Category Archives: Holidays

Majorca’s ultimate attractions

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Tuesday, 04 December 2012 05:39

Spain is a fantastic country to holiday in if you’re on a tight budget, as its popular tourist destinations are packed with attractions, meaning you certainly get a lot for your money. This is especially the case on the Balearic island of Majorca.

If you book a last-minute cheap holiday to Majorca, you can rest assured you have days ahead of you filled with sunbathing on white sand, tackling a wide range of water sports, playing golf and visiting top tourist sites.

Below is a guide to some of the best attractions the Spanish island boasts.

Its long sandy stretches

One of the best ways to save splashing the cash when on holiday is to enjoy time at the beach. The island is home to 158 sand ones, 13 gravel beaches, 21 made of rock and 15 pebble. It’ll probably be the sandy beaches you and your loved ones will have your eye on, and if you’re staying in Peguera, make sure you check out Peguera Palmira Beach.

With white sand and calm waters, this is perfect for couples and families alike, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants along the promenade where you can seek some shade. Another popular holiday destination in this part of Spain is Palma Nova. Playa de Palma Beach also boasts white sand and calm waters, while you might find you even end up here come nightfall in one of the nearby lively clubs.

If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, you might like to bring bottled water and a picnic to the beach to save you spending money in one of the cafes, although you will find plenty of cheap set menus you can take advantage of should you prefer to dine in the shade.

Its museums

While you might think museums are something to avoid when holidaying on a budget, you may be surprised at just how affordable visiting these tourist attractions is. There’s something for all tastes in Majorca, so whatever your interests are you will find a museum for you.

One of the museums that you might like to put on your itinerary is the Father Juniper Serra Museum and Birthplace, which is dedicated to the founder of Los Angeles, San Francisco and the Californian Missions. The friar was born in Petra and is well worth finding out more about. The Soller Marine Museum and Regional Museum of Arta are also some of the venues you can visit.

Its green spaces

Another way to save money while seeing large sections of the area at the same time is to explore its green spaces, with the Cabrera Archipelago National Park a particular highlight. There are plenty of available excursions to the park, so it’s a good idea to compare different companies until you find a price you are happy with for the service you get.

Located an hour from the island by boat, the national park was named a National Marine and Land Park in 1991 and covers more than 10 hectares. Some of the things you can see and do here include going on hikes and visiting the 14th-century castle. If you are a flora and fauna enthusiast, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the large bird colonies, while underneath the waves there are meadows of Neptunegrass, helping boost the population of aquatic life that calls Cabrera home.

How to stick to a budget on your beach getaway

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Thursday, 11 October 2012 02:34

If you are looking forward to your next holiday on a sun-soaked beach but are concerned about whether you can stick to your budget, never fear, as there are some simple steps that could help keep your spending to a minimum. Read our guide to find out more.

All inclusive deals

Perhaps the most obvious way to avoid overspending is to search for an all inclusive hotel. Typically, these will include staples such as drinks and meals in the total price of your stay, meaning you do not need to constantly monitor your finances while at the resort.

Of course, this also reduces the risk that you will go over your budget when dining out or having a relaxing drink by the pool. To make the most of this opportunity, it is important to familiarise yourself with which beverages and foodstuffs are part of your all inclusive arrangement – otherwise you could unwittingly add to your bill.

What’s more, deals like these also often include extras, such as water sports or other activities. This means it is worth looking at each option very carefully, as what you can get can vary significantly from one offer to the next.

As well as investigating what might be included, you should also see whether there are lots of extras you will not use. If there are, this could mean you end up paying more than you would elsewhere, so pick something that fits well with your interests and holiday wishes.

Book flights and hotels separately

Another useful money-saving trick is to book your hotel and flights separately. Package deals that offer both are often appealing in their simplicity, but frequently using these pre-arranged combinations means you end up paying more – either for the flights, the hotel or both.

By booking separately, you will have the freedom to snap up the best value deals for each. So, it is certainly worth taking the time to do so.

Search for low-cost beach destinations

You can also reduce your spending in the booking process by searching for low-cost beach destinations. Of course, you may already have a location in mind, in which case it will be a question of finding dates outside peak times.

However, if you are flexible about your destination – after all, many of us are simply looking for a nice beach and good weather – you have an even better chance of securing a bargain.

The internet is a fantastic tool for this. Some websites, such as Holiday Nights, allow you to see when each holiday resort is at its cheapest, as well as check which destinations offer the best value for any given dates.

Resist seaside shopping temptation

While an all inclusive deal can help stop you overspending on things like food and drink, there is still the temptation of shopping to contend with. Many of us like to pick up a little treat or two while away, but when you need to stick to a budget, it is worth either working out a spending limit or avoiding shopping altogether.

What you can do is limit yourself to a souvenir or two for friends and family back home, rather than splashing out on new clothes for yourself. Another useful tip is to bring useful bits and bobs from home, such as extra towels and spare swimwear for the beach, so you do not feel the need to buy these while away.

How to enjoy Goa on a budget

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Although you might imagine jetting off to India will mean you have an expensive getaway, that doesn’t have to be the case at all. There are plenty of ways to save a bit of money once you arrive, so you can enjoy a fun, yet cheap, holiday in Goa or elsewhere in the country.

Don’t forget, everything from accommodation to eating out is much cheaper in India than it is in the UK or elsewhere in Europe, so your budget for your spending money may not need to be that high, depending on what you want to do. Here are a few suggestions of things you can see and do without breaking the bank.

Hit the beach

Goa is renowned for its gorgeous coastline and, of course, it doesn’t cost a penny to stretch out in the sunshine, so spending a few days at the beach is a good option if you want to watch your cash. There are plenty of places to choose from – the following are just a few of your options:

Calangute – This place is great if you love to be surrounded by hustle and bustle, as it’s one of north Goa’s busiest beaches. There are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area and the 7 km strip of sand is usually quite packed. The waves here can be strong, meaning swimming is an exhilarating experience.

Agonda – If your idea of the perfect day at the beach is peace, quiet and no crowds, Agonda in south Goa is the place to go. There are no amenities here, just the sand, sea, palm trees and sunshine, so take your towel, a good book and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

Palolem – Palolem beach, also in the south of the state, is not only a good option in the day, but also once night falls. It has become renowned for its silent noise parties, which were designed to get around the 22:00 ban on loud music. Take your earphones and dance the night away to the music being played by the resident DJs.

Sample local food

Eating out can be an expensive part of any holiday, but if you head away from the typical tourist traps and seek out local restaurants, you’ll not only save some money, but will also get to sample traditional Goan cuisine. Seafood features heavily in many of the dishes here, with xitt-kodi a particular favourite. This meal consists of boiled rice covered in thick coconut gravy with fish. You can taste the Portuguese influence in specialities such as peri-peri masala, which uses the spicy chillis introduced to the region by the European colonists to give it an extra kick.

Explore on foot

It’s easy to get into the habit of hopping in a taxi every time you need to go somewhere but most destinations around the world are best explored on foot, as you’ll be moving more slowly and will notice things you’d often otherwise miss.

This is especially the case in Goa, where there are plenty of amazing routes you can walk along, from busy streets in the capital of Panjim to the peaceful trails in some of the state’s nature reserves. In Panjim, for example, you can stroll to the Santa Monica Jetty, while a walk on the island of Chorao presents the perfect opportunity to spot some local wildlife, including many species of birds that live in a protected sanctuary here.
 

Croatia soars in popularity with budget travellers

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Visitor numbers to Croatia have soared in the past eight months, prompting speculation that the European destination could hit the same peak that it did in the nineties.

According to offical figures released by the Croatian National Tourist Office (CNTO), so far this year 241,443 British visitors have arrived in Croatia – a a boost of 23 per cent compared to the same period last year.

As such, the country is on target to reach 300,000 UK visitors and could even return to the record-breaking figure of 500,000, previously reached in 1990.

Part of Croatia’s popular appeal has been sparked by it’s status as a top budget destination, and the ability for holidaymakers to combine a cultural holiday with a beach holiday in cities like Dubrovnik.

Meri Matesic, UK & Ireland Director of the CNTO, said: “I’m confident that the UK and Irish markets will continue to grow in 2013, especially with the introduction of more flights, new routes and holiday packages from providers like Jet2, giving UK travellers greater flexibility and choice when booking a holiday to Croatia.”

This week sees the launch of the second wave of the CNTO’s 2012 marketing campaign which will run across UK newspapers.

 

Cypriot parliament passes final parts of title deeds law

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Cypriot parliament passes final parts of title deeds law

On the 14th April 2011, the remaining two parts of the “town planning amnesty” bill aimed at alleviating the backlog created by the current system were passed by the Cypriot parliament. This is a boon for Cyprus holiday home owners as the current system has created problems due to the lack of clarity over who is liable for the land.

Previously, the bank would own the land until the loan or mortgage agreement had been settled in full. This lead to further bureaucratic issues with the land registry where on occasion, some owners were not able to complete their title deed request even if they had fully paid for their property to the developer or seller.

One of the new laws that has been passed is the Immovable Property Sales Law. This will help those holiday home owners to have the law on their side if the ownership of the land on which they own the property is called into question. They will have the land contract and will therefore not be liable for any bad debt bought about by the landowner. Other changes will include planning permission on co-owned land. Until now land that was co-owned would require the signatures of both parties to apply to build on the land. Under the new laws, the only signature needed will be that of the person who owns the particular part of the land which is to be built on.

As reported on cypruspropertynews.net, the Chairman of the House Legal Affairs Committee, DISY’s (Democratic Rally) Ionas Nicolaou, said that laws are reflective of the changes that are required to better protect buyers rights in an open market based on European laws. “The new law will allow the buyer to have Title Deeds, independent of whether the seller owes money on that property…It is a very important bill as it will help reactivate the property market in Cyprus.” Currently, there are around 130,000 title deeds applications currently pending. It is thought that this is manly due to developers failing to pay their mortgages on the land and properties that buyers have already purchased.

The new laws passed will help legalise property that currently lacks a title deed due to what is termed “town planning irregularities” creating a simpler system for home owners.

 

UNESCO adds six sites to its World Heritage List

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UNESCO adds six sites to its World Heritage List

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has granted World Heritage status to six sites across the globe.

Of the 35 site nominations being reviewed by the Committee, whose 35th session ran from 19-29 June 2011 at their Paris Headquarters, the six that are confirmed to appear on the World Heritage list are the following:

1) Ancient villages of Northern Syria (Syrian Arab Republic). This site encompasses eight parks comprising of 40 well-preserved villages, dating from the 1st to the 7th centuries, depicting life in times of the ancient Romans and early Byzantine Christians. Features of this site include a beautifully preserved landscape and architectural remains such as pagan temples, churches, cisterns, bathhouses etc.

2) The cultural sites of Al Ain (United Arab Emirates). These sites are a testament to human occupation of a desert region and contain traces of prehistoric cultures such as circular stone tombs from as early as 2500 B.C., wells and various primitive constructions. An ancient example of the aflaj irrigation system, dating back to the Iron Age, can be found at Hili, one of the sites.

3) The Persian Garden (Iran). Nine gardens in nine different provinces collectively form this site. They demonstrate the evolution and adaptation of garden designs dating back to the 6th century B.C. to varying climates. The gardens, which have influenced garden design in other countries such as India and Spain, also feature ancient buildings, pavillions and walls.

4) The Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana (Spain). An unexpected array of vegetation and agricultural terraces can be found on this steep mountain range that runs along the north-west contour of the Spanish island of Mallorca. A network of water management devices has been established, taking advantage of the unusually high precipitation levels to provide for the farms of Middle Age origin.

5) Pile Dwellings around the Alps (Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia). 111 separate sites, found on the fringes of lakes, rivers and wetlands in and around the Alps, constitute these stilt house (pile-dwelling) settlements which were built between 5000 and 500 B.C. The sites offer a window into the prehistoric eras of the Neolithic and Bronze Age. Fifty six of these well-preserved archaeological sites are found in the Swiss Alps.

6) Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex (Turkey). This square monument, characterised by its single great dome, is a prominent feature of Edirne, the former Ottoman capital. The Mosque’s creator, Sinan (the most famous 16th century Ottoman architect) deemed the monument to be his greatest creation. The complex as a whole is managed as a single institution, comprising the Mosque and the buildings surrounding it.

 

Top locations for budget beach holidays

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We all dream of jetting off to an idyllic beach for a sunshine getaway, but all too often budget constraints can mean it is hard to make this a reality. Choose your destination wisely, however, and you will find that relaxing in balmy climes can be done without breaking the bank.

The Algarve

Situated in the south of Portugal, the Algarve is a hugely popular holiday destination – particularly as it boasts some of the best weather in Europe. It is, of course, also home to a wealth of splendid beaches, from lively stretches packed with water sports opportunities to hidden coves that provide you with an authentic slice of Portugal.

The Algarve is especially famous for its wonderful golf courses, such as those at Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo, while natural wonders like the Ria Formosa lagoon keep keen nature-spotters busy. The main resort is Albufeira, which offers a little bit of everything – including some of the best beaches – while Faro is perfect for history enthusiasts.

Turkey

Spanning some 600 miles, the Turkish Riviera is a fantastic place for a budget beach holiday. The Antalya area is especially appealing, as it is home to some of the Mediterranean’s cleanest beaches. Combine this with its year-round sunshine, and it is not hard to see why so many people flock here.

As an added bonus, this part of the country is bursting with splendid tourist facilities, while adventure enthusiasts can busy themselves with everything from scuba diving to paragliding. Antalya is more than just a resort for beach holidays however, particularly due to its selection of fascinating archaeological sites, such as Phaselis and Termossos, as well as the amphitheatre of Aspendos.

Costa del Sol

Having been a favourite among Britons for many a year, the Costa del Sol is one of the ultimate budget beach break destinations, thanks to its mix of low-cost beach hotels, sun and readily-available cheap flights.

Situated in southern Spain, the Costa del Sol is famous for being a home-from-home for UK visitors – albeit in a sunnier environment! The region still finds room for variety, however; Nerja is renowned for its natural beauty, while Malaga City is known for its culture. If you have your heart set on really letting your hair down, meanwhile, Torremolinos is the place to go.

Cyprus

An island in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is a wonderful destination for low-cost beach breaks. Families, couples and partygoers alike can all enjoy holidays here, as there is a good mix of resorts and attractions.

Its fascinating capital, Nicosia – which is famously divided in two – is bound to intrigue culture vultures, while beach lovers will find seemingly endless stretches of golden sand. Indeed, it is these that make it such a popular destination among couples – particularly thanks to the presence of Aphrodite’s Rock and Beach, where local legend dictates the goddess of love emerged from the water.

Cyprus is also a good choice if you are keen to spend a little time away from the sand. Its Troodos Mountains, for example, will delight keen hikers, while the Tombs of the Kings – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – will be fascinating to visitors of all ages. You will find this complex of underground tombs and chambers in Paphos; visit in the morning to avoid traipsing around at the hottest time of day.