If you are going to rent your property out when you and your family can’t be there then it’s important to research the most popular places and the places that will bring you the best income. If you have a small budget then it will make it hard to purchase a property on the beachfront of a central tourist attraction so your budget is a big thing to take into account.

Grasmere, The Lake District, UK by Richard Barrett-Small

When you’re thinking about investing in a holiday home there are a number of things that you should take into account such as, where do people you know like to go on holiday?, would you prefer to be near a beach or a city?, will your property be close to pubs and entertainment?, will the property be preferred by young or older people? And will the property be easily accessible? There are many popular areas throughout Britain that become home to holiday makers every year; some of the most popular include, the Lake District, York, Kent, Isle of Wight, Yorkshire Dales and Moors, Snowdonia, Anglesey, the Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh. Of course there are many more popular destinations but, for a getaway, these are usually the first places that people will think of.

Because these areas are popular, the property can also be pretty expensive which can be a huge let down to buyers with a low budget. If you wish to buy a home in one of these areas but the budget won’t stretch then a nearby town or village is usually your best bet as although these are popular with the tourists that visit the main areas, the house prices are nowhere near as high. Although your property may not be in the centre of the tourist world you don’t want it to be too far away as this will be a put off for potential rentals. You should make sure your property is easy to get to via public or personal transport and it shouldn’t be more than a 15 minute drive from popular tourist spots – after all, how many people want to spend their holiday driving?

David Sprice shares his interest on Internet Cottages and what they have to offer as a holiday escape.

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The careers I will cover will be:

• Flight Attendant
• Nurse
• Language teacher

Flight Attendant

This option is usually the first that comes to mind for people because of its regular appearance on popular television shows and movies like Pan Am and Passenger 57. Although the profession is not as glamorous as depicted in movies and series like these (as with almost everything shown in feel-good entertainment,) it is nonetheless a great opportunity for those seeking rapid access to great destinations. Albeit being a flight attendant is hard work, implying long-hour shifts, the rewards can be more than worthwhile, especially if you are a travel-nut. Usually employees can spend up to three nights in a city, after working on the flight there, before either returning home or flying off to a new destination.

The career therefore allows for an ‘express’ way to get to know the world, as you would effectively be hopping between popular destinations with the frequency that suits you, although logically with a required minimum amount of trips. Three days in a city can often be just about enough to absorb its main attractions. Being a flight attendant is usually a very popular choice for students and adventurous souls alike, so the profession is always in high demand. Clearly the demand is higher for more prestigious airlines that pay better, such as British Airways. Regardless, I would recommend applying with plenty of time to an airline of your choice, and if you are lucky, following the required training period, you could be flying to the place you always dreamed of very soon!

Language Teacher

Teaching your mother tongue or a language you know well in a different country, in contrast to the flight attendant option, entails a more permanent experience. That is, you can stay in a country like Vietnam for about six months, and really get to know the culture and natural beauty of the region in-depth. Staying in a country for a prolonged period of time does not necessarily imply a monotonous experience, however, as in a sense, staying a while gives you the flexibility of thoroughly travelling throughout the country, and also to other countries in the region. For instance, if you went to Vietnam you could take weekend trips to places like Hong Kong, Cambodia and Singapore.

Perhaps the most well-known company that offers sponsoring services for those interested in teaching English as a foreign language around the world is TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language). If teaching English abroad interests you, a compulsory course to qualify for a licence is necessary, whether you want to teach English, Spanish, Mandarin or Russian. Once again, I recommend Travel Republic to arrange for pocket-friendly flights and temporary accommodation if you choose this option.

Nursing

The demand for nurses around the world is very high, especially in third world countries, but if you are looking for a stable income and a new experience, this option is also for you. Should you have a strong financial foothold, the career as a volunteer nurse in Africa can be extremely rewarding, and like the teaching languages abroad option, it allows for the flexibility of traveling to surrounding countries. The placements can vary in duration, but nurses can also apply to be relocated to new locations.

Volunteering is not always a must, as remuneration can also be an option in certain private establishments. The British newspaper The Daily Mail recently published an article reporting on an increased number of nurses from that country leaving to destinations including Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand to seek better salaries. This option is a great alternative for qualified nurses, who can also shift from country to country, albeit after spending prolonged periods in each one.

This article was written by Ted Hunter on behalf of Travel Republic. Travel Republic offers some of the best holiday deals. Ted is a seasoned traveller having visited many of the world’s travel destinations and enjoys submersing himself in the local culture to gain the true experience of the country he visits.

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So, sticking with Europe, there are several locations that are primary destinations for a good bit of skiing, snowboarding or whatever else takes your fancy. Most places are perfect for all types of people, whether it be families, couples or a bunch of friends. If travelling as a group, why not get some clothing to show that and do some clothes printing with Expressgarmentprinting.co.uk.

In fact, ensure that you do have the correct clothing when skiing in winter as the temperatures can fall dramatically. Wrap up in layers, remember your gloves and don’t forget your long-johns!

France

One of the most popular and obvious destinations for a lovely bit of skiing is France and the country has developed a fantastic reputation for its famous French Alps and its jet-set nature.

Saulire, 2700m, Courchevel, France by Pete southsea

On the border with Italy and Switzerland is Courchevel, the largest resort of the prestigious Three Valleys (3 Vallees) area in the Savoie province of France. The Three Valleys holds the world’s largest ski domain and has a total of 372 miles of trails and slopes; as an example of how big the area is, America’s six largest ski resorts would fit inside the Three Valleys.

Courchevel is built on four levels and is possibly the most luxurious location for skiing thanks to its expensive range of shops and bars, as well as luxury hotels; something celebrities often take advantage of, so keep your eyes peeled.

Turkey

Possibly not one of the first places you’d think of for a great skiing holiday is Turkey, but the resort of Uludag is a far cry away from warm beaches and cocktails by the pool.

Uludag range, Turkey by Bicounet

Turkey seems to have jumped on the opportunity of being able to tempt holiday goers in with their mountainous ranges, especially when there’s been some snowfall. In mythology, Uludag is the fabled Mount Olympus where the gods watched the Trojan War. However, now the mountain’s primary purpose is to reign in the tourists.

The slopes are usually open from December through to March and as well as the opportunity for skiing, the national parks are also great places to explore.

Austria

One of the more purposeful settings for skiing holidays and other extreme sports is the Austrian resort of Kitzbühel. The location has one of the most demanding runs in the form of the Hahnenkamn.

Kitzbuhel Alps, Austria by Mahmut

There are great slopes for beginners, as well more challenging slopes for those with a good deal of experience and confidence in their skiing. A great deal of investment has gone into the site and so the likes of ski lifts and other amenities have been vastly improved of late.

Also available are a fantastic array of hotels, bars and restaurants for when you’re not hitting the slopes.

About the author: Sam writes for Express Garment Printing and you can click here for great deals on printed polo shirts and printed hoodies.

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Saint-Tropez, France by Zoé de Saint-Tropez

1 – Convenience

If travelling from the UK, you can reach Calais and Le Havre in a few short hours or less. By comparison, a trip to the South of France can involve a longer flight, and day or two of driving. In this way, the North of France is recommended for people that want a quicker getaway, or don’t want to have to transport young children on a long journey.

2 – Cities

There are many excellent cities in both the North and the South of France. The North’s distinction comes through it being the location of Paris. However, travels to the South can take in the similarly large, if not quite as diverse, cities of Nice and Marseille along the French Riviera. Travellers going to the South West of France can also enjoy the historic city of Bordeaux.

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France by Trey Ratcliff

3 – Temperature

Those wanting to enjoy the sun and the beach are probably better off heading south than trying the climate of the Northern part of France, which is broadly similar to the UK. The South’s Mediterranean climate is much hotter, and features many more sandy beaches. Marseille and Nice are particularly popular for tourists. Visitors to the South and France’s Eastern border with Switzerland can also enjoy the sun and the skiing opportunities of the French Alps.

4 – Cultural Differences

While there are no major differences in terms of language and shared culture between the North and the South of France, there are a few contrasts that should be taken into consideration. The South of France is generally more tourist driven, and most French people will travel to it as part of their own holidays. The pace of life in the South is also slower and more relaxed in the larger cities and resorts. Cities like Monte Carlo are more expensive than the towns of the North. Food in the South is similarly more Mediterranean in terms of the use of spices and local fish delicacies.

Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur, France by marcovdz

5 – Travel Options

Being based in the North or the South of France will create different opportunities for further travel. On the other hand, being based in the North means that you can easily travel onto Belgium and Germany, while also gaining access to the Netherlands. By contrast, a trip to the South of France creates the chance to travel to Switzerland and Germany via the Alps, as well as heading west to Spain and Portugal. The South of France is also a good base for journeys on to the North of Africa and parts of Greece.

Conclusions

Taken together, those wanting a short journey, and the opportunity to enjoy Paris and cooler temperatures should consider the North of France, while those after sun and beaches, and a more Mediterranean holiday, can head south. Again, however, there is no reason not to enjoy both during the course of a longer trip.

Brought to you by the bloggers from Cheznous. Offering holidays in France.

The post Are You More Suited to a Holiday in North France or South France? appeared first on Europe Explored.

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Package Travel Regulations Act Guidance

For many people, a real break from the daily stresses of everyday life requires a complete getaway from the local scenery. This way, everything can be physically left behind and individuals can look forward to a dream holiday. Unfortunately, all too often and too quickly a dream holiday can turn into a nightmare. Sometimes an unfortunate turn of event is unavoidable, but with proper knowledge of the Package Travel Regulations Act definition a certain number of precautions can be made. In short, it is in a traveller’s best interest to be aware of the law that protects them from discrepancies of purchases made from travel agents. The Package Travel Regulations Act protects consumers by allowing them to claim compensation for any part of the holiday that differs to what was agreed upon on in the contract, thus keeping travel agents in check.

Precautions

Consumers need to be responsible for reading and understanding the entire contract before signing and making a deposit. A travel insurance policy should be purchased before departure to ensure that a customer is compensated for a cancelled holiday in case of illness or injury. These insurance policies also cover for lost and stolen items, luggage and money as well as transport delays that are outside the jurisdiction of the Package Travel Regulations Act.

The Duties of a Travel Agency

If an essential part of a holiday is changed before the departure date, according to the EU Package Travel Regulations Consumer Act protection, the travel agent is duty bound to inform the consumer. If the change is found to be unacceptable to the consumer, they can choose to cancel (and be fully reimbursed) or change their holiday package. If changes or discrepancies only become apparent while the consumer is on holiday, consumers legally have the right to claim for compensation from the travel agent. Consumers can also claim for a refund of any extra expense incurred because of the change, thus as a consumer it is important to keep all slips and receipts to prove the extra expense. Financial compensation can also be received for any moral or stress related damage caused by a discrepancy, as outlined in the Package Travel Regulations Consumer Act.

Package Travel Regulations Consumer Act Exceptions

According to the Package Travel Regulations Act, consumers may not claim compensation for any changes made to a holiday package that are out of the control of the travel agency, such as alternative arrangements caused by bad weather, natural disasters, strikes or transport breakdowns.

Please note that this article is for informational use only. In the event of a claim professional legal advice and expert Package Travel Regulations Act consultation should be sought.

Penny Munroe is an avid writer in travel related news and topics. Articles range from comprehensive hotel reviews of the Westin Dragonara in Malta, to selecting the best insurance for your holiday.

The post Consumers Know Your Rights: EU Package Travel Regulations Act appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Wolfgang Staudt

Walking Tours

If you’ve just landed in Barcelona and you’re looking for a way to get acclimated, a walking tour could be the perfect way to get your bearings. Several companies in Barcelona offer free walking tours. The catch? You’re supposed to leave them a tip; however, the amount of the tip is entirely up to you. Try Travel Bound Barcelona Free Walking Tours, Barcelona Free Tours, or Runner Bean Tours. 

Museums

Many museums in Barcelona charge a nominal fee to enter, but some of these museums waive their entrance fees during certain times of the month. If you’re a fan of Picasso, the Museo Picasso offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month, and after 3 PM every Sunday. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya also has free admission on the first Sunday of the month. The Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona has free admission on Wednesdays. 

Food

In many cities and towns in Spain, it’s customary to get a free tapa with your drink. In a pricey city like Barcelona, though, you’ll usually have to pay for your tapas most places. Fortunately, the city also has plenty of places where you can go to get complimentary tapas with your drinks on certain days. On Sundays, get a complimentary buffet with your drink purchase at Bar No Sé. On Tuesdays, check out Sesamo for free tapas tastings. For cheap tapas any day of the week, Txapela is the place to go. This cozy tavern offers a wide variety of freshly prepared tapas, all under two euros a piece. 

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jordi Cerdà

Accommodation

A great way to really immerse yourself into the new culture is to eat with the locals. Find out what it is they eat daily and at least sample it. With so many different foods to try in Barcelona you’d assume it would be really expensive to try them all but some foods require a lot of home-based cooking to really taste like the traditional dishes so for example, there are plenty of places you can enjoy a Catalonian meal in the area, but why not consider renting an accommodation in Barcelona and making your own dishes in your temporary kitchen! Rented accommodation can work out much more cost effective if you’re planning to stay for more than a couple of days and you save loads by cooking your own meals.

Barcelona’s Great Outdoors

Parc Guell is a fascinating, gorgeous park that Gaudí left unfinished. It’s filled with Gaudí’s signature interesting architecture, as well as beautiful fountains, statues, and a museum. While the museum on the park’s site charges a small fee to enter, the rest of the park is free. Another free, beautiful place to escape the city is Barcelona’s Botanical Gardens. The gardens offer a variety of plants, flowers, and trees for visitors to enjoy, as well as an excellent view of the city. Nearby Montjuïc Magic Fountains offer another great view of the city, as well as the beautiful fountains that change shapes against the backdrop of the Palau Nacional.

Markets and Shops

Las Ramblas is Barcelona’s most famous street. This pedestrian street is filled with street performers, locals, and visitors from around the world, with shops, hotels, nightlife, and restaurants lining its sides. You can wander past La Boqueria, an open-air market offering produce, meats, and flowers, as well as restaurants serving food and drinks. It’s free to browse the market, but food and drinks are relatively cheap. Also check out the Port Vell Antique Fair. It’s free to look, but there are plenty of cheap bargains to be found.

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