Non-motoring > Winter/Spring Sun - Europe	Miscellaneous
Thread Author: Bromptonaut	Replies: 145

New Mon 5 Feb 24 12:21   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Bromptonaut

I have quite a bit of leave to use before the end of March - more than enough for a week away - and we're thinking somewhere reasonably sunny - like upper teens or low twenties daytime temperature. Happy to fly as far as the Canaries but no further. Would consider Southern Spain and or Gib too. Would prefer to fly from Brum or East Mids but Luton or Stansted would be OK. Board probably DB&B but might consider B&B or self catering if eat out options are plentiful. Suggestions please!! ISTR when we've discussed this before there are parts of particularly the Canaries that can be cool and potentially wet or windy and best avoided outwith summer. Would particularly welcome insights on that. Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Feb 24 12:33   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Zero

thinking the same, early november, for SWMBO's birthday. Malta has risen to the top of the choice pot. Sicily is also a contender, cyprus might be a consideration. Last edited by: Zero on Mon 5 Feb 24 at 12:33 Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Feb 24 12:38   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Bromptonaut

Malta and Cyprus hadn't featured on my radar. Not sure what flights are like pre Easter. Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Feb 24 13:40   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - James Loveless

Flights UK to Cyprus are nearly an hour longer than to the Canaries, which would be my default option for non-summer holidays. Unfortunately I've not been well for a while, but we were planning to go to Gran Canaria, which we've visited once before. La Palma would also be an attractive option. Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Feb 24 13:53   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Bromptonaut

>> Flights UK to Cyprus are nearly an hour longer than to the Canaries, which would >> be my default option for non-summer holidays. Point taken. I wouldn't rule it out on that basis even though further. Places I'd rule out as too far would be the likes of Boa Vista or Egypt. Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Feb 24 14:23   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - smokie

Not sure it's that much longer to Cyprus than Canaries. 4h 20m to Pashos 4h 30m to Tenerife. I just mentioned to SWMBO what about another holiday in maybe late May early June, hadn't thought of Cyprus!! 7 weeks in Portugal begin on 3 March (and again on 22 Sept) Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Feb 24 15:51   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Bromptonaut

>> Not sure it's that much longer to Cyprus than Canaries. 4h 20m to Pashos 4h >> 30m to Tenerife. I suspect also that the difference between Cyprus and the Canaries is greater from southern England than Midlands or North. Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Feb 24 16:18   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - sooty123

I would think in terms of weeks holiday it's neither here nor there? Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Feb 24 16:40   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - CGNorwich

Malta is very interesting and weather still mild in November. Full of history and plenty to see. I would stay in Valletta which is compact and very walkable . Traffic on island is awful. Buses are frequent but passengers crammed in like sardines in a can. Last edited by: CGNorwich on Mon 5 Feb 24 at 16:41 Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Feb 24 14:02   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - sooty123

Cyprus would fit your temp requirements, March is a good time to go. The bits of frost on a morning have gone and should be sunny but not too hot. Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Feb 24 16:41   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Terry

In late March anywhere around the Med carries the risk of inclemency. If your motive is sun, sun, sun go to the Canaries. However Southern Spain or Cyprus is more likely than not to be mostly sunny with daytime temperatures ~20C - ideal for walking, sightseeing, lunch in outdoor cafe etc. Could recommend Nerja about 40 miles east of Malaga (we stay regularly). Generally civilised, with plenty of good restaurants. Compared to west of Malaga - Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Marbella, etc - less English breakfast, more tapas bars. Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Feb 24 17:44   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Manatee

You should find half board for a week with flights in a hotel with ok reviews from £400-500pp on Fuerteventura. I was thinking about it but can't really be bothered flying anywhere now. Pick up a car from the airport and it's a nice place to explore. We went for a week in 2017 iirc. Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Feb 24 18:15   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - legacylad

I’m currently in Fuerteventura. I was due to rejoin friends on the CBlanca 1st January ( cheap early AM flight) but family medical emergency meant I had to cancel and spend ten days hospital visiting and the rest of January organising home care and other stuff. Care in place meant I had a short window of opportunity to get away after a stressful month. Staying at bottom end of Fuerteventura with an hours daily beach walk to Morro Jable, drink water, then walk back. Great weather, HB in cracking ( expensive) hotel and walking to Pico de la Zarza @ 807metres tomorrow from my hotel. Highest point on the island. Only a short holiday, no alcohol, lots of exercise up & down the beach, Pilates classes, pre breakfast swim & gym….very little sightseeing but just what I needed. Warm sunny forecast rest of the week. Happy days Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Feb 24 18:46   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Bobby

Just back from Tenerife. Early 20s for a week. Blue sky every day. Would always be my default for a winter holiday. Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Feb 24 20:01   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - legacylad

A varied island…friend of mine worked in hospitality in a luxury hotel In Adeje. On her days off we spent time in La Laguna and exploring the forest whose name escapes me. Polar opposite to the SW coast. And she introduced me to sipping top notch tequila with every mouthful of freshly caught octopus, served on canarian potatoes. No veg ! Edit. Anarga forest. Brilliant spot near La Laguna Last edited by: legacylad on Mon 5 Feb 24 at 20:03 Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 6 Feb 24 07:22   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Dog

>>Anarga forest. Brilliant spot near La Laguna Anaga: capturetheatlas.com/anaga-tenerife/ Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Feb 24 19:57   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Bromptonaut

Hi LL, where are the best places on Fuerteventura a bit later then right now? Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Feb 24 21:39   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - legacylad

Sorry no idea. Only my second visit to the island…first was early 80s with a gf. Bought a cheap flight, bus to Corralejo, left me drinking beer on a bench whilst she flirted with local rental agencies, fluttered her eyelashes and waved a fistful of pesetas under their nose. To this day I’m sure we stayed in a third party’s apartment and the agent kept the cash…no receipt, no questions added. gf went on to become highly successful in the field of sales. I wasn’t in the least surprised. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 6 Feb 24 08:44   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - martin aston

Re Malta, it’s worth considering but it’s not everyone cup of tea. We first went in the 80’s and loved it. Chaotic old buses (and I mean old like cars in Cuba) and very friendly people. We went back three years ago and it was like a different place. There’s been a lot of development and immigration and the people seemed rather less friendly. Traffic is chaotic, I recall they have one of the highest rates of car ownership in Europe. On the plus side we stayed in Valletta for a week and it is indeed walkable and historic. We mainly used ferries to get about the local area (there are old areas across the bay from Valletta) and only used the now modern busses a couple of times. In May they were never crowded and seemed to carve through the traffic pretty well. We didn’t find the restaurants much cop which was a shame as we like eating out on holiday. Being so built up there are few cafe squares or green spaces. It’s more city than a relaxing resort. It’s also a cruise ship terminal with periodic crowds of cruise passengers. Sorry to sound negative as I am sure some people would love it, as we did the first time. If you like historic sight seeing in a bustling old city it’s still good. If you want a more relaxing holiday go to one of the smaller resorts but it’s not Malta’s forte and there are better options elsewhere. Gozo, Malta’s immediate neighbour, sounds good but we’ve never got there Finally I seem to remember this topic came up before and I suggested Seville. It’s got much more to offer in terms of relaxing and being able to find peace in a city. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 6 Feb 24 09:49   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Manatee

I'm trying to cast my mind back to our one week on Fuerteventura. It was a short notice bargain taken at the end of Feb. We had a hotel called the Elba Carlota which was cheap at the time but quite decent, and seems a bit dearer now. Handy for the airport which is 5 miles to the north. A mile up the road is Caleta de Fuste, a pleasant walk along the 'prom'. We were recommended a steak house called Fado Rock, which was fun - they bring a hot rock and cook your steak on it at the table. I wasn't brave enough, but the next table had their alleged signature dish, an extravaganza with steak and prawns I think that involved a fairly major conflagration. www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g658907-d1123713-Reviews-Fado_Rock_Steak_House-Caleta_de_Fuste_Antigua_Fuerteventura_Canary_Islands.html I don't like lying on a beach or loafing by a pool and a week there would have been tedious, but I hired a Renault Kangoo and four of us explored the island which you can spend a week doing easily. A good trip out was Betancuria which you can look up, a fairly small but once important settlement and 'historic'. I probably remember it because we found a decent cafe. We might have been lucky in that it was fairly quiet when we went, apparently it can be busy with coaches etc. If you like driving around it's good, with wild places, pretty villages and old towns. And obviously some untidy development around what are intended to become busy resorts but these are easily avoided. We motored to Punta Ballena where there is a lighthouse with a little museum and nothing else. A desert with a rocky beach. Not much to do but get blown about and contemplate 3,000 miles or so of ocean between there and Florida but strangely inspiring. Worth a go if you can find a bargain I'd say. You won't see Sydney Opera House, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, or herds of wildebeest but it's good for a change of scene in the bleak midwinter. Weather was ideal for me. As you might infer from the island's name, there is usually a pleasant breeze. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 6 Feb 24 18:25   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - legacylad

Not sure I’d return here, but after a stressful January I’m appreciating a week in the sun just chilling. Pre sunrise walks on the beach to work up an appetite, a varied relaxation programme in the hotel with Pilates, yoga, stretching & meditation classes all inc. cracking walk directly from hotel today to high point of Fuerteventura…10.6 miles with 2896’ altitude gain, taken at a steady pace. Stupendous 360 views from Picos de la Zarza. Should there be a future visit to Canaries it will be to La Palma And the weather is fantastic. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 6 Feb 24 18:55   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - CGNorwich

>> Should there be a future visit to Canaries it will be to La Palma Good choice. Probably the most beautiful and unspoiled of the Canaries and great for hiking. Spent four weeks there last Feb/March and didn’t want to come home. Mind you La Gomera is also great and also well worth a visit. Off to Lanzarote in March which I also like. I avoid the south Coast resorts. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 2 Mar 24 17:37   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Bromptonaut

Finally booked yesterday. Mrs B and I were laid very low with flu last month meaning we're now on compressed time. A week at Puerto de la Cruz ex BHX with Jet 2. Less than £1500 for two of us half board including a Cit C3 or equivalent hire car. Flights are on Jet2 but one of their A321 CEOs, not the usual 738. Reply to this message | Report message       1

New Sat 2 Mar 24 19:16   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - zippy

Sounds good Mr B. Hope both you and Mrs B have a great time. Our holidays will be in the UK this year unless we can find a replacement dog minder - our current one has retired :-( Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 2 Mar 24 20:06   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Dog

Wev can be dodgy oop north. I've been on the beach (good film!) in Los Cris with 73 degrees while it's been snowing up there. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 3 Mar 24 13:43   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - martin aston

We had a brief cruise stop in Puerto and it was lovely. I remember a huge public park and I liked the fact that it’s a living city, not just a holiday resort. It felt like a place that I could have easily spent a few days. We tried, and failed, to find the Nelson pub (Casa Nelson). We were told that tradition dictates that every barman responds to “Nelson” as their adopted name. But maybe that’s a tourist wind up? Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 3 Mar 24 14:08   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - martin aston

I’ve just realised I am confusing my Northern Tenerife towns. It was Santa Cruz I visited. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 3 Mar 24 14:43   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Bromptonaut

Though that was the case as I can't see a port capable of accepting cruise ships near where we're staying and the Nelson reference fitted the island capital too. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 3 Mar 24 14:49   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Bobby

When we were in Tenerife in January, down at Las Americas, we took the bus up to Santa Cruz for a day trip. Saw cruise ship up close for the first time. Scared the bejesus out of me and everything about them shouts “hell on earth” to me. But I am not even a fan of busy hotels never mind thousands of folk together on a floating one. Enjoyed Santa Cruz. Had tapas on a pavement cafe in the pedestrian area. But one day was enough. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 3 Mar 24 15:49   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Bromptonaut

>> Scared the bejesus out of me and everything about them shouts “hell on >> earth” to me. But I am not even a fan of busy hotels never mind >> thousands of folk together on a floating one. I could enjoy a cruise on the Heb Princess or maybe something a bit bigger on a wildlife theme. Some of the monsters we saw in Galveston when in the US and off the coast of the Hebrides would have me jumping overboard after a couple of days. Last edited by: Bromptonaut on Sun 3 Mar 24 at 15:49 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 13 Mar 24 12:57   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Bromptonaut

On Tenerife now, day 3 of what's effectively 6 given arrival/departure times. Flight out all good. Jet 2 make a lot of use of routes that take the aircraft way out over the Atlantic. Literally over water all the way from the Pembrokeshire cost until a fleeting view of Madeira. Passport control at TFS was a bit of a shuffle but by the time we'd done that baggage was on the carousel. Avis car hire was off site and the bus stop was a massive route march from arrivals. Then a bit of a wait behind people who seemed not to have done this before. An hours drive, mostly on Motorway then a battel to find the hotel which Google thought was up a back jigger when in actual fact it's over the street - more or less - from the sea. Shades of the seventies in that there's a building site under the window but it's not actually noisy, what sound there is is drowned out by crashing breakers. Monday spent exploring Puerto de la Cruz which is actually quite nice. Plenty of nice cafes etc. Yesterday we thought we'd explore the south - Los Americanos etc - but had to be satisfied with driving round as parking is a chuffing nightmare. Appreciate there's a huge market for places like that but not our thing at all. Like Dad before me I like quieter places. Lot of English guests are bitching about the food, particularly dinner. International buffet, loads of choice, and as we paid in the UK I think we're only paying a few tens of pounds each over and above B&B. Excitement today was that the hire car was gone. There at 07:30 when I was on the balcony but gone after breakfast. Turned out the space we'd left it in was needed from today by the folks building the watersports centre under our window. Took most of the morning to find the pound in the town. Fifty Euro fine was OK, a further eighty for the tow fee less so!! PLan for today was the zoo but we've re-jigged that for tomorrow and are having another day around the resort. Weather is good. Warm as UK in June. Odd effect with cloud and the mountains though. Clear in the morning but like Skiddaw on a wet november by lunchtime. When we go up to the Teide we need an early start. I think a week is enough for us to say we've 'done' Tenerfie. Perhaps Gran Canaria or one othe smaller islands next time. Edit: While I was writing the above it's clouden over and we've now got warm drizzle. Last edited by: Bromptonaut on Wed 13 Mar 24 at 13:01 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 13 Mar 24 13:27   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Zero

>> Odd effect with cloud and the mountains >> though. Clear in the morning but like Skiddaw on a wet november by lunchtime. When >> we go up to the Teide we need an early start. Thats typical of the wrong side of the mountains there. We did Teide at midnight for star gazing up by the observatory Amazing views of the sky but -5c in May!!!! Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 13 Mar 24 15:41   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Bromptonaut

>> Thats typical of the wrong side of the mountains there. Not sure I share the 'wrong side' nomenclature. It's actually mostly sunny here. The clag was equally visible from TFS as we taxied in and seems to cling to all the high ground without fear/favour. The rain was only a bit of drizzle. Stopped now. Looking for lunch locally meant we found a lovely Tapas bar. >> We did Teide at midnight for star gazing up by the observatory Chapeau!! Not even considering that!! Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 14 Mar 24 09:13   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Zero

>> Not sure I share the 'wrong side' nomenclature. It's actually mostly sunny here. The clag >> was equally visible from TFS Thats why they build TFS, TFN was too variable. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 14 Mar 24 16:20   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - maltrap

I thought TFS was built after the world’s worst air disaster at TFN. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 14 Mar 24 16:29   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - CGNorwich

Tenerife South was already under construction at the time of the disaster. I was working in aviation insurance at the time. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 14 Mar 24 16:53   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Zero

>> Tenerife South was already under construction at the time of the disaster. I was working >> in aviation insurance at the time. It was more or less complete, the opening had been delayed. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 13 Mar 24 13:53   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Dog

Twenny 5 darn sowf: www.skylinewebcams.com/en/webcam/espana/canarias/santa-cruz-de-tenerife/playa-las-vistas.html Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 13 Mar 24 16:14   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - legacylad

I used to visit Teneriffy quite a lot, as I had a friend who was restaurant manager in a fancy hotel in Adeje. On her days off she showed me ‘off the beaten track’ kind of places, all very interesting, but not returned for 3 or 4 years. Last month I visited Fuerteventura for a week, staying in the ‘German quarter’ at the bottom of the island. Weather was ok, a few hot days, mostly highs around 21C, but I’m in no rush to return. Last minute trip to Lanzagrotty next week, where I found some great snorkelling spots last year. 7 days in a hotel is sufficient for me...HB was an extra £18 with Jet2 so a no brainer. I know a half decent curry house in Playa Blanca so they’ll get some of my business. Wish I was flying out in a few days as the forecast in PB is for a mini heat wave. I get bored after a week, ok snoozing in the sun for a few hours after morning exercise...I’m often walking on the beach at sunrise, then swim and a late hotel breakfast which keeps me going until 8pm or later. Planning my next road trip to Espana....I suppose our choice of holidays change as we age. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 13 Mar 24 17:59   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Bromptonaut

>> HB was an extra £18 with >> Jet2 so a no brainer. I know a half decent curry house in Playa Blanca >> so they’ll get some of my business. Crikey, thought ours was a bargain at £40 each. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 13 Mar 24 18:30   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - legacylad

>> >> >> HB was an extra £18 with >> >> Jet2 so a no brainer. I know a half decent curry house in Playa >> Blanca >> >> so they’ll get some of my business. >> >> Crikey, thought ours was a bargain at £40 each. Yes. A bonkers price in a hotel rated 4*plus by Jet2. I thought about flying out a few days early, price is currently £59 ( inc 10kg bag, more than enough) for Saturday’s 09:45 departure from LBA. I’ve already checked in for next weeks flight so no changes allowed, and the daily hotel rate online is very expensive. Jet2 told me ‘computer says no’. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 13 Mar 24 22:27   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - bathtub tom

>> Perhaps Gran Canaria or one othe smaller islands next time. I can thoroughly recommend Gran Canaria, as long as you avoid Puerto Rico like the plague. Lots of the accommodation's plagued with cockroaches, as are public places. I've heard tales of bed bugs too. Scenery is stunning in places, I particularly enjoyed La Caldera. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 23 Mar 24 21:20   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Fullchat

Just had a week in Malta staying in The Three Cities. Nice and sunny every day with blue skies. Late teens early 20s temps. Although there was a comparable chill in the air if the wind got up a bit and you were in the shade. T shirt majority of the time. Not too busy as very early season. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 24 Mar 24 00:10   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - smokie

I've been here in Portugal since 3 March and it's been variable. Mostly better than forecast (and many days "sitting in the sun")but we've had some rain and crappy days, and there really isn't a lot to do here (which we haven't already done). Had the usual sandstorm the other day, where they strongly recommend not going out and everything is well covered with a layer of sand. And they are in drought conditions here so no hosing the terrace furniture down (officially :-) ) All that said, we're looking forward to our remaining3+ weeks and also the return trip in Sept :-) Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 9 Nov 24 11:01   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Bromptonaut

This could become a habit. Week's break in Gran Canaria, just under £1400 all inclusive for the two of us. Flew out yesterday. First outing on one of Jet2's A321NEO machines. On the limits of OK as far as space on charter configured aircraft are concerned. Leg room just about OK but only because of the contour of the seat in front and me being very slight in build. Anything dropped in the footwell is hell's delight to recover. Managed to have my glasses drop behind the seat back table and only got them back on hands/knees after landing. Concur with others on the net that seats are way too hard and have a weird rake for normal sitting. Hotel in Maspalomas is fine. Massive place with a quadrangle of bedroom blocks around pools/bar. Clientele a mix of Brits, Scandi and German. If I were having a snobbish turn I'd say in terms of Orwell's 1984 and the Brits this is where the Proles come!!. Food is usual buffet style. Dinner and brekky well up to expectations. Hire car is a Fiat 500 which apart from a boot that would fail the Brompton test (or the large plus small suitcases one) is fine. Spent this morning getting straight then we'll head out to explore the locale. Last edited by: Bromptonaut on Sat 9 Nov 24 at 11:05 Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 9 Nov 24 11:57   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - smokie

We're just back from our 7 week self catering in a large apartment plus Peugeot 208 rental. All costs totalled just over £4200. We ate out and drank out as much as we wanted to ( - I'm already missing the two beers in the sun on the way back from the daily Lidl shop!!) Couldn't do it in UK for anywhere near that. Roll on the next one, in March (which will be the same duration, but the property is about €500 cheaper!!!! :-) Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 9 Nov 24 12:54   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - James Loveless

You may wish to explore Puerto de Mogan, if it's not already on your list. A short drive west along the motorway. My son stayed in Agaete earlier this year and loved it. On the NW coast. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 9 Nov 24 16:53   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - bathtub tom

>>You may wish to explore Puerto de Mogan It's a nice place, but I got conned by a 'parking attendant'. Coughed up because I didn't want the car damaged. The mountain roads are stunning, particularly the North coast (watch out for 40 tonne artics using all of the road to get round corners). Avoid Puertu Rico, it's a s*** hole plagued with cockroaches and chancers trying to part you from your money. I particularly enjoyed Caldera, having never seen one before. You can drive up to the rim and look down into what appears to be a farm down the bottom. Last edited by: bathtub tom on Sat 9 Nov 24 at 16:56 Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 9 Nov 24 17:51   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Bromptonaut

>> You may wish to explore Puerto de Mogan, if it's not already on your list. Added as is Mogan itself a few k up into the hills. >> My son stayed in Agaete earlier this year and loved it. On the NW coast. On my list too. Not done much more than get straight today. Located a nearby supermarket once we remembered that what Hyper Dino is; for some reason we thought child centered eatery!! Hotel insists beer is drunk from paper mugs until after the pool closes. Have they not heard of re-useable plastic? GC is the LGBT capital of the Canaries the G bit was evident on the plane out and is around the hotel too. Not the slightest issue but I keep thinking of the cartoons in Private Eye c1980!! Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 9 Nov 24 19:47   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Bobby

We went to GC last autumn. First time there. Didn’t know anything about the whole LGBT thing before we booked and nearly cancelled when some friends told me how “bad” it was. So glad we didn’t, we were in an adults only hotel in Playa del Ingles. Lots of same sex couples and no one batted an eyelid. I actually came away feeling quite disappointed with myself that I had been taken in by all the horror stories but actually felt it must be great for those who are LGBT that there is a place where they can go and feel comfortable. We should all be able to do that wherever we go. We did go a walk through the dunes one afternoon which was a bit of an eye opener but again, doing no one any harm. It’s not a place I would go back to. I love Tenerife where you can walk from Cristianos to Calleta on the prom. GC just didn’t have that for me. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 9 Nov 24 21:31   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - legacylad

Went to GC a few years ago. Stayed in Puerto Mogan..one of two large hotels, plus a smaller one in the port. Enjoyed some of the northerly bits. Hated the built up resorts, but went for a week to warm up. I wouldn’t return there..currently back on northern CBlanca walking and scrambling my socks off. One torrential downpour last Sunday, cooler with large chance of rain next week but in the sea at 08:30 today and again as the sun set. That’s not possible in upper Ribblesdale. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 9 Nov 24 22:29   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - CGNorwich

Have been to all the Canary Islands apart from El Hierro. To my mind the Western islands of La Palma and La Gomera are by far the most attractive and least touristed. Will be spending February in Los Llanos in La Palma. I do have a fondness for Lanzarote but not the resorts. I normally stay in the North where my fellow countrymen seldom venture. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 9 Nov 24 21:41   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Bobby

As a footnote to this, In Jan we are going to Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote. First January in 5 years that we aren’t in Tenerife. But it looks like it has a decent prom. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 10 Nov 24 09:53   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Bromptonaut

>> We went to GC last autumn. First time there. Didn’t know anything about the whole >> LGBT thing before we booked and nearly cancelled when some friends told me how “bad” >> it was. There are a few places that are party central and, within those areas whole streets of bars and clubs pitching for the LGBT market but with, I think, and emphasis on the young gay male sector. No doubt they're as noisy and prone to drunken and possibly public promiscuity as their straight contemporaries. Away from those places then unless one is offended by men holding hands it's difficult to find anything 'bad'. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 9 Nov 24 22:35   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - tyrednemotional

>> >> GC is the LGBT capital of the Canaries >> ...Hebden Bridge without the weather then, Brompt. ;-) Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 10 Nov 24 00:42   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Terry

Off to the Andalusian sunshine for 5 weeks, coming back just before Xmas. Current daytime temperature is 23C with lots of sun - 18-22C is more normal for Nov/Dec, so a little cooler than Canaries which we used to enjoy for a holiday, particularly Lanzarote and Fuerteventura when the kids were with us. I now find that for a 5 week or more stay there is not enough stimulation - from our base near Malaga there are not only coastal resorts, but less than couple of hours gets us to Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Jaen. Back for another 5 weeks in March. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 10 Nov 24 06:04   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - legacylad

3 of us drove the 6 hours south from the CBlanca to attend the annual Competa Walking Festival late September, Competa being a large mountain village, a short drive NE of Malaga. Three levels of walks, which had to be pre booked as the operate on a max numbers basis…only Level 3 available. Temps were silly hot, low 30s, and first two days walks almost killed me. Second day there was 1340m ascent, 24kms and we were walking for 9 hours. Fortunately from day3 I could drop to Level 2 walks. Stayed in a town house arranged for me by the festival organisers…Dutch folks. A lovely part of the world, pretty villages, views at night across to the Atlas Mtns, and the motorway drive, north around Granada, was also interesting, more so than the more direct coastal route. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 10 Nov 24 19:46   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - helicopter

Currently in Los Christianos in Tenerife for 3 weeks, 33 degrees today. As the other half has a ruptured Achilles we had special assistance at both Gatwick and Tenerife south and we have hired a double disability buggy. Very dangerous driving silently along the prom in the buggy amongst the idiots busily looking at their phones or listening to music and not paying attention....had a few near misses. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 10 Nov 24 19:52   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Biggles

Isn't it the responsibility of the driver to avoid pedestrians? Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 10 Nov 24 20:33   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - smokie

... especially in a pedestrianised area. There is one where we holidayed - vehicles can use it for access and I suppose a fair number do - it's one way - but the annoying thing was the gangs of oldies on electric bikes coming the wrong way along it. And it was mostly oldies (which I can say, as I am one too!!)) Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 10 Nov 24 20:14   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Dog

>>Very dangerous driving silently along the prom Beware of the Doge too: tenerifeweekly.com/2022/10/12/this-is-the-giant-squid-found-in-the-waters-of-the-canary-islands/ Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 11 Nov 24 16:05   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Falkirk Bairn

Granddaughter is a student into her cheap holiday breaks She has booked 4 nights in Tenerife 14th December - Glasgow Flights £56 return (+ £10 charges) + 4 nights Hotel £126 each - going with 2 friends. She could spend more than that on 2 nights out in Glasgow! Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 11 Nov 24 19:09   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Manatee

I've just booked 2 nights in Devon in a Travelodge in January for £79, that includes 4 breakfasts. I couldn't get them to pay me any more than that! As a plan for winter sun, however, I don't expect this to qualify. Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 11 Nov 24 22:19   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - zippy

Would you believe Travelodges are outside of budget for my multi billion pound employer. e***** tightwads. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 06:57   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - legacylad

Booked Travelodge Newbury Tot Hill late June for £29.99 when returning from Spain. Arrive Portsmouth 17:30 and like to break the journey north. Same place, same BF crossing, is £54.99 late October so I’ll look elsewhere for my overnight..hopefully a B & B in a pub within an hour of Portsmouth. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 08:15   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Manatee

>> Would you believe Travelodges are outside of budget for my multi billion pound employer. >> >> e***** tightwads. My mistake, it was a actually the Premier Inn at Seaton. The free breakfast was a promotion. Travelodge is usually cheapest. Where are you supposed to stay if they won't pay for those? I have used the Dover Travelodge the night before an 8am ferry check-in a couple of times, about £70 on a Friday night. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 10:36   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - zippy

>>Travelodge is usually cheapest. Where are you supposed to stay if they won't pay for those? I think their plan is to dissuade us from using hotels at all. On top of that they like making life difficult. For example, I will be asked to visit a client in Newcastle and my colleague from Durham will be asked to visit one in Brighton. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 08:24   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - sooty123

>> Would you believe Travelodges are outside of budget for my multi billion pound employer. >> >> e***** tightwads. >> I would have thought they were the cheapest about? Where do you stay, best western franchise hotels? Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 10:24   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - zippy

Britannia Hotels are the preferred choice now. Worst hotels I have ever stayed in. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 11:15   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Manatee

Britannia do look pretty grim, they include the imposing Grand in Scarborough which I have been told is seriously bad. I looked for a Britannia in Devon to compare with my 2 nights in January. The only one in the west country appears to be in Torquay. Whether there is a view of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon I don't know but it was double the cost of my Premier Inn. It's not the first time I have confused Premier and Travelodge. I decided to buy a Premier Inn mattress as our last two have since our fire have given me backache despite not being cheap. A friend says the Premier Inn one is the best he has ever had, at a reasonable £600. I decided to send for one and was pleased to see it was reduced, allegedly, from 600 to 450. I had been sleeping on it for a fortnight when I realised I had bought a Travelodge one by mistake. Not bad actually. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 11:42   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - zippy

>>Britannia do look pretty grim, they include the imposing Grand in Scarborough which I have been told is seriously bad. They are. It's a deliberate policy. Firstly to keep costs down by discouraging hotel stays. Secondly to pee staff off so that they move on. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 28 Nov 24 21:05   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Dave_

If you have to go to Scarborough, I can recommend the Bike and Boot just around the corner from the Grand. Quirky place in a row of terraced houses with a sea view, decent bar and dog-friendly. In fact dogs almost mandatory - we felt we were missing out by not having one. Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 29 Nov 24 08:28   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Bromptonaut

>> If you have to go to Scarborough, I can recommend the Bike and Boot just >> around the corner from the Grand. Was it a hotel back in the sixties/seventies? Trying to remember the name. Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 29 Nov 24 09:06   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Zero

Bike and Boot? Sounds like your dog needs hells angel tatts as well. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 12:33   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Fullchat

I'd be looking at constructive dismissal there :/ Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 13:42   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - zippy

>> I'd be looking at constructive dismissal there :/ >> They have it all worked out. We don't have a union but I have spoken to a solicitor (Bromp was spot on here: www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?t=31615&m=674881&v=e ) and I mentioned the above and said it would be extremely difficult to prove - they could say best person for the job was sent etc. (He also said it's amongst the best drafted docs he's seen and a very good package compared to others he's seen.) Anyway, long story short; I have had enough and have bitten the bullet. I have a decent settlement package. Friday is my last day. Long story: New MD for our division at the beginning of 2024. She has been restructuring and some good directors have gone under really shoddy circumstances. Lots of IT to automate and reduce headcount further. We have account managers responsible for a group of clients. Then we have product managers looking after the same group, but just for our product - that can't last. There has been a swathe of IT work to integrate our systems with the larger bank. That's complete, and I suspect within a year, the product managers will be decimated -just a few key staff will remain, with detailed product knowledge. Earlier in the year, I mentioned here, that I would like to go part time. I was considering 2 or 3 days a week (preferably 2). My manager was delighted, because someone else wanted to go to 3 days a week. I am just under 60 and planned to stretch part time work to say 62 / 63 then retire / get a job at Sainsburys stacking shelves. Anyway, about 3 months ago I was about to make it formal when my manager suggested I hold off for a while. I then got a phone call asking if I wanted to take a settlement - totally optional, but very time constrained. The settlement was calculated on my salary so got it at the full time rate. If I had gone part time, I would have gotten 2/5ths. It works out at just about 3 years take home based on the part time salary - so a no brainer really. I know I lose other benefits. The only downside is tax planning - I will have to put most of it in to a pension. I am half-heartedly looking for something else. Will probably try harder after Christmas. Interestingly, since I took the package, they have reduced the benefits significantly for others following and the consensus is that significant reductions in staff numbers are likely to be made - so timing seems just right. Last edited by: zippy on Tue 12 Nov 24 at 13:43 Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 14:32   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - smokie

Sounds like a good decision. I stopped work when I was 59 and have enjoyed life thoroughly ever since (now 68). I was lucky enough to end up with a half decent amount in my SIPP enabling a comfortable but not lavish lifestyle, and also my health hasn't yet suffered despite years of smoking ( - I gave up as soon as I decided to stop work, as I knew I couldn't afford both). I started some voluntary work with the local Food Bank a couple of years ago because I felt I needed to get out more and that works well. Hope you won't need to stack shelves but apparently the staff discount can be pretty good!! Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 15:40   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Bromptonaut

>> The only downside is tax planning - I will have to put most of it >> in to a pension. I am half-heartedly looking for something else. Will probably try harder >> after Christmas. I left the Civil Service in November 2013 on a package with an early pension and no actuarial reduction for going early. No cash, I could have commuted pension for a lump sum but didn't need it at the time. Would thoroughly recommend taking a breather until new year before looking for work if you can afford it. Did me a power of good to be 'retired' for a short period. Are you looking to stay in the banking sector or cast your net wider? Do you have any DB pension and if so what's the pensionable age? Last edited by: Bromptonaut on Tue 12 Nov 24 at 15:42 Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 16:14   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - zippy

>> Would thoroughly recommend taking a breather until new year before looking for work if you >> can afford it. Did me a power of good to be 'retired' for a short >> period. >> Yes - looking forward to, and think I need it. Been working since 16 half time. 18 full time with no breaks apart from holidays. (From 12 if you count butchers and paper rounds.) >> Are you looking to stay in the banking sector or cast your net wider? >> Banking pays best, but I'm not interested. All the similar jobs are at HO locations - not easy to get to (5 hours + travelling minimum) now and another element I didn't mention above, is that even though my contract is home based, they were requiring several HO days a month - which would be very long days, on top of all the other work. I have looked at some local minimum wage book-keeping jobs that sound interesting - for local social companies. I did look at the local NHS - they want level 4 qualifications (degrees) for secretaries - £1 an hour above minimum wage!!! Though the working in a team / office would be nice after so long working alone - but don't have a degree - only 1 in 10 did when I was at school. >> Do you have any DB pension and if so what's the pensionable age? I have a tiny civil service pension and a small one from a previous employer - both defined benefits available from 60 but a small reduction if taken early. I will need to do some maths to see if it's worth it. Both give the option to take a cash lump sum of 25% of the funds value. The tax free element of my settlement will keep me above water for quite some time (12 months at least - more if frugal). I do have a couple of defined contribution schemes. I will probably take the 25% allowance and give it to Mrs Z to put in to savings accounts and put the interest to living costs. She doesn't work (has been unwell). So interest will be tax free. (Annoyingly rates are likely to reduce.) The remainder I can draw down and pay tax on anything over my annual allowance. Of course when I'm 67, I will get the state pension - though both of my DB schemes will reduce slightly at that point. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 13 Nov 24 10:31   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Kevin

"Quit your job in 6 Months" - Free Kindle Edition www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00Y78Y17O?smid=A1G3UP32AZJ14F Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 13 Nov 24 11:54   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Runfer D'Hills

Good luck with it all Zippy. I’m a couple of weeks away from celebrating my first year of retirement. All I can tell you is that I wish I’d done it 5 years ago. We are having the best of times. Doing all the things we like and none we don’t. I’m physically and mentally fitter now than I’ve been in decades, no thoughts or needs at all to work in any capacity. We’re both pretty active and spend as much time as we can finding and pursuing a variety of outdoor activities both in this country and abroad. I was unexpectedly offered a job a couple of months ago, it was a pretty much perfect fit with my past experience and skills and was on an attractive package. I was a bit flattered and I did think about it for a day or three, but in the end I decided that I value my freedom to enjoy life my way more than re-entering that world. If you’re in a position to make the numbers work, just don’t look back. Life too short etc. It’s a cliche of course, but now we really don’t know how we had time to work! ;-) Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 13 Nov 24 12:12   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - CGNorwich

I’m glad you are enjoying your retirement. I really had had enough of my job by the time I retired and have been fortunate to have sufficient funds to more or less what I want to do. I must admit though there are things I miss about work, the different environment, the friendships, the sense of purpose work gives you. I do some voluntary work exactly to gain those things. The people I envy are those that are doing a job they love and don’t want to retire even though thy can afford to. I never had that experience. Work was always just a way to earn a crust. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 13 Nov 24 13:32   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Zero

Retired at the ripe old age of 56, some 14 years ago now. First thing I did was pay off the mortgage, once that millstone is off your neck life seems so much less pressured. Did some consultancy/contract work for a few years, but wasn't prepared to put in the effort to maintain experience and currency so stopped that. Found stuff to do, and got into competitive dog sports and worked up to judging. Only issues was 'er indoors, who still worked and couldn't handle me being at home munching brekkie while she went off to work. * Best thing I ever did, the IT game became a very cut throat, outsourced race to the bottom scenario. *And ironically now I have issues with er indoors with me being off with the dogs leaving her at home. Last edited by: Zero on Wed 13 Nov 24 at 13:33 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 13 Nov 24 14:29   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Runfer D'Hills

Fortunately, we both like doing much the same things. We both enjoy mountain biking, scuba diving, windsurfing and open water swimming. Long walks with the dog and long road trips to far off (preferably warmer) places. I like to seek out interesting ingredients and cook them, she likes trying out the results. I’d guess it’d be harder, for me anyway, if we didn’t have a lot of shared interests. As it is, contrary to my pre-retirement fears, we have no trouble filling our days and in fact we are probably busier now than we’ve ever been. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 13 Nov 24 14:49   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - zippy

>>First thing I did was pay off the mortgage, once that millstone is off your neck life seems so much less pressured. I get that, even whilst working I found it a pain and deliberately didn't fix the rate* 24 months back so that I could pay it down in large chunks and have been doing so. Got it down to a level where my share-saves will pay 90% of it off (though unfortunately I am not allowed to keep the options which would have more than cleared it). * over 7% ouch and the capital would have been over 6 times what it is now, which would have been a worry if I had frittered the money away. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 13 Nov 24 20:01   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - legacylad

>> It’s a cliche of course, but now we really don’t know how we had time >> to work! >> ;-) Good stuff Runfer. Don’t knock me over on your mountain bike if you are on trails in the Pyrenees or hilly areas in warmer climes. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 13 Nov 24 18:32   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Manatee

If you are financially secure I don't think you will regret it Zippy. If you're anything like me (kicked out 12 years ago at 59), after 6 months you will be deinstitutionalised and you'll wonder how you ever put up with it. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 13 Nov 24 20:05   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Terry

A remarkable number of us share similar experiences. Offered and accepted voluntary redundancy package from public sector job age 58. I had ~20 years in this job and pension started at 60. Mostly I used enjoy work, a contrast to the last few years - at 50+ you are the old generation, career stalls, younger folk promoted etc. I don't blame the management - it is those 30-40 who represent the senior managers of the future. Slightly uncertain about finances, thought of finding something else but eventually did not bother. Wife was still wroking so money not an immediate issue. Age 65 another pension kicked in and a year later the state pension. So now (age 71) financially comfortable given a relatively modest lifestyle. Main hobby is woodwork and now have a small workshop. Between that, kids, grandchildren, cricket, bit of travel there is no problem in keeping busy. Advice - make sure you have an interest - hobby, volunteering, charity, campaigning etc. There is no right or virtuous thing to do - you have probably spent 3 or 4 decades working to pay for family, mortgage etc. Just enjoy the opportunity to do something different. Last edited by: Terry on Wed 13 Nov 24 at 20:08 Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 14 Nov 24 10:47   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Bobby

I have just turned 55. Could most likely retire at 60 as been in pensions since my 18th birthday and never missed a day. Currently on the excellent civil service alpha scheme and will have 10 years of that when I hit 60. Problem is my missus is 2 years older than me, works for a hospice and the pension is crap. Although she is paying extra the employer only pays the bare minimum. And of course her job as a staff nurse is much heavier than mine where I work from home. So can’t see any chance of making this work when I hit 60! Unless she “retires” and just does bank shifts to keep income going. Ironically, coming to civil service from commercial environment of previous 30 years, I find my job has no stress. I don’t manage anyone and just process. The job is very technical but I could easily work on past 60 if everything is as it is just now (WFH, flexi time etc). Ironically, much as I love what hospices do, and I know they are in the press just now due to the funding crisis, I would strongly recommend any health person to seriously reconsider leaving NHS for hospice due to the pension chasm. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 14 Nov 24 13:07   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - martin aston

Bobby, if you have five years to plan it’s worth taking financial advice. There may be things you can do either within the pension funds or outside them to optimise your pension incomes. Also you may find that life costs a lot less when you have retired. There is an issue that planning that far in advance exposes you to the risk that there is further government interference re pensions and tax. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 14 Nov 24 22:56   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Bobby

Cheers AM, I had one of these consultation type meetings with Pensions Wise and they pretty much advised that everything I was doing was correct with regards to my previous pensions. Without obviously using the advice word.! Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 15 Nov 24 05:08   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - martin aston

Good. I don’t know how far they can cover wider tax and additional pension strategies. I wonder if they explored AVCs which were an eye opener for me when I was at your stage. Anyway I can’t use the advice word either. Do your own research, as they say. Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 15 Nov 24 12:58   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Manatee

To want AVC's you have to want to put more into pension. Usually it means a DC pot on the side. But in some DB schemes you can buy extra benefits in the main scheme which could be attractive. I did some free standing ones alongside a DC scheme because the company scheme tied their AVCs to the scheme, in other words I couldn't take them elsewhere unless I transferred the whole lot, and I had to use them at the same time as I took the DB pension. I had some company AVCs as well as the FS ones. It still turned out awkward. I used the official AVCs to take the 25% TFLS so as not to reduce my defined benefits but there was 5-6k left over that I was forced to take an annuity with under the rules - it bought me a level annuity of £256 a year! The free standing ones I merged into my SIPP. Rules change of course, and did. SIPPs didn't exist when I did the FSAVCs. Not advice! Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 15 Nov 24 14:06   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - martin aston

I didn’t get caught out like that. My AVC was alongside a DB pension. I wanted to cash the AVC when I took the pension. This meant my overall TFLS was applied to the total value of the pension pots, not to each separately. As the DB standard TFLS was less than the permitted maximum this effectively meant all of my AVC was tax free when cashed in. So our two situations were superficially similar but show that anyone thinking about going down the AVC route needs proper advice that takes into account their particular sums, circumstances and current rules and risks. Probably best if I stop commenting now lest I stray into forbidden “advice” territory. Last edited by: martin aston on Fri 15 Nov 24 at 14:08 Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 15 Nov 24 14:12   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Manatee

This sort of complexity is a big part of the reason so many have inadequate pensions. It leads to procrastination and often inaction Better in most cases to put something away slightly sub optimally than to do nothing at all. I notice that there is now a FSAVC mis-selling claims industry! Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 15 Nov 24 20:43   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - smokie

As a generalisation many people with moderate pots aren't prepared to pay the cost of IFA advice. If (big IF I know) you get a decent one it can do the power of good over and above what your average internet guru will tell you. Although no-one told me about Fixed Protection which has netted me a few extra bob. However I do think it's an area which is probably worth paying for professional advice. Beware the sharks!!! Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 15 Nov 24 21:01   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Biggles

The trouble is that it is difficult to move away from the feeling that all financial advisors are trying to rip you off. Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 15 Nov 24 23:26   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - smokie

Can't disagree but I'd have thought a properly qualified one has a lot to lose if he does. I have a mate who is an ex-IFA and specialised in pensions and inheritance and would have lost his licence to practice (and his quite decent livelihood) if he'd got caught ripping anyone off. That's not to say that they can predict the future in terms of how investments might shape up but hey can advise on a strategy for you to follow. The problem is, like many other things today, people think they can diy over the internet. I expect GPs are fed up with being told what's wrong with their patient by the patient. Undoubtedly there is a wealth of info out there but a person's financial circumstances and pensions considerations are probably unique. A decent IFA would be able to at least give you a steer on which way to go, but it isn't cheap. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 14 Nov 24 16:24   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - smokie

I'd forgotten about it till now but I took a lucky decision at a point mid working life when I was earning moderately well and had an employer who matched my pension input - I set it at 11% for a few years. I'm not sure just how much difference it made but I bet it was a reasonable amount. Another decision which has turned out well was to move my DB pension to a SIPP. SWMBO was quite anti, preferring a regular and known income, but I stood my ground and the pension has been nibbled into quite a bit but it still worth much more than when it was started. It was quite hard finding an IFA willing to provide the necessary "advice" and certainly wasn't cheap (something over £6k springs to mind). Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 16 Nov 24 11:10   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - zippy

>>Interestingly, since I took the package, they have reduced the benefits significantly for others >>following and the consensus is that significant reductions in staff numbers are likely to be made so timing seems just right. Leaving do on Thursday night and I am still a bit worse for wear after getting home yesterday (Friday) in the late afternoon with a lift from Mrs Z from the hotel. This morning the specialist courier arrived to take my laptop, screens etc. Nice chap. Said I made a nice change - cheery unlike so many others, who he said tended to be "crest-fallen" but not unexpected as most were younger. We had a chat, apparently over the last couple of weeks everyone in his firm have been collecting laptops, there is 9 of them and the contract runs well in to the new year. He said they are working 7 days a week and pickup on average 20 laptops a day. I was notably older than most of the people he has collected from. I walked out with him to the van as there were a few items to take and it was chock full. He said it was emptied out without fail every night. It seems I am one of the lucky ones. There are many that left after me on worse terms, and have already gone; escorted out of the building or told not to turn up at work. No announcements, no goodbyes, no leaving do. Last edited by: zippy on Sat 16 Nov 24 at 11:11 Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 16 Nov 24 14:06   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - smokie

Well done!! Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 16 Nov 24 14:21   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Manatee

Sounds as if you've done OK, given you fairly hated it and they've paid you to leave:) Pal of mine had a similar job to yours with a big bank. Worked out of a lending centre in the Midlands. Writing reports every night and Sundays, slavery after they centralised the lending and fired all the secretarial staff. He managed to get himself voluntary redundancy and successfully downshifted to a stress free 9-5 job as a loan manager for a pharmaceutical wholesaler. Did that for 5 years then retired. That was nearly 20 years ago. Best wishes to you. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 16 Nov 24 15:00   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Runfer D'Hills

Indeed, enjoy the delicious thought that today is the first day of the rest of your life, and where every week now consists of three weekends and a bank holiday! ;-) Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 16 Nov 24 15:34   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - zippy

Thanks all. I wasn't expecting a leaving do. We had a team meeting a few weeks back and my leaving was announced - no one else's was, save the directors mentioned up thread - even a couple who I have found out are going, went suddenly. Got a leaving card from all the division and there are a load of wonderful messages, even though I'm a member of a small team and rarely go to head office so was really surprised how personal they were. I was also stunned by the generosity of the leaving gift. I wasn't expecting anything. They're not usually given for this type of exit, but it was presented to me in the restaurant and caught me totally unexpected. They even got a small gift for Mrs Z. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 16 Nov 24 22:27   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - bathtub tom

>>I was also stunned by the generosity of the leaving gift. After 39 years I took voluntary redundancy and was given a £50 allowance for a leaving do. I put it behind the bar at a local 'spoons! Six months on the dole (don't know how I qualified for that), then got a series of part-time jobs at the local council. The best was doing a delivery round of local schools of internal mail. A hundred miles and fifty stops, two days a week, term time only. Quit when my occupantional pension came through. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 17 Nov 24 09:05   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - sooty123

Does your employer offer an 'ease into retirement ' type of course or is that it as you took redundancy? Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 17 Nov 24 09:18   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - smokie

I used to help run that sort of course for the top tier staff at the Coal Board in the 70s! It was usually done 6 months or so before retirement. One piece of advice I recall and which probably wouldn't go down well today was to remember that your wife has had run of the house for years and has her own routines, and you should avoid interfering with those routines too much. (Yes, I think ALL of the top 500 or so I used to deal with were male!!) SWMBOs work (smallish company) sent us up to one in York before she retired. I was already retired so I didn't think I had a lot to learn but worth doing if you get the opportunity. Last edited by: smokie on Sun 17 Nov 24 at 09:20 Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 17 Nov 24 11:11   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Zero

>> One piece of advice I recall and which probably wouldn't go down well today was >> to remember that your wife has had run of the house for years and has >> her own routines, and you should avoid interfering with those routines too much. (Yes, I >> think ALL of the top 500 or so I used to deal with were male!!) Its as relevant today as it was back then, just needs adjusting to "your wife has a routine (be that working, home, so cial" do not interfere. Apart from that, anyone who needs to be taught to retire needs their bumps felt. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 17 Nov 24 12:05   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - smokie

Haha - the course we went on was actually half interesting, the bits I was less knowledgeable about at least! They did quite useful bits on health, finance, finding hobbies and friends, local resources which people may not have considered, work suggestions for people who wanted to still do something etc etc. Even stuff I knew about, it made you realise what a major change to your lifestyle was coming up - I think many found it useful (though I was already well-retired once we went on it!!). They pitched it about right for the audience (mainly junior management types and below). Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 17 Nov 24 22:19   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - bathtub tom

I attended a pre-redundancy seminar and was amazed at the little knowledge fellow attendees had of their future. About the only thing I learned was the phrase 'fur lined rut', which perfectly summed up my position before I left! Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 17 Nov 24 22:30   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - smokie

Maybe my mind is in the wrong place, but what is a fur lined rut when it's at home? Please keep it clean!! :-) Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 18 Nov 24 00:17   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - zippy

dictionary.reverso.net/english-definition/fur-lined+rut Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 18 Nov 24 07:37   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - smokie

Ah, thanks! Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 18 Nov 24 09:07   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - bathtub tom

>>what is a fur lined rut when it's at home? In my case, I was a fifty-odd year old with a two mile cycle commute to an air conditioned and centrally heated office, where I was performing technical tasks that I had done for years. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 12:51   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - sooty123

>> Britannia Hotels are the preferred choice now. >> >> Worst hotels I have ever stayed in. >> I'm impressed your work has found somewhere cheaper and worse than best western. Do they expect you to drive to Newcastle, do a days work then drive back? Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 13:27   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - zippy

>> Do they expect you to drive to Newcastle, do a days work then drive back? >> They would like that. It's designed to pee staff off. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 15:28   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Bromptonaut

>> I'm impressed your work has found somewhere cheaper and worse than best western. Britannia specialise in buying places that have fallen on hard times. The Grand in Scarborough is one of several in the town including the Clifton. PLaces that until the seventies put up those who could afford more than B&B are almost impossible to fill unless you take groups or packages like coach tours. They also own the Adelphi in Liverpool. Forty years ago it was a British Transport Hotel, four stars and where the Tribunal Judges asked us to book them. Now it's shabby and filled with tourists doing the Liverpool package. Last edited by: Bromptonaut on Tue 12 Nov 24 at 15:29 Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 15:56   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Kevin

We stayed in the Grand a few times when I was a kid. I can remember Lonnie Donegan was a fellow guest on one occasion. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 19:10   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - smokie

I do hope you never found out if his chewing gum lost it's flavour on the bedpost overnight... Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 19:15   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Kevin

No, but apparently his old man was a dustman - not a toolmaker fortunately. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 19:00   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - sooty123

>> Britannia specialise in buying places that have fallen on hard times. I'd never heard of them before. Last edited by: VxFan on Wed 13 Nov 24 at 10:58 Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 17:53   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Zero

>> I'm impressed your work has found somewhere cheaper and worse than best western. The Jewel, sorry sewer in their crown of the worse hotel chain ever, is the Grand Burstin in Folkestone, voted Britains worse hotel over several years. Pity, it once was a magnificent piece of architecture, designed to look like an ocean liner. Last edited by: VxFan on Wed 13 Nov 24 at 10:58 Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 08:42   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Bromptonaut

Travelodge are pricing themselves to match the local market even though they're very thin on facilities. We paid something like £150 in Fort William last year. Rack rate as we had to re-route at last minute after Cal Mac cancelled our ferry. Did your employer find somewhere else. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 11:30   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Bobby

Couple years back we got a Sat and Sun night in the Premier Inn in Oban for around £120 all in. Includes free parking. Struggle to get one night in a hotel in Oban for that price! And many don’t have parking! And the PI was relatively new and very fresh and comfy. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 12:31   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Fullchat

I was getting mailshots (electronic) for something like £37 a night there. Never looked into the detail. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 14 Nov 24 15:27   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Bromptonaut

>> You may wish to explore Puerto de Mogan, if it's not already on your list. >> A short drive west along the motorway. Thanks for that tip. Puerto de Mogan is really nice. Mostly modern buildings but on a human scale and several streets of small shops and restaurants. Had a good walk around and a couple of stops for coffee. Mrs B found the few souvenirs and gifts to take back for, amongst others, our Grandson and the neighbour who keeps an eye on the house whenever we're away. The resort itself would be a good place for a self catering break. Where we are now has limited choice of eateries. Hotel food is the buffet based fare you'd expect but it's good and Mrs B has managed to mostly keep on the vegan straight and narrow but is not too bothered about bits of fish or Spanish Omelets Went out on the motorway but back via the coast road. Multiple places that would be by idea of holiday hell.... Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 15 Nov 24 08:53   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - James Loveless

One of the best bits of Puerto de Mogan is the short walk through the old part up to a splendid viewpoint from which you can survey the beach and more modern part. The "little Venice" that everyone admires is not the reason for Puerto de Mogan's existence, as it was a fishing village long before. I've had my eye on a holiday there for a while and may just have to book for February or March, though SWMBO's health issues will need to be resolved before then. Last edited by: James Loveless on Fri 15 Nov 24 at 08:55 Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 15 Nov 24 13:00   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - CGNorwich

Stayed there some years ago. Pretty enough although I found the whole place rather artificial. A long way from anywhere. Definitely need a car. There was however a very nice garden centre on the edge of the resort! The North of the Island I found to be far more interesting and Spanish. Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 15 Nov 24 13:30   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - James Loveless

Sorry to appear rather obsessive about this little corner of the world. Fans of what was a bit of wild ride on the coastal road between Taurito and Puerto de Mogan were disappointed in the summer of 2017 when a rock-fall closed the GC500. Though the road was officially closed, motorcyclists, cyclists and hikers continued to use it for a while, skirting round the barriers, until the authorities blocked it off. Now it looks as if an alternative route, through a new tunnel 300m long ("Tunnel Cañadas de los Gatos" = "Tunnel of the Ravines of the Cats"), is really going to happen and the project is going out to tender. The area is near a significant archaeological site ("Cañadas de los Gatos"), where there are the remains of a large pre-Columbus settlement, fairly easy to access from Puerto de Mogan on foot, and offering another splendid view over the ravine and harbour. Google StreetView still shows the old route on the GC500 from 2016. Various videos on YouTube show the road in different states from before and after 2017. Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 15 Nov 24 14:20   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - legacylad

Stayed at Hotel Cordial in P Mogan for a week pre Covid on a Jet2 B & B holiday. Nice enough hotel, good breakfast and a few days sightseeing. A lazy ‘warm up the bones’ trip, lots of swimming. Currently on C Blanca…30 minutes drizzle in the mountains yesterday but fortunately missed the deluge down south Malaga area two days ago. Sea still warm enough for a swim post walk @ 16:00 hours. Weather srttled down now, according to Meteoblu my forecast app of choice. 20/22C highs in the shade, but pesky cloud now & again. Last edited by: legacylad on Fri 15 Nov 24 at 14:20 Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 15 Nov 24 20:21   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Terry

Arrived in Malaga at midday. No sign of torrential rain impacts on 40 mile drive from airport to Nerja. 23C and a bit breezy. Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 15 Nov 24 21:10   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - legacylad

>> Arrived in Malaga at midday. >> >> No sign of torrential rain impacts on 40 mile drive from airport to Nerja. 23C >> and a bit breezy. >> If you get chance drive inland to Competa, Archez & surrounding mountain villages. Spent 5 nights in Competa late September for their annual walking festival. Great scenery, lovely church square with 3 decently priced restaurants plus others in the large village. Somewhere I shall return to… obviously cooler now. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 16 Nov 24 15:57   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Terry

Been there on previous trips to the area. Going inland is an eye opener - the tourist perception that Andalusia is just palm trees and white washed apartment blocks is a complete nonsense. Well worth seeing. Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 15 Nov 24 22:29   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - bathtub tom

Nerja. On the (steep) walk up C. Filipinas from the beach, look closely at the emnankment to your left: maps.app.goo.gl/WerLV29noaN4kwvi6 I'm no archeologist, but I was fascinated by the layers of shells visible. I presume it showed millenia of data about where the sea floor was. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 16 Nov 24 16:01   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Terry

We were close by just an hour ago for lunch at one of the restaurants on Burriana Beach. I had not previously noticed the sea shells embedded in the embankment despite having walked up and down several times over the years. Will be a little more observant next time! Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 15 Nov 24 23:03   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Zero

>> Arrived in Malaga at midday. >> >> No sign of torrential rain impacts on 40 mile drive from airport to Nerja. 23C >> and a bit breezy. Its seems to have flashed and gone, the jet stream has finally started to move, (the phenomena that gave us 17 days with only 23 minutes of visible sun), so the DANA will move south and Spain should be moving out of its rain events. Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 15 Nov 24 23:40   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Bobby

I love Nerja! Best paella ever had, a bar down the beach, huge pile of pallets for the fire, a pan the size of a large dustbin lid, cooked while we waited. Stunning. Loved the town of Nerja, the narrow streets and whitewashed houses. And of course a trip up to Frigiliana which is stunning! Reply to this message | Report message       1

New Sat 16 Nov 24 09:25   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Biggles

Ah, the taste of methyl bromide. Lovely. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 16 Nov 24 11:04   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - CGNorwich

>> Ah, the taste of methyl bromide. Lovely. >> ????? Can you explain? Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 16 Nov 24 11:55   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - Biggles

A pesticide which used to be used to treat the wood used for pallets. Needless to say, it is poisonous. Although now banned in the EU, old pallets used for firewood could be contaminated. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 16 Nov 24 12:10   Autumn/Winter Sun - Europe - CGNorwich

Ah Live and learn. Google tells me that pallets so treated bear the letters MB Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 12 Nov 24 19:03   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Zero

Seems that Spain is not the place to be this week www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1e73xd60evo Reply to this message | Report message

New Sat 16 Nov 24 14:08   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - smokie

Even Albufiera has had heavy rain and floods but after a fairly brief downpour AIUI. www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHOGEyenu7o Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 20 Nov 24 16:12   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - zippy

Hopefully your back and fully relaxed Bromp. Hope you had a great time!? Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 20 Nov 24 18:12   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - Bromptonaut

>> Hopefully your back and fully relaxed Bromp. Hope you had a great time!? It was excellent thanks. Good flights both ways though the seats on Jet2's A321NEOs really need attention from a comfort and leg room perspective. Hotel was as expected. Buffet food was up to standard. Poolside entertainment under our window might have been a problem with young kids but we enjoyed it. Mrs B, born in Liverpool, found the Beatles cover band brill. None were silly noisy but finished at a sensible time. Saw GC's sights including the maspalomas dunes. the zoo park and the high ground. Return somewhat bothered by Mrs B's knee. Thought it was arthritis but it's been diagnosed as bursitis. She's now on rest and cannot drive so I'm on nursey duty. Had to cancel a get together in London on Friday with a former colleague. And today was 'full moon day' with clients :-P Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 21 Nov 24 09:36   Winter/Spring Sun - Europe - zippy

>> >> Hopefully your back and fully relaxed Bromp. Hope you had a great time!? >> >> It was excellent thanks. Brilliant. >>Jet2's A321NEOs I worked on some financing for one of their subsidiaries, now sold off. >> Return somewhat bothered by Mrs B's knee. Thought it was arthritis but it's been diagnosed >> as bursitis. Sorry to hear that! Hope she mends soon. >> And today was 'full moon day' with clients :-P >> Out of it now - for the time being anyway. I have heard two snippets - one ex-client has a short-fall of £40m on £100m turnover - and another's assets were totally fictitious. I had warned management on the first one a long time ago and on the second one I refused to underwrite it because it stank of being a "fraud" and was over ruled. Reply to this message | Report message