Travel tips, plus fascinating facts and customs

For the benefit of our site visitors we regularly update this page with the most up to date travel tips and fascinating country facts and customs.  Tips are country specific and also provide advice for particular holiday themes such as walking and golfing holidays.  We do hope you find something of interest.

Florida travel tips

If you are visiting Florida this year and you aim to spend a couple of days at Disney then we would recommend that you purchase a 'Multi day pass' which allows you to move between Theme Parks and is a money saver too.

Disney World in Florida has a new range of UK-exclusive park tickets on sale, available to pre-purchase before you leave the UK.  The ‘Ultimate Ticket’offers the largest savings and provides admission for 14 to 21 days to the following attractions: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney-MGM Studios, Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot.; Disney’s Wide World Sports Complex; DisneyQuest indoor interactive theme park; Downtown Disney Pleasure Island; Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typoon Water Parks.  Please note that water parks are subject to seasonal closure and that that the sports complex and interactive theme park are valid only on event days with some events requiring a separate charge.

Click here if you are interested in renting a villa or apartment in Florida

Spain travel tips

Men's toilets are marked: “Caballeros,” while women should look for a door marked “Senoras.” In smaller towns, bathrooms marked “W.C.” are used by both men and women.

The Spanish may not only stand very close, but also pat your arm or shoulder when conversing with you. Moving away will cause offence.

As the 12 bells ring at midnight on New Year's eve, the Spanish eat a grape on each chime.

In many Spanish speaking countries, young girls don't go out with boys until after their “quincinera” - a special party honouring their fifteenth birthday.

In Spain, don't be suprised at how rapidly people speak. Also don't forget to lisp your z's and internal c's.
(For example, Ibiza is pronounced Ee-BEETH-a).

The fastest ball game in the world, 'Pelota' originates from Spain and is played mainly in Bilbao and Guernica. 
If you are visiting Spain this year, do try to see it.

Spain is divided into the following 17 autonomous regions. Andalucia; Aragon; Asturias; Balearic Islands; Basque Country; Canary Islands; Cantabria; Castile-La-Mancha; Castile and Leon; Catalonia; Extremadura; Galicia; La Rioja; Madrid; Murcia; Navarre; Valencian Community.

Spanish parks and gardens

If you are planning a holiday to Benidorm and you adore theme parks, make note that the ‘Terra Mitica’ theme park near Benidorm has a new ride called ‘Synkope’, a giant discus which spins and swings riders around.  Moving vertically and horizontally it drops more than 35 metres and reaches 55 mph. Find a holiday apartment in Benidorm, Costa Blanca.

If you are interested in Horticulture and you prefer to keep your two feet firmly on the ground, then Andalucia is an ideal location for a garden holiday with its exotic landscape and plentiful plant life. Find a holiday rental in Spain.

Click here if you are interested in renting a apartment or villa in Spain

Italy travel tips

Placing your hand on your stomach signifies dislike, usually for another person.

Italians are very tolerant of queue-jumpers. There is even a certain admiration for someone who beats the system by taking advantage of the lack of strict queueing to get served first.

Click here if you are interested in renting a apartment or villa in Italy

France travel tips

Never address a waiter or bartender as garcon - "s'il vous plait" (pronounced "seel voo play") is the polite form.

Mother's day in France is on the last Sunday in May and is known as "Fete des Meres". Families usually celebrate with a special meal and the mother is usually presented with a cake.

Click here if you are interested in renting a apartment or villa in France

Greece travel tips

Easter is a great time to holiday in Greece. It is celebrated in a big way, as the British do at Chistmas. There are street processions, fireworks, dancing, the eating of painted or dyed eggs, and feasting on roasted lamb or goat.

Contrary to popular belief, topless sunbathing is still not fully accepted in Greece or, indeed, other areas of Europe, especially not on beaches which are viewable from the street. As a rule of thumb, check to see what the locals are doing and follow suit.

Click here if you are interested in renting a apartment or villa in Greece

Portugal travel tips

In Portugal taxis are painted mostly cream with a roof-light to identify them. However there are some taxis, which are still in the old colours, green and black.  Note that the taxi service includes the price of the driver's return trip to the starting point and from 10pm to 6am the rate will increase 20%.

If you are booking a holiday rental close to Lisbon, then DaltonsHolidays.com recommends that you visit the National Museum of Ancient Art.   The museum is located in the Chiado district of the Portuguese capital and hosts a huge collection of fine art as well as ceramics, textiles and jewellery and furniture from between the 14th and 19th centuries.

Click here if you are interested in renting a apartment or villa in Portugal

Thailand travel tips

When visiting temples in Thailand remember to kneel facing Budda as it is deemed offensive to have the soles of your feet facing Budda, as feet are considered as being the dirtiest part of the body.

Click here if you are interested in renting a apartment or villa in Thailand

South Africa travel tips

Talking with your hands in your pockets is considered rude.

Click here if you are interested in renting a apartment or villa in South Africa

Mediterranean travel tips

In most Mediterranean countries, nodding the head upwards means "no".

Ionian Islands holiday tips

DaltonsHolidays.com are pleased to offer a selection of holiday villas in the Ionian Islands, located just of the western Greek seaboard.  For centuries each island has maintained it’s own unique identity and culture.  The islands are popular for those who enjoy dramatic scenery, history and beautiful beaches.  Lefkada (Lefkas) is one of the recent newcomers for holidaymakers; the island is predominately flat making it an ideal choice for walking and cycling holiday enthusiasts.  Visit the quay in Nidri, Lefkada’s main resort where sailing enthusiasts gather from all over the world in its cafes and restaurants. 

Scotland travel tips

Rent a holiday apartment in Glen Nevis

Dust of your hiking boots and plan a serious hiking holiday or relaxing ramble around Scotland’s West Highlands.  Glen Nevis is one of Scotland’s most scenic glens, sat in the shadow of Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis. The bustling town Fort William located 15 minutes drive away from the head of Glen Nevis, is an excellent location for exploring the area.  Aonach Mor, a 4006ft mountain area renowned for snow sports and mountain biking is also close by and can be explored by foot or by mountain gondola.  Enjoy the glorious backdrop that surrounds you and remember to keep your eyes peeled for the local highland cattle grazing on the hills.

Holiday tips for Dorset and the New Forest

If your planning to book a self catering apartment or hotel in Dorset or the New Forest, why not book yourself on a Discover Dorset minibus tour and experience rural Dorset and learn about how the Jurassic coast-line was formed.

If your planning a holiday to Dorset this year, why not visit the Dorset Farmers Fayre, located in Bournemouth town centre Square regularly from February to October 2005. All the products available are Dorset farm grown or baked and include garden plants, jams, hams and pork.  Bournemouth Tourism have advised us that the market will take place on the following Saturdays: 19th February, 19th March, 24th April, 14th May, 11th June, 9th July, 20th August, 10th September, 8th October 2005.

Holiday tips for Norfolk

Norfolk is a great place for a week or weekend break.  Famed for its unspoilt countryside in the South, beautiful scenery in the West, abundance of wildlife in the Brecklands and the interesting shops in Norfolks' historic city centre, you will be spoilt for choice. 

If you enjoy a long walk or paddle along the beach then DaltonsHolidays.com recommends that you head west along the Norfolk coast road to Wells-next-the-Sea.  This picturesque sandy beach with pine trees and sand dunes stretches down to Holkham, which incidentally was the beach that featured in the film ‘Shakespeare in Love’.  Wells-next-to-the-sea town offers some impressive Georgian and Victorian architecture and a delightful network of narrow streets.  It is the perfect place of discovering other attractions in the Norfolk area such as the pretty picture postcard harbours of Blakeney and Morston.

Click here for holiday homes in Norfolk.

Holiday attractions in Cornwall

The Eden project consists of two large biomes that recreate the environment of the rainforest and the warm temperate areas of the Mediterranean, which are home to a variety of exotic and sometimes endangered plants.  Outside is the outdoor landscape here you can find plants native to England and countries that share a similar climate.  The Lost Gardens of Heligan is another great place to visit.  The gardens include lakes, woodland paths and tropical plants that have all been restored to their former glory after being lost for 70 years.

If your interested in Marine life, close to the historic fishing harbour in Padstow is the National Lobster Hatchery, see how science is helping to conserve this fishing tradition in Cornwall and beyond.

If your planning a family holiday in Newquay this year, you may decide to visit the following attractions: Blue Reef Aquarium located on Towan Beach (Newquay Bay) and Holywell Bay which includes a National Trust protected beach offering surfing lessons, a family fun park and golf course. 

Please click here for more information on renting a holiday apartment in Cornwall.

Holiday tips for Devon

Visit Dartmouth’s medieval castle and take a trip back in time with displays bringing the castles 600 year history to life. Open daily from April to October. For those with the love of gardens, travel by Riverlink along the River Dart or Steam Train to Greenway a secret garden boasting an array of rare plants and flowers lined up on the banks of the River Dart. Book a self catering apartment in Dartmouth using the search box above or use the prefilled search on the Devon Holiday page. When you arrive in Dartmouth make sure you use the opportunity to explore some of Dartmouth’s famous inns and restaurants.

Please click here for more information on renting a holiday apartment in Devon

Holiday tips for Somerset

If you are booking a holiday home in Somerset this year, why not plan a visit to Avalon vineyard. An organic vineyard and fruit farm, located in Shepton Mallet open from the 25th March to 24th of December. They also make scrumpy cider, a range of organic English white and fruit wines, mead and liquer. For further details call Avalon Vineyard direct on +44 (0)1749 860393.

If you plan to take the family on holiday to Somerset this year then why not spend a day at the Animal Adventure Park in Burnham-on-Sea. An all weather attraction set amid the delightful Somerset countryside.

Holidays tips for the Isle of Wight

Skandia Cowes week takes place each year end of July to start of August in Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
Cowes is the world’s premier sailing regatta with almost 1,000 yachts taking part in this top class sailing competition.  If you enjoy a festival atmosphere then a visit to the Isle of Wight at this time of year is a must.  Fireworks take place on the final Friday of Cowes week and this year they will be even more spectacular as they celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. Events will be taking place throughout the week, including live bands and superb cuisine.

Holidays tips for Yorkshire

Enjoy a summer holiday in the Yorkshire Wolds.  If you fancy a walking holiday, the most dramatic hills and valleys can be found in the High Wolds between the villages of Millington, Huggate and Thixendale.  If you are planning a family holiday, two firm favourites with children are the labyrinth of tunnels at Fort Paull and the sharks at The Deep in Hull.  If it is history that you seek then there are plenty of medieval minsters and historic houses in East Yorkshire for you to explore.  Stepping out on the flatlands of the Yorkshire Wolds makes you really appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of the English countryside.

Holidays tips for Lincolnshire

England’s North West

Easter is the perfect time for you to head out into the fells of the Lake District for a spring time stroll.  When visiting make sure you visit the wonderful Castlerigg Stone Circle for fabulous views alternatively venture out to the pretty towns near Windermere’s shores and enjoy a leisurely cruise on the water.

Have fun with the family in Blackpool this Spring and enjoy an exhilarating ride on a roller coaster at Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach.  Special offer discounted show and ride wristbands are available Monday to Friday from 4th of April until the 27th May 2005 (excluding 2nd May) at £12.50 each from their website.

Spring holidays ideas UK and abroad

Spring visitors to France can join in a gold rush in France between May 15 and 17. Prospectors gather from across Europe to pan for glittering nuggets in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Visitors can take part in the European Gold Panners’ Cup at Véronique Vilain's Oreval gold panning centre at Boisset et Gaujac, where visitors can learn the art of sifting gold.

Beginning in May 5 2005 and running throughout 2006, the Walt Disney Company’s 10 theme parks are joining together for the first time for one global celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of Disneyland in California.

Fancy a day out with a difference

Why not explore the countryside surrounding the Oxfordshire/Northamptonshire border and let a friendly Llama carry your bags allowing you to thoroughly enjoy the beauty of this glorious countryside.  Each personally guided Llama trek can take 6 people and 6 Llamas.  The walk covers around 4 miles, however walks can be tailored to your fitness ability.  Treks take place all year round with no charge for children 8-12 yrs as long as accompanied by one adult for each child.  Located 10 miles from Banbury and 8 miles from Towcester.  For more information please call Catanger Llamas on 01295 768676.

Before you go

If you are going on holiday outside the UK it is a good idea to email yourself a copy of all of your holiday information; phone numbers, credit card numbers, passport and driving licence numbers.  That way if (touch wood) you loose your documents or wallets, all you need to do is log on to access your details.

Packing Tips

To stop your shoes from being crushed in your holiday bag, stuff your socks inside your shoes.

Packing complete outfits into plastic bags for your children will not only save you time on your holiday, but will also prevent creasing.  Tell the kids to "grab a bag, get dressed and go!!".

Create your own holiday souvenir this year and take along an empty hard-backed book to your Daltons holiday rental or hotel and fill it with all your holiday experiences.

Using split rings (generally used as key rings) instead of padlocks on your suitcase, is an alternative and inexpensive way of securing your holiday luggage, it’s also handy, as you don’t have to remember a padlock code.

Take a non slip bath mat with you on holiday if it is likely you will have a titled shower room / wet room.  They are easy to pack in your case and will allow your child to splash away without slipping over.

Buy your sun tan lotion from the airport and save money as you will be able to purchase it duty free.

Packing a suitcase for your Pet

If you are taking your pet on holiday this year remember to pack:

• A lead and collar with holiday identification tags

• A few of your pet's favourite toys and chew sticks

• A large container of fresh water from home

• Supply of pet food

• A pet bed

• Grooming brushes

• Pooper scooper

• A torch for evening walks

• Old towels for drying wet dogs

• Pet Emergency first aid kit

• If applicable vaccination records together with any medication prescribed by your local vet.

DaltonsHolidays.com advertise a wide selection of pet friendly holiday homes that you can find by ticking the 'suitable for pets' box in the advanced search
function.

Advice for first time skiers

Don’t be embarrassed. Everybody started sometime and everybody fell over as often as you will. It doesn’t matter.

Ski school. If you haven’t skied before you need to sign up. A few hours in ski school will have you out on the slopes enjoying your holiday much more safely and quickly than a few tips from your mates.

Get fit. Skiing uses muscles you didn’t know you had, particularly in your legs.

Don't be a fashion victim.  Make sure you get the right gear not the trendy gear.  It is so important to be well protected from the cold and the damp.  Wet feet and hands are going to spoil your holiday far quicker than not having this seasons colours.

When skiing off-piste always carry safety equipment in case of emergency and undertake some basic training on how to use it. Or take along a mountain guide who can show you the safest places to ski in the region.

For ski clothing ideas and ski equipment please visit the DaltonsHolidays.com online ski travel store.

Ski Hire.  The local ski hire shop at your destination will sort you out with boots skis and poles in no time at all.  The experienced hirer will take one look at you and hand you everything you need (which is two skis, two boots and two poles) anything extra and the shop owner is trying to make money out of you.

DaltonsHolidays.com advertise a wide selection of ski holiday properties for rent and offer guidance and advice for the first time and more mature skier.

Beach Safety

The RNLI have set up an online ‘Be safe on the beach' campaign that provides free sea and beach safety information to kids and their parents.   If you click on the below link it will take you to an interactive learning game where you act as a trainee life guard and study the beach scene to highlight dangerous and unsafe incidents.
RNLI Beach Safety

Diving holiday tips

Popular places for diving holidays outside the UK include; the Caribbean, Malta, Cyprus, Greece and Turkey.  If you plan to brush up on your diving skills or learn how to dive, two names to look out for are The British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).  Both of these offer a number of recognised courses.   PADI certifies between 50,000 to 60,000 people annually in the UK and you may find that these courses are more internationally recongised. For more information please click on the links below:
http://www.bsac.com/;
http://www.padi.com/
http://www.divesitedirectory.com/

Cycling holiday tips

Several of our holiday rentals UK and overseas are located in areas suited to both the novice and experienced cyclists.  The contact at your holiday rental may be able to provide you with cycle routes located nearby to your rented holiday home.

Before you embark on your bike ride remember to organise comprehensive travel insurance .

A necessity on cycling holidays is a good pair of padded cycling shorts and gloves with a good grip, they will improve your comfort and enjoyment.

You'll notice the temperature changes a lot when you cycle so make sue you take plenty of layers.

Golfing holiday tips

Check dress code and members' rules carefully before breezing in with what may be OK at your local club on a Saturday morning.

If golfing in a hot country spikes on your golf shoes may have to be attended to because the metal spikes from home may be too abrasive for the drier conditions abroad and you may need to change them to softer rubber grips.

When it comes to fashion on the fairway, UK residents should remember that it does also rain in other countries, so pack some lightweight wet weather gear too.  If you don't go prepared and leave the course due to inclement weather, that will be the game gone, you are unlikely to be allowed back on the course and you will forfeit your green fee.  You have been warned.

When it comes to fashion on the fairway, UK residents should remember that it does also rain in other countries, so pack some lightweight wet weather gear too.  If you don't go prepared and leave the course due to inclement weather, that will be the game gone, you are unlikely to be allowed back on the course and you will forfeit your green fee.  You have been warned.

A selection of golfing equipment including balls, clubs, bags and clothing can be found at DaltonsHolidays.com online golf travel store.

If golfing in a hot country spikes on your golf shoes may have to be attended to because the metal spikes from home may be too abrasive for the drier conditions abroad and you may need to change them to softer rubber grips.

Make sure that your travel insurance includes golf holiday cover.  Standard travel insurance may not cover you for any loss of damage to your golf clubs in transit or for any injuries sustained on the golf course.

We would recommend that you only take half a set of golf clubs with you on your golfing holiday or purchase a lighter golf bag.  The benefits of this include more space in your car, less to carry (airport/golf course) and if travelling by plane your weight allowance will be lowered.

If you are planning a golfing holiday in the Costa Del Sol this year, then you may want to contact Golf trolley rentals.  Golftrolleyrentals.com offer the rental of quality electric golf trolleys to golfers in the Costa Del Sol.  They will deliver the golf trolley to the golf course neighbouring your apartment or hotel and pick up when the rental period expires.  Also if you mention DaltonsHolidays.com when booking you will receive a discount.

DaltonsHolidays.com advertise a wide selection of golfing holiday apartments UK and abroad, the most popular locations to rent a holiday home near to a golf course include golfing apartments in Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom.

Walking holiday tips

If you like walking why not rent a self catering holiday apartment in Cornwall as your base.  Corwall offers 300 miles of stunning coastal footpaths and inland boasts over 2400 miles of public rights of way.  please click here to search for a holiday apartment in Cornwall.

When walking in the countryside enjoyment can be enhanced by wearing the appropriate walking attire ie: non slip walking boots.

For information on the UK Countryside code we have provided a link to the UK Countryside Agency Creature Comfort ™ animation for your enjoyment which was screened at cinemas and on the TV in the UK as a free 'public service announcement'. Click here for a direct link.

Walking holidays in the UK

Cumbria is one of the most popular areas for taking a walking holiday in Britain and suits both the novice and the expert.  One of Cumbria’s main attractions is the Lake District National Park offering some of the highest mountains in England. 

Explore the countryside and visit sites of historical interest by staying in a holiday rental in Kent.  Many of our properties in Kent are within walking distance from the many walking and cycling routes in the area allowing you to explore the striking variety of landscape of the Kent Downs, which was labelled as  an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty back in 1968. 

World Heritage Sites in England

World Heritage sites are selected by UNESCO to be on the register of World Sites because of their universal importance to all humanity due to cultural or natural significance.  There are 788 World Hertigage sites throughout the world, the 16 which are in England are listed below:

If you're a fan of Harry Potter why not visit

Alnwick Castle in Northumberland (UK) which was used in the filming of the 'Chamber of Secrets' and the 'Philosopher's Stone' in the scenes of the flying car crash and Neville's uncontrolled flight.  Broomsticks are available in the gift shop.

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