Travel Tips

Posts Tagged ‘vacations’

You are able to find hundreds of appealing winter sun holiday destinations about the globe. Including the beaches of Thailand to the cool blue waters of the Caribbean. But if you live in the UK and are seeking the closest winter sun vacation spot to home then the Canary Islands will be the number 1 selection. On the grounds that air flights to these islands take a miserly 4 hours and are generally obtainable from all UK airports.

In case you were unaware , the Canaries are all owned by Spain and comprise seven islands in total. Lanzarote is one of the most well-liked with tourists and could be located close to the West African coastline. It´s far more arid and less verdant than the other islands inside the chain thanks to its volcanic origins, low rainfall figures and close proximity to the Sahara desert. But the weather here is fantastic and holidaymakers can bask in temperatures of as much as 25 degrees Celsius in the course of the winter months.

The favourite type of accommodation with travellers coming to Lanzarote has long been the outstanding selection of Lanzarote villas and apartments, with properties now obtainable in all the primary resorts in addition to the countryside. Most villas come equipped with private swimming pools in addition to plenty of other luxury extras for example Jacuzzis and hot tubs. And prices are reasonable, starting from about €600 per week for a standard two bedroom villa boasting its own pool.

For those who prefer tranquility on your holiday vacation then this island boasts some delightful rural villas, but in case you favor a little more to do then the major resort of Puerto del Carmen is a superb destination. Those hunting for self catering accommodation may also see that there are plenty of Lanzarote holiday villas just waiting to be booked. Among them is Villa Mare, which is a luxurious residence situated in Los Mojones, a calm and up-market enclave in the heart of the resort. Here guests will enjoy astonishing views down to the shore and out over the Atlantic below to the island of Fuerteventura.

This outstanding property has now also been refurbished to a superb standard and features five bed rooms which have recently been decorated in a contemporary and classy manner. In addition to a large private pool, ample sunbathing terraces together with a Barbecue and open air eating area that is simply perfect for enjoying al fresco meals.

Playa Blanca is the second most well-liked resort on the island, and also boasts wonderful beaches and some top quality holiday accommodation options also. On the accommodation side many Playa Blanca villas for rent may be booked by simply visiting many of the Lanzarote accommodation web sites.

The area has a whole host of places of interest that enhance the lists of reasons to visit the island and it is worthwhile to enjoy these yourself, so if you need to hire a vehicle you’ll find this is modestly priced too so it’s convenient and as a result affordable, and there is no excuse for not getting out and explore, and discover for yourself the way of life of Lanzarote by taking part in any one of the countless local festivals that take place all year round.

Where on earth is Lanzarote? To find this popular island just locate the Iberian Peninsula on an atlas, trace down onto Africa´s west coast and there you´ll see the Canaries situated just off the coast of Morocco. These seven Spanish owned islands are a real holiday paradise, offering sunshine all year round. And Lanzarote is the closest Canary Island to the West African coast.

Lanzarote can in fact be found on the same line of latitude as the Bahamas and parts of Mexico, not far away from the Tropic of Cancer. But whilst these other locations are arguably more exotic Lanzarote still manages to match them in the department that really matters – delivering equally good weather and a very clement climate, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius during the summer and a minimum of 20 degrees in winter. Making it the ideal spot for a sunshine break whatever the time of the year.

During the 1970´s and 80´s the expansion of the island’s tourist industry was fuelled by package holidaymakers, primarily from the UK and Germany. But since then the travel market has changed, with travel agents disappearing fast . As a result a growing number of holidaymakers now prefer to book private lanzarote villas together with flights, which take about four hours from the UK,and can easily be booked separately.

Most of the best accommodation on the island is located in the main resort of Puerto del Carmen, which is situated in the centre of Lanzarote´s south eastern coastline. There are numerous hotels to choose from here – along with a wide array of Puerto del Carmen holiday villas. The type of accommodation that is highly prized by independent travellers as it grants both privacy and independence.

Playa Blanca is Lanzarote´s second main holiday resort. This is the warmest part of the island, boasting the best weather and beaches in not just Lanzarote but the Canaries too. Here holidaymakers have their choice of three great golden sand beaches within ten minutes walk of each other, and as a major plus the amazing coves and bays of Papagayo which are within easy walking distance. No wonder then that Playa Blanca villas are in such demand.

As smaller island´s go, Lanzarote has a higher than average number of tourist attractions, with several dedicated to recording the history and culture of locals. But the island is also an exceedingly popular location for sports enthusiasts, with any number of activities that are available to tourists, from surfing to golf. So even if the weather is not the main incentive to visit Lanzarote, there is still a wealth of things to see and do.

Why do tourists keep returning to Lanzarote in the Canary Islands year after year? This small chunk of Spain remains one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe despite the current economic downturn and is especially popular with British holidaymakers, who out number other nationalities here such as the Germans by at least 4 or 5 to 1. With around 800,000 tourists from the UK enjoying a break on the island last year alone.

A large quantity of high quality accommodation is a prime key factor and on Lanzarote there are some very affordable and attractive places to stay. Visitors can choose from thousands of Lanzarote villas. Most of which are available much more cheaply than comparable holiday rental properties in other parts of Spain, such as the Balearics and the Costas.

The weather is also a key ingredient for most visitors. Lanzarote is situated close to the west coast of Morocco and as a result the climate here is spring like all year round. Making it possible to bask in the sunshine on the island’s glorious beaches even in the winter when the majority are tucking into their Christmas dinners back home. Factor in the fact that it is now cheaper to fly to Lanzarote from the UK than ever before too and you have all of the ingredients for a great value break.

Where are the best places to stay? Tourists can choose from three main resorts; Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise. Each has it´s own unique character, climate and attractions so it´s important to do a bit of research in order to find your ideal destination on this popular holiday island.

If you´re young – or young at heart – and want to enjoy late nights as well as lazy days by the pool or on the beach, then head for Puerto del Carmen. This is the biggest resort on Lanzarote and is packed with decent bars, clubs and restaurants.Those who like to combine long days in the sun with late nights on the tiles should plump for Puerto del Carmen, the largest and oldest resort on the island. Which is home to a large quantity of decent restaurants, bars and clubs. As well as a host of reasonably priced Playa Blanca villas starting from about €500 per week.

Playa Blanca is the best choice for beach lovers, as this fast growing resort is home to some of the best stretches of sand on Lanzarote. Such as Playa Flamingo and Playa Dorada. The stunning coves of Papagayo are also located just a fifteen minute walk away from the centre of the town and these are a definite must see. As they are regularly voted into the top ten beaches in Spain in various travel polls.

Puerto del Carmen villas are also cheaper than in Puerto del Carmen with prices starting from €450 for seven nights. So if you want the ultimate beach holiday you’ll save on your accommodation too. For the full lowdown on the island check out Lanzaroteguidebook.com before you arrive, as it is a very comprehensive reference and full of useful info.

Preparing for a holiday getaway in the Canaries this fall? This delightful group of islands are the preferred vacation location for overseas vacationers after Catalonia, and deliver terrific weather all year long as a result of their ideal geographic location.

The largest and most commonly known island is Tenerife, home to the towering Mount Teide, that rises majestically to 3718 metres above the island creating an astounding contrast with its snow capped peak to the sun baked beaches delightfully dotted along the the islands coast at sea level. Like many islands in the Canary islands, the south of the island is home to the main tourist resorts, as opposed to the northern area tends to be cloudier, and this is where the main urban and commercial centres are located.

By comparison Lanzarote is a smaller island, approximately 40km by 60km– and on the plus size hasn’t been exposed to mindless commercial development, so is much more akin to a natural unblemished island.

So anyone wanting to really get away from it all on their Canary Islands vacation should make a bee-line to Lanzarote, as the island is home to extraordinary spectacular scenery, and in particular in the north. Akin to its close neighbour Tenerife you’ll find that the main resorts are located in the islands southern most reaches and this is where visitors will find the finest accommodation accommodation; with large numbers of apartments and Lanzarote holiday villas available for booking.

Of Lanzarote’s two premier resorts Puerto del Carmen is undoubtedly the most popular, bragging a plethora of great beaches combined with the traditional style of the Old Town harbour area. In addition there are an abundance of hotels and villas in Puerto del Carmen for anyone searching for places to stay.

Playa Blanca is slightly smaller and quieter and is known as a amiable, chilled out location which is definitely not so focused on night life as many of the much more energetic parts of Lanzarote, instead the goal here on the whole is nurturing the charm and peace of this old fishing port. But fortunately you’ll still find a broad choice of self catering apartments and villas in the area with year round availability

This wonderful blend of hospitable resorts, sun drenched beaches and extraordinary natural landscapes make Lanzarote a awe-inspiring and unforgettable holiday hot spot, so be sure to check it out.

Great quality food and drink is one of the most important elements that makes for a memorable holiday abroad. And on Lanzarote visitors can enjoy the unique flavours of the Canaries, both in their hotel accommodation and when they get out and about exploring the island. Thanks to the fact that there are loads of excellent restaurants to explore and Car hire in Lanzarote is both cheap and readily available.

Despite the fact that it is in island located in the Atlantic traditional dishes on Lanzarote tend to be meat rather than fish based. Rabbit and goat are both extremely popular and feature on the menus of all good traditional local restaurants. And the island is also famed for its excellent goat cheeses, which combine very well with locally produced wines, such as El Grifo. Which is still produced in one of the oldest bodegas in the Canaries, dating back to the 1770´s.

Many Lanzarote hotels put on a special banquet of local produce at least once a week. Usually in the form of a special Canary Night gala. Which features these dishes along with other local favourites such as prawns in garlic. And they will also find that these can be washed down with Canarian lagers such as Tropical and Dorada, which are brewerd on Gran Canaria and Tenerife respectively. Honey rum is also popular as an after dinner drink and is usually served with coffee. For anyone staying in one of the many Lanzarote villas or apartments available for rent the basic ingredients of these dishes can all be bought in local markets should they wish to try cooking them for themselves.

For those who can be bothered to cook there are plenty of restaurants to choose from and a lot of the best are located in the countryside away from the main resorts. The north of the island is home to some of the finest, such as Ikarus in Teguise, once Lanzarote´s capital city. And Lagomar in Oasis de Nazaret which was once the home of the film star Omar Sharif and which now houses one of the best restaurants on Lanzarote.

Getting to the island has never been easier as there are now flights to Lanzarote that are surprisingly affordable given the fact that it is a four hour journey time from the UK. Fares have really fallen over the last few years though and returns to this small island located off the coast of Africa are available from most airports in the UK.

Luggage hardware has become one of the most convenient and secure way to carry your things from one place to another. They’re cute and easy to carry, so have most of the constant travel has already fallen in love with one set or another.

But those who have not bought such a traveler companion is difficult to calculate how many pieces will they choose for their luggage sets. If you’re one of those still contemplating between a 3 set pieces and 6 pieces of one, so here are some tips to go for the best.

The first thing you should do before you search for the perfect set is to evaluate how much baggage you carry with you in a normal way. You can easily do it by thinking of the number of people you need to pack (the number of family members must normally be on a ride at once) and by rapidly through the amount of stuff each and every one of the members will take with them.

This may seem like an impossible thing, but if you do this at home with all the clothing and personal things in your face, this may be considerably easier. The larger your family is, the more parts you need! That’s for sure!

Then you must think about what kind of items you tend to take on a trip. If you need more clothes, you have one more set of clothes bags. If on the other hand, prefer you with your higher technology (cameras, laptops, radio), then you’ll probably want a set of luggage that offer you a bag and a laptop bag.

These are usually found in larger sets of five or even six pieces, so this may mean you’ll have to spend more than the average price for luggage sets, but your safety and comfort should always come first.

Last but not least, if you’re a big family, you should look for extra luggage sets. During a 7 piece set is not a realistic option when you also have to take care of children and remain in contact with the other members of the family.

An expendable set of bags will offer you the possibility to store more things in one bag, thus making them more convenient than large luggage sets. However, make sure you do not overcrowd your stuff in there!

Choosing between a 2 or 3 pieces set and a 5 or 6 pieces set should not be a hard task if you know how to evaluate the luggage you need to pack each time you travel, so take your time and know your family’s needs before actually starting looking for luggage sets. This will save you time and will help you find what you need easier than you have expected!

Check out our hardside luggage sets site and learn all the important details about hardside luggage sets. Check us out at http://www.hardsideluggagesets.com

There are many island groups around the world but for year round sunshine and flight costs that won’t break the bank, one of the most popular group in Europe has to be the Canary Islands. There are seven in total and each one offers something different so lets take a sneak peak at a few of them.

Tenerife is the largest island in the chain and also Spain’s most populated island overall, so if you like the heady buzz and busier holiday style then this is definitely one island for your shortlist. The island offers plenty do with its own golf resort if you simply can’t tear yourself away from the greens even when on holiday.

Next on out whistle stop tour is the neighbouring island of Gran Canaria and whilst it may be smaller than it larger contemporary, it can boast the canaries largest city which is Las Palmas home to spectacular carnivals and street parties (known as verbenas del mogollon) in the first two months of the year. Also if you are planning on plenty of nightlife check out Playa del Ingles where it’s party party, party time with a plethora of bars and nightclubs to keep you going all night long.

But for a true taste of the real Canary Islands then the destination of choice just has to be Lanzarote, which in contrast to the other islands has managed to retain the typical Canarian character and charm of the Canary Islands. This is principally due to one man (Cesar Manrique) who has carved out the development of the island literally, and managed during his lifetime to ensure that tourist developments did not become a carbuncle on the very fabric of the island.

Once you decide to visit you’ll almost certainly enjoy deciding which part of the island to stay in as this will also give you the ideal opportunity to discover the many hidden delights that the island has too offer. On top of that the choice of accommodation available is second to none but some resorts are better suited than others if accommodation choice is your main holiday driver, Lanzarote holiday villas however are often the best choice.

Costa Teguise has always been an attractive holiday hot spot and boasts wide avenues which give it a spacious open plan feel. The resort is also home to some great beaches as well not surprisingly, such as the main stretch of sand at Playa Cuchara. Ideal for the Sun sea and sand holiday.

Don’t stick to the main resorts though during your stay as the island has plenty to offer those that are prepared to sacrifice a few days of sun to discover the cultural and feel of the real Lanzarote, otherwise you’ll never know what you’ve missed!

For additional tips and Lanzarote villas holiday advice visit Lanzarote1.com one of Lanzarote’s oldest established holiday websites.

As summer concludes its time to begin thinking about the approaching Christmas period, but merely because the sun has long been disappearing in mainland Europe there are some excellent sunshine destinations not to far from home including of course the Canarian island of Lanzarote, famous for its outstanding weather..

Whilst the primary attraction of a holiday here will be the weather, don’t neglect to investigate the alternative characteristics of the island too. Lanzarote delivers an explosion of colour when carnival season hits the island as well as many sporting events that will leave you just breathless from just watching.. Also in addition to the plethora of local events, should you be unfortunate enough to suffer from any days of dull cloud or rain during your visit, the island has an raft of popular attractions that can be enjoyed whatever the climate brings. Lanzarote Attractions

If you are planning ahead for next year however do bear in mind that June is a fantastic time to visit the island as the weather is excellent and it also a time when the islands most creative events takes place which is Corpus Christi.. As you stroll round the streets you can witness temporary work of art depicting scenes from the bible. What makes these works of art and displays even more unique is the fact they are made using coloured salt.

With the summer hustle and bustle out of the way the autumn and winter seasons open up the choice of Lanzarote accommodations, but choosing the right accommodation always comes down to three main factors, size of party, location and of course budget. If you prefer flexibility and privacy on your holiday then a villa will prove to be ideal as apartments tend to be in complexes, many of the villas are very well equipped by the owners as they are often used as summer homes, so standards are very high in the main. If you do find the ideal accommodation don’t wait too long before booking it as even in the winter they can be snapped up quite quickly

The next question of course in what resort to stay in? If you have been to the island on more than one occasion then you may have already have a favourite resort, but if not then you need to decide where to stay. Do you have transport or do you need to stay within the main resorts?. If you fancy a break from the norm you could try a rural villa tucked away in the local countryside or perhaps even something far more bizarre or unique for example a cave.

Try Puerto del Carmen as it seems to have the knack of luring visitors back year after year and for good reason. You could spend your entire break on the beach but you would miss out as you’ll find plenty of nautical adventures to be had too. Typically these range from a glass bottomed boat trip along the resorts coastline, to dolphins and whale hunting (visually of course). And if you fancy a full day out then take a trip to Fuerteventura on the Blue Delfin catamaran which has over 30 submarine viewing windows to spot the local marine life. Lanzarote tourist Information

Once you decide to go to Lanzarote the only difficulty you’ll probably face is which villa or resort to choose.

Beyond a shadow of a doubt the autumn season is an ideal time to visit Lanzarote as whilst in the rest of Europe people are starting to prepare for the winter season the sun continues to shine here right into December It may all seem a bit gloomy this year what with the continuing difficulties with the economy, and even the British summer seems to be empathising having been more than a tad shy as far as the sunshine is concerned. But don’t despair, a mere 4 hour flight away is the year round sunshine island of Lanzarote just waiting to welcome its normal round of Autumn visitors.

Cheap Flights Any Takers

It only takes four hours to reach Lanzarote from the UK – which makes this one of the easiest and quickest destinations to get to for sunseekers at that time of the year. And the cost of flights has tumbled considerably over the last year or so too. Thanks to the fact that all of the main budget airlines are now competing for custom on this route. Check out some of the flight comparison sites to find the best deals.

Check Out The Bargain Holiday Villas In Lanzarote

Autumn is an ideal time of year to make this journey. The crowds that flock to the island from across Europe during the peak summer season have long since dissipated, especially once the kids go back to school. And both air and sea temperatures remain delightfully warm. Unlike other holiday islands Lanzarote never shuts down either, so all of the bars, restaurants and attractions remain open. Those looking to book a break on a budget will also be delighted to discover that this is one of the best value times of the year to enjoy a holiday here too. As rental rates for Lanzarote holiday villas and apartments tumble by at least 10 to 15%. Whilst hotel room rates are also considerably lower than during the summer months. Tourists touching down on Lanzarote in Autumn will find that the mercury climbs well in to the mid 20´s Celsius and beyond at that time of the year. There’s little in the way of precipitation either, whilst the blustery Trade Winds that buffet the island during spring and summer have also dissipated. Creating perfect beach holiday conditions and clear blue skies for tourists visitors.

As well as great weather all year round visitors will also find that there is a lot to do and see on the island, which helps to contribute to Lanzarote´s popularity as a holiday destination. Such as the many creations of the local artist César Manrique – who developed visitor attractions such as the Cactus Garden and the Green Caves. Along with many natural wonders such as the Valley of 1000 Palms and the majestic sight of the Timanfaya Volcano Park.

Whilst Lanzarote has traditionally been linked with package holidays a growing number of independent travellers are now visiting the island. Lured by cheaper flights, great weather and some seriously spectacular scenery, as Lanzarote is home to an abundance of wonderful natural attractions many of which were forged during the massive volcanic eruptions that rocked the island during the 1730´s.

Tourists have been flocking to the fourth largest of the Canary Islands ever since the package holiday industry first took off in the 1970´s. And Lanzarote continues to attract millions of visitors today. Many of whom like nothing more than basking in the sun, which shines all year round here.

The island however boasts enough stunning sights to lure them away from their Lanzarote holiday villas for a day or two to see what the island has to offer. Visitors to Lanzarote will never be short of something to do as there is plenty to keep you busy for weeks if you are prepared to abandon your typical beach holiday Different strokes for different folks as the saying goes, whilst we each have our favourite way to spend our leisure time recommendations include:

The Aqua Park – The Aqua park is conveniently situated next to the Golf course in Costa Teguise (very handy if you fancy a round if your kids are older and able to look after themselves), and is open throughout the season generally from ten in the morning until six. The park will keep the family amused all day long so take plenty of sun protection with you.

Or maybe :

The Timanfaya National Park: Timanfaya is a site not to be missed and well worth a days break from lapping up the sunshine on one of Lanzarote’s excellent beaches. Scarred from extensive historic volcanic activity the barren landscape has an unnerving beauty all of its own. A display by the parks warden further demonstrates the power that lies dormant below this spectacular park

If these are not to your taste you could also try The Cactus Garden: It is hard to find attractions on Lanzarote that do not seem to somehow miraculously blend in with the very fabric of the island and this Manrique developed creation is no exception. Not as you would expect an average garden to be Manrique has once again used his skills to great effect. The display of cacti here is stunning and neatly landscaped in amphitheatre like terrace style that gives great exposure to all the species displayed. If you stop off or visit Timanfaya drive a short distance to the north of and you soon encounter the surreal sight of the Green Lagoon, which is situated just outside the village of El Golfo. This lagoon has been created by an interaction between sea water and algae and has been used as a film location many times over. Most famously by the makers of One Million Years BC.

More information about Lanzartote places of interest can be located here.