Get the most from where you are staying

So the holiday is more or less over and very shortly you and your companions will be collected from your accommodation and taken to the airport ready for your journey back home.   You have to be out of your room for 11.00 am so what are you doing to until you leave?

Don’t make the mistake of wasting the last day of your holiday by sitting around waiting to go home.  Carry on as if it is any other day of your holiday and enjoy it to the full.  Pay a visit to your favourite bar or restaurant and say a final goodbye to the staff who have been so attentive throughout your stay.  Go down to the beach and take in one last spot of sunbathing – let’s face it you don’t know how long it will be before you feel the sun on your skin again!

If you prefer to stay close to your accommodation why not use their facilities until the time comes to go.  The hotels and apartments usually reserve one of their rooms for guests to use for a last minute shower and change, but there are often many people queuing to take advantage of this.  It’s a good idea for coupes or families to double up and ask the reception about taking a shared room for another 24 hour period.  There will probably be a charge for this but shared out between you, it will be minimal.

Gran Canaria

If you are looking for a holiday in the sun whatever the time of year, you won’t go far wrong by choosing Gran Canaria as your destination.

Known as the miniature continent, Gran Canaria offers all-year-round sunshine to its visitors without the inconvenience of a long haul flight.  The beaches and water sports, sightseeing, night life and shopping provide something for everyone, no matter what their taste in entertainment.

The capital of the island, Las Palmas, is a bustling cosmopolitan city which is home to one of the largest ports in Europe.  Its history and architecture are something to be admired and there are many splendid sights to see and museums to take in on your visit.

The temperature increases the further south you go and as you pass through the busy resorts of Playa del Ingles and Puerto Rico and reach the most south westerly spot of Mogan, you will be ready to stop for a refreshing drink and to sample the local tapas (small plates of various kinds of food).

Of course, Gran Canaria has much more to offer than sun, sand and sangria. This island of volcanic origin has the most stunning inland scenery, including pine forests, mountains, lakes and all manner of flora and fauna.  The almond blossom is particularly beautiful to see when the hillsides are a mass of pink and white flowers.

Take care of you best friend

Many people who have pets are often restricted about how regularly they can go on holiday due to the fact that their pets need taking care of whilst they are away.

In some cases a friend or a family member will be more than happy look after your animal(s) on a short term basis, but if this is not possible, you will have to find a reliable home for your pet for the duration of your holiday.

There are quite a few animal hotels and centres which will be able to help you, but in order to feel completely confident, you should pay them a visit and check out the facilities for yourself.  You need to know that your animal will be well cared for and you will be able to see at a glance how the personnel working there treat the residents when you visit.  It is important that there is an exercise area as well as a guarantee of regular walks for dogs staying in such places.

The animal hotels usually charge a daily fee and some of them offer price reductions for longer stays.  They will supply food or you can take your pet’s regular food with you when you go.

The pet hotels and centres range from sheer luxury to basic but the most important thing for you is that you can relax knowing your animal is in good hands – you are not the only one on holiday, remember!