Times have changed a lot in the last few decades, from the point of view of the life style. Everything is faster: work and communication are playing a wide role but also our spare time has been affected by this trend.The years when tourists used to spend their holiday throughout the whole month of August, seem really far.

The holidays are now much shorter but this doesn’t necessarily mean that we spend less time on holiday during the year! In fact, holidaymakers’ attitude is now more focussed on having several breaks away from home during the years. These help to detach from the routine for some days and to take a breath in a different and often stimulating environment. The destinations that are chosen to alleviate the stress of daily life are often the cultural capitals of Europe. Madrid, Paris, Rome, London, Prague are extremely popular targets for city breaks as they offer a wide range of opportunities: arts, culture, leisure, gastronomy, events, exhibitions…

The low cost air companies have contributed to reinforce the tourists’ flow towards the cities, since sometimes the cost of two tickets is comparable to a restaurant’s bill. So, many people think, why not? The opportunity to spend a pleasant day shopping, visiting attractions and then enjoying the rest of the break in a luxurious holiday apartment in Paris city is a lovely surprise that every woman would be really enchanted to receive from her partner.

Christmas and New Year are approaching and the cities are preparing their decorations: lights, Christmas trees and Fathers Christmas are populating the streets and ready to welcome the visitors that decide to spend a city break in a capital of Europe.

London has some of the best shopping places in the world when it comes to Christmas shopping. With a large selection of stores to choose from, surrounded by a brilliant display of Christmas lights, Christmas music on the street, and hot chestnuts to be roasted on the sidewalk, London is the perfect destination. As Christmas is getting closer, why not bringing your shopping list to London and buy all your gifts there?

There are two main streets in London you cannot miss when you’re on the hunt for Christmas presents. Oxford Street offers plenty of shops and department stores. You can find everything from Marks & Spencer to Selfridges, and make sure to take your time because it tends to be much to look at! Selfridges is worth a visit just to see their famous decked shop window that always appears at this time of the year.

On the other hand we have Regent Street, the more expensive of the two streets. Hamleys, the big toy store, is one of the most famous stores across the street. It is a tradition in London to come to Regent Street for the Christmas candles.

Portobello Market, a typical market that always receive visitors from around the world. Everything is available here if you’re looking for antiques or the latest in the fashion world. It is a paradise for shoppers, with many shops, art galleries, and the finest food and wine.

Camden Market is a highlight of the festive season. Loaded with all sorts of stalls selling paintings, fashion, jewelry, designer goods, crafts and traditional objects souvenirs, it is a great place to shop Christmas presents for reasonable prices.
Do not forget to visit the exclusive Harrods. This year Harrods celebrates the 70th anniversary of the famous classic movie “Wizard of Oz” where Dorothy and her friends will create a magical atmosphere with lots of activities for the whole family.

Now that Christmas is getting closer, there’s no better way to get into the Christmas mood  than visiting some of Germany’s famous Christmas markets.

Christmas markets are world famous and an incredible experience to dream away with decorated squares and streets, Christmas carols and (hot wine). This is an incredible shopping experience for those who want to buy Christmas presents, decorations, candies, and handycrafts. But if it is not the shopping you’re after then just enjoy the wonderful mood, eating good food and listening  to the various concerts offered during this time in the different markets. Markets start this year on the 27th of November and until Christmas Eve. If you have the opportunity to visit this beautiful country, then live the magic of Christmas and make a holiday home in Germany the perfect and charming accommodation during your stay.

 

All over Germany there Christmas markets, but some of the best known are as follows:

 

Christmas market in Munich: It is known to be one of the world’s largest Christmas markets. Here you will find everything to get you in Crhistmas mode, hundreds of booths selling handycrafts, decorations, food and glühwein. There are live music and concerts everyday around Marienplatz.

 

Christmas market in Rostock: A fantastic experience for the kids, this site arrive at the port by boat and it is known for its fairytale landscape built up each year at the Neuer Markt Square.

 

Christmas market in Frankfurt: Christmas market in Frankfurt is known to be the world’s oldest and most beautiful Christmas market, which began in 1393. Millions of tourists come here to experience the amazing markets with hundreds of booths and concerts.

 

Christmas market in Lübeck: The most romantic and historic Christmas markets experienced each year by tourists in the old town in Lübeck. Four of the best known are: 1. The medieval Christmas market at St Mary’s Church. 2nd Market at Obertrave, perfect for families with children, 3rd Crafts market at Heiligen-Geist-Hospital. 4th St. Petri crafts market.

 

Christmas market in Berlin: More than 50 traditional Christmas markets throughout the city. Many cultural events going on around that time and there are an incredible number of shopping opportunities. Visit the most famous and historic market, Weihnachts Zauber.

Sun, beach, and party… If you like excitement, welcome to paradise and if you like secluded beaches, welcome to paradise too! Ibiza is synonymous with beautiful beaches and music.

Beach

There are beaches for all tastes, from the most active like Port de Sés Caletes where you can rent a jet-ski, go on excursions or try the banana boat, to the quiet ones like Cala Bassa and Playas de Comte, with clear water and fine sand. Beaches reserved for nudism, such as Es Bol Nou, and others which are a truly meeting point for parties such as Ses Salines.

Festivals and Hippies

In the 60s and 70s, the island was a heaven for hippies and tourists walking barefoot carrying their mantra “peace and love.” And the party began. Today they are still present at the Hippies Market. The sounds of the island have been replaced by electronic music and festivals, and today the choice for entertainment is huge among clubs, pre-parties and after-hours. After midnight and until early afternoon, parties will find the best nightclubs in Europe. The most popular party of the island is called “We love Sundays”, held every Sunday, starting from 8am in the morning! The legendary Pacha presents hip-hop, funk and jazz and the traditional party ‘Flower Power’, where people dance the hits of that time all night. Ibiza also has many options such as “pre-parties” where people meet before at the Cafe Mambo, near the beach. And for a relaxing day you can go to Café Del Mar, in a “chill out” atmosphere where you only pay for what you consume and enjoy a beautiful view.

Ibiza can be your next unforgettable holiday destination! So be prepared for a fabulous island, full of charm, where you will enjoy the best of nature with the best of festive fun!

Palma de Mallorca is the major city in the island of Mallorca, a great cultural town in the Balearic Islands. A series of festivals, concerts, literary events and exhibitions take place in Palma de Mallorca all year round. But Palma is also internationally known for its nightlife and charm of the old town.

What you will find in the city center:

During the day, there´s time to explore the old town walking through its cobbled streets and shady avenues. Visit the Gothic churches, shop in their fashion boutiques and don´t forget to buy small gifts to your best friends and family at any of the souvenir shops. In the evening enjoy dinning on a terrace and a drink in the town.

Gothic Style:

The Gothic Cathedral is the main tourist attraction you should go and visit when you are in Palma de Mallorca.

It was built in the 13^th century, but it was completed in the early 17^th century. Just beside the Cathedral you´ll find the “Almudaina Palace”, a castle built by the Moors and subsequently occupied by the royal family.

Arrange your excursions and day trips, and sleep at any of the fantastic apartment rentals in Palma de Mallorca, and feel the charm of this beautiful town in the Mallorca island.

Puerto del Carmen is one of the oldest holiday destinations in Lanzarote. Here you will find everything from golden beaches to casinos and night life, cheap holiday apartments to luxury villas for an amazing holiday.

The southern coast of Lanzarote, is just 10 minutes drive from the Arrecife (capital city) airport, being an excellent starting point for the discovery of the island. This beautiful and relevant holiday spot has its backgrounds in a small fishing village that over 20 years it has been extending over 6 km saving this beautiful village from the quick development that we see in other tourists spots.

Here you will find everything you need to enjoy the best holiday:

• Beaches: golden sand and tranquil waters, all with blue flags
• sports: excellent diving, windsurfing and swimming schools; You can also go for cycling, and soon golf.
• shopping for those who cannot resist bringing local souvenirs or products from major brands.
• traditional festivals: including the Carnival and the religious celebration for Puerto del Carmen at at the end of July.
• restaurants: from the cheapest to the finest, with excellent cuisine
• the best housing: apartments ideal for couples and holiday homes in Puerto del Carmen to rent together with your family and friends instead of traditional hotels.
• Tourist offices:  where you will find car rental information, sightseeing, etc..

You can find everything for a fantastic holiday here. Now just check your next holiday with family or friends, and why not your honeymoon in this fascinating place.

Holiday accommodation by the owner is nowadays a very popular and easy way to maximize the most of your property rental business thanks to good internet holiday rental websites that provide the owners with quality enquiries from potential holiday makers.

The quality of the website regarding to traffic and reputation as well as an attractive property advertisement are essential in the exposure of your holiday home to any one searching for a holiday rental accommodation.  An advert with few details, bad quality pictures and prices not according to the standards will never reach the key of success. It is important to bear in mind the importance of a well made advertisement as this is the first impression that a holiday maker will have, so working on this details will help you to create an acceptable promotion of your rental business.

“A picture is worth a thousand words” – it is amazing how much important it is to upload the right images on a high resolution.  Bedroom, bathroom, views and pool if there is any, are what any holiday maker is expecting to see. Try to take the pictures with the right light and ensure that they look professional and attractive.

Facilities: Mention of the possible facilities of your property rental as swimming pool, BBQ, central heating, Air Conditioning, terrace, restaurants around, etc.

Set an availability calendar: that would help the holiday maker to see if the property is available for a period or not. It will also show if you have any special offers. Remember to update the calendar every time there is a booking, else don´t use this option.

Place your property advertisement in the holiday sections where better fits among the different holiday ideas: family holidays, beach villas, country homes, golf properties, Bed & Breakfast and many others.

Be quick replying your enquiries, as you won´t probably be the only owner they contact in one day. So one or two days maximum should be the ideal time to reply and let the holiday maker compare among all the availability responses that is being inquiring about.

Family holidays in Denmark are incredibly fun if you bring your kids to Lalandia holiday home complex. Lalandia is a holiday resort built in the city of Billund and recently finished in Spring 2009.

This holiday resort offers 700 wooden holiday homes, and there are 5 different holiday home types to choose from, which are modern and attractively equipped. It is the largest holiday center of this type in northern Europe.

       

There is a 10,000 m² tropical water park, Scandinavia´s largest Aquadome. It is a leisure paradise, where mostly all the attractions are indoor so that any day is good for mini golf, bowling, playgrounds, restaurants, shopping and entertainment, despite of the weather.

In addition to this, there is a Lalandia Express train service that drives you to and from your holiday home. Lalandia, is located just a short walk from Legoland (Lego Park) and 3 km from the airport.

Liligo.com is a travel search engine that anybody can use to search all available flights & trains on a maximum of travel sites such as agencies, major and low-cost airlines and tour-operators. The site is available in 6 languages by now.

Using Liligo search engine is simple, you just have to click on your choice, and you’ll go book directly with the travel supplier site. Liligo is not selling you anything, but bringing you all the sites and low cost airlines to make you easier your travel searches on the Internet. Liligo offers a simple alternative to consumers that helps them pick the best option among the multitude of online merchants. Thanks to its powerful search engine, Liligo.com gives travelers maximum control as it gives them access to all available offers objectively at once.

These are the services you can find at their website:

• Airline Tickets
• Low cost Flights
• Last minute flights
• Airline comparisons
• Cheap hotels
• Car rental

If you become a user of their site, you will find the cheapest available tickets, and save money by comparing travels.

Organizing a holiday trip requires to take into account several details we should not forget. It is recommendable to start planning the trip with time in advanced so that we are plenty of time to make a good choice among all the holiday results we will find in our search.

Once we know the destination, the next step would be to find flight tickets and accommodation. If we like to travel to a sunny place with good beaches and lots of activities to do with our children, Spain is the ideal choice. Doing a research in the Internet typing holiday rentals in Spain will probably drive us to a list of holiday rental sites where we can book a nice holiday home with all kind of facilities on a better price as if we go to a hotel.

After booking a villa or holiday apartment in Spain, you will probably need a car rental. Contact some agencies, get different prices and make your booking. Some holiday rental websites offer car rental as well, so that you can book both at the same time. If you have a GPS available for the country you will travel it is a good idea to bring it too.

Read about the place you will visit, Lonely Planet is an excellent travel guide you should always bring with you when traveling.

Check the weather forecast a few days before your trip. If you travel during the summer to Spain, protect your skin from the sun several times a day.

Look at the exchange rates: http://www.xe.com is a great source. Having a currency that makes you feel rich greatly increases your holiday fun.