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Twenty somethings from the UK and Germany are cash rich on holiday, and proving to be a welcome sight for hotels, clubs and restaurants on the Spanish Balearic Islands.

The young singles with high disposable incomes often head for Ibiza for the island’s clubs and nightlife, and they are quite happy to pay for it.

Often still living at home, and with plenty of cash, young Brits, Italians and Germans are spending more per person on their trips than the conventional family on their villa and hotel breaks on neighbouring islands Menorca and Majorca.

But perhaps the biggest surprise is that the amount of time spent on Ibiza by each tourist is longer than on Menorca and Majorca - destroying the myth that Ibiza is primarily for long weekends or short trips for a couple of nights in the club.

The findings by the Balearics Tourist Authority show that after Ibiza, Menorca visitors stay on average for 11 days, with Majorca just behind. And the same pattern emerges for spending per day, with Ibiza top, Majorca second, and Majorca last.

The amount spent by Ibiza tourists averaged 94 Euros a day - a huge contribution to the island’s economy.

Commenting on the figures, a Menorca travel guide says both sets of figures will surprise many who steer away from Ibiza because of her reputation.

‘Of the three Balearic Islands, Menorca is known as the quiet one, the type of island where you take your family on holiday if there aren’t any mid to late teens who need entertaining, which would be more suited to Majorca. Ibiza is well known in Europe as a clubbing destination.’

Menorca villas are often let out to holidaymakers, with the season generally running from May to end September.

As part of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca has welcomed many visitors back to live full time on the island. Menorca property has proved popular too, for those looking for a gentler pace of life than big sister Mallorca.

Property prices in Mallorca are similar to Menorca property, with a range of apartments and villas in both rural and town locations, and with twenty golf courses plenty of golf course developments too on Mallorca.

Menorca has just the one golf course, recently extended to eighteen holes, and is located in Son Park, which has a choice of hotels, apartments and villas for holiday makers.

The cost of flying to Mallorca has come down in recent years from most European countries due to low cost airlines, especially in the island’s core tourist areas of the United Kingdom and Germany, and last year easyJet started direct flights from London’s Gatwick Airport to the sister island of Menorca, as well as serving Mallorca itself.

For holiday information about Menorca visit YourMenorca.net

Family holidays are often taken in a villa, and the guide includes details of offers from Meon villas and James villas

Concerned tourism bosses in Spain are winning the battle for European holidaymakers, with an impressive 5 per cent rise in visitor numbers for 2007 so far.

The country welcomed over ten million holiday makers in January, February and March - normally viewed as off peak months.

The highest number of visitors came from the United Kingdom, followed closely by Germany.

It was mainly due to the Germans that the numbers were up, as the number of British arrivals actually showed a slight drop, while more than 6 per cent extra visitors from Germany ensured a good start for 2007 for Spain.

The Canary Islands were the most popular part of Spain. Lanzarote, Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura enjoy warm winters due to their geographical location near Africa, and have a strong appeal for Britons facing their winter.

The Costa del Sol, a perennial favourite of the British seeking a winter sunshine break enjoyed a boost in arrivals.

The Balearic Island also recorded a rise in visitors.

The Balearics consist of Menorca (the smallest island), Majorca and Ibiza. The small rise compared to the Canary Islands isn’t too much of a surprise as Menorca has a season that traditionally is at its peak early May to end September, but is now trying to extend that from mid April to mid October.

As part of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca has welcomed many visitors back to live full time on the island. Menorca property has proved popular too, for those looking for a gentler pace of life than big sister Mallorca.

Property prices in Mallorca are similar to Menorca property, with a range of apartments and villas in both rural and town locations, and with twenty golf courses plenty of golf course developments too on Mallorca.

Menorca has just the one golf course, recently extended to eighteen holes, and is located in Son Parc, which has a choice of hotels, apartments and villas for holiday makers.

The cost of flying to Mallorca has come down in recent years from most European countries due to low cost airlines, especially in the island’s core tourist areas of the United Kingdom and Germany, and last year easyJet started direct flights from London’s Gatwick Airport to the sister island of Menorca, as well as serving Mallorca itself.

Despite competition from other destinantions, Mallorca looks set to remain a favourite holiday spot for some time to come.

How the second quarter official figures go remains to be seen, but Spain could see a further drop in British arrivals compared to last year.

An unusually warm spell of weather for five weeks in April in the UK could mean that more Brits have booked summer holidays in their home country.

The warm weather, increased airport departure taxes, and environmentally aware travellers could shun an overseas holiday this year.

The new environment warnings of ‘carbon footprints’ is impacting the travel market, with news bulletins regularly reporting that taking a flight adds to global warming. If holidaymakers take heed Spain might also see a drop in visitors from Germany, Scandanavia and other European countries.

For holiday information about Majorca visit YourMajorca.net

The guide for Majorca includes villa holidays, hotels, package holidays with Thomas Cook and a map of Spain

Virginia Beach is one of the nations top vacation destinations. It’s the perfect place for both adults and children. The best times to visit Virginia Beach are in the summer, spring or fall.

As you would expect from its name, Virginia Beach has a beautiful sandy beach and that’s the number 1 reason people swarm to this beautiful ocean resort town. The beach is the perfect place to relax in the sand, take a swim in the ocean or build a sandcastle. Lifeguards are on duty from mid May to Mid September. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas. There is also a boardwalk which extends for 3 miles. Enjoy a walk, ride or bike or for the more adventurous, rollerblade on the boardwalk.

For history lovers, Virginia Beach is an ideal vacation location. The Cape Henry Lighthouse was completed in 1792. It’s the first lighthouse structure authorized, fully completed, and lighted by the federal government. Virginia Beach was where the first permanent English settlers landed before continuing to Jamestown. In October, 1607 the London Company representatives erected the First Landing Cross to thank God and to Reassert England’s claim to the land. The phenomenal Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is over 17 miles long combines bridges tunnels and 4 man made islands is a tribute to man’s ingenuity.

There are also a number of great day trips to take from Virginia Beach. Within 60 or so mile are the historic cities of Jamestown, where the first permanent English settlement was established and Williamsburg, Virginia’s first capital and where history is relived every day. Another great place to take children and adults is to Busch Gardens for a fun day of exciting rides and shows. Even closer is Norfolk which has the Chrysler Museum of Art, General Douglas MacArthur memorial and Nauticus, the National maritime Center with over 150 hands on exhibits. Also close by is Newport News with the maritime Museum and the Virginia Living Museum.

For those who enjoy outdoor sports, Virginia Beach has more than its fair share. There are 11 golf courses including 1 designed by Arnold Palmer’s company. Of course, Virginia Beach offers many water sports including jet skiing, scuba diving kayaking. There are also many fishing boats where the captain will sail you to his favorite fishing spots.

Virginia Beach is also a great place to shop. Go antiquing, stroll through the art galleries or browse the book stores. There is also a farmers market where you can pick up fresh fruits and vegetables and of course air conditioned malls one with over 120 stores and another with over 170 shops and services.

Find oceanfront virginia beach hotels at http://www.virginia-beachhotels.net/

Despite its popularity with tourists, Seville has maintained its old world Mediterranean charm, and has a solid reputation among travellers for lively festivals, fascinating historical treasures, and some of the best tapas you could hope to experience in Spain.

But Seville’s influence on Spanish culture as it is known today extends far beyond the architecture and the chorizo. This ancient city bore witness to the evolution of one of the most important and iconic Spanish arts known to the world: flamenco, and whilst today it can be enjoyed practically anywhere in Spain, it is in Seville that you have the best chance to experience this art form at its purist.

Stirring, soulful and expressive, flamenco is not a style of dance, or song, or instrumentation, but a fusion of all three together. It is an art form more than 200 years old, that is still popular today, telling the stories of Spanish history through dance, song and the guitar.

Historians argue about the exact point in history when the music that was to evolve into flamenco appeared, but what remains a certainty is that it happened in southern Spain, in the Andalucian region of which Seville remains at the centre today.

In its early days, it began through song. It was the voice of the persecuted gypsy community in southern Spain, who arrived roughly during the late 1400s from India and Africa. From their arrival, and especially at the establishment of the Spanish inquisition soon after, the gypsies as a race suffered greatly. Accused of witchcraft and dishonesty they were distrusted, and consequently discriminated against by the greater community. They were unable to find work, own land or integrate into society.

They lived a secular existence, and would gather socially amongst themselves. Late at night, members of the gathering would perform songs of lament and sorrow, expressing the difficulties in life they faced and the despair they felt.

Each song was passed down orally through generations, without written music and interpreted individually by each performer. Over time, the singer would later be accompanied by the sound of a guitar, the movements of a dancer, or both. The subject of the songs gradually broadened to include themes like love, death and celebration, even politics and humour, developing the different styles of flamenco that exist today.

Musical influences from Arabic, Jewish and even local Andalucian culture gradually became a part of the sound. What began as a voice, was later thickened by the sound of the guitar, the movements of an accompanying dancer, and later, the clapping of the audience, accentuating the rhythm of the music.

Truly, flamenco is an experience not to be missed, and if your itinerary includes a trip to Seville, you’re likely to find a range of options that can introduce you to the magic and emotion of the experience.

A visit to the Museum of Flamenco Dance (Museo de Baile Flamenco) is a good place to start to learn about the history of the dance. Open from 9am - 7pm, visitors have the chance to browse a collection of audio and visual displays, permanent exhibitions, and teaching studios, spread over the three floors of this multi million dollar project which opened in 2006. They have seasonal performances in the evenings during summer, or you can participate in lessons and workshops which run throughout the year.

Those interested in a dinner and drink with flamenco performance could check out El tablao Flamenco Los Gallos in plaza Santa Cruz, for 20 euros, drink included. Or El Tablao Flamenco el Arenal, near the bullring in a restored 17th Century building. They offer shows with or without dinner from 30 euros.

There are plenty of bars that offer flamenco nights, sometimes even for free. These are a great way to experience flamenco without having to pay for more than what you drink. You can elect to attend a show with music only or dance only. There are plenty of bars in the old part of town like El Tamboril or La Carboneria in Santa Cruz.

Every 2 years, the Bienal de Flamenco festival is held in Seville, attracting performers from all over Spain and tourists from all over the world. The next show is set for 2008, usually around September.

Those who are lucky enough to witness a live, impromptu performance, late at night in a smokey bar on the outskirts of town are likely to find it a moving experience, about as close to traditional flamenco that you can get. The idea that flamenco is nothing beyond a flamboyant theatrical performance of colour and dance couldn’t be further from the truth.

Real flamenco is not just heard, but experienced by the audience. Some say that flamenco can’t be seen, but rather it must be felt. A communication experience between the performers and the audience. A conversation through music.

Gaizka Pujana is the co-owner of Barcelona Homes, S.L. which is a company
specialized in providing short term tenancy solutions in Seville and Barcelona through its
web pages apartments Seville
Seville apartments
Accommodation Seville

If you’re young and female, New York City is the ultimate vacation. Regardless of whether you’re traveling solo, as part of a girl’s getaway, or on a romantic couple’s trip - New York City is a must. Here are the top 5 reasons every woman should travel to NYC at least once in her life.

1.Shopping Part - The Indies: Yes, New York is home to every designer’s North American flagship store, but it’s also filled with independent shops and small-scale designers that line the streets of Soho and the back door boutiques of Brooklyn. If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind and unique clothing, New York City is the place to get it.

2.Brighton Beach: Brighton Beach is like New York’s little secret. Nestled away, far below Brooklyn and just after the infamous Coney Island fairgrounds, sits Brighton Beach - a Russian and old European oceanside oasis from the city. You’ll find men playing chess on the seaside and women gossiping by the gazebos. You’ll eat paschka to you burst, maybe even swim, and finally wind up wondering why you never came here before.

3.Shopping Part 2 - The Majors: Well, New York City is home to all the top designers. Fifth Avenue is an infamous stretch of major brands and top of the line fashions. If you’ve always wanted to try the big boys or come home with a designer bag, you’ll find one of the world’s biggest selections right here. You may want to hide your credit cards before heading out.

4.The Music: Whether you’re looking for the hippest new thing coming out of Brooklyn’s numerous indie clubs, a musical, or some of the best jazz in the world uptown, New York City is the place to get it. From symphonic to electronic, the world’s musicians play here at one point and every night there are hundreds, if not thousands, of live music events happening all over the city.

5.Total Tourism: If you’re a tourism junkie that’s all about the must-see’s, New York has it all. In one single day, you can go to the top of the Empire State Building, skate at Rockefeller Center, visit the Statue of Liberty and take in a Broadway show. From the Lincoln Center to FAO Schwartz toy store, New York is absolutely brimming with tourist destinations to check off your been-there-done-that list. After all, New York is probably the most tourist-ey city in the Americas.

Visit the USA travel forum at http://www.visitusa.com/forum for all the info you need for your trip to NYC.

Barcelona, Spain is a beautiful city located on the Mediterranean coast between the mouths of two rivers. It is the second largest city in Spain and the capital of Catalonia. Barcelona is a major tourist destination because of its rich cultural heritage and large airport.

The history of Barcelona seems to depend on who you ask. One legend says Hercules founded the city 400 years before Rome was built. Later, the city was rebuilt by the father of Hannibal, whose name was Hamilcar Barca. He named the city Barcino after his family, and the name was later changed to Barcelona.

Whatever the true story of Barcelona may be, there are indeed remnants of the ancient Roman culture in modern-day Barcelona. For example, if you visit the Placa del Rei, a museum, you’ll see remains of old structures there. In addition, pieces of old Roman walls are built into the La Seu cathedral.

Barcelona’s weather makes it a great place to vacation. It boasts a typical Mediterranean climate with mild, dry winters and warm, humid summers. In its coldest months, Barcelona’s average temperatures are still as high as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. And, in its warmest months, the average temperature is around 77 degrees Fahrenheit — perfect for visiting one of its seven beaches or 68 parks.

Vacationers in Barcelona have a number of great options for accommodations, including hostels, hotels, and holiday apartments. These accommodations vary in price and luxury, so tourists can spend as much or as little as they like per night.

Barcelona Hostels
Examples of hostels in Barcelona are:

Backpackers bcn: Located in an 80 year old building, this hostel has been in business for five years. Though the rooms have been refurbished for comfort, the original high ceilings and colored-tile floors are in place to give the building an authentic feel. Includes breakfast, security lockers, a guest kitchen, and several other amenities.

Kabul Backpackers Hostel: This hostel is a member of Europe’s Famous Hostels (EFH) association. It is located in central Barcelona. Accommodations are dorm-style with dorm sizes ranging from 4 to 20 beds. No single or double rooms are available. Bathrooms are same-sex shared. Includes breakfast, Internet access, security lockers, air conditioning, 24-hour reception, and other amenities.

Sant Jordi Sants Hostel: Its location just 10 minutes from the main train station in Barcelona makes this hostel a great choice for those planning to use the train. The facilities include a communal living room and dining room as well as two guest kitchens. There is also a game room and solarium. Includes Internet access, security lockers, elevator, air conditioning, and more.

Barcelona Hotels
Examples of hotels in Barcelona are:

Onix Liceo: This hotel boasts a design that makes visitors feel like they’re staying in an art gallery. It is located in central Barcelona, just 25 minutes from the airport. Includes buffet breakfast, air conditioning, disabled access, elevator, non-smoking rooms, terrace, and other amenities.

Bel Art: This hotel is relatively new and is situated near Gaudi Avenue and the Sagrada Familia, a gorgeous and elaborate church by famous Barcelona architect, Gaudi. The hotel has 94 rooms, a restaurant, snack bar, conference rooms, and a car park. Includes air conditioning, bar, room service, satellite television, and more.

Husa Valles: Husa Valles isn’t actually right inside Barcelona. It is in a residential area of Sabadell, which is a city on the outskirts of Barcelona. Its location gives vacationers easy access to both Barcelona and the airport. Includes air conditioning, minibar, safety box, wireless Internet access, room service, and other amenities.

Barcelona Holiday Apartments
Examples of holiday apartments in Barcelona are:

Bailen 2: This apartment is in the Eixample Quarter of Barcelona. It was recently refurbished and can hold up to six people. Includes two double rooms (each with two single beds that can be pushed together); a large terrace; a living room with a sofa bed, television, DVD player, and dinner table; two bathrooms; and a full kitchen.

Sant Pere Mes Baix: This apartment is between the Ramblas and Born areas of Barcelona. It sleeps up to six people and is tastefully decorated. Includes a large living room, two bedrooms, a small balcony, a full bath, and a fully-equipped kitchen.

Atic Barcelona: This apartment holds up to five people and allows dogs. It’s just a few minutes away from the Ramblas and Plaza Catalunya. Includes one double room and one single room, living room with sofa-bed, complete bathroom, terrace, and kitchen.

Regardless of where you plan to stay while visiting beautiful Barcelona, be sure to make your reservations early! Barcelona is an extremely popular vacation spot, so accommodations fill up quickly.

Gaizka Pujana is the co-owner of Barcelona Homes, S.L. which is a company
specialized in providing short term tenancy solutions in Seville and Barcelona through its
web pages Costa del Sol apartments
Accommodation Barcelona
Apartments Seville

Seville, Spain is considered the artistic, cultural, and financial capital of Southern Spain. The people who inhabit this beautiful, historical city are called Sevillanos (men) or Sevillanas (women).

Although Seville is located well away from the coast, it’s still only about 20 feet above sea level. It was once an important sea port. In fact, explorer Ferdinand Magellan got the ships he used to circumnavigate the globe from Seville. It was also the recipient of much of the silver brought over from the New World.

Because of the riches brought over from the Americas, Seville drew quite a large population in the 16th and 17th centuries, making it the largest city in Spain until around 1649 when the Great Plague of Seville struck. Though the city fell from importance in terms of population and economics, it is still valued as an artistic center of the baroque.

Seville today is home to many great tourist attractions. Its cathedral was built between the years of 1401 and 1519. It is the largest Gothic and medieval cathedral in the world, elaborately decorated and containing quite a bit of gold. It is topped by the city’s most famous statue, La Giraldilla, which symbolizes faith.

Located facing the cathedral is Alcazar, an old Moorish palace that took more than 500 years to build. Its grounds include lovely gardens in a blend of Moorish, Andalusian, and Christian styles.

On the river is the Torre del Oro, a watchtower built by the Almohad dynasty. It was used as a defensive barrier on the river by stringing a heavy chain from its base across the river to stop boats from traveling through.

With so many wonderful things to see, it’s not surprising that Seville is a magnet for tourist activity. Fortunately, there are many accommodation choices for Seville’s tourists, including hostels, hotels, and apartments.

Seville Hostels

Examples of hostels in Seville include:

Hostal Redes: This hostel is located within walking distance of many of the major attractions in Seville, including cathedrals and the Fine Art Museum. There are eight double rooms and one single room available for guests. Three of the rooms include an extra bed. Each room has a bathroom with a shower. Includes Internet access, laundry, television room, public telephone, and other amenities.

Hostal Nuevo Suizo: Located in central Seville, Nuevo Suizo offers free breakfast, Internet access, and reservations for shows and tours. It is within walking distance of monuments, museums, supermarkets, and the city’s shopping area.

Oasis Backpackers Hostel Sevilla: Although you can make reservations for this hostel, they always save beds for walk ins. It is located in the center of Seville’s cultural and historic area and is walking distance from many tourist sights. The rooftop terrace not only has a beautiful view of the city, it also has a swimming pool!

Seville Hotels

Examples of hotels in Seville include:

Hesperia Sevilla Hotel: This hotel is five minutes from the train station and 15 minutes from the International San Pablo Airport. It includes a parking area, restaurant, bar, solarium, Jacuzzi, and indoor swimming pool.

Eurostars Regina Hotel: This 90 room, 3star hotel is within walking distance of Seville’s historic center. It’s near the Fine Arts Museum and the Cartuja Park. Services and amenities include parking area, bar, newspapers, breakfast buffet, and car rentals.

Best Western Hotel Cervantes: The Best Western is located a short 10 minute walk from the Cathedral, Giralda tower, and the Isla Magica theme park. It boasts crystal glass ceilings and was completely remodeled in 2006. Services and amenities include parking area, elevator, breakfast buffet, Internet access, and soundproofed rooms.

Seville Apartments

Examples of apartments in Seville include:

Sevilla Alameda 2: This apartment sleeps up to three people in a typical Sevillian house in central Seville. It’s on the plaza Alameda de Hercules, which is a park with many bars, restaurants, and shops close by. Includes bathroom with shower, living room, open kitchen, television, radio, and computer with Internet access.

Peral56Sevilla: This apartment is located in the historic center of the colorful La Macerena district. It’s on a quiet street near one of the main thoroughfares that hosts the Feria Market each Thursday. During this market, the street is lined with booths where merchants sell a wide range of items. The apartment sleeps up to four and includes a washing machine, air conditioning, television, and cleaning service.

Holiday Home in Seville: This is a three-story house that has been completely remodeled, but still has 19th century details. It sleeps up to seven, so it’s perfect for a large family or touring group. It’s close to tourist attractions, with a short 10 minute walk to the cathedral.

Although accommodations in Seville tend to be a bit more expensive than in other areas of Spain, you will get a better rate if you visit in the winter months. However, with some careful research, you can also find places that offer cheaper rates in July and August due to hot temperatures that chase some tourists away.

Gaizka Pujana is the co-owner of Barcelona Homes, S.L. which is a company
specialized in providing short term tenancy solutions in Seville and Barcelona through its
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