20 somethings along with college and university students looking to spend time travelling and partying are signing up for the latest trend in travel. Clubbing holidays are increasingly popular with young people, particularly the 18 to 30-year-old crowd.

Travel agencies are targeting this sector with holiday packages centered around the world’s best clubs. Travel agencies that specialise in clubbing holidays are springing up everywhere, particularly on the Internet. It signifies a trend toward travel for purposes of partying as opposed to sight seeing or relaxing. Twenty-somethings looking to spend time on the world’s best dance floors should consider these clubbing holiday destinations:

* Ibiza: Look at any top clubbing holiday destinations list and you’ll likely find Ibiza near or at the top. This island is the third largest of the Balearics in Spain’s Mediterranean. It’s considered a part of Spain, but is one of many of Spain’s “autonomous communities.” It supports its own government, schools and health and social services. It also has its own distinctive culture, a mix of Spanish and other historical influences.

Ibiza has long been known as the party capital of Europe. It is even known by many as the party capital of the world. The island did not earn this reputation by chance. It was a carefully plotted strategy by tourism officials already blessed by the great weather in Ibiza in past decades to draw visitors to the small island. Today it is well known for its variety of clubs which cater almost exclusively to tourists. It is, in fact, home to the world’s largest nightclub.

Ibiza draws millions of clubbing holiday tourists annually. Most of them fall into the 18-30 year old category.

The island’s reputation often belies its true cultural history though. Ibiza is also home to large protected natural environmental areas. These have received World Heritage Site recognition from the United Nations. This status ensures they will never be developed due to their ecological and historical significance.

* Cyprus: This independent island country is also located in the Mediterranean. Cyprus does not have the nightlife history that Ibiza has. Nevertheless, it has begun to gain a reputation as a popular place for a clubbing holiday. This is due to a number of Cyprus’ resorts making deliberate moves to cater to visiting club hoppers. The island is now home to several famous clubs.

Like Ibiza, there is more to Cyprus than dancing and drinking. A plethora of cultural activities and events take place year round. Cyprus is also home to some of the world’s most fascinating and diverse ancient ruins. The Cyprus weather, of course, is also another factor that draws tourists, both clubbers and non-clubbers.

* Miami, Florida: Miami is a culturally diverse city, and its clubs are equally diverse. Miami’s music scene is world-famous. Much of its music is influenced by Cuban and other Spanish and Caribbean cultures. Naturally, many of its clubs feature Spanish and Caribbean music and dance styles. Conga, reggae, rumba, salsa, meringue and calypso are just a few “ingredients” that season the palette of Miami’s club scene.

Miami Beach may also be included under this umbrella, though it is actually its own separate municipality. Miami Beach might be called the new Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach, once the spring break capital of the Southeastern U.S., has lost much of its party reputation. Young people looking for clubbing holidays in a smaller city setting are choosing Miami Beach over the city of Miami or Daytona Beach.

Both Miami and Miami Beach have tourism industries which cater almost exclusively to twenty-somethings. Tourists who want quieter holidays usually avoid these two places, though both cities have many other attractions.

Clubbing holidays aren’t for the faint-hearted. Those looking for constant activity and who enjoy late, long nights will find these and other clubbing holiday destinations the perfect holiday destinations.

Coming soon to Ibiza - clubbers and music loving sun worshippers can get the best of both worlds at the International Music Summit 2009 on the island in May , the festival celebrating dance and electronic style music (synthpop) takes place May 27-29.

The International Music Summit (IMS) isn’t just your average rock concert. It’s a chance for musicians, producers, manufacturers, promoters and others in the music industry to network. It’s also a chance to learn about what’s new in the industry.

The first International Music Summit was held in Ibiza in 2008. The IMS was founded by the legendary British DJ Pete Tong. His ideal in creating the conference was to combine good music with opportunities for networking and to provide a “back to business ethos.”

The 2009 International Music Summit has space for 400 delegates, up from 300 in its first year. The number of spaces has been increased due to demand. It appears that the IMS may continue to grow in popularity over the next several years. This is due in part to Tong’s influence and his hard work in attracting quality musicians and speakers.

The fact that the conference is being held in Ibiza is not coincidental. The summit has been strategically scheduled to immediately precede Ibiza’s summer tourist season kick-off.

The Mediterranean island is well-known for its party atmosphere and numerous dance clubs. Tourism officials on Ibiza have been trying to shed its party image for a few years. Petty crime, public drunkenness and bad drug trips associated with the party life has given some a bad taste for the island despite the good weather in Ibiza

Despite the efforts of tourism promoters, party goers still flock to Ibiza by the thousands every year. This makes it the prime location for the International Music Summit, which caters to European/UK music lovers. Musician-tourists will be able to cavort with some of Europe and the UK’s most prominent businessmen and women. During the off times, they can enjoy Ibiza’s sunshine, the weather in Ibiza and waterfront life.

Of course, participants will also be able to enjoy concerts by some up-and-coming bands and artists. Concerts are open to all 400 delegates. Seven hundred tickets will also be available to the general public for the concert portions of the International Music Summit. Basement Jaxx and Filthy Dukes will be headlining.

Basement Jaxx, a duo consisting of Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe, have been around since the mid 1990s. The group went from headlining at the South London club Rooty to releasing their first album in 1999. Since then, their music has been featured in a number of movies and commercials. The band has even had a number four UK chart entry.

Filthy Dukes is relatively new to the music scene. The three-member synthpop group also hails from London. The band released singles and played clubs for several years until finally releasing its first full-length album in March of 2009.

The International Music Summit will also feature the DJ stylings of Pete Tong. Tong continues to draw fans, both to his radio programs and to his live performances at clubs across the UK and the world.

Tong, who carries a considerable amount of clout in his field, undoubtedly hopes to use his popularity to promote the International Music Summit. The success of the first IMS in 2008 promises to lend itself to this year’s version. The conference takes place at the world renowned Ibiza Gran Hotel, a landmark hotel on the map of Ibiza

The concert series will be performed in Dalt Vila - Ibiza’s Old Town. Dalt Vila rests inside an ancient walled castle. The location draws millions of tourists and locals every year. It’s a spectacular location for any event, and Basement Jaxx is reportedly delighted to be playing in such a famous historical venue. They look forward to wrapping up the 2009 International Music Summit in such a manner over Whitsun.

The Times in the UK ran a good article recently about the Balearic Islands and said about Ibiza:

Ibiza, long famed for sun, sand and hard-partying, is not without its share of music, dance, architecture and archeology. The walled medieval upper part of the town of Ibiza is a Unesco World Heritage site. The Contemporary Art Museum has interesting permanent and temporary exhibits, while both the Ethnography Museum and the Archaeological Museum show evidence of the many cultures that have inhabited the island over the past 3,000 years.

In mid-August Ibiza temporarily sheds its party image with opera nights held in the cloister of the Town Hall.

For more click here

And another article says:

It’s fashion, fashion, fashion in Ibiza, where several top designers are looking for holiday homes. First up is Julien Macdonald, 37, who, says my source, wants “something beautiful”, with great sea views, that is modern and has lots of outdoor space with room for entertaining. He has upwards of €3m to spend. Then there’s Roberto Cavalli, who’s hoping that his €10m-plus budget will stretch to seclusion and somewhere with a nice view of his yacht. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are looking for two “enormous estates for more than €20m”. And finally, Leonardo DiCaprio is searching for a countryside pad with sea views. Okay, he’s not a designer, but he’s no stranger to dating supermodels.

To read more click here

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An internet site has this to say about Ibiza’s clubs:

Ibiza is indisputably a superb place especially for clubbers during the summer period. Ibiza is in reality one of the smallest Baelaric islet that turns into the most fun filled and interesting resort and clubbing place from the month of May till September. The clubs in Ibiza are popular all around the globe and are exceptionally well-liked by tourists from all over the world.

The top 5 clubs in Ibiza are described below:

To begin with, Privilege is one of the major clubs in the world (stated in the Guinness Book of World Records). This club is very comfortable with its exceptional interior and amazing light effects that leave a lifetime impression on your mind. The Privilege club contains an enormous swimming pool and a wonderful dance floor as well.

Privilege club is very much giant and you are liable to lose contact with your friends on your very first visit which could result in your getting lost into its enthralling and awesome furnishings and inconceivable interior. Once here, you will also have the ability to hop on one of the world’s biggest dance floors.

Amnesia is another great club in Ibiza which came into being in 1976. Unlike Privilege which is renowned for its huge size and outstanding interior, Amnesia is immensely popular and famous for its marvellous sound system and the effect it creates. A large number of successful patronisers of amnesia make use of its outstanding sound system to create an everlasting impression on its visitors. This clubs encompasses a large greenhouse which consists of various palm trees. The amnesia club also contains several bars and VIP areas.

To read more click here

Ryanair are to fly to Ibiza from Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport.

More details can be seen by clicking here

Holiday companies for Ibiza include both Thomas Cook Holidays and Thomson Holidays.

We saw this report on the internet site propertywire.com

Buy to let property investors with real estate to rent in the Balearics could see a steep fall in income this year if early booking trends continue.

Tourist bookings in the Balearics are down by between 10% and 20%, according to the latest figures. This is the biggest fall that the Balearic tourism sector has suffered in 20 years.

Minorca is doing the worst, with British visitor bookings down 20%, and Germans down 15%. Mallorca is doing only slightly better, with British visitors down 15% and Germans down 10%.

Even Ibiza, the most popular of the islands, has seen bookings from British tourists fall by 12%, and Germans down 10%.

Aurelio Vazquez, President of the Association of Hotel Chains, said members are reporting up to 20% falls in bookings. Although there are no separate figures available for villas and apartments they tend to follow the same trend.

The only segment bucking the trend is all inclusive hotel deals where bookings are up slightly.

Check expedia hotels for up to date hotel quotes.

To read more click though to www.propertywire.com

Another Balearic Island site, this time for Majorca, can be reached by clicking Majorca

British and mainland Europeans are spending less money and less time on holidays as the recession takes grip, and one holiday destination certainly being affected is Ibiza.

Ibiza hotels experienced lower than normal occupancy rates from July to September of 2008 than for the same period in 2007, and many Ibiza hotels have dropped their rental rates for 2009 in response. The hope is that dropping rates will lead to less of a loss than not being able to fill rooms at all.

Ibiza is the third largest of the Balearic Islands, located about 80 kilometers off of Spain’s coast. Ibiza has a rich and colourful history. It isn’t for a history lesson that most tourists visit the island, however. Decades ago tourism promoters decided to market the island as a place to dance and party. The island is famous for its clubs, some raucous and infamous.

Ibiza was able to successfully portray itself as an endless party. The island is frequented by tourists who are mainly young people in their 20s and 30s. The island quickly became synonymous with more than just dancing and drinking. Ibiza currently battles prostitution and a thriving illegal drug trade.

Authorities, business owners and tourism officials have made deliberate efforts in recent years to clean up Ibiza’s shady image. The law has cracked down on the trafficking and sale of illegal drugs. Some towns have imposed mandatory closing times for local clubs and bars to shed the “party all night long” image. By-laws have been passed or are in the works to legislate the types of new Ibiza hotels that can be built. Many are even requiring that all new hotels be five star only.

The new Ibiza hopes to emerge with a cleaner image and plans to market itself as a place full of heritage and cultural activities. It has made efforts to attract more families. More family style attractions are being built. Ibiza hotels are offering better family rates to encourage bringing the kids along on holiday.

Ibiza was just starting to shed its raucous party image when the recession hit. Families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford travel to the island despite all that it has to offer them, including the glorious weather in Ibiza. Besides the worldwide recession, the depreciating British pound is also keeping regulars away.

It’s something of a vicious cycle. Airlines have been forced to cancel some flights to the island because there are too few visitors to fill airplanes. Fewer visitors are landing in Ibiza, but the number of hotel rooms has remained the same. Hotels have had to become creative and highly competitive in drawing those few tourists into their hotels.

Many hotels have simply slashed prices across the board. Most, though, have created gimmicks targeting specific types of tourist. Many have offered special deals aimed directly at British tourists. Still others have tried to recapture the family visitors by offering special prices for families. Some have offered free stays for children accompanied by an adult. Others are offering free room upgrades. Still others are giving four or five day stays for the price of three.

What 2009 brings remains to be seen. It’s too early in the New Year to give an accurate report about 2009 tourism. It won’t likely be until March that a truer picture of Ibiza tourism will emerge. Ibiza hotels must simply keep the deals fresh and hope that it will be enough to lure holidaymakers back to the once popular island.

With global warming and the climate at the forefront of many people’s minds, what will be the biggest environmental concern for the travel industry in 2009?

It could be water…especially for Spain and her islands.

The dilemma for many tourist regions for 2009 is how to keep fresh, clean water flowing to serve both their full time residents and holidaymakets too.

Ibiza is spending approximately 13.5 million Euros or more than 17.3 million U.S. dollars to get fresh water. Spain’s Ministry of the Environment is spending this to upgrade the islands water infrastructure.

On the island, three plants produce fresh water for residents and tourists. These plants are in Ibiza Town, Santa Eulalia and San Antonio.

Only certain parts of the island have access to this desalinated water. Some areas of Ibiza still get their water from wells. The problem is that water from these wells has high concentrations of calcium and salt. This is not the best for washing hair, dishes or clothing.

The hard water is also not good for dishwashers and washing machines. The mineral deposits from the water build up in pipes and tanks. It’s the same when hard water build up mineral deposits in kettles and coffee machines, which require de-scaling. This is the problem locals and visitors face in certain parts of Ibiza.

The upgrade by The Ministry of the Environment will provide connections to the three desalination plants on the island. Towns and villages on the island will be able to enjoy fresh water.

Ibiza is not the only area facing water challenges. Las Vegas has a continuing battle on their hands with H2O. Las Vegas has been experiencing droughts in recent years.

A trend that may continue for the near future, it has officials concerned. In 2007, some news reports in the city said that proposed water projects are falling short of what the area will require.

There is also significant population growth in Las Vegas. This is putting a strain on the water supply in itself. Then couple that with the influx of tourists daily, and their water needs. Water levels at neighbouring Lake Mead in Nevada have dropped. In recent years, they are half of what they were seven years ago.
 
The Southern Nevada Water Authority has spent millions for new pumps to bring water in from the lake. This expenditure doubled the capacity of the second water intake drawing drinking water from Lake Mead.

The Water Authority is also working to pipe in groundwater from White Pine County. The first water will not flow into Las Vegas until 2012.

Las Vegas fears a larger crisis. Officials fear continuing droughts and lack of pipelines bringing in water from sources other than Lake Mead will cause water shortages. They believe the gap in water use and water supply will affect half a million people by 2012.

Worldwide the problem of fresh water is a serious one. Mexico has a problem with clean drinking water. Much of their water supply is contaminated by pollution.

Some areas of this popular tourist country do not have running water. Some areas of Mexico have no sewage service. Tourists often receive warnings not to drink the water in Mexico, to drink bottled water from quality sources instead.

This past March, Cyprus faced their battle with continuing drought. This led them to purchase water from Greece. The country ordered emergency water rationing and imports from Greece.

This was to get a grip on a growing shortage caused by a fourth year of drought. Cyprus saw their reservoir reserves drop significantly. In March, the island’s reservoirs were 10.3 percent full.  Desalination plants could not cope with the growing demand.

It seems fresh water is the new oil for some areas. It’s in great demand and in short supply. It is vital to regions that rely on tourist dollars and euros for economic survival.

It costs money for governments to install the infrastructure for fresh water. To serve citizens and visitors properly, this investment will be necessary in years to come.

Ibiza has something of a reputation among the young in Europe. It boasts some of the world’s most inviting beaches. It has also become known for its raucous nightlife. High tourist season (between June and September) sees thousands of holidaymakers partying the night away.

However, there is more to Ibiza than dance clubs.  Once the summer winds down, Ibiza becomes a quiet and inviting getaway.

The months between October and May are the best for tourists more interested in a cultural experience. The bars are still open, but they’re much quieter and more conducive to an intimate dinner. Holidaymakers visiting Ibiza in winter tend to come for the history. Smaller crowds mean culture-seekers have ample time and space to soak in the sights and sounds of the island.

The seat of its government is located in Ibiza Town. It boasts approximately 37,000 year-round inhabitants. It is small by world standards. Nevertheless, it is a must-see stop on any tourist’s winter Ibiza holiday.

Ibiza Town rests on the southeastern coast of the island. It is divided, like many ancient cities, into old and new Ibiza. The old part is Dalt Vila, or ‘Upper Town.’ Here tourists will find some of the oldest buildings in the Balearics. The cathedral of Santa Maria d’Eivissa is one example of ancient architecture here. The necropolis of Puig des Molins is another.

Eixample is the newer part of the city. This is where the island’s party reputation was born. Winter time is best for avoiding this stereotype and getting a true feel for the city’s restaurants, people and sites.

The island has been designated by the United Nations as a World Heritage site. This designation tends to be overlooked during the party season. Winter tourists, on the other hand, have time, space and quiet to appreciate it. This designation is given to areas that have cultural and/or natural importance as they pertain to the world at large. Thanks to Ibiza’s rich history and unique ecosystems, the island enjoys UN protection. It ensures that only responsible development occurs and ecology is preserved. It offers guidance to the local government in managing the area and balancing it with tourism and living space.

Winters on the island tend to be mild. Some rain can be expected in certain parts of Ibiza. Winter temperatures may not invite an ocean swim. They do allow for a good game of golf though, and the weather in Ibiza is comfortable. Even historical and cultural aficionados need to take a break. The island’s two major golf courses are currently undergoing a merger. When finished, the club will rival those of other parts of Spain.

Rates in many Ibiza resorts both luxury and economy drop during the off-season. This makes a winter Ibiza holiday extra appealing for Europeans used to the cold and snow back home.

An island like Ibiza can get a lot of publicity when the rich and famous choose it as a vacation destination. Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio recently dropped anchor at Ibiza in Spain’s Balearic Islands. Ibiza is without question a beautiful spot with its white buildings nestled around the harbour.

By day tourists sun themselves on sandy beaches and swim in the turquoise blue waters. At night outdoor cafes are filled with diners eager to try the fresh local cuisine. The tinkle of glasses and silverware and the frequent bursts of laughter linger far into the cool nights. Eventually guests wind their way back to one of a dozen hotels or to their yachts anchored offshore. Little wonder that someone like DiCaprio would discover Ibiza.

DiCaprio is emerging as one of the true stars of his generation. With the recent passing of the legendary Paul Newman, DiCaprio’s name comes quickly to mind as someone whose career can last for decades. Like Newman, Leo is more than just a movie star. He uses his celebrity to champion special causes. In Leo’s case the cause is global warming and the environment.

DiCaprio was born in Los Angeles, and his parents divorced before he was a year old. He was raised by his mother, but his father remained in his life. From an early age DiCaprio was drawn to acting. He did several commercials and in 1990 appeared briefly in a short-lived television series called ‘Parenthood’. One of the other child actors in the show was Tobey Maguire. He and Leo became fast friends.

DiCaprio’s big break was landing a recurring role in the series ‘Growing Pains.’ The show was one of the more popular sitcoms on TV for several years.

DiCaprio made the transition to movies in 1992 when he landed the pivotal role in ‘This Boy’s Life’ with Robert DeNiro. His performance was critically acclaimed and brought him to the attention of the industry. The following year he won an Oscar nomination for his role in the Johnny Depp film ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?’ A series of films in the next two years included ‘The Quick and the Dead’ and ‘The Basketball Diaries’. DiCaprio was making a name for himself as one of Hollywood’s rising stars.

His real breakthrough role came in 1997 when director James Cameron cast him as Jack Dawson in the mega hit Titanic. In all respects Titanic was an epic film. Moviegoers and critics alike loved it. Titanic became the all-time box office hit and earned more than $600 million USD. It was nominated for 11 Academy Awards.

Although DiCaprio did not win the Best Actor Oscar, his future in the film business was secured. Over the next several years he worked with directors like Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese. His films included:

* The Gangs of New York

* The Beach

* Catch Me If You Can

* The Aviator

* The Departed

* Blood Diamond.

DiCaprio has been a dedicated environmentalist for many years. Rather than flying on chartered planes that used more fuel, he always chooses commercial flights. His home is fitted with solar panels, he drives a hybrid car. His example inspired a number of his acting colleagues, including Orlando Bloom and Penelope Cruz. He co-wrote, produced and narrated a film on the challenges of global warming called ‘The 11th Hour’. He and Nobel Prize winner Al Gore teamed up during the 2007 Oscars to ensure that the production would incorporate environmental practices throughout.

DiCaprio has also established a foundation dedicated to protecting the environment. Though he prefers to personally work on projects like ‘The 11th Hour’, he has received hundreds of invitations to speak on behalf of environmental issues. Most recently he was invited to address the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on behalf of his foundation and the work it is doing.

Because of his willingness to stand up for issues he believes in, DiCaprio also draws criticism. His recent vacation in Ibiza is a case in point. Critics sniped that he and his friends should not have travelled on a luxury private yacht because it was not good for the environment. But given everything he has accomplished professionally and environmentally, it is not likely that DiCaprio will forego the beauties of Spain and Ibiza. Where else can you enjoy the wonders of nature and a different postcard sunset every evening?