Seasonal Job

Perhaps the most obvious way to make money is to take on extra work. Many retail companies, restaurants and other service oriented jobs are looking for extra help during the holiday season. Although it requires you devoting more time to working, you can make quite a bit of money. You may also receive special discounts and other perks that you can use to accomplish your holiday shopping.

Freelance

Although this is dependent on the job title, many freelance positions don’t require as much of a time commitment. Furthermore, you can usually work from home. If you have a background in writing or at least have an interest, there are several companies that you can lend your services to. You can also start your own blog. However it may take a little more time to gain traction and actually make money off of it, so it’s a good goal to start now and work on for next year. Freelance work is not just writing. You can become a photographer for an organisation, a consultant – pretty much anything.

Sell Stuff Online

Selling any wanted items online is a hassle-free and quick way to make some extra cash. Today, there are dozens of e-commerce sits that make it easy to sell and collect money. There is also the major UK electronic recycling website, musicMagpie, which lets you sell MacBook Pro, phones, CDs, Games, and other unwanted electronics.

Put Your Skills to Use

Maybe you’re an excellent baker or an aspiring DJ. If you have something that you are passionate about and good at, share it with others. Offer to bake your infamous cake or holiday treat for friends, co-workers and members of the community. There are several holiday parties as well. If you are great at decorating or entertaining guests, help your neighbors and friends out with their party planning. They’ll appreciate your service, you’ll get practice and recognition and you’ll earn extra money. Advertise your talent by posting ads and fliers in the community and online. Also try to get friends and family to spread the word.

Offer your services

There are plenty of other holiday errands and chores to do. Even if you don’t have a special talent, you can offer your service. If it snows a lot in your area, you can offer to shovel neighbours’ yards help them hang Christmas lights and decorations. Babysitting and pet sitting is another great way to make some money.

There are several creative ways you can earn money this holiday season. People are in need of all types of services and goods and are willing to pay for it. You never know, you just may have exactly what they are looking for!

Mauritius

Both of these islands have been described as paradisiacal and what better way to spend some time beach hopping from one island to another. There are many holidays to Mauritius, so make sure that you select one that takes full advantage of the island’s splendid beaches, such as Trou D’Eau Douce.

Mauritius has superb scenery and the island also boasts one of Africa’s wealthiest towns, Port Louis, which is an excellent shopping venue. If you get tired of the beach, then take a trek to Tamarin Falls where you’ll be able to cool off in one of the seven amazing natural showers.

Other beaches on Mauritius that should be visited include La Cuvette to the north of the island.

Grand Baie (Grand Bay), also in the north is famous for its boats and travellers can take advantage of boat hire to explore some of the neighbouring islands.

Visitors can admire the remnants of French colonial architecture that remain on the island and a visit to Blue Bay or Mahebourg in the south will reveal many beautiful buildings; some of which have been converted to stunning restaurants.

Majorca

It may come as a surprise, but Majorca has a lot in common with Mauritius. Both islands have a deserved reputation for fine beaches and are popular with tourists.

Those who might prefer a more peaceful holiday have only to take a short trek inland and they will be able to experience genuine Balearic hospitality. The famous writer Robert Graves made his home in Deia for many years and today countless other celebrities use the island as their playground.

In the north, seaside resorts are plentiful and there are a grand total of 262 beaches surrounding the whole of the island’s coastline, including the Cala Mesquida, Puerto Pollensa and Cala Torta.

Scuba divers in particular will enjoy Cala Torta. This beach is relatively undeveloped and visitors should take instructions before heading off. Cala Millor is on the east coast and has a reputation for being safe for children. The whole family will enjoy walking along the long promenade and stopping off at a bar of café for refreshments.

As two of the most popular beach destinations in the world, holidays to Majorca and Mauritius are hardly in short supply. However, those looking for a winter break should take a trip to reputable travel operator websites now to avoid disappointment as the winter holiday season prepares to begin.

Cote d’Azur, commonly known in English as the French Riviera, enjoys a Mediterranean climate — hot summers and mild winters. If you want to enjoy lots of sunshine and all the good things that life has to offer, you might want to consider owning, leasing or renting a place on the French Riviera.

Whether you want a property in Cannes, in Cap d’Antibes, in Nice, in Mandelieu or in Theoule sur Mer, there are villas, apartments, and homes available for you on the French Riviera.

You don’t have to be a superstar or part of a royal family to be able to enjoy the beauty of the French Riviera. Indulge yourself in the prestigious lifestyle of the rich and the famous.

Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect property on the French Riviera:

Know what you want or need. Before you begin scouting for a property, consider what you need the property for. Is it a family vacation home? Or, maybe you need a short-term lease for work-related stuff. Or, maybe you want a warm, nice place to retire to. Whatever your desire is, there is something luxurious for you on the French Riviera.

Do some research. With your preference and taste in mind, try exploring the Internet for the ideal place. In addition, plush properties are often advertised in catalogs and magazines.

Visit the place. If you have a short list of the promising cities, towns or villages that you would love to settle in, you might to want to visit them. It is good to experience the “feel” of the place and to immerse in its culture before making a big decision.

Find a reputable real estate agent. A professional agent would be able to help you find the perfect spot. Check out the agent’s and his or her firm’s reputation and previous deals. You might want to talk to his or her past clients. An agent with nothing to hide will gladly provide you with personal references.

Know your budget. Aside from the comfort and aesthetic appeal of your chosen property, it is important to consider your budget. So, make sure you have enough funds to finance the acquisition or lease.

Your agent may ask personal questions regarding your finances. This is done to ensure you have enough funds. The agent may also ask about what the sources of your income are, and how you plan to finance your purchase.

Various lavish homes are available on the French Riviera, ranging from classically designed villas to contemporary residences. You might prefer a vineyard on an expansive inland estate or a seaside apartment with a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea.

To find the best high-end properties on the French Riviera, check out reputable real estate firms on the Internet. You may also visit Estate Net France — a trusted firm for your luxurious property needs.

Luxurious hotels and decadent dining
The key ingredient when planning a luxury break is the accommodation you choose. So, it’s worth spending a decent amount of time researching your options to make sure you find somewhere that comes up to scratch.
What’s great about the luxury accommodation here is that it caters to a broad spectrum of people. For instance, if you are going to be travelling with children, you needn’t panic and think you have to forfeit staying somewhere high-class, since lots of hotels cater for kids without letting the quality side of things slide.

Somewhere that offers a good balance of attractions is the Castillo Hotel Son Vida. Set in a 13th-century castle, this really does have an air of grandeur – but it has so much more to offer. For example, it’s particularly well-suited to golfers, since it’s surrounded by the Son Quint Executive and Son Muntaner courses, while it is also home to some fabulous places to eat and drink.

Indeed, it is pretty famous for its pre-dinner cocktails, which can be sipped on the terrace with one of the most stunning views of the local landscape. The restaurant Es Castell, meanwhile, won’t fail to impress – especially since it offers the same great views.

Plus, it’s just 6 km from Palma, the island’s capital, so it’s also good for city breaks. If you’d like to stay right on the beach, though, the Iberostar Playa de Muro Village in Alcudia Bay is perfect. It even has a spa, so it’s perfect for relaxation.

Most hotels have good-quality dining facilities – especially if you’re staying in the more luxurious establishments – but there are plenty of fine restaurants in other locations too. For an authentic taste of Mallorca, head to Ca N’Antuna in Fornalutx, which has a great reputation for its lamb dishes.

Palma’s cultural attractions
Majorca is also home to a wide range of cultural attractions, which are ideal for visiting if you can drag yourself away from whichever luxury hotel you decide to stay at. As an added bonus, there are some excellent shops, so it’s easy to treat yourself in more ways than one during your stay.

Among the top historical and cultural sites to visit are the Catedral, which features design input by the renowned Antoni Gaudi (you might be familiar with his masterwork, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona), and the Fundacio Pilar i Joan Miro. The latter houses around 2,000 works by celebrated artist Miro, so it’s a must for art aficionados.

In western Palma, meanwhile, you’ll find the Castell de Bellver. You can take a tour bus directly to the castle, or ride a regular bus to a stop close by and walk the remainder of the way (around 1 km – but bear in mind it’s particularly steep). You can get some utterly fantastic views of the city from here, so it’s well worth it.

Memorable excursions
No luxury holiday to Majorca would really be complete without spending a little time on the coast or out at sea. There are some fantastic options for cruises that are the perfect complement to this kind of break, such as luxurious cruises – complete with sangria and swimming – or trips to the fascinating Cuevas del Drach (caves that house Lake Martel, the world’s largest underground lake).

In most cases you can often buy a replacement, however, to avoid this scenario here is your holiday essentials checklist.

Cut the cost of car hire

For families looking to save money when they are on holiday this year, car hire costs can be crippling. It is also worth noting that many car hire firms charge very high excess fees. A good tip, if you are looking to save, and it is surely a holiday essential – is to find affordable car hire insurance before you go.

Documents

Whilst it might be an obvious choice, it is one of the most important ones.  Few travellers want to make that journey to the airport only to discover they’ve left their passport behind. It would also be worth making photocopies as well as taking along travel and car hire excess insurance documents as proof of purchase in case anything goes wrong.

Suntan lotion

Providing you’re heading somewhere with a bit of sunshine this summer, this is one item you should not leave the house without. Sun care can be purchased overseas, however, it’s often much more expensive especially in popular tourist areas.

Suntan lotion is a lifesaver for some and effective cover up for others. Either way it can help to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Of course, suntan lotion and after sun care go hand in hand, providing a cool soothing temporary antidote for those who have been caught out.

Adaptor plug

If you’re taking your mobile phone abroad, your hair dryer/straighteners iPad and any other electrical device, it’s one thing to remember a charger, but you might also need an adaptor plug.

You can often pick them at the airport if you fail to remember whilst packing, however, this could be more expensive.

Reading material

Your day at the beach might not be as enjoyable if you don’t have a good book to read. Charity shops are a great way of picking up cheap books that you might not have read before. If you don’t want books weighting down your luggage, Kindles and other electronic book readers allow you access to a number of titles at the touch of a button. If you are off to Spain this summer, you may want to look at ways to save money on car hire Spain. The Telegraph’s tips are always worth following.

Situated to the North of Majorca, Alcudia is built on the site of an ancient Roman settlement, although the area has been occupied since the Bronze Age. Dig a little deeper and you will discover a town rich in history with plenty of sites to explore.

Alcudia old town is surrounded by a 14th century wall (visitors are able to climb it and stroll round the settlement) and is now a protected and pedestrianised area. The ancient town gate of Porta de Moll with its square towers and two giant palm trees is the symbol of Alcudia. Enjoy a romantic meal at one of the many small restaurants or simply wander the ancient streets. Markets take place on Tuesday and Sunday mornings so expect the town to be busier at these times.

The largest building just outside old town Alcudia is the beautiful San Juame church. San Juame gives its name to the town’s annual festival, which takes place in early July each year. Follow the nearby footpaths and signs to stumble across the remains of the Roman settlement dotted around, including an impressive amphitheatre. Visitors can learn more about Alcudia’s history in the ‘Museo Monagrafico de Pollentia’ museum.

Holidays to Alcudia are not complete without taking a relaxing boat trip along the stunning coastline for something a bit different. Boat trips are the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Alcuda. Head down the coast to Formentor beach and enjoy stunning views of the Alcudia area along the way.

Feel even further removed from the hustle and bustle of beach resorts by heading East of Alcudia along the peninsula. You will arrive in a scenic mountainous area with many walking and sightseeing opportunities. Discover the ‘Hermita la Victoria’ or hire bikes and explore this beautiful region. Book a trip to Alcudia with Directline-holidays and experience the true ‘hidden Majorca’

Of course, though escaping the daily rat-race is not as complex as (for instance) filling out a tax return, (after all, you just book a package with Alcudia Holidays, right?) it is not without its challenges. For instance, where do you change currencies? How do you get the best exchange rate?

To address these questions (and more!) I have taken the liberty of compiling some answers below. Take heed, oh pursuer of blue oceans and sand, and enjoy Mallorca!

1. When should you change currencies?

The answer to this question can be summed up in two brief phrases, together adding up to a simple nine words: “Not at the airport” and “As soon as possible.” Perhaps I should elaborate.

Changing currencies at the airport is a bad move because, like those people that sell cans of coke at music festivals for £4, bureaus de change at airports know they’ve got you right where they want you, and they’re prepared to make you pay a premium. Get your euros there, and you could pay significantly over the odds, and end up with a much less impressive sum in your pocket. Consider yourself fair-warned!

Second of all, get your mitts on those lovely lovely euros as soon as possible (or at least thinking about it), and you’re less at the mercy of whatever rate is available at the last minute. Hurrah! For instance, if you change currencies just a week before catching your plane, you really have little choice but to accept the euro total offered there and then.

On the other hand, find out where the rate is three or even six months in advance, and you can ask: “Is this a low rate? Could I do better?” After all, even a one cent difference can make a big difference in the euro total you receive.

2. Where should you change currencies?

This question is a bit more tough to answer, given that exchange rates can change a lot from service to service and day to day. Your best bet is to click on Google, and type in “bureau de change” into the search engine. If the programmers at Silicon Valley are worth their salaries, you should then get a list of foreign exchange services in your local area.

Give them a call, telling them what currency you’re changing and what amount, and ask who will provide the highest euro total when all is said and done. Of course, you need to call a few places in quick succession to do this, because the exchange rates are changing all the time, but it really is the best way to find out who can provide you the best euro rate.

3. What pitfalls should you look out for?

Commission is the big one. You don’t want to be paying it. Bureau de changes make their money by taking the interbank exchange rate and offering you a rate below that, so that they themselves take the difference. For instance, if the euro is at 1.20 and you get 1.18, that means the bureau de change is taking 2 cents from you. This is normal practice. Commission though is when you charged on top of this, which is absolutely outrageous and should be avoided like George Osborne avoids pasties.

4. Are there alternatives?

You could of course use your debit card to pay for things in Mallorca. Oftentimes though, banks including NatWest and Santander charge a £1.50 fee every time you buy something in another country. Furthermore, they also charge you to withdraw cash from a machine. That can quickly add up!

There is also a similar predicament regarding credit cards. Most credit cards charge 3.0% when you use them abroad, which is equivalent to the rates you might get at a bank. Hence, although they are convenient, they can be costly too.

If you need to transfer more than £5,000 to Mallorca, contact us at foreign exchange specialist Pure FX for the best exchange rates and industry-beating personal guidance. We’d be delighted to help.

There are plenty of quaint holiday resorts along the Costa Blanca but Alicante is by far the biggest attraction as it provides landmarks such as the Santa Barbara Castle which looks down on the city upon Mount Benacantil. The city has plenty of modern attributes but they blend exquisitely with the historic features which together create a terrific ambience.

As you make your way through the modern promenade, Explanada de Espana, you can enjoy the stunning marble walkway which has a perimeter of palm trees to guide you. After why not visit the Barrio de la Santa Cruz which is the old quarter of the city where you can explore the narrow streets and walls which lead from the Santa Barbara Castle itself.

Sightseeing on any holiday can be draining and few more so than on the south coast of Spain with its relentless hot temperatures. Choose from one of the many top class restaurants in the city that allow you to enjoy the fresh cuisine served around the coast.

If you are interested in seeing what the rest of the Costa Blanca has to offer it may be worthwhile considering car hire in Alicante. This way you can travel north along the coast to visit Benidorm or travel south and experience Torrevieja. There are plenty more nearby towns to explore if you are looking for a more typically Spanish holiday resort for the day.
Once you land in Alicante you will find it tough to leave if only for a day. The scenery alone is something that will never tire of when looking out from your balcony in the morning, whether that is facing out onto the Mediterranean Sea or natural sculpted landscape of Spain.

Spend A Day At The Beach

This should go without saying, but spending an entire day at Alcudia Bay will be one of your best yet. Alcudia Bay is the best known beach in Alcudia and as long as you remember to stay safe in the sun, you can enjoy a fun-filled family day, from experiencing a beautiful sun-rise in the morning to an even more gorgeous sun-set. The bay is surrounded by hotels and pubs which are child friendly and offer delicious treats and areas for families to take a break from the warm Mediterranean waters and sun.

Go Wild At Amusement Parks

If you fancy yourself to be a bit of a water-baby, then the Hidropark is for you. The park is filled to the brim with slides and chutes for different ages, six swimming pools and wave pools, and even an infant pool for the youngest members of the family. For some family competition, there’s a super-golf course of 54 holes next door and if your travel insurance allows it, you can try out some Racing Passion Karting within the Bellevue hotel complex nearby. For those who are daring enough, you can try your hand at racing your kart under flood-lights at night, as they are open at night.

Go Back in Time

Explore the medieval villages to the north of the island. In these villages, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied including souvenir shopping and wine tasting (these wines have been made from grapes harvested in the same vineyards since Romans times). Save some money by buying directly from the artisan, or watch glass-blowers as they expertly craft amazing pieces of glass art in front of your eyes.

With each cultural change, the economy of Majorca grew and flourished, becoming known around the world for its fine wine, olives and olive oil products. In 1891 the vineyards and olive groves were decimated by disease, forcing a major emigration of the residents to Spain and to the Americas. Because of this agricultural tragedy, and because of its mild winters and sunny summers, the island reinvented itself into the major tourist destination that it is today.

Most visitors arrive in Majorca via the Aeropuerto de Son Sant Joan, in the capital city of Palma. Located on the south coast of the island, this major seaport on the Bay of Palma plays host to luxury cruise ships from all over the world. Palma is famous for its huge cathedral called La Seu or the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Palma which was built in the Catalan Gothic style, taking almost 400 years to complete. A stroll behind the Cathedral reveals the narrow streets and walkways of the Old City, including some private homes that are open as galleries for the public to enjoy. Palma is also known as a starting point for road cycling events which run from the southern beaches to the mountains in the north of the island.

A short drive along the coast, to the northwest, is the port town of Soller. Built on the profits from its orange and lemon trade, the town is especially famous for the Orange Express tramway which links the town of Soller to the Port de Soller. Dramatically flanked by a lighthouse on each side of the Bay, Soller is a welcome retreat for visitors longing for luxurious, sandy beaches combined with an interesting assortment of bars, restaurants and shops.

An especially peaceful retreat is located just beyond Soller at the Monastir de Lluc or Luke’s Monastery. Lluc was a 13th century shepherd boy who found a statue of the Virgin Mary in his pasture. He dutifully took the statue to the local priest, but the next day the statue was found in its original pastoral spot. This happened several times, until construction of a chapel was started at the site. The Monastir of Lluc still functions as a monastery today where visitors can dine in the cafe or rent a monk’s cell for the night.

A little further north is the picturesque town of Deia, perched on a hill overlooking the crystal blue waters of Deia Cove. Long known as a haven for international expatriates, Deia is the perfect place for people looking for literary, musical and artistic inspiration. It has been said that Deia embodies the essence of all that is exquisite, enjoyable and enticing in the Mediterranean paradise of Majorca.

If you are coming to Majorca on a holiday then villa holidays are extremely popular and can be cost effective with a wide range of different types across the island, from quite villas in majorca in the peaceful north of the island near Alcudia to villas on the coast in the more lively south of the island.