It is a while since I have been but Tenerife is a great place for a holiday if you are looking for virtually guaranteed sunshine, but for those that want to spend their holidays doing more than just getting a tan there is a lot to do on the island, apart from the obvious relaxing by a pool or on the beach. When looking for a Hotel in Tenerife one great buzzing resort, which is where we stayed, is Playa de las Americas in the south of the island. It is within easy access of the airport, and boasts great nightlife and a huge choice of amenities.

Car hire is simple and the roads are good if you want to get away to the more traditional and greener north of the island. I visited Tenerife some years ago, and in one long day my friend and I visited Puerto de la Cruz with its historic buildings and drove up the volcano with its amazing views; this is not a trip for anyone afraid of heights, and make sure you take a warm sweater and good walking shoes if you want to go right to the top.

Other attractions for a day trip are the seawater pools, the Lago Martianez and the botanical gardens, founded in1788. All of this was easily accessible from my hotel on the south of the island, and made a great break from reading in the sun. We hired a car for 2 days to break up our holiday, and spent the rest of our week enjoying the sunshine on the south of the island, overall a great combination.

Even the best travel plans can be waylaid by a transportation disaster. Between rigid security requirements, canceled and overbooked flights, and undependable, cramped public buses, the potential for your dream vacation to turn into a nightmare is endless. But travelers-in-the-know have another option to get where they need to go – booking a jet charter, bus charter, or limousine charter. Chartering is a flexible, convenient, and sometimes even affordable way to bypass the complications and hassle of going on vacation or traveling for business.

Flying doesn’t have to include arriving hours early, checking bags, endless security checks, waiting at the gate, or the risk of a delayed flight. On a jet charter, you can have the perfect flying experience. A pilot will greet you upon arrival and welcome you to immediately board the plane, allowing you to relax with your traveling companions or unwind in privacy. No need to worry about lines and lost baggage. Whether you are flying your whole family to the coast for your annual vacation or taking a quick jaunt for business, the convenience and reassurance of a jet charter will put your mind at ease.

If you’re traveling with your family or a group, a jet charter can be a great deal. For example, say your group of eight is traveling from Portland, Oregon to San Francisco – a 2.4 hour round-trip flight. Light jets, which can carry up to eight people, start around $1950 per hour of travel at some charter companies. That’s just $585 per person, comparable to what you would spend at a major airline. And unlike a major airline, you’ll be comfortably traveling with only your friends or family, turning the flight into a part of the vacation.

You don’t need to be a celebrity or a real-estate mogul to enjoy the benefits of chartered travel. Even when traveling alone on business, a jet charter is a luxurious and affordable way to fly privately. Very light jets come in compact sizes and are even less expensive than light jets. These lower-cost, convenient charter options are the perfect option for an individual that doesn’t need a lot of space.

Chartered transportation is a great option for road travel as well. For large groups, bus charters will save you the hassle and expense of driving multiple cars without enduring a cramped public bus stuffed with strangers.

Or for special occasions like a wedding, prom, or important business meeting, you can choose from a variety of elegant stretch sedans or SUV limousines. Arriving in style makes a great first-impression and adds the perfect touch of extravagance to a special day.

No matter where you’re going or who you’re going with, chartering a jet, bus, or limousine is the best way to avoid public transportation headaches. Convenient, comfortable, and more affordable than you would guess, charter travel is the perfect way to begin your next big trip.

Author Bio: Margot is a guest post writer on the subjects of charter travel and chartering a jet from jetcharters.com.

Advanced smartphones, such as the Android, Blackberry and iPhone, have become an essential accessory in our daily lives. These units are very nice to look at and yet exhibit a high functionality essential in any gadget. Those who are always on the go rely on their smartphones for an assortment of functions with large storage phonebooks with easy phone number search, GPS Tracking, MP3/4, and a multitude of applications to download. Below are 5 essential applications that will help maximize the potential of the smartphone as a travelling companion.

Lonely Planet

This app is available in Android and iPhone versions. Lonely planet is a handy collection of travel guides for every imaginable location on earth. It has a listing of attractions, including off-the-beaten-path places of interest, with real reviews and recommendations. Maps to selected locations can be accessed online or offline, and indicate street numbers and other information. Another remarkable application similar to Lonely Planet is TimeOut, which also provides impressive listings of highly rated dining establishments, attractions, and accommodations in the city of your choice.

Xe

This currency exchange app can be downloaded for free and is compatible for Blackberry, iPhone, and Android smartphones. This application takes the guesswork out of currency conversion; so the next time you are in a strange city without any knowledge about live currency rates, open the Xe app and convert away. The application has all the known currencies in the world and monitors market rates of precious metals. Currency information in Xe is always up to date.

Fast Contact

Built for the iPhone, Fast Contact is a phone book application that incorporates highly interactive features not found in other similar apps. Browse through contacts with an easy flip and select screenshots to access profiles and contact information. Change background colors and themes to suit moods and preferences. When traveling or visiting a different country or city, click a button to automatically sort out all of the names of friends, family, and clients residing in the same location or working for the same company.

Google Translate

Why pay for translation apps when you can get it for free? The Google Translate application is probably one of the best free programs for iPhone and Android smartphones. The directions for using the Google Translate are pretty straightforward. It mainly requires selection of language options and then typing of the word or phrase to be translated. Another option requires speaking directly into the phone, which tends to be problematic at times.

Trip It

Another impressive free app, Trip It keeps all of the essential data required for travel in one neat application. Use it to retrieve your electronic travel itinerary from your email account or to consolidate hotel and flight information. Users who are impressed with the original Trip It can upgrade to Trip It Pro, which has more features but requires subscription.

If you are visiting Spanish shores and looking to find car hire that will make your trip as hassle-free as possible, then it’s important to choose the right deal.

A couple of decades ago or more, flying to Spain would have been a nerve-racking affair for one major reason.
Once you’d landed, cleared customs and the passport check, it was time to head to the car hire desk – and for many people that was where the problems started.

Unless you knew exactly what you were doing, it could end up being an expensive business. You might know the basic price of hiring your car per day or per week, but what about add-ons?

Without doubt, the salesperson at the desk would recommend you take out some form of collision damage waiver. And that was not a simple matter, either. Generally you would be offered different options whereby you could reduce your excess by paying another premium – very confusing.

One of the other items you could find on your bill was personal accident insurance, and that is still the case so you need to be wary.

This is a car hire company’s way of getting an extra payment from you when, it almost all cases, people already have such cover as part of their holiday insurance.

These days, selecting the best car hire deal is much easier if you get online.

All car hire companies have websites, and invariably you can get a quote quite easily that will tell you what the final payment will be. For the leading car hire companies that are available in Spain and worldwide, click here.

One of the best ideas is to get a deal that includes sat nav. For any first time visitor, it is virtually essential. The last thing you need on what should be a relaxing holiday is to spend half your time gazing hopelessly at a map trying to find out where you are or which road you need to take. If you have your own Sat Nav, before leaving home make sure you go online and up load Spanish maps so it is fully updated for your trip.

If the British winter is getting you down, and you long for the sight of the sun, then the Canary Islands may be the perfect holiday destination.

All year round, the Canaries offer an ideal climate – long hot days in summer and cooler but still pleasant in the winter.
The Canary Islands, located just off the northwest coast of Africa, are autonomous from Spain and receive a combined 12 million visitors per year. The four largest islands are the best known – Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.

Tenerife is the most popular, boasting not only lively resorts in the south but the world’s third largest volcano, Mount Teide.

Gran Canaria is a good guide to the archipelago’s climate. Average highs in Las Palmas are above 20 degrees centigrade even in January, while reaching just over 27 degrees in August and September.

It will rarely get cooler than 20 degrees at night in Gran Canaria between July and September, and there is virtually no rainfall during that period. Statistically the best month to visit is July, as it receives an average of 304 hours of sunshine.
Lanzarote is an island with much to see, from the caves of Los Verdes and the many vineyards including the World Heritage Site of La Geria, to the Timanfaya National Park with its rugged and fascinating landscape.

Fuerteventura is a particular attraction for those who love the sea. The clear blue Atlantic waters are not only home to whales and dolphins, which can be best seen on boat trips, but a great destination for big-game fishermen.
The island is buffeted by Trade Winds in the summer and swells during the winter, making it excellent for surfing, while scuba divers will also find Fuerteventura ideal.

There are many flights per day to the Canaries, all year round, so the chances are you’ll be able to find a good deal.

The Basque Country boasts some of the most iconic landscapes in Spain, with its beautiful mountain ranges and stunning coastline.

This area of Northern Spain has plenty to see and do with its vibrant cities and picturesque countryside, a far cry from the bustling streets, cloudy skies and expensive London Hotels of back home.

Bilbao is the largest city in the region and is a must-see if you are lucky enough to be in the area, as it harbours some cultural marvels.

The Guggenheim Museum is world famous for its impressive architectural design, as much as the modern artwork inside its metallic walls. Just like the Statue Of Liberty symbolises New York and the Burj Al Arab – one of the most luxurious Dubai Hotels – symbolises the Emirates, the Guggenheim encapsulates Bilbao’s artistic creativity and originality.

This museum often has some exciting exhibitions on the go throughout the year which draws the crowds to its unique titanium structure.

Bilbao is a renowned gastronomical landmark in Europe so why not visit the Mercado de la Ribera?
This covered market inside an iconic building has some of the best produce the region has to offer, especially with its local seafood and meats.

In contrast to the attractions of Bilbao, San Sebastian is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Northern Spain.

There are two main beaches in the city with La Concha perfect for lounging and sunbathing, whilst La Zurriola is better suited to a range of watersports.

Surfing, Kayaking and waterskiing are some of the activities available on these beaches that sit right next to some of the historic buildings of the city.

From Mount Igueldo you can get a great view of the area from the sandy beaches to the Old Town with its historic buildings and traditional restaurants.

As in Bilbao, seafood is extremely popular and there are plenty of fish restaurants to tend to your appetite.

Tapas in San Sebastian is highly regarded as some of the best in Spain and goes perfectly with some local wine or a Spanish beer.

Sitting with a traditional delicious Tapas meal near the waterfront and taking in the atmosphere of the city, you will quickly see what makes the Basque Country such a special part of Spain.

Tenerife is a Spanish island that boasts diverse attractions, but few visitors can resist the Teide National Park.

Teide is the most visited national park in Europe, with some 3.5 million visitors each year, even though it is hardly ideal in terms of transport options.

When it comes to tips on visiting Spain, though, be sure that this is a trip that will live long in the memory because although some of the accommodation may not match the luxury of some Dubai Hotels, the spectacular scenery and activities around the park more than make up for it.

Named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007, it is the largest National Park in Spain and the third largest volcano in the world.
The park is centred around Mount Teide, some 3718 metres high and Spain’s highest mountain.

The drive to the top of the Teide National Park is memorable, as you will invariably find yourself driving through clouds at some point. Instantly you will be greeted with bright sunshine and a spectacular landscape.

It is a place that has lent itself to cinematic use, in such films as One Million Years BC and Clash of the Titans.

In terms of tips on visiting Spain, if you wish to stay in the park, rather than go on a day trip, you can stay at the Parador Hotel, which comparable to the finest London Hotels, and offers panoramic views of the mountain as well as outstanding cuisine.

The Parador can actually be reached by public bus, either from Puerto de la Cruz or from Playa de las Americas/los Cristianos, enabling holidaymakers to experience the park without having to hire a car.

There are two visitor centres, open daily, offering different experiences. The El Portillo centre gives information on the geological history of the park and the species that make the area their home, while the Canada Blanca centre has an exhibition on the interaction and influences of man in the area.

The National Park’s Interpretation Service offers free guided tours twice a day, which need to be booked in advance.

If you’re considering a trip or an even a permanent move to Spain, you’re not alone – it’s one of the most visited country in the world.

In 2007, almost 60 million foreign tourists visited Spain, putting it behind only France as the destination of choice. If offers the visitor luxurious accommodation that rivals even the finest of Dubai Hotels yet also boasts spectacular scenery, great weather, a glorious coastline and delicious cuisine.

In terms of tips on visiting Spain, a holiday by the sea is something that should suit most people. Spain has a mild climate throughout the year, and millions flock each year to the extensive sandy beaches.

As well as the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean resorts, Spain boasts two island groups – the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands.

Visitors to the north of the country can combine a city break in Barcelona ( look out for the Majestic hotels, whose UK branch is one of the finest London Hotels and lives up to its reputation here) with some time on the nearby coasts, the Costa Brava and the Costa Daurada.

Further south, Benidorm remains a hugely popular resort for British tourists as it has been since the 1970s. The Costa del Azahar and Costa Blanca, where Benidorm is located, are among the most outstanding coastal areas in the country, and there is always the chance to visit nearby Valencia if holidaymakers fancy some time in the city.

The Costa de Almeria and the Costa del Sol are in Andalucia, featuring famous towns like Marbella, Sotogrande and Malaga, which is one of the largest harbours in Spain.
Less well known, but still beautiful, are the coastal areas of the Costa Calida, in the region of Murcia, and the Mar Menor (“small sea”). If you are someone who shudders at the thought of sharing a hotel pool with a group of British football fans, then these are options that would be more suitable.

For those with children, one of the best tips on visiting Spain is to spend some time in one of the coastal theme parks. These include Port Aventura, Terra Mitica and any of the water parks dotted along the coast.

Have never been on a cruise, primarily because the thought of being in one place for so long with the same people fills me with dread, but I have to say that I have a number of friends who have been on Royal Caribbean cruises and loved them, and I can’t think of anybody that hasn’t become hooked on them and gone on at least one more.

Maybe that is my real fear: getting hooked on another expensive hobby! It is hard not to get tempted when you see the current adverts on the television, and to be honest given the prices now, and in particular the value it is hard to justify my fear of getting hooked on an expensive hobby!

I was watching the advert for the Royal Caribbean cruises recently: the ones where you go rock climbing and sunbath watching glaziers, and started to get very tempted indeed.

Out of interest did a little research:

• Royal Caribbean’s latest Oasis Class with be home to the world’s largest cruise ship. The gigantic ship will be able to hold an incredible 5,400 guests and these will be scattered amongst the modest 2,700 staterooms onboard.
• Royal Caribbean are frequently cited by regular cruisers as their favourite cruise line.
• Royal Caribbean cruises are available with flights from 18 different airports including Aberdeen, Belfast, Newcastle and Jersey.

With a ‘significant’ birthday not too far away I have a feeling that a Royal Caribbean cruise may well be on the list of options to be considered!

Not good news for expats and regular travelers in Spain who travel tourist class with Iberia as they have announced they will be charging for second suitcases checked into the hold from 1st March 2010, in an attempt to lighten the planes, save fuel costs and speed up operations ….. no mention of making more money or reducing costs to passengers you note!

Passengers in Business and other classes are not affected as luggage charges there are already up to 30 kilos in one bag and 46 kilos per passenger in two bags.