February 29, 2012

Things You Got to Know Before Holidaying in East Yorkshire

East Yorkshire is home to some of the most pleasant scenery in the northern parts of England - and it shares an ideal mixture of beaches, cliffs and National Park land, perfect for outdoor-loving families. Locate yourself near to Skipsea and York and you'll get the best of all worlds with your towns and cities too: plenty to see, do and buy in bustling York; and a step back in time with the glorious rural village of Skipsea.
Staying in holiday homes in the area is the perfect way to see and do things. Visit the holiday parks just outside Skipsea and York and you'll find that your holiday home is an integral part of the stunning landscape - a wonderful oasis from which to explore the heather moors, seaside cliffs and cobbled towns of East Yorkshire.
Even better than staying in, of course, is owning. If you've already fallen in love with the moors, dales and coves of the coast, then buying a holiday home and subletting it could be an ideal way for you and your family to make a real second home in the place you all enjoy so much.
It's not so hard to get hold of holiday homes, when you go to the parks around Skipsea and York. You'll find easily affordable financing options waiting for you: and with a subletting agreement implicit on behalf of the park you buy the home from, you can even fund part of its cost by letting other people stay in it.
East Yorkshire certainly contains enough to make buying a holiday home and turning the area into your bolt hole a good idea. For natural beauty alone, you're spoiled into year's worth of visits - and don't forget, of course, that when you own your holiday homes you also get to marvel at the beauty of the changing seasons.
The historic city of York is packed with bars, restaurants and quaint cobbled streets - and of course York Minster, the beautiful cathedral at the heart of the city. Close at hand, too, is the population centre of Scarborough, which - in addition to its genuine seaside attractions, wonderful old seafront streets and arcades - is home to some of the best surfing in the United Kingdom. If you fancy hanging ten or learning to carve like a true ripper, then owning holiday homes in the area gives you the perfect base of operations.
With animal parks; a Sea Life Centre; and even the incredible John Bull World of Rock (everything you ever wanted to know about that uniquely British sweet!) just down the road, holiday home owners in the area will never be short of things to show the kids when they've had enough of running around on the beach. And once the day is done, there are bars, owner's only events and excellent entertainments on hand at the parks on which those holiday homes are situated.
Melissa Caldwell is a travel writer with 10 years experience in the UK travel industry. If you've been considering caravans for sale in East Yorkshire as your future holiday retreat, visit the Far Grange Park Holiday Park website for more information about buying a caravan.
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February 27, 2012

Know More About The Disney Vacation Homes And Condos

Have you ever considered staying in Disney condos or Disney vacations homes when you visit Orlando and the parks? If you have not, you must add the option of a condo or villa to your Disney trip planning. By picking Disney condos or Kissimmee Homes from one of the many sites offering deals on vacation villas in the southern Orlando area, you could save cash and enjoy the spacious homely feel of a villa or condo versus the more cramped room of a hotel room option.
Saving money is not the only reason to pick a condo or villa when preparing your Disney trip from one of the many on-line websites offering amazing offers on condos and villas. Imagine being at the parks all day long in the heat of summer season. In case if you have chosen a hotel as your lodging option, you will return to a crowded public pool with lots of other tired, hot tourists. If you choose a villa as your Disney vacations homes choice, you can return back to a private pool and cabana and cool off with a enjoying fall in peace and quiet.
Because the Kissimmee Homes and Disney condos are within just few minutes of the parks, you can return back to the villa or condo to take a nap, to do laundry or just to take a quiet break away from the hub-bub of the parks. With the average Orlando hotel room around 400 square feet, a family could become cramped and uncomfortable after just a short stay. Choosing Disney vacations homes or Disney condos provides your family the space and capacity to spread out and loosen up.
Because of the proximity to the parks, you wouldn't have a long stint in traffic when leaving the parks after a long day of fun. Choosing the right on-line business to assist you find your ideal villa or condo in the Orlando area is crucial. When you choose the right website, you can save money and have a great trip in your Kissimmee Homes or Disney condos. The magic that you feel in the Disney parks could be yours at the end of the day while you return to a villa or condo minutes from the parks that makes you feel at home while still keeping Disney close by. Examine your lodging needs today and find a web site providing you the best deal on Disney vacations homes or Disney condos to find your very own magic price and stay in Orlando.
Planning for a wonderful vacation to Disney? Looking for a Disney Vacations Homes? Then here is an awesome resource which lets you to find the best deals on Disney Vacations Homes, Kissimmee Vacation Homes and Disney Condos. Visit http://www.dwvacationhomes.com/ for more information.
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February 26, 2012

Your Own Family Holiday Home on the Llyn Peninsula - If Only for a Week or Two

Are you looking to revitalise body and mind? Do you want the freedom to choose between dining out or preparing your own food and relaxing in your own holiday home, if only just for a week or two? The Llyn Peninsula in North Wales offers you just that with a wealth of outdoor pursuits and peaceful and relaxing places to stay. The Llyn Peninsula has a wide choice of self catering holiday homes to meet most pockets from traditional Welsh cottages and farm houses to luxury holiday homes within walking distance of the beach. You may even find some with their own beach hut.
Awaiting you on the the Llyn peninsula is a wealth of pastimes catering for both the active and more relaxed holiday. The peninsula, an area of outstanding natural beauty, is home to outstanding beaches most of whish are accessable by the coastal path. The coastal path leads along the rocky northern coastline, and sandy beaches, past a natural rock arch in the sea to Tudweiliog and Aberdaron with wonderful views of Bardsey Island, past home to the King of Bardsey. From Saint Marys Well you can see the daring route taken across Bardey sound by the pilgrims on route to Bardsey Island. The path winds up the southern peninsula, past the surfing beaches of Porth Neigwl and Porth Ceiriad, to the vibrant village of Abersoch which offers a more vibrant scene with numerous fine restaurants with the picturesque villages of Aberdaron, Tudweiliog and Morfa Nefyn offering a more relaxed atmosphere still with easy access to extensive beaches and good food.
Compared with the Snowdonia mountains Garn Fadryn, lying near the heart of the Llyn, offers a more gentle but still stimulating walk to the summit. The 360 degree views around the Llyn Peninsula with sights of the Snowdonia mountains are amazing. Foel Gron, a rounded hill lying to the west of the Mynytho, provides a more gentle climb and superb views over Abersoch, St. Tudwal's Islands and Porth Neigwl (Hell's Mouth).
The Llyn Penisula is a watersports mecca with the town of Pwllheli hosting a number of international sailing events and providing modern marina facilities. Great surfing is to be had at Porth Ceiriad, Porth Neigwl and Whistling Sands to name a few. Abersoch is host to the annual wakeboarding competition Wakestock, Europes largest wakeboarding music festival, attracting wake boarders from around the world to compete during the day and party into the early hours.
Perhaps you would like to just relax on the beach and bask in the local micro-climate. The southern beaches of the Lyn are often referred to as the Welsh Riveria helped by the warm air from the gulf stream whilst the beaches on the north coast offer some of the most stunning sun sets you will see.
Whatever your desires come and stay on the Llyn Peninsula and enjoy.
Find a place to stay
Abersoch Cottages promote self catering accommodation on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales

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February 24, 2012

Renting Out Your Vacation House - Vacation Rental Websites Vs Free Classified Ads

If you're a homeowner looking to rent out your vacation house, there are several ways to go about spreading the word. In order to have your vacation home solidly booked throughout the year, you need to reach the widest audience possible. Thanks to the internet, reaching the widest audience possible looking for your offer isn't that hard at all. We will cover the pros and cons of some very inexpensive and cost effective ways of advertising to successfully renting out your vacation rental house, condo or villa.
Free Classified Ads. Posting free classified ads is one of the simplest ways of getting prospect tenants to find out about your vacation house, condo or villa. The most popular sites are Craigslist, Backpage and Kijiji. Go to one or all of these sites and provide some nice photos of your vacation house that you are wanting to rent out. Write a warm, fun detailed description about your vacation house, why it's unique and include any nearby amenities. Go above and beyond, take it a step further and make a short YouTube video walk-through of your vacation house and include the web address or link to the YouTube video somewhere in your free classified ad. That will surely increase your chances of getting responses from potential renters. Millions of people visit the Craigslist, BackPage and Kijiji websites in search of deals and offers for vacation houses to rent out. Millions of people also visit these websites looking to post their free classifieds and offers. The upside is that they get tons of visitors daily and it's free. The downside is since it is free to post ads, many people will also be posting eventually pushing your ad down the list. You want your listing to appear on the first page of your respective category. The best free way to do that is by checking back every couple of days (if you have not yet received any leads) and re-posting your ad. Unless you opt in for one their paid options, your vacation rental listing will get pushed so far down the list, any prospective tenants will never know your vacation rental home even exists. And there are no guarantees.
Vacation Rental Websites. These are websites specifically catered to vacation rental homeowners such as yourself and property managers. For a small fee they will handle all of the marketing and advertising professionally complete with an online booking calendar. Your task is simplified. All you have to do is provide detailed descriptions, photos, availability, a list of amenities and attractions near your vacation rental house, condo or villa. Once it is verified, just sit back and wait for the emails and calls to come in from potential renters. The most popular vacation rental websites that turn up when doing a Google search (which is what you want to increase your visibility to potential renters) are HomeAway and VRWD (Vacation Rentals Web Directory). HomeAway consists of ten vacation rental websites globally. Three of which are North American: HomeAway.com, VacationRentalsByOwner and VacationRentals.com. As for VRWD they consist of a total of six online vacation rental websites: VRWD.com, TrustedVacationRentals.org, VerifiedVacationRentals.org, VacationRentalsWebDirectory.com, Holiday-Rentals-Directory.com and Vacation-Homes-Network.com. On average these receive around 3 million unique visitors monthly. HomeAway and VRWD are industry leaders when it comes to vacation rentals. They are so confident in their services that they guarantee you will get a booking. If not, you get a full refund or can choose to book again the following year at no cost. Choosing to list your vacation rental house, condo or villa on a vacation rental website is not free, however the plus side is you get increased visibility and organized bookings. Save yourself the hassle of marketing and advertising. You will reach a larger targeted audience. Your listing is much more trusted by renters since it is verified by each website before your listing is added. And you get a risk free guarantee.
There you have it! Those are two of the most effective options to choose from when deciding on how you want to market your vacation rental property. Free classified ads on Craigslist, Backpage and Kijiji or, paid listings on HomeAway and VRWD directories. Whichever one you choose is totally up to you. Either way, best of luck in successfully renting out your vacation house!
About the author: Marc de Guzman is the owner of vacationhouseflorida.net.
If you found this article helpful or useful, you can find more articles on finding and listing a vacation house, condo or villa, luxury and discount vacations, cheap flights and hotel deals at http://www.vacationhouseflorida.net/.

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February 23, 2012

Make the Most Money From Your Vacation Home Rental - Tips From a Homeowner

In two months we've booked out our Palm Springs vacation rental home for almost $20,000. These bookings are largely during the summer months which is the slow season when no one expects to be busy. Would you like to do the same with your second home? A few tips to help you on your way.
(1) Manage it yourself. We originally contracted with a small vacation rental property team...until we found the owner stayed in our property when it was vacant. By cutting out the middle man and doing it all ourselves, we took back 20-25% of the booking revenue as well as drive much higher traffic to our property than we'd receive from a large property management team.
(2) Do everything online. We created a merchant account and use a new site called website called Owners Reservations for all of our quote creations and bookings.
(3) Accept credit cards. Hotels are your competition so you must be as flexible. We accept all credit cards and for the security deposit we do a $1000 credit card authorization as opposed to requiring someone to send us a check for a deposit. We also don't charge guests the credit card transaction fee. To us, that is the cost of doing business.
(4) Advertise, advertise, advertise. There are several great websites focused on the Home Rental Market and we get many inquiries from all of them. We advertise on HomeAway, Vacation Rentals By Owner, FlipKey, VacationHomeRentals, and Craigslist. Make sure you have all important information but maintain brevity - while your second home renovation may have been your work of love, no one wants to read all the details. Use the calendar so that prospective guests can see when you are open and occasionally utilize the Special Deal option (Typically $20 a week on HomeAway as an example) to promote a special of
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February 22, 2012

Pros and Cons of Owning a Vacation Home

A vacation home is a second home as a supplement to your permanent home. As an owner of two vacation houses I can introduce you to a number of aspects that will help you getting your dream vacation real estate with lasting pleasure for yourself and your family. In fact when you read this easy list you will also get an impression of the pros and cons of owning an extra home for vacation.
Some of the same aspects of buying a vacation home are exactly the same as for buying a permanent home.
Price and running expenses of the vacation home
For most of us the price when we buy a home and the costs through the year are obvious and important limitations to take into account. Make sure to think through what you can afford now and what you can afford when you retire if that is in the horizon.
The most important aspect of a vacation house
If you ask a real estate dealer about the three most important aspects when you are searching for a new house he will say: 1. Location, 2. Location and 3. Location.
Think through what will that mean for you. When you get a home for vacation you might be able to improve it and make it bigger and better. But you cannot change the location for the same house or vacation flat.
Many will summarise it in the way that it is smarter to buy a not so super vacation home in a super nice location - than the opposite.
The style of the vacation home
As we already have 9 grandchildren from our four children we gave a high priority to our vacation houses that could accommodate everybody. Not in a luxury way but in a functional way. Other couples might be more focussed on having a more luxurious living space for themselves and say two friends on overnight stay or the like.
Other families might be more focussed on finding a rather simple and basic accommodation that is not demanding in anyway but which might have a rustic appearance.
Facilities at the vacation home
If you go for a vacation house far away from other people the facilities in the house might be quite simple and primitive. You might not even have running water and toilet facilities.
In such a place it will also be a challenge to get help from professionals when you need repair and service. On the other hand such a house might be rather cheap to buy.
How often will you or family members use the vacation home?
Be realistic and calculate how often you and your family would actually be able to make use of it when you think of your checklist for reflections before you buy an extra home for your leasure time. A vacation house or other vacation home must not develop to be a burden in daily life. Difficulties and expenses going there should be a part of your calculation, but also your ideas of alternatives like going abroad on vacation.
Can you make use of the vacation home in the way you want?
Finally you should think over and discuss in the family which kind of activities you want to have as options when you search for a vacation house or flat. Some families are very focussed on skiing, others on swimming and sun bathing on a beach, others on wildlife experience and others again on hunting. If you have teenage children ask them what could attract them and expect to let them bring a classmate or other guest with them when staying on vacation.
Summing up the pros and cons of owning a vacation home
Pros of a vacation home
You will have the ability to escape from your daily duties and exchange your home environment with something different that might reduce stress and improve your feeling of being on vacation.
Often you will combine your trips to your sparetime home with social activities like inviting friends and family members. Your guests will often think back of such visits with much more satisfaction and pleasure compared to normal social gatherings in your permanent home.
Your children will get a wider horizon by being familiar with another location than their daily surroundings.
Cons of a vacation home
A vacation home is an extra burden in economy and daily management.
It might limit your access to travel to new places and to experience unfamiliar sightings and cultures.
It might generate some discussions in the family when to go and when not to go. You might experience clashes between your dreams of going to your vacation place and to fulfil expectations to stay home and be involved with other activities, e.g. birthday parties of friends etc.
And finally it will not be possible to be sure when you can sell your vacation home in time to a decent price.
See more on http://www.islandvacationtips.com/ concerning the special attraction of islands and http://www.denmark-danmark.com/ about alternative vacations in Europe. Soren Breiting is a Dane with a vacation house in a small Danish island and another vacation house in the forest in Sweden, both places very popular with friends and family, and with great opportunities for nature experience and outdoor activities like swimming, hiking and bird watching.
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February 21, 2012

Top 5 Attractions in Northumberland

Owning holiday homes in Northumberland gives you access to an excellent range of things to see and do. Here's our own holiday shortlist of the top five attractions in the area.
1: Hadrian's Wall. One of the UK's most famous monuments, still winding its way across the divide between England and Scotland, Hadrian's Wall is a must see for every visitor to the area. You can still imagine the Roman soldiers patrolling the Wall at night, their torches flickering in the moonlight... Described by USA Today as "Better than Stonehenge", and one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites (putting it up there with the Great Barrier Reef and Yellowstone), Hadrian's Wall is Northumberland's premier attraction.
2: Owning holiday homes in Northumberland puts you within striking distance of a number of historic sites - including the Holy Isle of Lindisfarne. Made famous by the pilgrims who trekked to it hundreds of years ago, the Isle of Lindisfarne is seen as one of the founding locations of English Christianity. The Lindisfarne Gospels, gorgeously illustrated versions of Mark, Luke and John, were created here. These days, visitors flock to the Isle for its great pubs and freshly caught shellfish as much as the church.
3: If you own holiday homes in Northumberland you get the benefits of seeing the county at every stage of its year. Some of the environmental attractions in and around Berwick-upon-Tweed are reason enough to come back again and again - including the famous Kielder Water and Forest. Kielder Water itself is a huge manmade lake, with ample sailing: the real natural attraction here is the Forest, the largest in England. Exploring its trails on foot or by bike, outdoor loving families can spend weeks just coming back to Kielder.
4: History buffs and kids alike will love a visit to Hexham Old Gaol - the oldest purpose built prison in England. 500 years of crime and punishment have left their mark on Hexham Old Gaol, which now contains state of the art displays and interactive learning stations. Transport yourself back to the violent years of medieval Northumberland and go on your own time travelling adventure inside the thick walls of the prison.
Drop down to dungeon level in a glass lift - and experience the true terror of a Reiver raid in stunning high definition audio visual.
5: Holiday homes in Northumberland give visitors the chance to explore some of the country's finest stately homes. The pick of the bunch has to be the incredible Seaton Delavel, whose monumental facade spreads a gorgeous yellow stone face to meet visitors as they walk up the sweeping drive. One of the greatest examples of 18th century British architecture, Seaton Delavel offers parking facilities, and has both a tea room and a designated picnic area. Seaton Delavel accepts groups though booking in advance, with definite numbers, is essential. Families don't need to book.
Melissa Caldwell is a travel writer with 10 years experience in the UK travel industry. If you've been considering caravans for sale in Northumberland as your future holiday retreat, visit the Haggerston Castle website for more information about buying a caravan.

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February 20, 2012

Top 6 Tips on Finding the Perfect Holiday Accommodation in Berwick-Upon-Tweed

Looking for caravans in Berwick-upon-Tweed? Follow our 6 essential tips and your Northumberland holiday could turn into a regular experience!
1: Buy a caravan. Owning a holiday home in the area gives you access to secure private facilities and means you have a place to enjoy family holidays in for years. In a few years the money you spend on a holiday home starts to pay itself back, as you no longer have to fork out high season prices for your holidays.
2: Sublet. When you own caravans in the Berwick-upon-Tweed holiday parks, you can sublet to non owning families and use the income to pay your annual fees. Park owners sort everything out on your behalf and take a cut, you get the rest.
3: Make sure you buy a caravn on a holiday park that has the right amenities. You'll find that the parks in the area are able to offer security, refuse collection and ground maintenance. You should also find that park owners are willing to include linen cleaning for you whenever you sublet your caravans to non owning families.
4: Look for Berwick-upon-Tweed caravan parks that offer entertainment. You'll find everything in the holiday parks in Northumberland - from adventure sports activities and onsite swimming complexes, to evening entertainment, restaurants and bars. Your park should be able to provide entertainment for adults and children: and will have a good range of choice for eating too. Typical benefits when you buy a caravan on one of the area's parks include an onsite bar and grill, usually with a concession for a nationally famous fast food supplier; a fish and chip shop; and a nightclub.
5: Look for owner privileges that really give you something. When you buy caravans in Berwick-upon-Tweed, you'll be offered access to some amazing owner benefits. An Owners Exclusive club can give you private access to a member's only gym, health suite and spa; plus you'll get invited to Experience Days arranged by the park. During the summer months frequent owner's only barbecues and social events help to cement the social life you've joined: and an owner's only clubhouse means you get to while away the relaxing hours of your stay with friends and neighbours.
6: Choose somewhere that works for the kids. When you buy a caravan in Northumberland, you can get access to all sorts of child specific benefits, all of which make your own stay a lot more pleasant and a lot less stressful. During summer months, the parks run kids clubs segregated into appropriate age groups. Your children will be led by a qualified supervisor, who works as part of a kids team to ensure that every day is full of fun activities. Ranging from sports to creative projects, there's something for every child to get stuck into - and it all means the parents don't have to worry.
Melissa Caldwell is a travel writer with 10 years experience in the UK travel industry. If you've been considering caravans for sale in Northumberland as your future holiday retreat, visit the Haggerston Castle website for more information about buying a caravan.
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February 19, 2012

Rental Agreement Form For Having Fun During Holidays

If your family members want to go on a holiday, then the first thing that strikes your mind is if you will be able to pay for all the charges that are needed for going on a holiday. Is your financial condition so strong that you can manage everything in a perfect way? If your answer is no, then you should find out some alternative ways by which you can take your family on a holiday. The first alternative that you can use is you can stay in a villa or a house for the purpose of holidaymaking.
If you think it will look odd, I must tell you that these days large numbers of people prefer staying in these kinds of villas. The environment and the design of the villas are such that you will not feel uncomfortable during your stay. An important thing that should be kept in mind while you stay in these villas is to sign a vacation agreement form.
These types of rented houses and villas are available at affordable costs. You will not have to pay other bills like taxes, laundry bills etc., unlike the hotels. There are many people who do not like to stay in hotels as they do not get a high level of freedom, so if you also want to stay in the rented villas or houses it will be perfect for you. Most of the people get fed up with the ins and outs of formalities in the hotels, but there are no such formalities in these kinds of rented villas or houses. In these types of villas you and your family can enjoy freely. You do not have to follow the rules and policies of hotels and can stay in a peaceful surrounding.
No hotels allow you to cook during your stay there. If you are interested in cooking, then you can enjoy doing it in these types of villas. If you want, you can also help your wife in cooking, which will make your wife feel happy and special. If you have gone with a large number of people, then staying in a hotel will not give you a feeling of togetherness, but on the other hand if all of you stay together in these kinds of villas, then you will enjoy more. If you are planning to spend your holidays in such kinds of villas, then the first thing that you should do is to contact a property dealer.
Byron Jonas recommends getting a good luxury accommodation for you and your family for the holidays. He thinks living in the right apartment can be a rejuvenating experience worth looking forward to.

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February 18, 2012

Top 6 Places to Visit During Your Holidays in Dorset

Holidaying in Dorset gives you access to some of the most stunning coastal areas in the United Kingdom. Poole and its surrounding area is home to glorious sweeping bays, some of which are still littered with the fossils that have been falling out of shale cliffs since time immemorial. The town itself is "twinned" with Bournemouth (insofar as the two seaside centres are just down the road from each other) and offers ideal family holiday territory, full of all the classic British seaside entertainments.
Owning holiday homes in the area gives you an advantage that most holidaymakers don't have: the ability to come to Dorset whenever you want, to stay for as long as you want, and to get to know the coves and beaches of the area like the back of your hand. When you make an investment in a holiday home you'll have all the time in the world to see the sights and take in those special places. Our favourite six have been listed here to give you a head start.
1: Durdle Door. No holiday in and around Poole is complete without heading down the coast to the legendary Lulworth Cove, a perfect horseshoe shaped cove that includes world famous Durdle Door - a naturally created rock archway that stands proudly in the sea.
2: Owning holiday homes in and around the Dorset town of Bournemouth gives you plenty of time to take advantage of some great water sports. Why not add surfing to your quiver of active hobbies - and try Europe's first ever artificial reef, off Boscombe Pier?
3: Lulworth Castle. When you make your way out to the Cove, take a stop at Lulworth Castle. It's in beautiful repair and makes the perfect start to a great day out. Don't forget to take your fossil hammer with you - then you can step even further back in time and winkle a few ammonites out from the rocks!
4: Bournemouth. Just down the road from Poole and every bit as enjoyable, Bournemouth boasts award winning gardens, a wonderful selection of beaches and more than one pier. You'll find the atmosphere and entertainment in this classic seaside town perfect for all the family, from morning until nightfall.
5: When you invest in holiday homes in the Dorset area, you get to start taking advantage of the "other" other parts of the county - i.e. the bits away from the sea. Take the kids out to Adventure Wonderland and dare them to try the Wild Thing play centre!
6: Bridport. One of the gateways to the Jurassic Coast, Bridport is a colourful, thriving market town with a strong literary and artistic connection. Wander in the markets every Wednesday and Saturday. If you're down on the 2nd Saturday in the month you can take advantage of the Farmer's Market to ensure that your holiday homes are properly stocked with the delicious food and drink that is produced in the area.
Melissa Caldwell is a travel writer with 10 years experience in the UK travel industry. If you've been considering caravans for sale in Dorset as your future holiday retreat, visit the Rockley Park Holiday Park website for more information about buying a caravan.
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February 17, 2012

Live on Olive Coast

A haven for package holiday-loving Brits, Majorca is often dismissed as nothing more than a hot spot for knotted hankies and News Of The World. Not so, enthusiast Lucia Graves, daughter of the poet Robert Graves, who spent her childhood in the beautiful village of Deia on the northeast of the island. This month sees the paperback release of her first book A Woman Unknown, Voices From A Spanish Life; the story of her life, interwoven against the rich and inspired landscape of Deia. In our guest feature, Lucia convinces us that, contrary to popular belief, Majorca isn't just straight out of a brochure.
Between the mountains and the sea
Somewhere in the middle of a high mountain range on the north-west coast of Majorca is a village of pale brown stone houses, clustered round a small hill. On the top of the hill, overlooking the Mediterranean, stand the Church of St John the Baptist and the graveyard; at its foot, level with the main road, is the Town Hall. Olive groves surround the village and the occasional tall palm tree lends it an exotic air.
Even after all these years, the first sight of Deia as you approach it from Palma still impresses me. After driving through a landscape of olive groves and oak woods, with only a few glimpses of the blue sea in the distance, you come round a wide corner and are suddenly confronted with a full view of the Mediterranean, its jagged coast of white and grey rocks stretching northwards. A moment later, you are driving down into the wide valley of Deia, crowned by the rocky heights of the Teix, a 3000ft-high ridge, whose brooding presence over the valley prevents the sun from reaching the houses until late morning. The valley is patterned throughout by endless lines of olive terraces - built by the Arabs who ruled the island between the 10th and the 13th centuries - and as you get closer, orange and lemon groves become visible. Here and there, near the village or in its outskirts, large old farmhouses, more like country mansions, stand out like oases against the pale olive groves. One of these is now the well-known luxury hotel, La Residencia.
Off the tourist track
Deia was, of course, a perfect place to grow up in, especially in the quiet days before tourism, when the fisherman's cove was deserted and there were no cars on the road. Peasants ploughed their land with mules and the fishwife walked up from the cove with her basket of brightly coloured fish, blowing a conch to announce her arrival in the village square. Olives were picked and turned into thick, golden oil, and large flocks of sheep roamed around the mountainside. Village life was ruled entirely by agricultural cycles, as it had been for centuries, and nothing seemed to stir its peace.
The sudden arrival of tourism in the early Sixties changed all that. Since then, there has been a steady increase in visitors, and numerous foreigners (mainly artists, writers and media professionals) have taken up residence in the village, or have made it their second home; the villagers have abandoned the ploughs and the olive picking to make a better living through the tourist trade. But its rocky coast and mountainous terrain have saved it from becoming a popular resort, like the over-developed ones that abound on other coastal areas of Majorca, and strict building regulations have managed to keep its ancient look almost intact.
Wanderings
The Cala, a small pebbly cove, can now be reached by car and you can enjoy fresh fish, salads or a delicious potato omelette in either of its two restaurants. But in the summer the beach tends to get very crowded during the day, and I prefer to go down early, at sunrise, when the only other visitors are two cormorants who breakfast on the small fish by the shore. On a calm summer's day it is an unforgettable experience to explore the coast on either side of the small harbour, by boat or dinghy, and observe the curious shapes of the rocks, the changing colours of the sea, the pink or purple of the reefs.
There are some fascinating walks too - you can pick up useful guidebooks in the main village shop, but don't attempt to climb the Teix without an experienced local guide. One of my favourite excursions is the short walk through the pine woods above the Cala, at the end of which stands a 17th century look-out tower, a round, sturdy, military construction, from which the watchmen would scan the sea and the coast for the sight of approaching Berber pirates. Another is the long but relatively easy walk following the old mule-track to Soller, high above the main road, with the reward of fantastic views and perhaps some tasty tapas when you finally arrive at Soller square.
Fiesta culture
But Deia has its own thriving caf and restaurant life, and there is always an exhibition at one of the galleries, to channel the works of its resident artists. A music festival runs throughout the summer with concerts in a palatial country house overlooking the coast, from which you can watch the sun setting in the sea as you listen to the music.
Of the local fiestas that mark the religious calendar, my favourite is the Three Kings, on 5 January, when from the churchyard you suddenly catch sight of three rows of pink flares making their way down the dark mountainside and a while later the three Magi and their attendants, all in colourful garb, lead the procession up to the Church, carrying presents for the village children. Or the bonfires lit on the Eve of Saint Anthony, 16 January, when bread and local sausages are toasted and eaten with a glass of good Majorcan red wine.
Sometimes, when I am walking back home in the moonlight and can see the olive groves in the distance bathed in pale light, or when I sit out on the terrace, watching the mountains turn pink in the sunset, I feel I am back in the quiet days of my childhood. Nothing, on the surface, appears to have changed.
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February 16, 2012

Owning a Property in Cyprus

The third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean is home to some of the unseen wonders. Cyprus invites tourists and would-be settlers with its warm climate and beautiful landscapes. No wonder it has become the most popular tourist destination in the Mediterranean. There are six known regions: Famagusta, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, and Paphos. Besides tourism, property development has become popular too. Any visitor may check out a Cyprus property for sale if they consider owning a property or settling in the pleasant island.
With the increasing influx of tourists and migrants, the population has nearly doubled in 50 years. There were 570,000 people in 1960. The figures rose to around 1.1 million in 2010. In 2006, more than 27,000 of people in Northern Cyprus were from Turkey, while nearly 2,500 were from United Kingdom. There were also a little over nine hundred citizens originally from Bulgaria. A growing number of people in Cyprus have either or both parents born in Turkey.
As the demand for properties grew, so did the cost of properties. In fact, popular destinations in Cyprus are much more expensive today than they once were. Many areas are now being developed to attract foreign property buyers.
Significant economic sectors are tourism, financial services, and shipping. Lack of private and public investment affects the economy to some extent. Other factors that limit economic growth are high shipment costs and lack of skilled workforce. Nevertheless, growth in the tourism industry is considered a significant boon in the economy. One area where the tourism industry sees an advantage is Paphos. The property rental and sale market in general has seen a boost.
Every Cyprus property for sale is being developed to attract potential buyers. Investors are looking at properties along the shores in every district of Cyprus. Properties can become transformed to homes or resorts. Most buyers are after properties that are near the sea, and spots that provide perfect views of the Mediterranean are popular. Paphos property, for instance, may be in form of an apartment or a luxury villa. There are lots of townhouses and villas in both urban and rural areas. Vacation houses can be rented or bought.
Old houses may also be renovated to invite tourists. Those within quiet villages that are near the main cities and towns are popular among foreign buyers. It has been noticeable that prices of properties are increasing, and cheap properties are becoming scarce. Many of the most beautiful areas have already been bought and developed. However, some investors are willing to spend big to develop rundown properties.
Generally, property buyers are after houses where they could live temporarily for holidays or permanently after retirement. Only a few buyers actually obtain properties for pure investment purposes.
The most sought-after properties in Cyprus are those in Paphos, the fastest growing town in the island where the options for luxury properties are extensive. Properties along beaches and beside golf courses are popular. Buyers prefer the natural feel, and Paphos just offers that rural setting favored by many. This rural spot provides a blend of tradition and contemporary lifestyle. It is not hard to spot people from UK living in a Paphos property. After all, there is relatively high density of British residents in Paphos and adjacent areas.
For more information about Cyprus property for sale and Paphos property visit our website justsellcyprus.com

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February 15, 2012

Why Should You Choose Accommodation In Merricks This Summer?

The small township of Merricks is located on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. The population of the town grows significantly during the summer, with many people moving into holiday houses and other accommodation on the coast. The accommodation choices and attractions in Merricks and the surrounding areas are truly unique, ranging from natural wonders and rustic cottages to sophisticated culinary adventures and state of the art apartments.
Mornington Peninsula Food and Wine Tour: The Mornington Peninsula food and wine tour travels through the Mornington Peninsula wine region, tasting some of the state's best wines and culinary delicacies. Whether you choose to the join full day tour from the point of your accommodation, just visit a couple of wineries and restaurants in the Merricks region, or stay in your choice of accommodation for longer to gain a full appreciation of the region, you are sure to find some pleasing morsels in Merricks. The first stop on the tour is the small, family owned Tangle-wood Estate in Merricks North, close by to many accommodation options.
Hinterland Winery Explorer Walk: Taking accommodation in Merricks will give you the chance to savour many breathtaking views and natural wonders. Why not make the best of the stunning environment and take a fourteen kilometre walking tour that leaves from your accommodation in Merricks, leads to Red Hill and then back to the Merricks Township. The walk takes in the best of the bushland surrounding the accommodation in Merricks, as well as beautifully cultivated farm land, vine yards and horse studs. The tour is led by an experienced guide who will answer any questions and take you to the most beautiful spots.
Shopping in Merricks: Your accommodation in Merricks can also serve as the perfect country location for a leisurely shopping holiday this summer. The region offers a range of shopping experiences, from original boutiques, to antiques sourced directly from the region and fresh food markets full of delectable delights. Merricks is a hot spot for locally produced craft and has a vibrant artisan culture, making it the perfect place to find that unique knick knack you didn't even know you were looking for. Die-hard collectors may want to choose accommodation close to Tyabb Packing House, proudly holding the title of Australia's largest antique centre, with over two acres of antiques to choose from.
Merricks offers attraction to excite every holiday maker, from the foodie, to the nature lover and the shopping addict. Make the most of your summer and choose accommodation in the scenic town of Merricks!
Now you have many reasons to choose Accommodation Merricks for make your holidays perfect and memorable this summer. The Cape Schanck Lighthouse is one of the best sea-coasts to enjoy the beautiful Australian coast, based in Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia.
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February 14, 2012

Learning a Few Things About Somerset

Holiday homes in Somerset are located in the heart of the West Country proper - and that means sunny days, plenty of places to visit and plenty of amazing food and drink. So what's top of the list to see and do when you own your own holiday accommodation in the area?
Let's start with the holiday parks themselves. Owning a holiday home on one of the parks in this part of the world gives you access to excellent services and plenty of extracurricular activities - so much so, in fact, that you could spend your whole holiday not even leaving the park your holiday homes are situated on, and still have an amazing time! There are sports centres, discos, owner's only lounges and kid's play areas. All the play areas are supervised by qualified staff and the homes themselves are kept immaculate when you aren't there.
If you buy a holiday home in Somerset you'll also get the chance to rent it out to other families. You can make enough money subletting your holiday home that you don't usually have to worry about the annual park fees you would otherwise be paying. Talk to the management about arranging a sublet and they'll offer you the chance to name a guaranteed figure, ensuring that your holiday homes pay for themselves.
The county is right next to the Exmoor National Park - one of the biggest and most famous in Britain. Enjoy miles of unbelievably beautiful open spaces, with heather copses and rocky plains giving way to moors and heath land. The kids will be captivated by the Exmoor ponies, which roam wild on the edges of Somerset, crossing Exmoor in pretty little herds.
Holiday homes and parks in the area are perfectly located for a great British day trip. Get yourself and the family down to spooky Wookey Hole, a natural set of caves that are reputed to be the home of Britain's last remaining Wookey witch! Or how about a trip to nearby Cheddar Gorge, a breathtaking natural cleft near the legendary cheese making town of Cheddar?
Slightly further afield, but still only a short trip in the car, Bath and Bristol offer cosmopolitan charm and a plethora of bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants. Take the kids to see a play and op the afternoon off with a meal.
Holiday homes give you the ability to explore Somerset and its environs whenever you want. If you box clever with holiday dates (all you have to do is give the management a calendar of dates when your home is available for subletting and when it isn't) you'll be able to enjoy all the best weather at all the quietest times, while the families that don't own their own bolt holes have to come down when the region is jammed with tourists.
Off season holidaying can be an absolute pleasure. Enjoy a long warm Somerset autumn in your holiday homes while the majority of people have gone back to work...
Melissa Caldwell is a travel writer with 10 years experience in the UK travel industry. If you've been considering caravans for sale in Somerset as your future holiday retreat, visit the Doniford Bay Holiday Park website for more information about buying a caravan.

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February 13, 2012

Tips for Buying a Property in Croatia

Located in the South-eastern Europe between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia, Croatia has one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, as well as a rich culture that was a result of a fourteen century-long history. No wonder, millions of tourists flock in this country every year just to witness its interior beauty, and prompted the National Geographic Adventure Magazine to name Croatia as Destination of the Year in 2006. This is also the reason why more and more non-Croat are finding Croatia a wonderful and friendly place to invest for a house or apartment and making it their second home.
If you are thinking about buying a property in Croatia, it's best to equip yourself with a few important things before jumping on board. Below are some tips you must consider to avoid risking your investment:
Have a location in mind. Croatia has several regions and knowing where you plan to buy a property is as important as checking out how convenient and affordable the place it. Are you planning to buy a property in Istria, a peninsula with notable interests? Or perhaps in the Dalmatia region? Having a location in mind is a great way to begin your property search.
Be specific with what you need. Once you have chosen the location, the next important thing to identify is the kind of property you're looking for. Are you interested in buying an apartment or a villa? Villas in Istria particularly allow you to enjoy fantastic views of Italy and the Alps. Further inland, there are apartments that have great views of superb beaches and acres of lush vineyards.
Do your research. Nothing beats a thorough research. The more information you know about the specific region you're eying the better your chances for locating precisely what you need. Likewise, checking out the various regions in Croatia gives you details about what you can expect from regions like Istria, Dalmatia, Kvarner, and so forth.
Hire the best real estate agent in Croatia. Real estate agents know where the best deals are. They know which properties are within your budget. Hiring the best real estate agent you can afford in Croatia could help you with your purchase. A word of caution though, make sure to check on the background of the real estate agent, such as the qualifications and the history of experience in dealing with real estate.
Tell your agent what you want. Once you've hired your real estate agent, be sure to inform your agent about your requirements. Explain the details to your agent so that s/he knows the type of property you're looking for, your preferred region, and your budget.
Know the rules and regulations of Croatia for non-Croat buyers. This is very important because just like other countries in the world, Croatia may have certain policies and rules for non-Croat buyers.
Of course, your real estate agent can also orient you on this; however, it's best if you can do your own research as well.
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February 12, 2012

Vacation Home Rental Tips To Consider

People almost always go straight to finding hotels when they plan their vacation. Deals and packages for vacations often include hotel rooms, which are great for these.
Just the same, plenty of hotels are less than astounding and some hotel accommodations can be downright revolting. While the cleaning staff of hotels often try to clean rooms as much as they can, they are often unable to clean each and every crevice of these rooms thoroughly as oftentimes, there are already individuals waiting in line and ready to check in.
By and large, vacationers are unaware that in the United States, there are plenty of vacation homes that can be rented out. In renting a vacation home, you will be paying much less than if you were to stay at a hotel and you get to take pleasure in the advantages of staying in a house, such as having your own kitchen.
Vacation homes are kept and maintained by their owners, and are generally rented out for a certain period of time - not like hotel rooms that get many different individuals staying in them. For this reason, vacation homes are commonly maintained, cleaned and cared for better by their owners.
Just the same, in staying at a vacation home, you get to benefit from the privacy that you get, whereas with hotel rooms, noise tends to be uncontrolled and there are times where you even hear what the people in the next room are up to. Likewise, the ideal vacation is one that does not involve having to put up with things such as these inconveniences.
Be that as it may, keep in mind that there are a few things to consider, in renting a vacation home. Usually, a contract will need to be signed, in order for insurance to cover the property of the home owner. Deposits and some such matters will also need to be made, so see to it that you read the fine print on the contract prior to leaving your signature on it. If you find anything ambiguous in the document, you may also want to consult with a professional.
You may also be able to get the home owner to lower his or her asking price. Plenty of home owners are often open to this, particularly if you intend to book your vacation off-season, and so see to it that arrangements are made a month or two ahead.
The next time you go on vacation, consider a vacation home for rent and enjoy the benefits of staying in one, instead of a hotel. Who knows? You may like staying in a vacation home so much that you may never stay at a hotel again.
Robert Tobias has been writing about vacation homes for the last 4 years. Moreover, he enjoys blogging about NYC real estate subjects, such as Bronx apartments as well as Pelham Parkway apartments.

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February 11, 2012

Where Is the Best Place to Buy a Mountain Cabin in North Carolina?

There are a lot of people who are wondering where the best place to buy a mountain cabin in North Carolina is. We all know that a vacation will never be complete if you don't have a place to stay; a place where you can have a great view of the family adventures that await you. If you are looking for the best place to buy a mountain cabin in North Carolina, then you might want to consider reading this article. Today, I will be showing some of the most popular places in North Carolina where you can buy a mountain cabin for sale in today's down real estate market.
There are dozens of places in North Carolina where you can buy a mountain cabin such as Bryson City, Cherokee, and Nantahala Lake in the famous Smoky Mountains. However, when it comes to choosing the best place to stay, different people have different preferences. Age and interests are some of the factors that may affect your choice. To say the least, there is no "best" if you are looking to buy a mountain cabin in North Carolina. All of them can offer great experiences, weather and scenery. So it really depends on the people who are going to buy it.
The Great Smoky Mountains are considered as one of the best eastern ranges to buy a mountain cabin because of the great view that it offers. There are more than 25 peaks in the Smoky Mountains that rise over 6,000 feet. The name Smoky Mountains came from the smoke-like haze that covers the area in the mornings. People who are looking for a great view and enjoy the environment will find the Great Smokey ranges as the perfect place to buy a cabin shell or vacation home. These mountains are covered with more than 40% virgin forests, and is known for its native animals, the Great Smoky Mountains can be a great place for people who want to relax.
There are some people who prefer to buy a NC mountain cabin located in Highlands city and Bryson City. These places are preferred by people who are looking for relaxation and a quiet place to spend their weekends. Highlands and Bryson City are considered as some of the best places to buy mountain property especially during the summer. Unfortunately, both cities are not that great if you are going to visit during the winter months. I can honestly say that this is not the best place to buy a mountain cabin in North Carolina, if you are looking for one during winter.
So there you have it choose what activities are important to you then choose the location based on the best fit for you and you family. No matter which city you buy a investment home in you will not regret waking up to the beautiful and majestic smoky mountains.
Contact the consultants at Fall Creek land to buy a North Carolina Mountain Cabin or if you just want some information and pricing on the best North Carolina cabins for sale in Western N.C.
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February 10, 2012

Top 7 Things to See and Do in Great Yarmouth

Buy a caravan in Norfolk and you'll be living close to Great Yarmouth - one of Britain's top seaside destinations. As you'd expect there's plenty to see and do in the town, so we've narrowed your choices down with our favourite seven. Don't worry - if you're coming to stay in your holiday caravans year round you'll find time to fit it all in!
1: The Pleasure Beach. Every seaside town worth its salt has to have one - and Great Yarmouth has one of the most charming and exciting of them all. Traditional and new rides rub shoulders in a classic mix of seaside restraint and all out mayhem - so go for your life and see who can do the most rides in one day!
2: Merrivale Model Village. When you buy a caravan in Norfolk you'll come across some weird and wonderful things - none more so than the Model Village. Perfectly crafted and set in a wonderfully landscaped garden, Merrivale Model Village is a genuine miniature universe, eerily scaled down but with every last detail attended to.
3: Amazonia. The name alone says it all - adventure and jungle excitement, right in the heart of Great Yarmouth. Owning caravans in Norfolk is about more than simply enjoying a traditional seaside town and exploring some varied countryside! Amazonia is a reptilarium - a fascinating rescue centre that houses iguanas; turtles; tortoises; geckos; spiders; insects; snakes; and lizards. For the stout hearted there's the Tarantula Tunnel...
4: Britannia Pier. Some of the best things in life are still free - like the gorgeous Victorian Britannia Pier. When you buy a caravan in the area don't overlook this delightful spot - an ideal location for an after dinner stroll, or just for an amble in the afternoon. Take in the sights and sounds and delight in the fact that places like this still exist in the United Kingdom.
5: The Hippodrome. Not so much a place to see or a thing to do as a venue that could feature any one of a hundred brilliant things. The Great Yarmouth Hippodrome is superbly situated for families owning caravans at one of Yarmouth's nearby holiday home parks. There's a stunning Summer Circus and Water Spectacular here every year. Check programme for other events and appearances.
6: The seafront. Buy a caravan in Norfolk and you'll quickly learn that one of the greatest attractions in Great Yarmouth is the whole "Golden Mile" of sand and sea that abuts the bustling town. Ample sunbathing, clean sands and plenty of traditional amusements make the Golden Mile one of the best beach locations in Britain for classic family fun.
7: Fritton Lake. Tired of the sea? Get away from it all into the welcome embrace of Fritton Lake, a glorious woodland retreat offering all sorts of outdoor activities. Enjoy boats and pedaloes plus a farm and mini golf course.
Melissa Caldwell is a travel writer with 10 years experience in the UK travel industry. If you've been considering caravans for sale in Norfolk as your future holiday retreat, visit the Seashore Holiday Park website for more information about buying a caravan.
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February 9, 2012

The Headland Villa 1, Ban Taling Ngam, Koh Samui, Thailand

The Headland Villa 1 is the perfect place for up to four guests to enjoy privacy, and exclusivity, in the beautiful Ban Taling Ngam area of the paradise island of Koh Samui.
One of six prestigious properties located on a private estate, the villa is perched on a cliff side and fronted by a spectacular infinity pool that is surrounded by lush tropical greenery and natural rock formations that give both the pool and the terrace total privacy.
The villa offers breathtaking views over to the five islands and National Marine Park. Steps lead down to a secluded beach that is perfect for swimming and soaking up the Samui sun and a spacious terrace, with gardens, to the front aspect of the property.
The property has two bedrooms. The stunning master suite, which can be opened on two sides, has crisp white décor as well as an inviting white four poster bed with white, romantic, drapes. This simplistic, but effective white styling, extends to the bathroom that has a large rainfall shower. The twin bedroom lies adjacent to the main sweet and also folds open on two sides to usher in the views. This room extends to a private garden court yard and a stylish en suite bathroom. Flowers, and supplies are replaced daily by diligent staff. Sliding wooden vanity panels can be used to separate the rooms from the garden and outdoor dining areas giving you privacy and flexibility.
The open plan living area is spacious and stylishly decorated with white and cream furnishings that compliment the ocean views and combines with a dining area and well equipped kitchen, where you can enjoy home cooked meals prepared by you, or the in house chef, depending on your requirements.
If you take the stairs to the mezzanine floor, you will discover a stylish TV room that overlooks the lounge and the ocean. This is the perfect place to relax, or put up additional overnight guests on the comfortable sofa bed.
Headland Villa 1 is located in the perfect position to enjoy the stunning tropical Koh Samui sun sets and is a peaceful mix of modern, cutting edge stylish, luxury with simplicity that blends in with the natural surroundings. While you enjoy the facilities, the Samui villa staff will ensure the villa is kept clean and tidy. They can arrange day trips, and excursions, and will ensure that all your needs are taken care for while you enjoy your Koh Samui Villa holiday.
Jonathon A Smith is the lead content writer for Phuket Property Store and Ko Samui Property.
He has written extensively on the subjects of Koh Samui Villas and Phuket Real Estate.

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February 8, 2012

The History of Lake Texoma

Any place in America with a colorful history is worth the recognition. One historical and simple area of North Texas is Lake Texoma or Texomaland. This place has become most popular for the great body of water that highlights it. The Lake itself is a very important part of Grayson County since it supplies clean and fresh water to all of its residents. It was in 1939 when the lake became so significant and the construction of the Denison Dam began. Its construction was one factor that lured many new families to acquire Lake Texoma real estate..
Its construction was authorized on June 28 1938 by the Flood Control Act. In August 1939, the spillway, dam and outlet were constructed and were completed on February 1944. During this time, the dam was known as the biggest rolled earth filled dam in the US. In March 1945, the very first hydroelectric turbine was installed and used. Another unit was installed and used on September 1949.
German prisoners were sent at a facility called North of Gainesville Camp House which was located at the shore of Lake Texoma. They were sent there to clear cut timber just below the flood line. The lake was then silent until in 1957 its water rose above its clear cut line.
Lake Texoma is one of the largest lakes in the United States and is the 12th largest COE lake. More than 6 million visitors annually come to Lake Texoma. With so many great outdoor activities it's no wonder so many people come back time after time. Coupled with the close proximity to the DFW metroplex and the size of the lake - Texoma is the ultimate getaway spot in Texas. There is boating (of course - it's an 89,000 acre lake), fishing (70 types of fish call the lake home), kayaking, hiking, skiing, great dining, fun nightlife and camping. With so many deep water areas, it is the prime spot for large cruiser boats. There are also several small islands that are only accessible by water - boaters enjoy using these for camping and boat tie-ups during the warmer months.
In the most recent years, many large developers have taken measures to acquire land that for many years was not available through the COE and the local cities. These proposed developments will quite possibly bring more than 10,000 residents to the Texoma area. The economic stability of the area is something that for years and years has lured families, investors, developers and builders to this great area. The small town feel is another great attribute this area offers.
Many people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities find themselves acquiring property in the Pottsboro, Denison or Southern Oklahoma areas, if only for weekend and vacation homes. For the full-time residents the sense of community is strong. In Pottsboro for example, the volunteers for the annual Boot Scootin' Ball are the single largest contributor to Pottsboro's volunteer fire department. There are many other groups such as the Friends of the Library that do their part to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of this little town.
If you would like to know more about the wonderful homes and land surrounding the lake a Lake Texoma Realtor can be of great help.
Lainie Ramsey, of the Homes By Lainie Team with Keller Williams Realty. Your source for all things real estate at Lake Texoma!
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February 7, 2012

Savor the Greek Experience With a Great Greek Villa

Greece is the home of a great history and a colorful mythology, but a Greek villa is the home to a great vacation and getaway. Greece is not only known to be the forbearers of an ancient civilization, Greece is also known for its spectacular geography and Mediterranean climate. One of the top destinations for holiday vacations and get away. Vacations would not be complete without a great place to stay, and great Greek villa is always available to complete the vacation of your dreams.
The Grecian Experience
Deemed as one of the must see and must go destinations in the planet, Greece offers spectacular Mediterranean sights and beaches. Greece and its islands had been at the top list of destinations for tourists around the globe. Central Macedonia, Northern Greece, Santorini, Skiathos and Thessaloniki are just some of the few great places to visit during the holidays. Aside from the sights to see and the places to be, a villa holidays completes the whole experience by providing a home with the complete Grecian feel. Plenty of Greek villa holidays in the country provide spectacular views of the metro, and even if you are inside a Greek villa to rent, you can still get a tinge of Greece from your stay. Greek villa offers a warm and home like ambience even if you are indeed miles away from home.
Island Destinations and Greek Villa
Visit to Greece wouldn't be complete without experiencing the top island destinations of the country. The island of Skiathos is one of the most popular island destinations among tourists. Villas in Skiathos host to a lot of tourists who want to enjoy the famous blue flag beaches. It is also the top destination for romantic weddings and honeymoons. The islands of Santorini, Paros, Mykonos, Naxos and Ios, to name just few amongst the tens, also cater to tourists who flock their beaches and villas. A lot of Skiathos Villas offer great sea views and a relaxing ambience provided by the surrounding pin trees and mountains. Skiathos villas to rent are just minutes away from the town where you can shop for the local products and taste the night life.
Greek villas are designed to give a relaxing feel to the tourists. Most of these are located on hillsides overlooking the sea. Aside from their location, Greek villa is also surrounded by olive trees to complete the relaxing ambience. Villas are all designed with a Mediterranean concept well suited to the Greek weather and its location by the sea. Designs are simple and adorned with simple decorations to complete the Mediterranean feel. Choosing the best villa completes the whole vacation experience. And so choose villas that offer a great view of the sea (if you are on an island destination) and make sure transportation from the villa and a nearby town is easy. Designs of villas also vary from the traditional to the modern ones; most villas in Greece are designed the traditional way. Traditional designs reflect the Greek culture and tradition, and so even if you are in a Greek villa, you get a taste of their culture.
Muriel Rammos is the owner of a Greek villa in Skiathos that she rents. She has developped her own site for the villa and her own blog on Skiathos info where she provides important information about Skiathos island for all tourists that have already visited or they intend to visit Skiathos or Greece. She also provides for good travelling and vacation rental tips. All this information is coming from her own experience as a foreigner staying in the island of Skiathos. It is therefore authentic, genuine and really useful for all visitors.

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February 6, 2012

Your Holiday Home in Cape Town - City Slicker or Beach Bum Heaven?

Wouldn't it be nice to have a holiday home in Cape Town where you will feel relaxed, settled, that could be a real home from home experience? You would want a place where you can be free to be yourself, to eat what you want, do what you want whenever you please. And you don't want to settle for less either! It should also have a superb ambiance and outlook.
To choose the right holiday home in Cape Town, you can start off by selecting the location that you think will best suit your ideal vacation. Ask yourself whether you would want to stay in a place that is near the beach so that you can smell the salty air as you step out onto your balcony to hear the crashing of the waves or would you rather stay in a more tranquil setting, perhaps the vineyards of Constantia?
Far below the Twelve Apostles Mountains, clinging to the cliff-side above the beach, the suburbs of Camps Bay and Clifton offer a wide array of Cape Town accommodation. Considered one of the most up-market areas to holiday in, your holiday home in Cape Town will be sophisticated and elegant.
If being in the heart of the city is more your idea of heaven, then look no further than The Waterfront. Apartments that combine the gracefulness of those in Camps Bay along with the magnificence of being part of the hustle & bustle of South Africa's top tourist destination means that a short walk from your front door will have you dining in splendour.
A twenty-minute ride from the centre of Cape Town brings you to the lovely seaside town of Hout Bay for a real get away from city life. Originally, Hout Bay was a small fishing village, but over the years has blossomed into the delightful town it is today. The lobsters and fish are still landed on the quayside and a stroll in the warm sunshine to pick out fresh fish for your barbecue, or braai as the locals call it, supper that night, is one of the best pastimes!
Of course, if cooking it yourself seems too much like hard work, then Mariner's Wharf is the perfect place to enjoy the fisherman's catch of the day, while you sip a chilled white wine from the local vineyards.
No matter what you are looking for in a holiday home in Cape Town, whether it's city life or the peace that you get from country life, I'm quite certain that you will be able to find a beautiful home that passes the highest standards.
As locals, we have a vast experience of our city and will be honoured to assist you in your quest to find the best holiday home in Cape Town that suits your vacation. We invite you to contact us today to discover that special accommodation that's just right for you!
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February 5, 2012

Villas in Seminyak Provide Everything You Need During Your Stay

Seminyak is a popular tourist destination due to its strategic location. This tourist area is situated on the west coast of Bali; exactly in the north of Kuta. It was actually a separate township but now it is a suburb of Kuta. It is also a very popular residential area for expatriates despite the fact that the accommodation and land prices are among the highest in the paradise island. Numerous luxury hotels, exclusive spas, and shopping centers are available here, making this area as the most popular vacation spot in Bali.
One of the best tourist hotspots in Seminyak is a bar called Ku Dé Ta. This beachside bar has been named the best party spot in the world by various travel and lifestyle magazines. Seminyak is also home to The Oberoi Bali, which was named one of the best leisure hotels in Asia by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine in 2010. Despite its worldwide popularity, people in this village still hold on to their traditions. When staying at one of the many villas in Seminyak, you can experience the Balinese traditional way of life and interact with the local people there.
Renting a villa in Seminyak is probably the best way to spend your holiday in this beautiful village. Villas in this area offers more privacy, more space, and the possibility to enjoy authentic Balinese hospitality. Villas in this suburb will provide you with everything you need during your stay. Whether you need one that offers private dining, private spa treatments, or 24 hours butler service, you will always find it in Seminyak.
If you want to know more about villas in Seminyak, let's start with the room choices. For a honeymoon trip, you can stay at a one bedroom villa. But if you are traveling with your family or friends, you can even get a seven bedroom one. Searching for Seminyak villas based on the location is also possible. You can choose one that is located near restaurants, the beach, or other attractions. You are free to choose the location based on your personal taste.
The rates also vary, starting from US $100 up to US $2000 per night. Villas that cost more than US $1000 per night usually come with more modern facilities such as Wi-Fi internet connection, modern kitchen, satellite TV, personal car and more. Meanwhile, those that cost around US $100 per night offer basic facilities such as parking area, air-conditioned bedroom, and a private swimming pool.
Visit our site and let us show you the attractive Villas in Seminyak with the best price.

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February 4, 2012

Why Palm Springs California Is The Best Place To Own A Vacation Home

If you were able to ask celebrities like Bing Crosby or Dinah Shore why Palm Springs California is the best place to own a vacation home, they would have probably pointed out such things as the beautiful weather and the great golfing. These were the original reasons that celebrities traveled to the Coachella Valley and began settling in cities like Palm Springs.
It helps to understand that Palm Springs sits at a western position of the Coachella Valley and is about 110 miles east of Los Angeles. It is a surrounded by the San Jacinto, San Bernardino, and Santa Rosa Mountains and has the Salton Sea at the southeasternmost point. This setting gives the valley a year-round average temperature of roughly 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and a low-level of humidity (in fact the sun shines more than 350 days of the year). This makes it dramatically different from the cities that sit along the coast of California and just over the mountains, is one of the many reasons why Palm Springs California is the best place to own a vacation home.
In the earliest days of Hollywood, the first stars were looking for a way to escape the heat, humidity, smog, and crowding of Los Angeles. They discovered Palm Springs and began to add the golf courses, luxury resorts, and excellent restaurants and shops they required. Today, this is another of the reasons why Palm Springs California is the best place to own a vacation home - it is a fantastic city for people who enjoy more than golfing!
You can find some of the biggest designer names in the city's shops, you can enjoy four-star cuisine, and you can purchase properties in communities with designer golf courses, top-notch recreation and fitness options, and so much more.
Don't forget that Palm Springs sits at the west end of the valley and this makes it convenient to all of the other cities and communities nearby. Because the region is wildly popular with outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in the arts and cultural opportunities in the area, it identifies yet another set of reasons why Palm Springs California is the best place to own a vacation home.
Consider that some of the neighboring cities are places in which annual festivals occur such as the Coachella Music festival. There are also the national parks and many hiking trails that people travel from all parts of the world to see.
If you are looking for more reasons why Palm Springs California is the best place to own a vacation home, there are plenty available! This is an area in which many towns increase in population during winter months thanks to high second home and vacation home ownership. This indicates that many of these people are also using their homes for their rental income. When you choose the right community in Palm Springs, you may be able to count on your vacation home to be a major source of income too!
Brad Schmett is Broker Associate at Luxury Homes by Keller Williams in La Quinta, California. Brad is an expert, helping sellers best position their real estate for sale - and helping buyers maximize their real estate investment. To learn more about Brad's services and/or real estate in the La Quinta, California area, visit http://LaQuintaRealEstateInfo.com/
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February 3, 2012

What's So Special About a Holiday Villa?

A holiday villa is always special for a special holiday. If you are planning to go on a holiday with no restrictions and no reservations then you should opt for a holiday villa. A villa on a holiday is one of the most liberating choices that you can make while going on a vacation. This would mean that you don't have to bother about the rooms, the dinner restrictions, the pool restriction and not even your dress code for that matter. You can do what you want and what you feel like doing on your holiday. If you want to live your holiday to the fullest then you should rent out a villa. This is especially advantageous if you are going on a holiday with your special someone and you want complete privacy. There can be no better definition of privacy than your holiday villa. A villa will offer you all the comforts that a hotel can with un-paralleled privacy. You will have a whole villa plus in most cases, a swimming pool to yourself. Also villas were made not to live in, but to be used as holiday retreats. Therefore there was a lot of luxury spent on the design and the making of the villa. Therefore do not be surprised when you find yourself in the lap of luxury, when you rent a villa for your vacation. You can spend hours together with your significant other, enjoying every moment of your vacation, without anyone disturbing you in your villa.
There are a lot of things that you should look out for, before booking a villa for yourself. You should make sure that you have complete privacy with your loved one. Therefore if it is possible, you should get a location that ensures your privacy. Don't always go by what you see in the pictures of the website. If possible you should go and inspect the villa in person to make sure that your privacy is ensured. It will be great, if the villa is away from a city or a town and also away from busy traffic and noise. However you should also make sure that your villa is easily connected to the main town or city so that you can rush there in case of any emergency. You should make sure that you are not stranded in the middle of nowhere in case of an emergency.
Next you should make sure that you know what your requirements are when renting a villa. Are you traveling with a big group? For that you would need a larger accommodation and hence a larger villa. Are you traveling with pets or babies? Does the villa have the provision for the same? You should keep these facts in mind before you select your villa. You can search for the villa that you are looking for on the internet. There are many such villas available online and it's essential that you choose the right one for your needs.
If a vacation to Orlando, Florida with your friends or family is on the cards do have a look at the Orlando villas and Florida villa rental. The Orlando villas and Florida villas with their luxuries will make your vacation complete.
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February 2, 2012

Honeymoon in Kerala: Romance Emanates From the Backwaters and Hills

Kerala holiday package brings to you a world where there is no dearth of astonishingly beautiful elements. Right from the majestic hills to the verdant, wet jungles to the charismatic house boats, this magical place conjures up everything you ask for. Kerala may be a small state lingering in the southern corners of the vast and diverse India, but it is, undoubtedly, the most wonderful and uniquely amazing holiday spot for anyone looking for an out of the world experience. Its charming beaches are lined with those titillating, tall, shadowy palm trees that emanate breeze in plethoric amounts in the serene sand shores often melted by the warmth of the incoming waves. It is this romantic ambience of the state that lures every couple to go for a honeymoon in Kerala.
Beauty of the Backwaters: Kerala's uniqueness is credited chiefly to its natural water source. While the state has its share of sea shores, it is the backwater that has brought recognition and glory to the place alongside the much envied tranquility. Those going for a holiday in Kerala will be simply fascinated by the slow & shy lakes, streams, rivulets and lagoons that so magnificently ornament this place. The depths of these backwaters can be best explored if you take a ride in the conventional house boats. The experience can leave you begging for more- especially if you are accompanied by your loved one. Is it any wonder then that Kerala has been bejeweled with the title of God's own country? It is the grandeur of the natural water bodies that simply invoke comparisons with paradise.
Wildlife: The tourists also love to flash their cameras and give a feast to their eyeballs in this scenic corner of the planet. Being an extremely green and wet area, there is plenty of flora and fauna around. Kerala holiday package throws before you opportunities of getting close to some of the rare birds and animals in some of the renowned sanctuaries and parks.
Sight-seeing: Holiday in Kerala is synonymous to seeing things around-be it the panoramic view points or the rippling waterfalls. Gardens, museums and other hot spots are plentiful as well. Kovalam, Bekal, Varkala and Alappuzha are famous tourist spots. But it is Munnar resort that takes the cherry when it comes to spending a cozy honeymoon in Kerala. Idduki, Rajamala and Devikulam are other hill stations that are glistening with natural flush.
Sports including boating, swimming, para gliding and water skiing are also enjoyed by youths. Ayurveda is another big plus. And the hotels, culture and food are extremely besotting!
Hungry Bags is a renowned travel agency that offers excellent packages for honeymoon in Kerala, holiday in Kerala and an exclusive Kerala holiday package. Convenience and economy are guaranteed with satisfying arrangements & plans.

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February 1, 2012

Make Sure You Go Prepared on Your Next Caravan Holiday

There is nothing like heading away on holiday in your caravan. This cheap, fun way to enjoy a holiday is the perfect escape, and whether you are going near or far, you'll want to have the best time possible.
However, your enjoyment of the trip will depend to a large extent on how prepared you are, which includes making careful preparations and taking the right caravan accessories. There are a number of things you might want to remember when you next head away in your caravan which will make your holiday even more enjoyable, and here are some of the most important.
Careful Planning
One of the most important things when you head away on a caravan holiday is making sure that you plan your trip carefully.
There are a number of things which this might involve. You may want to make sure that you know your route before you start driving to avoid any problems on the road, and you should also check over your car and caravan before you set off for signs of any problems. It's much better to sort these out at home than on the side of the motorway.
Having suitable caravan insurance which is up to date may be another thing which you want to consider to protect your caravan and your caravan equipment, and you should also double check that you have booked your spot in the caravan park so you don't end up turning up and finding there is no room.
If you are going to be driving abroad on a continental adventure, it is also a good idea to make sure that you are prepared for the rules of the road as these are often different from in the UK.
Importance of Safety
Safety should be paramount when you go away on a caravan holiday, and it will be directly connected to your enjoyment of the trip.
Driving safely goes without saying, and you may want to get some practice in because driving with a caravan attached is very different to driving just a car. But even when you arrive, safety should be paramount to having a good time.
There are lots of items of caravan equipment which you can purchase to improve your safety when you are on your caravan holiday. Fire extinguishers, fire blankets, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are just a few of the simple caravan accessories you may want to take with you to ensure that your time in your caravan is as safe as possible.
Travel in Comfort
If you want to ensure that your trip is as comfortable as possible then there are many caravan accessories which you can take with you.
These include high-quality portable toilets, soft mattresses, comfortable chairs to sit around and caravan heaters to keep you warm in the evenings.
Kit your caravan out with all of these and you can expect to have a much more comfortable holiday.
Conclusion
Travel in Style and Enjoy Your Caravan Adventures
A caravan holiday is the perfect escape, but if you really want to make sure you have a great time then consider the above advice. Having the correct caravan accessories and planning your trip properly will really help you to get more from your holiday, so now go and have a fantastic time in your caravan.
Chris Carvanderelle invites you to get in touch with a team of caravan specialists who can help you to enjoy your caravan to it's full potential, regardless of it's age.
At the Caravan Shop we aim to bring our customers one of the most extensive ranges of caravan accessories, caravan equipment, and all caravan parts and spares available online.
Call the team today on 0191 301 7418 or visit our website for more information: http://www.caravanshop.co/
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