Vacation Home Rentals

posted by Vacation Home Rentals on Jul 23

For an escape from the ordinary summer beach holiday, pack up your family and head to the exotic beaches of Sharm el Sheikh. This cosmopolitan Red Sea resort offers modern luxury and breathtaking scenery. But with a variety of great deals on cheap holidays to Sharm el Sheikh, booking your dream trip can be more affordable than you might think.

All Inclusive Holidays

By booking one of the many available all inclusive holidays to Sharm el Sheikh you can ensure that your holiday goes without a hitch and is entirely stress free. All inclusive packages include airfare, meals, lodging, drinks, entertainment and recreational activities. Your family can enjoy the holiday without worrying about over-spending and blowing the family budget. Many resorts even offer kid’s clubs, which allow your children to participate in supervised, child-friendly activities while you enjoy some rest and relaxation.

Choosing a Hotel

Hilton Sharks Bay hotel

Just minutes from the airport, the family-friendly Hilton Sharks Bay hotel, has its own private beach and offers a wide variety of activities. Swim in the warm butterfly-blue sea or take a dip in one of the hotel’s seven pools, one for every day of the week. Diving enthusiasts can take lessons at the resort’s dive centre or sign up for excursions to some of the world’s finest dive sites. Enjoy fine dining at the Hilton Sharks Bay hotel’s 10 restaurants and bars, with choices ranging from an international buffet to a la carte themed restaurants. At night, retreat to your spacious art-deco style room where your family can enjoy scenic views from the balcony or terrace.

Royal Albatros Moderna

Popular with both families and couples, the Royal Albatros Moderna offers a luxury and a relaxed atmosphere. Make the most of the Red Sea’s translucent waters by diving or snorkelling the nearby coral reefs or relax by sunbathing on the extensive white sand beaches. Treat your family to a first class meal at one of the Royal Albatros Moderna’s five international buffet restaurants or themed a la carte options. Afterwards, guests can dance the night away in the disco or take in some of the entertainment put on by the hotel’s entertainment staff.

Places to See

Take a break from the beach by exploring the region around Sharm el Sheikh and Na’ama Bay. Book an excursion into the desert where you can see unforgettable sights, such as Collared Canyon and Mount Sinai—you can even travel by camel to a Bedouin village and dine under the stars. The market in Sharm Old Town is a great place to find souvenirs, traditional textiles and handicrafts. For a fun-filled day out for the whole family, pay a visit to Dolphinella, which puts on performances and even allows visitors to swim with the dolphins.

posted by Vacation Home Rentals on Jul 13

It’s only a few years since the choice of Barcelona hotels was quite small and hostels had a poor reputation, putting off many.

Thankfully, though, those days have long gone. The re-development of the city that began with the 1992 Olympic Games has continued since then and, consequently, any visitor to the city – be they there for a weekend or a summer – can be sure of finding accommodation that will perfectly suit whatever criteria he or she might have.

Lovers of the contemporary hotel, packed with state-of-the-art technology and perfectly manicured rooms will swoon over the award-winning Hotel Arts. Those who prefer their luxury to come in a more traditional setting, recalling the opulence of a by-gone era, will love the dignified glory of hotels such as the Majestic and the Palace.

Barcelona caters for many people, from those wanting to see the city’s architecture to anyone wanting the beach. Many people choose to be near Las Ramblas or the Gothic Quarter – so that they can feel the atmosphere even from their hotel lobby. And if you have children then a hotel close to the beach could be ideal, allowing your little ones to spend their energy in the water and making sandcastles. Barcelona is fortunate enough to have sufficient hotels of all types so that, with a little bit of research, you will find just the right one for your stay.

Many people might wince at the thought of staying in a hostel – putting them firmly in the backpacker bracket and not considering them for anyone else. If that’s you, then think again. Barcelona hostels can offer guests an economical and pleasant alternative to the hotel experience. Don’t think Youth Hostels – in Spanish they are albergues juveniles; nowadays, you’re as likely to find a couple together as a backpacker or a group ‘on tour’. Most Barcelona hostels now have a shared kitchen, laundry, shared lounge and often computer facilities to allow you check your email. They are clean, comfortable, secure places – and usually within walking distance of all the city’s main attractions.

By the way, the difference between hotelsm hostels and pensions is minimal and sometimes they are interchangeable. Officially – more or less – a pension is more of a British-style Guest House or Bed and Breakfast but, in reality, hotels can also call themselves Hostels or Pensions!

One attractive option for many people is to find some self-catering accommodation in Barcelona that will give them a greater degree of freedom that they can find in hotels as well as possibly being much more economical. In July and August you might be able to rent student accommodation while its vacant for the long summer holiday.

As with all accommodation, a little research before you make your reservation can enable you to find out for yourself that the options for Barcelona travel have come a long, long way in the past few years.

posted by Vacation Home Rentals on Jul 13

The options of entertainment in sunny Spain are endless – whether you enjoy shopping, golfing, sunbathing, water sports, clubbing or immersing yourself in culture, you’ll be about to find it all here. There are so many hotels in Spain that you will be able to find the choice most suitable to you and your budget.

City Excitement: Madrid

Madrid is a popular destination for holidaymakers looking for a vibrant getaway, with wide array of historical and cultural attractions. The Royal Palace of Madrid, the Royal Theatre and the Prado Art Museum are just a few of note, but the entertainment does not stop there, however. This city is made up of exquisite shopping and a vibrant nightlife, which holidaymakers will find in the thriving city culture. Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Then head to shopping malls such as El Flamenco Vive, Palomeque, Puck and Casa Yustas. This area is also home to many designer clothing and shoe boutiques.

Don’t expect to sleep much at the weekends – Madrid locals are known for partying until the early hours of the morning If you want to party then there are plenty of Spain hotels in the most popular nightclub destinations including the neighbourhoods of Tribunal, Bilbao, Huertas and Alonso Martinez or Moncloa.

Sun, Sea and Golf: Costa del Sol

There are over 60 golf courses to choose from on the ‘Costa del Golf’,  or the Costa del Sol as it is better known and there is something for players of all levels. The courses boast beautiful and varied settings, many with views of the ocean or the mountains. The offerings range from Sotogrande in the West to Velez Malaga in the East and due to the sunny, dry climate of this region of Spain, players can enjoy golf year-round.

Beach Time: Benidorm

Five million visitors a year visit Benidorm on the eastern coast of Spain, known as the Costa Blanca. Those looking for a break from the beach can find an enjoyable day out at one of the area’s four theme parks – Terra Mitica, Terra Natura, Aqualandia and Mundomar.

Guests can also visit Aiguera Park and a large amphitheatre that regularly holds free concerts and performances, as Benidorm is most commonly known as a fun, family-friendly resort. You are certain to find numerous hotels in Benidorm that accommodate your price level and allow you to maximise your holiday funds, regardless of your holiday budget.

posted by Vacation Home Rentals on Jul 13

This Mediterranean archipelago is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in Europe and is officially known as the Republic of Malta.  The country is soaked in a rich history, which has included occupation by an array of countries including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Sicilians, French and British. With a broad range of sites of historical and archaeological interest, the island has been influenced by its past. With mild, wet winters and dry summers, the island enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate. Whether you want an active holiday or one spent lazing by the ocean, there are a broad range of Malta hotels and resorts that offer something for all holidaymakers.

Things to See

See the Hypogeum Temple, a 5,000-year-old underground mortuary temple created by an ancient, vanished culture, for visitors interested in the historical side of Malta. Malta also boasts numerous notable churches, including the Mosta Church, with its strong Christian history – John’s Cathedral in Valletta. Dine on Maltese cuisine, if you’re wanting to immerse yourself in the Maltese culture and try to attend a “festa” in one of the local villages, with locally made breads, sausages and pastizzi, a pastry filled with ricotta and peas.

There’s So Much to Do

To add another dimension to the holiday, Malta also affords plenty of opportunities for sun, fun and relaxation, as well as excellent sightseeing opportunities, after you’ve finished make sure you have looked at the Malta hotels on offer. Boating, golfing, hiking and horseback riding are all part of the spectrum of activities on offer for Malta. For the more adventurous helicopter tours of the island or underwater safaris on special glass bottom boats that ensure they receive an up-close-and-personal view of the island’s aquatic life, but there are many other things to do on the island. For those holidaying with a family, there is plenty on offer to keep the little ones entertained, including Playmobil factory, the movie set from the 1980 Popeye movie, known locally as Popeye’s Village and a waterpark. With pampering services which will help just about anyone to relax, for those who like being pampered, there are Malta hotels with the opportunity to do so.

posted by Vacation Home Rentals on Jun 26

Crete has so much to offer the holidaymaker, that it is hard to know where to start when you arrive. This Greek islands is the largest of the group and has so much to see, with a thriving culture and number of historical attractions. The fact that it is one of the oldest civilizations in Greece means that many people come to Crete to see the historical sites. With a terrain which is extremely mountainous and criss-crossed by three different mountain ranges, Crete enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers. As varied as the local attractions and beaches, make sure you choose one of the Crete hotels which are available, to appeal to your own unique tastes and interests.

What to See

The Minoan palace of Knossos, the old Venetian port and city of Chenia, the ancient Roman archaeological site of Gortyn, the Venetian castle of Rethymno and the Samariá Gorge, are some of the popular modern-day tourist attractions. The beaches around the island all possess their own unique character, from the high sand dunes of Agios Pavlos to the fields of lilies surrounding the beaches of Xirokambos – Sitia. Surround yourself with expansive beaches and crystal clear waters and look at the array of Crete hotels and resorts, with a variety of price points.

What to Do

From scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing, windsurfing, boating or windsurfing, there are plenty of water activities on offer – so dive in. There are plenty of mountainous areas of Crete, including coastal paths and gorges, for those who like the outdoors and hiking. Look for nightlife all over the island, from almost any Crete hotels or villages, including swanky nightclubs or discos in the capital city of Iraklion or traditional tavernas in small villages where you can learn local dances.

Where to Stay

Where you’re staying will depend on what you want to do and see in Crete, but there are many beautiful natural spots to feast your eyes upon, including the White Mountains, Amari Valley or Kournas Lake, with plenty of hotels in Crete located nearby. Or for metropolitan fans, there are the cities of Chania (the oldest inhabited city in the world), or Rethymnon which will charm the socks off you with its harbour market and famous nightlife.

posted by Vacation Home Rentals on Jun 26

Lanzarote, a beautiful Spanish island located in the eastern part of the Canary Islands chain, offers amazing volcanic mountains as well as expansive beaches. Since the island is designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve protected site, there are numerous restrictions on the style and amount of development on the island.  Visitors to the island can choose from an array of Lanzarote hotels, restaurants, and clubs, in addition to the stunning natural beauty. This means that no high-rise apartments or condominiums are on the island and billboard advertising is not allowed. Your island holiday experience is guaranteed to be one to remember, with so many sights on offer, alongside the many restaurants, bars, shops and cheap hotels.

Timanfaya National Park

This part of the island looks almost martian since the landscape is barren and desert-like, due to Lanzarote’s Montañas del Fuego – or Fire Mountains. There are plenty of rare plant species to marvel at in this fertile area and guided tours around the park will help you to make the most of the region – there is even the chance to view the landscape while riding a camel.

Jameos del Agua

There’s more to these caves than meets the eyes, as it has been turned into into an underground complex, with a swimming pool, auditorium, restaurants, and gardens that have been designed to complement the natural look of the surrounding caves.

Lanzarote Aquarium

Get up close and personal with the sea life of the Canary Islands in this large, interactive aquarium. You can really close with many of the species, like the warm water sharks, in the aquarium’s three touching pool.

Castillo de San Jose

Now it has been turned into a modern art gallery and restaurant with beautiful views of the harbour, but this fortress has an intriguing history, having been originally built to help protect the island from pirate attacks in 1799.

There is a tendency to be more natural developments with enhanced privacy, for many Lanzarote hotels and villas. In fact, many offer such superb surroundings and facilities that guests often decide not to leave their resorts at all and opt for the comfort and convenience of an all inclusive hotel package.