Do you know what is meant by a villa? Well, in some cases it is a small cluster of several residential units, perhaps for retired folks or for vacationers to enjoy.

But more frequentlky these days, the word is used for a detached house that a person can rent (a vacation rental) when on holidays.

Is there a difference between a villa, a vacation rental, a holiday rental, a gite, a chalet, a cottage, a holiday cottage, a self-catering home, a vacation home and a holiday home?

For practical purposes, no, consider them the same. To be sure, a chalet or cottage definitely implies a rustic lodging way out in the country, and maybe even up in the hills, but not on a suburban street.

“Holiday” is how British folks refer to what American folks refer to as “vacation”. So a holiday home is really just a vacation home with a Monty Python voice-over. And “self-catering” is how the British and Australians (g’day) refer to any vacation rental that you have to arrange your own dining, and that is true across villas, chalets, etc.

And if you vacation in France, you can call them all “gites” – although more specifically, a gite is supposed to be a rural cottage or a barn conversion, and the word is sometimes used to refer to youth hostels – just to confuse the unsuspecting traveler.

A villa, as used in today’s vacation rental marketplace, is typically a somewhat upscale suburban house. For example, a Costa Brava villa might be a sumptiously appointed two-story house in Girona or Figueres, and it might be equipped with a swimming pool or even a spa.

A Costa Blanca villa might be a recently build brick bungalow, also with a swimming pool of course, in a recently built neighborhood of Alicante.

Of course, the word “villa” could refer to any detached vacation rental home, so “caveat emptor” – read the description and review photos to make sure you know what “villa” means in this case.

For instance, although most villas come with a full kitchen, watch for the word “kitchenette”. It is the “ette” that makes the difference, and it most likely means a counter with a full or half-sized stove – perhaps just a microwave for heating dinner and a smaller-than-normal fridge (maybe even a bar-sized fridge). Don’t expect a full dining room, either, if you read “kitchenette” in the description.

What does it mean when they say “sleeps ten”? Well, we own a five-person tent. One person fits in with no trouble. Two people fit in with no trouble. A third person can squeeze in. Persons four and five can lie across the first three bodies (careful to make sure not to get kicked in the face at night).

Same idea with villas. Find out how many bedrooms, how many beds and what else they are counting (Two people on a sofa bed? Two single-person folding cots?)

Often you will read “just steps from the beach”. Some of those villas will be 22 steps from the beach. Other villas will be 2020 steps from the beach. Find out which one yours is, before you decide to rent it.

What is the difference between “private pool” and “pool access”. Honestly, if you can’t figure out the difference for yourself, you probably deserve to get stuck with “pool access”. Consider it a learning experience.

There are plenty of other words related to villa rentals, but these will get you started and avoid the most common confusions that people often have.

So you’ve made up your mind to skip the crowded hotels and rent a villa rental for this year’s family getaway. But how does one pack for a stay in a home away from home?

Given that it was you who made the decision, you already know that vacationing in a private vacation villa is much different than staying in a hotel. Most vacation homes are outfitted much like your home and you will most likely have access to a washing machine and dryer. This will help cut down the amount of luggage you need to bring, because if you are like me, you always pack too much.

Let’s look at what you really need to pack for a stay in your vacation villa for this year’s holidays, with some tips from our friends at “Location Maison Espagne” …

DOCUMENTATION You will definitely want to pack your plane tickets and directions to your your private vacation villa with you. Oh and don’t forget your passport either. It is also a good idea to make photocopies of all your documents, including passports, birth certificates, ID, plane tickets, itinerary and travel insurance.

TOWELS – Most vacation villas will supply towels for both indoor use and outdoor use for the pool and beaches. Contact the vacation rental owner to see what they offer. Beach towels can usually be purchased relatively cheap, so unless you have room for towels don’t bother packing them.

MEDICATION – This should go without saying, but it is paramount to pack your medication when travelling. You’ll need to plan for any delays if something goes wrong with your scheduled flight and you have to wait a few extra days to return home. Make sure you not only pack all essential medications for you and your family, but also any allergy medications like Epi-Pens. You might also want to pack the repeat prescription forms. Pack your medication with the bags you bring on-board with you, as packing it with your checked baggage could result in disaster.

OUTFITS – As mentioned, your vacation rental may come complete with a washer and dryer, so you might have the pleasure of packing light. It is always advisable before you pack to check with the owner of the vacation villa first to ensure that these facilities are available. The amount and type of clothing you pack will depend upon where you are traveling and what activities you are planning on doing while there, but remember, you’re a tourist after all and expectations are not going to be really that high, so pack for comfort, not for fashion.

TOILETRIES – A great way to save room in your luggage is to leave all non-essential toiletries behind. There is little need to drag bottles of shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, body wash and such half-way around the globe. The area you are visiting has plenty of places where you can purchase such items as soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and whatever other needs you require. If you have allergies to products and have your own specific brands you prefer, then of course bring them along. There is nothing worse than being on a family vacation and breaking out in a rash from harsh soaps that you are not used to.

HAIR DRYERS – Some people can’t live without their hair dryers. When it comes to a family vacation a hair dryer is not essential, and your hair dryer might not even work in the country you are travelling to without an adapter. Most villa rentals will supply hair dryers so just contact the villa owner before you begin packing to ensure that they do.

MUNCHIES – Many countries have strict requirements when it comes to bringing food across the border.. Most things will not be allowed in to the country, so save the space in your luggage and leave your favourite treats behind.

CASH – It’s a good idea to pack some local currency and coins in your carry-on luggage. After you get off the plane you and the kids may be hungry or thirsty and having some local currency in small dominations will help you refuel before you head off to your private villa.

EARBUDS Most airlines charge a few dollars to purchase their earbuds to be able to watch the in-flight televisions and movies. Although they are usually no more than $5 it is advisable to bring along your own if you have them.

ENTERTAINMENT – Some flights can be very long and boring if you have nothing to occupy yourself and your kids with. Some vacations can be like that, too – especially if it rains and you can relax in the comfort of your vacation villa. Pack some books, puzzles, cards, travel sized board games and handheld devices. Not only will it make your flight much more enjoyable, but it will also allow for some down-time relaxing in your villa.

Just remember, whether your plans are at Costa Blanca Villa Location or elsewhere, you are only going away for a small amount of time, so try not to over pack. As the semi-famous saying goes, pack light enough to travel.

The good folks over at Location Villa Costa Brava have innumerated six compelling reasons why a vacation villa rental is so very much superior to a common hotel, motel or lodge.

1.Listen particularly closely if you travel in groups, such as a family of four or five, or a group of friends, or even a couple families traveling together. Do you really want to rent a “room”? Would you all sleep together in a room, or even in two rooms at home? A villa is a house. It has rooms, which is plenty more room than just a room. Got that?

2. It’s not just the roominess that makes a vacation villa superior for groups. You also share costs. Whereas a group of six would likely rent two rooms in a hotel (three people squished uncomfortably into each), a vacation rental would come with 2 – 4 rberooms, plus a living room, plus a kitchen, plus some other rooms. Yes, a villa is a house. It’s actually big enough for you to all fit in comfortably at a lower cost. Kind of a no-brainer.

3. But the savings don’t end there. Have you ever calculated the cost of eating at restaurants. There is usually at least one meal for four that weighs in around $100 when tip and tax is added in. Plus breakfast. Plus lunch. Plus snacks. (Yeah, you get hungry between meals, too.) Well, it all adds up, doesn’t it? Or a you can spend more reasonable $50 a day on groceries made to your own taste, where you know they are made nutritious, where you know you won’t get food poisoning and where you can relax in privacy.

4. Did somebody mention privacy? Yes, there is much more privacy in a villa rental than in a tiny hotel room squished between two other rooms, where people knock on the door and sing in the hall, where the maid comes in and you just don’t know where to hide your purse or other valuables. A vacation villa is as private as your house.

5. The flip side of privacy is freedom. There is nobody blaring music until 3:00 am…unless you want there to be. Go ahead, you won’t be disturbing anybody. Just make sure the windows are all shut and play the TV, the stereo, the video games. Turn up the volume. Sing at the top of your voice. Cheer for your team, or shout “You bum” if it makes you feel better.

6. Yes, I did say stereo and I did say TV and I did say video games, and I might have mentioned the private pool and maybe even a pool table. No hotel room comes with as many amenities as the typical vacation rental. That fight over who gets to use the hotel room bathroom last summer? The one that left you with a permanent limp? Let bygones be bygones – this year you can just use the other bathroom in your much-better-equipped vacation villa.

Pocket the savings…or re-invest them at another week of relaxation in your Villa Costa Brava getaway. Ah, the pure luxury of a villa rental makes a hotel look downright…barbaric.

Spain is the most popular country to find a vacation rental or holiday villa, especially on the eastern coast. Some of the most popular are just 40-80 kilometres outside of Barcelona, about a six-hour drive northeast from the Costa Blanca, near the middle of the Costa Brava.

You, too, can enjoy this popular location by renting your own Costa Brava villa

Costa Brava means rugged or wild coast. It occupies the north-eastern region of Catalonia, Spain, and stretches from the French border almost all the way to Barcelona. Fit for all ages, Costa Brava contains a variety of coastal scenery, lush beaches, family fun and historical places of interest.

The following are the 12 of the more popular things to see and do when staying at your very own villa Costa Brava:

1)National Park De L’Emporda

One of the Northern Spain’s largest national parks and nature reserves, De L’Emporda National Park is famous for its many species of birds.

2) Castell de Pubol

Castell de Pubol was the residence of the wife of Dali, one of the most famous Spanish artists during the 20th century.

3) Water World

This isn’t a Kevin Costner movie, but one of Europe’s biggest family water parks, which includes a 250-metre long rubber raft rides.

4) Lloret de Mar Beach

Lloret de Mar’s main white sand beach stretches a staggering 1,630 metres long and is consistently awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness. Lots of beach to enjoy.

5) Modernist Cemetery

The Modernist Cemetery was designed at the end of the 19th century. A short tour through this little piece of history offers a rare and amazing look into funerary art of the period.

6) The Municipal Museum

People enjoy the many works of art by artists that frequented the area in the 1930s at thos museum.

7) Sant Antoni de Calonge

Sant Antoni de Calonge is a small village of 8.200 inhabitants, which is comprised of the village of Calonge and the coastal centre of St. Antoni. Some of the attractions are the Medieval Tower, an 18th century Baroque style church and some amazing beaches.

The Ruins of Empúries

Empúries were founded in 575 BC by Greek colonists and was later occupied by the Romans. In the Early Middle Ages the town was abandoned and the ruins are still there just between the Costa Brava town of L’Escala and the village of Sant Martí.

9) Castell de Sant Joan

This medieval castle was constructed in 11th century. Today only the castle’s tower remains, but you will enjoy an excellent view of the surrounding area from the turret..

10) Parish Church of Sant Roma

The Parish Church of Sant Roma is a gothic church that was built 1522 and in the early 20th century it was converted into a spectacular building with Byzantine, Muslim, Renaissance and Modernist influences.

11) Puig de Castellet Iberian Settlement
This walled settlement, was occupied between 250-210 BC, is situated on the north-west side of a hill with a amazing a view of the entire coastline, yet it is completely invisible from the sea. A great little getaway when you don’t feel like hanging around the villa.

12) Marimurtra Botanical Gardens

The Marimurtra Botanical Garden overlooks the southernmost cliffs of the Costa Brava. A unique aspect of the gardens is the two week flowering and leaf colour changing cycle, which makes each visit a new experience.

OK, ready now? Find a Costa Brava villa.

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One of my all time favourite spots for a holiday is the wonderful relaxing Casares Del Sol apartments situated on the Costa Del Sol, Spain. Being only 25 minutes from Gibraltar International Airport makes the resort idyllic for short breaks as well as enjoying longer holidays. You can, should you wish to relax further, manage without hiring a car whilst in Casares since there is a good local taxi service and there is also a bus stop not too far away at the bottom of the coastal road. Casares Del Sol is also easily reached for new arrivals from Malaga Airport, just 60 minutes drive away via either the coastal or toll road. We frequently use both airports based on the cheapest flights at the time of booking.

Casares Del Sol is based around small intimate communities of apartments each having its own unique features on offer. Each community is run and managed by a small community committee. At the centre of each community are communal gardens. Taking centre stage of each community is a wonderful swimming pool complete with the provision of bed chairs and umbrellas. Our own block has a large main pool as well as having the additional benefit of a splash pool for the little ones to cool off in. The pools are surrounded with palm trees and other tropical trees for decoration. The owners have considered further developments for holidaymakers and planned for our community for 2009 is a table tennis table, a small putting green, and possibly a boule court!

Casares Del Sol has a great location tucked away from the main coastal road. Casares Del Sol is but 1 minute drive from the Mediterranean Sea at the bottom of the hill. If you wish to be energentic and walk to the beach it is a no more than a mere 12-15 minute gentle stroll. There is a taxi rank at the bottom operational from about 10am until midnight if you don?t fancy walking back uphill and prefer to take the easy route back.

The majority of villas at Casares have either sea, mountain or golf course views, or indeed a combination of views. At the beach you will find that there aretwo beach bars, the ?Chiringuito Beach Bar? which benefits from its superb location right on the beach and a little further up the beach towards Marbella, ?La Perla? The Chiringuito is a lovelly traditional beach bar frequented by locals as well as holidaymakers, whilst the new ?La Perla? has a more cosmopolitan style complete with sails to provide shade, coconut matting and decking. Both bars serve excellent fresh local cuisine. For a real treat have traditional paella!

Casaes Del Sol is lucky enough to be situated in a greenbelt of golf courses thus ensuring that you are not spending your holiday surrounded by buildings. Right next door is the new mecca for golfers Finca Cortesin, which replaces from 2009 Valderrama Golf Course for the Volvo Masters Golf Tournament. Right across the road to the apartments is Casares Golf. Casares Golf is a 9 hole par 3 and 4 course with a fantastic golf club. It is open to non members who just wish to use its bar and restaurant facilities with fantastic views over the course to the Meditterrean.

There are a good selection of Spanish bars and restaurants to choose from on the nearby beaches of Sabilinas, 5minutes by car. Why not visit Marbella, Puerto Banus or Gibraltar for the day if you want to venture slightly further afield? All are easily reached.

So if you would like a nice relaxing holidayin the sun , either as a couple or as a family stay at Casares Del Sol on the Costa Del Sol!

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