Maison Europe Property and Travel Blog

New Kindle e-book about moving to France

2012-01-06T09:09:00.000+01:00

Starting a new life in France can be a daunting task so I have just released a fictional novel on Kindle e-books about a family moving to Brittany in France.

Vantastic France follows the lives of the Taylor family from the UK, who decide to sell up and start a new life in France. There are plenty of ex-pat characters that some people living in France will recognise from dodgy builders to snooty neighbours, who resent new ex-pats moving into their village.

Vantastic France is a typical light holiday read, which will have you laughing and crying with the trials and tribulations of the Taylor family.

The book is available on Amazon Kindle in all countries, but so far is only available as an e.book.

Villa in Greece for 3.2 Million Euros

2011-12-23T11:22:00.002+01:00

For full detail click here for this stunning villa in Greece
Or email us to contact the owners.

Valued recently by Engel & Volkers at €4 million the owners are looking for €3.2 million for the complex.
Price 3.200.000 €
Location Greece Halkidiki // Kassandra, West. 10 minutes from beach, 1 hours from Thessaloniki International airport.
Building Area 642 sq. m. Built in 2005 Land Area 12800 sq. m.
Bedrooms 3-5 Bathrooms 4
Views Stunning sea views Swimming Pool Private 350 sqm
Garden Professionally landscaped
Other info Central heating, air conditioning, fully equipped gym. heated greenhouse, fire protection and irrigation system. state of the art security system.

lastminute.com Holiday Sale

2011-11-26T09:36:00.000+01:00

LAST CHANCE: UP TO 50% OFF HOTELS IN SPAIN Till Monday 28th of November 10am Great selection hotels across Spain

1 WEEK ONLY: UP TO 50% OFF EXPERIENCES From Monday 28th of November 10am till Monday 5th of December 10am Great selection of Experience products

SPA SPECIAL: OUR BEST SPA DEALS Our very best Spa Days, Breaks and Packages! From Monday 28th of November 10am till Monday 5th of December 10am

10% of Virgin Holidays this Weekend

2011-11-26T09:22:00.000+01:00

Virgin holidays have now started their 10% weekend! That’s 10% off ALL DESTINATIONS from now until the end of Summer ‘12. offer ends on 11:59pm Monday 28^th November.

Virgin Holidays

Discover Lisbon

2011-11-25T09:53:00.000+01:00

Here is a link to all you need to know about visiting the wonderful city of Lisbon

Legend has it that Lisboa was founded by Ulysses. The name comes from “Olissipo”, which has its origins in the Phoenician words “Allis Ubbo”, meaning “enchanting port”.

Most likely it was founded by the Phoenicians and styled by the Moores which shows in the strong Arabic influences. It was, after all, ruled by the Moors for 450 years. In the 12th century the Christians re conquered the city but it was not until the mid 13th century that Lisboa became the country’s capital.

With the beginning of the Portuguese Age of Discoveries, Lisboa enriched as a spice and jewellery trade centre.
The breakthrough for Portuguese expansion came in 1498 when Vasco da Gama discovered the sea route to India. This was indeed the beginning of a golden age, characterised by the Manueline architectural style named after King Manuel I, with its typical decorative use of maritime motifs. Over the centuries Lisboa naturally grew and changed. When the city centre was almost completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1755, it was rebuilt by Marquise de Pombal, who thus created the Baixa Pombalina, a commercial area that still retains much of its original lay out.

Lisboa is a historic capital, a potpourri of unusual character and charm, where 800 years of cultural influences mingle with modern trends and life styles creating spectacular contrasts.

Mauritius £1000 off holidays with BA

2011-11-01T18:01:00.001+01:00

DESTINATION OF THE MONTH SAVE £1000 ON 5* BREAK IN MAURITIUS THIS
NOVEMBER

British Airways launches flights from London Gatwick to Mauritius today

making it easier to get away from the South. The new timetable means

customer?s will be getting an extra day in the sun creating more time for

relaxation before the journey home. Plus, if you book by November 8, you

can save a massive £1000 per person on a luxurious break at a top 5* hotel!

Le Touessrok, a ?Leading Hotel of the World? offers contemporary

sophistication and has led to being regarded as the epitome of tropical

luxury offering a nine-room Givenchy Spa and suites with 24 hour butler

service.

British Airways offer seven nights at the 5* Le Touessrok in Mauritius from

£1889 per person, based on two people sharing, for travel between November

1 and December 4. Includes return British Airways flights from Gatwick, and

half-board accommodation. Book by November 8. Visit ba.com/mauritius

Mauritius Hotels offer

Transferring Money to Europe from the UK

2011-10-28T16:07:00.001+02:00

Planning a move to Europe or buying a holiday home?

How will you be transferring your money there?

If you are planning a permanent move or intend to live or work in Europe for an extended period, it is likely that at some stage you will need to transfer funds between the UK and your destination country – whether it be a large lump sum to pay for a property, or smaller regular payments such as a mortgage or bills.

If you intend to use your bank for these transactions you may not be aware that you are likely to get a poor rate of exchange and that you will be charged transfer fees.

There is another option - TorFX is one of the UK’s leading FSA Authorised Foreign Exchange Brokers and can offer the following benefits;

A better exchange rate - often beating the high street banks by up to 4%

No hidden charges - TorFX doesn’t charge any fees for transfers over £2,000.

Reduced risk – Protection against negative currency exchange rate movements by letting you fix your exchange rate for up to two years. If you are looking to purchase a property or transfer a lump sum this protects you from exchange rate movements that could cost you thousands of pounds. As exchange rates can fluctuate by over 30% in just a few weeks, your purchase could cost a lot more than you budgeted unless you fix your rate.

Peace of Mind - As a registered client of TorFX you will be appointed a personal Account Manager who you can be contacted directly. They will take the time to understand your requirements, advise on trading options and monitor the markets for you. TorFX Account Managers deal with hundreds of clients moving overseas every year so they are well-equipped to handle the financial side of your move.

Total security - TorFX is fully Authorised and Regulated by the FSA and HM Revenue and Customs. All client funds are held in segregated accounts with Barclays Bank PLC. A member of the Association of International Property Professionals and the UK Money Transmitters Association.

Regular Overseas Payments – This allows you to pay a mortgage, bills, pay wages into an account back home or make any other regular overseas payments. Just set up the standing order instruction and let TorFX do the rest. This means you get better rates, free transfers, and no need to worry about the hassle and expense of arranging payments each month.

2011-10-20T11:08:00.001+02:00

P&O Cruises BOOK HERE

Save up to 20% plus benefit from FREE Cruise Connections

A P&O Cruises holiday is the easiest and most relaxing way to explore a variety of destinations in style, and for selected 2012 holidays, we have taken care of your travel to and from your ship with the introduction of Free Cruise Connections.

There's never been a better time to book next year's holiday!

Book any 2012 cruise of 7 nights or more (excluding World Cruises and Exotic fly-cruises) by 30 November 2011 and you can enjoy a Free Cruise Connection. So, you may choose to fly to Southampton from an airport local to you, travel by coach from hundreds of convenient pick-up points or enjoy valet parking if you decide to drive to Southampton – all for FREE. If you choose a Mediterranean fly-cruise, you can even enjoy free return flights or free airport parking.

B & B in leeuwarden Flanders Belgium

2011-10-17T08:18:00.001+02:00

All of the rooms are well-furnished and feature a range of modern amenities The rooms are located in a typical frisian farmhouse which makes it a great alternative to normal hotel-style accommodation.
Rates for B & B / Hotel Accommodation
For 2 persons with breakfast € 65, - for the first night
The second night and subsequent nights € 60 per night

More details HERE

Easy jet holidays £50 Discount

2011-10-12T14:42:00.002+02:00

£50 off summer 2012 bookings over £500 With Easy Jet holidays

Please use thisCode SPLASH12

Valid – Friday 7th October – Monday 31st October

T&C’s – Travel dates must be between 1st May 2012 and 30th September 2012. Bookings must be made online via holidays.easyjet.com. Not including £100 holiday promotion.

BOOK HERE

French Rail Travel for this Christmas - Book Early

2011-10-11T10:54:00.001+02:00

Winter Booking Window opens this Thursday at 5am!

On Thursday 13th October 2011, anyone wanting to book French rail travel for their Christmas, New Year or ski holidays should set their alarm clocks for an early start. Trains running to the new winter timetable go on sale at 5am and due to pan-European demand, it is likely that the best fares will sell out quickly.

The winter timetable features increased services on routes popular with skiers, such as the Paris to overnight service, which runs every night throughout the winter ski season

Trains begin running on the new winter timetable on Sunday 11th December 2011 and from Thursday, you'll be able to book tickets for travel through to Thursday 12th January 2012.

The All New Kindle From Amazon

2011-10-10T10:36:00.001+02:00

The perfect travelling companion.

We kept everything readers love about Kindle, and made it even better. Our all-new Kindle features a new, compact design that is 30% lighter at just 170 grams and 18% smaller - small enough to fit in your pocket. Kindle features the most-advanced 6-inch E Ink display that reads like real paper, even in bright sunlight.

The all new Kindle is available for pre-order now to customers in the U.K. and will be released on October 12th for just £89

Great Deals on winter skiing holidays

2011-10-10T09:49:00.002+02:00

Great Deals on Ski Holidays from Easy Jet

Sesimbra Portugal

2011-10-08T18:26:00.021+02:00

Having in the past lived very close to Sesimbra, which is just 40km away from Portugal's bustling capital of Lisbon, I was lucky enough to discover this perfect Portuguese holiday spot, many years ago.

If you are looking for a traditional fishing village where the fish of the day is served in the many restaurants within hours of being caught. Together with a glorious sandy beach, a working harbour to explore, from where you can also take deep sea fishing trips, then Sesimbra is the place for you.

Sesimbra caters for all ages, there are few night clubs a short stroll from the centre of town, but far enough away not to spoil the ambiance of the town in the evening, where you can sit outside to dine overlooking the sea, or just relax with a few drinks after a meal in one of the numerous restaurants in the quaint cobbled streets. Many Portuguese drive down from Lisbon just for a meal here to savour the wonderful fresh fish on offer.

The nearby Arrabida Natural park also has some stunning beaches, and Portinho da Arrabida is another hidden gem along this coast. The perfect place to have lunch after a refreshing swim. Just be warned that the road is quite narrow leading down to the small harbour, but I think last time I was there, there were a small set of traffic lights. The trick is to get there early, especially at weekends and secure a place in the car park. Week days should not be quite as busy, so maybe if you are on holiday, then midweek is a better time to visit, you will not regret finding this very un-touristy place.

Hotels and other information

The Sana Park hotel has a stunning setting, right on the seafront, just a stroll from many wonderful restaurants. It also has very useful underground parking, which there is a small charge for and can get full in the height of the summer, but I never found a problem parking.

Even thought there is a wonderful beach right in front of the hotel, there is a lovely pool at the top of the hotel, with an opening roof. There are also steps up to the rooftop, where you can enjoy the stunning views sitting in the jacuzzi, or sunbathing reading your book.

I can personally recommend this hotel, it is my favourite in Sesimbra

Hotel Features.

SANA Sesimbra Hotel has a sauna, a fitness facility, and a seasonal outdoor pool. Wireless Internet access is available in public areas (surcharges apply). Business amenities at this 4-star property include a 24-hour business centre and audio-visual equipment. This beach resort offers a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. For a surcharge, guests receive transportation including a round trip airport shuttle (available on request) and a casino shuttle. Guest parking is available on a limited first-come, first-served basis (surcharge). Event facilities consist of a conference centre, a ballroom, exhibit space, and conference/meeting rooms. The staff can arrange concierge services, tour/ticket assistance, wedding services, and event catering. Additional amenities at this Art Deco property include multilingual staff, laundry facilities, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby.

LINKS

Hotels in Sesimbra

Golfing Holiday at Sana Park Sesimbra

Other Link for Portugal

Auto Europe Hire Cars

Jet2holidays

Co-oporative Holidays

easyJet Holidays

Thomson holiday guide to the Algarve

Kleinarl, Austria Ski Resort

2011-10-07T15:42:00.007+02:00

Photo by Mimica

Austria is a wonderful destination for a skiing holiday and the second most popular country in Europe for British skiers. Austria is renowned for its picturesque resorts and outstanding levels of service and quality. A ski holiday in Austria will offer world class skiing and a lively après ski, making it a great choice for your next ski holiday.

Thomson holiday are offering some great deals to Austria and other top skiing destinations this Winter. So make sure you book early so you are not disappointed.

Gay Friendly hotels worldwide

2011-10-05T09:12:00.020+02:00

Gay friendly hotels

Are you looking for gay friendly hotels? We have a great selection of gay hotels in the UK, Europe and around the World.

Book Gay Friendly Hotels HERE

Switzerland

2011-09-29T14:20:00.000+02:00

Lakes, chocolate, watches, the Alps, or just their famed neutrality, a holiday to Switzerland offers a wealth of history, culture and activities to enjoy. Founded 700 years ago, Switzerland is now a multicultural and hospitable country and home to 7.4 million people. The vast majority of these are German speaking, although French and Italian are also spoken in some cantons.

Holidays to Switzerland cater to a huge range of tastes. There is, of course, the lure of the Alps. Here you'll get to enjoy the peaks that rise to over 4000 metres, gorgeous alpine meadows and Switzerland's famed postcard chalets. And it's a natural beauty that's unabated the nation over. Alpine lakes with their wonderful beaches, forests and rolling hills all contribute to the unspoilt air of tranquillity.

Elsewhere – for a more cultural or historical experience – Switzerland boasts over 700 museums, acclaimed art collections and numerous festivals. So whether it's Geneva's Red Cross Museum, the classical musical events of Lucerne or Zurich's spring festival, you'll have no problem filling your days.

Of course, no mention of Switzerland would be complete without making reference to its food. Famed for its delicious cheeses, indulgent chocolates and guilt-inducing fondues, Switzerland is definitely a place to stick on your list if you're one of those people who document their travels with discarded napkins and lengthening belts.

Swiss Tourist Board (open in new window)

Thomson Holiday Guide to Switzerland

Auto Europe Car Hire

Jet2.com Flights to Geneva

Flights to Geneva

Rail Europe Swiss Rail Pass Offer

Travelsphere Swiss holidays

Strange Swiss Laws

2011-09-29T11:52:00.002+02:00

A great way to get a good insight into a country is to read a few ex-pat blogs. I have a few features on here and would welcome any recommendations. One such featured blog is One Big Yodel, the author is Chantal an American writer who moved to Switzerland in 2006.

One big Yodel features a 'Dear Fran Advice Columns' which as well as giving some useful advice on Swiss life, also features a few interesting facts and one such article that tickled my fancy was 'Explain these strange Swiss laws!' . Written in Chantal's unique style you will find some quirky facts, like why it is not quite pc to flush the toilet after 10pm, or how to stack your re-cycled newspapers correctly and the pitfalls of speeding.

There is a lot more to 'One Big Yodel' than just 'Dear Fran' so if you would love to know more about living in Switzerland, I can thoroughly recommend this very entertaining blog.

View our Swiss Holiday Guide

Algarve Portugal

2011-09-28T19:24:00.014+02:00

After having lived in Portugal for three years, I am very biased when it comes to the Algarve as a holiday destination. I adore the food, the beaches and of course the wonderfully friendly local people, who will go out of their way to make you welcome.

Many older people chose the Algarve for a great long term winter holiday spot, with many hotels offering very favourable rates. With winter temperatures still quite mild and the hordes of summers holiday makers gone, you can see why.

From wonderful sandy beaches to secluded little coves, the Algarve coastline is one of the best in Europe.

With many world class golf courses it is a golfer paradise and a popular spot even in winter with its extremely mild climate.

Turquoise seas and miles of stunning coastline makes it a beach lovers dream, not to mention thousands of great restaurants to suit every pocket.

When it comes to places to stay, Albufeira leads the pack. This southern hub is split in half. Its new town is brimming with thumping nightclubs and open-air bars, while its old town is filled with cobbled squares, colourful markets and laid-back restaurants, not forgetting the famous fisherman's beach.

Down the road is Olhos D’Agua, a sleepy fishing village where freshwater springs bubble through the sands. The rock pools here are great for exploring, so it’s a good choice if you’ve got the little ones with you.

Away from the coast, sleepy towns and villages punctuate lush hillsides and offer a fascinating insight into Portuguese life and culture while the developed seafront resorts brim with bars, cafés, restaurants, nightclubs and shops. The Algarve basks in glorious summer temperatures, often moderated by refreshing Atlantic breezes. Head for the high cliffs in the west and watch the breakers crashing on the rocky headlands. Look out too for majestic clifftop forts that once guarded the coast, and isolated lighthouses that still guide ships safely on their way.

We will list a few of the most popular holiday companies for the Algarve, but also keep a look out regularly on our site for some special offers for this popular holiday destination, winter or summer.

USEFUL LINKS

Auto Europe Hire Cars

Accor Hotels

Jet2holidays

Co-oporative Holidays

Travelsphere Algarve Holiday guide
easyJet Holidays
Lastminute.com Porugal

Thomson holiday guide to the Algarve

Hotels.com

Great deals on Christmas shopping trips to USA - Dubai - Tokoyo

2011-09-28T14:30:00.012+02:00

With Christmas fast approaching, British Airways are offering some great flight + hotel packages that can turn a shopping trip into a holiday. Customers can head to the USA, Dubai or even Tokyo for a great Christmas shopping break this year from £699.

The offer will begin on Wednesday 28th September until Monday 31st October.

Here are some of the great promotions in place:

Flight + Hotel

- Philadelphia - Flights + 3 nights Hotel (3*) from £699

- Dubai - Flights + 3 nights Hotel (4*) from £729

- Chicago - Flights + 3 nights Hotel (3*) from £749

- New York - Flights + 3 nights Hotel (3*) from £799

- Boston - Flights + 3 nights Hotel (2.5*) from £799

- Washington - Flights + 3 nights Hotel (3*) from £799

- Toronto - Flights + 3 nights Hotel (3*) from £799

- Tokoyo - Flights + 3 nights Hotel (4*) from £1,279

***Travel dates are between 1st October 2011 and 31st December 2011

Full details Here

Get paid to travel the world

2011-09-28T09:38:00.000+02:00

MatadorU is an on-line education center for the advancement of new media professionals, particularly travel writers, photographers, and filmmakers. It was launched in August of 2009, and have since had hundreds of students graduate from their travel writing program, many becoming independent writing professionals.
* MatadorU is the creation of MatadorNetwork.com -- the world's largest independent travel
magazine.
* Matador is the Web's #1 destination for professional travel writers.
* Hundreds of students have enrolled in the first two months.
* The course material is available for life, so you can take it at your own pace.

What do others have to say about MatadorU

“National Geographic Traveler, the world’s most widely read travel magazine, is looking to Matador to help us find new talent–writers, photographers, videographers and multimedia reporters.”
- Keith Bellows, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER

Hope Nardini

“The day I joined MatadorU, I found a community of helpful students and faculty who were willing and eager to share experiences, give constructive criticism, and offer support.”

Scott Shetler

“I did lots of research, reading other folks’ reviews of the program before enrolling, and most were overwhelmingly positive.”

National Geographic Traveler - Interview Series [Teaser] from Matador Network on Vimeo.

Save £100 on City Breaks and Holidays

2011-09-27T19:09:00.001+02:00

Save £100 with some late holiday deals with Jet2holidays

Late holiday deals are available to Majorca from Leeds Bradford from £225pp -

Costa Del So from £215pp - Tenerife from £310pp - Lanzarote from £304 pp.

Many other destinations and departure airports, just use promo code 100SAVE to garb a late holiday deal bargain. Just click on the banner below for some great late deals.

Montenegro set for major tourism growth

2011-09-27T10:14:00.009+02:00

The World Travel & Tourism Council has announced Montenegro, part of former Yugoslavia, as the number one destination for tourism growth worldwide over the next ten years, developers, leading international hotel operators and investors are beginning to move into the country. During the first six months of 2011, the total revenue from tourism alone was estimated at €124.3m, about 6.6% more compared to the same period in 2010, and this growth is forecast to continue. Recent large property developments have attracted a number of the world’s rich and famous to not only visit, but also purchase property and moor their yachts on one of the most beautiful and unspoilt coastlines anywhere in the world.

A holiday to Montenegro means an adventure in the world's newest country.
Be a pioneer on a Montenegro holiday and discover this little Balkan gem tucked between Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Albania and the glittering Adriatic Sea.
From the high peaks and rugged terrain of the Montenegrin Mountains to the scores of beaches, fishing villages and towns dotting the country's coast, holidays in Montenegro are a treasure trove of treats.
Do you love nothing better than hiking through rich evergreen forests and skirting fast-flowing crystal clear rivers, clambering through canyons and stumbling across glacier lakes? Then head into the Durmitor Mountains, just one of Montenegro's National Parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Or enjoy a day of white-knuckle white-water rafting in another of Montenegro's World Heritage Sites. In the Tara River Canyon, the second largest in the world after the Colorado River Canyon, you'll uncover gorges, waterfalls and fairytale forests.

One new development is Porto Montenegro, a €500m super-yacht marina in Tivat, complete with residences and a village comprising of restaurants, cafes, retail stores and fashion brands for visitors and residents. Developers do seem to be putting their money were their mouth is, as far as Montenegro in concerned. While some other destinations have seen a decline in investment, Montenegro is bucking the trend.

Budva has become a premier summer destination, with sailing, water sports and beach activities being among the main attractions. Its leisure season spans from April to September and has tourists from Croatia, Russia, the US, Europe and the Middle East, among others, coming to the Adriatic region. Budva’s historic walled city offers visitors a mix of high-end shops and boutiques, as well as an assortment of bars and restaurants.

USEFUL LINKS

Airport of Montenegro

Thomson Montenegro Holidays

Find a Hotel

latest great deals on beach destinations, from easyJet Holidays.

2011-09-26T20:34:00.000+02:00

Beach Holidays
Hilton Sharm Waterfalls Resort – 5*
Sharm El Sheikh

Flights: London Gatwick (LGW) to Sharm El Sheikh (SSH)
Date: 8- Dec-11 for 7 nights
Board: All Inclusive
Price: £391pp

Eleni Holiday Village – 4*
Paphos

Flights: London Gatwick (LGW) to Cyprus (PFO)
Date: 06-Oct-11 for 7 nights
Board: Bed & Breakfast
Price: £316pp

Soreda Hotel – 4*
Qawra

Flights: London Gatwick (LGW) to Malta (MLA)
Date: 27-Oct-11 for 7 nights
Board: Bed & Breakfast
Price: £206pp

Blue Sea Costa Teguise Beach – 3*
Costa Teguise

Flights: London Gatwick (LGW) to Lanzarote (ACE)
Date: 10-Dec-11 for 7 nights
Board: Self Catering
Price: £192pp

Paraiso de Albufeira Apartments – 4*
Albufeira

Flights: Bristol (BRS) to Algarve (FAO)
Date: 12-Dec-11 for 7 nights
Board: Self Catering
Price: £148pp

Code:

Take off this October and enjoy a short-break in the sun from £195 per person

2011-09-26T19:00:00.000+02:00

Nip to Nice - 2 nights, 3* hotel from £195 per person

British Airways offer two nights at the 3* De Flore Hotel, Nice from £195 per person based on October 2011 departures. Includes return BA flights from Heathrow and accommodation including continental breakfast.
Mingle in Marrakech - 2 nights, 3* Ryad Mogador from £209 per person

British Airways offer two nights at the 3* Ryad Mogador, Marrakech from £209 per person based on October 2011 departures. Includes return BA flights from Gatwick and accommodation including continental breakfast.

Relax in Sicily - 3 nights, 4* hotel from £269 per person

British Airways offer three nights at the 4* Baia Taormina Grand Palace & Spa, Catania, Sicily from £269 per person based on October 2011 departures. Includes return BA flights from Gatwick and accommodation including continental breakfast.
Party in Ibiza - 4 nights, 4* hotel from £289 per person

British Airways offer four nights at the 4* Simbad, Ibiza from £289 per person based on October 2011 departures. Includes return BA flights from London City and accommodation including continental breakfast.

The above offers are subject to availability, based on two sharing and include all UK taxes. All holiday packages are ATOL protected.

Visit the BA website by clicking on the banner below to take advantage of these offers.

Skiing Holiday Offers

2011-09-24T11:51:00.002+02:00

We have some great offers on Winter Ski holidays across Europe and beyond.

Also you will find many winter holiday Chalets to rent direct from the owners on our Maison Europe website

Please click on the banners or links below for further information

Top Ski Holiday Destinations with Thomas Cook
Andorra Holidays Austria Holidays Bulgaria Holidays Canada Holidays
France Holidays Italy Holidays Norway Holidays Sweden Holidays

Ski Horizon for a great choice of winter resorts.

Virgin winter ski holidays to

South Lake Tahoe - Mammoth Mountain - New Hampshire -Vermont
Tremblant - Jasper - Banff - Lake Louise - Whistler

Great winter holidays at great prices from Co-operative travel

For great deals on car hire visit Auto Europe

Great Winter Deals on Car Hire in Europe and USA

2011-09-23T16:31:00.000+02:00

Take advantage of some very special hire car deals across Europe and the US this winter, with a well trusted rental company with over 8,000 locations worldwide.

GPS hire is also available, as well as campers and luxury cars in certain locations

Car Hire in Portugal from only £9 per day - Spain from only £8 per day

France from only £21 per day - Italy from only £17 per day-

USA from only £15 per day at Auto Europe

Click on the banner to check out the latest offers

Terms and conditions:Maximum discounts available at selected locations only. Valid for bookings made until the 7th of October 2011 for pick ups until the 31st of January 2012. Sample rates shown based on 7 day rentals for pick ups on the 2nd of October 2011

Early Booking Offer for the Canary Islands

2011-09-21T18:18:00.002+02:00

MAKE IT REAL ON THE CANARY ISLANDS: UP TO 20% DISCOUNT

Get up to 20% Discount on the Canary Islands (Except Iberostar Grand Hotel Mencey)

Bookings Windows: From September to the end of October
Stay dates: From the 1st of November 2011 to the 30th of April 2012.

Richard Bransons Necker Island Fire

2011-09-21T14:16:00.002+02:00

Last month I read the sad news that Richard Branson's private Caribbean home on Necker Island had been destroyed by fire.

The reason I found it sad was that I had been lucky enough to have stayed there for a weeks holiday, paid for by Suzuki GB who had run a competition for salesmen across the UK, which I some how managed to win.

A helicopter to take you shopping to a nearby island, a speed boat at your disposal every day of the week, and a full stocked bar where you could help your self to the best champagne or mix up your own special cocktail, were just a few of the delights on Necker Island.
The atmosphere was so relaxed and friendly and my shower room was even missing one wall! the one facing out to sea, so you could shower with one of the best views in the Caribbean across to the other islands, glistening in the far distance.

Guests staying in the house at the time of the fire were Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet, her boyfriend and family, and Branson’s 90 year old mother Eve and daughter Holly. Sir Richard was staying in a nearby property with his wife and son Sam. The guests managed to escape unharmed after lightning from a tropical storm set fire to the holiday home, destroying the building.

“Around 20 people were in the house and they all managed to get out and they are all fine,” said Branson, who was at another property nearby with his wife and son. “We had a really bad tropical storm with winds up to 90mph. A big lightning storm came around 4am and hit the house,” he added.

Sir Richard Branson has owned Necker since the 1980′s – purchasing the island from Lord Cobham for just £180,000. As well as serving as Branson’s family holiday base, The Great House on the island was rented out for £30,000 a night.

I am sure there will still be plenty of other places to stay, while the house is rebuilt, and I did hear that Richard was already creating another new exciting holiday island in the Caribbean. Just click on the banner below to find out more about some special Caribbean destinations.

Virgin Holidays

Russian property developer in live TV punch-up on YouTube

2011-09-20T13:38:00.002+02:00

One of most successful Russian property developers, Sergei Polonsky, was punched in the face on national television by Alexander Lebedev, the owner of two British newspapers, the London’s Evening Standard and the Independent. If only all chats shows were as exciting as this!

Here is a translation of the event.

Polonsky: I’ve heard this five times already today, everyone is a boss here, the pilots [pointing to Lebedev], the hen houses [pointing to the another man], I’m honestly tired now, frankly I want to smack you in the chops…

Lebedev: Well, go ahead, give it a try

Polonsky: You want to experiment?

Lebedev [standing up]: Are you totally nuts, mate? (sits down again to put him off his guard]

Polonsky: This man said three years ago that Federation Tower … [punch-punch]

After getting to his feet, Polonsky: “I’m in shock.”

Source: Global edge

Selling or renting your Villa in the Algarve

2011-09-20T13:01:00.000+02:00

Are you looking to sell or rent out your Villa or house in the Algarve!

We are offering FREE 12 months advertising for properties in the Algarve on Maison Europe.
Just register on our site, then upload your property details, for this Free trial offer.
We are also offering this facility to property rental and sales agents in Portugal.

Turkey easing restrictions on property ownership

2011-09-19T13:23:00.001+02:00

Published: 19th September 2011 By Global Edge

Turkey to ease foreign ownership restrictions

Turkey is planning to ease restriction on the purchase of real estate by foreigners, according to reports in the Turkish press this morning.

Legislation is being drafted that will remove the principle of reciprocity from regulations governing real estate sales, meaning that foreign citizens will be able to buy property in Turkey even if their own countries don’t grant comparable rights to Turkish nationals.

Currently agents and developers in Turkey can get around the legislation by helping their clients to set Turkish companies but the process is costly and is a significant barrier to sale according to Philip Skorochod, director of UPPI.

“The legislation will make a huge difference. At the moment it costs around two thousand [British] pounds to set up a company and it takes time. The whole process is off putting and is preventing us making sales,” he says.

Under the current arrangements, international buyers from relatively open countries such as the US, UK and Germany have no problem purchasing real estate in Turkey as their countries allow Turkish nationals to invest. The biggest opportunities will come from the Arab and Russian markets says Skorochod.

“Generally investors from the Arab world view Turkey both a safe haven and a place where there is no hostility towards them so this is where the legislation will have the biggest impact. It will also improve the Russian buyer market for Turkish real estate as the process is currently cumbersome when dealing with Russian buyers,” he says.

Although there is sometimes a difference between government announcements and actual policy the country has a strong economic reason to enact the legislation as the extra direct investment is badly needed to finance Turkey’s large current account deficit.

Croatia - The New Tuscany

2011-09-19T10:02:00.067+02:00

View properties in Croatia on Maison Europe, also with a link to our advertiser's web site, with many more properties all over Croatia.

Advertise your property in Croatia for sale or rent, Free for 12 months on Maison Europe.

Described by The Sunday Times as the NEW TUSCANY

Croatia is regularly in the news, both for its world-beating sportsmen and women and for its amazing coastline, with thousands of beautiful islands.

Aside from this, how much do you know about Croatia?

Did you know that it is bigger than Belgium, Denmark, Holland or Switzerland? That its capital, Zagreb, a beautiful Austro-Hungarian gem, has more inhabitants than Amsterdam, Lisbon or Copenhagen? Or that its fabulous coastline — a yachtsman's dream, with numerous marinas, on the Adriatic Sea opposite to Italy — is as long as the English South Coast from Dover to Land's End?

Croatia is a country of contrasts. Its geography is immensely varied.

In the East, there is Slavonia, an extension of the Great Hungarian Plain, known to the Romans as Panonia.

In the North is Zagorije, a hilly region with many fine fairy tale castles, which formed part of the Military Border that protected the Southern flanks of the Austro-Hungarian Empire from invasion. Ryanair flights in to Graz, in Austria, are convenient for here, as are BA, Air Croatia and Lufthansa flights in to Zagreb, the capital.

Over in the North West is Istria, not far from Trieste in Italy, and with a very Italian feel to it, both in landscape and food. Istria is easy to reach, with airports at Pula and Rijecka, both important ports, as well as over the border in Trieste, in to which Ryanair flies all year round. Pula has summer flights from Ryanair (Stanstead), Norwegian Air Shuttle (Oslo), German Wings, Wizzair, Tuifly, Thomsonfly and several Russian operators.

Moving South is Dalmatia, with its coastal plain flanking the Dinaric Alps and the thousands of off-shore islands. These vary from large ones with their own towns and villages, like Brac, Cres, Hvar, Krk, Korcula and Rab down to tiny uninhabited ones. The northern ones can be reached through the airport at Rijecka and more southerly ones via Split or Dubrovnik airports. There is an extensive ferry service linking the islands with the mainland.

Hotel Istra Rovinj
Link to hotel Istra

I was lucky enough to holiday in Rovinj , which is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns on the Croatian coast because of its unique appearance and its wonderful natural surroundings. I stayed at the hotel Istra, which was just in front of the marina and just a short stroll into the town. In the opposite direction from the town upon leaving the hotel, it will take you into miles of coastal woodlands which are popular places for camp sites along the miles of coast.

I found the best way to explore this coast line was by hiring a cycle from just outside the hotel. Just be sure to take your swimwear, as you will not be able to resist a cool down in the crystal clear sea.

The town is the perfect place to unwind, where you can stroll through the tiny streets of what was a separate island. having lunch in one of the numerous restaurants can be a wonderful experience if you are lucky enough to get a window seat looking out onto the passing ships and glorious islands in the distance. Many restaurants do also have a terrace overlooking the sea, in fact you will be spoilt for choice.

More about the area

The 67 kilometre long coast, 2,289 hectares of protected greenery, 14 islands, islets and rocks as well as a unique ancient town centre, make Rovinj unique. It developed in the tradition of a small fishing town under the watchful eye of its patron saint, Sv. Eufemija (St. Euphemia), with a distinctive form of boat, the batana, and the recognisable bitinada songs. Its beauty is especially valued by artists who painted the most beautiful motifs of this town and exhibited them in Grisija – the street of artists.

Rovinj offers numerous possibilities – walking in the wonderful natural surroundings, recreational sports, discovering hidden beauties, cultural heritage, archaeological sites, tasting some of the Rovinj delicacies, and last but not least, a comfortable holiday in the many high quality hotels and tourist resorts.

Thomson has some of the best deals for holidays in Croatia, just click on the link below to be directed to all their information about holidays in Croatia.

Thomson holiday guide to Croatia

Other holiday and flight links

LINKS (please open in new window)

Croatian Tourist board

Villa for sale in the Algarve with pool and 23 hectares

2011-09-18T17:18:00.002+02:00

Quinta Bonita 699,000 EUR Agency fees is not included.

Beautiful villa with pool in 23 hectares in a stunning valley location Eastern Algarve.

Beautiful villa with 10mx5m salt water swimming pool designed by the British owners to a high standard and completed 6 years ago.Included is a partly restored water mill with own small pool.The property comes with 23 hectares of beautiful countryside in one of the most picturesque valleys in the Eastern Algarve which includes a river running through the property and a stunning waterfall.
The historic town of Tavira is only 10kms away as is the coast with miles of glorious beaches and numerous golf courses.Faro and the airport is a 30/40 minutes drive to the west and the Spanish border 30/40 minutes drive to the east.

The villa has a large bright living area with an impressive open fire place.Spacious modern country style kitchen/diner very well equipped and fitted with granite work tops and tiled flooring as there is throughout the villa.There are four large bedrooms,three ensuite and all are air conditioned.All the rooms in the villa have french doors opening onto the gardens,terraces or balcony.The south facing balcony has a large seating/lounge space with stunning views of the grounds and valley.To the rear of the villa is the pool which overlooks the BBQ/alfresco dining area which has been finished in locally sourced stone.The villa is fully double glazed and uses solar energy as well as mains electricity and gas.Fresh water is supplied to the villa and property from a fresh water well located in the orchards.
This is a beautiful property in an exceptionally idyllic and much sought after location.

Link to properties for sale in Portugal

Lastminute.com Portugal

4 Bed Bungalow for sale in Co, Cork Ireland

2011-09-18T16:40:00.001+02:00

7 Arbour Mews, Glanworth, Co. Cork is a 5 year old, 4 bedroom dormer bungalow. It is a detached timber frame house, set in the village of Glanworth.
195000 EUR Agency fees is not included

The house has recently been re-decorated, including painting of the inside and outside of the house, replacement of carpets, cleaning of paths and roof, and servicing of boiler.

The house has oil fired central heating throughout, with the option for a coal fire in the lounge.

It has double glazed PVC windows, and PVC fascia and soffit.

The house is for sale including carpets and fittings.

The furniture is also available for sale.

The back garden is not overlooked.

The house is connected to cable broadband (currently using Vodafone).

There is an aerial for receiving the Irish and UK terrestrial channels.

There is a grassed front and back garden.
Link to advert and further detail

Apartment in Tallinn Estonia

2011-09-18T16:24:00.000+02:00

The luxury apartment is situated in northern part of Tallinn, close two beaches (Paljasaare and Pelguranna beaches) , 5 minutes to city center by car.

The apartment is located on the fifth floor, in the five-floor house, windows leave on northern and south side, where is a glazed balcony. The apartment spreads 110 sq.m of living area and comprises of an open-plan, fully-equipped kitchen with a cozy zone for breakfasts, nice dining zone and a relaxing lounge zone in front of the TV set with a fireplace, there is a training apparatus. There is a bathroom with a bath and a toilet and in addition there is one more separately toilet. There are two spacious bedrooms with double beds. On floor there is a tile, is heating of a floor, dot light of a different format and the alarm system.

170000 EUR Including Agency Fees
Link to advert

Advertise Your Property for Sale or Rent in Europe for Free

2011-09-18T15:25:00.001+02:00

MAISON EUROPE is offering 12 months free property advertising throughout Europe and beyond.

French property owners can also advertise for free with a private advert. Or a members advert with 4 photos and a website link for 30 Euros until sold on our French Classified website.

Register on our website today and upload your rental or sales property in Europe or beyond.
All adverts will be checked and made live within 24 hours.
If your country and area is not listed, just email us and we will add it when we make your advert live.
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