The Savvy Traveler » Holiday Travel

All The Different Spain Holiday Names

Author — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 02:53:48 +0000

When trying to learn about all of the different Spain holiday names, you have to remember that the holidays, just like in our country, are broken down into national holidays and regional holidays. The national holidays are celebrated all throughout Spain and these are mostly holidays that a lot of people would already be aware of.

Of course, the Spain holiday names are pronounced differently because of their language. So, New Year’s Day is actually called Ano Nuevo and this is celebrated on January first every year. They also celebrate Labor Day but what it is called in Spain is Dia del Trabajador and this is always celebrated on May first.

Another of the Spain holiday names to be aware of is that of Asuncion, which comes around every year in August and this is translated into the Assumption of Mary. There are also Spain holiday names for their Constitution Day, which is Dia de la Constitucion and Christmas Day, which is Navidad.

Of course, it is important to understand which of these holidays are approaching in case you are traveling there during those times. This could only be a problem for a traveler because certain stores and transportation services could very well be shut down for the holidays.

The Regional Holidays

Besides the national Spain holiday names that you should be aware of, there are several regional Spain holiday names that you should research before you set your vacation schedule. There is of course Father’s Day that has the Spanish name of San Jose, and this is celebrated in Madrid, Murcia, Castile-La Mancha, and Valencia.

In every region besides the Valencia, Canary Islands, and Catalonia, Holy Thursday, or Jueves Santo, is celebrated. Lunes de Pascua, otherwise known as Easter Monday, is only celebrated in Catalonia, Valencia, Navarra, and Basque Country.

There are also a few regions that have holidays for certain saints and they are celebrated every year. In Aragon, Leon, and Castile, San Jorge, or St. George’s Day, is celebrated in April. In July, Santiago Apostol, or St. James Day, is only celebrated in Galicia. And then in December is St. Stephen’s Day, or San Esteban as known in the Balearic Islands and in Catalonia, it is known as Segundo dia de Navidad.

The point to research Spain holiday names is to learn a little bit about their culture and to make your traveling there a lot easier as you will be aware of what holidays are taking place.

Holiday Homes In Spain And Why You Should Use One

Author — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 02:33:35 +0000

When it comes time to start thinking about booking your holiday vacation and you are looking at traveling into Spain, there are many options to consider. The typical places that most people look at are hotels which can be okay, but there are better options out there if you know what to look for. There are a lot of holiday homes in Spain and these are often the perfect get-away for those who want that added touch of comfort and privacy.

Whether you are traveling alone or with a family, holiday homes in Spain offer many services and comforts that you are not going to find in hotels unless you are willing to dish out a lot of money.

When looking for holiday homes in Spain, it is important to have at least an idea of what type of place you would like to stay at. There are villas and apartments that you can rent directly from the owners that will suit your needs and make your visit the most comfortable one that it can be.

You can also generally see comments or reviews about particular holiday homes in Spain if you are doing your search through a website that organizes easy search options and information for you. There are a lot of options when it comes to these places so it is important to start your search early.

Disadvantages

While there are many wonderful things to consider when thinking about going with holiday homes in Spain for your vacation, there are also some disadvantages to consider. Unlike hotels, these homes may not be guarded with security cameras and such and while most are safe, you can never be too careful about who the owners actually are.

Also, you need to make sure that the owners are people who are close enough by because, as with any home, things can break such as plumbing and such. You have to question if you will be out of luck or if someone will be near by to help you.

Also, with a hotel, you will have more access to people who speak your language and will be able to assist you whenever you have questions about sites, restaurants, traveling, or the money in Spain. With holiday homes in Spain, you really are not left with a lot of help with these things so it is important to learn everything you need to know before you arrive in Spain because once there, you may be on your own.

How to Beat Holiday Travel Stress

Jennifer — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:09:04 +0000

The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year for air travel. While long lines, road-weary passengers and hard-to-find parking are inevitable, here are few things you can do to make your trip less stressful despite the endless crowds.

Find the Sale

Take the extra time to search for cheap fares and online discounts. Look for Web sites like www.kayak.com that compare pricing, and sign up for low fare and deal alerts. Online discounts for airlines are also available at coupon sites like www.couponcabin.com. Searching early is also a key to holiday travel success. Flights notoriously book fast, so do your homework sooner than later. Making reservations as soon as possible will help you avoid inflated prices and full flights.

Be Open to Options

Try to be flexible when you book your travel arrangements this year. The date of departure is one of the key factors in determining price. Do your research before you set your exact travel schedule, and remember that traveling on the busiest days of the year can be both stressful and pricey.

Spot a Place to Park

One of the most frustrating parts of traveling is not being able to park conveniently. Lack of spots, long walking distances and high prices all contribute to poor parking options. Try taking advantage of parking facilities that are located next to the airport. Off-airport parking company, The Parking Spot, lets you make online reservations (www.theparkingspot.com) – a holiday travel must. And unlike parking onsite at the air-port, off-airport parking facilities often include special perks. The Parking Spot offers free bottled water and a frequent parking club. This holiday they will also debut a “We’ve Got You Covered” sweepstakes which will award $5,000 worth of Amazon.com gift cards at each lot this holiday travel season.

Pack Like a Pro

Over packing is a common problem that can slow you down and build frustration in a matter of minutes. Plan well and bring only what you need, keeping in mind that you may have more items on your return trip. Well-packed passengers should take advantage of curb-side check-in. Although a small fee may be involved, the time saved is well worth it, as is printing your boarding pass online before you arrive.

Don’t be Surprised at Security

Even if the lines are long, being prepared will help get you through the security checkpoints quickly. With the strict federal regulations regarding carry-on items, it’s important to know what you can and cannot bring in your carry-on luggage. When in doubt, check www.tsa.gov. The easiest way is to pack all liquids, gels and creams in your checked luggage. If you want to carry on toiletries, they cannot be more than 3 ounces each and all items must fit in a 1-quart plastic zip-close bag. Wearing shoes that can easily be slipped on and off is another small way to save time and frustration, especially if you are traveling with children.

Have Fun

Holiday travel is bound to have its stressful moments and last minute changes, but try to keep your sense of humor. Despite the hassle, time away from home and good memories with family and friends should make it worth while. Keep a light hearted approach and laugh as much as you can.

For more information, visit www.kayak.com, www.couponcabin.com, www.theparkingspot.com, and www.tsa.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent