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Holidays 2024
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Go straight to the villa owner then .....1
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Got my dates wrong and should have been at Tenerife v Gijon , monumental cock up.0
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How do you find the villa you want and contact the owner and then book and pay?cblock said:Go straight to the villa owner then .....
in theory you could go direct to the villa owner but generally speaking they only transact through tour operators with whom they have contracts (ie Villa Plus) or the likes of booking.com or Airbnb.
the chances of being scammed also rises exponentially for people that think they are getting a deal by going “direct”.1 -
Or like me and friends have experienced before. We booked a place in Amsterdam on air bnb. I assume they left the booking open on other websites like booking.com etc. 3 days before we were due to go our booking was cancelled and it wasn't available to rebook.SporadicAddick said:
How do you find the villa you want and contact the owner and then book and pay?cblock said:Go straight to the villa owner then .....
in theory you could go direct to the villa owner but generally speaking they only transact through tour operators with whom they have contracts (ie Villa Plus) or the likes of booking.com or Airbnb.
the chances of being scammed also rises exponentially for people that think they are getting a deal by going “direct”.
Did they have it advertised on other websites for double the cost? It left us in a bit of schtuck having to rebook a hotel 3 days before we needed to go.0 -
What have you done to the weather? Just back from Tenerife (more exotic locations are available) and the car has wet snow on it, can't trust anyone didn't even have the heated seats on 😬0
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Driving from Vancouver to Toronto via California, Texas and Tennessee at the end of the month in our '92 F350. Excited!5
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My family and I have probably stayed in over 20 rental properties abroad, and almost always direct from the owner.SporadicAddick said:
How do you find the villa you want and contact the owner and then book and pay?cblock said:Go straight to the villa owner then .....
in theory you could go direct to the villa owner but generally speaking they only transact through tour operators with whom they have contracts (ie Villa Plus) or the likes of booking.com or Airbnb.
the chances of being scammed also rises exponentially for people that think they are getting a deal by going “direct”.
These may have been advertised via a site like “owners direct”.
On Airbnb look for villas that have been given a name, villa juliett, for example.
Google that name along with location and you will be surprised what pops up.
A number of owners have simple one page web sites you can book direct from.
Never once been let down, just trust your judgement.
Another good tip is look at availability. If they have, for example,a 5 day break in bookings, you can haggle a good deal if you are prepared to work on those dates, maybe 5 days in one place, four in another, or whatever suits.
Got one once in Weymouth by google street viewing the property and seeing the owners sign written van on the drive.
Phoned him, done deal.
Had some lovely Spanish breaks in summer holidays, beachfront 3 bed detached, private beach, own pool, for less than £200 per night.
Where you thinking of going, got some good contacts stored for Lanzarote & Costa Blanca.
Also a couple of good ones from recent Croatia & Montenegro holidays.1 -
Any must do's for Funchal? Last week of May. Restaurants , Bars, or sightseeing.
Any recommendations will be gratefully received.0 -
I'm going then too, but to the North of the island.usetobunkin said:Any must do's for Funchal? Last week of May. Restaurants , Bars, or sightseeing.
Any recommendations will be gratefully received.
The Wicker toboggan run through the streets looks good fun.0 -
Florida at Easter for 2 weeks. Kissimmee staying in a house via Vrbo.Any tips on what to do locally other than obvious theme parks?0
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Off road jeep tour of the Island,(try and get Renato, he’s a Benfica fan, loves talking football) will pick you up, and drop you off at your hotel, you will have the time of your life.👀usetobunkin said:Any must do's for Funchal? Last week of May. Restaurants , Bars, or sightseeing.
Any recommendations will be gratefully received.
boat trip to see dolphins.
You can read reviews on a trip advisor, if you search for these companies.
There is another company 1/2 the price doing these tours, but it was so rammed with people hanging off of it, I thought it was heading to Dover.
I got one of these off Amazon, which I found helpful, absolutely love the place, went last summer, going back this Summer.
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Thanks, and clearly good experiences - I'm simply pointing out the chances are exponentially increased when booking direct, particularly if you are ever asked to pay direct by BACS etc.R0TW said:
My family and I have probably stayed in over 20 rental properties abroad, and almost always direct from the owner.SporadicAddick said:
How do you find the villa you want and contact the owner and then book and pay?cblock said:Go straight to the villa owner then .....
in theory you could go direct to the villa owner but generally speaking they only transact through tour operators with whom they have contracts (ie Villa Plus) or the likes of booking.com or Airbnb.
the chances of being scammed also rises exponentially for people that think they are getting a deal by going “direct”.
These may have been advertised via a site like “owners direct”.
On Airbnb look for villas that have been given a name, villa juliett, for example.
Google that name along with location and you will be surprised what pops up.
A number of owners have simple one page web sites you can book direct from.
Never once been let down, just trust your judgement.
Another good tip is look at availability. If they have, for example,a 5 day break in bookings, you can haggle a good deal if you are prepared to work on those dates, maybe 5 days in one place, four in another, or whatever suits.
Got one once in Weymouth by google street viewing the property and seeing the owners sign written van on the drive.
Phoned him, done deal.
Had some lovely Spanish breaks in summer holidays, beachfront 3 bed detached, private beach, own pool, for less than £200 per night.
Where you thinking of going, got some good contacts stored for Lanzarote & Costa Blanca.
Also a couple of good ones from recent Croatia & Montenegro holidays.
The safest option is via a recognised ABTA / ATOL protected provider. Intermediary sites such as Airbnb or Booking.com offer comfort over the booking, if not the full value or other elements.
Just a basic search suggest the point I was making:-
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Yes it is fun, a bit scary at times but good fun.bolloxbolder said:
I'm going then too, but to the North of the island.usetobunkin said:Any must do's for Funchal? Last week of May. Restaurants , Bars, or sightseeing.
Any recommendations will be gratefully received.
The Wicker toboggan run through the streets looks good fun.0 -
Currently in the last of six weeks in Thailand.
Next up, a weekend in Swindon for a festival.1 -
Currently in Thailand too, look out for the Mendonca shirt if in Koh PhanganAddicksAddict said:Currently in the last of six weeks in Thailand.
Next up, a weekend in Swindon for a festival.0 -
Koh Lanta then home. It’s hot, isn’t it?cafcsinger said:
Currently in Thailand too, look out for the Mendonca shirt if in Koh PhanganAddicksAddict said:Currently in the last of six weeks in Thailand.
Next up, a weekend in Swindon for a festival.0 -
Thinking of booking something last minute for the final week of February, potentially Turkey. Can anybody recommend a hotel or resort they've had a good experience with? It's just for me and my gf, preferably easy to get to from the airport, fairly chilled and quiet, can be all-inclusive with some places nearby to wander around and explore.0
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Full moon parties still a big thing there ?cafcsinger said:
Currently in Thailand too, look out for the Mendonca shirt if in Koh PhanganAddicksAddict said:Currently in the last of six weeks in Thailand.
Next up, a weekend in Swindon for a festival.0 -
I'm intrigued, @DamoNorthStand How did you quarter Japaneseness come about?DamoNorthStand said:Bit of a family history trip this year for us. I am a quarter Japanese - so travelling to Tokyo for 10 days in July. Then flying straight on to New Zealand as my wifes family are all from Christchurch. And I have an Aunt and Uncle in Auckland. Spending 2 weeks there. Then 5 days in Singapore on the way home.
Gonna be a trial on the flight(s) with 2 kids!
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Cloudworm said:
I'm intrigued, @DamoNorthStand How did you quarter Japaneseness come about?DamoNorthStand said:Bit of a family history trip this year for us. I am a quarter Japanese - so travelling to Tokyo for 10 days in July. Then flying straight on to New Zealand as my wifes family are all from Christchurch. And I have an Aunt and Uncle in Auckland. Spending 2 weeks there. Then 5 days in Singapore on the way home.
Gonna be a trial on the flight(s) with 2 kids!Incredible story of resilience from my amazing Grandmother. She was a young Japanese girl growing up with her family in China (her father owned a business which meant they had to spend some time there). When war broke out between China and Japan, she had to get hidden in a friends basement for a good while (don’t know how long) but we are talking many months.
She was then, for her own safety, smuggled out of China in a trunk on a train. When the train was stopped and raided by soldiers - she had to make a run for it. She almost died as it was the middle of winter in Manchuria. Long story short - she made her way across Russia / Europe and settled in South East London (Plumstead) where she met my grandfather. Bearing in mind it was after ww2 and she was a Japanese lady in the UK she said everyone was lovely to her. She lived in that same house until she died there at the age of 87. Funnily enough my grandad was an arsehole to her. Cheated and left her and my mum alone. She never remarried or even removed her wedding ring. Her Japanese ‘honour’ inside her said she took a vow and just because he broke his - she wouldn’t do the same back.
My Grandma was an amazing lady - her next door neighbour was a Charlton season ticket holder which ultimately is what lead to me supporting Charlton as a kid.
If she hadn’t had fought for her life when the soldiers in China were literally raping and killing young Japanese women they found - I wouldn’t be here now.31 -
I can’t just ‘like’ that.DamoNorthStand said:Cloudworm said:
I'm intrigued, @DamoNorthStand How did you quarter Japaneseness come about?DamoNorthStand said:Bit of a family history trip this year for us. I am a quarter Japanese - so travelling to Tokyo for 10 days in July. Then flying straight on to New Zealand as my wifes family are all from Christchurch. And I have an Aunt and Uncle in Auckland. Spending 2 weeks there. Then 5 days in Singapore on the way home.
Gonna be a trial on the flight(s) with 2 kids!Incredible story of resilience from my amazing Grandmother. She was a young Japanese girl growing up with her family in China (her father owned a business which meant they had to spend some time there). When war broke out between China and Japan, she had to get hidden in a friends basement for a good while (don’t know how long) but we are talking many months.
She was then, for her own safety, smuggled out of China in a trunk on a train. When the train was stopped and raided by soldiers - she had to make a run for it. She almost died as it was the middle of winter in Manchuria. Long story short - she made her way across Russia / Europe and settled in South East London (Plumstead) where she met my grandfather. Bearing in mind it was after ww2 and she was a Japanese lady in the UK she said everyone was lovely to her. She lived in that same house until she died there at the age of 87. Funnily enough my grandad was an arsehole to her. Cheated and left her and my mum alone. She never remarried or even removed her wedding ring. Her Japanese ‘honour’ inside her said she took a vow and just because he broke his - she wouldn’t do the same back.
My Grandma was an amazing lady - her next door neighbour was a Charlton season ticket holder which ultimately is what lead to me supporting Charlton as a kid.
If she hadn’t had fought for her life when the soldiers in China were literally raping and killing young Japanese women they found - I wouldn’t be here now.
OMG! What a women.
What was her name? If you don’t mind sharing.2 -
DamoNorthStand said:Cloudworm said:
I'm intrigued, @DamoNorthStand How did you quarter Japaneseness come about?DamoNorthStand said:Bit of a family history trip this year for us. I am a quarter Japanese - so travelling to Tokyo for 10 days in July. Then flying straight on to New Zealand as my wifes family are all from Christchurch. And I have an Aunt and Uncle in Auckland. Spending 2 weeks there. Then 5 days in Singapore on the way home.
Gonna be a trial on the flight(s) with 2 kids!Incredible story of resilience from my amazing Grandmother. She was a young Japanese girl growing up with her family in China (her father owned a business which meant they had to spend some time there). When war broke out between China and Japan, she had to get hidden in a friends basement for a good while (don’t know how long) but we are talking many months.
She was then, for her own safety, smuggled out of China in a trunk on a train. When the train was stopped and raided by soldiers - she had to make a run for it. She almost died as it was the middle of winter in Manchuria. Long story short - she made her way across Russia / Europe and settled in South East London (Plumstead) where she met my grandfather. Bearing in mind it was after ww2 and she was a Japanese lady in the UK she said everyone was lovely to her. She lived in that same house until she died there at the age of 87. Funnily enough my grandad was an arsehole to her. Cheated and left her and my mum alone. She never remarried or even removed her wedding ring. Her Japanese ‘honour’ inside her said she took a vow and just because he broke his - she wouldn’t do the same back.
My Grandma was an amazing lady - her next door neighbour was a Charlton season ticket holder which ultimately is what lead to me supporting Charlton as a kid.
If she hadn’t had fought for her life when the soldiers in China were literally raping and killing young Japanese women they found - I wouldn’t be here now.
Amazing story about an amazing woman - you must be so proud to have that very special Japanese quarter in your make up.
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Kazuko Fumino Glaccum (her married name she kept until she died). She was a nurse at Woolwich hospital for years and then she became a carer to Lady Astors grandmother (yes the Astor family).She was the biggest inspiration in my life. She died one year before my mother died of lung cancer. We lost Grandma in Feb 2011, my Mum was diagnosed in May 2012 and died in August 2012.
I can’t wait to see Japan for the first time this summer.9 -
Our neighbours went last year, loved it so much they are going back this year....amazing reading about your nan.DamoNorthStand said:Kazuko Fumino Glaccum (her married name she kept until she died). She was a nurse at Woolwich hospital for years and then she became a carer to Lady Astors grandmother (yes the Astor family).She was the biggest inspiration in my life. She died one year before my mother died of lung cancer. We lost Grandma in Feb 2011, my Mum was diagnosed in May 2012 and died in August 2012.
I can’t wait to see Japan for the first time this summer.0 -
That's an incredible story Damo.
A truly remarkable woman0 -
Kazuko, that’s a wonderful name. And to become a nurse and a carer.DamoNorthStand said:Kazuko Fumino Glaccum (her married name she kept until she died). She was a nurse at Woolwich hospital for years and then she became a carer to Lady Astors grandmother (yes the Astor family).She was the biggest inspiration in my life. She died one year before my mother died of lung cancer. We lost Grandma in Feb 2011, my Mum was diagnosed in May 2012 and died in August 2012.
I can’t wait to see Japan for the first time this summer.Will you be visiting her homeplace?
Bruv visited Japan with work a few times. He loved it.
I hope you’ll let us know how you get on. I’d love to hear how it goes 🤗0 -
Thank you all for your kind words. She truly was amazing. Top Photo I believe was just before war broke out….. then one of her on her wedding day…..then with me as a child rocking an awesome 80s sweater…… then a couple of years before she died holding her great grandson (my eldest who is now 15). She said when he was born it was the highlight of her life.
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@KBslittlesis I am actually trying to track down any family I may still have out there.
We used to have loads of contacts that was with my Mum….. unfortunately my Dad for reasons best not discussed here is not exactly helping me find out who to contact0 -
What a beautiful woman! Those photos with you and your son are priceless 🥰DamoNorthStand said:@KBslittlesis I am actually trying to track down any family I may still have out there.
We used to have loads of contacts that was with my Mum….. unfortunately my Dad for reasons best not discussed here is not exactly helping me find out who to contact
Families eh? I’m sure you’ll be able to find family if you have a few clues. I wish you all the luck in the world. Imagine finding some family while you’re there? That would be amazing 🤩0
