people are choosing rail services as a means to get to destinations they might have previously gone to by car or plane.”
Eurostar has recently launched a high-speed rail service from London St Pancras to Paris that offers a reduced journey time of just two hours and 15 minutes. And with high-speed trains available from Paris to the south of France, the number of tourists using rail services and seeking high quality holiday rental property is expected to continue to expand.
