European budget airlines have allowed more people to fly away on holiday, and for those who already took holidays overseas changed the annual two week break to that along with some shorter breaks during the year.

And the Canary Islands have benefitted just as much as anywhere else, with more people visiting this summer, and a good number expected over the winter months due to her well known good climate while much of Europe is shivering.

Recently revealed figures show that nearly half of those people flying to Gran Canaria for their holidays chose a low cost airline, and it was over half on some of the neighbouring islands.

Tenerife for example, received six out of ten tourists embarking on their Tenerife holidays via a low cost airline - and it wasn’t dissimilar for those taking Lanzarote flights.

Of the three most popular holiday islands in the Canaries, Gran Canaria received least tourists via the low cost carriers, but it was still nearly half of the total number of passengers who took flights to Gran Canaria in the first six months of the year.

Lower airfares have helped people who might not have otherwise been able to afford a holiday during the recent economic downturn, or had been worried about the costs while unemployment was rising, and without the cheap flights from the budget airlines the number of people taking Gran Canaria holidays over the last two years could have fallen a lot more than it did.

This winter some low fares are available for those wanting to take a holiday in Gran Canaria - the island is renowned for its winter climate and northern Europeans escape their winter for a week or two to enjoy the Gran Canaria weather.

Return ticket prices on easyJet for mid November for example can be had for as little as £65 return - with flights both ways at good times, not the early hours of the morning.

Even at Christmas - in the past the time when airlines were likely to charge the earth because they knew people would pay - a return flight departing December 22 from the UK is under £250. It allows far more people the option of spending Christmas in the sun should they want to.

Located off the coast of Africa and the third largest island in the Canary Islands chain, Gran Canaria is not far from Tenerife. Though it is the third largest of the islands, it’s the most populated. But don’t let that discourage you from choosing it as your holiday getaway. When you look at a map of Gran Canaria of the 230 kilometers of coastline, over 60 consist of exquisite beaches.

If you’re visiting you’ll find it’s a treasure trove of mountains, sand dunes and ancient monoliths. The terrain is diverse and offers opportunities for sightseeing by car, bicycle and foot. It’s often called a ‘mini-continent’ because of its diverse climatology. The climate varies so much from area to area that the island seems much larger than it actually is.

For Gran Canaria flights visit yourgrancanaria.net For those considering visiting there are independent videos to view on youtube

Tenerife has topped Cosmos Holidays sales chart with a 60% increase year-on-year, report traveldailyco.uk

Majorca, last year’s number one, is now fourth in the sales list with Florida and Turkey before it.

Other Canary Islands have seen bigger rises in sales, particularly Fuerteventura (250%), Gran Canaria (100%) and Lanzarote (40%).

Menorca

The Algarve, Menorca, Shaem el Sheikh, Zakynthos and Mexico are also within the top ten.

“Whilst early booking trends indicated that this summer was all about the Eastern Mediterranean, the improved strength of the Pound against the Euro has resulted in a last minute surge of bookings to destinations throughout the Western Mediterranean and the Canary Islands,” said Monarch Travel Group Tour Operations Managing Director Hugh Morgan.

“After the challenges of the past 12 months, confidence has clearly been restored in the market and it’s great to see holiday durations lengthening from last year’s seven and 10 night durations to the traditional 14 night breaks.”

Good news for those considering a Gran Canaria for September- leading tour operators Thomas Cook and Thomson have some great deals available - visit yourgrancanaria.net to access both of them plus First Choice.

As the Daily Express report:

HOLIDAY firms are set to slash the price of package deals by hundreds of pounds after a slump in bookings over the summer, experts said yesterday.

A focus on the World Cup and fears over travel disruption have left tour operators with leftover stock.

Discounts on brochure prices are expected to reach up to 70 per cent.

Even families hoping for a break before school starts in September could save as much as 50 per cent on a week in a European destination such as Tenerife.

TUI Travel, owner of Thomson Holidays and First Choice, yesterday revealed a two per cent drop in UK sales over the past three months, normally its busiest time of year.

And it announced the volcanic ash cloud disruption had hit its last-quarter profit by £105million.

Chief executive Peter Long added: “It remains difficult to predict how the later-booking pattern will change over the next 12 to 18 months in the light of the current economic environment.”

A spokeswoman for TUI confirmed there would be “great value deals” during autumn. Among its best was a week on the Greek island of Rhodes in October, starting at £189 per person.

Thomas Cook was also expected to record a drop in sales today.

Long-haul holiday firm Hayes and Jarvis said the downturn in summer sales would mean a “glut” of heavily discounted deals, bringing down the cost of travelling to exotic countries in the Far East to under £500.

If you’re off on holiday to Gran Canaria soon and it’s the first time with a toddler, we’ve found the airlines to be helpful and understanding.

Thomas Cook Holidays have come up with a guide that’s pretty good, and the Daily Mirror reported on it yesterday.

Flying with very young children can be a challenge - it’s frustrating for parents and other passengers when little ones play up.

Cabin crew at Thomas Cook Airlines have come up with the following tips to help families taking Majorca flights this summer…

COMFORT

When taking off and landing, give your baby a bottle or a dummy as this will help stop their ears from popping.

Be prepared if you’re travelling on a night flight. Some parents think their child will sleep but this often isn’t the case as the child is not in their usual environment.

Take a small blanket in case your child gets cold, as some Majorca flights don’t provide them for short-haul trips.

Nappy-changing facilities are in the aircraft toilets and there isn’t much room - dress your baby in clothes that are easy to get on and off.

Consider getting a baby sling for your journey. That way you can carry your tot and have two hands free for luggage.

Pack your child’s favourite snacks so you have food to hand if they want something to eat quickly.

If your child is having an inflight meal, be prepared with alternatives in case they don’t like what they’re given.

If you want to give them milk while flying, pick up some once through check-in/security as this is not often available on board.

Entertainment On Gran Canaria Flights

Crayola’s Colour Wonder paper pad and markers are a great way to keep kids entertained. The pens only work on the special pad so you don’t have to worry about your child marking the seats or the walls of the aircraft.

Kids love presents, so wrap up lots of small surprises you can give to your child throughout the flight to keep them entertained.

Bring toys out one by one so that you can keep children entertained with each toy individually.

For more information about holidays with Thomas Cook Holidays visit their site.

They also do Lanzarote flights

Could this really be right - that women spend £200 more on their holiday wardrobe than on the holiday itself?

Apparently so according to a new poll and reported on by the Daily Record.

Feel free to let us know by leaving a comment whether you spend more on clothes than your Gran Canaria holidays.

FROM flip flops to sarongs and evening dresses to bikinis, many women spend more on a holiday wardrobe than the trip itself.

It seems that heading for foreign climes, or even simply taking a staycation in the UK, is all the catalyst most women need to hit the shops.

A London Clothes Show poll revealed the average woman spends around £200 more on the contents of her suitcase than the cost of the break.

Despite the fact they probably bought the same holiday togs a year earlier, most girls will still kit themselves out with new swimwear, shoes and summer cover-ups.

We put the findings to the test with two Scots women who love their holidays but have different opinions about just how much cash they need to splash before they hit the airport.

Adele Cunningham

The Clyde 1 DJ loves shopping at the best of times but getting ready to go on holiday simply gives her even more of an excuse to hit the shops.

The 31-year-old, from Glasgow, said: “I am always shopping and, if I am honest, most of my wages go on clothes and shoes.

“I have been doing a lot of fashion shows recently as well and I always end up buying everything I see.

“I am not going on holiday next until October but I have already started buying things I see that I think will be nice for my holiday.

“It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if I end up spending far more on stuff to take on holiday with me than the holiday itself.”

When planning what to pack in her suitcase, Adele doesn’t just think about new dresses, shorts, tops and swimwear, she wants to make sure she has all the perfect accessories for when she hits the beach, the shops or the nightlife.

She said: “I have already bought lots of bikinis and maxi dresses. I am loving maxi dresses at the moment and I am thinking about the usual kaftans, sandals and jeans.

“But I also think it is important to have the perfect beach bag, the right sunglasses, evening bag and even things like scarves and things for my hair.

“I just feel it is important to look and feel nice when you are away, especially if you are with your boyfriend.”

Given that Adele takes a bulging suitcase with her full of brand new clothes, shoes and accessories, you would think that when she has finally arrived at her destination she would take a break from buying.

Not Adele though - a holiday is simply another opportunity to shop.

She said: “I went away with the girls for a week to Gran Canaria earlier this year and ended up buying another eight pairs of shoes. They were just sandals and wedges but I had to pay an extra £30 just to get them home because my suitcase was so heavy.

“I know I will be bad when I go to Florida as well, even though I will have spent a fortune before I go.

“I will probably ask my boyfriend Callum to take a half-empty suitcase with him so I can fill it up.

“I know it is all a bit silly, too, because I know I will never wear half of it while I am over there.”

At least Adele admits she is pretty good at clearing out her clothes and giving away lots to charity.

She said: “We are just moving into a house with three bedrooms and each one has mirrored wardrobes which I know I will fill with clothes and shoes.

“I do clear out quite often and give stuff away, even if it has never been worn.

“I am bad for buying something then finding myself going back and looking at it hanging in my wardrobe and thinking it is too good to wear, which I know is daft.” To read the full article and another example click here

Viva Espana! Struggling Spain is bouncing back with increased bookings, according to a report in the Daily Mirror.

After reports that Brits were still shunning the Costas to save money, online travel and leisure retailer lastminute.com this week revealed that destinations in Spain and the Canary Islands are among its biggest-growing breaks year on year.

Gran Canaria has seen the largest boost, with bookings up 479%. Fuerteventura has also seen many more visitors in 2010, bookings were up 340% compared with July 2009.

The other Canary Islands have also seen visitor numbers rise – Lanzarote is up 132% and Tenerife by 92%. Mainland Spain has also attracted more visitors than in 2009, with bookings to the coastal region of Costa Blanca up by 160% this year.

Spain has historically been popular with UK holidaymakers but bookings were hit last year due to the strong euro.

Lastminute.com’s Mark Bower says: “We’re thrilled to see Spain and the Canary Islands back in our best sellers.”

There’s a part of Gran Canaria that has become known by holidaymakers visiting the island as ‘Little Venice’ – the village of Puerto de Mogan.

Away from the bigger resorts it’s a haven of tranquility and still has the air of a traditional village, but with the advantage of good modern accommodation with both a hotel and self catering accommodation available.

Puerto de Mogan’s similarity to the Italian city of canals is no accident. The vision of the designers of the beachfront part of the city was to re-create the quaintness of Venice in a Spanish environment.

It’s located on the southwestern coast of Gran Canaria. The island is the second largest most populous in the Canary Island chain. Visitors from Europe, the UK and further afield for its sunshine, beaches, charm and rich culture.

The island is home to over 800,000 residents. It sees well over twice that many annual visitors. Tourism is an important part of the economy.

A majority of tourist activity takes place along the eastern coast of the island. Much of it is centered around the capital city of Las Palmas.

The western side is less populated and concentrated. This is one reason that Puerto de Mogan’s developers decided to adopt an Italian theme. Created by an Italian designer, it’s one that is unique to the island.

Visitors to the beachside downtown area will be hard pressed to find a motor vehicle of any kind. Instead, Puerto de Mogan caters to the pedestrian.

Designers created arched walkways reminiscent of many Italian cities. Visitors can stroll the bricked walkways which link the town’s shops, restaurants and quaint residences and hotels.

The real nod to Venice, though, is the town’s canals. They run through the village and out into the marina area which opens into the Atlantic Ocean.

While many of Gran Canaria’s popular resort towns feature modern high-rise buildings. This was another deliberate design choice by town visionaries.

The main hotel sits comfortably in the surroundings, and for those considering a week or two’s holiday it can be booked in the UK via Thomson Holidays or independently.

No buildings exceed two stories tall except for a small handful of older ones. Any modern construction is limited by law to two stories or less. This feature adds to the unique charm of the beach town.

Locals survived for centuries on fishing. The city is still home to many native fishermen. However, most of the economic activity comes from tourism in today’s world.

Daytrippers tend to stick to the waterfront area of the city. Tourists who want to stay for a spell and spend a little bit less money can venture further inland. Away from the pricey, tourist driven restaurants and boutiques, visitors can find more authentic cuisine and homier accommodation.

The village is family friendly, with activities for people of all ages. For swimming and sunbathing it’s fairly sheltered, so the water is warm and currents are gentle, helped by the good Gran Canaria weather.

Other popular water activities include snorkelling, boating and jet skiing, as well as surfing if you venture a bit further out.

Puerto de Mogan is widely well known for her Friday market. The open air market draws hundreds of locals as well as tourists every week. Shoppers can find just about anything, from hand made clothing to native produce, fresh fish, and locally made craft and gift items.

A visit to to see Puerto de Mogan is well worthwhile if you’re not staying there during Gran Canaria holidays - most of the coastal towns are connected by a highway.

Some of the eastern towns are even connected by ferry for ease of travel. It’s time well-spent, whether it’s a day trip or a longer stay.

For a Gran Canaria map visit yourgrancanaria.net

Comments from people who have been to the island are often posted on social network sites such as mixx

timesharerelief360 report:

With a new court ruling there is expected to be up to 400,000 illegal timeshare contract compensation claims that could reach up to 2 billion €(euro). It has been ruled that a timeshare developer in Gran Canaria must pay back double the amount of the timeshare deposit by Magistrate D. Juan Carlos Socorro Marrero. There are currently over 200 live claims for timeshare miss-selling in the Spanish court system against Anfi Del Mar. More claims were coming in at a rate of 10 per week before this ruling.

Spanish law also states that even if a property is sold and all encumberments and debts are passed on to the new owners those new owners will still be liable for new compensation claims. Within the industry it is said up to 200 developers that operate out of Spain, Balearics and Canaries are trying to sell of timeshare resorts that have or soon will have actions brought against them.

Some brand name European timeshare developers have been taking illegal deposits up until as late as 2009. The European regulatory body representing timeshare owners in Europe has had some of its paid members break these same laws in the past. With this new ruling timeshare owners will finally get the chance to take on large corporate brand developers. As long as the timeshare development still exists you will be able to reclaim a double deposit if you paid after the cooling off period in 1996.

Rezidor Hotel Group has announced that it will open a new hotel on Gran Canaria, Spain in 2012. The Gran Canaria Radisson BLU Residence will be a short distance from the village of Arguineguin and contain 144 apartments, all offering a sea view.

Rezidor Hotel Group operates more than 190 Radisson BLU hotels in the Middle East, Africa and Europe, including Radisson BLU hotels in Oslo, London, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Gothenburg.

“We are very pleased with the continued growth in Spain, where we recently opened the first Radisson BLU hotel in Madrid,” says Kurt Ritter, president and CEO of Rezidor Hotel Group. “This opening also underlines our commitment to an ambitious growth of our young and stylish portfolio of hotels.”

“We are pleased that we can expand our cooperation with Rezidor and are confident that we will provide increased value to the Gran Canaria tourist industry, ” added Lars Wenaas, owner of the new hotel.

Gran Canaria is one of Europe’s southernmost outposts and is located just 150 kilometers from the north west coast of Africa. With a mild year round climate, Gran Canaria is a popular holiday destination for travellers to Spain and the island is famous for its idyllic beaches and stunning landscape.

The new Radisson BLU Residence will be located on the south coast of Gran Canaria along the oceanfront, near the popular village of Arguineguin. This is one of the quietest places along the coast, offering a particularly favorable climate.

The hotel will offer a modern recreation area with pool, tennis court and a complete spa. At the hotel customers will also find five meeting rooms and a separate section for those who need to work while on vacation.

For hotels in Gran Canaria visit yourgrancanaria.net - they also have today’s Gran Canaria weather

studentsinEurope.com - a site for American students - recently ran an article for their readers about the Canary Islands, and had this advice for Gran Canaria:

Gran Canaria: This is the largest in population and the capital of the Canary Islands.

Rum: How can you go to an island without trying the local rum? The Canary Islands have loads of factories, though the island of Gran Canaria hosts the most well known. Try the island specialty, ron miel — a sweet liquor made from rum and honey — if you’re feeling adventurous.

To stay: While the Canary Islands are well known for their resorts and high class hotels, most students and cheapskates are better off staying at a hostel. And why not? You’ll meet fellow travelers, be more likely to find the best party in town and save loads of money while you’re at it. Here are some of the top rated on the islands:

Centro Internacional de Windsurfing (Gran Canaria): If you love water sports but can’t afford to pay for Gran Canaria hotels and do all your adventure sports, this is the hostel for you. At $20 a night, you’ll get access to their swimming pool, WiFi, TV room and more. They also have their own windsurfing and diving school on the premises, and their location on one of the best windsurfing beaches in the world makes it an ideal hostel for outdoor adventurers.

Hostal 7 Soles: If you want to stay right in the city of Gran Canaria without busting the bank, the Hostal 7 Soles is probably your best bet. At $27 a night, the hostel might lack atmosphere, but you’ll be right next to one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and within walking distance to the city’s best clubs and bars. The rooms are clean and linens are included. Plus, there’s a TV room, free Internet, and a swimming pool. Not so bad, if you ask me.

A blog for the other Canary islands of Lanzarote and Tenerife are also available at yourlanzarote.net and yourtenerife.net