Useful Links

Flights:

Bargain flights do exist, but you have be adept at working the booking systems to your advantage. Here are some tips on obtaining the best fares:

Book in advance - for example, during February, quotes for July are usually always lower than quotations for February. As July approaches, the prices for July nearly always rise and exceed the quotations given in February.

Try lots of different combinations - if the first price offered on the internet service is very high, hit the back button and try different dates. Even small changes can produce dramatic cost savings, for example: Can you depart from a different airport?

For example, Gatwick rather than Heathrow? Are your departure times flexible?

Morning and evening flights are usually cheaper than midmorning to late afternoon flights.

Try a different web site - not all web sites deal with same the airlines; you might find the same destination and date at two different prices. Although you should check if there are any travel restrictions on the cheaper quote.

Booking online:

Flightline
Sky Deals
Cheapflights
EasyJet
Opodo
Expedia

Car Hire

It is advisable to book a car in advance, as hiring locally at the airport can be 20-30% more expensive, depending on demand and time of year.

Booking online:

Auto Europe
Holiday Autos
Holiday Cars Direct

Insurance:

Taking out travel insurance is advisable for many obvious reasons. It is definitely cheaper to buy travel insurance direct from a specialist broker than from your high street travel agent. The difference can be as much as 100%.

Booking online:

Worldwide Travel Insurance
World Travel Center

Accommodation:

Try this site for alternative accommodation.

www.villarenters.com

Currency:

Buying currency before you depart, whether cash or travelers cheques from a high street bureau or travel agent, is usually cheaper than buying locally, especially if you are exchanging large sums. Many of the local bureaus do not give the rates advertised and this can vary from 1-5%.

Check current exchange rates:

XE.com Personal Currency Assistant

Miscellaneous:

Here are a few sites you may find useful:

Marbella - the official web site for Marbella, includes information and guides on the following: nightlife, restaurants, sports/activities, shopping, festivities, weather forecast, public transport, maps, useful addresses and phone numbers etc.

Marbella.com - search engine and portal for Marbella includes: local business directory, nightlife, restaurants, sports/activities, shopping, 5 day weather forecast etc.

Study Spanish - this site has a number of free resources from a complete language course to basic travel/useful phrases pages.

Spanish Programs - learn Spanish, free online lessons.

Embassy World - directory and search engine of the World's embassies and consulates. Contains information about visa requirements. There is also an international telephone directory and dialing codes.

Uk Passport Agency - details on how to renew or apply for a passport, there is also information on visas, travel advice and contact details for people needing passports and visas in a hurry.