Over the last few months the province of Malaga has seen some increases in pertol prices, I have a large car and filling the tank has become a major expense and more expensive with each visit. It has recently been published that a national survey shows that car owners in the Malaga area are paying nearly 1.5 cents above the national average.The cheapest prices are in the north of Spain where in some cases it is upto as much as 4 cents cheaper than here in the south.
It seems that this blamed on the fact that 70% of petrol stations are owned by a relatively few petrol companies, we all need our transport and will have to pay the prices set to get to work, take the kids to school and go about our daily lives, we have many benefits living here on the Costa del Sol but petrol companies take advantage of this being a tourist location and are charging top prices for that, the average cost at the moment being 1.37€ per liter for diesel and 1.40€ for unleaded.
Tourists to the area can at least know that they are getting the best prices on thier car rental especially from companies such as Cargest and with their petrol payment policy they will only pay for what is consumed because they have no advanced fuel charges.
Anyway we all need to get around so happy motoring and safe driving what
ever the costs and whether you visit the Costa del Sol for business or pleasure.
After long months of glorious mild weather it seems that winter may of arrived by virtue of the cold spell throughout Europe, temperatures this week on the Costa del Sol have been as low as 0ºc during the night and the strong winds have actually made it seem even colder, however it hasnt stopped the sun from shining and there have been beautiful crisp days with clear blue skies to enjoy. Perfect days to explore the andalusian region. Thanks to companies like Cargest who give the option of economical transport solutions to visitors, you can explore the wonderful costline and amazing in land villages and beauty spots that the Malaga region has to offer at your own time and pace in your rental vehicle, and as the weather is perfect for a round a golf you can orgainise your equipment hire aswell along with your car rental and not have to worry about paying excess to bring your own sets with you. The Malaga region has it all and something for everyone even on these ‘winter’ days the sun is shining and it’s a pleasure to relax with a good book,take a stroll along the beautiful promenades, explore the region, take part in numerous outdoor activities or find one of those fantastic countryside ventas for a typical home cooked spanish meal. The coast isnt just about lazing on the beach or by the pool and these wonderful winter days are a great oppourtuinity to discover more of this beautiful part of the world, even take a short drive to Granada and the ski resort of Sierra Nevada the choices are all yours in Andalucia.
Last week saw the 32nd international tourism fair ‘FITUR’ in Madrid this is one of the largest tourist fairs in the world, it was opened by the Prince and Princess of Asturias.
The Andulsian sector was well represented and one of the most attended as always, Andalucia is a popular destination for national and foriegn tourism and there was an increase of foriegn tourism to the ares of 3% in 2011, an increase that is expected to continue in 2012, the rise in British tourism has been estimated at some 8%.
Cargest’s stand at the exhibition was within the Junta de Andalucia section as they are registered members of the Andulcian tourist department, they were very busy attending tour operators, agents and brokers as well as the general public with a view to improving and expanding their services. As pioneers within the car rental sector new products and ideas are always in process and the hire of golf equipment as a new complimentry service proved to be of interest for both professionals and the general public at the exhibition, indedd why not as it saves not only time and effort but money for golfers visiting the ‘Costa del Golf’. Great packages for combined car hire and golf club rental are now on offer. Cargest were in London for the tourism fair recently and will be in Berlin with the Andalucian tourist department soon, Andalucia has so much to offer for all types of holiday and Cargest offers many services to suit different tourist requirements in this growing tourist industry.
From the 18 to 22 (inclusive) CARGEST will be available at the International Tourism Fair 2012 (FITUR) in Hall 3, C-08, Table 11.
We are located in the Stand Malaga Costa del Sol Tourist Board of Malaga. You can see all about our car rental services and golf equipment for Malaga, guaranteeing our quality and commitment to giving the best care. Learn how CARGEST cares about the environment by incorporating into its fleet hybrid cars and ecological low-polluting.
See you at Fitur 2012!
We all look better with abit of a tan but it’s so easy to overdo it when your holiday and regret it after wards, especially if the kids get sun burn so this just gives a few ideas of activities along the costa del sol to have a day not sunbathing or indeed on one the occaisional rainy days when the kids are bored. Also when we have families with over to stay with younger ones its good to have some ideas to hand of places to go, most kids do love the pool and or the beach but with all the dangers from sunbathing time out in the sun needs to be controlled and damage protected against.
Megabowl Marbella: Open all year round the family can bowl together on the first floor of the Cañada shopping center. Check opening times as these may vary tel:952903370
Butterfly Park: this is in Benalmadena vilage next to the buddist temple which is easily spotted from miles around there are over 2,000 different species and always new species to see on every visit.
Tivoli World: Tivoli is only open on weekends during the winter but offers entertainment for all ages from shows and rides it is situated in Arroyo de la Miel very close to the Benalmadena train station.
The castle monument of Christopher Colombus :Open daily in Benalmadena village this is the largest monument dedicated to columbus and is in the guiness book of records for its small chapel.
These are but a few ideas hope they may be of use I’ll add more in the future for family trips out and about on the costa del sol.
We all like to save money and grab ourselves a bargin whether thats in the good old annual sales or at any other oppourtuinity throughout the year. In such a comercialised world that we live in today competition is rife in all areas of the market and price wars mean its well worth consumers being on the look out for the very best deals. I’m all for this but never at the loss of quality, a bargin is a bargin, a cheap imitation or alternative to any said product is not. In the service industry many prices are at an all time low and where companies can make a difference is on the attention to detail,and quality of services they offer perhaps even the offer of complimentry services to give thier company an edge. Cargest is one such company and always offers impeccable customer service and attention to detail and is always looking to give that little bit more to its customers, keep an eye open for regular offers and promotions on the web page.
I have joined up to some of the ever more popular web pages offering special discounts for limited periods of time and have been really pleased with the discounts I’ve already enjoyed, these have been from cut price meals out,health and beauty treatments and household items, now when travelling I check out the offers for the cities I’ll be visiting to see what ‘s on offer and of course to make those all important savings because really why pay full whack for something you can get a great discount on from time to time.
From the first of January 2012 UK quarantine have changed and are at last more relaxed to be more in line with the rest of Europe, long seperations and expense kennel costs will no longer apply making both easier and cheaper for pet owners to travel with thier animals. My family took thier dog back from Spain to the UK a few years ago and the poor animal had to spend 6 months at the quarantine kennel, thank goodness this is no longer the cse as it’s unfair to dog and owner. All animals will have to be vaccinated against rabiea but will no longer need a blood test and will now only need to wait 21 days before they can travel. Stricter rules will still apply for countires outside the EU. Pets were before made to have a tick treatment before travelling and this had to of been applied within 24 hours of them leaving the country of origin this is not necessary either under the new rules but as it’s always a good thing to have done whatever country youlive in or maybe travelling to.
I think these changes are well over due and wish happy hols to petsand owners from now on!
Cargest Staff wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year 2012
Though most spanish homes will have a christmas tree many will also have a nativity scene set out aswell some of these are very intrcate others more basic but all very interesting as not only is it the stable scene but also a depiction of village life in Bethlem and the telling of the Christmas story. It is always worth visit the public nativities -’Belenes’- as the detail and the work involved is incredible, you will often have to queue to see some of the main ones. Christmas eve is traditionally when spanish families gather together for a meal but present giving is done on Epiphany or three kings following the bible story of when the three wise men gave their gifts to the baby Jesus. Many childrens presents however are now given on Christmas eve as the children then have longer to enjoy the gifts before returning to school. Local processions take place on the 5th with floats taking the three kings round villages and towns and sweets are thrown for the children (and adults if you wish to join in the forray) Well worth a visit to Malaga center on the 5th to see the processions and get involved with the atmosphere.
New Year families gather for a meal and will then share the twelve grapes together one to be eaten on each stroke of the twelve chimes for midnight- if you want to try this look for the smallest grapes you can! If you manage to eat them all it brings good luck for the coming year, many people will gather at town squares to to this to the chimes of the local clocks and it is a really great atmosphere. After this the parties start so pace yourself and be prepared to keep going all night if you can and breakfast on some chocolate and churros before heading home!
Happy New Year everyone
So as you dont get caught out, whether resident here on coming over on holiday it is good to know of the national and regional holiday dates. Most areas will have local holidays too but these are set by the individual councils and need to be checked with the local areas many may not be actually announced until just before the celebrations.
JANUARY:
!st New years day-as this is on a Sunday in 2012 the 2nd is also a national holiday in lieu.
5th twelfth night processions of the three kings
6th Epiphany
FEBRUARY:
20th carnival
21st shrove tuesday
22nd ash wednesday
28th Andalucian day
28th -5th March ‘white week ‘ school holiday
MARCH:
19th -saint Joseph- spanish fathers day
APRIL:
1st palm Sunday
5th Muandy Thursday
6th good friay
8th easter sunday
MAY:
1st labour day
AUGUST:
15th feast of the assumnption
OCTOBER:
12th spanish national day
NOVEMBER:
1st all saints day
DECEMBER:
6th constitution day
8th Immaculate conception
25th christmas day