Finca Fantastica Travel Blog

Looking for travel insurance but a little confused by the different policies? There are all sorts of different types of cover to suit various holiday experiences and budgets. You can get group holiday insurance, winter sports cover, specific insurance for cruise holidays, and so on.

In most cases, holiday insurance falls into two broad categories - single trip and multi-trip travel insurance.

Single trip travel insurance is ideal for one-off journeys and for those who aren't likely to travel again within a year or so. If you're going for a long stint abroad, a single trip travel insurance policy may cover it as some routinely last for 365 days, but of course you will need to check the details in full before you book.

Multi-trip or annual travel insurance is designed for holidaymakers who are planning more than one trip abroad within the space of a year, so it's ideal for frequent holidaymakers. Depending on the insurance provider, some multi-trip policies allow unlimited trips throughout that period, while other cheaper policies may be limited to a maximum number of holidays.

As with any type of insurance, it's important to do your research and go through all of the options thoroughly to ensure you choose the right level of cover for your trip, and a great place to start is with a tour operator. With Thomas Cook for instance, you will find stacks of information about their various insurance policies and you can also book your policy online, which takes the hassle out of organising your holiday insurance and let's you get on with planning your trip.

Whichever insurance provider you choose, travel insurance is a must for any trip abroad and even if you don't need to use it (which hopefully you won't), it's a small price to pay for complete peace of mind.

This article was provided exclusively for Finca Fantastica Travel By TheMoveChannel.com Italy

It’s hard to imagine Italy’s property market ever losing its appeal. The warm climate, amazing cuisine, lovely coastlines and wealth of culture is enough to draw in any holiday home hunter. Even with the recession still taking casualties in Europe, Italy has seen international sales increase, according to figures from Scenari Immobiliari. Indeed, the country is a firm favourite among buyers on overseas property portal TheMoveChannel.com, always ranked in its 10 most popular countries.
Falling prices have drawn a wide range of nationalities into the market, with German investors accounting for 40 per cent of activity, followed by British buyers (18 per cent) and Russians (13 per cent). As sellers become more flexible on their asking prices, Italian homes are increasingly affordable for those from abroad.
The market has struggled in recent months following the government’s austerity measures designed to decrease the national debt, but the Prime Minister’s decision to suspend the controversial property tax (introduced by the previous ruling party) in June 2013 is a promising sign that the housing market is in safe hands.
From the buzzing cities of Rome and Milan to the beauty of Venice and Florence and the relaxing lifestyle of Tuscany, no matter the global financial climate, Italy’s La Dolce Vita will always taste sweet.

The most popular region in Italy for property purchases is Abruzzo, accounting for one quarter of enquiries on TheMoveChannel.com. Lombardy is close behind, receiving 17 per cent of enquiries. But while Abruzzo’s low prices and Adriatic coastline attract many buyers, the majority of house hunters turn to other regions first, such as the star-studded Liguria or the coastal Apulia.
Rome, Milan, Venice and Florence are all highly sought-after destinations and need no introduction.
These are some of the other most popular property hotspots in Italy, ranked by their number of searches on TheMoveChannel.com:

Portofino
A fishing village on the Italian Riviera, Portofino has transformed over the years into a celebrity hotspot. Wayne Rooney got hitched there, while Rihanna enjoys vacationing in the area.
The picturesque harbour and beautiful old buildings combine to create a tiny slice of history and holiday hotspot. Beaches, churches, high-end villas; there’s more to spot in Portofino than famous people.

Lake Como
Over the years, Lake Como has become synonymous with George Clooney. Its most famous resident, the movie star has owned a villa on the shore of the picture-perfect lake for a long time - and who can blame him? Many wealthy buyers are attracted to places such as Menaggio, Argegno and Como thanks to the area’s jaw-dropping scenery, stable property prices, pleasant climate and famous reputation. Known around the world, Lake Como only seems to get more attractive with age. Not unlike George Clooney.

Viareggio
Located on the Tuscan Riviera, Viareggio is a coastal city that has gained a strong following among tourists and home buyers alike. The area developed its reputation as a seaside resort in recent decades as development combined with scorching summers to attract investors. Indeed, the area boasts over 270 days of sunshine every year.

Holidays are fabulous, whenever and wherever you decide to take them. Whether it’s a day trip to the seaside with your trusty bucket and spade or a week-long sojourn abroad, a break from the norm is something for you and your family to look forward to every year. Travelling with kids, showing them the world and letting them truly enjoy themselves is a real treat and can be affordable too with all inclusive holidays from Direct Holidays.

If you have never been abroad with the kids before, you may want to tread water in the shallow end and plump for short haul breaks rather than plunging head first into long haul alternatives. Luckily, Europe is awash with some incredible resorts that are family-orientated, fun filled and best of all, hot!

With an array of Spanish Costas to choose from, you can head for the mainland and enjoy the beaches and family-friendly activities that are available to you. Costa Dorada is excellent for kids, with Salou being a family favourite, while the theme park, PortAventura, is popular with thrill-seeking locals and tourists alike. Alternatively, Costa Almeria offers a more laidback break, perfect if you want to unwind and recharge your batteries on the beach, while your kids dig for treasure in the golden sands.

As the largest of the Balearic Islands, it’s no wonder that Majorca is a central hub for British holidaymakers. Palma Nova in the south is ideal for families, while a trip to neighbouring Magaluf would be perfect if you have some restless teens travelling with you. Alternatively, Alcudia in the north east of the island is chilled out, stress-free and home to plenty of family excursions including a waterpark and a thrill maze.

As one of the Canary Islands, just off the coast of North Africa, you can expect pleasing climes and a relaxing stay. All inclusive breaks here are in abundance, with Maspalomas being a popular resort due to the notorious sand dunes that can be found here. Puerto Rico is also a popular haunt, although very hilly so not for the less-able.

It doesn’t matter where you go on holiday; kids will thank you for it. Do your research and book into a hotel that caters to them – kids clubs, entertainment and animation teams – you get the picture!

Nothing beats Barcelona! This is where you go when you need to charge up your batteries and get exited and inspired. The city of art, culture and beaches has more to offer than it's possible to do in a week or two. However, Barcelona is addictive for most people, so you will most likely come back!

The Art Nouveau architect and designer, Antoni Gaudi, has created some of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona. Here's a few suggestions that should keep you occupied, if you are a Gaudi or Art Nouveau fan...

La Sagrada de Familia:
April to September:  9am -  8pm
October to March:  9am -  6pm.
Address : Mallorca, 401

Park Guell:
May to August:  10am - 9pm
November to February: 10am - 6pm
March and October:  10am - 7pm
Address : Carrer D'Olot

La Casa Milà :
Summer: Monday to Sunday:  9 am - 8 pm
Winter: Monday to Sunday:  9 am - 6.30 pm
Address : C. Provença, 261-265

Barcelona Gaudi Tour by Scooter

Skip the Line: Barcelona Sagrada Familia Tour

Skip the Line: Best of Barcelona Tour including Sagrada Familia

Picasso was born in Malaga, Andalusia, but he moved to Barcelona as a young boy and later he divided his time between Paris and Barcelona.
In Barcelona's Gothic area you will find five medieval palaces linked together and these buildings are home to  more than 3,500 works by Pablo Picasso - from his early years.

Picasso Museum
Tuesday to Sunday:  10am -  8pm
Address : Montcada, 15-23

TheBarcelona Museum Pass includes tickets to the below listed museums and the pass is valid for 10 consecutive calendar days from the time of first use. The price is approximarely 30 EURO and besides from saving money, if you are visiting more than 2 museums, the great advange is that you get to skip the long ticket queues!
Who wants to line up in a sweaty queue when on vacation?

Picasso Museum

National Art Museum of Catalonia

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art :

The Fundation Joan Miro:

Fundacio Antoni Tapies:

All the beaches in Barcelona are well maintained and provide lifeguards and access for people with disabilities. Barcelone has a 4 - 5km long stretch of beaches  in approximately 20 minutes walking distance from Las Ramblas. How perfect is that?

The 4 most popular and well-known beaches:

Barceloneta: Closest to the city and packed with American style  restaurants and bars.

Mar Bella: Windsurfing, kayaks and all sorts of water sports.

Nova Icaria: Near the Olympic Marina and full of delicious beachside bars and restaurants.

Bogatell: A more laid-back beach area with cyclists and joggers.

You can visit museums, sightsee the city or shop in the morning, then enjoy some tapas and some cool drinks.... and off to the beach in the afternoon, when it gets to hot to be anywhere else than right by the sea. Watch out for the sun though - it's much stronger than you think!

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