No-one could tire of Spain and the Balearic Islands; they offer golden beaches, dramatic landscapes, fascinating heritage and 21st century amenities. In fact, everything under the sun.

Mallorca
The largest of the Balearic islands, Mallorca offers holidays of stunning contrasts. In the south and east are the main beach resorts whilst in the north and west you’ll find a dramatic wooded coastline and hilltop villages beneath the island’s highest mountains: Sierra de Tramuntana.

Villages of character
Quaint Puerto Pollenca on Mallorca’s northern coast was originally a fishing village, and is now a delightful modern resort with a marina fringed by pavement cafes. The fragrant Pine Walk beyond the marina is popular on warm evenings.

Further along the coast is Puerto de Soller, again with a picturesque marina and noted for its vintage tram service. Just beyond are the hilltop villages of Deia and Valldemossa, each boasting cultural roots. The home of the writer Robert Graves is in Deia (and open to the public) and Chopin once lived in the ancient monastery at Valldemossa. Now it houses an exhibition celebrating his life and work.

Walking country
Mallorca is famous for excellent hill walking. The Massanella mountain is highly recommended and with very little climbing will give you the island’s best view from its summit at 1,352m. Tips and routes can be found at www.therucksack.net/massanella.

For cottages4you properties in Mallorca click here

Andalucia
From Cadiz in the west to the golfing resort of Mojacar in the east, Andalucia is one of Europe’s favourite holiday destinations. Your Andalucian experience starts at www.cottages4you.co.uk, where you’ll find your ideal Spanish property and from there you’re ready to plan a wonderful holiday, bathed in sunshine.

Heritage
The world famous Costa resorts are packed with facilities (shopping, restaurants and entertainment) and many travellers like to explore the region’s Moorish heritage too. Granada is a must. The huge pink-stoned Alhambra Palace dominates the city and faces the ancient, bustling El Albaicín Moorish quarter.

Scenery
Andalucia’s dramatic scenery is everywhere you look. The rocky landscape of the Sierra Nevada is the backdrop to the Costa Almeria whereas the Costa del Sol is close to the Rock of Gibraltar. Gibraltar has a long maritime history and there’s more to see here than you might think. Visit www.gibnet.com/tourist/general to plan your day trip.

For cottages4you properties in Western Andalucia click here

For cottages4you properties in Eastern Andalucia click here

Fiestas
The vibrant fiestas of Spain capture its fun-loving character like nothing else. There’s a fiesta taking place somewhere in Spain almost every day but they tend to revolve around major religious festivals. April is a big fiesta month with colourful Easter celebrations in Cordoba, Granada and Malaga.

June is when the Spanish mark the Summer Solstice with bonfires and fireworks popular in the south. Meanwhile, the fabulous International Festival of Music and Dance in Granada takes place this year from 26th June to 14th July.

Mallorca hosts two spectacular festivals in June, each with Christian origins: the Sant Joan Pelos at Felanitx (24th) and Romeria de Sant Marçal at Santa Cabeneta (30th).

A fiesta is one of the best ways to taste the real Spain. Visit one if you get the chance.

Established in 1908, Blakes Holiday Boating have been providing quality boating holidays amidst the unspoilt landscapes of Britain, Ireland and Europe, for over 100 years. With our wealth of knowledge and experience gathered over the years we’ve created some new discounts and savings for 2009 boating holidays.

On Friday 6th February 2009 staff from our Earby office were given the chance to name a new line of discounts due to launch on our Blakes Holiday Boating brand later this month offering savings of up to £150 per week or up to £75 per short break on participating boats.

The competition proved to be very popular with more than 220 discount name suggestions submitted. Out of the many entries our “expert” panel of judges chose Blakes Boating Bonanza, entered by Lesley Millman (Accounting Services Manager).

Keep a look out for the launch of the Blakes Boating Bonanza discounts on Blakes Holiday Boating and you’ll find savings on participating boats of up to £150 off per week or up to £75 off per short break for holidays taking place on select dates between 26th February 2009 and 15th July 2009.

Terms and Conditions apply.

Pyrotechnic extravaganza is the culmination of nationwide regional heats.

www.tesa.org.uk

Boom, whiz, bang, fizzle, screech, sparkle, zoom…err…pop…Just make sure you take a camera and ear plugs…this is going to be noisy but breathtaking. A cottage can provide the perfect base from which to explore Plymouth as well as to enjoy the many other events throughout the UK and Europe – search today at www.cottages4you.co.uk

Originally a celebration of theatre, the Avignon Festival has now broadened its vision to include other performing arts such as dance, mime and puppetry.

One of the oldest and largest festivals in France, deemed to be one of the most important event of the year in the theatrical calendar on account of the number of new performances and spectators.

For information visit www.festival-avignon.com

Don’t forget – a cottage can provide the perfect base from which to enjoy many festivals and events throughout Europe – search today at cottages4you.

To arrange

• Arrange for pet and plant care. (or book a pet friendly cottage)
• Stop routine deliveries.
• Make your home seem lived-in while away by putting lights and a radio on timers
• Turn down thermostat.
• Empty refrigerator
• Leave keys and itinerary with a friend.
• Lock windows, garage, and doors.
• Notify local police or neighbourhood watch of your absence

To gather and pack:

• Guide books and maps
• Passport and visa(s), Personal ID (Drivers license)
• Student ID (for discount access to museums etc.)
• Foreign currency of your destination country
• Cash & Credit cards (foreign currencies?)
• Coins for tolls
• Travelers checks or ATM card
• Insurance: Trip Cancellation/Medical
• Photocopies of documentation
• Birth Certificate (if necessary)
• Marriage License (if necessary)
• Tickets & itinerary
• Hotel Reservations
• Special Event Reservations
• Paper printout of emergency contacts

Electronics

• Cell phone, charger, extra battery
• (Video) Camera, charger, batteries, film, cords, etc.
• iPod
• Headphones
• CD player & CDs
• DVD player & DVDs
• Laptop & cord & battery
• Plug & voltage adaptors for foreign countries

Basic Essentials

• Appropriate Luggage
• Luggage Locks & ID Tags (Do NOT Lock checked baggage)
• Passport/Money Carrier
• Appropriate Clothing
• Comfortable Footwear
• Rain Protection
• Small Flashlight & batteries
• Travel Alarm Clock
• Brimmed Hat or Visor
• Eyeglasses, sunglasses & lens cleaner or contact lens preparations
• Language Books
• Reading Materials
• Playing Cards/Games
• Address Book
• Maintenance Items
• Mini Sewing Kit (place in checked baggage)
• Scarf/Bandanna
• Travel Iron or Steamer
• Folding Scissors (place in checked baggage)
• Laundry Bag
• Food bars or emergency snack food

Toiletries

• Comb/Brush
• Toothbrush/Paste
• Mouthwash
• Dental Floss
• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Soap
• Vitamins
• Medication
• First Aid Kit
• Aspirin/Pain Reliever
• Cold/Sinus Medication
• Diarrhea Medicine
• Laxative
• Insect Repellent
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Alcohol Wipes
• Sunscreen
• Motion Sickness Medicine
• Personal Prescriptions
• Nail clipper
• Kleenex
• Q-Tips
• Blow Dryer
• Deodorant
• Lotions/Creams
• Cologne
• Lip balm
• Shaving Cream, Razor & extra razor blades (or electric razor)
• Towel/Washcloth
• Earplugs
• Plastic bags (if carry on, remember FAA limits on liquids & cremes)

Major Clothing

• Dress clothes: dresses, suits, shirts, slacks, socks, ties/scarves,
• Dress suit/sport coat
• Dress shoes
• Casual clothes:
• Casual shoes
• Belt(s)
• Under wear: undergarments including t-shirts & under wear & bras etc.
• PJ’s
• Overcoat / rain coat / top coat
• Umbrella
• Sweater
• Jeans
• Winter dress gloves & scarf & hat
• Hat
• Exercise clothes (swimsuit, goggles, running clothes & shoes, gym workout clothes & shoes)

Sports related

• golf
• bicycling
• tennis/squash/badminton
• horse riding
• climbing
• canoo-ing
• etc.

Study/Work Related

• Books / magazines / bible
• Work / school files & projects
• Homework
• Day-planner / PDA
• Paper / notebook
• Pens / pencils
• Index cards
• Calculator
• Briefcase / backpack

We know that his list will never be complete but let know what we’ve missed that you always take on your holiday…as always leave a comment.