Are you one of many people who work out how much you’re going to need for a holiday, think you’ve got everything covered - and then halfway through your trip realised your financial planning was out?

You’re not alone.

Many people have found the amount of money they thought they would need for a trip overseas hasn’t been enough. And with airlines and holiday companies adding extra on to a lot of items that used to come as standard it’s not a problem that’s going to go away.

In their defence it’s not surprising that airlines and holiday companies do this - the recession has hit the travel industry hard, and they need to increase the amount of revenue per passenger they are carrying on the airlines, and hotels for each guest they accommodate.

But putting the full price on advertised rates could affect their business, as it’s the headline price that catches many people’s attention - and with travel portals searching for the lowest price more popular than ever travel companies have to get around the low prices offered by making money elsewhere.

As an example we looked for a holiday to Ibiza for next summer, June 2011, to see what the holiday companies were offering, based on 2 adults with a reasonable hotel for 7 nights and Ibiza flights included.

Thomson Holidays, one of the UK’s leading tour operators, have available return flights and a choice of two different Ibiza hotels for 320 a person, and they also include getting to and from the airport to either of the Ibiza hotels.

Their main competitor, Thomas Cook, are doing even better with flights, hotel and breakfast from 285 a person for 7 nights. Their main competitor, Thomas Cook, are doing even better with flights, hotel and breakfast from 285 a person for 7 nights.

Great deals from Britain’s two leading holiday companies - but extras available include choosing a seat on the flight, a meal and travel insurance. The first two can be missed for the budget conscious, but travel insurance should never be cut out and can be taken either with the holiday company when booking, or independently.

In some ways the hidden costs that only become apparent when booking a trip, in the above example Ibiza holidays, aren’t surprising given that the cost is often the first feature considered, and many holidaymakers expecting to have 5 star flights, hotels and holidays at 2 star prices - the most reliable companies have to compete at the headline prices offered by others.

Away from the booking itself, once people are on their Ibiza holidays or elsewhere, the cost of mobile phone calls are the biggest cause of complaint, despite the EU having ordered charges to come down in recent years.

Other charges that holidaymakers deemed to be excessive included the cost of a taxi - most commonly used to get from the airport to the Ibiza hotels where most people would be staying.

To keep costs down it’s possible to book a taxi online with an agreed price and a driver waiting for you rather than taking pot luck upon arrival. Keeping luggage weights within the airlines allowance will ensure no surcharges, and some airlines offer half price luggage costs when it’s booked online instead of doing it at the airport.

For more details about 2011 Ibiza holidays with news and articles visit youribiza.net

The tourist board have been busy promoting Majorca and the other Balearic Islands for mid August to end September holidays, with Opodo reporting:

People considering a late summer break this year have been offered a number of reasons to choose Spain’s Balearic Islands as their destination.

The tourist board representing the archipelago pointed out that one of the region’s main advantages is its weather, with 300 days of sunshine every year.

Beach lovers will be spoilt for choice in the Balearics, with Salines in Ibiza, Cala Pregonda in Menorca and Es Trenc in Mallorca among the seafront hotspots being recommended.

People who enjoy a bit of celebrity spotting will be in with a good chance of seeing some famous faces on the Spanish islands, according to the tourist board.

Michelle Obama recently visited Mallorca, while Kate Moss regularly enjoys breaks in Ibiza and Formentera and both Claudia Schiffer and Elle Macpherson own villas in the region.

Travellers who enjoy outdoor activities were encouraged to try some of the sports on offer in the Balearics, with both Majorca and Ibiza boasting an extensive network of cycling routes and most islands providing facilities to go scuba diving.

The Sun has been to Mallorca Rocks, and report:

YOU’RE chilling on your hotel balcony, watching the sun set after a day of sizzling pool action.

And the best is yet to come - you grab a cocktail and prepare to enjoy top seats at one of the hottest gigs of the summer as the best bands around play just below your room!

Welcome to Mallorca Rocks - the coolest way to enjoy music and more this season at bargain prices.

The original, Ibiza Rocks, has been a favourite with celebs and now creator Andy McKay has opened a new budget hotel, bar and concert venue in Magaluf to offer young Brits another option for a music-soaked sunshine break from less than £112 a week. Over the summer, acts headlining at Mallorca Rocks include Dizzee Rascal, The Courteeners and Pendulum and all will be free for hotel guests.

I was invited to the sunny isle for the opening and was pleasantly surprised.

I had my doubts about going back to Magaluf ten years after my original visit as a wide-eyed, binge-drinking teenager.

But the planners have done a great job with the hotel, creating a clean and simple near-replica of the Ibiza Rocks resort. An enormous pool sits in the middle of a square of 12 apartment blocks, with a huge permanent stage for the gigs.

Rooms are basic-but-modern cool, with whitewashed walls and pop art prints. Most sleep four with a twin bedroom and sofa bed in the lounge. There’s also a kitchenette, maid service three times a week and either balcony or terrace.

The resort is a holiday destination in its own right, with three new bars, a restaurant and fashion store.

At the opening weekend gig some fans had to be turned away as the 2,000 capacity crowd, spanning 18 to 50, crammed in to see The Kooks.

Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe and indie band Bombay Bicycle Club warmed things up before The Kooks’ Luke Pritchard launched into an energetic two-hour set.

Later Luke said: “I was chuffed to bits to be asked to open Mallorca Rocks. I’ve really enjoyed playing in Ibiza over the years but this feels like we’re on holiday.”

Mallorca Rocks is right in the centre of Magaluf and just 300 metres from the nearest beach, but there is plenty more on the doorstep if you fancy venturing out.

After a morning of sun worshipping by the pool, we caught a taxi to Camp De Mar Beach, a 20-minute ride away, for a paella and wine feast overlooking the Med at Resturante Illeta.

From there we headed to the capital, Palma, a further 15 minutes in a taxi, to catch a sunset harbour cruise. Back on dry land, we made straight for Palma institution Abaco.

This bar in the heart of the old town is part of a beautiful old mansion and features an eclectic interior as well as serving cocktails to die for.

Feeling slightly light-headed, we soaked up the view of glorious Palma Cathedral before stumbling upon a lovely tapas restaurant called Tast.

The next day we woke up bright and early to catch a two-hour ferry to Ibiza and a date with headliners Biffy Clyro - the first of 15 weekly gigs - at the original Ibiza Rocks hotel in San Antonio.

For photographs and to read the full article click here

For a Majorca map visit yourmajorca.net

There’s a part of Gran Canaria that has become known by holidaymakers visiting the island as ‘Little Venice’ – the village of Puerto de Mogan, writes the latest update on the Gran Canaria Blog.

Away from the bigger resorts it’s a haven of tranquility and still has the air of a traditional village, but with the advantage of good modern accommodation with both a hotel and self catering accommodation available.

Puerto de Mogan’s similarity to the Italian city of canals is no accident. The vision of the designers of the beachfront part of the city was to re-create the quaintness of Venice in a Spanish environment.

It’s located on the southwestern coast of Gran Canaria. The island is the second largest most populous in the Canary Island chain. Visitors from Europe, the UK and further afield for its sunshine, beaches, charm and rich culture.

The island is home to over 800,000 residents. It sees well over twice that many annual visitors. Tourism is an important part of the economy.

A majority of tourist activity takes place along the eastern coast of the island. Much of it is centered around the capital city of Las Palmas.

The western side is less populated and concentrated. This is one reason that Puerto de Mogan’s developers decided to adopt an Italian theme. Created by an Italian designer, it’s one that is unique to the island.

Visitors to the beachside downtown area will be hard pressed to find a motor vehicle of any kind. Instead, Puerto de Mogan caters to the pedestrian.

Designers created arched walkways reminiscent of many Italian cities. Visitors can stroll the bricked walkways which link the town’s shops, restaurants and quaint residences and hotels.

The real nod to Venice, though, is the town’s canals. They run through the village and out into the marina area which opens into the Atlantic Ocean.

While many of Gran Canaria’s popular resort towns feature modern high-rise buildings. This was another deliberate design choice by town visionaries.

The main hotel sits comfortably in the surroundings, and for those considering a week or two’s holiday it can be booked in the UK via Thomson Holidays or independently.

No buildings exceed two stories tall except for a small handful of older ones. Any modern construction is limited by law to two stories or less. This feature adds to the unique charm of the beach town.

Locals survived for centuries on fishing. The city is still home to many native fishermen. However, most of the economic activity comes from tourism in today’s world.

Daytrippers tend to stick to the waterfront area of the city. Tourists who want to stay for a spell and spend a little bit less money can venture further inland. Away from the pricey, tourist driven restaurants and boutiques, visitors can find more authentic cuisine and homier accommodation.

The village is family friendly, with activities for people of all ages. For swimming and sunbathing it’s fairly sheltered, so the water is warm and currents are gentle, helped by the good Gran Canaria weather.

Other popular water activities include snorkelling, boating and jet skiing, as well as surfing if you venture a bit further out.

Puerto de Mogan is widely well known for her Friday market. The open air market draws hundreds of locals as well as tourists every week. Shoppers can find just about anything, from hand made clothing to native produce, fresh fish, and locally made craft and gift items.

A visit to to see Puerto de Mogan is well worthwhile if you’re not staying there during Gran Canaria holidays - most of the coastal towns are connected by a highway.

Some of the eastern towns are even connected by ferry for ease of travel. It’s time well-spent, whether it’s a day trip or a longer stay.

For a Gran Canaria map visit yourgrancanaria.net

Comments from people who have been to the island are often posted on social network sites such as mixx

Minorca Blog

The biggest of Cala En Porter’s hotels has just opened after an extensive refurbishment - it’s good news for the village and for holidaymakers making their way to Menorca for their holidays.

The village has been out of favour with some of the tour operators, perhaps because it’s a little quiet for some, but the hotel will provide a great base for those wishing to visit the island and book their flights and accommodation seperately.

With views of the Mediterranean, the Azul is within an easy stroll of the resort’s amenities, including a choice of restaurants and bars, many with evening entertainment, but for those preferring a quiet week away they are catered for too.

The most recent reviews on tripadvisor from those who have been on their Menorca flights and stayed there have been glowing, and include comments such as this one from Switzerland:

We stayed 1 week in playa azul and took the hotel as a last minute offer for around 350Eur/pp including flight. For the price we paid, the hotel offered much more!

Overall we got much more then we paid for and we are really happy with Hotel Playa Azul.

And from a UK tourist who had their Menorca holidays recently:

Just got back from a week at this fab hotel, from the moment we walked through the hotel reception till the day we left it was brilliant, the staff especially the resturant and bar staff were very freindly and attentive - nothing was too much trouble, the food was first rate.

And as well as for independent travellers booking their trips online the good news for the hotel is that Thomas Cook are now offering it either seperately or as part of a package.

New photographs for Cala En Porter are due soon at yourmenorca.net and photos of the hotel are at social media like stumbleupon

Lanzarote Blog

Lanzarote

There are three main towns In Lanzarote where the majority of people who visit stay:

Playa Blanca, Puerto Del Carmen and Costa Teguise.

Each is different and offers new and exciting things to do.

Accommodation in Lanzarote

The three primary accommodation types are apartments, villas and hotels. Shopping, restaurants and bars are easily accessible. Most restaurants stay open very late to accommodate those who enjoy their night life.

Playa Blanca is popular with those who take Lanzarote villa holidays but they are also available in the other areas.

Relaxation

Beaches are not in short supply - it is an island after all. Snorkeling, swimming and other water sports are readily available. Many sunbathers enjoy watching others enjoy the surf while they take in the Lanzarote weather and incredible scenery.

Nothing beats the total relaxation of a spa day. Local spas cater to seasonal visitors and provide a good way to relax and get away from it all. Sea water treatment centres are in high demand. Sea water is very soothing and therapeutic with a naturally calming effect.

Cafes, restaurants and bars are good places to catch some shade and relaxation. A cool drink helps keep the body hydrated while you enjoy the surrounding sights and sounds.

Sightseeing

Aside from waking up to the horizon outside the window, away from the beaches other locations are deserving of a tourist’s time. Playa Blanca’s new golf course and marina are two examples of the attractions in the southern part of Lanzarote.

Timanfaya National Park is a must see. Plan to spend at least a few hours and enjoy the restaurant if possible. Please keep in mind that you will be treading the top of a volcano and dress accordingly. It will likely be cooler than the rest of the island and rocky ground requires adequate footwear.

Castillo de las Coloradas gets its name from the colourful rocks on the coastline of Playa Blanca. The ruins of an historic castle that was built to help defend the island and its inhabitants from pirate attacks in the mid 1700s are just to the east of the Playa Blanca area.

One of the primary landmarks in the southern part of Lanzarote is the lighthouse, Faro de Pechiguera. Built in 1986, the lighthouse is of fairly recent construction and not that spectacular in itself.

The walk from Playa Blanca to the lighthouse however is absolutely amazing. The trek takes approximately half an hour, depending on pace and offers views of neighbouring islands Los Lobos and Fuerteventura.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen and Comfortable Shoes

The sun’s rays are well known to cause aesthetically pleasing tans as well as types of skin cancer. Take proper care of your skin while visiting the Canary Islands and take sunscreen. Drink a lot of fluids to prevent dehydration and take comfortable shoes.

Sandals and flip-flops are preferred summer wear for most people on their Lanzarote holidays. Some people even prefer to simply go barefoot.

Take more caution and be a little more practical when visiting all of the natural wonders. Hot sand can blister, slippery rocks may cause falls, and volcanic rock may cut your feet. You don’t have to wear them all the time, but you definitely need proper footwear while out sightseeing and exploring the delight that is Lanzarote.

Visit yourlanzarote.net for more information and social media like twitter for thoughts from those on their trip right now.

Minorca Blog

With the banking crises and subsequent recession in Europe and the U.S. over its worst (hopefully) this year had all the signs of being a good one for the Menorca holidays industry.

Tourist arrivals to the island has been down in the last couple of years, in common with most Mediterranean islands, as a direct result of the bank failures and subsequent recession that hit consumer spending on things like overseas holidays hard.

But a turnaround was definitely on the cards with good early bookings, and a sense of optimism was in the air among the hotel owners and flight operators.

But then came along Eyjafjallajokull - or as it’s become better known in Europe and the wider world, the Iceland volcano - which after erupting continuously for over a month caused an ash cloud that grounded planes, left holidaymakers stranded, and caused a lot of people to reconsider their Menorca holidays for this year.

The direct consequence has been that instead of booking a few months ahead many tourists have held off and are booking their Menorca holidays much closer to their intended arrival dates - leaving some tour operators and villa holiday companies with excess accommodation and reducing prices.

And airlines lost out big time as those based in the EU had to pay for accommodation for those passengers they couldn’t fly home, even though insurers often got away with paying out. The airlines industry feel that as the governments stopped them flying, they should now pay their bills without some will run at a loss this year.

It’s not just Menorca that has been affected by the volcano among the Mediterranean islands where tourism forms an important part of the local economy, and is reliant on flights to bring the tourists in to their hotels and for their villa holidays for a week or two.

Malta for example saw a sharp decline in visitors in April and May, and local media have reported that the national flag carrier Air Malta could have lost over 3 million Euros in April alone as their planes were effectively grounded and flights to their important UK market halted altogether for some time.

Unlike Malta, Menorca doesn’t have an airline to speak of that it can call her own, but Mahon Airport is well served with both low cost airlines and tour operators from both the UK and Germany have regular flights to Menorca at various times of the day, with scheduled flights available out of the holidays season.

But there is some good news around, despite the awful start to the year. While there were plenty of Menorca villa holidays available for June and July to be booked when looking for availability in early May, a month later a lot of them had gone by early June, showing that potential visitors were gaining confidence as the volcano quietened down.

And the price cuts that were showing are now back to something like their normal level. But for those thinking of taking a villa holiday in September when the weather is still normally good, there are some available for under UK 700 - it’s quiter then with the schools back and if Menorca villa holidays are something to be considered it could be worth investigating further and booking ahead to get a good deal.

More details about Menorca, including a forecast and today’s Menorca weather are at yourmenorca.net and for independent comments visit social media like jumptags

A new study has revealed that Spanish tourists are the least generous when it comes to tipping on holiday, report yahoo.com’s travel section.

An overwhelming 80% of Spanish travellers who were questioned by TripAdvisor said that they do not always tip when they visit other countries.

They were closely followed by 78% of Italians and 76% of French, while 57% of British people surveyed said that they didn’t always reward service staff.

The study into tipping etiquette, which polled 2,441 travellers, also revealed that three-quarters of Britons don’t always research tipping customs before holidaying abroad.

As a result, 15% said they had been confronted by staff for not leaving a tip and 6% said their holiday had been ruined because of this type of experience.

Two-thirds of Brits also admitted that they are put off holidaying in the United States because of its well-known hard-line tipping culture.

Commenting on the study, Emyr Thomas, director of concierge and lifestyle management company Bon Vivant, said: “Tipping can be socially awkward and can cause endless embarrassment, especially on holiday when we are unfamiliar with local customs.

“In some countries it is considered rude not to tip, so you might need to justify yourself, just as in others, such as Japan, it is often considered rude to tip at all.”

He added: “I would always recommend reading up about the customs of a particular country before travelling there. However, if you are stuck, adding a tip of 10% is the course of action least likely to cause offence and embarrassment, especially in Europe, where customs do not vary too much.”

For information about Ibiza including flights to Ibiza visit youribiza.net and comments about the island who are currently there on holiday are on twitter

The Ibiza Tourist Board is promoting the ‘alternative side to Ibiza’ for those considering family holidays on the island.

easier.com report:

Whilst many UK holidaymakers visit Ibiza to enjoy the sun, beaches and the infamous nightlife, there is another side to the island which is quietly growing in popularity.

For 2010, the Ibiza Tourist Board continues to promote the ‘alternative side of Ibiza’ through three key themes; Learn, Explore and Indulge.

There is no doubt that Ibiza continues to impress party-goers with the increasingly elaborate opening and closing parties that kick off and end the main holiday season. Just minutes away from the parties however lies a quiet and traditional island which is easy to travel around and offers a wealth of opportunities to learn, discover and indulge.

With holidaymakers increasingly looking for more than just a sun kissed glow, Ibiza is the perfect place for experiences that challenge the traditional concept of a beach/sun destination. Visitors can learn a new skill such as speaking Spanish, cookery or yoga, explore the hidden side of the island with the recently inaugurated network of cycling and hiking paths and indulge with some of the many pampering treats and experiences available on the island.

Learn Ibiza

Ibiza town is the ideal place to learn Spanish and the Instituto de Idiomas de Ibiza offers guests the chance to take part in a week long extensive Spanish course giving the confidence needed to be able to converse with the Ibizencos and enjoy a different holiday experience. Located in the heart of Ibiza Town, the intense week-long course includes 20 Spanish lessons focused on speaking, listening, writing and reading and will leave students feeling confident and able to experience a different side to the island. The Insitituto de Idiomas can also arrange accommodation for guests with the option of staying either with host families (recommended for quick learning) or in shared or private apartments, hostels or Ibiza hotels.

Far from the club scene, Ibiza Retreats offers a range of wellbeing courses to help cleanse the body and mind. Courses include yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, meditation, detox, dance and much more. For 2010 Ibiza Retreats has teamed up with some of the rural agroturismos such as the boutique hotel Cas Gasi to offer a range of tailor-made wellbeing weekends, perfect for getting to grips with the basics of yoga and meditation or simply to enjoy a relaxing treat . For more information, visit: ibizaretreats.com

Explore Ibiza

Ibiza offers an interesting terrain of rocky coastal paths, authentic whitewashed villages and two vast parks of particular ecological interest. The Ses Salinas National Park features salt lakes, beaches, cliffs and coastlines and offers a wonderful place to explore. Here flamingos are a common sight and the odd peregrine falcon or fishing eagle is often spotted making it a popular place for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts.

The nature reserve of Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell is a protected area made up of small islands with an abundant marine environment as well as the highest point on the island, sa Talaia, which sits at 487 metres above sea level. This is a fascinating place to explore and there are a number of myths and legends surrounding Es Vedra. Many claim that it is the tip of the sunken valley of Atlantis, an ancient valley from which the stone was extracted for the construction of the Egyptian Pyramids.

Most areas in Ibiza are accessible by bike and Ibiza has recently developed a series of well sign-posted routes for those that want the freedom to explore independently beyond the typical tourist trails. Cycling in Ibiza can be enjoyed all year round, many choosing Spring and Autumn over the summer months when temperatures can soar to up to 40 degrees. To meet the increasing cycling and mountain bike demand in Ibiza, there are a number of associations and companies based on the island offering cycling holidays and rental services. For more information visit: ibizasport.com

For water lovers, Ibiza offers a fantastically diverse sea bed and marine life which in 1999 was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The prairies of underwater sea grass called Posidonia form part of the natural landscape making Ibiza a unique diving destination. For those looking for more of a challenge, the Don Pedro wreck which sunk in 2007 is now open for exploration. The wreck which lies just outside the port of Ibiza has already earned the status as ‘Monster of the Med’ and thanks to its unique ecosystem is now considered home to many large fish. For more info, visit: puntadive.com

Water enthusiasts are spoilt for choice in Ibiza and the Estación Náutica based in Santa Eulalia offers more than twenty different water sports from which to enjoy. Activities include snorkelling, sailing, motorboat hire, sea kayaking, windsurfing, waterskiing and much more. For land lovers, the centre also arranges land activities such as bike riding or horse riding which are fantastic ways to explore the island. For more information, visit: ensantaeulalia.com

Many people are surprised that for an island with such a big reputation, Ibiza is just over 50km from one end to the other. In just ten minutes, visitors can go from beach to village or from party spot to rural hideaway. For any transportation needs on the island, Cosmacar offers a range of services such as private air conditioned mini-bus services, daily excursions and airport pick-ups and drop offs. For more information, see: autocarescosmacar.es

Indulge Ibiza

Whether it is a long walk across a deserted beach, a day in one of the new start-of-the-art spas, or a delicious cocktail in a trendy beach bar, Ibiza is an island that stretches beyond expectations and offers an indulgent experience for everyone, irrespective of budget.

For a real treat, eco-luxury hotel Aguas de Ibiza has recently opened their Bodyna Natural Care centre which oozes elegance and sophistication. The Spa offers a range of treatments to soothe, cleanse, relax and nourish. The Puree de Papaya Radiance Scrub combines the natural extracts of papaya, coconut vitamin E and essential oils leaving the skin illuminated and radiant. Alternatively the Plantar Reflexology stimulates reflex points on the feet to mirror the body’s major organs to promote deep relaxation and healing of tired bodies and feet.

For those that prefer to soak up the surroundings and make the most of the warm Mediterranean climate and Ibiza weather, the roof-top chill out bar at Aguas de Ibiza is the ideal way to start the evening. Complete with pool and loungers, this stylish haven offers fantastic views over Santa Eulalia’s marina and serves up a tantalizing selection of cocktails and aperitifs. For more information, visit: aguasdeibiza.com

For a glitzy and awesomely indulgent evening, Ibiza Gran Hotel plays host to the only casino on the island which is open throughout the year from 6pm until 5am. With an impressive gaming room complete with American Roulette, Black Jack, Caribbean Poker, Baccarat and Texas Hold’em Poker as well as slot machines galore, this is the perfect place for a real blow the budget experience. Non guests pay a €5 entrance fee and ID must be shown. For more information, visit: ibizagranhotel.com

For more details of holidays in Ibiza visit youribiza.net - for the weather in Menorca visit yourmenorca.net

Digital Spy report that Bryan Ferry is set to play Ibiza this summer:

Pete Tong has announced that Bryan Ferry will play at the launch event for Wonderland Ibiza 2010.

The Roxy Music frontman will join Steve Lawler, Jaymo, Andy George, Moda and Tong himself at the White Island opening party at Eden on June 25.

Tong said: “For me, Ibiza and specifically Wonderland is all about special moments.

“Teaming up Steve Lawler, one of the world’s best DJs, with Bryan Ferry, lead singer of Roxy Music and a legend responsible for some of the most important pop music of a generation will definitely be a moment for me! What a way to kick off the season!”

Ferry added: “I have been a big fan of various kinds of dance music for a very long time, and my first visit to Ibiza was more than 30 years ago, so I feel fairly qualified and very enthusiastic about performing there.

“Pete Tong is one of the coolest guys on the dance music scene, and I feel honoured to be asked to play at his opening night.”

Tong will broadcast live on Radio 1 from Ibiza throughout the season, which runs from June 25 to October 1. Tickets are available now.

For hotels in Ibiza viit http://www.youribiza.net