10 Places To Get That Holiday Trip Tan

Are you tired of watching your friends, family members and coworkers go on vacation and return a week later with a beautiful tan? Well it could be you with that stunning tan if you plan your next vacation in the right place. By selecting one of our top ten places to get a tan as your next travel destination, you will be sure to come back with an eye-catching tan.

 1. Located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Copacabana Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With a backdrop of the rolling hills of Brazil, you will not only find yourself tanning here but also enjoying the beautiful scenery. In addition to being a great place for tanning and for enjoying the landscape, Copacabana Beach is rarely quiet. There is always something happening on this beach, whether it is tourists enjoying the summer sun during the day or music and drinking at night. Copacabana Beach offers it all to the tourist looking for a tan. 

2. Waikiki Beach on the Hawaiian island of Oahu is a great place for sunbathers to sit back, enjoy the sun and watch the action all around them. While sitting on the sand beachgoers can watch the experienced surfers surf the large waves that swell off the two-mile long beach. Hawaiian beaches offer soft sand and spectacular sun. After tanning during the day, stick around to watch the beautiful sunset at night. 

 3. If you are looking to get a great tan during your trip to Europe make a stop in Greece. The island of Crete off of the south coast of Greece is surrounded by 100 miles of beach along its coastline. Try the area of Rethimno on the island’s northern coast. The beach is beautiful but tends to be crowded, as it is one of the most popular spots on the island. If you are looking for a place to tan in solitude then try elsewhere, as there are plenty of small, secluded beaches scattered around the island where you will be more than likely to catch a few rays.

 4. Baby Beach located on the coast of Aruba is a great place for sunbathers. The ocean along the beach’s shore remains very calm and shallow making it a great place to put a low beach chair for the day. If you would rather work on your tan than take a dip, you can spread your beach towel out in the soft Arabian sand that lines the shore of Baby Beach. How great is this beach? It is even a favorite among locals, who make this one of the most frequently visited beaches among locals.

 5. If you are looking for a great beach for sunbathing but are not sure about leaving the US, try Newpoprt Beach in Southern California. Newport Beach is one of the most famous and frequently visited beaches in California. When you arrive make sure to take notice of all the tan bodies around you, proof that sunbathing on this beach will get you that bronze tan you are looking for. 

6. The worst part about tanning, other than the unexpected burn, is the tan lines that inevitably come with your sunbathing. What is the best way to avoid tan lines? By losing your bathing suit! Haulover Beach in Miami, Florida offers beachgoers the option of shedding their suits in pursuit of that all over tan. Located close to both South Beach and downtown Miami, Haulover Beach is the ultimate place for those seeking the perfect tan. 

7. For the frequent traveler who is looking for a more unique place to bronze up, why not try the Sentosa Resort in Singapore. Sentosa offers guests the option of three beaches; Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach, which is probably the best bet for sunbathing. b Beach is typically frequented by those looking for a quiet day of solace and relaxation on the beach. The sun is bright, the water is cool and the conditions are perfect for tanning. 

 8. For a beautiful tan in a beautiful place, make sure to visit St. John Island in the Virgin Islands. One of the only seemingly untouched islands in the Caribbean, two-thirds of St. John is designated as a National Park, preventing any development on the land. There are a number of beaches on St. John from Cinnamon Bay to Hawksnest Beach but one thing is certain, whatever beach you choose on this island will be beautiful and great for tanning. 

 9. Down in southern Mexico you will find miles and miles of beaches in Cancun. Cancun boasts a fourteen mile peninsula that jets out into the ocean and provides a favorite beach-going spot for vacationers. There are a number of scenic beaches great for tanning in Cancun but think about trying San Miguelito, which is also home to a small, historic Mayan ruin.

 10. If you have plenty of money to spend on your vacation, consider visiting the beaches of St. Tropez in France. A number of famous people make vacation stops at St. Tropez each year, pointing to the specter of this French getaway. The Plage Port Grimaud is undoubtedly the place to be seen catching rays in St. Tropez, as it is the most popular beach in the area.

What You Should Know About Golf Holiday Insurance

Today, it is not uncommon for tourists to enjoy a couple of rounds of golf while on vacation. In this day and age, travelers are interested in entire holiday packages that center on the sport. However, despite the popularity of the game, the majority of these golfers are still unaware of the importance of golfing insurance for a traveler. In order to avoid the consequences of theft, accidental property damage, membership fees, and public liability, it is suggested to look into the policies offered through a golf insurance company. When it comes to planning a golf holiday amongst family or friends, golf insurance can provide that extra piece of mind during this exciting getaway. Not only does golf insurance look after the investment you have made in planning the trip and purchasing equipment, but also protects your health.

 A dreaded scenario that sometimes unfolds at even the ritziest of golf courses is the theft of an expensive set of clubs that become easy targets when stored in locker rooms or clubhouses. Usually, certain golf courses are unequipped with the kind of insurance that replaces such items of value. This is why it is up to travelers to enter a golfing holiday with extra protection for their belongings. Another situation which may arise is arriving at the destination and finding out that your golf clubs never made it on the plane and no one seems to know where they are. Having proper cover can ease the financial burden of replacing them along with preventing the massive disappointment of not being able to play. It may be fun sitting in the bar, but not while your buddies are out on the golf course. 

 A new set of clubs, covered by golf holiday insurance can keep you on the course while on your golfing trip. Some of the features associated with golf travel insurance include coverage for equipment, green fees, and the hiring of equipment. For example, you are insured for the value of the golf equipment you have personally purchased for your trip that could become accidentally misplaced, stolen, or even damaged. In order to receive compensation, a receipt or proof of purchase is required. In regards to golf equipment hire, if the items you have hired are lost or separated during travel (delayed luggage) for at least 12 hours, the cost of hiring the equipment in question is covered. To receive a reimbursement on green fees, you most show proof that the course was completely shut down due to natural elements out of your control, such as frost, fog, snow, water-logging, or windy conditions.

 Golf Insurance Suggestions 

While a host of insurance companies offer options for traveling golfers, it is recommended to check out the policies associated with Go Travel Insurance or the Essential Travel Company, which offers an assortment of popular golf holiday insurance packages. Regardless of who you decide to purchase the insurance through, finding the right golf holiday insurance policy that covers every aspect of your journey can be a wonderful way of adding comfort in knowing the trip can be a success, even if it is cancelled.

When It Comes To Holiday Let Mortgages Don’t Get Ripped-off

While we are away on holiday in some sunny place it can be very tempting to fall prey to the temptation of owning your own place in the sun, either as a holiday home or with the intention of letting it. However in sad reality consumers get ripped off by around £4 billion every year simply through laying down a deposit on impulse. While there are many advantages to owning your own home in the sun it has to be done the right way, whether you are buying here or abroad. 

The right way is to take out a holiday let mortgage from home and by far the best way of doing this is to let a specialist broker search for the best holiday let mortgage for you. Property is very expensive and you will be taking on a huge responsibility by taking out a holiday let mortgage, however you can cut the risk by going with a specialist broker because they will know where to get the best deal for you on your mortgage. Taking your own mortgage through a broker is the safest way to own your holiday property and while it might be tempting to take advantage of time share this is the worst way to go and is considered to be one of the biggest rip-offs. It is has left victims of scams having very few if any legal rights when it comes to claiming compensation.

 When it comes to owning your own property before you even think about finding a broker to arrange a holiday let mortgage for you, you will have to take other factors into account. The first of course is that you should consider all the risks along with the benefits from having a holiday home. The second factor which you should give some serious consideration to is the area you choose your home in and perhaps the most important, how much you are looking to spend on your holiday let.

 Once you have taken all this into account you could of course go searching for a holiday let mortgage yourself, however there is an much easier way to find the best deal and this is by choosing to go with a specialist broker who knows where to look for the cheapest and best deals for your holiday let mortgage. By going with a broker you are taking most of the strain of searching for the best deal off your back and of course the biggest plus is that you will get the best deal available, which could save you thousands.

What You Can Do To Make Your Holidays More Meaningful

This Holiday Season should be the most meaningful and fulfilling time of year. We should feel warm, loved, and above all, be happy. But studies show year after year that isn't always the case. While millions of people enjoy the holidays, many more start feeling down in the dumps. 

Why? There are several good reasons. The Christmas season in the United States became commercialized about 150 years ago when large stores realized they could pull customers in with big Christmas specials. Buying and giving gifts became a huge part of Christmas. All the gift buying could be your favorite part of the season, but a growing number of us report we spend too much, go into more debt, and don't feel all that great about it afterward. By January 1, you may feel like lots of good things were SUPPOSED to happen to you, but never did. The result can be an unpleasant case of the winter blues. Through all the hubub, you can forget the season is REALLY supposed to be about loving and helping others. A clergy person and charities will probably remind you loving others is what the holidays are about, but somehow that all gets lost in the rush to give gifts and party.

 My message to you this Holiday Season is to take a little time out of your very busy schedule to help someone in need. You do more good than you'll know, and YOU will feel great about it. This could be as simple as giving a few cans of food to your local food bank so a hungry family can eat, or leaving still wearable cloths at a drop box, or inviting an elderly or single acquaintance to share dinner with your family. The impact on these individuals in need can be vast. Not only will people be getting the nutrition, clothing, and shelter they so often desperately need, they'll feel like someone cares. And knowing someone cares about you could well be the most important thing we can posses. Going through life knowing you're down and out and, even worse, no one cares, is a devastating thing that pushes people even lower. 

The holidays can worsen the situation by making people who are living alone feel even more alone. When you wake up on Christmas morning remembering when you had a family happily gathering around the tree, but now you have no one -- well, that's one of the hardest things in the world. I, along with helpful volunteers, run a coffeehouse ministry on Long Island, NY. Each Thanksgiving everyone comes down to help prepare dinner for those who would be ALONE on this important day. People stream in to be part of the event. 

You can't imagine how many people struggle and would have been by themselves..They leave here like "family." As Christmas and New Years approach, do what you can to help someone. I guarantee your holidays will be more meaningful.

Why Farm Holidays May Be Worth Considering

If you like your open spaces then a ranch holiday may be just what you are looking for. With wide open plains, fresh, crisp mountain air and plenty of open space for miles around, a ranch vacation really does offer a very different kind of holiday experience.

 Generally a ranch holiday can help you to bond with the family, forget about the stresses of every day life and give you something exciting to do all at the same time. What more could you possibly ask for on a vacation? Going on a Dude Ranch Holiday It was when most of the West had been explored that Dude ranches set up in business. It was people from the East who wanted to come and explore the West and all that it had to offer who really inspired the Dude ranch to set up. Not used to seeing or handling so many tourists, the West relied upon the Dude ranch to allow Easterners to stay and experience life in the West.

 Providing them with all of the activities which they might expect from the west, the Dude ranch quickly became more and more popular as time went on. This made them expand and lodges were built to accommodate more guests and a lot of profit was made. These days the ranching experience is still really popular and it really does provide you with a completely different type of holiday which you are likely never to forget. Preparing For a Ranch Holiday Before you rush off and enjoy your ranch vacation, you really should take several things into account. Without proper preparation you may not have the best time possible so it is essential to prepare as much as you can.

 Firstly you need to decide where you want the ranching holiday to be. There are many farm holidays situated all around and all of them will provide you with a different experience. This is because different activities will be offered at different ranches and so it all really depends upon what you want to do when you get there. Also the type of activities that you choose will have a direct effect upon how much the vacation will be. So make sure that you have an idea of what kind of budget you can afford and stick to it.

 Overall outdoor holidays really can be excellent for the whole family. It is not just a vacation which allows you to forget about the stresses of every day life, it is also a whole new experience which can be really exciting. A ranching holiday may not be everyone’s idea of a good time, but it is surprising just how good they can actually be.

Why Romania is a Holiday Must This Summer

Planning a vacation? Well Romania is “the” place to be…it is the most diverse country in terms of climate, terrain, flora and fauna; snow capped mountains and a sultry coastline- you can ski on snow or on water! 

 It is located in southeastern Europe. Romania is surrounded by Ukraine to the north, Hungary to its north west, Moldova to the north east and Bulgaria in the south. The famous river Danube flows through Romania from the northwest to the east into the equally famous black sea after forming a picturesque delta- the famous Danube delta! Romanians are known to be very friendly and hospitable people. The national language is Romanian and others include Hungarian and German. Most Romanians can also communicate fluently in English. 

How to get to Romania?

 If you are in Europe you can get to Romania by train, road or a sea cruise!

 If you are in another part of the world then the most convenient airline is the AUSTRIAN. For the flight details, you can either visit an international travel agent in your area or book your tickets online the latter is preferable if you want to move about and discover the place on your own and of course if you have done it on previous vacations to other places. You can opt for a tour package if you are not too sure of going on your own. 

Places to stay once you are there: 

 Why not try the 4 Star Hotel Europa in Eforie Nord. Situated in a dramatic setting overlooking the bay in the scenic Efories Nord. Or perhaps spend your holiday at the 3 Star Vox Maris Club Resort Hotel an ideal short haul summer destination. In Costinesti the Vox Maris is a self-contained club resort and is a perfect location to enjoy the Black Sea. Or finally why not stay at the excellent value Raluca Hotel in the beautiful Black sea beach resort of Venus. 

 Places to Visit 

Looking for leisure? 

The beaches along the black sea coast of Romania are your best bet. Romania has a 225 miles stretch of the most beautiful pristine white sandy beaches dotted with hotels and natural spas. The lakes and rivers of the Danube delta are another place for leisure and for the romantic at heart! 

 For the history enthusiast

 There are a number of ancient castles and fortresses and still intact medieval towns for the history buff to visit. The most famous castles are Peles castle, Bran castle, Corvinesti castle and the Royal Palace Bucharest. Among the best preserved medieval towns are Brasov, Sibiu and Sighisoara. One of Sighisoara’s most famous attractions is the Clock Tower also known as Council Tower built in the 14th Century; another famous attraction is Vlad the Impaler or Dracula House. The painted monasteries are another very interesting must see place in Romania! 

 Looking for Natural Therapeutic Remedies?

 Spas are said to have been started by the Romans and Romania is home to a third of Europe’s mineral and thermal springs. Romania's main spas are located at Mangalia, Neptun, Eforie Nord, Covasna, Slanic Moldova, Vatra Dornei, Borsec, Sovata, Tusnad, Calimanesti, Govora, Herculane, Buzias and Baile Felix. 

Activities: Given Romania’s diverse terrain, climate, flora, and fauna you can choose from a number of activities such as Bird watching, camping, cycling tours, fishing, golf, hiking, horseback riding, rafting, skiing.

Where To Go On Holiday? Some Travel Destinations

Many people from all over the world strongly believe their lives will not be complete in any year without embarking on traveling expedition. This trend is responsible for the bubbling, multi-billion dollars traveling, and hospitality and tourism industry. From January to December, holiday lovers and tourists are constantly moving from their stations to visit other destinations in order to observe new places, snap photographs and generally make new discoveries of interest. Some families love excursions; and there are those who can almost give up human close ties' just to experience new sights.

 Now, due to increasing travelers' expectations and their continuous yearning to be informed about new, exciting new place and get update about old sights, there arose vital reason to create what is now known as "Upcoming Travel Destinations Updates." This takes place when proclamation about travel destinations to look forward to is made through diverse channels, such as the local and foreign media, bulletin boards, press releases, online blogging and so on. Fortunately, every serious traveler and industry player sentimentally holds every news and/or update about upcoming destination in high esteem. One may be tempted to look for many reasons for certainty, however it is clear that it help them glean vital information, choose places to go, mark their calendars and possible book ahead if need be.

 Again, travelers have the wonderful privilege to carry out these vital exercises from the travel agent online, as they assiduously plan their budget with sense of smartness. It should also be noted that, apart from visiting well known or new tourist's attraction such as monuments or historical palaces, most travelers almost always look forward to see other activities such as cultural dances, local fair, colorful festivals and more diverse local events to enrich their experiences. Some interesting places Prepare to visit Amsterdam - a place known for its tulips, wooden shoes and canals.

 Do you want see some great beaches during summer? Then Myrtle Beaches are waiting for you. Perhaps you prefer traveling during the winter season. The city of Phoenix is a great place to be with your family or alone. And if you want to traverse outside your station during summer and winter then, Wisconsin is an ideal place you should consider. Meanwhile, let's see some interesting destinations you should be prepared to visit in the coming months: 

 March/April 

USA: Washington, Los Vegas and Arizona. 

 The tropical regions: Caribbean, Belize, South America. 

 The south pacific region: New Zealand and Australia. 

 November/December USA: Colorado, Arizona, South eastern, Ski Resorts. 

 The tropical regions: Costa Rica, Belize, Mexico, Caribbean. 

 The south pacific region: Asia and Maldives Lastly, the Hawaii is one of the few places you can visit all year round due to stable weather condition.

Where To Look For Holiday Home Insurance Deals

Wouldn’t it be nice to own your own holiday home, to be able to go and take a break whenever you want and in property of your own? The idea of owning a holiday home is a very popular one and more and more people are jumping onto the bandwagon and either having the luxury of owning their own holiday property or taking advantage of renting it out to others. 

 However in order for the venture to get off to the best start you need excellent advice when it comes to the best holiday home insurance deals and mortgage offers. While we all have the dream of owning our own holiday home, very few of us have the knowledge required when it comes to finding the best holiday home insurance deals and this is where you should consider going to a specialist broker. Brokers who specialise in holiday home insurance and mortgages can save you thousands of pounds - and a lot of worry - in the long run. 

Holiday home insurance is different from the general insurance that is taken out on your home. Very often the property will be left empty and this makes it a prime target for burglars. The type of insurance that you need will depend on whether the property is solely for your own enjoyment or if you are going to be letting it as a holiday home to bring in an income. If it’s for a holiday let then the insurance has to be more extensive and cover a wider range of possibilities. The best holiday home insurance deals can only be found by a specialist broker. If the holiday home is solely for yourself then factors such as the normal which include the shell and contents have to be covered of course. However other factors which should be taken into consideration are the outbuildings, any patio or garden furniture, garages and swimming pools.

Add caption

 If you are going to be letting the holiday home then you will need different types of insurance along with what are considered to be the normal. If the holiday home is a buy to let then you will be considered to be running a business and as such you will need to be covered as a landlord. This means that you will have to think about liability damage, this means that should a tenant get hurt due to neglect on or in the property you will be covered for any claim they might make against you. You will also have to consider taking out cover against those who let you down with the rent and of course the property should be covered against natural disasters such as fire, flood and subsidence. A broker of course will be able to look around for you and get you the cheapest protection to suit your needs.

Why Farm Holidays May Be Worth Considering

If you like your open spaces then a ranch holiday may be just what you are looking for. With wide open plains, fresh, crisp mountain air and plenty of open space for miles around, a ranch vacation really does offer a very different kind of holiday experience. Generally a ranch holiday can help you to bond with the family, forget about the stresses of every day life and give you something exciting to do all at the same time. What more could you possibly ask for on a vacation? Going on a Dude Ranch Holiday It was when most of the West had been explored that Dude ranches set up in business.

 It was people from the East who wanted to come and explore the West and all that it had to offer who really inspired the Dude ranch to set up. Not used to seeing or handling so many tourists, the West relied upon the Dude ranch to allow Easterners to stay and experience life in the West. Providing them with all of the activities which they might expect from the west, the Dude ranch quickly became more and more popular as time went on. This made them expand and lodges were built to accommodate more guests and a lot of profit was made. These days the ranching experience is still really popular and it really does provide you with a completely different type of holiday which you are likely never to forget. Preparing For a Ranch Holiday Before you rush off and enjoy your ranch vacation, you really should take several things into account. 

Without proper preparation you may not have the best time possible so it is essential to prepare as much as you can. Firstly you need to decide where you want the ranching holiday to be. There are many farm holidays situated all around and all of them will provide you with a different experience. This is because different activities will be offered at different ranches and so it all really depends upon what you want to do when you get there. Also the type of activities that you choose will have a direct effect upon how much the vacation will be. So make sure that you have an idea of what kind of budget you can afford and stick to it. 

Overall outdoor holidays really can be excellent for the whole family. It is not just a vacation which allows you to forget about the stresses of every day life, it is also a whole new experience which can be really exciting. A ranching holiday may not be everyone’s idea of a good time, but it is surprising just how good they can actually be.

Why Romania is a Holiday Must This Summer

Planning a vacation? Well Romania is “the” place to be…it is the most diverse country in terms of climate, terrain, flora and fauna; snow capped mountains and a sultry coastline- you can ski on snow or on water! It is located in southeastern Europe. Romania is surrounded by Ukraine to the north, Hungary to its north west, Moldova to the north east and Bulgaria in the south. 

The famous river Danube flows through Romania from the northwest to the east into the equally famous black sea after forming a picturesque delta- the famous Danube delta! Romanians are known to be very friendly and hospitable people. The national language is Romanian and others include Hungarian and German. Most Romanians can also communicate fluently in English. How to get to Romania? If you are in Europe you can get to Romania by train, road or a sea cruise! If you are in another part of the world then the most convenient airline is the AUSTRIAN. For the flight details, you can either visit an international travel agent in your area or book your tickets online the latter is preferable if you want to move about and discover the place on your own and of course if you have done it on previous vacations to other places. You can opt for a tour package if you are not too sure of going on your own. 

  Places to stay once you are there: Why not try the 4 Star Hotel Europa in Eforie Nord. Situated in a dramatic setting overlooking the bay in the scenic Efories Nord. Or perhaps spend your holiday at the 3 Star Vox Maris Club Resort Hotel an ideal short haul summer destination. In Costinesti the Vox Maris is a self-contained club resort and is a perfect location to enjoy the Black Sea. Or finally why not stay at the excellent value Raluca Hotel in the beautiful Black sea beach resort of Venus. Places to Visit Looking for leisure? The beaches along the black sea coast of Romania are your best bet. Romania has a 225 miles stretch of the most beautiful pristine white sandy beaches dotted with hotels and natural spas. The lakes and rivers of the Danube delta are another place for leisure and for the romantic at heart! For the history enthusiast There are a number of ancient castles and fortresses and still intact medieval towns for the history buff to visit. 

The most famous castles are Peles castle, Bran castle, Corvinesti castle and the Royal Palace Bucharest. Among the best preserved medieval towns are Brasov, Sibiu and Sighisoara. One of Sighisoara’s most famous attractions is the Clock Tower also known as Council Tower built in the 14th Century; another famous attraction is Vlad the Impaler or Dracula House. The painted monasteries are another very interesting must see place in Romania! Looking for Natural Therapeutic Remedies? Spas are said to have been started by the Romans and Romania is home to a third of Europe’s mineral and thermal springs. Romania's main spas are located at Mangalia, Neptun, Eforie Nord, Covasna, Slanic Moldova, Vatra Dornei, Borsec, Sovata, Tusnad, Calimanesti, Govora, Herculane, Buzias and Baile Felix.

Why The British Love To Holiday In Spain

Have you ever been to Spain for a holiday? Are you thinking of travelling to Spain for a holiday in the near future? Do you always return to Spain each year for your annual holiday? Many British people continue to travel to Spain each year despite there being many more destinations available around the world at affordable prices. In this article, I write about why the British love and continue to travel to Spain for their holidays. A recent report highlighted the fact that many British people do not just return to Spain once, but in fact return to Spain most years for their holiday. 

One lady who was around fifty years of age was asked by the reporter how many times she had chosen Spain for her holiday destination, twelve she answered. A man who was probably in his forties was asked the same question, he replied, eight times. With the birth of the budget airline you would have thought that people may choose other destinations to visit, some of course do, but what is the reason behind all of these other people travelling back to Spain, year in, year out? Many of these people will only be able to afford one holiday abroad per year and if they have really enjoyed travelling to Spain in the past and all what it has to offer, they may not be willing to take a risk with a new resort or country. A lot of these people see Spain as quite similar to the UK, apart from the fact that it is a lot warmer. This sun is of course is why most of them are taking their holiday abroad, how many times have we taken a holiday in Britain, in August for example, and the weather has been poor? 

 The food in these Spanish resorts is very much catered for us Brits and there are many British themed bars where people are able to drink British beer and watch the English Premiership in football. This is no doubt true of many other resorts around the world but people may be of the mindset of why fix it, if it is not broken. To travel to Spain is very cheap and the flights are also quite short, this suits a family taking their children as well as members of an older generation. With the internet now available in most households, people are able to plan and book their holidays for even cheaper than before, this is by booking the flights and hotels well in advance. I personally like to travel to different destinations when I go abroad but can fully understand why other people would choose to return to the same place, for example Spain.

Why You Should Not Buy Holiday Insurance From Your Travel Agent

When you're planning a holiday or trip the last thing you want to consider is what could go wrong. This is no doubt the reason so many UK travelers take a holiday abroad without the protection of a travel insurance policy. For many of those that do protect themselves, it's often an afterthought with little attention paid to the quality of the cover or it's value for money. A large number of travelers who book their holiday through a travel agent, often choose the policy offered or suggested by the agent for convenience or because they assume the great deal they just got on their package holiday will be replicated with the travel insurance premiums. This is rarely the case as travel agents look to recoup some of the discounts they give on holidays from added extras they promote such as travel insurance.

 First of all, your travel agent is not an insurance expert. This means that they often know little or nothing about holiday insurance and how their policy compares to others on the market. They'll be able to give you the information that they've been told to give you, and they will have no problem selling it to you, but in most cases you won't get a choice of policies or providers so won't be able to guage if you are getting a good deal or not. Many travel agents are also agents of just one insurance company so you are restricting your choice to one or at most a hand full of providers chosen from a restricted panel. It might appear to be more trouble than it's worth shopping around for travel insurance and this is why many holiday makers prefer the simplicity of cover bought with their holiday at the travel agent. But as little as ten minutes on the internet at a price comparison website will open up the market and allow you to compare hundreds of policies by price and policy features.

 Armed with this research you can then consider the travel agent's cover from a position of strength and make an informed choice. Holiday insurance should be a vital part of your travel arrangements, particularly if you are traveling as a family. Thousands of people have their holiday dreams ambushed by cancellations, lost baggage and stolen possessions every year - to mention a few. That's why it's important to do your homework and if you are unsure, buy your cover from an expert. You wouldn't buy your holiday from an insurance broker so why buy your travel insurance from a holiday broker. As the saying goes, failing to plan is like planning to fail, and when your well earned holiday is at stake, a little effort now will be well worth the extra peace of mind.

Will A Payment Holiday On A Loan Cost More?

Long gone are the days when people left school at 16 and went on to work for the same company until they retired at 65. Today, many people switch jobs and careers, sometimes out of choice and sometimes out of necessity whilst many others prefer flexible working patterns to cope with the demands of looking after or starting a family. Others may choose to take a ‘sabbatical’, i.e. to take some time out to maybe travel the world or to return to full or part time education in order to better themselves.

 As this flexibility in our everyday lives becomes ever more the norm, then so many of us wish to have a similar degree of flexibility when it comes to our finances. We increasingly want loans and other financial agreements to work in our favour as opposed to being tied to and dictated to by the agreement itself and ‘payment holidays’ built into the structure of a loan are becoming far more common with people being able to take a break from repayments either shortly before the loan is due to start or part way through the loan. 

They can offer an ideal solution to those such as the self-employed whose income can fluctuate dramatically either suddenly or during a regular slow spell during the course of their work year or to those whose income is mostly determined by the commission they receive which can vary dramatically throughout the year. In essence, a loan which comes built in with a holiday payment break generally allows borrowers to repay what they borrow in a way that fits neatly into their lifestyles. 

Some types allow borrowers to repay more than the minimum amount when they want to and less when they need to. If they’re getting ahead of themselves with repayments, then it avoids the problem of increased interest charges when they’re looking to take their payment break. However, because of the increased flexibility of these kinds of loans, the APR is traditionally higher than with a normal loan because of the added flexibility it offers so it’s well worth doing the sums and working out whether a more flexible loan is financially worth it over the entire term of the loan. They are also more common when looking to borrow money over a shorter period. It is, however, worth speaking to a financial adviser or independent finance broker firstly if you are considering taking a personal loan payment holiday plan.

Winter Holiday

Say what you want about summer vacation, but for me winter holidays are the most exciting part of the whole entire year. After all, in the summer I am usually already pretty relaxed. Even if I have to work, there is plenty to do in my off time. 

I can go swimming, hiking, camping, and even play sports. In the winter, however, the weather is awful all the time. It is cold, dark, wet, and miserable. A winter holiday is the best way to unwind from all of this. It is the best way to make the winter bearable. Most people have a type of winter vacation that they prefer. Nowadays, the most popular winter holidays seem to involve traveling to a warm destination. Going to Hawaii, Maui, or some other tropical paradise is a great way to let go of those winter blues. On the other hand, a lot of people would rather take a ski trip. Rather than looking at the winter holidays as a time to escape the cold, dark weather, they find ways to enjoy it. Going to a ski lodge can be great recreation, and everyone enjoys relaxing by the fire with a warm cup of cocoa in the evening.

 I like to switch it up. I usually go in for winter holidays in different years. That way, I never fall into a routine. Last year, for example, I went off to Hawaii. It was a little bit crowded there because of all the other tourists, but there was still enough beach for everyone. I went swimming, snorkeling, sailing, hiking along the miles and miles of oceanfront beaches. I even got to swim with sea turtles! That is why this year, I'm going to an Austrian ski lodge for my winter holidays. Although part of me is going to miss the tropical vacation I had last year, another part of me looks forward to this trip as an even greater adventure. After all, skiing is quite a thrill! If you have the ability to set your own schedule, you should try to take your winter holiday during a time when other people won't be traveling. 

 

After all, airline tickets, hotel prices, and other costs of holiday travel go sharply down when you are willing to take your trip during the off-season. Waiting until just after Christmas and New Year's is a great way to experience cheap holiday travel to uncrowded destinations.

Wipe Away That Holiday Debt

It’s that time of year again, and homeowners from coast to coast are feeling the pinch in their pockets from the financial stress of the holiday season. Retailers across the country are reporting record breaking consumer spending, and in the era of big ticket items like the Ipod and HDTV, it’s easy to see why consumer credit card debt has reached an all time high. 

All of this spending is occurring at a time when the average Christmas bonus doesn’t cover quite as much as it did a few years ago, and overtime hours are on the decline. Many homeowners are looking to the recent reduction in home loan interest rates, still historically very low, to help clear up high interest, high payment credit card debt. And they’re not just stopping at their credit cards, whose minimum payments are on the rise industry-wide. All types of payments, from student loans to car loans, are cheaper to pay for each month when rolled into a refinance, and a growing number of homeowners are taking advantage of innovative new mortgage products to help them improve their debt to income ratios and preserve their quality of life.

 Why Is Debt Consolidation Refinancing so popular after the holidays? 

 1.Gift Giving: Let’s face it, we all love our families, and nothing makes us feel quite as good as giving the gift of their dreams. Even if we have to stretch our last dollar or go into debt, it’s hard for anybody to put a value on a smile this time of year. 

 2.Increased Housing Cost: In most of the country, holiday spending is accompanied by cold weather, which means higher heating bills in most states. With oil and gas prices at record high levels, and houses being built bigger than ever, heating expenses are rising rapidly. 

3.Travel Related Expense: Whether you’re driving or flying, chances are you travel more than twice as much as usual in the months of November and December, and all those miles cost more than ever because of fuel costs and higher tolls and taxes on travel to fund security initiatives in this post 9/11 world. With schools closed, many families make trips to vacation destinations, which can really ring the register! 

4.Hospitality: If you’re not traveling much, that’s probably because everyone is coming to YOUR house. And while playing the host can be a lot of fun for everybody, throwing a party can get expensive. If you’re the type that loves to entertain, your credit cards might be feeling the effect right now. 

What Can Debt Consolidation Refinancing Do for You? 

 1.Lower Your Total Monthly Spending: Consolidating your debts can reduce your total monthly spending, even if you just look at the minimum payments, by half or more.

 2.Make One Payment: You can choose to refinance all of your debt into one loan, which means just One easier to make payment each month.

 3.Improve Your Credit: By reducing your total monthly spending, you decrease your total Debt Ratio (often referred to as Debt to Income Ratio) making you a more attractive candidate for financing. 

 4.Reduce Your Overall Interest Rate: Interest rates on credit cards can be as high as 40%, and even car loans average more then 9% once all factors are considered. Borrowers with more debt than they could realistically pay off in 3 months can save thousands of dollars in interest each year. 

 5.Take a Break from Making Payments: Ask about minimum payment refinances which may allow you to make no payments for as much as 90 days with start rates of 0% or 1%, which are incredibly popular for debt consolidation because you can stop making all payments for a few weeks or even a couple of months!

 How Can I Qualify for a Debt Consolidation Refinance? 

 1.You Must be a Homeowner 

2.You Need to Have Equity In Your Home: The current market value of your property should be worth more than what you currently owe on your mortgage. There are exceptions to this rule for borrowers with excellent credit, who may borrow up to 125% of their home’s value.

 3.Consult a Debt Consolidation Refinance Professional: Unlike your local bank, which specializes in lending money to people who don’t need it, a Mortgage Professional specializing in debt consolidation refinances can help you secure financing, and will work with you whether you have great credit or even if it’s not so great.

You Can Find Useful Jobs While On Holiday

For those who don’t know what to do with their vacation, you may want to help yourself and others by taking a volunteer vacation. When you take a vacation like this you will be able to relax and also help others. You will be able to make a difference in the world, instead of wasting your time in front of the TV. You will find that you can join a partner program and you’ll be able to work within your community or a distance community and make a difference.

 Your ability to work will and volunteer your time will allow you to build some skills and stand out in your community. You will find that there are things that you can do to volunteer that you are truly interested in. You’ll also be able to make a difference in the world at the same time. You will find that there are many disadvantages of the world that you can help with. There are opportunities that are offered all over the world. You will find that you can join an orphanage, a school, or daycare, and you can also work with the elderly or disabled. You will be able to find that there are plenty of causes that are interesting, but also that you can take the opportunity to make something good for the community. You will find that a volunteer vacation will help to inspire you to do more for the people of your community and of others. 

With the natural disasters like the New Orleans flood, the fires in California, or the mudslides that are affected the country, you will find that there are tons of things that you could have to rebuild or clean. You will also find that there are still Tsunami relief’s that need to be helped. You can go to these places and help with your hands or you can take your vacation time to raise money for the disasters. You may even want to learn about some of the world’s leading projects. Then you can always make the money to donate for the projects. You will find that there are things like rehabilitating sick penguins or releasing turtle hatchlings. You may even be able to protect some wildlife groups or reservations so that you can help the ecosystem. If you prefer to work with people, you will want to think about teaching someone a second language or help tutor someone. You will also be able to stand as a role model for children who need to fight drug addiction or just become a big brother or sister. 

You will be able to help those who are underprivileged, educate them, and support them to be better. This is just one of the meaningful vacations that you could take. You will find that you can help the world to become a better place when you learn the value of volunteer work. When it comes to finding things to do for your vacation, you can always feel good knowing that you can take a volunteer vacation. You will be able to help others while feeling better for yourself. There are so many people in the world that you can help that need help, but you can also feel good about yourself knowing that you are doing something good for humanity.

Your Holiday in Italy:Venice, Rome, Turin

Venice

 Venezia, La Serenissima, Queen of the Adriatic, the Most Serene Republic of Venice is the city of canals, churches and palaces that captures the hearts and minds of all who visit. Venice is home to wonderful tourist destinations famous the world over - St Mark's Square, Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs - but the true joy of Venice is found just wandering around and finding architectural and artistic wonders around every corner. Transport:getting there and getting away Venice is served by two airport, Marco Polo and Trevino. Transport into the city is by bus or from the latter by water bus.

 Trains terminate and depart from Santa Lucia train station on the west side of Venice. The station fronts the Grand Canal where water buses (vaporetti) or water taxis are available. Cars and coaches arrive on the far western edge of Venice at Piazzale Roma. There are no roads in Venice so from here on it's by boat or on foot. Venice is the World's only truly pedestrian city and walking is a serendipitous adventure of discovering vistas in the magnificent urban landscape. Ships arrive at the Stazione Marittima. Water buses are best for longer trips and for visiting the islands. 

There are also the more expensive water taxis. Gondolas are really just for short romantic hops and having your photograph taken. Climate Summer is hot in Venice. Temperatures average 27°C but high humidity results in a close, uncomfortable atmosphere. Sometimes, hot sirocco winds sweep in from the south. January and February are the coldest months with temperatures ranging from 0-7 C. Snow is rare owing to the city's lagoon location. Spring is fresh and clear though rainfall can be heavy. Mists are common in late autumn. Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Venice hotels Events:what's on and what's hot Venice has the character of a stage set so its many festivals are spectacular. 

* The first event of the year is the Regata delle Befana held on 6 January. 

* The next month sees the major event in the Venetian calendar namely Carnevale, which is a masked and costumed extravaganza.

 * May sees the Festa della Sensa (Feast of the Ascension) which celebrates the Sposalizio del Mar (Wedding with the Sea). 

* The arts fest is held every odd-numbered year in June in the Giardini Pubblici. 

* Festa del Redentore in July features a regatta and fireworks festival.

 * The Venice International Film Festival is held from late August into September

 Turin 

 Turin has been called the European capital of Baroque due to the style of many of its palaces and churches. In many ways Turin differs from the typical Italian city. 

It exudes a strong French influence with its broad boulevards with white buildings. With the Po River flowing through the city, and the Italian Alps standing in the distance, it's a place of great charm. Transport:getting there and getting away By plane Caselle Airport lies north of the city and is connected to the city by bus and taxi. Turin is also easily reached from Malpensa airport. Turin has two main railway stations, Porta Nuova and Porta Susa. The former is for long and mid-range trips the latter mainly for local trains. Turin has an efficient public transport system of buses and trams and an underground line was opened for the 2006 Winter Olympics. The City of Turin has recently established a network of bicycle paths throughout the city. Climate: Turin is gloomy with rain and fog in the winter temperatures tending to remain single digit. The summer months between May and September are milder though rain is still common. Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Turin hotels Events:what's on and what's hot 

 * April sees the Festival Internazionale di Film con Tematiche Omosessuali is a five-day international gay and lesbian film festival. 

 *Cioccolatò in early March is a two-week celebration of cocoa. Turin see cocoa tastings, sculpture competitions and stalls around the city centre. 

 *Salone Internazionale del Gusto is a five-day festival of food and wine held biannually. The event is international in flavour with traditional producers from around the world showcasing and selling their wares in a giant street market. Rome Steeped in history and rich with monuments famous the world over - the Vatican, the Colosseum - Rome stands as a captivating symbol of history and culture. Transport:getting there and getting away Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) airport is 16 miles southwest of the city with the Stazione Termini direct train running hourly into the city. The main bus station is located outside the Stazione Termini. Buses run from 6:00 a.m to midnight with some all-night services. 

The Rome Metro service has two lines, both of which go through Termini. It runs from 5:30 a.m to 11.30 p.m. and 0:30 on Saturdays.

 Climate:

The climate is mild with sunny skies and pleasant temperatures. However July and August can be oppressively hot, November is often rainy, and December to February can be chill. 

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts 

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in Rome.

 Events:what's on and what's hot 

 *Holy Week (Easter) is time when Catholics from all over the world arrive on pilgrimages to visit the city's churches and to hear the Pope at the Vatican. On Good Friday a procession of the Cross goes from the Colosseum to Capitoline Hill. 

*The Estate Romana (Roman Summer), is at the heart of Roman social life from June to September. It's a time when the city reverberates to free concerts, street theatre and outdoor cinema. 

*In September museums, galleries and shops stay open all night from 20:00-08:00 on the occasion called Notte Bianca (white night). It's also a time of free concerts and other happenings all over the city.

Your Holiday In Tuscany

A region on the West coast of Italy, Tuscany is a fantastic destination for a truly unique vacation. Lying on the Tyrrhenian Sea Tuscany benefits from great beaches on one side and yet is also surrounded my magnificent countryside on the other. Major towns and cities in the area include Pisa, the location of the famous leaning tower and Florence, two of Italy’s most visited places. Tuscany is divided into regions, one of which is called the Chianti Classico.

  For those of you who enjoy a glass of wine you may recognise the word Chianti as it is one of Italy’s finest exports. For this reason, the area is dense with vineyards, surrounded by small towns, castles and villas and makes a lovely change from the hustle and bustle found in many of Italy’s other regions and large cities. To really get a feel for the rural area it is recommended that you utilise “agritourism” as your accommodation. This is a nice change from standard hotels as it involves staying on a farm or vineyard in a spare room, apartment or additional housing area which is rented out by farmers to supplement their income. 

Many of these are well established and offer the additional facilities a hotel may have, such as a swimming pool. If you are staying within the main accommodation with the family, your meals may well be included and you can be sure of a fantastic home cooked Italian feast every day of your stay. Should you be in self-contained accommodation you will find that facilities to make your own meals will be available. Tuscany covers an area of 22,990 square kilometres, making it the fifth largest region in Italy. Included in this are the group of islands called the Tuscan Archipelago, the largest of which is called Elba. This is another much visited destination in the region due to its natural beauty and its artistic history, in common with much of Tuscany. Tuscany boasts an impressive artistic history, as it is credited with being the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance movement.

 This manifests itself in the traditional form of art, such as paintings, many of which are displayed in the many museums in the area, the most famous of which is the Uffizi in Florence. Other mediums to have benefited from the Renaissance include sculpture and architecture. Many examples of these, particularly the architecture, can be stumbled upon in the streets, even in the small and remote villages which remain largely unexplored by tourists.

Your Holiday Money Could Cost You Dear

Lisa Taylor from moneyfacts.co.uk comments on the options available to travellers when spending overseas and the costs that consumers should be but are sometimes not aware of. “Whether planning a summer holiday or jetting off for Easter, consumers are keen to check the costs when it comes to choosing the hotel, flights, insurance, and airport parking, but tend not to use the same level of consideration when choosing the cheapest option when it comes to their spending money.

 “With each provider charging varying fees which are not immediately visible and often not fully appreciated by the consumer, it is a potential minefield to find the ‘best’ deal, and this becomes much worse as we consider the outside influence of exchange rates. “Consumers have three main options, the traditional travellers cheques and currency, debit cards or credit cards. Amex has also launched into the prepay card arena, with a card designed for overseas travel, but the rest of the industry is yet to catch on. “Traditional cheques and currency are still popular with many travellers and offer a competitive market place for providers. Commission free deals are becoming easier to find particularly for currency and currency travellers cheques, where there is still scope for profit by means of discounted exchange rates. 

“Unfortunately without plenty of leg work by the consumer, it proves a difficult market in which to compare deals. Providers offer varying commission deals, but without taking into consideration the exchange rate it is impossible to decipher the ‘best’ overall deal. Moneyfacts complies a full list of providers detailing charges, offers and delivery details, which can be found at www.moneyfacts.co.uk “The competitive nature of the market reinforces the message that there is profit to be made, even when offering 0% commission. Large institutions such as NatWest and HSBC are offering free prize draws as an means to entice customers to buy their holiday from them. “After finding their chosen provider, in many cases the consumer has a much more flexible choice, than was previously available, with the ability to order online, on the telephone and the option of home or branch delivery. But do beware; these do sometimes come at a cost. “Credit cards are becoming an increasingly popular method of payments and withdrawing cash abroad.

 Many of us do not realise that, when using a credit card abroad, the card issuer adds on a foreign usage loading; this can be as high as 2.75%. That means a consumer spending £1,000 abroad would be charged £27.50. “There are however a few exceptions to this rule within the market, including Nationwide and Saga who do not charge for usage anywhere in the world. “ In addition, if withdrawing cash overseas, consumers will also be charged a cash withdrawal fee, which can be as high as 2.5%. So withdrawing £1,000 cash could cost you as much as £52.50. 

 “Debit cards also come attached with foreign loadings up to 2.75%, cash withdrawal fees and in some cases an additional per item charge for purchases, tucked away in the small print, giving customers a nasty surprise when the statement hits their door mat. Any consumer looking to rely solely on a debit card would be well advised to consider Nationwide, the only provider not to impose cash or purchase fees.”

Your Travel and Holiday Money Options

With summer finally getting into full swing, many of us will be looking forward to travelling abroad for a well earned holiday. Of course, you'll need access to cash while you're away, so what are the best and safest ways of arranging your travel money? 

 1) Local Currency It's a good idea to take a small amount of local currency with you whenever you travel, if only enough to last you for your first few hours. You'll probably need to arrange travel from the airport to your hotel for example, and local currency is the easiest way to pay for these initial expenses. The exchange rates charged at airports are notoriously expensive, so buy some currency before you leave and you'll get a much better deal. The drawback to carrying currency is that if it gets lost or stolen, it can't be replaced. For this reason it's best to use another form of travel money for most of your funds.

 2) Travellers Cheques These are the traditional way of carrying money abroad. When you buy the cheques, which can be in Sterling, Euros or US Dollars, you have to sign the stub of each cheque in the presence of the teller. Once abroad, you can convert the cheques into local currency by signing the other half of the cheque at a currency exchange, where the teller will compare the two signatures and also inspect your passport. This system is more secure than cash as each cheque is uniquely numbered, so if a cheque goes missing it can be quickly cancelled and replaced by the cheque issuer. There is a drawback in that you have to cash the cheques at a currency exchange, and you might not find one offering a good exchange rate. 

3) Credit Cards Credit cards are accepted virtually the world over, and may seem a good way of paying your way while abroad. As well as using them for shopping, they can be used to pay restaurant bills and even to withdraw cash. Before choosing this as your travel money option though, check your card's small print to see what interest rate is charged on overseas use - it will probably be higher than the standard rate of your card, and you'll probably have to pay exchange charges too.

 4) Cash Machines There are now several international cash machine networks in operation, for example the Cirrus network, and it's likely that your cash card can be used internationally, especially in Europe and the USA. This is a good way of financing your holiday spending, as you can draw out what you need while keeping the rest of your money safe in your normal bank account. The downside is that you may have to pay a fee for each withdrawal, and the exchange rate you're charged may not be the best available. 

5) Prepaid Cards These are a relatively new kind of plastic card, which are used in much the same way as credit or debit cards, with the big difference that you have to 'load' the card with funds before you can spend with it. They are a secure way of carrying money, as the card is replaceable if lost, and as it can only be used in conjunction with a PIN number then even if stolen it's difficult for a thief to make use of it. There will, however, still be exchange commissions payable when you use the card, and also usually a flat fee for cash withdrawals. 

 The main thing to bear in mind with travel money is that while each of the above options is useful, not all are suitable for use everywhere in the world. The best advice is not to rely on a single kind of travel money, but to take a sensible mixture of cash, local currency, and plastic or cheques, to make sure you can always get local currency when you need it. Enjoy your holiday!

...Not Just "Holidays"

As time has gone by, the idea of holiday has undergone deep changes depending on the fast development of our modern lifestyles. Lignano Sabbiadoro bloomed in the Sixties and Seventies as a seaside resort and it was then considered to be among the most exclusive holiday destinations favoured by VIPs. 

Nowadays, however, it would be unthinkable to offer the same kind of holiday people used to look for thirty years ago: all holiday resorts and facilities had to adapt to the requirements of modern tourists, just like the Hotel Bella Venezia Mare did in order to be able to offer holidays which could actually turn out to be real “experiences” thanks to the many available activities and sports. The a Hotel Bella Venezia Mare was founded in 1968 in the new location of Lignano Pineta. This district of the town Lignano Sabbiadoro was developed from an innovative urban planning according to which all the streets were built as being part of a whirl starting from the central “Rosa dei Venti square” and stretching until the outer arches reach the beach. As consequence of this peculiar urban plan, every house and every hotel in Lignano is located in the middle of a peaceful Mediterranean pinewood but, at the same time, not far from the town centre and the beach. 

The favourable location of the hotel Bella Venezia Mare has turned out to be the linchpin of all evolutions and updates this structure has undertaken. Recently refurbished, this hotel has decided to focus on the high quality standard of the services it offers. Since now is unbelievably easy to get everywhere around the world, business competition in the tourist sector has exponentially increased and, in order to remain competitive and to be a match for far away exotic paradises, the best solution is to keep very high the quality standard of all services offered to tourists. That actually means making use of the experience acquired in the past, when only few people could afford flight tickets and some countries were not accessible at all. 

The solid family management of the Hotel Bella Venezia has made it possible to establish the right balance between consistency and evolution: modern services, like WiFi Internet connection and on-line bookings are here available side by side with old traditional Mediterranean cuisine and customer care , which has remained the same. Today's lifestyle has turned comfort into a basic requirement, therefore a stay has to offer a lot more than this in order to be considered a true holiday: besides the comfort of baby-sitting services, of bicycles and baby buggies rentals the Hotel Bella Venezia has decided to put at its guests' disposal swimming courses for free, useful presents for all those who stay at least one week and it makes it easier for them to practice several sports: tennis courts and golf green lie nearby while courses of scuba diving, kite-surf, wind-surf and sailing are offered at unbeatable conditions to the hotel guests. The strategy chosen by the Hotel Bella Venezia Mare proofs that professionalism enables firms to offer very high quality services, thanks to which they are competitive on the market, but due to which they are bound to update constantly their services.