Posts Tagged ‘Holidays’

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Health Risks of Contaminated Pools on Holiday

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

Bad weather conditions keep people off the beaches while on holiday, but there is always the hotel pool, right?
Wrong.
Villas with pools are typically a nice retreat for the British and Germans on holiday in Majorca – however, a recent test of pools at local villas and resorts in Majorca showed that one-fourth of them were contaminated.
Some pools were using too much chlorine, which has a bleaching effect on clothes and is irritating to the skin and eyes. Some pools had no disinfectants. Others still were contaminated with fecal bacteria.
Water Safety: What to Watch Out For in the Holiday Pool
When you think about water safety during holiday, people typically think of accidents in the ocean.
Pool water can be equally as dangerous though. Contaminants in the water, depending on which type, can cause irritation and rash, ear infections and even death.
E. coli is a real risk when swimming in water with fecal bacteria. Coming in contact with E. coli can cause urinary tract infections and vomiting. Long-term effects of some strands of E. coli are life threatening.
Be on alert for issues with the hotel pool. Start before you even leave for your trip. Check the local area you plan to visit to see if there are any outbreaks or health concerns.
You can even ask the hotel or villa when you make your reservation about the chlorine levels of the pool and how often the pool water is tested.
You can take a few precautions when sitting pool side as well. First, notice the color of the water. Is it green and mucky or crystal clear?
Also note if the pool seems to be cloudy. Ideally, you will be able to see the bottom of the pool floor.
Next, check to see if other visitors are following pool cleanliness rules. Don’t go in a pool if you see people not showering before entering the pool or see babies in diapers in the pool.
Another time to avoid the pool (for the safety of others) is when you have diarrhea. Small amounts of fecal matter are potentially dangerous.
Other precautions for safe play in the pool include showering before and after using the pool and not taking the pool water into your mouth. Flush your eyes with clean water immediately if they burn from the pool water.
Outbreaks in Other Countries
Health risks don’t stop at the pool and they certainly don’t stop in Majorca.
In 2008 alone there have been instances of Malaria in the Bahamas, Yellow Fever in Argentina and in Paraguay, Enterovirus in China and the Avian Flu in Indonesia. Precautionary measures are suggested, such a mosquito repellent, vaccinations and avoiding certain areas of concern.
The bottom line is that changes in climate, humidity and altitude affect people in different ways.
A virus or infection that exists may not pose a risk to one person, but is potentially life threatening to the next.
Young children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to disease and infection. Unfortunately, expecting to get proper medical attention while in another country on holiday can be unrealistic.
Prevention is the best medicine. Less developed or modernized countries lack the medical knowledge and equipment most tourists are accustomed to.
Use common sense and always take safety precautions when travelling outside of your home country.

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Spanish Holidays Losing Ground to Turkey

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Turkey is gaining ground as a favorite holiday destination for Brits. The Cooperative Travel Group’s director of retail travel, Trevor Davis, said packaged holiday sales for Turkey have increased by 30 percent. Mr. Davis also said sales to Majorca, Spain’s top-selling holiday destination, dropped by 13 percent. Ian Hailes, head of product and development for Cosmos, offers similar statistics. Hailes said 2008 packaged summer vacation sales for destinations in Turkey were up by 25 percent while sales to destinations in Spain decreased by 6 percent.
Poor Economic Conditions
Prior to January 2008, predictions of poor economic conditions in the United States and Europe caused travel agents to cringe. Poor economic conditions, they feared, would cause business to plummet. While some families have elected to enjoy a ’stay-cation’, a stay-home-vacation, many others have not let economic misfortunes impact their vacation time. Travel expenses have caused the usual road-trip to become a flight. Some low-cost airlines have been working with travel agents to help increase their own business as well as retaining the agent’s client base. Agents are able to offer their clients less expensive flights to and from many points in Europe, making the overall cost of their vacation less expensive.
Currency Exchange Rates
It is speculated that the current euro-pound exchange rate is also behind some of the changes in holiday destinations. The pound is doing poorly against the euro, making Spanish vacations a bit more expensive than in previous years. The currency used in Turkey is the New Turkish Lira, introduced in 2005. Exchange rates from the pound to the lira are much more favorable than those of pound to euro. For those tourists who have felt the pinch of a struggling economy, a Turkish vacation could prove to be more affordable for the 2008 vacation season. Where ever their destination, travelers aren’t letting things like the economy and exchange rates ruin their plans. They’re simply learning to budget their vacation as needed.
Low Cost Airlines
Although packaged vacation sales to Turkey have been top sellers in 2008, low-cost airlines are reporting more flights to Spanish destinations being booked than last year. More than 4,000 flights have been booked to Palma, Majorca alone according to reports by the Palma airport.
Top Selling Packaged Vacations for Summer 2008
Dalaman, Turkey tops the list as the number one packaged vacation spot for Europeans for 2008. Following closely behind is Majorca, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands. The third destination is the Greek island of Crete. Turkey makes two appearances on the list, as Bodrum makes the list as the number four vacation destination for Europeans in 2008. Algarve, Portugal rounds out the top five packaged vacation destinations for summer 2008.
Ignacio Vasallo, director of the Spanish Tourist Office dismisses claims that Spain is losing ground as a favorite vacation destination. He said, ‘The big picture is that Spain is going to have 15.5 million UK visitors this year.’ Spain has a lot to offer each tourist who visits and the tourism office officials show no signs of worry that Spain may be losing ground, for whatever reason.

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Where the British Are Holidaying Summer 2008

Monday, December 14th, 2009

Traditionally British holidaymakers book their summer holidays early, a hangover from the days when people would visit a travel agent and pay in weekly or monthly over six months, with the advent of the internet not changing that tradition much.
Travel industry estimates suggest that 12 million Britons book their 2008 summer holiday by the end of February.
Due to this overwhelming statistic, it’s possible that the number of late deals on offer from travel agents will be in short supply this year.
Where are the British going this summer? What places are on the top of their list as fun and adventurous holiday spots? Let’s take a look at the top 5 holiday destinations chosen by British holidaymakers for their summer holidays this year:
Tenerife
You may have heard of Tenerife referred to as Paradise Island. That’s because here you will find sunshine year-round, as well as sandy white beaches that stretch for miles. Tenerife offers luxury hotel accommodation for a quick trip to the islands or an extended family stay. Tourists like the resorts located at Los Christianos and Playa de las Americas, located southwest of the island.
Orlando
Orlando, Florida is the ultimate holiday for families and couples alike. Visit Mickey Mouse and friends at Walt Disney World, watch amazing shows at Sea World, catch up on your favourite movies at Universal Studios, and stay in some of the best themed resorts available in the U.S. Not only is Orlando known for its famous theme parks, but British tourists will also enjoy other attractions such as:
* Unique shopping emporiums
* World-class dining establishments
* Disney cruises
* Breathtaking golf courses
* Unparalleled night life and entertainment
* And much more!
Majorca
Closer to home for the British, Majorca is the largest island of the Balearic Islands. It is located in the Mediterranean Sea off the southeast coast of Spain.
Majorca is the home of the Almudaina Palace, which is surrounded by the majestic S’Hort des Rei Gardens. Here you can see other historical landmarks such as the Bellver Castle, Catedral (La Seu), and Llotja, a 15-century reminiscent of early mercantile days in Morjca. This destination is popular because of its wealth of history, as well as exciting nightlife, casinos and entertaining festivals.
Lanzarote
A four hour flight as opposed to less than two for Majorca, Lanzarote offers holiday guests a relaxed atmosphere. It is here that you will discover the common use of camels to transport goods, and enjoy a desert like climate.
Lanzarote is at the most northeastern tip of the Canary Islands. It is interesting to note that this is a volcanic island. British tourists won’t find many bustling nightlife clubs here, but they will enjoy immaculate white beaches, the San Gines Lagoon, and placid waters. The resorts at Lanzarote are luxurious and can accommodate couples and families.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is referred to as the miniature continent because of its vast array of landscapes. You will find there are about 20 different climates to experience in this one island. This is the perfect holiday spot for:
* Deep sea fishing
* Climbing
* Surfing
* Golfing
* Diving
The accommodations at Gran Canaria can range anywhere from luxury hotel suites to fully-equipped self catering apartments.
When visiting Gran Canaria, make sure to take a tour via jeep that takes you off the beaten path to experience the real splendor of the island. Helicopter tours are also available to give you a bird’s eye view of the island if that suits your fancy or choose from one of the many other tours that lead you to exotic and adventurous places.
Later bookings for British holidaymakres could see interest in Turkey, which doesn’t use the Euro and has a poor exchange rate against the British Pound, and various locations in the US.
Some reports suggest that although the Euro is used, Lanzarote is seeing an increased number of British tourists on late bookings this year.

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Summer Holidays 2008 Costing More

Monday, December 14th, 2009

2008 has seen the cost a typical family holiday as well as weekend breaks rise much faster than inflation, and many tourists have noticed the difference in the same 2007 holiday package compared to this year’s price.
To blame are higher oil prices, and with a large part of a holiday often being a flight oil rising to over US $100 a barrel in early January was what sparked the prediction – if the analysts had known it would be over US $130 a barrel of oil by May their predictions might have been much starker.
In addition many governments are putting up the taxes on flights that they have started levying in recent years, and with the environment such a hot issue they know they can justify it by claiming it’s to reduce carbon emissions.
But some in the travel industry claim not all the price rises being seen in 2008 are a result of higher oil prices, but mergers of big holiday companies who have subsequently cut the number of holidays available, and reducing supply, and if demand is as high as it was last year it will mean the same amount of people chasing fewer holidays, allowing the travel companies to increase the prices.
Those areas likely to feel the price hikes most are the most popular holiday areas, which include the Canary islands of Tenerife and Lanzarote, the Balearic islands of Majorca and Menorca, and Malta which has just begun to regain popularity after years of a declining market.
Tenerife and Lanzarote are both popular for winter sunshine holidays as well as the summer, and their winter tourist trade didn’t excperience price rises earlier this year, which will give them a boost compared to the rest of Spain for 2008 overall should prices rise further for this summer as some are predicting.
Tenerife is known for its beautiful climate, which attracts nearly three and a half millions tourists a year to its scenic 2,034 square kilometers.
Most of Tenerife’s tourism comes from the United Kingdom, followed by Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Italy and France, among many others.
The island is home to many beautiful resorts, including the Playas de las Americas and Los Cristianos. In fact, recent legislation was passed to ensure that any future resort construction must either be of five-star status or offer resort luxuries like golf courses or banquet facilities.
Another of Tenerife’s natural tourist attractions are the Cliffs of the Giants.
These astounding rock walls drop from heights of 500-800 feet almost straight down into the sea. Tourists can soak in the sights from one of the restaurants and other viewpoints located across the small bay in the resort town of Los Gigantes. They may opt for an up-close and personal look at the massive rock faces by taking a tour boat across the bay.
Lanzarote is full-time home to more than 100,000 people and has its own international airport. The island relies on tourism as well as agriculture to maintain its economy. Millions of visitors each year enjoy the black sand beaches and unique experience that only Lanzarote can offer.
The destinations which are more likely to suffer from 2008 holiday price rises are those where the vast majority of tourists visit during the summer, and these include Majorca and her smaller sister island of Menorca.
Majorca has been a major summer holiday destination for several years among Europeans. Majorca attracts tourists looking for a traditional beach holiday, but beyond that the island has dramatic mountains, hidden coves and various historical archeological sites which adds to her appeal for many others.
But if bookings are slow for last minute holidays, it is likely that the summer months will see price cuts across a range of holidays, and with more and more holidays being booked on-line the travel companies can adjust prices within minutes to reflect demand, allowing those consumers who can pick and choose their week or two off at short notice the ability to circumvent any overall price rises during the year ahead.
The message from consumer groups is to search the internet and compare deals – big savings can be made with a little time and effort while doing some research.

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Spanish Islands Stop 2008 Tourism Slump

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

In a recent survey by one of the UK’s leading retail, holiday and banking groups, Spain looks set to remain a favourite destination for British holidaymakers this year, even though other destinations are proving to be cheaper as the Euro – the currency used by Spain – has increased in value against the British Pound, making Spanish holidays considerably more expensive this year than last.
Until official figures are out, controversy will reign in the travel world with some travel agents claiming that countries who don’t have the Euro, such as Turkey, will draw more visitors than Spain this year, while the travel agents own trade organisation say Spain is still number one for British holidaymakers, with the Scottish people especially still choosing Spain above anywhere else.
Holidays in Spain have been popular since the advent of jet travel made overseas holidays possible for the masses, and turned small villages like Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol into the concrete jungle it is today – the worst excesses of tourism are over now thankfully, and the Spanish authorities have strict controls on what can and can’t be built in popular holiday resorts along the Spanish coasts.
Tenerife is a prime example of how tourism has changed a holiday destination. From the 1960’s onwards Tenerife became a popular destination with winter holidays becoming much more in vogue due to the island’s all year round good climate, allowing Tenerife’s tourist industry to prosper with year round tourism compared to some areas that have a six month season.
New hotels and housing developments were built without much thought for the environment, but now Tenerife has introduced planning rules that will protect her from future excesses.
The island was once a premier holiday hot spot amongst the elite, but a lack of investment caused it to fade off the holiday destination map. Now, with local leaders pushing for new strategies, Tenerife is making a comeback as the place to be when you want the perfect holiday.
Another Spanish holiday island that is doing well despite talk of a recession is Majorca – popular with European holidaymakers for over 50 years now, and still attracting new and returning tourists who might have been able to get a cheaper destination from their travel agency.
Also known as Mallorca, the island really started to develop as a tourist hot spot as far back as the 1920s. Today, Mallorca sees more than six million visitors each year, yet ninety-five percent of vacationers concentrate in only five percent of its territory. Mallorca is known as the Mediterranean Lady and it offers a little something for everyone.
Like Tenerife, Mallorca is good for year round holidays, but the travel industry has only started winter offers releatively late compared to Tenerife.
Many people actually prefer the slower paced winter holidays to the hustle and bustle of the busy summer holiday season. Temperatures in the winter season range from 6 degrees Celsius (42 degrees Fahrenheit) to 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit). These mild temperatures help make Mallorca the perfect wintertime destination for those who enjoy cooler temperatures and mild winter weather – after all not everyone wants to spend their holidays just sunbathing, though plenty do!
Water sports and golf are very popular in Majorca, and Majorca golf holidays in themselves are a niche travel market. Some local businesses offer dive or boat tours and diving lessons for those who prefer the Mediterranean to dry land. Diving in the Med is an experience like no other. Some species of tropical fish and marine life exist only in this temperate climate. Crystal clear waters offer a great viewing distance. Local businesses also offer boat and water craft rentals for those who wish to explore the open sea on their own.
Mallorca has a very colourful history dating back to the Paleolithic period. It has been under Roman, Byzantine and Spanish rule, and outside of the peak summer months is an ideal time for those interested in culture, art and history to visit the island.
Museums in various villages on Mallorca showcase a wide variety of artefacts from each period of the island’s history. The official spoken languages on Mallorca are Catalan and Spanish, but many Mallorcans are becoming fluent in English and German as well, knowing that the tourist industry plays a major part in the island’s economy.
Majorca and Tenerife might be a little more expensive this year, but it seems people are willing to pay the price.

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Popular Year Round Vacation Destinations for Water Sports

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

Water sports are becoming increasingly popular as family vacations. Boating, parasailing, skiing, surfing and diving are promoted by many of the most popular tourism destinations in the world. Aside from fun water sports and activities, some areas hold competitions with amazing prize possibilities.
The Balearic Island of Majorca holds several sailing and yachting competitions throughout the year, primarily from March to October. The 25th Annual King’s Cup will be held in August 2008. Spain’s King and Prince will be taking part in the competition to help celebrate the 25th anniversary.
The Canary Islands are also popular water sports destinations. The volcanic origin of the Canaries enhances the beauty and appeal. The unusual beauty of the islands doesn’t end where the sand meets the water. Divers quickly learn that there is much more to the Canary Islands than meets the eye.
Boating and Hired Boat Rides
Many forms of boating are enjoyed as a summer vacation all around the world. Sailing is very popular in the Balearic and Canary Islands as well as other destinations. Several favorite tourist destinations offer boating tours as well as glass-bottom boat excursions. Glass-bottom boats are most popular in areas with crystal clear waters and an abundance of marine life. Some areas allow tourists to feed the fish or other marine life.
August is a very busy sailing month in Majorca due to popularity of the King’s Cup. Majorca holds several other sailing competitions throughout the year. Yachting is also very popular, especially during the summer months when the vast majority of tourists plan their vacations. Along with boating usually comes skiing and parasailing.
Parasailing
Parasailing or parascending is increasingly popular among college students and families with teens. The thrill of being lifted into the air high above the waters is an adrenaline rush many in their teens and twenties can’t pass up. Some of the most popular parasailing destinations are the Balearic Islands of Majorca and Menorca, the Canary Islands of Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, Florida and Puerto Rico. Parasailing associations in different regions of the world govern any rules parasailing enthusiasts must follow in their jurisdiction. Most areas allow 500-1,000ft ascensions while others may allow up to 2,000ft.
Skiing and Jet Skiing
People of all ages enjoy many variations of water skiing including skiing on two skis, one ski, wakeboarding and even barefoot. At any given time during the summer, where there is a large body of water and motor boats, you will probably see skiers. Oftentimes more than one skier will be skimming the surface of the water behind a swiftly moving boat.
Several forms of jet skiing are becoming more popular as well. Jet skis are similar to mountain bikes on water. They are built with a two-stroke or four-stroke engine, depending on how the owner plans to use them. Most jet skis have a small-to-medium sized seat to accommodate one or two people. Stand-up jet skis are available to those who enjoy jet skiing freestyle and doing tricks. They are lighter and more accommodating in terms of jumping or flipping.
Surfing
Tropical islands and coastlines with large, crashing waves wouldn’t be complete without surfboards and surfers. Surfing has grown phenomenally over the years and now envelopes windsurfing, kitesurfing, longboarding and shortboarding. The terms ‘longboarding’ and ’shortboarding’ often refer to the two major subdivisions of surfing. Surfers enjoy the special relationship they say they have with the water and provide non-surfers a thrilling viewing experience as they glide almost effortlessly on the waves. Surf camps in popular tourism areas offer surfing lessons and may be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels.
Diving
Many popular tourist destinations around the world offer superb diving opportunities. The Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Florida and Puerto Rico are just a few popular dive areas. Diving opportunities in various tourist areas may include shipwrecks, aircraft wrecks, caves, tunnels and all sorts of marine life. In many areas, to enhance the experience, divers are permitted to feed stingrays and other marine life.

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Majorcan Holidays

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

Majorca is a perfect destination for UK visitors as flying time from most UK airports is only two and a half hours. The island boasts many fantastic beaches and for those looking further inland, the island can be divided into three parts – the Serra de Tramuntana rocks, the Serra de Llevant and the central plain (Es pla). The island of Majorca or Mallorca as it is also known, is one of the UK’s most popular package holiday destinations. The island offers a host of interesting buildings, architecture and landmarks, as well as miles of seashore suitable for any discerning beach lover. Palma is the capital of Majorca and has a Moorish history, with the eye catching landmark Gothic Cathedral dominating the harbour. Illetas is located on a rocky headland outside Palma and offers an excellent family holiday with fine, sandy beaches and a handful of bars and restaurants. Cala Fornells is a quiet beach resort, situated on a rocky outcrop. Puerto d’Antratx is located on the harbour side and the sandy beaches at Camp de Mar and Peguera are only a short way away. Sa Coma is very popular with families and is modern and quiet and has a fabulous white sandy beach. Cala San Vicente is a former fishing village on the north coast with sandy beaches leading down to beaches set between cliffs. Cala San Vicente is ideal for those wanting a more peaceful resort. Alcudia is another family favourite, and is famed for its beaches which include a 15km golden sand beach. Cala d’Or is set in small rocky coves, with sandy beaches shadowed by pine trees. Holidays to Majorca means beach activities (with over 90 beaches available), the golfing fraternity has recognised the value of the island and has adopted the many courses available on the island to become a well-known golfing mecca for many. Accommodation caters mainly for the package-tourist, with plenty of hotels near to the beach. However, the island also has a number of alternative accommodations including designer hotels, fully equipped apartments, apart hotels and fincas (or Agroturismo as they are also known,  a growing trend for farmhouses and country estates built before 1960 to be fully refurbished, modernised and rented out to visitors).

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Top 5 Easter Holidays For 2009

Friday, December 11th, 2009

With the Easter holidays just around the corner it’s not too late to book a last minute break for you and the family. The recession is hurting the travel industry as well as the consumers which means, if you can afford to be a little flexible, there are some sensational deals to be found.

Below is our pick of the best Easter holidays out there, here’s the top 5 countdown:

5. Majorca, Spain

If you like holidays in Spain with sun, sangria and tapas then Majorca offers all of that, plus a little bit extra on the beautiful Balearic island. The island is usually rammed by the time it hits peak summer season, so a spring break is the perfect chance to see some of the hidden treasures of Majorca.

Take a walk in the hills and explore the rugged landscape outside of the hotels and beaches for which the island is famous. Of course, you can spend time on the beach too, and because its low season there’s even a chance of getting a sun lounger!

Palma de Majorca cathedral is well worth a visit for the culture vultures.

4. Cervinia, Italy

If you think you’ve “done” European skiing but can’t afford to get over to the States, then take a look at Cervinia. Often overlooked as skiing country, the Italian Dolomites have some sensational undiscovered resorts which are easily the equal of their French and Austrian counterparts.

Cervinia is hooked on to the back of one of Switzerland’s most famous resorts, but is considerably cheaper for skiing. Fancy skiing down the other side of the Olympic Matterhorn? Cervinia holds a 2-kilometre run down the other side of the famous Olympic downhill piste. Skiing holidays are rarely this good value for money, and you get all the bonuses of the sumptuous Italian cuisine as well.

3. Larnaca, Cyprus

Most tourists who take holidays to Cyprus will only know Larnaca for its airport before moving on to other parts of the island. However, Larnaca itself has much to offer, with gorgeous stretches of beach and the wonderful Cypriot weather. Treat yourself to a few KEO beers brewed at nearby Limassol, or an authentic brandy sour as the sun sets in paradise.

2. Crete, Greece

Easter Holidays are all about chocolate. Not so in Crete. If you want to spice your holidays with Greek culture, why not celebrate Easter with the locals? Take advantage of the delicious festive biscuits and lose yourself in the spiritually fulfilling candle-lit processions through the many Orthodox Greek churches.

The summer sun in Crete can be quite strong but an Easter break will be pleasantly warm with refreshing breezes coming in from the sea. For those slightly paler travellers this is an ideal place to enjoy your holidays without worrying about sunburn every 5 minutes.

1. Florida, United States

It’s still the best place you can go year-round, but especially if you have young kids then spending the Easter holidays with Mickey Mouse and Co. is a magical dream come true. The Walt Disney World resort is the largest and most successful theme park in the world with very good reason – they know their business and can sprinkle fairy dust on to any family holiday.

Easter is a good time to go to Florida it’s less crowded than the peak summer season and the weather is more comfortable for children, especially in the long ride queues. Outside of Disney, the rest of Florida offers some fantastic breaks, with no language barrier and a reasonable exchange rate against the dollar, Florida is the number one place to go for your Easter holidays.

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Scottish Tourists Boost Euro 2008 Holidays

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

It’s been a long cold winter in Scotland, so perhaps it should come as no surprise that more and more of them have been taking a winter holiday in warmer parts of Europe, helping the European travel industry make a good start to the year.
The number taking a winter break has increased to new records this year, partly due to an economy that is still doing well but could be heading towards a period of decline, and lower cost flights from Scottish regional airports giving more choice and of course overall lower prices for a winter holiday.
Long haul destinations have also benefitted where the Scots are heading for include Orlando, Florida, and New York. The continued weakness of the dollar has helped to fuel demand for North American destinations from Scotland and other parts of the UK and mainland Europe recently.
Closer to home the Balearic Islands are seeing a surprising increase given that the weather is warmer in the Canaries. The Balearics consist of Ibiza, Majorca, and Menorca, the quietest of the three being Menorca.
Evidence of more holidays abroad has come from Edinburgh Airport, who reported recently their busiest year for to date for last year with some nine million passengers flying in or out, pretty impressive for a country with a population of around six million or so.
Popular destinations as well as Orlando, New York and Menorca include Tenerife and Majorca.
Tenerife is known in Europe for its good winter climate, which attracts nearly three and a half millions tourists a year. Most of Tenerife’s tourism comes from the United Kingdom including Scotland, followed by Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Italy and France, among many others. The island is home to many beautiful resorts, including the Playas de las Americas and Los Cristianos. In fact, recent legislation was passed to ensure that any future resort construction must either be of five-star status or offer resort luxuries like golf courses or banquet facilities.
one of Tenerife’s biggest draws for tourists is its white sand beaches, and with temperatures often in the high sixties and seventies over winter time it’s a natural draw for Scots. A delightful mix of both man-made and naturally formed beaches, the island of Tenerife has a location for fun-in-the-sun activities – from snorkeling, to scuba, to hanging ten on a surfboard, to windsurfing or just for soaking up some sun. Secluded coves and wide open expanses of beach make Tenerife a great winter holiday destination.
Majorca has been a major summer holiday destination for several years and tourists are finding the excellent deals to be had out of the summer season. Winter visitors can stay at the same hotels and resorts for a fraction of the summer price. Winter holiday packages can be booked for as little as 320 Euros for a week’s break.
Many Scots prefer the slower paced winter holidays to the hustle and bustle of the busy summer holiday season. Temperatures in the winter season on the island of Majorca ranges from 6 degrees Celsius (42 degrees Fahrenheit) to 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit). These mild temperatures help make Mallorca the perfect winter destination for those who enjoy cooler temperatures than Tenerife and mild winter weather.
Even a mild winter in Majorca is heaven for Scottish sun seekers compared to home, as they wave goodbye to the snow and say hello to the sunshine!

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Spain Goes Year Round For 2008

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

Travel internet sites in Europe have reported a surge of tourists heading for Spain and the Spanish islands for holidays and short breaks for the coming months – and this even extended earlier in the year to Spain’s ski areas.
Many people are surprised to learn that Spain has ski areas, but when looked at on a map the less well known tourist areas, away from the coastal regions, include the Pyrenees, bordering ski country Andorra.
Spain’s most successful ski resorts are in the Pyrenees, and they did well with tourists taking a ski holiday for the 2007/8 season with good snow from December through to April.
Another area of Spain good for ski holidays is the Sierra Nevada area, not far from the Costa del Sol, and despite the usually sunny climate of the Sierra Nevada, it has hosted the World Alpine Ski Championships.
Other popular ski holiday spots in Spain include:
* Baqueira-Beret
* Boi-Taull
* La Molina
* Astun
* Candanchu
* Cerler
* Formigal
* Panticosa
The most recent predictions of a great ski season for later this year and the 2008/9 ski holidays season are based mainly on Spain’s rise in tourism in the 2007 summer months.
Some popular holiday spots in Spain received as many as 560 per cent more tourists as the previous year. The Canary Island of Tenerife (176 per cent rise), Gran Canaria (244 per cent rise) and Lanzarote (120% rise) base most of their economic growth on tourism. Their dedication to holidaymakers has more than paid off.
Other areas of Spain that saw a significant rise in tourism include:
* Fuerteventura at 560 per cent
* Benidorm at 213 per cent
* The Malaga Province 329 per cent
The Algarve, Madeira, Marrakech and Sharm el Sheikh also report rises in tourism last summer and look forward to a good 2008 summer holidays season.
The Canary Islands are currently hosting the 24th Annual Music Festival of the Canaries. This additional boost in tourism will greatly benefit the tourism activities promoted on the Canary Islands.
A very popular holiday destination for Brits in the summer of 2007 was Menorca and sure to do well for 2008.
Menorca is one of the Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean, to the southeast of the Spanish mainland.
Menorca is well known as a smaller, much more private holiday spot than neighbouring Majorca. Majorca is much more densely populated than Menorca with many celebrities owning homes there such as Michael Douglas and wife Catherine Zeta Jones and Antonio Banderas.
Both Majorca and Menorca have a lot to offer their annual visitors. Where Majorca offers a bustling night life, white beaches and celebrities, Menorca provides more privacy, quiet coves and shaded areas.
No matter what time of year you plan your holiday, Spain has something to offer. Her islands offer summertime fun, diving, boating and other water sports. The Mediterranean is home to a whole new underwater world. Divers from around the world enjoy diving off Menorca, Majorca and the Canary Islands. Many of the island resorts offer fun for the entire family and special organised kids’ fun clubs during the day.
Due to Spain having the second highest altitude in Europe, more and more tourists see the country as the perfect holiday destination for those who enjoy winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding as well as the traditional summer holidays time. With a a wide selection of ski resorts in the Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada and the Cantabrian Mountains Spain could see her tourism numbers still further in the years ahead.

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