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

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

The famous Ibiza Rocks hotel brand is expanding - to sister island Majorca.

The new Mallorca Rocks Hotel will have 330 bedrooms, and be in Magaluf. It’s set to open in May.

For more information about Ibiza hotels visit http://www.youribiza.net

For details of Majorca hotels visit yourmajorca.net

Here’s an extract from an article we saw recently about spa holidays in Ibiza:

For a sophisticated ‘city’ break, Aguas de Ibiza is a new and exclusive waterside hotel located by Ibiza’s Santa Eulalia Marina. This hotel was built by local architect Juan de los Ríos and designed by Barcelona-based Triade Studio combining eco-friendly materials with energy saving techniques. Positioned as Eco Luxury, Aguas de Ibiza is built from local sustainable materials with a clear environmental focus whilst not comprising on standards of service or design ethos. Raising the bar in the Eastern side of the island, its cool credentials have recently been further endorsed by the opening of a new roof top chill out area complete with pool and loungers and a state of the art Revival Wellness Club.

The hotel’s Revival Wellness Club oozes elegance and is chic Ibiza at its absolute finest. The body treatments include a range 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. The Plantar Reflexology stimulates reflex points on the feet to mirror the body’s major organs and glands promoting deep relaxation and healing of tired bodies and feet. For the ultimate pampering treat, the Bodyna Indulgence package can be taken over a one or a two day period and includes a back massage, ayurvedic massage, facial massage, plantar reflexology and an aromatherapy massage.

To read the full article click here

For motre information about Ibiza holidays including an Ibiza weather forecast  visit youribiza.net

A good article appeared in the Liverpool Echo recently about holidays in Ibiza. Here’s an extract:

WHEN a travel agent suggested the island of Ibiza might be a good choice for a two-week break for my wife and I and our two-year-old toddler, it was with some trepidation that we took up her idea.

That was back in 2003. And the mere fact that this month saw us enjoy our third holiday on the sun-kissed Balearic isle shows how much we have fallen in love with the place.

That two-year-old toddler is now eight and he now also has a four-year-old brother who was himself making his second trip to the island having first experienced its delights in 2006.

Renowned for its incredible nightclubs such as Pacha, El Divino, Amnesia and Privilege, Ibiza’s image was tarnished somewhat during the 1990s and early 2000s as the activities of some clubgoers went somewhat OTT.

Thankfully, though, in recent years places such as the picturesque town of San Antonio on the island’s west coast have recovered their reputations so that today, they are eminently suitable places for couples, families and partygoers alike.

The same goes for our favourite resort of Playa d’en Bossa.

More or less geographically opposite to San Antonio, Playa d’en Bossa’s greatest asset is its magnificent beach.

Its sands really are as golden as the brochures say and the clear, warm Mediterranean water that laps in make it a safe place for youngsters to wade out and comfortably stay within their depth, such is its gentle shelving.

To read the rest of the article at the Liverpool Post click here

For more information about Ibiza Holidays and a five day Ibiza weather forecast visit youribiza.net

Ibiza

Fashion and Ibiza were made for each other, and reports suggest several well known fashion designers are considering buying property on Ibiza.

Designer Julien Macdonald is looking for “something beautiful” according to sources. He wants something modern with great entertainment possibilities. He is rumoured to be looking to spend around 3 million Euros for the perfect home.

And other rumours hint that designer Roberto Cavalli plans to invest around 10 million on his island home. His requirements are a bit more extensive, as he would like a secluded area where he can keep an eye on yacht - The RCC Roberto Cavalli is no stranger to Ibiza as many refer to it as a rainbow yacht. Special paint designed to reflect all the colours of the rainbow make it appear to change colour as it passes.

Designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are said to be looking to invest more than 20 million on large island estates. The Dolce and Gabbana duo create immaculate articles of clothing we often see on the runway and red carpet.

Ibiza’s Offerings

Ibiza is the third largest island of the Balearic Islands. Mallorca is the largest and most densely populated island. Menorca is the second largest of the Balearics. Mallorca and Menorca are home to some of the most visited holiday resorts in the Mediterranean.

The resorts on Ibiza are often described as specialised. Most offer a family atmosphere during the daylight hours with more adult happenings later at night. Ibiza’s vivid nightlife has provided many years of enjoyment for working and middle class visitors, celebrities and royalty alike.

Ibiza offers up more than resorts, clubs and bars though. The rolling hills and lush valleys are home to a variety of wildlife and local island dwellers. Many of the homes in Ibiza provide amazing views and serene privacy, and some of these are available to rent for those taking villa holidays in Ibiza.

The climate in Ibiza differs very slightly from Mallorca. Winter temperatures may drop as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 46 degrees Fahrenheit at night. The prime holidays season sees warmer weather in Ibiza with temperatures often in the 80’s fahrenheit.

Property on Ibiza

Property investors from around the world have invested in holiday homes in the Balearic Islands – Menorca property for example is popular for families. Some prefer to allow only family and trusted friends rent their home while others rent to anyone looking for a great holiday spot.

Property on Ibiza varies from stunning 4 bedroom, 4 bath villas for 3.9 million to more immaculate 7 bedroom, 5 bathroom homes for 1.95 million, to small apartments at a fraction of that price. Prices vary based on location, location, location. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it on Ibiza.

The world-wide economic downturn caused property prices to fall to a low that hadn’t been seen in several years. The supply of property on Ibiza is high this summer, creating great investment opportunities. Ibiza is the perfect location for celebrities to buy summer homes or holiday homes. It has earned the name ‘Little Hollywood’ due to the high number of celebrities that have homes there.

Celebrities in the Balearics

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio is looking for a countryside home with amazing sea views. DiCaprio is best known for his roles in Titanic, The Man in the Iron Mask and Catch Me if You Can.

The atmosphere in Ibiza is very relaxed compared to other parts of the world. Celebrities like Mick Jagger and Robert Plant enjoy sitting unnoticed in cafes. Other celebrities who enjoy Ibiza as a holidays destination include Sylvester Stallone.

More details and travel articles are available at http://www.youribiza.net/ibiza-blog

A New Hotel Is Coming To Ibiza

It’s not a word that is well known outside of Spain, but a parador is a government run hotel - it is a way for the government to preserve landmarks, such as old castles, manors, hospices and convents - perhaps the nearest equivalent in the UK would be the National Trust.

These historical buildings are transformed into luxury hotels known for their top notch service and flare for the local food.

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.

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.