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High-quality Images and the Handover of Keys: Two Key Factors Highly Valued by Travelers When Renting an Apartment
Today, we are going to answer all those questions here at Only-apartments. A survey conducted across the 5 main European markets (Spain, France, Italy, England, and Germany) has given us some insight into travelers’ trends. And although there are slight differences between countries, something stands out that seems to be common to all: What drives them to choose a certain apartment is the gallery of images. This is very logical, and comes as no surprise, as images are the best reference they can have short of visiting the apartment in person. The meeting with the owner is what ratifies whether they made the right choice- with travelers looking for a simple, pleasant and cordial exchange, and the handover of keys taking place at the appointed time. People don’t want any stressful situations or having to chase someone down when they are on holidays, and they are grateful when the whole process unfolds with ease and friendliness. These are just some of the conclusions we can draw from the results of our study. Have a look at the infographic below and analyze the answers, they’ll surely be worth your time. See infographic ...
The Walking Dead Route through Atlanta
Are you a fan of zombie shows? Do you like The Walking Dead? TV series, as you’ll learn in this post, are also a good excuse to travel. And we don’t just mean travel through our screen (as a virtual journey of sorts) but actually visiting the filming locations and setting foot on some of the places your favorite characters visit regularly. And that is precisely what we are going to do with this TV series about the living dead. This is where The Walking Dead Route takes off.
The Top 5 Mistakes Owners Make
Being a property owner is much more than owning an apartment and making it available to guests. There are many details to be taken care of, which we sometimes fail to address. We don’t need to be experts in the field but it helps to be aware of some basic guidelines so we don’t make certain mistakes that could potentially be fatal. Here are some of the mistakes we should avoid at all costs: Not compare ourselves with our competitors One of the first essential steps in any business venture is to know your competitors: what they offer, how they offer it, and for how much. It is always helpful to have a look at some of the apartments available in our same city, and try to be as competitive as possible, not just when it comes to quality but also to pricing. Low quality images arranged in no logical sequence We already knew this but our recent poll confirmed it: our image gallery is one of the main features in our apartment’s profile. This is undoubtedly, one of the main factors influencing the traveler’s decision to stay with us. And as such, it is worthwhile to invest some time and effort into getting high quality pictures that seduce the viewer. But that is not all, in this case, the order of the factors does alter the product, and so it doesn’t have quite the same effect to see a stunning living room or terrace, than to be confronted with an average toilet upon first glance. Our advice is to leave any pictures of the bathroom, and the more...
Out of Doors in Barcelona, London and Berlin
If there is anything to rival the museums and cuisine of cities like Barcelona, London or Berlin, it would have to be those beach strolls down the Barceloneta, those slow picnics at Hyde Park, or the sharp contrasts of Berlin’s neighborhoods. There is no question about it: a leisurely walk through the streets and alleyways of a city is the best way to discover its roots. Besides, there are about one thousand things to do for a perfect and easy day out, be it with your family, love interest, or friends. But what better plan than spending time outdoors? These are some of the activities you can’t miss out on… Film Festivals Suitable for all audiences and mostly free of charge- film festivals are a most welcome night out when the evenings start to get warmer. Barcelona Barcelona’s Sala Montjuïc will be screening shorts and hosting picnics and concerts from July 4th to August 7th, in addition to full length feature films such as The Great Budapest Hotel, Boyhood or Her (all in their subtitled original version). Tickets are sold in packs that include a movie night, a short screening, and a concert (and in a nod to all couch potatoes out there, there are lounge chairs for rent). There’s also the option to add a guided tour of Montjuïc Castle to the pack for a small surcharge. London Similar festivals are also held in London all summer long. One of the most remarkable ones is perhaps Luna Cinema, held from July 1st to September 20th, at amazing locations all over the city: from royal palaces, to large green...
Literary Routes around the World
Literary Routes around the World: Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare, Millennium (Stieg Larsson).
Gay Pride Takes Over Madrid, London, Berlin and New York
Pride Parades for the LGBT community (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual) are held annually around June 28th, commemorating the date of the 1969 Stonewall riots, a key moment that marked the start of this social movement. Pride parades are public events celebrating tolerance and equality for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals. When the 28th falls on a Sunday, the parade is usually scheduled for the previous or following Saturday, as is the case of cities like Berlin and London that will celebrate their Pride parades on June 27th; or cities like Madrid, where the celebrations won’t begin until July 1st through 5th. Gay pride is a multi-ethnical and cultural celebration open to everyone; an accurate reflection of the diversity of our modern-day society. Are you ready to partake in one of the biggest events of the year? Madrid Over 500 businesses in Madrid cater to LGTB audiences, making Madrid Pride (held the first Saturday in July) one of the largest in Europe. It was awarded MTV’s Best Annual Gay Destination Event in 2009 and in 2010. The party kicks off at 6:30pm on July 4th, with several musical performances in Plaza de Colón, among them many acclaimed DJs, and then the parade itself. Good vibes in the Spanish capital, all doused with activism and music, making it the perfect combination for a party that will live long in your memory. But a little rest is always welcome after an partying. Discover our Madrid apartments and live this fiesta like a true local. London London’s Gay Pride, to be held on June 27th, is the biggest one in Europe,...
Shopping in Oporto
The Portuguese town of Oporto is known for three things: its river, O Douro, its harbor, and its excellent shopping. Do not underestimate this historic town on a hillside. It is one of Europe’s oldest cities, and its maze of steep and narrow cobblestoned streets hides countless little squares, churches and colorful houses. Oporto’s seaside suburbs outside the historic center are also thriving and becoming increasingly popular for their enticing architecture and contemporary cuisine. Oporto is heaven on Earth for shopaholics, as it offers a plethora of handicrafts, leather goods, and clothes at very competitive prices. You are sure to find something for all tastes- and by all means, indulge! Head to downtown Oporto and the area around Santa Catarina for the best clothing stores and little boutique shops. If brand names and luxury is what you are after, Boavista is the place to go- a great place to watch people hunt for bargains. There are also many shopping malls to choose from in Oporto but Via Catrina stands out as one of the best when it comes to variety. There is a large selection of shops, including some high street names like H&M, Paco Martinez and Springfield, and all that coupled with a good selection of restaurants. After a long day shopping and trying on new clothes, there is nothing like heading upstairs to indulge in some gourmet cuisine like that offered at Noori Sushi, Nicola Gourmet and Casa Das tapas. Centro Comercial Norte Shopping is also a good option where you’ll find brand names like Bershka, C&A, La Coste, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Nike, Pull&Bear and Kiko Make...
Live Music in Spanish Caves
Cave acoustics mainly depend upon the configuration of a cave’s roofs, walls and depth, but in most cases, just being in an underground cavern amplifies our sense of solemnity. In this post we are going to take you down into the Caves of Drach, in Majorca; then, on to the Canalobre Caves in Alicante, and we’ll finish off our little wander venturing into the International Festival of Music and Dance in Nerja, Malaga.
8 Different Plans for a Night Out in London
You’ve only just arrived, you are insomniac- or perhaps you are hyperactive-, and London has a magical appeal at night. When the sun sets, people look different, the streets turn golden and the city’s parks turn dark. When the lights dim, the friendliest of places seem to be engulfed in an atmosphere of sheer danger. There are extraordinary experiences to be lived in the wild shadows of the English capital. Here are 8 things to do for a bit of fun… The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London A fun and unique way to spend a night in this city is to head down to the Tower of London and witness the Ceremony of the Keys, which takes place every single night without fail. This re-enactment of the locking of the gates involved big locks, cryptic passwords, and beefeaters. It is a free event but you’ll have to book, as the full-on London flavor of this unique experience attracts tourists en masse. Astronomy, Hampstead The highest point in downtown London, Hampstead Heath, is one of the best spots for stargazing in town. This is the place to be if you are looking to have a quiet night. Sit right across the Vale of Heath for the best views. Have you considered visiting the city’s museums at night? Tate Britain and the V&A have open late events on selected Fridays, hosting exclusive talks and shows, movies, and debates. Your unique chance to see some of the best exhibitions without having to elbow your way through the crowds. Polo Bar Polo Bar is a great little venue with...
