Hotel

Somehow, the way that Americans are taking holiday breaks is changing. Of course, some things are remaining the same, like the fact that most Americans drive to their destination instead of taking a train or other form of public transportation. But, when it comes to accommodations, some vital things are changing. First and foremost, the vacation home rental is becoming one of the most popular ways of housing a family or a group of friends who are on a getaway together.

The reasons for this are many, but perhaps the most fundamental reason is cost. Consider the cost of…

This year I plan to make my second visit to Spain as enjoyable as it was the first time I visited, the difference being I plan to do more sightseeing and maybe a little less sunbathing! My last accommodation was a self-catered apartment, based in the most popular holiday resort of Mallorca. The disadvantage of having your own apartment is that you do not receive the same sort of service as you perhaps would in a normal hotel. However, my apartment did receive a weekly room cleaning service, which was at times frustrating if you plan to have a…

As one approaches the brow of the hill of the Basse Corniche, one is startled by the deep ultramarine bay spread out at the feet of the picture-perfect Villefranche-sur-Mer. Villefrance, founded in the 14th century by Charles II of Anjou as a duty-free fishing port, is the jewel in the crown of the French Cote d’Azur between Nice and Monaco. It is built on the wooded slopes encircling one of the most beautiful roadways in the Mediterranean, the three Corniches – high, middle and low. In the 1920s, it was the haunt of the poet/film-maker Jean Cocteau, and later…

The credit crunch is affecting us all to a greater or lesser extent. What is apparent however, is that holidays are no longer a treat – they now fall into the category of ‘luxury-necessity’. People view holidays as a necessary part of their year – a chance to wind down and escape the stresses and strains of modern life. And there are bargains to be had – especially if you find yourself private holiday rentals and book each component of your holiday separately.

Holiday rentals are big business and many people rely on the income from their holiday rental…