Morts Musings » Travel

Car hire & child seats: it pays to shop around!

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:17:39 +0000

I’m sure that anyone not living in a bubble has heard about the scandels to do with the hidden charges travellers get hit with when using some of the budget airlines, but according to this piece (and the source being The Mirror I’m not going to take it as absolute gospel,) some car hire companies are renting out child car seats at prices which can only be seen as extortionate, when compared to some of their competitors prices.
Maybe I’m just old fashioned, or vaguely principled, but to me charging unnecessarily high prices for a piece of child safety equipment, which any half-thinking parent is going to want to provide for their children, just seems brazenly cynical!

Of course it does vary from company to company and while some are charging little more than a tenner a week others have cranked their car seat hire charge up to nearly £70, almost as much as it costs to hire a car in the first place!
The piece also claims that, not surprisingly, prices vary largely from location to location, with the research pointing to some prices at Majorca’s Palma airport being the highest, while it found the cheapest prices at Nice’s Cote d’Azur airport in France.

Obviously, as with any purchasing decision, the wisest course is to remember the caveat emptor principle, and always do your research thoroughly so you can ensure that you get the car hire deal which best suites your means, and your needs! Apart from anything else it looks as if taking the time to look before you book could save you up to £60 a week, which while not an earth shattering amount is still extra holiday spending money you could have in your pocket!

Holiday Plans 1: Spain- flights, rental cars, insurance… straw donkeys

Mort — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:53:15 +0000

I hate the winter, I mean, really hate it! It’s dark, it’s cold & it’s damp- I honestly don’t see very much to like about it at all!
So, with the financial sting of Xmas, and the January tax bill, beginning to become a hazy memory, & no significant drains on my income in the foreseeable, I’ve been cheering myself up with thoughts of where I’d like to head for my Summer Holidays. Yep, it might only be daydreaming at the moment, but it’s a pretty good distraction from the drudge of work and the cold, dark winter days.
Being unsure how my finances are going to be doing come high summer, I’m just throwing some ideas around at the moment, doing some of the research and ground work, so that I have some informed ideas when it comes to decision time. Anyway, I figure I may as well throw my thoughts up here; If nothing else I’ll know where to find my notes when I need them, and there’s always the chance that they may be of use to someone else. *shrug*

So, first up, I’m going to aim my sights pretty low price-wise, and think about grabbing a week or two out in Spain.

It has a number of advantages as a holiday destination for Brits. It’s in Europe, which cuts out any kind of worries about visas or the like. Also, EU countries are part of the “European Health Insurance Card” Scheme; essentially, once you’ve applied for (& received) your free card, you’re entitled to free emergency care throughout the EU, and some other European countries. It’s not a complete replacement for travel insurance, something which might still be worth looking into at a later date, but if you’re travelling on a shoe string, are disorganised, or don’t mind taking a chance, it’s a pretty good safety net to have in place.

Quaint though traditional Spanish transport is, car hire might be a better way to go...

Being part of Europe also makes driving a lot less of a hassle, ok, so they drive on the wrong side of the road, but once again, as part of the EU, it’s possible to drive on a full UK licence in Spain. Over all I’d say the way to go is car hire- Spain isn’t renowned for it’s public transport system. I mean I’m sure it would get you where you wanted to go eventually, but I resent my time being wasted by tardy trains at the best of times, & on holiday I’d probably find it frustratingly infuriating.

Another advantage is that, being more or less due south from the UK, it is pretty much the closest country with decent weather. There are also a load of the low cost carriers who fly out to Spain, which should make deals pretty easy to find; being over 6 foot I’m not too keen on the lack of leg space which inevitably comes with a budget flight, but at least it’s not a long flight.
The prevalence of English in the country is also an attraction for me, it’s not that I mind trying to learn other languages, it’s just that I’m woefully bad at it; I’m all for making the effort, but my spoken Spanish breaks down after the most basic greetings and food/beer orders, so it’s nice to have a back up plan.
Having said that I’m not one for expecting countries I visit to totally pander to Brits, and I actually like getting off the beaten tourist track. I’m all for the odd lazy day in the sunshine, but it seems like a waste to spend too much of a foreign holiday basking on the beach; after all there’s all the other sites to see as well, and being a big fan of history it would seem almost criminal to me to go to all the effort of travelling to a foreign country and then not spend a little time taking in some of the culture.

As far as where to go in Spain is concerned I’m really not sure at this stage. Between the Costa Verde and the Pyrenees the north of the country has some beautiful scenery, and is definitely less touristy than a lot of the south, but weather on the Atlantic coastline is always a little more unpredictable than the Mediterranean coast. It is tempting, but good weather is a big draw for me, so I may well go for the south of the country instead.
I’m certain there must be un-touristy places in the south, and I know for a fact that there’s a lot of very interesting history going back to the time of the Moorish kingdom of Al Andalus, & the Reconquista.
If I’m heading to the south then Malaga airport is looking like a pretty good bet, and if that’s the case then getting car hire from Malaga Airport seems to make sense.

As I said at the top, these are all pretty rough ideas at the moment; I’ll have to do some more looking around at some point to narrow down potential locations a little more…

Gallic Grit: French collective says “Non!” to rental prices

Mort — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:58:10 +0000

I saw this piece in the Telegraph last week, and have only just had time to comment on it; The long and short of it is that a group of people decided to take up residence in a big old Paris mansion, but without bothering to go through any of the standard stuff which one generally does when one moves into a new home, you know, things like signing a contract or paying rent; to put it another way, they’re squatting.
So what’s newsworthy about that, you ask? squatting is hardly a new concept. Well, fair question, the thing in this case is that the squatters are actually a group of clean cut, well-educated, professionals, who, at least partly, are protesting about the price of rented accommodation in Paris, and, to their credit, they’ve done a fair amount of maintainence and repairs on the property, which has been uninhabited for about 40 years. Even the mansion’s owner, having met the group, was persuaded that they were a decent bunch who weren’t wrecking her property, although legal complications have meant that moves to evict the group are still on-going.

For all the cross channel rivalry that’s existed between Britain and France, for pretty much a millenium now, I do have to say that, as a nation, the French have a great attitude to protesting and protecting their rights, an attitude which sadly the Normans seemed to leave on the continent, or which, at least, has been well and truly beaten out of the British at some point over the last thousand years.
Still, for all I admire the Gallic attitude to asinine laws and regulations, any Brits planning a holiday in France this year would probably be safer to take a conventional approach to arranging their accommodation, and, for that matter, travel arrangements, I’m not sure that even the French would take kindly to one borrowing an unused car or van. No, even in France car hire is probably still the safest bet for getting around, unless you’re planning on your stay being extended, and “at the pleasure” of the French authorities.

US Holiday Travel set to boost Car Hire?

Mort — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:47:33 +0000

Often during recession the true magnitude of the situation can be measured by looking at how consumers behave, and especially how they behave during the holiday season; traditionally it’s a time of year when people are more inclined to spend, and although, to an extent, they’re inclined to push the boat out as much as possible, even when things are tight, there’s no doubting that concerns about finances, & the economy, do effect the holiday spend.

With that in mind, the news from the AAA (Automobile Association of America) that, after a sharp dip last year, US holiday travel is set to see a boost this year should be seen as an encouraging sign that the world economy is coming out of recession; Projections are that both airlines and US car hire companies, along with retailers, will all be having a happier holiday season than they did last year.
One odd little bit of news, at least to me as I’m sat here in a cold UK office, are the forecasts that Florida, the “Sunshine State”, is looking like it will buck this trend, with predictions being that it’s set for another poorer than average year.
With it’s year round good weather I’d have thought that flights to Florida would be heaving, and that Orlando car hire brokers would be rubbing their hands in glee as holiday makers flocked in, but apparently not. *shrug*
I don’t know, maybe the whole holiday travel thing is a phenomenon which, as a Brit, I’m just not getting; Sure some years I’ll travel to see family, but surely if you were travelling for the sake of a winter get-away you’d choose somewhere warm, like, for example, Florida. *shrug*
Anyway, if you are travelling this Christmas I hope you have a safe trip & a relaxing break!

Abu Dhabi… revisited

Mort — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:45:58 +0000

Well, I’ve talked about the UAE, & it’s exotic sights, a little before, but I thought I’d revisit the subject, if only to point out this page I found about Abu Dhabi, which highlights some of the Emirate’s “must see” attractions.
I’m a big fan of military history, so I was immediately drawn to the description of the Al Jahili Fort. Although it’s not a site I got to see when I was out in the UAE myself, I did see a number of old forts & coastal towers while I was out there & remember being impressed by the distinctive architecture.

The impressive four tiered tower at the Al Jahili Fort in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Al Jahili is from the same mould, although the fort’s main walls, with their round towers, are pretty standard, functional looking, defences, the fort’s main tower, with it’s four tiers, really is eye catching, and is a clue that Al Jahili was more than just a defensive fortification. Indeed, it was actually built as a summer residence for Sheikh Zayed the First at the end of the 19th century, but, like so many castles through the ages, also served as an obvious reminder to all who saw it of the owner’s power and wealth.

Today the Fort also hosts a museum which provides information about the locality’s history, as well as an exhibition about Wilfred Thesiger; A British explorer and writer who spent a great deal of time in the Arabian penisula, and North Africa, and who crossed the “Empty Quarter”, a desert region so hostile and desolate that even the local bedouins avoid it, not once, as Lawrence of Arabia famously did when he led a surprise attack on the Red Sea port of Al Aqaba during the second world war, but twice. The exhibition includes an extensive collection of Thesiger’s photographs which provide a glimpse of what the region looked like during the mid 20th century, before the oil days.

Dubai – No More Snobbery

dgregory — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:42:18 +0000

Dubai – according to many writers and under informed travel blogs it’s a place that is good for beaches, sun and shopping; I don’t think people expect much else.

Dubai is soulless and lacks charm and culture, but I also agree that there is something snobby about Western writers bashing it for those reasons. Germain Greer writing in the Guardian earlier this year triggered heated debate from the readers after she rubbished the city following a four hour visit.

Dubai is tacky for sure, the construction insane and it’s future, when all high-earning western expats have returned home, is shaky at best. But, like all teenagers (Dubai is still in that difficult period) one day it will wake and with an appropriate sense of embarrassment clean up it’s act and get on with it.

So, sneer at the tallest building, yes, but what has the UK got to offer back? What have you got that stacks up against the beauty of Dubai Mall or the world class vision of the Burj al Arab? Exactly. Squat Diddly. You look at the iconic vision and world class ambition of the leaders there – who give a hell of a lot to charity – and you see these are great men who could teach Gordon Brown and his mob a thing or two about running a country.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai are fast becoming international hubs for airline travel – their airports offering service and standards second to none. As a result flights to Dubai are frequent and affordable so if the opportunity arises it is a city that should be visited and your own opinions formed.

What are your thoughts on Dubai – please leave your comments

Lands of adventure- Abu Dhabi, UAE

Mort — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:44:41 +0000

Another of my short pieces looking at travel destination. This time I take a look at the UAE (United Arab Emirates), a place I was lucky enough to visit some years ago. While it might not count as a budget holiday, there are some surprisingly cheap air fares available. For example, Etihad, the national carrier, is currently offering fares of less than £300 from Heathrow to Abu Dhabi.

The UAE is a small country which, prior to 1971, was known as the Trucial States, a reference to treaties which existed between the British and the region’s rulers. The UAE is comprised of seven emirates which still operate as absolute monarchies, although it also has a central federal government.

The Coffee Pot Fountain: one of Abu Dhabi's many sights.

The two best known emirates are probably Abu Dhabi, the nation’s capital & largest of the emirates, geographically speaking, and, Dubai, the most populace of the emirates. Although both operate under Islamic law, both have, over the years, built a reputation as being amongst the most “western friendly” of the Gulf States; An attitude which, combined with the fact that the UAE has the world’s sixth largest oil reserves, has been of great benefit both to the people of these states, and for the western companies who have worked in co-operation with them.
As a result the UAE today is, economically speaking, one of the world’s most developed nations, and this wealth is clearly evident from some of the feats of engineering which can be seen all over the UAE, such as the Palm Islands, or indoor ski slopes, in Dubai, or the newly constructed Yas Marina Racing Circuit which has been built to host the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Both cities also have large international airports, and Etihad operates flights to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as well as numerous other destinations.

Travellers to the country are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with local laws and customs, a sensible preparation when visiting any foreign culture. For example, during one of Islam’s major festivals, Ramadan, it is not permitted to eat, drink, or smoke during daylight hours, & although foreign visitors tend to be given some leeway, in terms of observing this, eating, drinking or smoking in public during the day will land you in serious hot water! The FCO site is a pretty good place to start looking if you want to find out more of the “dos” and “don’ts”.
Another major consideration, when planning a trip to the UAE, is the time of year. Although air conditioning is almost ubiquitous, both in buildings and vehicles, the summer months are still likely to feel uncomfortably hot to those from cooler climes.

If you’re looking for a holiday which will allow you to experience a completely different culture, as well as spectacles, both ancient and modern, you could do a lot worse than look at the UAE as a potential holiday destination.

Ireland- Sites of interest

Mort — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:53:28 +0000

So, time for another of my short pieces highlighting some foreign sites which are worth visiting, if you’re lucky enough to be going abroad this summer.
For this one I thought I’d look at Ireland, “The Emerald Isle”; Apart from having some beautiful countryside and a reputation as a hospitable, party loving nation, Ireland also has a wealth of history, and historic sites, to explore if you’re interested in such things. Here are a few of my favourites:

The Hill of Tara

The Hill of Tara: Ancient seat of Ireland's High Kings

The legendary seat of the ancient Kings of Ireland; The hill at Tara’s history actually dates back to pre-Celtic times, and archaeological remains at the site have been dated as far back as 5000 years ago. Indeed, in Celtic Myth the hill was the capital of the Tuatha de Danann, the magical race who inhabited Ireland before the Celts arrived. During the Celtic period it remained an important sacred site, & rituals, relating to the Island’s High Kingship, were carried out there. It retained this role until the 12th century, when the Normans invaded Ireland, although it’s spiritual significance started to wain, much earlier, with the introduction of Christianity into Ireland. Despite this it has remained an important national & historical icon in the minds of many Irish, and more than once was a focal point for protests against British rule.

Newgrange

Newgrange: Neolithic burial mound

Newgrange is an ancient burial mound, reckoned, from carbon dating carried out on the site, to be over 5,000 years old; Some 500 years older than the Pyramid of Giza, and 1,000 years older than Stonehenge. Newgrange certainly seems to have been a tomb of some kind, but much speculation, & debate, continues as to it’s other possible roles in the spiritual traditions of Ireland’s Neolithic inhabitants. One thing which is indisputable is the skill of this enigmatic monument’s builders; For a start it’s scale is impressive, it measures some 250 feet across and rises 40 feet above the surrounding terrain, & has survived the passage of time remarkably well. Perhaps most notable though is the fact that it was constructed with such skill, and precision, that once a year, on the day of the winter solstice, the sun shines through a special aperture, constructed above the tomb’s entrance, and lights up the chamber at the end of the tomb’s entrance corridor. In Irish legend the site was connected with the Tuatha De Danann, the mythical race who inhabited Ireland before the arrival of the Celts, and it certainly pre-dates the Celtic migration; Although the Celts also left their mark on the site, and it featured in many of their myths.

Trim Castle

Trim Castle: The largest Norman castle in Europe

Trim Castle is Ireland’s largest castle, and is the largest Norman castle in Europe. It was originally constructed in the 12th century, although, like many medieval castles, it was expanded & improved throughout it’s lifespan, and, indeed, had to be re-constructed on at least one occasion. The castle stood on the edge of “The Pale”, the small, Norman controlled region on Ireland’s east coast, and it very much guarded the border between the Norman world and the untamed wilds of Gaelic Ireland. Standing on high ground, overlooking the River Boyne it acted as an administrative and ecclesiatical centre, as well as fulfilling it’s military role, for several centuries.

Despite the Irish reputation for hospitality, many people are looking at camping holidays this year to save a few pennies & beat the credit crunch, and if you’re one of the people who are planning on camping in Ireland this summer it’s worth remembering that it pays to be prepared! With the right camping equipment an holiday under canvass doesn’t have to feel like roughing it, &, if you shop around and buy the essentials before you travel, it can feel like a home away from home, without costing the Earth!
Another important consideration when planning a holiday is getting about. Although it’s an expense which some may be tempted to try and avoid I’d say that going for car hire in Ireland is probably the best way forward; There are too many remote and out of the way beautiful places, which might be difficult, or impossible, to reach when you want to, if you’re relient on public transport; Personally, where possible, I always prefer to be able to set my own itinery! There are many different car rental firms in Ireland, and as with most other things it’s worth shopping around to find the deal, and the price, which suits you best; One good tactic can be checking out the big name brokers, such as easyCar, as these often use multiple suppliers themselves, and so could take some of the hassle out of your search for the cheapest possible car hire deal.

Whatever you decide though, have a great holiday!

Life’s a Beach! Car Hire Malaga

Mort — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:04:07 +0000

After the weather we’ve had this last week it seems undeniable that summer is here, and about time too I’d say, what with it having given the last couple of years a miss! Anyway, with the sun beating down on us it’s only natural that thoughts should start to turn to summer holidays.

With the “credit crunch” still looming large many people are feeling the pinch & are, apparently, planning on taking a “Staycation” this year, but for those who are lucky enough to be jetting off to Spain I thought I’d give some tips and pointers on some of the top beaches of South East Spain.

If you’re in the area it’s likely that you’ll be flying into Malaga airport & will probably be looking for your car hire in Malaga too. Although the Costa del Sol might have a bit of a reputation as a tourist trap, even being referenced in the Monty Python Travel Agent sketch, there are some truly lovely beaches in the area, if you know where to look….

Playa Del Cristo, Estepona

Playa Del Cristo is a family friendly beach near the coastal town of Estepona, and faces west, so you can benefit from more hours of sunshine. It has two beach bars, showers and a Red Cross post. You can hire pedal boats at the beach and there is also a car park where you can leave your car. Playa Del Cristo is within walking distance of Estepona’s marina and town centre, which are also worth exploring.

Mistral Beach, Playa Nueva Andalucia

Mistral Beach is situated between San Pedro and the luxury resort of Puerto Banús, with its famous marina. The beach has several beach clubs and fine restaurants for those who want to enjoy themselves after a day’s sun bathing. If you fancy something a little more active, you can also enjoy a range of water sports including jet skiing and water skiing here.

Calahonda, Mijas Costa

Calahonda Beach is located near the urbanisation of Calahonda, about ten minutes’ drive from Marbella. The beach is extremely popular and is ideal for families. You can try scuba diving or fishing, or simply relax in the sun. Sun beds and parasols are available for hire.

Caleta, Malaga

Among the many Costa del Sol attractions, this well maintained beach in the Costa del Sol resort of Malaga has grey, volcanic sand and is popular with families. You can hire parasols and hammocks here, but if you’re feeling more energetic, you can also surf. This is an ideal place to visit through hiring a car. You can park your car in Malaga and walk to Caleta beach.