Travel for Less: Holiday Deals on Last Minute Getaways

January to March may seem like an unusual time to choose to holiday. After the expense of Christmas and the slump following New Year, the remaining winter months are an excellent time to look online, find holiday deals and take your pick from the many cheap last minute holidays available.

Although the winter months generally rule out holidays to short haul destinations such as mainland Spain, and many of the Greek Islands, there are a number of other options to consider for a spot of out of season sun.

Goa, the Caribbean and the relaxing region of Clearwater in Florida are fabulous year round options. Although slightly more costly than many short haul holidays, all inclusive packages to these exotic escapes will you ensure you spend less while you are away, without the worry of food, drink and some entertainment costs.

Alternatively, opting for a week or two in the Canary Islands will cut the basic cost of your holiday right down. Average temperatures during January to April in the Canaries hover around 20 to 25 degrees C, ideal daytime weather for kicking back and rejuvenating with a cocktail in hand.

Regardless of the type of holiday you enjoy, last minute holidays here are varied, with something to suit every type of traveller. While Tenerife and Lanzarote are the liveliest of the four islands, Gran Canaria is an authentic Canarian retreat, while Fuerteventura is famed for its beaches.

To get the best price on your winter sun break, be sure to travel in term time, and be flexible with your flight dates and times. Start the hunt today, and look online for your ideal last minute package holiday in the sun. Discounted holiday websites are a great place to start searching.

Magaluf Clubbing Holidays: Getting Your Shizzle Sorted

Christmas, check. New Year, check. Valentine’s, done your best to check? Whatever your relationship status this Feb, the winter festivities are over, and there’s only one thing left to concentrate on – booking your Magaluf clubbing holidays 2013.

Holidays in Magaluf are unbelievably popular. Every year, thousands of us Brits traipse over to Majorca for of sun, sea and party rocking. It’s the shameless sessions that make holidays in Magaluf untouchable. However you prefer to party, you do it your way, and no one bats an eyelid. After a year of slogging it at college, uni or work – you and your mates deserve your Magaluf clubbing holidays, without a doubt.

When times are tight jetting off abroad can seem like a bit of a pipedream. But, if you believe it, there’s nothing to it… ask R Kelly, preferably before he tries to fly is likely the best time to catch him.

Booking your break online is the best way to save a bob or two. Set up an event on Facey and get your mates involved, tot up the numbers and have a browse. There are tons of deals to be had on the tinernet. Depending on your group size, look at self catering apartments, which may work out a little lighter on the pocket.

Don’t just browse it, book Magaluf clubbing holidays as soon as you spot the deal you’re after. Prices don’t stay the same and the sooner you book, the better chance you have of getting your ideal package. Split the total cost between the number in your party and manage your holiday balance through the clubbing holiday company website. Simples.

Other than that, check your documents out (if Mummy hasn’t done it for you). You’ll need single trip European insurance and at least six months validity on your passport from your return date to the UK.

Don’t flap, just fly. #Magaluf2013

The 18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

We already purchased our entrance tickets to the forthcoming 18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta and SM Ticketnet sells it at 270 pesos per pax, that is 20 pesos higher than the rate offered at the entrance. Well, we wanted to avoid queuing the long lines that await those whose going to purchase it on site. Anyway it will be my first time and we plan to be there as soon as the event starts at 5 am on Feb 23, Saturday.

The event details are as follow:

18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (2013)

Venue: Omni Aviation Complex, Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga, Philippines

Date/ Time: February 21-24, 2013/ Thursday-Sunday

Ticket Price: Php 250

Philippines Hot Air Balloon Festival 2013 Schedule:

Thursday 21 February 2013 - First Fiesta Day

5:30-6:15 AM UFO Light Flyers

6:20-6:30 AM Philippine Flag jump

6:30-8:00 AM Hot Air Balloon flight

7:30-8:00 AM RP / Malaysia / Spain / Australia Paragliding Exhibition

8:00-8:30 AM Meynard Halili  Aerobatic Show

8:30-9:00 AM Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition

9:00-9:15 AM Radio-controlled model aircraft demonstration

9:15-9:30 AM PT13 Stearman Air Show

9:30-10:00 AM ACFC Ultralight Flights

10:00-10:30 AM PNP Skydiving Exhibition

10:30-11:30 AM AOPA-P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition

11:30-12:00 PM Breitling Jet Team Fly-by

12:00-12:30 PM Glider flight

12:30-12:45 PM Banner Towing Demonstration

12:30-1:00 PM KAP / KTP Kite Flying Exhibition

1:00-1:45 PM Airlink / WCC / Omni / Alpha flyby

1:45-2:30 PM AOPA-P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition

2:30-2:45 PM FEATI/PHILSCA Rocketry/RC Demonstration

2:45-3:15 PM Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demo

3:15-4:00 PM ACFC Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights and Flour Bombing

4:00-4:30 PM RP /U.S./ Malaysia / Spain / Australia Paragliding exhibition

4:30-5:00 PM Skydiving and Tandem jumping Exhibition

5:00-5:30 PM Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show

5:30-6:00 PM Hot Air Balloon Fly-In

FRIDAY 22 February 2013 - Second Fiesta Day

5:30-6:15 AM UFO Light Flyers

6:20-6:30 AM Philippine Flag jump

6:30-8:00 AM Hot Air Balloon Flights

7:30-8:00 AM RP / Malaysia / Spain / Australia Paragliding Exhibition

8:00-8:30 AM Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show

8:30-8:45 AM PT13 Stearman Air Show

8:45-9:30 AM Skydiving Exhibition

9:30-10:30 AM AOPA- P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition

10:30-11:00 AM ACFC Ultralight/Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights and Flour Bombing

11:00-11:30 PM Breitling Jet Team Fly-by

11:00-11:15 AM FEATI / PHILSCA Rocketry / RC Demonstration

11:15-11:45 AM Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration

11:45-12:15 PM Paragliding Tow Exhibition

12:15-12:30 PM Banner Towing Demonstration

12:15-12:30 PM KAP / KTP Kite flying exhibition

12:30-1:15 PM WCC / Omni / Airlink / Alpha / Leading Edge Flyby

1:15-1:45 PM Glider flight

1:45-2:15 PM Car Drifting Display

2:15-2:45 PM Radio-controlled Jet Turbine Model Aircraft Demonstration

2:45-3:15 PM ACFC Ultralight/Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights

3:15-3:45 PM AOPA- P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition

3:45-4:15 PM Skydiving exhibition

4:15-4:45 PM Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show

4:45-5:15 PM RP / Malaysia / Spain / Australia Paragliding

5:30-6:30 PM Hot Air Balloon Fly-In

6:30-9:30 PM OPM Concert, Directed by Ryan Cayabyab

SATURDAY 23 February 2013 - Third Fiesta Day

5:30-6:15 AM UFO Light Flyers

6:20-6:30 AM Philippine Flag jump

6:30-8:00 AM Hot Air Balloon Flights

7:30-8:00 AM RP / Malaysia / Spain / Australia Paragliding Exhibition

8:00-8:30 AM Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show

8:30-9:00 AM Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition

9:00-9:45 AM AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition

9:45-10:30 AM Tandem Sky diving exhibition

10:30-11:00 AM ACFC Ultralight/Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights and Flour Bombing

11:00-11:30 AM Turbine RC flying display

11:30-12:00 PM Helicopter flight display

12:00-12:30 PM Philippine Coast Guard Rescue Demonstration

12:30-1:00 PM PT13 Stearman / AOPA-P Flyby

1:00-1:30 PM WCC / Omni / PPA / CIA / Orient / Airlink Flyby

1:30-2:00 PM Winch-launched Glider flight

2:00-2:15 PM Banner Towing Demonstrator

2:00-2:30 PM KAP / KTP Kite Flying Demonstration

2:30-3:00 PM Paragliding Tow Exhibition

3:00-3:30 PM Radio-controlled Jet Turbine Model Aircraft Demonstration

3:30-4:00 PM ACFC Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights

4:00-4:30 PM Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show

4:30-5:00 PM Skydiving Exhibition

5:00-5:30 PM RP / Malaysia / Spain / Australia Paragliding Exhibition

5:30-6:00 PM Hot Air Balloon Night Glow

6:30-9:30 PM OPM Concert, Directed by Ryan Cayabyab

SUNDAY 24 February 2013 - Fourth Fiesta Day

5:30-6:15 AM UFO Light Flyers

6:20-6:30 AM Philippine Flag jump

6:30-8:00 AM Hot Air Balloon Flights

7:30-8:00 AM RP / Malaysia / Spain/ Australia Paragliding Exhibition

8:00-8:30 AM Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show

8:30-9:00 AM Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition

9:00-9:45 AM AOPA – P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition

9:45-10:30 AM Tandem Skydiving Exhibition

10:30-11:00 AM Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration

11:00-11:30 AM ACFC Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights and Flour Bombing

11:30-12:00 PM Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Demo

12:00-12:30 PM Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration

12:30-1:00 PM Glider flight

1:00-1:30 PM Car Drifting demonstration

1:30-2:00 PM PT13/ WCC / Airlink / Omni / Leading Edge Flyby

2:00-2:15 PM Banner Towing

2:00-2:30 PM KAP / KTP Flying Exhibition

2:30-2:45 PM FEATI/PHILSCA Rocketry/RC Demonstration

2:45-3:15 PM ACFC Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights

3:15-3:30 PM PT13 Stearman fly by

3:30-4:00 PM Skydiving Exhibition

4:00-4:30 PM Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show

4:30-5:30 PM RP / Malaysia / Spain/Australian Paragliding Exhibition

5:30-6:00 PM Hot Air Balloon Night Glow

7:00 PM Fireworks

Map of the Venue :

How to get there:

By Car

OPTION 1: NLEX DAU EXIT
Take the North Luzon Expressway and exit at Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga.
Make a left turn after the exit off-ramp, heading towards Angeles City
Take another left at the t-intersection past the bus terminals
Follow MacArthur Highway southbound, then make a right to enter Clark Special Economic zone. This is right after the entrance to SM City Clark.
Enter thru the main gate and follow M.A. Roxas highway until you see directions into the fiesta grounds on your right.

OPTION 2: SCTEX
Take the North Luzon Expressway and continue into the SCTEX.
Take the southbound SCTEX lane toward Subic/Olongapo
Use the next exit, "Clark South Exit"
Follow the signs right after the toll booth
The fiesta grounds will be on your right.

By Bus

OPTION 1
Victory Liner or 5 Star (terminals located in Pasay and Cubao)
Take a north bound bus to Dau.
There are jeepneys and tricycles readily available by the highway that will bring you to Clark Main gate
At the Clark main gate, you can choose to ride another jeepney or a taxi going to the event site
OPTION 2
Philtranco (bus stop at the back of SM Megamall and terminal in Pasay)
Philtranco has a direct bus trip to Clark/DMIA. See their website for their bus schedule
By Air

There are 5 airline companies offering plane rides going to Clark

Air Asia
Asiana
Cebu Pacific
Seair
Tiger airways
Check their websites to find out more about their flight schedule and route.

Visitors will witness balloon flights, aeromodelling demonstrations, ultralights, and fixed-wing aircraft competitions.

Everyone will also enjoy the actions of paraglider pilots and skydivers float thru the air.  

Tickets are available thru SM Ticketnet outlets or at the gate during the event

For more information on  Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, you may visit its website www.philbaloonfest.net or you may call 833-3264 or 384-0085 for ticket inquiries.

Source: http://www.philballoonfest.net

Exploring Tunisia

Tunisia is a magical place that's simply bursting with things to see and do.

If you are after a package getaway with all the classic ingredients of a great summer holiday, including the obligatory sun, sea and sand, Tunisia certainly won't disappoint. With a gorgeous Mediterranean coastline it got mile upon mile of soft sandy beaches, perfect for kicking back with the latest bestseller or trying your hand at a few watersports. There's a string of lovely marinas dotted along the coast, many of which are eye-popping affairs with luxury yachts, designer outlets and chic cafes. You'll also find smaller fishing villages complete with ancient fishing boats bobbing up and down in the harbour.

If you fancy somewhere a little off the tourist trail, try Souani el Adari holidays. This coastal gem is a relative newcomer to the package holiday market but it got all the hallmarks of a cracking holiday destination. Enjoy quiet sandy beaches and sparkling waters along with a fascinating heritage and local customs.

For those who really want to get off the beaten tourist trail, there are plenty of options available. You can book your own flights and travel light, moving from one town to another and soaking up the many different vibes and traditions of this fascinating country. Or you could choose a base and travel out every day, perhaps visiting the famous set of the Star Wars movies one day, and camping out in the desert the next.

Whatever you fancy, Tunisia is a captivating place that's well worth a visit. You can get here by booking your own flights, or book a package holiday with the likes of Thomas Cook. You can find Thomas Cook holidays to Tunisia online and browse the many different experiences available, or if you prefer, pop into one of the high street shops to talk to a travel expert face-to-face.

Top 5 Outdoor Pursuits in Italy

If you’re a lover of the outdoors, opt for a sojourn in Italy and you will be faced with the decider of what pursuits to follow once you’re there. With so many choices on offer, it can be a difficult choice, but here’s a taste of what you could be getting up to:

Windsurfing

Windsurfing holidays are a popular choice in Italy, particular around the north shores of Lake Garda, where the wind conditions are perfect for such an activity. More popular windsurfing destinations may be around Greece, or Turkey, but that doesn’t mean to say you can’t enjoy it on the freshwater lakes too. As an activity available whatever time of year you visit, there are plenty of centres on the northern lakeshores, offering courses for adults and children alike.

Skiing

If Italy is famous for an adrenaline-fuelled pursuit, skiing is it. Head for one its popular resorts, such as Sauze d’Oulx, the gateway to the Milky Way ski area, or Arabba in the Dolomites and you could experience some fantastic solo, family and group ski holidays which will remain in your memory forever.

Snowboarding

Likewise, opportunities to snowboard are rife, with plenty of off-piste trails to explore and terrain parks to sample, in many of the resorts scattered around the north of Italy.

Hiking

Try the Lake Garda walking week for size, following historic routes of World War I, or head further into the Dolomites for some more challenging hikes – a perfect way to admire the natural beauty of the area.

Mountain Biking

The hills surrounding Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore are perfect for mountain biking, however challenging you want the terrain to be. From gentle rides to steep descents, it can be as adrenaline-fuelled as you like.

Enjoy a vacation filled with outdoor pursuits and you will return home from Italy feeling invigorated and refreshed. 

Family Get Together at Villa Corazon Private Resort

It's becoming family traditions to celebrate get togethers when some balikbayan relative came for a visit at some nice hot spring resort in Pansol, Laguna. Our previous one was on this very lovely place which was pretty very new during that time. Our first option was to hire that place for the second time but my sister fears driving that steep slope again and so are the others so I have to reconsider and look for another place. I'm still hoping to visit that place again :) .

I 've been meaning to rent this place, Pansol Terraces which I saw on Facebook but the owners wouldn't even reply to a simple message. Apparently, it is only open for people they know, anyway that's totally their prerogative.

Well, my final pick was here at Villa Corazon, somehow they have a good view of the mountains, 3 rooms to accommodate 30+ people, good facilities, enough size of swimming pool with clean and newly replaced hot spring water, free and unlimited use of karaoke, sungka while the other facilities like billiards, poker game, etc and jacuzzi can be used for a fee.They have enough space for parking and we were able to fit in 2 cars and 4 SUVs  and I think it can accomodate 2 more slots. 

entrance view from the 2nd floor of the house

Their rates are quite affordable for a 24 hour stay which is 11,000 pesos but overnight stay is 8,500 pesos that makes it just 2,500 pesos cheaper. It's a lot more reasonable to use it for 24 hours, if only our schedule permitted.

front entrance of Villa Corazon

The ground floor has no closed walls which makes it easier to access all their facilities that are just within your reach. You just have to be wary that the gates are properly locked and your valuable things taken cared off before calling it a night. There are 3 caretakers manning the place but its always better to be on the safe side.

ground floor area

The pool and jacuzzi are on this side.

Pool area

unlimited use of Karaoke

night swimming

Most of us weren't able to sleep as we need to leave the place by 6AM and another group is scheduled to arrive by 7AM and we all need to proceed to Lipa, Batangas after this to attend another celebration. I'd say it was "bitin" but memorable and fun nonetheless.

group shot ng mga puyat at bagong gising

Its a nice place, just 3 yrs old with nice facilities and ample parking and very suitable for get togethers and family reunions. Thanks to our cousin Mark for making it happen. We all had fun.


Villa Corazon Private Hot Spring Resort Details :

Phone : 851-1587 / 853-3652 / 964-6314

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Email : macortravel@yahoo.com ; macormarketing@yahoo.com ; macortraveltour@yahoo.com

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Website : http://www.villacorazonresort.multiply.com

Address : Daang Montemar, Maharlika Village, Pansol, Calamba City, 4029, Calamba City, Laguna

Map going to  Villa Corazon