Reasons to book your holiday accommodation through an auction

Find out how bidding on a holiday rental could be the right decision for you.

It’s always exciting to win something, so imagine the feeling of winning the perfect holiday accommodation in an auction.

Holiday rentals are strongly becoming the accommodation of choice. With extra space to relax and unwind in comparison with hotels, the price per square foot can calculate up to four times less expensive in some European destinations.

In the current climate, many holiday makers look for ways to make their budget go further. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider booking your holiday accommodation through an auction.

First, Its fun
There is fun to be had in participating in an auction. The thrill of getting the winning bid can only be overshadowed by obtaining your dream holiday rental.

Great Deals
By bidding in the auction for your holiday rental you can receive savings and special offers that are not normally found through more standard holiday rental portals

Take a break, last minute
If you are looking for a last minute escape, holiday rental auctions are a good place to start, as last minute availability is often listed. Searching by date and duration saves you the time of going through pages and pages of rentals that are not available.

Keep your options open.
Have more than one favorite? Bidding in auction for a holiday rental means you can participate in more than one auction at a time. Simply stop your bids in others when you’re sure to win one.

Variety of lengths
Many standard holiday rentals can be fixed for the duration of 7 nights, with a fixed change over day. Holiday rental auctions have a variety of durations and arrival days. Auctions help you find the rental that fits the free time you have to take a vacation. In the search for a short break with a difference, a holiday rentals auction could offer an ideal solution for a stay of 2 nights or 3.

A Gypsy Caravan Holiday

A Gypsy Caravan Holiday is an adventure!
It’s an escape from the busy every-day life: imagine living in a Gypsy caravan for a few days, handling a horse and driving through an unspoiled, idyllic countryside.
You can spend a holiday like this for example in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Hungary with different horse breeds and a vardos in variations.

How can I book, how does it work?

There are hire-companies and travel agencies that offer you a trip with a fully fitted and very practical Gypsy caravan for the holiday together with usually one horse, sometimes two.

Bow top wagons, made out of wood and stretched canvas are used preferably. These vehicles are about 5m long (without horse) and approx. 2m wide. They can weigh up to 750kg. In most places Irish Cobs or Gypsy draft horses are used, as they are very well tempered, calm and very good with children. In a lot of cases a collar harness is used.

What, if I haven’t got any experience with horses?

Everyone gets an initial thorough introduction into functionality of the vardo and handling and caring for the horse. It will be explained to you how to harness up and put the horse onto the caravan, how to feed and water it, how to groom and how to look after hooves and hoof shoes.

What do I need to bring with me?

Space is limited in a vardo, therefore you need to bring practical clothing and only gear you really need and dont forget the wet wear, as in some areas weather can be quiet unpredictable even during the summer: spells of rain can occur at any time. Most hire companies give you bedding, but ask you to bring your own towels. A good idea is also to bring your own sleeping bag. Take also a book or two and some games for the children. A mobile phone for emergencies is a good idea. Also, Bank facilities and ATM’s are usually not passed during the trip (the routes are quite well selected and you will travel on calm, more remote roads.)

You will drive along a fix route and check in at selected over night stops, where you will find grazing for the horse, electricity, shower and toilet facilities.

When is the best time to travel? How much does it cost approximately?

Gypsy caravan holiday operations are open from April to October, with a main season in the summer months July – August.

Prices in 2007 were around 500 (600 in high season) per week and caravan and they will usually ask for approx.10 – 15 % deposit. There will be surcharges for the compulsory over night stops, which might be between 15-20 per caravan. You can book short trips over 2 or 3 days or longer ones over 4 or 6 days. If you enjoy it very much, trips can be prolonged in most cases.

A Gypsy caravan holiday is certainly an adventurous vacation and you will experience life from a totally different point of view, in a slower pace. You might even want to take a longer break and organize your tour through different countries with your own vardo and horse/s.

Have Yourself A Romantic Holiday Season

Holiday season is often an exciting time for lovers- exchanging gifts, going to affairs and parties, and going away for a vacation. But this feel-good atmosphere can sometimes be overwhelmed by the Holiday stress- preparing and cramming for family dinners, shopping, oceans of presents to wrap and crazy schedule to abide. Amid this rumpus, its always good for you to set aside some romantic things to do with your loved ones. To have a romantic- filled holiday season, here are some few suggestions that you can do.

1. Do the twelve days of Christmas countdown. This requires a bit of imagination, but it will be more than worth it. It doesnt need to be expensive or time consuming. For instance, in the 10th day of Christmas you can give 10 hickeys or in the 9th day you can give 10 baked cupcakes there are so many things that you can do together with the twelve days of Christmas. The great thing about this is both of you have something to look forward to everyday. Make this a tradition.

2. Romantic Paper Chains on your Christmas tree. In a colorful strip of paper, write down the qualities you adore about each other. Then glue each strip until it will make a long chain and have it wrap around your tree.

3. A romantic Christmas love letter. Instead of giving an ordinary card, why not make a letter of lovely sentiments about your loved one. Make your words count this holiday season.

4. Have a slow cruise around town sight seeing the wonderful Christmas lights and decorations, take pictures of each town you have gone to.

5. This holiday season, hang a hundred of mistletoe around your house! Be sure to kiss every time you are under a mistletoe.

6. Cuddle together and watch holiday special movies.

7. In a Christmas party, take the stage, have everybodys attention and dedicate a love poem or sonnet to your partner.

8. Surprise your partner with a lovely hotel suite with candle lit dinner.

9. This holiday season, have a group of carolers sing Christmas love songs to your partner.

10. This holiday season go to places where there are beautiful lights and ornaments, take time to walk around the park hand in hand, enjoy the view and each other.

11. If you havent cook for your partner, then do it now. There is no perfect way for you to surprise your partner with your rare culinary skills than this holiday season.

An Unforgettable Adventure Holiday in Jamaica

Jamaica, the name itself conjures up images of fun, thrill, excitement, adventure and luxury. Though there is something for everyone, adventure enthusiasts will be in for a special surprise because this destination does offer too many exciting adventure opportunities. Whether it is a horseback or a cycle ride through the lush green tropical wonderland or diving 60 feet under to witness the unique and colorful marine life, each experience is sure to remain etched in the memory.

Before you head out on your adventurous expedition, do remember to opt for Jamaica rentals over any one of the hotels. These Jamaica rentals are situated close to some of the most beautiful beaches and they give you the freedom and luxury to get the most of your holiday at your own pace and leisure. Besides, vacation rentals in Jamaica give you the perfect opportunity to enjoy first hand the local way of life, something, which an impersonal stay in a hotel cannot provide. You may want to consider Silver Sands an idyllic holiday resort, complete with all comforts and amenities, yet serene enough to provide you the privacy and space you need to make your stay extra special.

Go in whichever direction, a gorgeous beach and a beautiful horizon awaits you everywhere. Therefore, do spend a day on exploring the various beaches such as the ever-popular Negril Beach and the James Bond Beach.

Next on your agenda should be an exploration of the underwater world that brims with shoals of colorful fish, coral reefs, tunnels and canyons. Some of the popular diving sites include Airport Reefs in MoBay, known for its wall dives. The other sites that must be visited include Jacks Hall, Top of the Mountain and the Wreck of the Katryn in the Ocho Rios region. Each of them offers distinctive possibilities of enjoying an unforgettable diving experience.

In the excitement of such thrilling underwater adventures, dont forget that there exists a side to Jamaica, which is equally enthralling and exciting.

The Blue Mountains contain the islands highest point, Blue Mountain Peak at 2256 m. Its terrain is also known for offering various opportunities for adventure sports. You can opt for a horseback ride or a cycle tour through the lush tropical wonderland and marvel at the various species of flora and fauna. Full day excursions are available from various cycle tour operators.

Alternately, you can enjoy the local and popular activity of sailing down the river on a bamboo raft. This form of rafting can be enjoyed on the Rio Grande River in the Port Antonio Area. With so much to do and experience, it isnt surprising that Jamaica is a favorite with most adventure travelers.

To experience a fun-filled holiday, opt for a stay at one of the Jamaica villas that offer you all the comforts and services of an upscale resort without compromising on the privacy and space of a home.

Check out Silver Sands, a community of villas and cottages along a stretch of white sand beach and surrounded by beautiful scenic vistas. These villas in Jamaica are tastefully decorated and are staffed with cooks and housekeepers to ensure you have a relaxed and a luxurious holiday.

Essential Items to Pack in Your Suitcase for a Holiday in Krabi

Increasing numbers of couples from around the world are flocking to Thailands southern province of Krabi to enjoy luxurious accommodations, breathtaking scenery, and world-class service.

Following a suggested packing list that includes flip flops, suntan lotion, a Thai guidebook, and an umbrella, the list below offers further suggestions of six additional important items to bring for a holiday spent at a beautiful Krabi resort. Pack light, pack smart, and plan to have the enjoy the vacation of a lifetime.

1 – Suitable Change of Clothes for Visiting Krabi Temples

If you are interested in traditional Thai architecture or Thai culture, then you must visit some of the fascinating temples that are abundant in this historically rich region. You must show some respect, however, and dress more conservatively than you would on the beach, so make sure to include at least one set of appropriate clothing.

2 – Mosquito Repellent

Parts of Krabi can be prone to mosquitoes, especially in the evening, which is another reason to pack at least one set of long trousers and a long sleeved top. If you have had all of the recommended vaccinations for Thailand, then the only worry associated with a mosquito bite, is the unpleasant itching. To prevent being bitten at all, pack a good mosquito repellent and leave your perfume or aftershave at home, as the mosquitoes love them too!

3 Camera

From the moment you first arrive in Krabi, you will be dazzled by a succession of colourful and exotic images. You will want to capture as much as possible, so that you can remember your holiday long after it is over. Dont forget to pack your camera for some stunning photos of the breathtaking Thai architecture and striking landscapes that will be sure to impress your friends and family back home. If you are going to scuba dive in Krabi, an underwater camera is well worth the extra expense.

4 – Imodium

Thai cuisine is deliciously aromatic and can be exceptionally spicy you will certainly want to try the fiery curries, but go easy if you are not used to hot food! Pack some Imodium in the event of upset stomachs that can be triggered by a combination of the warm weather and highly spiced food.

5 – Money Belt

The crime rate in Krabi is impressively low, although in some of the popular holiday resorts and tourist centres, pick pocketing can be an issue. If you want to enjoy peace of mind, pack a money belt that will hide your cash from view. You can even invest in a waterproof version, to keep valuables safe while you enjoy the fantastic swimming and snorkeling of your Krabi resort.

6 Snorkel

Dont leave your snorkel gathering dust at home – if are visiting some of the amazing dive areas in Krabi, then a snorkel is a must! Krabi offers some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world and you would be mad to miss out on the beautiful displays of exotic fish and coral reefs that lurk just below the surface.