Archive for April, 2010

Tips for Senior Travelers in Barcelona

Friday, April 30th, 2010

Barcelona is one of the world’s most fascinating cities, and no matter who you are, you should be able to experience all of it. So, if you were thinking that you were too old to experience one of Europe’s richest cultures, think again. Young and old alike will find Catalonia’s capital enthralling and from famous architecture to the natural world, all tastes and need catered for. And the very same can be said for the city’s accommodation.

accommodation Barcelona apartment

There is a wide range of apartments in the city that offer a lift among their services, which should be music to your ears. Not having to encounter lots of stairs can make a big difference that some people just don’t appreciate. Of course, that doesn’t mean you’re going to be able to avoid a couple of stairs. In such an old town, many of the entrances to buildings are preceded by minor stairways.

But you needn’t worry too much. You’ll find that most apartment buildings have elevator services. That should take a load off your mind – and your legs. Not only will carrying bags to your room be much easier, you’ll also enjoy all of the visual advantages an upper floor window provides.

But sometimes even a couple of steps can be too much. For wheelchair users on their own or with a partner, entering right at street level is the only viable option. In Barcelona, though, even this is an option.

Now that you have decided what kind of facilities you require, you can pick the neighbourhood for you. With safety and peace and tranquillity bound to be among your top priorities, there are a few places you should think about.

A residential neighbourhood will probably suit you best, as it will have all of the amenities that you could need. In an area like Eixample you will never be too far away from a wide selection of shops and restaurants, meaning a comfortable stay.

The attractions in Eixample are some of the finest in the city. As a centre for tourism it’s the most popular in the town. The busiest of them all is Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, which is the cathedral you will see towering above the rooftops.

Also to your liking will be the Hospital de Sant Pau, which is a somewhat unusual visitor centre. This is still an active hospital but also invites tourists in. This is so they can become privy to the hospital’s many underground passageways.

The Arc de Triomf area can be found just to the north-east of the city centre and is where you can find Barcelona’s triumphal arch. Erected in 1888, the arch features colourful mudejar-style brickwork. It is also adorned by stone carvings and some fascinating works of art.

But there are more attractions than just the arch in the Arc de Triomf area. Parc de la Ciutadadella there is a large area with lots of interesting buildings to keep you interested. One of the best is the Castel des Tres Dragons, which is full of natural science exhibitions.

And if you are a nature lover, you’ll be delighted to hear that the Barcelona Zoo is also situated here. With 7,500 animals and 400 species, from gorillas to alligators, it is among the city’s most famous spots.

Even if you are of the elderly generation, you won’t have to look too hard to find an apartment to suit your needs. Even after easy access and comfort taken into account, there are still plenty of places to choose from in some of Barcelona’s most popular areas. So, for young and old, there is nothing standing in the way of you having the holiday of a lifetime.

Whats a good place to buy tacos in Spain?

Friday, April 30th, 2010
Toton asked:


I’m going there on vacation but i cant live without my tacos. I’ll be traveling around the country, what places to eat tacos do you guys recomend? thanks!!!!

Christian

A good excuse to take of days from school, to go on holiday?

Friday, April 30th, 2010
Jessy J asked:


Basically, me and my family are planning going on Holiday while school days just to have fun. Today I just brought the holiday form and it says “Why is it so important that im going at this time” (school time) If we put because we are going to have fun and explore, they probably wont let us take the days of so is there any good excuse for us to take of a week while the school days.

Examples:
Because a family member is getting married
or
Because a family member is dieing or something.

Please HELP!!

Eliseo

Is there a way you can get money back from an apartment complex if not satisfied with conditions?

Friday, April 30th, 2010
Ms. Cheviouz asked:


we just rented this apartment before Christmas…..The apartment complex showed her a demo apartment cleaned (fully renovated). However when didn’t get to see the apartment that we were to have until after Christmas because the office was closed..away for vacation. We just get the keys to the apartment Tuesday and as soon as we walked in they were insects scattering everywhere. Some were dead and most were not. There was at least 200 in the whole apartment. My mom decided that she would clean the apartment herself and just have them exterminate the stop the bug problem….and they have exterminated but the infestation still occurs. We havent stayed there one night yet. We have been staying in a hotel due to bad conditions because they told my mom and they have on a sign outside of the complex that these apartments are TOTALLY RENOVATED! but you can see where they just filled holes in the tubs, roof, and walls. Also the stove doesnt work and cabinents and refrigerator are very old….

Justus

Where can I find affordable vacation property in Lebanon?

Friday, April 30th, 2010
pauline j asked:


My husband and I are seeking to purchase vacation property (villa or apartment) in the Middle East, Lebanon. Most online listings portray the expensive real-estate (i.e. downtown Beirut or touristy areas). We are seeking a modest home in the mountains close to the skiing area. Any pointers would be appreciated.

Kelton

Can I rent out my apartment as a vacation rental if I do not own it, I’m only a renter?

Friday, April 30th, 2010
Rich asked:


State : Texas

I’m looking into renting an apartment or condo in a prime area, the problem is I will not be there often and would love to rent it out as a vacation rental ( VRBO .com) or as corporate short-term housing while I am not using it. Is this possible if I am not the owner?

Any advice on what to look for in a contract? Also insurance coverage?

I understand sub-leasing is generally acceptable, but what about short-term vacation rentals?

Thank you!

Annika

taking vacation to the philippines and need to know cheapest?

Thursday, April 29th, 2010
George asked:


need to know cheapest way to get from the airport to quezon city? not so cheap that it takes me 5 hours to get there!

need to know the cheapest hotels in quezon city? about $20-30 a night.
need to know for a single guy what is best place to visit? ex. bars, hot tubs, etc…
need to know the cheapest to most expensive price of the apartments in quezon city?

also, i heard its expensive out there is that true?

Jazmine

Who else, like me is having the usual Unhappy Holiday?

Thursday, April 29th, 2010
Housecat asked:


Bored, Lonely and Depressed as Always with Thanksgiving, Chrismas, New years, Valentines and Easter. Having food doesn’t change that state of mind. Holidays in most peoples eyes seem to be centered around people pigging out together, I have a different idea of what the holidays are supposed to be, so just me and my cats, watch TV, eat and do the usual, see who else is home that we can call or talk to. There are millions out there who feel similar, let me know who you are?

Makenna

vacationing in perth Australia?

Thursday, April 29th, 2010
jerry m asked:


My wife is going to Perth in Dec. 4 about a month and a half for vacation,..can anyone recomend a reasonable, CLEAN, SAFE Hostel not too far from the beach,SAFE & CLEAN are most important,Thank you for your help!

Curtis

Travel To The Yucatan And Step Back In Time

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

If you have typically visited the Yucatan throughout the winter months while escape from cold weather and cabin fever is the motivation, here are supplementary reasons why the summer in the Yucatan is the finest time to visit!  Let’s face it, it’s hot everywhere in the summer, but where can you go further than the backyard pool to search for relief from the heat?  How about the Caribbean where you have the planets biggest and clearest white sand bottom pool!

More than merely the remarkable azul waters of the Caribbean Sea, Yucatan hotels, Tulum resorts and Holbox Island hotels present deeply reduced rates along with exclusive Yucatan travel deals and packages to lure travelers to the area in what most consider to be the offseason.  Throughout the months of June through September, there are local weather and ocean current changes on the Yucatan Peninsula that produce wonderous spectacles of nature that can only be found in a a small amount of places on the earth; some exclusive to this area.

One of the alluring features of summer months on the Yucatan is the calm seas.  The consistent north winds of the winter recede and it is during this time that the waters produce a natural aquarium with higher visibility further revealing the variety of sea life that thrives in these calm and clear waters.   If you seek once in a lifetime events, there are at least two that come to mind. 

From June through October, the sea turtles arrive to nest on the seashores south of the busy Playa del Carmen hotels and resorts and can be seen merely steps from your Akumal hotel or from points further south at a beach front Tulum hotels and eco cabana resorts.  The greatest method to see these incredible creatures is at night, walking the seashores.  The activity usually picks up after 10pm local time.  There are a few things to take into account when looking for nesting turtles. The first is never frighten them throughout the nesting process.  That includes no flash photography and you will  need to have a red lens or film paper over your regular flashlight.  Regular light can disorient the turtles, but they cannot see the red filtered light.  If you choose to go turtle searching, under the glow of a full moon, a flashlight is not required.  Look for the tracks and when you make out just one set instead of two, you realize there’s a turtle nesting!

The other “once in a lifetime” throughout the summer in the Yucatan is swimming with the Whale Sharks!  Just offshore from Holbox Island, each June and ongoing through September, these magnificent creatures meet in the area for the explosion of life these months bring.  Stay in one of a selection of boutique Holbox Island hotels on this quiet little island or dwell in a historical Merida hotel and get an early start.  The typical experience begins with an early daylight boat ride.    Subsequent to a biologist briefing, you will  ascertain the do’s and don’ts.   Be ready to have fun and adventure, swimming with these gentle giants is really an experience to remember.

In addition to these highlights the fishing during the summer season on the Yucatan is remarkable.  You can stay in a number of small Mahahual motels and fishing lodges that cater to the traveler fishermen.   Of course, the snorkeling and scuba in this vicinity, is incredible!  If you are searching for more motives to visit the Yucatan during the summer, stay tuned!