Have You Purchased Insurance For Your Holiday Home?

December 10th, 2009 |

Home insurance is very important so why should it not come into play when you are thinking about it in the terms of a holiday home?

holiday homes insurance is important for many different reasons and especially if you are going to be renting it out to people when you are not there which is something that is a very good idea simply because it will earn you a bit of money.

What happens if you have a guest who is a bit clumsey and leaves something on the cooker and then of course it catches on fire. The fire will then of course carry on burning until it gets out of hand and could go on to destory all of your investment as well as the home itself. Think about it, are the guests going to be able to afford to pay for all of the damages if something does happen? Are you going to have enough money for all of the damages? Of course you could, if you were Richard Branson and owned your own island, then you could throw loads of money away for no reason.

This is where your holiday home insurance steps in to save the day. This will actually cover both you and any guests in exactly the same way that normal home insurance does at your home town. Another thing is you can get this insurance for an individual country which potentially save you a bit of money, home insurance Spain is really just one of the options out there for you to look in to.

There are many insurance companies out there that try to help their customers so it might be worth looking for a good one. It is in place for you to help you out if something does actually go wrong. It can even cover you if a guest trips over something that is not supposed to be there or injures themselves because you have not take the right precautions.

it is worth looking into it now and getting insurance for second homes.

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Choosing the Right Lanzarote Resort

November 26th, 2009 |

Surreal scenery and beautiful beaches.  Lanzarote in the Canary Islands offers the perfect blend of ingredients for a sunshine holiday with a difference.  Basking in great weather all year round Lanzarote can be enjoyed at any time of the year.  And is just a four hour flight from all major airports in the UK.

The island was first subdued by the Spanish crown in the early 1400´s.  Before becoming a strategic asset to the nascent Spanish empire.  As galleons docked and refuelled here whilst transporting Inca silver across the Atlantic from the New World.  Today 250,000 tourists still arrive by ship on board cruise vessels.  With the majority of visitors – around 1.5 million annually - arriving by air. 

Whilst there are places to stay across Lanzarote there are three main tourist resorts on the island; Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca.  Which all boast modern infrastructures and plenty of experience of catering to tourists.  As well as a wide choice of Lanzarote holiday villas, apartments and hotels.

The quality of holiday villas in Lanzarote and also Lanzarote apartments has always been maintained but rising competition has led to existing standards hitting quality levels even higher for the most part.

In the north of the island Costa Teguise is located just ten minutes away from Arrecife airport, Lanzarote´s sole international terminal.  The resort enjoys an open and spacious feel and was first developed during the 1970´s under the aegis of the ubiquitous local artist César Manrique.  Proving very popular with tourists from across sun starved Northern Europe.  Whilst also offering a good selection of accommodation options. 

Puerto del Carmen is located around twenty minutes along the coast from Costa Teguise.  In a slightly more sheltered position that creates better weather conditions during the winter months.  This is the oldest destination on the island – and offers plenty of good value apartment accommodation.  As well as some excellent – if man made – beaches.  Created with the help of imported Saharan sand.

Playa Blanca is the new kid on the block.  Relatively speaking.  Having only first started to evolve after Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise during the 1990´s. 
Playa Blanca is located at the southern end of the island and this position tends to ensure that it enjoys the best of the weather that Lanzarote has to offer.  Playa Blanca also boasts some great accommodation options too – and is home to some of the most upmarket hotels and villas in Lanzarote.

Click here for for information about Apartments in Lanzarote.

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Winter Sun in the Canary Islands

November 26th, 2009 |

Summer may be over in mainland Spain but there are outposts where the season never ends.  Such as the Canaries – the seven islands which are situated just off the coast of West Africa, many hundreds of miles south of the Iberian Peninsula.  A location that creates a great climate all year round.

Here the holiday season extends for a full twelve months of the year.  And despite the recent economic downturn thousands of tourists will be booking holidays in Lanzarote and the Canaries this autumn.  As the region remains the second most visited destination in Spain after Catalonia.

Part of the reason for this ongoing popularity is that the Canaries are the closest winter sun destination to key tourist markets such as the UK and Germany.  Which are both just four hours flying time away.  This winter, flight prices for UK visitors also look set to fall thanks to growing competition on the route between the big guns of the low cost flight world.  Which will hopefully help to reduce the price of flights to Lanzarote. 

So what can visitors expect from their winter holidays on these volcanic islands?  On Lanzarote the temperature usually remains in the early 20´s Celsius – even during the darkest days of December.  With very little rainfall and plenty of sunshine hours.  The sun doesn’t set here until 6pm at the earliest either.  Making it a great destination for those who hate the dark winter afternoons of the UK. 

Accommodation standards are high – as the island has been welcoming tourists for over forty years.  Choose from chic rural hotels, budget apartments and luxury villas in Lanzarote.  With the bulk of holidays now booked direct on online thanks to the growth in internet usage over the last five years.

Due to the increase in tourists needing Lanzarote Holiday Villas is fantastic news for visitors to Lanzarote as property owners need to make sure presentation is up to par, and extras that once had to be paid for are now included as standard

Playa Blanca is the resort to head for if you’re planning a winter break on the island.  As thanks to it’s southerly location it enjoys the best weather and most sunshine hours.  As well as boasting some of the best beaches on the island.  There’s a decent selection of villas in Playa Blanca for holidaymakers to choose from too.  With high quality rental properties available in areas such as Rubicon Marina and Costa Papagayo.  And with prices starting from around £400 per week for a standard two bedroom villa with pool.

Lanzarote is a great year round holiday island with a good choice of holiday resorts. Follow the links for even more information about villas in Playa Blanca in particular or other Lanzarote villas.

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Souvenirs from Spain - What to Buy During Your Holidays in Spain

November 19th, 2009 |

Spain has a good combination of rich culture, excellent cuisine and amazing travel attractions, which is why it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. If you’re planning on spending holidays in Spain, you’ll want to sample all three. You might want to bring home products that will remind you of them, too, like the following:

1. Spanish saffron - When it comes to spices, none is more sought after than saffron, particularly Spanish Saffron. Indeed, Spanish saffron, which is grown in the plains of La Mancha, is considered the best in quality, so it’s a good idea to buy a bottle or two for your spice rack. After all, you never know when you’ll be in the mood to try out Spanish cuisine and when you do, the smell of the Spanish saffron is sure to bring back memories of your holidays in Spain.

2. Sherry - While you can buy sherry from most supermarkets and liquor stores nowadays, nothing still compares to buying a bottle or two from the town of Jerez, where most of it is made. Whether it’s Amontillado, Fino or Oloroso, you’re sure to enjoy your glass of sherry when you come home from your Spanish holidays. You can use it as a cooking ingredient, too.

3. Ceramics - Spain is well known for its ceramic industry so make sure you buy ceramic plates when you go shopping in Spain. You can buy ceramic tiles, too, if you wish, from Valencia and Seville or bring home some exquisite pieces of Majorcan pottery to decorate your living room with.

4. Leather goods - The Spanish leather industry is world-renowned, too, so make room for at least a few, including a belt or a purse, in your suitcase. These make long-lasting souvenirs of your holidays in Spain, as well as great gifts for your loved ones when you return home.

5. Lace - Shopping in Spain won’t be complete unless you buy a lace handkerchief, shawl or tablecloth. Spanish lace products are handmade in Catalonia, where the lace-making industry began in the 16th century.

6. Hand fans - Finally, don’t forget to pick up some authentic Spanish hand fans. Whether wooden or made of ivory, simple or embroidered, hand fans are beautiful souvenirs and great gifts for all your friends. Even if it’s cold where you live, you can always use your hand fan as a prop when you dance the flamenco or simply hang it on your wall.

These are just some things you can buy during your holidays in Spain. Keep in mind, though, that the best souvenirs are your own photographs and memories, which are priceless and can be treasured for a lifetime.

Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including Spain, by car. Zencarhire.com offer car hire from many locations throughout Spain, including, Hire Malaga Airport. To book a car hire Spain, or learn more about discount car hire worldwide, visit www.zencarhire.com

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Suggested Holiday Activities - Nerja Spain

October 10th, 2009 |

Nerja apartment and spend your holidays in Nerja while trying out the exciting activities it has to offer, like those listed below.~Nerja may be one of the smaller and lesser known towns on the Costa del Sol in Spain, but it definitely has much to offer. Indeed, there are plenty of exciting activities you can try out if you spend your holidays in Nerja while staying at a great Nerja apartment. Here are some to get you started.~The Costa del Sol or Sun Coast in Spain is known for its clement weather, picturesque beaches and spectacular scenery - all of which you can enjoy if you spend your holidays in Nerja, one of its towns. You can sample many exciting activities, too, especially if you book a Nerja apartment and stay for a few days.}

Spelunking at the Caves of Nerja

The approximately five-million year-old cave complex of Nerja is a must-see attraction for tourists on holidays in Nerja since it offers natural wonders such as the largest calcite column in the world and various remarkable stalactite and stalagmite formations. It also has a show gallery with exhibits of the skeletal remains that were unearthed inside the caves, although most of them are displayed at the museum outside, as well as prehistoric wall paintings, many of which can be seen by joining special tours. There is also a concert hall, where a summer music festival and various concerts and ballet performances are held each year.

apartments in Nerja nearby.~Watersports at Burriana Beach

It goes without saying that one of the things to do in Nerja is to relax or have a splash at its idyllic beaches. In fact, many tourists rent apartments in Nerja just for this purpose. The most popular beach is Burriana Beach, which is also the largest in town, as well as the most commercialized. This means that you can easily find sun beds, palm umbrellas, shower facilities and restaurants on this beach or take advantage of its watersports centre and go surfing, jetskiing or scuba diving.~Hit the Water at Playa Burriana

Sunbathing is one of the most popular things to do in Nerja, especially on Playa Burriana, the town’s largest beach which is covered with fine sand. If this is what you intend to do for most of your stay, renting one of the seaside apartments in Nerja is recommended. If you’re looking for more excitement, though, you can also rent a jetski and make a splash, try surfing or even get introductory courses in scuba diving. After all, Nerja is considered the scuba diving center of the Costa del Sol.}

Savor the Views from the Balcony of Europe

Like King Alfonso XII, you are sure to be captivated by the scenery you will see from the Balcony of Europe or Balcon de Europa, a promenade lined with palm trees and exotic plants built on the site of an old castle and looking over the ocean. This is the perfect place for a romantic stroll, whether by day or by night, as well as a great place to dine. If you look closely, you might even catch a glimpse of the coast of Africa on a clear day.

Volunteer at the Nerja Donkey Sanctuary

The Nerja Donkey Sanctuary is dedicated to caring for rescue and retired donkeys, although you will also find horses, mules, goats, pigs, dogs and other animals in the sanctuary when you visit. This is one of the most rewarding things to do in Nerja since you can get a chance to help out by feeding, grooming and walking the animals, particularly the donkeys and dogs, aside from simply petting them. If you want to help out further, you can even adopt a donkey for a year. Don’t worry, you won’t have to bring the donkey home. You just have to make a donation.

Nerja Nightlife

The nightlife in Nerja may not be as dynamic as that of other Spanish towns, but it is still something to enjoy during your holidays in Nerja. If you’re staying at a Nerja apartment near the Balcon de Europa, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding a good bar or pub where you can drink, dance or simply interact with the locals, although you will eventually have to head out to Tutti Frutti Plaza or Antonio Millon. If you’re staying in Playa Capistrano, though, you will need to go to Burriano Beach or make your way to the town centre, where you’ll have a better chance of catching a flamenco show.

Learn Spanish

There is no better place to learn the Spanish language than in Spain, which is why you will find many language centers all over the country, even in Nerja. Most centres offer classes for different ages, with both beginner and advanced courses, and the best part is that they often offer excursions to the nearest cities and attractions so you can practice your Spanish while seeing some of the best sights around, so make sure you take advantage of this opportunity during your holidays in Nerja.

Indeed, you will find plenty of things to do during your holidays in Nerja and if you want a change of pace or scenery, you can always travel to the amazing attractions nearby. These are all reasons to rent a {Nerja apartment, which will surely allow you to have a great time and make the most of your vacation.~Take a Spanish Class at Nerja Language Centers

If you want to have more fun or get to know the locals better during your holidays in Nerja, you should definitely enroll in a Spanish class at one of the language centers in town. There are several for you to choose from, most of which offer both beginner courses for those who want to learn enough basic Spanish to get by and advanced courses for those who plan to stay in Spain long or become regular visitors. Many of them even offer excursions around the town or to nearby cities, like Malaga and Granada, so you can practice your Spanish while seeing some amazing sights.~Learn Spanish in Nerja

Like many towns and cities in Spain, Nerja has several language centres where you can learn Spanish. This is an opportunity you should seize during your holidays in Nerja since this will help you understand and get along with the locals better. Some language centres even offer excursions at the end of the course, which gives you a chance to practice your Spanish as you tour the town and the best attractions around.

There are certainly many activities you can do during your holidays in Nerja which will help you truly enjoy your vacation. To have more chances of trying them out or make your own discoveries to add to the list, stay at a Nerja apartment during your stay. There are many great ones available, all of which can help you make the most of your trip.}

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Have A Deep Look On Spain Map

August 14th, 2009 |

Therefore you are traveling to Spain but what is one of the most important things to get for your journey? Well the Spain map is going to be vital to your trip so that you know where you are going. There are also a little other reasons as to why one should be sure to have Spain map with you, namely that you will be able to find different things to go and do.

Whether you want to pack as much in to your trip as you can or would rather just lie around on a few different beaches, with your Spain map you will be able to discern just exactly where you can go to do what you want.

Your Barcelona Spain map will really be of great help to you here, but it is not the only thing that you need to be aware of when it comes to heading off to Spain for a trip.

To Read Your Spain Map And Learn The Language

One of the first and most important things to do is learn the Spanish language. You want to get to know at least the basics so you are not going to be stuck when you get there and not be able to understand anything. It will be more than just confusing it will probably be very frustrating as well so make sure that you learn a bit about the Spanish language before you go there.

Pick Your Attractions From Barcelona Spain Map

With your Spain map you want to pick and choose from the various attractions and decide on which are most important for you to see. There are so many to choose from and you will probably not have the time to see them all so make sure that you pick all the right ones.

Spain Map: Take A Journey

One of the best things that you will ever do on any trip to Spain is use your Spain map and just take a random journey. Don’t worry, if you have your map you will not get lost, and this way you really get to trip around and make the most of your travel. You want to really enjoy yourself and experience all the sights and sounds, and this means taking a trip at least once while you are there.

Spain is a wonderful place to visit, and you can really make the most of it with these great tips showing you what to do.

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Experience Lanzarote This Summer – The Cool Canary Island

August 10th, 2009 |

It may lie just seventy miles off the coast of West Africa. But the small Canary Island of Lanzarote is Spanish owned. And has long been a hot favourite with British and Irish tourists – who accounted for over one million visitors last year,attracted by a delightful year round climate, good quality holiday accommodation and the island´s unique volcanic scenery.

There is a wide choice of Lanzarote apartments but if you prefer a more luxurious holiday then you can grab yourself a bargain Lanzarote holiday villa this summer as lower than expected visitor number means there are some good deals to be had.

Lanzarote is just four hours flying time from the UK – making it the closest winter sun destination to Britain and Eire. And is serviced by numerous low cost flight operators, such as Monarch, easy Jet and Thomas Cook. Making it possible to book flights to Lanzarote from around £200 per person – depending of course on the time of year.

Despite the number of tourists visiting the island there is only one international airport on Lanzarote – and it´s named after the nearby island capital of Arrecife. Although locals refer to it as Gaucimeta. Thanks to its central location and the small size of the island transfer times to the three main resorts are very quick. Averaging out at only twenty minutes.

The bulk of visitors to the island arrive on package holidays so will find themselves travelling to their resort on coaches organised by their tour operator. But for the growing band of independent travellers there is no shuttle bus service to the resorts. Which means they need to rely on either taxis – which are available just outside the main arrivals terminal. Or hire cars – which are also readily available at the airport.

Car hire in Lanzarote is very good value in relation to many other holiday destinations. With prices starting from as little as €20 per day. Petrol is also much cheaper than in the UK or Eire, costing around 80 centimos for a litre of unleaded fuel.

Around 40% of all visitors book hotels in Lanzarote. Which are of a high standard, particularly in the island’s newest resort of Playa Blanca in the south of the island. Where all establishments built over the last ten years are of a four star standard and above.

Whilst Puerto del Carmen is the spot to head for for those planning to book apartments in Lanzarote. As the islands oldest resort has the highest concentration of apartment complexes of any destination on the island.

The island is also blessed with a raw volcanic scenery and plenty of natural beauty. Making it an ideal holiday location for sightseeing. Elements of the landscape have been united with the artistic aesthetic of the island born artist Cesar Manrique. Who created a series of seven unique tourist attractions during the 1970´s – such as the Cactus Garden and the Jameos del Agua - which still delight tourists to this day.

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Polaris World La Torre Golf Resort

July 20th, 2009 |

One thing you’re sure to want to know about when considering buying a Polaris World La Torre Golf Resort property is how the golf course plays. While considering your choice of Polaris World apartments, townhouses or villas at La Torre, book an 18-hole round of golf and test your game on the Nicklaus designed international championship course which boasts a 5-star clubhouse, restaurant, bars and golfing facilities. In this article we’ll give you a guide to the La Torre golf course and some of the current Polaris World properties that are available to buy. 

How to get to La Torre Golf Resort

The course at La Torre is situated just outside of the old village of Roldan in the Murcia region on the east coast of Spain. The closest airport, situated in San Javier, is just 10km from the resort (the airport itself is called Murcia Airport) and there are plenty of low-cost flights out of the UK that land here. Once you’ve landed you’re just a 15 minute drive from La Torre. Should your flight land at Alicante airport you'll have a 55 minute journey into La Torre. In 2010 a new airport will open in Corvera which is just a 20 minute drive away.

La Torre Golf Resort

Within the Polaris World La Torre golf resort there’s a town centre with extensive modern amenities including the 5-star Crowne Plaza Hotel and Spa (containing 200 rooms, indoor pool, gym). Arranged around a magnificent lake, the town also boasts restaurants, bars, boutiques, tennis courts, a swimming pool complex and supermarkets all linked to the golfing greens, parks and properties by wide tree-lined avenues and streets. The resort has a Mediterranean and Floridian appeal largely due to the development being based on Fort Lauderdale in Florida, USA.

La Torre Golf Course Guide

The La Torre Golf Course was designed by Michael Nicklaus for Nicklaus Design – one of the world’s leading golf course design companies headed by the legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus. Michael Nicklaus is the youngest son of Jack and his course forms part of the Nicklaus Golf Trail of 9 courses within a 25km radius (as a Polaris World property owner you have discounted green fees at the courses located in La Torre, Condado de Alhama, Mar Menor, El Valle, Hacienda Riquelme and La Loma resorts).

So, how does La Torre play? The 18-holes are spread across 5 hectares of beautiful surroundings that combine with and enhance the resort itself. There are various changes in the level of the terrain, sculptured bunkers and three lakes which means this course offers picturesque views at whichever hole you are playing.

La Torre is a par 68 course with four tees per hole (colour coded black, blue, white and red) which will suit all abilities. The course is kind to those with a higher handicap giving you plenty of safe routes to the pin. For the low handicappers, there are opportunities to take riskier shots particularly on the Par 3's and 4's where there is plenty of sand and water hazards to negotiate. Should you find yourself in the bunkers, the sand is top quality so the ball never sits too low which helps your escape shot (although you'll still need some skill!).

La Torre comprises 6 Par 3 holes, 10 Par 4 holes and 2 Par 5's – this means the course requires a strategic approach and demands accuracy over distance. Although the course is by no means short (and your driver will be called into action), you'll need to be on form with your wedges and irons as the greens are well protected by hazards. With forward tee positions on the Par 5’s, the big hitters among you will reach the greens in two shots. The first Par 5 is sited on the front nine at the 7th hole with the second on the back nine at the 12th.

Course fees vary depending on the season. High season is: February, March, April, May, October and November. Low season is: January, June, July, August, September and December. As a visitor, expect to pay around 60 Euros in low season and 80 Euros in high.

As a Polaris World property owner your green fees will be lower at around 55 Euros for 18 holes although there are special afternoon and twilight rates that can cost around 20-25 Euros.

Residents can also buy vouchers for 4 or 10 rounds:

A 4 round voucher (lasts 1 month) costs 200 Euros.

A 10 round voucher (2 months) costs 440 Euros.

There are also options to purchase yearly memberships (limited numbers) or a 25 year Golf Right.

La Torre Golf Course Facilities

Before setting off on your round there’s a well-equipped practice area and driving range to get your game in order before you begin play. The course also offers a first class pro-shop and lessons with the course professionals are available (subject to booking fees and availability).

For those seeking refreshments before or after their round, the club house offers the Wood House Bar with a terrace overlooking the putting greens and practice area or on the first floor you’ll find the Pinos Bar famed for its live music. Overlooking the lake and 9th holes is La Encina Buffet Restaurant offering a great range of grilled meat, fish and salad dishes

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