Posts filed under 'Spain'
Cancelled and delayed flights are sure to have cost airlines millions of £ and $ but I wonder what the long term effect will be on travellers in Europe? The low cost airlines with their cheap air fairs have become such a normal part of travelers lives between London and Spain, Greece and France that it will be a Hugh blow to tourism should that change.
I recon that all low cost airlines like easyjet and bmibaby are going to have to increase their prices simply to cover the extra cost of security since these latest terror threats at Heathrow last week. Budget airlines depend on things like quick turnaround time to keep their costs down and that is not going to be easy anymore. I wonder when we will start to see the impact of last weeks events?
I recon we should start looking at taking the ferry to Spain or France. Make the holiday about the total journey not just about bums on beaches. You could take a ferry from Plymouth to Santander (Plymouth also services France) or Portsmouth to Bilbao. Bilbao is a great option if you want to see Northern Spain, south western France and Portugal. It may take longer to get to your destination but it beats being blown out of the sky or held up at the airport for hours on end or having your flight cancelled all together.
My daughter just happened to be travelling on ‘the’ day of the heightened security at Heathrow and two things she observed of interest was: As busy as the airport was with queues going for miles and miles and waiting times well over 3 hours in some instances to check in and board a plane, she says that people were amazingly calm and even become more human and friendly towards one another. The other observation was that it was such a pleasure to board without hand luggage. There was no congestion in the Ilse and all the passengers found it pleasant and stress free to get on the plane and be seated in record time. I recon the airlines can learn something from this. Get rid of the whole hand luggage thing. In most cases hand luggage is not necessary at all! I am personally in favour of less stress, hand luggage free flying!!
What do you think?
by Doreen B.
August 15th, 2006
If you are bored with Spain, Turkey, Italy, France or the USA why not try the latest adventure to hit planet earth? Space Travel – No really, space travel is now a reality! On July 24th the first spaceflight was arranged for a paying tourist by an agency that prides themselves as specialists in Space Adventures. You can zoom off to space and meander around in space for a mere $15 million dollars. Well that’s the latest and apparently much cheaper than the $35 million quoted earlier this year. (source = BBC)
Now it looks like Russia is considering the possibility of people walking around the international space station, as long as they have a months training prior to the trip and they have the psychological and physical ability.
Well I know I won’t be spacing out! I don’t have the cash, the guts and the inclination.
How about you?
by Doreen B.
August 3rd, 2006
I’ve just come across the cutest little graphic novella that I thought may be of intrest to anyone looking for a fun way to discover Barcelona. We’re all familiar with the phenomenon of “storied traditions”. It starts with a good novel and ends with a massive tourist migration to places mentioned in the book. Charles Dickens tours around London are still very popular but the most recent (and quite possibly the most staggering) is the Da Vinci Code. There’s a chapel in Scotland that has reported an increase of up to 100,000 visitors thanks to Dan Brown’s controversial book.
So I was flipping through this very nice travel magazine called Conde Nast Treveler, when I stumbled upon “The Case of the Missing Angulas” by Tom Downey. It’s a simple detective tale about a P.I. investigating some missing crates of angulas…obviously. He finds himself a friendly guide and they trapse through some of the cities best restaurants and bars in search of clues. Not a bad way to conduct an investigation!
Now anyone who appreciates European delicacies will know that this dish of baby eels is a favourite in many parts of both Spain and France. It may not be something you’de want to try if you’re a bit squeamish but if you like food then this one is definitely for you. As the story progresses you’re taken on a tour of bars and restaurants frequented by locals and not well known among tourists. It also mentions which wines to try and what sort of food you can expect; you’re even given some tips about the service.
“The Case of the Missing Angulas” is nowhere near the level of the above mentioned novels but it’s a fun and quirky way to get some tips on where to eat and drink. It’s particularly useful for anyone looking to go to Barcelona on a weekend break because it’s concise and actually does take place over a weekend. So when you’re out sightseeing you’ll know exactly where to go for lunch and dinner.
Hands up anyone who has booked a weekend break abroad, bought a nice big guide book like Lonely Planet and then suffered a panic attack because you suddenly realise you can’t possibly fit everything in? Yup, my hand is up! I strongly recommend reading it, it’s a gem.
So go forth and discover, don’t forget to try the angulas and don’t forget to tell us about it if you do. I’m sure I’m not the only one who is dying to know what it tastes like without actually having to put it in my mouth!
By Sam Bam.
June 24th, 2006
Torremolinos is destined for big things! If this is one of your favoured destinations then you have something grand to look forward to. The Mayor, Pedro Fernández was proud to announce that they are getting set to build the first five star hotel in Torremolinos. It should be ready by the summer of 2009 and has been described as the most important tourist investment in the town for more than 30 years. It will cost in the region of 120 million € and will be named the Cruiser Hotel Tres Carabelas. You will find it on the site of the old Melía hotel.
May 9th, 2006
Did you know that Spain is one of the most popular EU countries to relocate to? This is not only for the Brits but for citizens of all other European countries as well.
I was reading some interesting stats the other day. If you are thinking of Moving to Spain, this may interest you. According to the Costa Blanca News, the growth experienced by Denia and Calpe on the Costa Blanca has seen the population of both towns increase by 48 and 77 per cent respectively over the last 9 years. Calpe’s population growth has only been exceeded by that of Torrevieja where figures for the same period show a demographic growth of around 134%.
I have been to Torrevieja and it is not my cup of tea. Denia and Calpe are far more up my alley. Maybe there is a reason for the major growth in those regions. Denia and Calpe surpassed the growth of major cities like Madrid and Barcelona and beat places like Jávea, Benidorm and Marbella. If you are making the big move, I suggest you investigate these parts of Spain.
Malaga is also very popular with the Brits but be aware that it is the second most expensive city in Spain after Barcelona. By the way Air Berlin will be starting a new route from Málaga over this summer (started on May 1st from Málaga, via Palma de Mallorca) to Linz in Austria and also to Amsterdam, Stansted and other airports in Germany.
Make a comment - Have your say - Don’t waist your thoughts - Tell us about them
by Doreen B
May 3rd, 2006
Ferrán Adriá, owner of the restaurant called ‘El Bulli’ must be delighted with the decision made by a panel of 560 chefs and food boffins. El Bulli was voted as the top restaurant in the world. El Bulli is situated in Roses, in Spain. Reservations are essential. Contact details; Tel +34 972 150 457 - Address: en Cala Montjoi, Roses, Girona, 17480. You can also email them on: bulli@elbulli.com.
If you want to experience the best food in to world, I guess that El Bulli is a good bet. 560 food specialist cant be wrong. However, we recommend that you book way in advance because the restaurant was madly popular before yesterdays announcement and I am guessing it will be over run with bookings now.
This is a part of Spain I have not yet visited but would love to. Roses, a resort town on the Costa Brava, is situated 30 km south of the French boarder and 16 0 km from Barcelona. You should give it a go on your next visit. The beaches in Roses alone are a good reason to spend your annual holiday here.
If you want to visit Roses and know nothing about this part of the country (like me) take a look at our site Indigo Guide. We offer lots of information on things like Roses Beaches, Day Trips around Roses, Accommodation, Night life in Roses and Car Hire.
Like this blog? Think I am talking junk? Do I have my facts wrong?
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by Doreen B
April 28th, 2006
I was wondering if or when this was coming. A news article caught my eye yesterday. It was a case of being fined for ‘Smoking behind the Wheel’. A driver was fined for smoking and driving in Spain. Although it is not against the law in Spain to smoke and drive, any action that interferes with driving is. This includes us ladies out there that insist on putting on lipstick while driving. Heck, some people I know even drive and drink hot cups of coffee from home while on their way to work!
If I were you, I would be more careful of what you do behind the wheel in Spain. I recon this is going to happen more frequently and maybe is should. Lets face it, doing anything in the car other than driving is a distraction that can cause an accident.
Here is a little story for you. I was sitting at a traffic light with my foot on the break. I took my attention away from the road and the car and started punching an address into the GPS. Without realising it, my foot had lifted slightly off the break pedal and I slowly cruised into the little sports car in front of me. The drive in the sports car was not impressed with me as my car is a huge 4×4 and sustained no damage while his little car had to have the bumper replaced. Now I know it is not serious but it is just an example of how little distractions can cause accidents.
It is also good to see that Spain is now catching up to the rest of the globe on issues like smoking in public buildings like the airport building and restaurants. That really bothered me when I first visited the country. The changes have only taken place about a year ago but it is progress that needs to be applauded.
Whats your opinion?
by Doreen B
April 28th, 2006
Ever thought of doing a Walking Holiday in Spain? Walking holidays have taken off recently because there is so much more to Spain than the beaches. We have a great section on Guided Walking Holidays and a fairly large section on Walking Holidays in Spain which includes Hiking Tours and Climbing in Spain. The alternative to having a guide is to go it alone. We would advise that you do your research on where to go and stay and how long it will take.
Some of the most unspoilt areas of the country can be found in Catalonia, North East of Spain, which will take you through challenging winding, sandy paths of mainland Spain’s most beautiful coastline while inland you can explore the undiscovered heart of Catalunya.
We suggest you start your walking holiday in Calella on the Costa Maresme which is right next to the Costa Brava and just 50 km north of Barcelona. A 3 hour walk (depending on how fast you walk) will take you to Castell d’emporda, better known as the Magic Castle, which is in the Provence of Girona (northeast of Catalonia). On your walk you can take in the glorious cents of wild lavender, rosemary and fennel. You could spend the night at this 700 year old Gothic Castle (only 30 minutes drive from Girona Airport if you are not going to walk) and then make your way to Begur ( Begur is north of Blanes and Tossa de Mar) which is in one of the loveliest parts of the Costa Brava. This walk should take about 5 hours. You can spend a few days enjoying local activities like cycling, diving and playing golf and then make your way to back to Calella de Palafrugell which should take about 4 hours.
Now that’s a great holiday in my opinion. Away from the main touristy parts of Spain and full of stunning scenery, friendly local people, fantastic food and accommodation. You will have seen beautiful Mediterranean beaches, traditional fishing ports, Olive groves, vineyards, lavender fields and peach orchards not to mention the great coastal paths and lush green valleys.
What do you think of our Spanish section?
Doreen B
March 23rd, 2006
I have just realised that the last blog did not direct you to all the advice available when Buying in Spain. Under the section ‘Travel Extras’ we have more information on the pit falls of buying in Spain. Click on ‘Spanish Vacation Rentals‘ (all to do with property guide including Renting Property in Spain) and then click on ‘Buying a Villa - The Pit Falls‘.
We did take our own advice but our lawyer was not really that clued up I guess, so we still got caught. Make sure someone recommends a lawyer to you. Right , now you should be sorted out with good advice. Anne, the author of the section on Spain has lived there for over 5 years and has done loads of research for you. Now all you have to do is follow the advice.
We would like to hear your views about this section. Buying property is a big decision in anyone’s life, and some people have lost all their savings by not doing their homework first - so speak up if you have anything to share that may help your fellow Brit keep his sanity and own a place in the sun as well.
March 21st, 2006
Our place in Spain has now been rented out for about six months. Sorry, if you were interested in renting it, we will be looking for more people again around August.
We were going to move to Spain (Costa Calida) 3 years ago to live but when we bought our place and spent the first summer there, we discovered that the pace of business and with it the service was far too slow. We still have the villa but have used it only for personal holiday use. We are currently living in New Zealand and cant get back to Spain for at least a year now, so we have decided to let the place out.
When we bought the place, we flew to Alicante Airport, hired a car, and drove to Le Manga because that was the only hotel that I could find on the internet at the time with available Accommodation. We have since bought our own car, which lives at the airport while we are not there and we no longer fly to Alicante airport. We now fly to San Javier airport in Murcia and then hop in our car and drive to our little spot in the sun.
At the moment the place is a bit of a mess because they are building a great big hotel on the land behind us. We were told when we bought in Spain that there would be no building on the vacant land because it belonged to the Navy. Ha ha, three years down the track and we are living with building noise, trucks driving back and forth and loads of dust. But, I am not complaining because we still have a brilliant little spot by the Mediterranean. I would suggest you have a good read of our website, the section on Buying Property in Spain. It could save you some heart ache and money later on.
Want more information? Like this blog? Dislike this blog? Tell us if we are wrong!
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Doreen B
March 21st, 2006
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