The Algarve: Portugal’s Finest
A flight of only around 3 hours will take you to the glorious; sun soaked region of Portugal known as the Algarve. With a fabulous coastline along the sparkling Atlantic, this are attracts millions of tourists every year from across the globe. Although there are many resorts that have grown to accommodate the visitors, they haven’t lost that fabulous Portuguese essence.
The choice of accommodation in this area is vast and varies, from apartments to campsite to luxury hotels. The biggest surge in popularity has been in villas in Algarve. Larger groups of families or friends are starting to move away from busy hotels and complexes for the freedom and tranquillity that villas in Portugal bring. A large villa that accommodates 8-10 people can also cost less that separate hotel rooms.
The majority of villas on the Algarve are situated just outside the towns and villages so you have the best of both worlds. The peace and serenity of your private villa, yet the beach, shops, bars and restaurants just a comfortable stroll away. There are also dozens of world class golf courses on the Algarve so a villa within walking distance of the first tee would make for a grip trip away with the lads.
Whether you enjoy the quaint charm that a fishing village like Albufeira brings, or the luscious sands of Praia da Rocha, there are villas within easy access of either. These are fitted out with everything you could need to have a relaxing holiday and just wind down and chill out for a week or two. Most villas have pools and the vast majority has air conditioning.
The interiors range from the clean but basic to the downright luxurious. You can rent a villa that has a BBQ, a garden, WI-FI, Jacuzzi, sauna etc. In fact, there must be very few things that people require that can’t be found in a villa on the Algarve. A smaller villa makes an ideal romantic getaway too, just stock up on provisions and spend blissful days and night in each others company with no preying eyes or immediate neighbours.
Whether this will be your first trip to the Algarve or you are a regular visitor, a private villa is the ideal base to explore this beautiful corner of Europe. It is lucky enough to enjoy a year round climate, so even in the off peak months when rentals are cheaper, you know you will still be able to enjoy a glass of wine outside in the balmy evening air.
Which? Travel Finds Assistance for Disabled Travellers ‘Erratic’ at UK airports
Which? Travel has recently undertaken an undercover investigation, sending two guide dog owners and two wheelchair users on domestic flights to assess the level of assistance they received at seven UK airports. The investigation found that the quality of assistance at airports was inconsistent, and at times fell a long way short of expectations.
One blind undercover investigator was abandoned by staff at Birmingham International airport for an hour and a half, even though he explained to his assistant he urgently needed to visit the bathroom. An undercover wheelchair user was left outside in the cold for some time at Leeds Bradford airport before being helped onto the plane.
The story is also reported by Allied Mobility, the UK’s largest supplier of mobility vehicles through the Motability Car Scheme. A spokesperson for Allied Mobility commented:
“This news is troubling and will be of great concern to our customers. This shows that although we are taking great strides in making some modes of transport more accessible – we still have some way to go before wheelchair users and those with disabilities can travel as easily as able bodied people.”
The full report details a number of other instances where customer expectations fall a long way short. In addition, the results of a survey of Which? members with disabilities, reveals that 1 in 10 were not happy with the assistance they received at airports, with some reporting feeling humiliated by the way in which they are treated by airport staff.
Give your opinion on Manchester Airport Railway Station
Train operating company First TransPennine Express (FTPE) is to hold a ‘Meet the Manager’ session at Manchester Airport Railway Station.
The event, which will be held on Monday 23rd May will give local passengers the chance to offer any feedback regarding their train service.
Customers and interested parties are invited to come along and meet Station Manager, Paul Jackson, who is responsible for the operation of the station and the service provided to customers by FTPE at Manchester Airport.
A number of senior representatives from FTPE will be on hand to answer any questions between 17:00 and 18:30 hrs. Customers will be able to discuss all elements of the train service they receive from FTPE, including station facilities, punctuality and reliability of services and the overall experience whilst on board an FTPE train.
Paul Jackson, FTPE Station Manager for Manchester Airport, said; “This is a great opportunity for our customers to come in and let us know how we’re doing. We are committed to improving the services available for passengers and think they will appreciate the chance to meet and discuss their experiences while travelling with FTPE.”
Manchester Airport station is served by a modern, open plan booking office complete with Self Service Ticket Machines, clean and accessible customer facilities, and a dedicated team of over 40 members of customer service staff including pro-active platform staff who provide on the spot train information for visitors to and departing from the airport.
It is accredited to the Department for Transport’s Secure Station Scheme.
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Where to go in Majorca
An Advertorial Post
Isn’t in great when the biggest problem you have on holiday is having too much choice about what to do and where to go? Majorca is one of those wonderful destinations with so much happening you’re never short of things to do.
But the really smart visitors to the Balearics don’t just stick solely to the towns. They organise car hire Majorca at the airport and make sure they see everything that these islands have to offer. Ibiza is not just the party capital of the world. Large parts of the island are full of hidden gems and entirely unspoilt, boasting sensational beaches, romantic coves and sleepy village markets. The only way to reach them is to jump behind the wheel and explore.
The Balearics is one of the world’s top holiday destinations, an archipelago of islands in the Mediterranean stretching out from Spain’s eastern coast. They are a fabulous mix of the vibrant urban life and drowsy rural seclusion.
Many tourists never venture far beyond the capital cities, and they are certainly wonderful places to spend time. As well as hosting world famous clubs like Space, Privilege and Pacha, the old port in Ibiza town is one of the island’s many World Heritage Sites. Palma, meanwhile, is a rich and cosmopolitan city with a unique mix of Roman, Arab and Byzantine influences. Must-see sights include the famous La Seu cathedral and the stunning Old City.
Meanwhile Majorca (or Mallorca as it is also known) has something for everyone, whether it’s the stunning mountainous regions, wonderful bays, or dazzling beaches. It is full of breath-taking historical buildings, from old castles to waterfront watch towers, and enjoys a cosmopolitan cultural life, ranging from award-winning museums to adventure theme parks. Its entire coastline is peppered with spectacular caves, some so vast that concert performances are held in them.
So you see, the Balearics are simply too rich and diverse to do half-heartedly. Or on foot. By hiring a car you can not only explore everything these sensational islands have to offer, but you can visit them all using the car ferry service that connects the islands.
Book yourself on the cheapest flights to Majorca and enjoy one of the world’s most diverse and beautiful holiday destinations.
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