The majority of travellers are put off from staying in rented accommodation and prefer to stay in a hotel, according to a recent survey.

Findings by TripAdvisor show that rental costs are putting holidaymakers off from residing in a holiday rental and only 15% believe that that type of holiday offers better value than a traditional hotel break.

The study of 2,000 tourists found that 2% of people who stayed in a holiday rental rated the holiday as poor or quite poor; and further reasons for not staying in rented lodging other than the main being partiality for hotels, include cost and unsuitability.

Emma Shaw, TripAdvisor spokesperson, said: “It is clear some British travellers are still wary of holiday rentals, with perceived higher cost a significant concern.”

So when travelling to Majorca in Spain, make sure that you stay in a cost-effective and high quality hotel. Hotel Sis Pins is without doubt one of the most charming hotels in Pollensa and is a well-kept secret of timeless elegance and sophistication with warmth and welcome.

Guests return time and time again to stay in the traditional Mallorquin beach hotel which is full of character and charm. Be amongst the many VIP guests that visit including the best-selling author Agatha Christie who once stayed at Sis Pins whilst writing her novel ‘Problem at Pollensa Bay.’

All other beach hotels, cottages and apartments will fail in comparison with the fantastic facilities and perfect location to the beach, marina and shops. It is the ideal holiday destination in Majorca, so if you are considering where to stay when going on a vacation with your loved-one or family, look no further than Hotel Sis Pins.

(United Kingdom – 26th March 2012) ExtraCare, renowned for its alternative care homes, has launched The ExtraCare Challenge, inspired by the London 2012 Games. The 715 mile torch relay will visit all 30 of the ExtraCare Care Homes across the Midlands and the North.

St Oswald’s Retirement Village in Gloucester hosted the first leg of the 715 mile long torch relay challenge. The residents and staff must take the torch and travel using three forms of transport in order to reach their destination.

The residents of St Oswald chose minibus, pedicab and horse-drawn carriage to arrive at Hartpury College before leaving for The Rose Garden in Hereford.

The ExtraCare Challenge which is inspired by the London Olympic Games is part of the ExtraCare Care Homes activities programme. The challenge will take five months to complete and will cover all 30 ExtraCare Care Homes in the Midlands and north of the country. It encourages residents in all care homes to get active and involved in the run-up to the 2012 games. On its journey, the torch relay will introduce an eclectic range of games and activities for the residents to take part of, including quizzes, volleyball games, show jumping and bird flying demonstration.

The torch relay challenge has received the Inspire mark by the London 2012 Inspire Programme. The programme recognises innovative and exceptional projects that take inspiration from the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

To learn more about the Torch Relay Challenge and to find out about the ExtraCare Care Homes, simply visit the site at ExtraCare.org.uk.

The Chartered Institute of Housing has found there will be thousands more claimants than properties that are affordable on benefits alone, meaning a further 800,000 homes will be put out of reach of people on housing benefit because of government welfare cuts – leaving low income families the choice of cutting spending on food to pay the rent or moving out.

This has led to increased fears of the creation of ‘benefit ghettos’, whereby people are forced to move away from areas where there are many jobs to more remote, seaside towns where there are few, according to a recent Guardian article. Many now face the prospect of trying to find shared housing that in many areas just does not exist. Even where such housing exists, for those who are vulnerable – disabled people or those trying to rebuild their lives following homelessness – this type of accommodation is just not appropriate. All of which leads to an increase in pressure upon charities; many of whom have long been warning the consequences of such actions could be dire.

Leslie Morphy, of the charity Crisis said the analysis vindicated warnings that the government’s plan will cause homelessness, “The figures make clear that there will just not be enough properties anywhere that are affordable on these reduced benefit levels. With unemployment rising and more people relying on housing benefit, yet soaring demand for properties, the government’s plans just don’t add up – we urge them to stop and reconsider.”

Lewis Morton (Managing Director) at Morton Solutions, has just announced that they raised over 23k for the British Red Cross across October-November 2011, similarly questioned the cuts, “It smacks of persecution of the socially disadvantaged; the cuts will see many people forced out of their houses and will create ‘sink’ estates which spiral into problems. With homelessness on the rise for the first time in a number of years, this seems a questionable decision to say the least.”

The Department for Work and Pensions has defended the cuts, saying housing benefit were unfair because some families on benefits had been able to live in homes that most working families not on benefits could not afford, “Early indications are that people are not moving out of cities in their droves to cheaper rural areas. For the vast majority of areas except the most expensive parts of inner and central London, at least 30% of all private rental properties will be affordable. Our measures will place a lid on spiralling rents and local authorities will continue to work with tenants and landlords to negotiate down rents, which will in turn help to keep properties within reach.”

Many things are seized every year at airports and the passenger or passengers who are carrying them can sometimes be unaware that what they are carrying is illegal in this country.

A woman who was travelling from Zambia to Cardiff via Amsterdam has been stopped in Cardiff airport for having a baby Hippos foot in her suitcase along with 10 ivory sculptures. She was arriving in Cardiff from Zambia, via Amsterdam and when she had her bags searched officials found that she had the baby hippopotamus’ foot in one of her suitcases.

Travelling to Cardiff, whether you’re a resident or just on holiday and staying in a cheap hotel Cardiff you need to know what you can and can’t bring into the United Kingdom. There are thousands of things that get seized at airports in Cardiff, and many others around the UK like Heathrow airport where a live Cheetah was seized.

Items, animals and plants such as the cheetah, the hippo foot and the ivory sculptures can only be brought into this country if the owner has the correct permits to bring them in. Without these permits they will get seized and you may never get them back.

If you are travelling to Cardiff this year for anything and you don’t have any illegal items then you should definitely look for some cheap accommodation in Cardiff so that you know you have somewhere nice to stay while you are there.

There are many hostels in Cardiff that you can stay at for good, reasonable prices so why not get in touch with Hotel One Hundred or Riverhouse Backpackers and see what availability they have and if they can find a room for you!

Although January may not seem like the obvious month for a holiday in Britain, there has been a noted rise in the number of people making enquiries for accommodation at this time of the year.

In previous years, January was the time when most people started booking their summer holidays but the emphasis has now changed, with more of Brits booking last minute breaks all through the year including periods which have been traditionally quieter.

The growth of using the internet to find accommodation has led to an increase in booking last minute cottages as people make spur of the moment decisions to get away.

Taking a break in January has many benefits for those wanting a relaxing retreat, and there are many reasons why this time of the year has increased in popularity.

Enjoying a break in the off-season months such as January can allow you to make significant savings on accommodation. As there is less demand many hotel and cottage owners slash their prices, so if money is tight this is the ideal time to plan your trip.

For couples who want a romantic weekend, holidaying at this time of year is also ideal as there are no families around due to the school timetable. It’s also a great time of year for parents wanting a few days peace and quiet!

Despite the cold weather, a holiday in the winter can allow you to enjoy the best of the British landscape. From dramatic snow scenes to beautiful beaches bathed in winter sunshine, there are many places to escape to which can offer you unique scenery.

A break in January doesn’t just have to be a treat to yourself – if you’re looking for a unique gift, a weekend away can also be a great Christmas gift especially for the people in your life that have everything.

When looking for holiday accommodation, Independent Cottages offers a wide selection of high quality holiday cottages throughout the UK. From contemporary townhouses providing short breaks in the Lake District to traditional farmhouses offering Cotswold holidays from Independent Cottages, there are over 1200 independently owned cottages listed on the site so you are sure to find the perfect accommodation for your next break.

The January sales will be starting in just a few weeks, so if you’re looking to combine a weekend away with a chance to grab some bargains and spend that Christmas money now is the time to get planning.

One of the best locations to enjoy splashing the cash is the Welsh capital city of Cardiff, as its includes everything from independent boutiques where you can pick up something truly unique to high street and designer stores filled with the latest fashions.

If you’re looking for something a bit different, Cardiff is home to a number of Victorian and Edwardian arcades where you can pick up locally made items including clothing, food, jewellery, art and gifts, and there are also a number of cafes and delicatessens where you can enjoy some Welsh cuisine.

High street and designer brand lovers are also spoilt for choice in the city. Queen Street is home to some of the biggest names in fashion, and the modern St David’s shopping arcade has two floors with something to keep every shopper happy!

When you’ve decided that Cardiff is the ideal location for you to enjoy a weekend of retail therapy, there is plenty of accommodation to choose from in the city. Weekend apartments in Cardiff are very popular for those that want more space and privacy than provided by the traditional hotel or guest house, and the city has many of these in excellent locations close to all the main shopping areas.

If you’re looking to spend less on your accommodation and are considering a cheap hotel Cardiff, you should also look at hostel accommodation. The standard of hostels in Cardiff has improved in recent years and there are many upmarket and boutique style hostels such as the Riverhouse Backpackers to choose from in the city, so no matter what type of accommodation you’re interested in, you can find it in the historic city of Cardiff.

‘Tis the season for a Christmas break! Taking a break over the Christmas period is more popular than ever before, and there are last minute deals offered by a variety of accommodation providers so a getaway at this time of the year is more appealing than ever.

With Christmas Day falling on a Sunday, there is an additional bank holiday in lieu so taking a break over the Christmas period this year means you could have a generous 4 day break without having to use any of your holiday allowance!

Holiday cottage specialists Independent Cottages have found that 45% of people enquiring about breaks in November were looking for getaways over Christmas and the New Year period, so despite economic problems many people are still looking for a last minute festive break.

Christmas is a fun and exciting time of the year and a pre Christmas break seems to provide the perfect opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit with a chance to relax, enjoy a meal out and put some fun back into Christmas shopping.  Independent Cottages have found that almost a third (31%) of enquiries received in November were for short breaks in the run-up to Christmas.

As more people choose to book holiday accommodation online and often at the last minute, many owners have late availability offers, so taking a break over Christmas may not be as costly as you might expect.

With over 1200 cottages listed across the UK and many last minute cottages with Christmas and New Year availability, Independent Cottages can help you find your ideal location for your break this December. From charming rural cottages in the Lake District, to getaways in the Scottish Highlands, or Cotswold holidays, you can find the perfect accommodation for your Christmas holiday.

Economic times are tough for many households and businesses across the UK as everyone struggles to save money wherever they can. But Brits can avoid having any sleepless nights about their letting agents going bust with expert help from Benham and Reeves Lettings.

Marc von Grundherr, lettings director of the largest independent letting agents in London, is warning landlords to spot the signs early so they don’t lose any large sums of money.

According to Benham and Reeves Residential Lettings, which has nine offices across the capital, several London lettings agents have gone to the wall this year. Agents such as Harringtons, Nelson Lettings and Chase Devonshire have gone under; so protect yourself in case your letting agent does too with some top tips from London’s premier rental and letting agent.

Mr von Grundherr said: “Following these simple guidelines should ensure your property is protected if the worst happens.  Your property is a very valuable asset so make sure you safeguard it and yourself.”

As specialists in the lettings sector, the residential lettings London firm advises landlords to ensure their agent is a member of professional bodies such as the NAEA, ARLA or The Dispute Service which operates the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. Check that the directors have never been involved with an agent who has gone bust and that the agency itself hasn’t simply rebranded under a new name.

Further guidance includes checking that the letting agent has payment protection to protect monies, so clients’ money is kept separate to the agent’s money. Make sure the agent registers deposits in the Tenancy Deposit Scheme to look after the deposit if the agent goes bust; and ensure tenants are fully referenced so if any problems occur, you have the details of the right person.

Moreover, keep copies of all documents including the tenancy agreement, gas and electrical safety certificates and notices served for the reason that if the agent does go inoperative you will need duplicates of relevant paperwork.

Mr von Grundherr added: “Everyone loves a bargain but when the costs can mount up to tens of thousands of pounds, is it really worth it.”

For more professional tips and advice about lettings, go to brlets.co.uk now; or speak to the team who have over 50 years’ experience in London lettings by calling 0800 092 9656.

ABOUT BENHAM AND REEVES LETTINGS

Benham and Reeves Residential Lettings agent can help you locate the perfect property to rent in London. With over 50 years’ experience in the property industry, they have an excellent range of properties to rent in London that are sure to suit your needs, requirements and budget.

The dedicated lettings website features a plethora of properties to rent across London with each property displaying a selection of images as well as facilities and a map pinpointing the exact location of the property; making it the perfect platform to search for a home in London that suits you.

realxa is a free unique community based in the United Kingdom that allows property owners to swap their real estate in one easy transaction. Instead of traditionally selling your house and finding a temporary place to stay, you can go from one house to the next instantly! This saves you the hassle and costs of searching and waiting.
Joining realxa is like joining a community of people just like you: people who want to live in a new place right now. The website is simple and easy to use. You simply post a profile of your property for free, browse for another person’s property that you want, contact them and then swap. And since realxa is an open community, others can view your property and contact you as well. This makes finding a new place to live easier and faster than ever. Once you sign up for free you will be able to view photos and detailed descriptions of available properties. realxa isn’t just for homeowners, but also for landlords, inheritors, agencies and realtors. Multiple numbers of properties can be posted for free. Anything from houses, flats, offices or studios. If you want an easy and convenient way to find a better neighborhood to live in, to live closer to work, or just want a quick change of scenery, then realxa is for you.
For more information, go realxa.com and sign up for free to start instantly browsing for properties available for exchange.

In these tough economic times, everyone strives even harder to save money where they can, so it may seem like a godsend when a letting agent offers a discount or things for free.  But accepting a cut price deal while failing to check out your letting agent’s credentials can prove a costly mistake.  If the agent goes bust youcould lose very large sums of money and have many sleepless nights, warns Marc von Grundherr, Lettings Director of Benham and Reeves Residential Lettings, London’s largest, independent lettings agency.

“This year alone several London lettings agents have gone to the wall,” reports Marc.

“These include Cornerstone Sales & Lettings, Harringtons, Nelsons Lettings, Aspire Residential Sales & Lettings, Chase Devonshire, Smith Melzack Pepper Angliss and Alexander Chase and I have clients who moved from us to 2 of them only to regret the decision.  One client didn’t receive rent for 9 months even though the tenant had paid plus to rub salt into the wounds the deposit was never registered and so the landlord now has to pay another 8 weeks rent back to the tenant ”

So what can landlords do to protect themselves if their letting agent in London goes under?

1.         Make sure the letting agent is a member of professional industry bodies.  Ensure your agent is a member of professional bodies such as ARLA, the NAEA, The Property Ombudsman and The Dispute Service (which operates the Tenancy Deposit Scheme).   Also check out the directors to make sure they’ve never been involved with an agent who has gone bust in the past or that the agency itself is not a rebranding under a new name of a company who has just gone bust.

2.         Check the letting agent has payment protection. 

The agent should keep clients’ money in a separate account away from the agent’s money to ensure that clients’ money is available even if the agent goes bust and moreover that they have insiurance in place to protect client’s monies.  Reputable agents will do this and this is a requirement of ARLA’s Code of Practice for their members.

3.         Make sure your agent registers deposits in the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. 

Ensure your agent actually registers deposits in an approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme to protect the deposit if the agent goes bust.   Of course, this is the law and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme only admits agents who are members of a recognised, professional body.  But do check that the deposit is actually registered as an agent in financial difficulties may cut corners and not bother – you can do this on their website www.thedisputeservice.co.uk

4.         Ensure your tenants are fully referenced. 

If an agent references your tenant, check they see a copy of their and their guarantor’s ID (eg passport) to verify their names.  If they don’t and you have problems, you could be prosecuting the wrong person.  Evicting tenants is an expensive and lengthy process, taking up to a year in worst cases, during which time you are receiving no rent and incurring expensive legal costs and repair bills if the tenant damages the property.  Ensure your agent does a credit check on the tenant and where possibletakes out rental insurance.

5.         Keep copies of paperwork.

If your agent goes bust, you will need copies of relevant paperwork, whether you decide to handle matters yourself or appoint a new letting agent.  This should include the tenancy agreement, notices served, references, gas and electrical safety certificates.  Chase the agent for all this information.

“Following these simple guidelines should ensure your property is protected if the worst happens.  Your property is a very valuable asset so make sure you safeguard it and yourself,” concludes Marc.  “Everyone loves a bargain but when the costs can mount up to tens of thousands of pounds, is it really worth it?”

To find out more about lettings or London property management through Benham and Reeves Residential Lettings, which has nine offices across the capital and over 50 years’ experience in London lettings, go to www.brlets.co.uk

Editor’s notes:

Established in 1956 in Hampstead, London, and now with nine offices in the prime residential areas of London (and overseas offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, Delhi and Mumbai), Benham and Reeves Residential Lettings is recognised as one of London’s largest, specialist lettings and property management agencies.  To complement this, they also provide an interior design, refurbishment and furnishings service for London rental investment properties to landlords based worldwide.