Yep, it’s time to book your summer holiday.

Perhaps surprisingly, though, increasing numbers of holidaymakers are taking advantage of their time in the sun by using the period away to make life changing decisions.

Photo by Claire (Europe Explored)

In fact, research shows the warmer weather allows strung-out Britons to wrestle with life’s big choices such as changing careers, getting married or having kids. The report also claims that, with the pressures of everyday life removed, holidaymakers are free to plan and change any aspect of their life they’re not content with.

But there’s far more to consider before setting foot on the aeroplane, waving manically from the window and jotting down everything you plan to change from the beach.

For example, have you thought about how you might get to the airport? No? Well let’s do that now…

Picture the scene: your flight is at 6am. You’re rushing around getting kids ready, jamming suitcases shut as your other half has seemingly packed provisions for an Arctic expedition, and you’re stressing about finding a suitable parking space when you reach the airport.

However, all of that stress (well, most of it) can be alleviated with a few simple clicks of a mouse.

Valet parking from I Love Meet and Greet allows you to drive your car straight to the terminal where it will be collected by a professional driver and parked in a secure compound. This convenience allows you and your family to reach check-in within minutes without worrying about a parking space.

Large parking place by thienzieyung

Nothing could be easier.

Additionally, on your return, your car will be delivered back to you at the terminal – and this lets you get back on the road for home safe in the knowledge you’ve made some great decisions.

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Alonzo Zeringue was bitten by the travel bug at an early age. Since then, he’s rarely been able to stay in the same country. Alonzo has contributed this guest post on behalf of I Love Meet and Greet – number one for airport parking in the UK.

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Holidaying abroad with dogs

In the past, pets travelling abroad had to be kept in quarantine for 6 months on their return. However, the Pets Travel Scheme (PETS) means owners are now able to order an EU Pet Passport for their dogs, cats or ferrets. First the pet must be micro chipped, which will help the vets to identify them if lost, as well as vaccinated and tested for contagious diseases such as rabies. Once this is complete, healthy pets are permitted to free travel with their owner around Europe.

Photo by Jon Rawlinson

You should check the pet rules of your destination country before you set off. Some countries allow dogs in restaurants; some require dogs to be muzzled in the street.

Travel companies have begun to cotton on to the trend for holidaymakers to take their pet with them, and there are ‘pets packages’ available, including selected destinations, resorts and activities specifically designed for pets and their owners.

However, there are health risks to take into account if you decide to go abroad. The different temperature overseas can be uncomfortable for a dog, particularly short-snouted breeds such as the pug, which will overheat very quickly in the sun. For even the most happy-go-lucky pet, unfamiliar surroundings and changes in routine can be very stressful. Also take into account the different, often very busy traffic conditions abroad, and keep your dog on a lead at all times around the roads.

When choosing a destination, avoid humid areas with sandfly populations (for example Southern France and the Mediterranean), and use fly repellents, because a bite from these creatures can cause your dog to become seriously ill as much as 7 months later.

A word of safety: only take well-trained dogs on holiday (whether at home or abroad) that you can be sure will return to your call or whistle. Watch out around heights and water, and always keep your dog on the lead in dangerous or unfamiliar areas.

You absolutely must visit a vet before going abroad to explain your holiday plans. Make sure your dog is micro chipped, which will help the vet to identity lost pets and reunite them with their owner. The vet will also top up their flea and worming treatments, and advise you of any vaccinations or medicines (for example prophylactics, anti-tick treatments) necessary to prevent or treat potential diseases in the destination country. This includes rabies (minimise the risks by avoiding strange dogs), heartworm, a parasite that can lead to heart failure in dogs if left untreated, and diseases spread by ticks. Many vets offer special ‘holiday clinics’ tailored to advise you on overseas health.

Invest in good pet insurance in advance of your trip.

Holidaying in Britain with dogs

The most exciting pet-friendly destination is right here on your doorstep: the Great British countryside. Pets are free to travel anywhere in the British Isles, making this a convenient and safe holiday option.

Walking holidays are as exciting for your four-legged friend as they are for you! With miles of open space to run and jump, new sights and smells everywhere and new friends to play with, when you look through your dog’s eyes it’s not hard to see why his tail will be wagging for the whole trip.

The Cotswolds, Pembrokeshire, the Highlands are all pets’ playgrounds, with stunning natural landscapes, plenty of pet-friendly pubs and tearooms and all the fresh air and exercise that they could need. Many Bed and Breakfast owners in these areas anticipate visitors bringing their faithful companions, and will welcome well-behaved dogs with open arms (but do check with them first).

We spend so much time indoors and at work that few of us spend as much time as we would like simply enjoying the company of our pets. A pet-friendly staycation grants you the valuable opportunity to spend extended quality time with your furry friend and will also give you an excuse to get outside and enjoy the fresh air together.

Victoria Jones works alongside World Walks walking holidays in the UK and abroad. A keen animal-lover, she enjoys long walks with her dog in the scenic British countryside.

The post Taking your dog on holiday appeared first on Europe Explored.

Holy Monastery of Rousanou, Kalambaka, Greece by Dennis Jarvis

Affordability

Because of the declining tourist market, there has been an increase in the sale of holiday homes in Greece due to dwindling interest and falling rental incomes, often at a loss. This has also had the effect that there has been an increase in interest for people looking to buy a holiday home. At the moment, there has been an influx of property sales in northern Greece from people from neighbouring Bulgaria. The city of Thessaloniki is a popular tourist destination for many Bulgarians, so people are snapping up the chance to purchase their own holiday home at a lower price. Us Brits are starting to take notice too; although many are employing a ‘wait and see’ tactic when it comes to Greek holiday homes, there has been a steady increase in interest.

Know your turf

If you’re thinking of taking advantage of the situation and you’re looking to buy your dream holiday home, make sure you do your research. If you can, talk to locals and ex-pats to get a feel for how the financial crisis is impacting the area. This will also put you in good stead when navigating the sea of red tape that comes with buying a second home in another country. It could be that what you see as a potential honey pot is actually going to cost you more in the long run.

Financing the dream

If you think you’re onto a winner, then you should look to protect yourself in the event that things take a turn for the worse. The current big worry is that Greece will secede from the EU and renounce the Euro as its currency, reverting back to drachma. If you borrow Euros in order to buy a Greek second home, then you will still owe Euros even if the country reverts to drachma. With fluctuating exchange rates, this could potentially put you out of pocket.

One of the most classical photos from Santorini: the boat at Firostefani by Klearchos Kapoutsis

With the current tourist market the way it is, it is likely that any holiday home you purchase will be left unoccupied for a while until things stabilise a little more. With that, it’s a good idea to look into holiday home insurance, which protects the house during periods of vacancy and can also help during times when your rental income is in jeopardy.

Depending on which area of Greece you’re looking at, going for a second home as a source of rental income isn’t going to be the best short term objective. If you’re willing to wait out the crisis, you can grab a potential bargain and enjoy a few weeks or months soaking up the Greek sunshine in your new Greek home.

Written by J. R. Gibbs,  armchair explorer and writer at large for holiday home insurance comparison site Confused.com

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Mykonos is quickly developing into one of the most desirable holiday destinations in the world, not just Europe. Its beautiful location to the south of the Greek mainland makes it a perfect balance of linked yet secluded from the busy areas of the country itself.

Mykonos / Charlie Dave

One of the most appealing aspects of the island is how there is something for everyone. Whether it is a lively night-time scene, a cultural experience or a wander around historical landmarks, Mykonos offers activities that anyone can enjoy.

Island Features

As one of the smallest of the Greek islands, Mykonos has a raw and savage feel to it, which, aggressive as the description sounds, merely serves to add to its beauty and charm. While being a land covered in rocky terrain, there is also miles of amazing sandy beaches which makes for a breath-taking landscape given the location of the island.

One other redeeming feature of Mykonos is that, although in recent years tourism has exploded, the island has retained most, if not all, of its authenticity and cultural roots, which made it such an attractive holiday destination in the first place.

Mykonos windmills / Allan Henderson

What to Do

As we alluded to earlier, Mykonos presents an array of activities both for individual holidaymakers as well as for family groups who have taken a trip to the island. During the day time, in addition to the gorgeous beaches there are a number of historical museums around the island, displaying archaeological treasures and details from the islands rich past. By night, the island comes alive and is home to some of the very best cuisine on offer throughout this part of the world. There are dozens of great value restaurants on Mykonos, many of which are situated on the sea front offering stunning views while you eat.

Whether you are looking for a quiet, romantic evening with a partner or a wild party to end your holiday in style, there is something for all tastes on the island of Mykonos. This variety is in stark contrast to many famous holiday destinations in the area, which are well known for their wild party scene however are somewhat one dimensional in that they offer very little else.

In addition, there are options for travellers to the island to go cycling or camping round the island, and given Mykonos is so small, this is arguably the best way to experience the true beauty of what the island has to offer, and have the opportunities to make some amazing discoveries for yourself.

Touristorama is a travel directory designed exclusively for people travelling to Greece and the Greek Islands, such as Mykonos.

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Lago de Sanabria covers an area of ​​318.7 hectares. Its maximum depth is 51 m. The lake was created by the glaciers in the Quaternary.

Today it is a popular summer destination for tourists and holidaymakers. On the southern shore of the lake you can find a beautiful sandy beach, that is overcrowded during the warm sunny days. They mainly come here to bathe. But also to enjoy various activities such as canoeing or rowing.

Here you can also rent a pedal boat. Right on the beach of Lago de Sanabria there is a pleasant restaurant with outdoor seating. More than 50 000 people visit the lake every year. The lake’s surroundings is ideal for the mountain biking or hiking.

Lago de Sanabria is part of the Sanabria Lake Natural Park, which covers an area of ​​22,635 hectares. It is situated at an altitude of 997-2124 m. The park is characterized by its great diversity.

The oaks, birches, willows, yews and various shrubs grow here. A rarity in these latitudes are also peat. The animals include lynx, wolf, partridge, golden eagle or otter. In lakes and streams you can find trout. Sanabria Lake Natural Park was founded in 1978. The park includes also the villages Galende, Cobreros, Trefacio y Porto de Sanabria.

Center of the park is located in a former medieval Cistercian monastery of San Martín de Castañeda.

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