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As every year the January sales have begun.

2012-01-18T11:17:00.002+01:00

As every year, the past 2nd of January began the January Sales, starting this year with very aggressive discounts due to the crisis.

On January the 2nd they´ve started with the famous winter sales. As usual the autonomous region of Madrid and Murcia were the first who began with there winter sales, followed by one week later the rest of the autonomous regions.

What is the sales origin?
The sales history goes back to early 1930 when a very important department store businessman from New York decided to offer big discounts to reduce all the stock that he had from all of its fashion shops. This sector doesn´t allow to have much stock in their stores due to the constant change of their collections, which made this method to spread out quickly throughout the rest of the world. Nowadays it has become almost a compulsory practice taking place twice a year, one in the winter and one in the summer.

The main aim is to sell all there stock collection from the past season at lower prices, this way the want to give rise to the entry of their new collection.

In Spain, the January Sales were initiated as a result of a "rival war" for getting new customers between El Corte Inglés and its than competitor Galerias Preciados, stores that were scattered throughout all spanish cities. Obviously, the fact that these two major stores also made profit of this new tendence forced the little and medium merchants to join this trend as a necessitty.

Nowadays sales have extended over to almost all kind of sectors, you can find sales in fashion stores, real estate, business service and even in supermarkets.

How long last the January Sales?
In most autonomous regions, the winter sales start on the 7th of January and ends on the 7th of March, except in Murcia and Madrid where they began on the 2nd of January and will finish on the 1st of March and on the 31st of March respectively.

What do they offer during major sales?

The range of sales is very broad and can vary from each store. As general rule, all stores offer between 20% and 80% discount on top of the initial price. In addition, as a reult of the crisis, having important discounts is just not enough, that´s why in some cases promotions are launched even more aggressively. For example, the Desigual shop in Madrid made lately a special promotion that all female customers who entered to the store with its underwear could take there selected clothes with them for free.

If I´m going to Madrid, where about can I go to sales?
If you decide to go to the sales in Madrid, there are several places where you can go to. Among the most prominent ones we can find them at the Gran Via and Preciados street, as well as at the Arenal street. Here about we can find almost everything.

By the other hand, if our tastes are a little bit more refined and our pockets are better filled, we can find the best and most exclusive shops in Serrano street, Velazquez and surroundings.

We cannot leave aside the big shopping centres. Among the most famous ones you have Factory with shopping centres in San Sebastian de los Reyes, Getafe and in Las Rozas.

Where to go on sales in Barcelona?
On the other hand, if our destination is Barcelona, we also can find there a variety of stores with all kind of offers and discounts at this time of the year.

Among the most popular areas for going on shopping is at the centre of the city.

In addition we can also go to the Gothic area, to the Portal del Angel area, Aviñon street, Daigonal avenue, Paseo de la Gracia... If you are visiting the city, the most advisable thing to do is hiring a car rental in Barcelona, this way you can drive easily to all these areas.

Besides of all the shops that we can find among the streets, like any other big city, we can find many shopping centres. Among the best knowns are those of Illa Diagonal, Lamaquinista and Glorias´s.

Which are your favourite places to go shopping? or, which ones you don´t recommend us to go too?

VictoriaCars
Car Hire Alicante
http://www.victoriacars.com/
www.facebook.com/victoriarentacar

Useful driving applications on your mobile telephone.

2012-01-11T12:26:00.001+01:00

Thanks to smartphones, nowadays, can be much easier and less stressful.
For a few years now, smartphones market hasn´t stopped growing. Nowadays it is one of the most practical tools that we can have, even it´s only for pleasure or for work as well.

At the same time, developers are continues innovating and have brought ot the market many applications (apps), most of them with a very small cost and many other for free. Of course they haven´t left aside a very important group, drivers. They have created some very interesting applications that can help us, from having a more efficient driving up to find the best prices for different services.
Most interesting appliciations for a driver.

Petrol stations Spain (http://www.elandroidelibre.com/2010/04/gasolineras-de-espana-en-android-encuentra-el-mejor-precio.html)
For drivers, specially for those who do not know the road where they are going to drive to, to find a petrol station can be become sometimes something very challenging and hard to find. The application Petrol Station Spain gives you the solution. It helps you to find a petrol station and it also tells us the fuel price at all times. With this application, not only we won´t be left without fuel but also we will get the best price for it.
Find my car lite (http://es.androidzoom.com/android_applications/productivity/find-my-car-lite_gcqc.html)
We cannot leave this application out of our smartphone, when for example we are from Madrid and wish to spend some days in Murcia and we decide to hire a rental car Murcia service or for example if we have to go on a business trip. We just have to take a picture and the applications GPS will geolocalize it. As result, the application returns a display where by following the arrows it will automatically lead us to our car.

RACE Road Safety (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/seguridad-vial-race/id417023027?mt=8&ls=1)
This application is one of the most complete ones. It offers information about fixed speed cams, speed limit across Europe, petrol stations, phone numbers of interes, parkings...
This application in addition relies on an option that, by means of videoes and instructions, in allows to mount the chains in our vehicle in case its necessary and also to denounce bad road conditions or its bad signposting.
POPGOM (http://itunes.apple.com/es/app/popgom-compra-tus-neumaticos/id372795843?mt=8)
This application can be very helpfuñ in case we need to change our tyres. We only need to introduce the measures, select the desired model between its offers and make an privious appointment with one of the concertated garages. We can do this all through the own application without having to call anyone, send e-mails or whatever.

iVia DGT (http://itunes.apple.com/es/app/ivia-dgt/id361393725?mt=8)
Traffic-jams are part of our day to day are oftently the consequence of getting late to an apointment, meeting or even lose our plane. This application will help us to pick the best route because it shows us the traffic incidents throughout Spain collected by the DGT. We just have to accept the warning that the app whishes to use our current location and we will get the current traffic information 24 hours a day.

Every day new applications are coming out on the market, more practicals and innovatives than its predecessors.

And you? what applications are you using in your day to day that makes driving easier to you?

VictoriaCars
Car hire Alicante Airport
http://www.victoriacars.com/
www.facebook.com/victoriarentacar

Where to park your car when you travel from Alicante airport?

2011-12-02T11:33:00.001+01:00

When we go on holidays by air plane we always have the inconvenience that we don´t know where to leave our car during the period that we are out, because we normally use the car only to get to the airport and to go back home.

Always when we have to travel we have the same inconvenience. We arrive at the airport by car and we don´t know where to leave it.

In many of the Spanish airports, near their terminals, we can find industrial areas or a nearby town where we can park and leave our car. In these cases we can easely find a parking place in the street and leave it there until we return from our holiday. But near the Alicante airpoort we do not have this option, there is no nearby town or industrial area, so our options are greatly reduced.

The most common option is parking your vehicle on the airport´s public parking. The main advantage of this is that you can park your car for sure and you can go directly to the gate.

But, what inconveniences does it has?
Among its major drawbacks the fact is that this parking area is not completely closed and private and of course the price, which is quite high.

What problem does this parking has for not being a private area?
At Alicante airport parking, thousands of people are walking dayly through it, and likewise, hundreds of cars are parking at its facilities.

Most of these stayings are for less than one hour. Small damages to your car should be also taken into considerations because of the high number of cars that parks in the area. Beside, if the driver who ran into our car doesn´t leave any message or note, it will be very dificult to find out who did it, since the parking area is not monitored.

What about the airport parking price, is it a reasonable price
Another aspect to consider is the high price that they charge you. Parking at Alicante airport costs 18,30€/day and if we leave our car for longer than 5 days the dayly price reduces to 14,65€. Quit expensive.

Another option is to hire a parking place with any of the many companies specialized in offering this service.

These companies are in the vicinity of the airport. They tend to have very spacious plots devoted exclusively for short and long parking stayments

I am a user of a short or long period stayment?
Short stayments users are normally customers who must travel by plane from Alicante airport and only dispose about their own vehicle to get to the airport. That´s why they have to leave parked their car for a few days until they come back from their trip and be able to collect it at the airport when they return.

Long stayments users are normally customers who spend long periods of time in their country of origin as well as here in Spain, that´s why they prefer having their vehicle parked safely near the airport. It is also the perfect place to leave for example your caravan, trucks or buses which are not going to be used for a long period of time, without involving to a great expense for the owner.

Is it cheaper than parking at the airport?
Of course it is. For example parking your car near Alicante airport for one week can cost you meaby 25€ or a long period stayment for one year may cost you about 320€.

What services should a parking company include at the airport?

Because of being located at some distance from the airport, we must pay attention when making the booking and make sure that the transport from and too the airport is included in the price. There are many companies who don´t inlcude this service in there rental parking price and offer it as an additional price.
By leaving our flight number we will ensure that there will be a courtesy car from the company waiting for us to take us from and too the airport. This way our effor will be minimal and the displacement to the Terminal on foot will even be less than if we park our vehicle directly at the airport parking.
Normally, the company does not move the customer´s vehicle, the customer is the one who parks the vehicle and take the keys with him. They do offer the service so that you can leave your keys there until you come back, in case there is a mishap and your car needs to be moved.
The area is guarded 24 hours a day. It is not a busy parking area where hundreds of people or vehicles passes through every day.
All vehicles entering the premises have a register, as well as they are guided up to his concerted parking place.
Some companies do also offer free car cleaning service or for a very low cost, as well as car covers or closed enclosures to protect even more your vehicle at an additional price.

Can you think of any better idea where to leave your car when you go on holidays by plane?

VictoriaCars start their car rental service in new destinations such as Majorca, Ibiza, Tenerife, London...

2011-11-14T13:42:00.001+01:00

Since the implementation of VictoriaCars’ new booking engine, requests for new destinations have continued to increase, resulting in VictoriaCars searching for more destinations to offer their customer.

Last March Victoria Rent a Car unveiled their new booking engine that let you search for a hire car anywhere in the world.
The major change that the company carried out only half a year ago has done nothing but increase the confidence and their number of customers.
The implemented system is one of the most technologically advanced, designed under the OTA XML standards ... and this is?

XML is a language used for distributing information and OTA is the standard for sharing information between reservation systems, the association; Open Travel Alliance (OTA) defines these standards.

VictoriaCars currently offers its own rental cars at the airports in Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante and Murcia, and at their office located in Calpe. However if the customer chooses any delivery point other than those mentioned, the car hire service will be based on the company's collaborators supplying the best car hire at those destinations.

Where I can rent a car with Victoria Rent a Car?

VictoriaCars offers customers across Europe car hire in London, Paris, Rome,car hire Mallorca, etc. as well as other international destinations such as Thailand, New York, Moscow, Dakar, the Caribbean or anywhere where the customer want to travel.

The customer only has to begin to enter a location and a dropdown appears with destinations to choose from. At the same time, within a single area it is possible to deliver the car to multiple sites, not just at the airport, port or train station. This gives customers even more options and is not bound to a single point of delivery.

"Since implementing this system we are receiving requests from all over the world," said Teresa Martinez, Communications Manager of Victoria Rent a Car.

"Among the most popular destinations are New York, California, Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Cancun and the Dominican Republic in the USA. In Asia we have increased demand in India, Hong Kong, Japan and lately we have more and more requests for Vietnam.
In Europe, by far the most requested country is Spain, followed by Italy. However, a demand is received for countries in northern Europe. Here the demand is usually for a shorter period and for high-end vehicles, usually for executives on business trips," she reaffirms.
"We are currently looking for more destinations to offer customers an even better service, always trying to offer the best value on the market.
How about you? What has been your experience when renting a car outside of Spain?

Aspects to consider when driving through Europe.

2011-11-09T15:59:00.000+01:00

If you drive through different European countries you have to bear in mind that the traffic regulations of each country can vary considerably.

More and more Europeans are travelling for both pleasure and business within the EU countries. But whilst being within the European Community you should know that the traffic rules may be different in each country, although central governments are making great efforts to try and unify them, but there’s still a long way to go.

How fast I can drive?
When we go to another country the first thing we should know is the speed limit. If travelling by car, by just entering the country you should see a panel indicating the highest speeds and the basic rules.

Be aware that in many countries the highway speed is 130km/h unlike Spain where it is 120km/h. In Germany you can find sections of the highway with no speed limits. It is very common to see cars driving over 200km/h here, so you have to pay extra attention when overtaking.

Am I covered by my insurance in case of an accident?
Insurance is indispensable when travelling. If we decide to go with our own car we have to have a green card that will be provided by your insurance company. We should consult our insurer about which countries we can drive in with the same conditions as in Spain, with regards to coverage. It is advisable, as well as having the phone number for roadside assistance, to contract a travel insurance policy.

If you hire a car the company will provide you with at least the compulsory insurance for within that country. Consumer organizations recommend that users contract the full insurance that is usually offered by car hire companies. If you decide to leave the country from which the car was hired, you have to consider what coverage you have, generally you are only given a valid insurance for the country you hired the car in and will not be supplied with a green card.
What documentation do I have to carry while driving?
When travelling you always have to have your ID or passport, along with your driving license. If travelling outside the European community you have to carry an international driving permit which is obtainable from your current country of residence. In addition, the documents must be valid for at least 6 months. Photocopies are not valid, so you must be always carrying the originals.

The vehicle must contain the registration certificate, an up to date ITV (MOT) and the insurance policy. In the registration plate it should have a symbol of the country you’re in, which can either be etched on the plate as a white letter on a blue background with white stars, or a white sticker with the letter of the country stuck on the back of the car in the same area.
What happens if I get fined?
Having different rules can make it very easy for us to be fined while driving abroad. In most cases the authority will ask you to pay the fine on the spot, otherwise they will have the authority to detain the car until payment thereof. In some countries, like Italy, we are only obliged to pay 20% of the fine on the spot.

At the same time, the amounts of the fines can vary widely from one country to another. For example in some places you may have to pay about 10€ for a small offence, whilst in others you can expect to pay about 6000€ for an excess of alcohol, as is the case in the UK.

Remember that if you do receive a fine abroad, although in theory you could appeal the charges, it can be very annoying. Due to the language barrier in some countries the process is judicial and not administrative, meaning that most people don’t appeal and settle the payment.
The best thing before leaving home is to take time to study the basic rules of each country and thus try and avoid being fined.

What about you? Have you had a mishap in a European country when you've gone on a trip with your car?

VictoriaCars
Car hire Mallorca
http://www.victoriacars.com/
www.facebook.com/victoriarentacar

The return of the beer festival in Calpe

2011-10-04T11:42:00.002+02:00

This year in 2011, as with every year, we will once again celebrate the well-known Oktoberfest; a 12 day holiday renowned for its traditional German beer and tasty food.

As mandated by tradition, on October 6 at 20:00 pm the Mayor of Calpe, Cesar Sanchez, will open the first barrel of beer. This will give way to another year of the well-known Oktoberfest in Calpe.

This German holiday has its roots in the German town of Munich and was held for the first time on October 12, 1810. Today it is the town which holds the largest Oktoberfest in the world.
In Calpe it was first held in October 1982 and has since been organized every year by the Calpe Carnaval Club. It is the largest and oldest beer festival in Spain.

Over the years it has gained recognition and people from all over Europe come to celebrate. In any Internet forum you can find people like Fernando de Altea, who says he tries to go to this festival every year: “I remember the many times in the past that I travelled to Munich to visit this event and can certify that the environment is no different there that to what it is here" (http://www.calpecostablanca.com/calpe/programa-completo-oktoberfest-2010-calpe-fiesta-cerveza/3568).

Last year in 2010 the festival was again a success. About 300 barrels of beer imported from Germany. Visitors tasted the famous knuckles and German sausages, while dancing to the rhythm of traditional German music. For this purpose, they hired more than 25 waiters and about 15 people in the kitchens so that visitors could have the best time possible. It is estimated that more than 10 000 people went through the marquee behind the tennis club in the Partida Gargasindi.
This year it will be held in the same place and it is estimated that even more visitors will attend. It will begin on October 6, as usual at 20:00 and end on the 16th at 20:00 hours.
As every year, the last day is reserved for the groups of bikers and will most likely include a rock concert. The festival will end with a paella contest at about 8 o'clock pm.
After reaching a consensus with the Calpe hoteliers, in 2012 the dates will be changed and the Oktoberfest celebration will be held between October 25 and November 4. They have taken this decision to help the tourism sector, because the date coincides with the long weekend in October. This will help lengthen the season a little more.

Octoberfest 2011 Program:
Thursday 06.10.2011
Inauguration, opening of the barrel by the mayor, dethroning the 2010 Queen of the Festival and the coronation of the 2011 Queen of the Festival

Friday 07.10.2011
Music hits from the past 20 years, Oktoberfest Party with Stefi.
Contest: lifting jugs of beer.

Saturday, 08.10.2011
Celebration with Steinsberg, oldie music night from the 70s/80s/90s, Night Fever Party with "Steinsberg Partyexpress"

Sunday, 09.10.2011
At 11:00 am snack with jazz music from the band "New Orleans Hot Dogs".
Night: Oktoberfest Party with Andy Heu Heu-Zick Zack-HAPPY DAY-

Monday, 10.10.2011
Concert with requested music with Steinsberg, songs with Doris and Bernd-HAPPY DAY-

Tuesday, 11.10.2011
Oktoberfest music hits from the past 20 years and Doris + Steinsbergern Cherilyn.
Oktoberfest Party.

Wednesday, 12.10.2011
At 11:00 am snack with live country music.
Night: Music with Steinsberg and log sawing contest. -HAPPY DAY-

Thursday, 13.10.2011
Non-stop party with Steinsberg, Oldies but Goldies Doris + Cherilyn and Steinsberg-HAPPY DAY-

Friday, 14.10.2011
Music with Steinsberg, Heu Heu Zick Zack, Oktoberfest party. Log sawing contest.

Saturday, 15.10.2011
Oktoberfest Party with The Steinsberg, music hits from 70s/80s/90s.

Sunday, 16.10.2011
At 11:00 am Paellas Competition, Oktoberfest music until the end of the party, about 20:00. -HAPPY DAY-

VictoriaCars
Car Hire Alicante
http://www.victoriacars.com/
http://victoriacars.blogspot.com/
www.facebook.com/victoriarentacar

How to obtain the best price for a house in Spain

2011-09-12T12:38:00.000+02:00

The current housing market offers good opportunities for anyone who wants to buy a house and, following a few tips, the purchase may come out much better.

Traditionally August is a very quiet month for real estate. Then September rolls around and it starts again with the uproar created by the sellers and buyers.
Currently in Spain; new offers are being presented, ideas to sell houses and lots of advice for buyers to get the best price and financing for the house of their dreams

Here are a few tips to follow on how to obtain the best price

1. It is crucial to establish the location and the type of property you want. Determine if you want to buy a house or an apartment and if you want to be in the town centre or near the beach. Based on these initial decisions the price will vary greatly.

2. Once you’ve established the location and type, you should look at various Internet portals for the house you want. When you see a property you like, using the free tool from Google Street View in Google Maps, you can view the surrounding environment, the condition of the property and what available services there are near by.
3. The price is that is published is normally just a guideline. Once you’ve seen a house you are interested in, presently and in most cases now it can be negotiated. In many cases you can remove up to 25% of the asking price.

4. Selecting a newly constructed house lets you take advantage of a 4% reduction in VAT, a law stipulated by the government just recently. This reduction is only valid for first sale transactions.

5. Take advantage of the discounts already on offer by the developers and estate agents. Many companies, post sale, will discount any travel expenses, furniture or appliances, a garage space ...

Historically September has been the best month for buying a home. The weather is good, expenses for the trip to visit the property can be very economical, and most families that were on vacation will be gone so there will be no inconveniences when you wish to see the property ...

And you? Do you think September is a good month to buy a house?

Victoria Promociones

Calpe Apartments For Sale
http://www.victoriapromociones.com/

http://www.facebook.com/victoriapromociones

Driving in Spain

2011-09-09T12:34:00.000+02:00

If you go on vacation to another country and wish to drive a car while there, one must know the main rules for driving.

When visiting another country by car, whether for business or holiday, the first thing we have to consider are the traffic laws in said country. If you’re travelling to Spain, it is useful to review in advance the most important rules of the road.

What do I need to drive a car in Spain?

As in most European countries you will be driving on the right hand side.
To drive it is necessary that you have a valid driving license in the EU. All those who are not EU or do not have special agreements with Spain should apply for a special driving license that allows you to drive in the EU for up to 6 months. Once expired you will need to apply for a Spanish license.
EU citizens can drive for an unlimited time, and if the license expires you could opt for by a Spanish license.
Seat belts are compulsory both for front and rear passengers.
The use of a baby seat or a booster is mandatory depending on the age and size of the child. Children under the age of 12 years are not allowed to go in the front seat.
You may not use mobile phones at the wheel, unless they are connected to an approved hands-free device.
Before you start driving you must make sure you have all the correct documents such as driver's license, personal identification and the car documents.
You should have a reflective vest, a first aid kit and, although not mandatory, it is advised you carry a small fire extinguisher. Likewise, you must ensure that all the lights work properly.
It is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol (maximum rate allowed 0.25mg / l)

How fast I can go?
Speed limits in Spain generally are located in highly visible locations. These limits are:

Motorways; 120km / h
National roads; 100km / h
Country roads; 90km / h
In most populated areas; 40-50km / h, depending on the town.

Recently in some provinces the limit on the motorways has dropped, in Barcelona for example, the limit has been reduced to 80km / h.

Other tips ...

If you are not a resident in Spain, and should you commit any offense you will have to pay an on the spot fine. Otherwise, the enforcement officer will block/remove the car until the fine is paid.

Make sure that your vehicle doesn’t get towed, for the removal and subsequent payment of the fine has a fairly high cost.

Respecting the rules of the road is the safest way to happily finish your trip as planned.

Do you think these laws are too strict compared to other countries?

VictoriaCars
Car Hire Alicante Airport - Car Hire Malaga
http://www.victoriacars.com/
www.facebook.com/victoriarentacar

How about a vacation after August?

2011-09-05T11:57:00.003+02:00

The holidays need not only be in the summer months. We can also enjoy them just as well in September and October accompanied by the sensational weather.

Almost everyone is willing to travel during the summer months. They have always been most popular month for vacations. However, some have to work during the summer covering for those who leave; others prefer to travel when it’s a little cooler; or some simply want to enjoy holiday to the fullest whilst spending as little as possible.

In September and October, when warm temperatures and sun still bathe the cities and towns on the Spanish coast; at this time comes another kind of tourist, completely different from the holiday makers, but with the same desire to enjoy their vacation.

Why do many people prefer to travel during the mid season?

One of the main reasons is the tranquillity offered by the destination. With fewer people taking holidays at this time of year, the streets are not as crowded; the shops are quieter and you can almost always find a sot at your favourite restaurant.

When going out to breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just to drink a coffee, them having a lower occupancy will often result in a more personal and familiar service.

The weather is nice this time of year. At this time you can spend many hours on the beach, swim and take long walks and enjoy the scenery accompanied by a very warm climate. Of course, having a couple of sweaters never hurts, just for the cool nights ...

During the mid season, there are many deals to be found in almost all touristic businesses. Beginning with the price of airline tickets to any destination, such as Mallorca, Barcelona, Malaga; the price of accommodation in any part of Spain and also the price of car hire in Barcelona, Mallorca ... everything is much cheaper than in high season.

For those who do not like being too overwhelmed, September and October is the ideal month for a holiday. Relax, be calm and at the same time enjoy all the facilities of a tourist site in full operation.

September and October are perfect months for those who dislike the intense heat of August or their body just simply doesn’t permit it. This is the case for major portion of people of a certain age in northern Europe.

Where can we go on vacation during mid-season in Spain?

In general, virtually any place that is available during the high season is also available in September and October. However; during October in particular, the rainy season starts, especially in northern Spain. Best thing to do if we want to avoid a wet holiday is go south and/or east of the peninsula.

All the Mediterranean areas during these months still maintain all the advantages of a tourist area whilst avoiding the disadvantages of the crowds they bring in the high season.

Finding the cheapest airfare to Mallorca, to reserve the best hotel room in Marbella, hire a service of car hire in Alicante airport, enjoy a meal beside the sea with the best quality products ...

If you have to go on vacation these days you just need to point your finger at a map and choose your favourite place to spend unforgettable days.

And you? Where will you go on vacation the next few months?

More information at http://www.victoriacars.com/

Planning a vacation without leaving home with Google Street View

2011-08-11T16:24:00.004+02:00

The Google Street View tool can help us planning our holiday as it allows us to view the exact location of our destination with just a couple of clicks.
In 2007 Google introduced Google Street View, a tool that has changed the way we see our streets on Internet.

What is the tool Google Maps Street View?

Street View is a tool that allows users to view, through real images, the streets of many cities around the World.

Basically several cameras installed on a vehicle was taking pictures of our streets. After that, pictures were uploaded in panoramic format, 360º Vertical and 290º Horizontal, after deleting the car number plates and the faces of the people who were at that time in the streets.

First country where it was released was in USA, than followed by many others, being present nowadays in 24 countries plus Antarctica, out of which 16 are from Europe. The Frech were the first Europeans presented with this service, arriving in Spain only at the end of 2008. The last update was on the 2nd of July 2011.

In our country, images were taken already in most of the cities and a large number of main and secondary streets.

How does this works?

Using this software is very easy and handy.

One of the main advantages is that the users do not have to download anything, they just need to have an internet connection and enter in Google Maps.

Google Street View is also available as free app for Android Mobiles.

To visualize the images as if you where there in that place, the user will have to click and take the small orange man at the point of the map that he wants to see. The streets with Street View images are marked with a blue colour (1).

To rotate the view you can use whether the wheel from the control panel, or the arrows of the keyboard or with the mouse dragging over the image (2).

For the movement along the street we have to click on the white arrows overlaid the street or using the arrows of the keyboard (3).

To enlarge the image of a certain point we should go with the arrow where we will see a rectangle or a circle. If there is a lens within that rectangle than we can enlarche the image (4).

How can Street View help me?

Allows me to explore places around the world that I always wanted to visit but had no chance to do it yet.

For the travel agencies, Street View has been a revolution. If we wish to go on holidays to a specific destination and the travel agency give us the exact address we can view all the area, the views, distance to the sea, services… This can be a very important factor whyle making the final decision.

You can show your friends or family the exact place where you live or work, the gym where you are going or you favourite restaurant.

If you are searching for a house to rent or buy, with Street View you will save many useless visits. It allows you to see the location of the property, how the building looks like aso. without even moving from the sofa.

Street View can be very useful for education, being an excellent tool to help those difficult classes of geography or history.

Can you think of another original application for Google Street View?

VictoriaCars
Car hire Alicante
http://www.victoriacars.com
http://www.facebook.com/victoriarentacar

Northern Europeans searching for affordable houses in the Costa Blanca.

2011-08-05T11:24:00.002+02:00

After the long-suffering real estate sale collapse and the consequent price dropp, it is becoming more and more common that those people who do tourism in Spain do purchase for affordable houses.

It was during the sixties when Spain became famous for its beaches. Many northern europeans came to spend there summer holidays at the mediterranean coast. This was due to the excellent climate that the Mediterranean countries have like Spain, Italy or Greece besides to the great hospitality offered by its people.

This way the northern tourists changed there rainy days for sunny days, with a nicely and warm temperature and sea breezes to a much more affordable price compared to the standard of living in their countries. Mediterranean countries began to build houses to supply the high demand of tourists, arriving steadily throughout the year. Among the first who start to colonize the spanish coasts where the german people.

Generally, retirees from Northern Europe came to the Costa Blanca during the winter months, months with a very pleasant temperatures, and went back to their home countries during the summer months, maintaining this way a constant temperature throughout the year.

"The prices of the housing at that time where so low for us that many of us bought a property" said Franz, a german resident in Moraira, Alicante coast.

Many of them came here to live permanently and started all kind of business, from smallest shops with typical food from their country to large big construction companies and real estates, offering this way all kinds of service to their fellow citizens in their own lenguage.

The financial crisis and real estate cisis rapidly dropped its sellin down, which was the main engine of the local economy, new opportunities have arisen for many people who, until very recently, where only dreaming of having a house on the Costa Blanca.

"You can find properties for less than 150.000 euros near the beach and in perfect conditions" says Antonio, real estate agent in Calpe. Many spanish people who had their second residence here are selling them at very affordable prices because they can not afford it anymore" says Michael, another manager of property sales in Calpe of english nationality.

We have been looking for an apartment for sale in Calpe and found a great apartment next to the beach for less than 160.000 euros. And also sold completely furnished", says Ruslan, who came from long way Siberia and who will now be a new owner of a property in Calpe.

Google maps launches a new service of traffic information and forecast.

2011-07-26T11:21:00.005+02:00

Google launches in Spain and in other 12 European countries a traffic information and forecasting service which can help us to avoid traffic jams.

"I have an emergency and I have to get urgently to the airport, which route shall I take? I take my cell phone and call to the Traffic Information Centre and ask them for the shortest route that has no traffic jam. Let me know once you have the information, or "I´ve just arrived at the airport, I´ve hired a car in Madrid and I need to go to the centre of the city, will there be any traffic jams? will I get on time to my meeting?"

From now on this want be necessary anymore. Goolge Maps launched in Spain and in other 12 European countries a traffic information service almost in real time. Just need to make a small query and we will know exactly which is our best route.

At the moment this service is not yet "in real-time", but the information that you receive is updated every 5 or 10 minutes, so you can alomost consider it as a "real time information".

Another interesting option is when we are planning our trip we can make a traffic forecast. This option is based on collected and filtered past information at the same date and time, so it can gives you this way a similar prediction.

Information can be viewed through our personal computer or through any mobile device that supports Google Maps, only by selecting the Traffic option. Immediatly there will apear on the motorway different colour marks like green, orange red and dark red meaning the flow of the traffic in that particular area.

Every day that passes by, the software giant is more familiar to us and it provides us more and more aplications that makes our daily lives more easier.

VictoriaCars
Car Hire Alicante Airport

http://www.victoriacars.com/
http://www.facebook.com/victoriarentacar

Key tips for hiring the cheapest car

2011-07-07T12:44:00.002+02:00

Always when holidays are approaching we start to organise the voyage. We book the hotel room or the apartment where we will stay, the plane tickets and in case we are not travelling in our own car, the best option is to rent a car at the destination where we travel to.

10 tips for renting a cheap car in Spain.

1. Choosing the most economical pick-up location
Obviously, depending on the selected destination, prices for the same rental car will vary. However in addition, within the same destination in many cases we can find different prices depending on the point of delivery. Generally the cheapest pick-up points are usually the airports.

2. Book in advance.
Car rental prices, and specially in Spain, increases as we move into summer dates.
During the summer months there is such an important increase in demand which makes that the rental car price rises at the same pace than this demand. Booking a car in advance will avoid us now to pay such high prices. And also we will avoid the risk of not getting any car.

3. Prepayment of your booking.
During the low season we can find that most car rental companies launch tenders for "prepayments". For example, if the car is booked for June and paid in March we are usually presented with a significant discount. Reason of this is that these companies concentrate their business during the summer months but need to keep having incomes during the winter months, which is obvious.

4. 7 days rental or more.
Trying to save money by renting a vehicle for less days than what you need, will only increasing the daily price. At most car rental companies daily prices are less as longer the booking period is.

5. Making a booking through a provider with its own base at the selected destination.
It is advisable that the chosen company where you are booking your car with has its own base at the selected destination. This way we ensure that the rental price has no additional charges as for example extra commissions to third parties, intermediaries, etc...

6. Consult accurately the price of the extras.
Many times we make a reservation through a website where the car rental price is much cheaper than the own suppliers one, disregarding of the extras we need. However, by collecting the vehicle we are surprised how the price of the extras increases our booking price. It is advisable not to make any booking until we have checked the exact price of all the extras that we are going to need.

7. Hiring a fully comprehensive insurance.
Yes, oddly enough, by the end it will be much cheaper and will give us less headaches if we do not hire this insurance. In the first place we avoid holding onto our credit card the amount of the excess, which is the deposit that they charge us in case something happens with the car.

The credit on your credit card is to enjoy your holidays not to have a certain amount blocked on it that you can not use.

Secondly, in case of any mishap with the vehicle, and depending on the rental company, we can have the surprise that the insurance that is included in the car rental price does not cover that particular damage.

8. Hiring a fully comprehensive insurance once collecting the car.
Many intermediary car rental companies are offering full risk insurances at their own web site, which you can hire at the same time of making your booking.

Afterwards we find out that such insurance does not cover the totality of what the full risk covers from the company where we collect the car, who is the owner of the vehicle.

Therefore it is advisable that you hire the full risk insurance at the time of picking up the vehicle, this way we ensure us the maximum coverage.

9. Returning the vehicle at the same pick-up location.
Although that the selected company has an office where you want to return the vehicle, in most cases they will charge us a certain amount by returning it at a different destination.

This is because the rental companies have a determined fleet of vehicles for each of their destinations, calculated in base of the needs. The specific cases where clients require to return the vehicle to a different destination often involves that afterwards the car rental company must return the vehicle to its origin, having to assume this way extra personnel costs, fuel, increases wear on the engine and so on...

10. Fidelity has its reward.
Searching for any offer at the car hire companies website that they might have for their customers. Check their social networks, often just by becoming a fan on Facebook apply us discounts which at times can be up to 30%. In addition to discounts, some companies offer different awards, sweepstakes or contests only available for their clients.

VictoriaCars
Car hire Madrid
http://www.victoriacars.com/
www.facebook.com/victoriarentacar

The Social Networking has revolutionized the tourism sector and alreado serve not only to socialize.

2011-06-21T10:33:00.002+02:00

The Social Networking have given a oost to the tourism companies and are used not only to social life on the Internet, but also to plan and book the holidays, consult offers...

Everyone agrees and the repeat it more and more: "social networks have changed our lives and the way of doing things". The emergence of social networks has been for many people a whole advantage, as n the case of e-Marketing within enterprises.
Along with the emergence of social networks, many of us begun to open accounts, fill them in with our information such as place of birth, schools where we have studied or upload photos of our daily live. With the refined search tools at the same time many of us have found old friends and family that we had not seen for years.
Since the start of this phenomenon on the internet, there have been appeared many social networks, like for example Facebook, Linkedln, Hi5, Tuenti, MySpace...At the same time marketing companies are increasingly more and more part of their yearly budgets to these pages. One of the advantages is that you can segment your audience that reads the advertising on the basis of age, sex, place, aso...which is a plus for any marketing campaign on the net.
At the same time the majority of the companies on the internet have been creating accounts in the most important social networks, to attract a greater number of clients on the network.
In the case of online booking companies, many of them, like booking.com, are incorporating search engines in their public profiles. Another company, vaca.do, offers the possibility to book a travel package directly from their profile.
Flight companies have not stayed behind and companies like Traveljungle.es, Delta Airlines and many others are also creating and adding tools for the clients from their profiles on Social Networks.
VictoriaCars keeps under constant evolution its profile on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Blogger which are being updated constantly. “Since we have presence in Social Networks have managed to increase and improve communication with our customers both real and existing. The communication of our offers is direct, same as resolving any doubt the customer may have. Indeed, Social Networks have become an important tool for companies in the sector” said Teresa Martinez, Communications Manager at VictoriaCars.
“We are currently working in different applications to integrate into our Facebook profile in order to improve the quality of our customer service before and after the booking is done.” Reaffirms
“We currently offer 5% discount to any client who is a fan of our Facebook profile, if you book through this page. That means that if the client is searching a service for car hire Alicante Airport and car hire Madrid Airport for example and if they want a 5% discount on the prices , only has to become a fan of VictoriaCars in facebook” comment Teresa Martinez
For more information visit the website www.victoriacars.com

VictoriaPromotions participates again in SIMA 2011

2011-06-16T11:09:00.003+02:00

VictoriaPromotions returned to be present again in the well known SIMA 2011 fair and makes a positive.

As we know, the SIMA real estate exhibition is an internation benchmark where on each edition attend many promoters and real estates companies from all over the world.

This year they increased the surface by almost 20% and over 170 companies came to participate from 15 different countries.

All sales stands showed posters, with unique and innovative designs. Most of the with special offers and some of them with dicounts up to 70%. Marsol International with discounts between 20% and 50%. Larrosa International had offers up to 45%. Realia between 30 and 40%. Habitat Inmobiliaria up to 30%. Ballester Inmobiliaria with discount up to 10%....

Even so the number of visitors has been lower than years before and customers besides asking and studying very well each offer they were much better informed. Almost all visitors were searching for the best price of their dream house, whether for their second residence as for their first residence.

The typical customer in this fair were 35 year old couples looking for their first residence, with 2 or 3 bedrooms, as the situation allows it.

Also important was the presence of the mature customer who is looking for investment opporunities especially in the coastal areas of the mediterranean.

Victoria Promotions presents Residential Parque Jazmines

The most important product from Victoria Promotions was the sale of houses in Calpe with the presentation of Residencial Parque Jazmines V. Financed by Bancaja is available with up to 100% mortgage and with very special conditions for those who want a loan. The provided financinghas been our main attraction, as well as the reduced prices and also considering that the client doesn´t has to pay anything during the first 3 years" says Adrian Florescu, Apartments in Calpe Sales Manager for Victoria Promotions.

"Although in a very weak way the demand for property in Calpe is beeing reactivated and their are customers who are really interested, more than anything by the square meters and at the same time by its proximity to the beach" reafirms.

For more information about houses for sale in Calpe, visit the web page www.victoriapromociones.com

Terra Mitica reopens its doors for the summer season.

2011-05-24T13:46:00.004+02:00

The Terra Mitica theme Park, located in Benidorm which is one of the most famous tourist attractions, has opened its doors for the new 2011 season.
Terra Mitica is located inn the heart of the Costa Blanca, surrounded by mountains, green zones and wide roads, and just a step away from the centre of Benidorm and its beaches.

Terra Mitica is a theme Park that has tried to reproduce since ancient time the mediterranean civilizations through its facilities, like Iberia, Rome, The Islands, Greece and Egypt.
It has many attractions, small ones for children aswell as bigger ones for those braver peapole who left their fears at home.

Wellcome to Terra Mitica
Just after crossing through the ticket office, we are welcomed by several pharaonique statues of the ancient Egypt, accompanied by boats that goes around the park thanks to lake that borders it.
Entering into the egypcian area, we sea a reproduction of the Alejandria port and the Infinnito, a 100 meters height tower with rotating viewpoint.
In the are of Greece we can find attractions such as the Minotauro laberinth, where the visitors combat against mythical monsters with virtual guns. Titanide, a switchback made of steel; the Synkope, a swinging disc at 35m of hight and that reaches a speed of 90km/h.
In the area of Rome, we will find the Magnus Colossus, the longest wooden roller coaster in Europe with a 35 m fall over 1 Km long. The Vuelo del Fenix, which is a 35 metres height free fall that will leave you breathless for about 3 seconds; The Inferno, one of the most spectacular and unique attractions over the world, going up, forward, upsidedown...
In the Iberian area, the most harmless attraction where we can enjoy from theming of the cars that resemble goats and wild bores, finally, we end up in the Islands area where are the Rapidos de Argos and the Colera de Akiles which is a flying ship that sping and swing up to 120º and at a 15 meters of height.
Besides all the attractions you can also enjoy from the many shows that Park offers during the day and night, because the Park offers also night tickets. After so much adrenaline, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes where customers can enjoy the specific menus from each area.
Before ending our visit to the Park, there are available several souvenir shops where customers can buy souvenir gifts with the inscriptions and design of the Park on it, depending on in which area you are.

Where to find tickets
Terra Mitica tickets are available at the Park´s own website or also in many commercial establishments located throughout the Costa Blanca, or in travel agencys, local tourist companies, etc...
In some cases these companies are directly involved with the theme Park, having this way the possibility to offer entrance tickets at a reduced price when you hire their services as it is the case with VictoriaCars that whit its service of car rental in Madrid, car hire Alicante Airport, car rental Valencia, etc, you can purchase tickets for only 11.80 euros, or some campings in Benidorm like Armanello that offer cheaper tickets for their customers.

Victoria Promociones gives you 3.500€ for recommending their promotions, if finally the saletakes place.

2011-05-03T10:21:00.005+02:00

The company Victoria Promociones has decided to offer an incentive to anyone who wants to recommend their promotions that they have for sale in Calpe, Alicante, with giving a 3.500€ whim in case of sale.

Victoria Promociones has launched its new campaign: We take care of the selling, you think on what to spend 3.500€ on!!!

The purpose of this campaign is that people promote, trhough friends, family, etc, the sale of their current new build residentials and that have been recently completed in Calpe.In the event that house is sold, Victoria Promociones will offer an amount of 3.500€ (gross) to the person who has initiated the relationship between Victoria and the buyer.

Victoria Promociones released their 3 new property sale in Calpe promotions, each of them designed for a different type of customer.

The Vista Bella building, built on first line of the beach with stunning sea views and exceptional qualities. Luxury apartments, built to the highest standards that exists in the market regarding to materials, accesories, high finish, etc, having all apartments superb sea views for those who want to enjoy the full Mediterranean luxury.

The second promotion is Edificio Peñal II. Complex of apartments of 1 and 2 bedrooms with large terraces, sea views and are fully furnished and equipped, ideal for families or couples who want to spend unforgettable holidays every year, enjoying the beach.

The latest promotion that has been put up for sale is Residencial Parque Jazmines VI. Very spacious villas of 230m2 with own plot, 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. This promotion is intended mainly to families who normally live year round in Calpe, because of its proximity to the centre of town and beaches, combined with the tranquility of living outside the town centre.

After several real estate fairs with very positive results, Victoria Promociones has decided now to embark on a new type of campaign, following the example of other companies that have done the same. "Starting with the slogan we take car of the selling, you think on what to spend 3.500€ on!! The company has decided to pay this amount any person who recommends any of our housings that are for sale, provided that the recommendation ends up in a sale. This is a very interesting idea that will allow us to get new contacts" -says Adrian Florescu, Victoria Promociones Sales Manager.

"This promotion is valid until closing 10 sales or until the 1st of September 2011." The amount will be payd out once the house is sold and the deed property signed, provided that the buyer claim that this promotion has been recommended by that person" Reaffirms.

All these incentives offered are limited exclusivly for the sale of apartments in Calpe, in the three above-mentioned promotions...

For more information about this promotion and particular conditions, please visit the Web page http://www.victoriapromociones.com/

Victoria Parking will soon present its new web reservation site

2011-04-19T14:02:00.003+02:00

Victoria Parking presents its new booking web site for parking service in the main spanish airports such as Barcelona, Valencia and Alicante.

Once we have decided where to spend our hollidays, we have our plane tickets and when almost everything is organized, there comes up one of the most important questions before leaving: "Once at the airport, where can I leave my car while I´m gone? will it be safe leaving it in a public parking area? Victoria Parking is the perfect answer to this question, with over 8 years since they opened for the first time in Alicante Airport, with its own private parking area next to the airport.

You park your car in a secure and always supervised area. But not only that, also our 24 hour a day transfer to and from the airport are included in the service.

After several years of providing this service of parking at the Alicante Airport - El Altet and due to a great success, the company decides to open new parking facilities. First, opening a new parking at Valencia Airport and Parking at Barcelona airport after only one year. Currently, bookings are made either by telephone or online with immediate confirmation.

To provide a better service to the customer, the company decides to release a new web site, making it much easier when browsing, booking and expanding the information on each destination. With the new web site they expect to increase the number of bookings and to increase the average of occupancy in less than 3 months.
"The number of parking places will soon be increased as they are now carrying out extension work at all airports" says Antonio Pons communications manager at Victoria Parking.

"Within our business strategy and according to our expansion plans, soon we will open new facilities at the airport of Madrid, offering the same personalized service", reafirms Antonio Pons

Victoria Parking belongs to VictoriaCars, car rental company with more than 25 years of experience, being a car rental supplier in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante and Murcia and from their web site and through its partners anywhere over the world.

Visit our web site http://www.victoria-parking.com/ for more information about Parking at Alicante airport, Valencia and Barcelona.

The trend of going from a one floor apartment to live in a townhouse

2011-03-24T11:28:00.003+01:00

Due to the large drop in housing prices there is now a growing trend for apartment owners to sell up and buy a townhouse, and even more people want to change.
The recent years, as we all know, have been cha
racterized by the so-called housing boom, construction being the main engine of economic growth.

They had been building residential buildings for both the domestic and international markets and prices did not stop growing until the beginning of the financial crisis that shook the economies of all countries, not sparing anyone.

In the Spanish coastal areas most buildings were constructed as holiday homes, with very few companies having invested in building houses for local customers.

Promotions Victoria has taken advantage of this gap in the market and started to build the residential zone ‘Jasmine Park’. Following the successful sales of Jasmine Park II, they have now built the residential zones Jasmine Park III and IV.

"Seeing that more and more locals are selling up their flats in the town and moving to the suburbs, but at the same time wanting to be near the city centre, we decided to make very spacious houses. These homes have a private garage, making the house measure a total of 227m2, with 4 bedrooms to provide a home where space is something that you’ll never be without," says Adrian Flores, Head of Property sales in Calpe at Victoria Promotions.

“We have chosen the best materials from leading brands such as: faucets from Grohe, security doors with 3 locks, marble staircase with stainless steel railings, double glazed windows with aluminium frames... Also the bathrooms and kitchen are fully furnished and equipped with electrical appliances, plus fitted wardrobes in the bedrooms with ample inside drawers.

"All this is offered in a tranquil environment, just steps from the city centre of Calpe and its beaches, schools and other services necessary in the daily life of a family," states Adrian.

We see this trend continuing, especially now that house prices have been reduced by 25%, as is also the case with Victoria Promotions.

For more information on house sales in Calpe please visit VictoriaPromociones.com

Tell us where you want to go and VictoriaCars will find you a car.

2011-03-22T10:07:00.003+01:00

VictoriaCars launched their new campaign to promote the expansion of its online reservation system to all national and international destinations.

From March, VictoriaCars can reserve you a hire car anywhere in the world.

VictoriaCars has undertaken a major change in their booking system including the possibility of offering a car hire Alicante service, car hire in Mallorca, Ibiza, Canaries ... and in all possible destinations within the nation.

But in addition, it is also possible to search for the cheapest car through its reservation system, anywhere in Europe: car hire in Paris, Car rental in London, Rome or Berlin…

And if the client requires, Victoria can also find a rental car overseas, its service offering car hire in the USA, car hire in Cuba, Mexico, Santo Domingo or any destination in South America.

"And it doesn’t stop at these destinations. The company has reached important agreements with suppliers across the globe in order to provide a car service and quality affordable car rentals anywhere in the world", said Teresa Martínez, Communications Manager at Victoria Rent-A-Car.
"We go where the customer wants, including recent growth destinations like Egypt, Tunisia ... We are looking for a rental car in Thailand, India and China ... in short, our new range of destinations is so broad that really we draw the line where the customer draws it."

Changes in the booking tool

To support all these new destinations, the company has had to redesign its booking tool. Using the latest methods, within the tourism sector, they have launched a system capable of connecting VictoriaCars with suppliers spread throughout the world, with the ultimate aim of seeking the most economical car in the destination selected by the customer.

"All the user has to do is type the name of the destination they want to go. The booking tool will show all the destinations that match the text they have entered. You select the correct destination, dates of collection and delivery and, from then on, the search engine is programmed to show the customer all the potential offers sorted by price, from most to least economical. ", Teresa Martínez said.

For more information please visit www.victoriacars.com

For one more year, Valencia have started setting up the Fallas of Valencia

2011-03-14T13:17:00.003+01:00

Las Fallas are to be celebrated for another year in the majority of the cities within the Comunitat Valenciana. The ‘falleros’ have already started preparations; setting up the statues that will be burned on the night of March 19th.

Life and colour in the street, the sound of rockets and firecrackers everywhere, "mascletás" (firework displays), parades ... are the traditional Valencian Fallas that will shortly be celebrated for another year during the week of March 19th.

Celebrating San José, the patron saint of carpenters, Las Fallas result from the simple burning of the carpenters waste; but the inventiveness of Valencia has managed to turn it into a celebration and a very important tourist attraction.

It can be considered as a Valencian carnival, with the caricatures that become cadafals (monuments) and burned the night of March 19th. Each committee (Fallero) places a monument in a street and enters a contest whereby "the best Falla" will be rewarded with the benefit of being the last to burn during the night of the “Cremá”.

This year, the Falleros have already begun to assemble their giant statues to assure that everything will be ready for this weekend.

Although there are still days left, the events and celebrations have already begun. More than 2,000 children have participated in the Children's Parade - “Ninot” where the princesses of old, magic and traditional Valencian clothing were the protagonists.

For anyone who has a week off and want to visit Valencia in Fallas, here we offer you the program of events:

Monday March 14, 2011
Mascletá; The Portuguese at 14:00 pm in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Closure of the Children’s Exhibition of Ninot at 15:00 pm.

Tuesday March 15, 2011
Setting up of all the Children's Fallas at 8:00 pm.
Mascletá; Firework display of Valencia at 14:00 in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Ninot Exhibition Closes at 18 hours.
At 0:00 pm, Castle Firework display by Turis.

Wednesday March 16, 2011
Plant all the Fallas at 08:00 am.
Mascletá; By Turis at 14:00 pm in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Awards ceremony for the Children’s Fallas and other related items at 16:30.
At 1:00 am, fireworks display by the Focs d'Artifice Europlá.

Thursday March 17, 2011
Awards ceremony for the Fallas and other related items 09:30 hours.
Mascletá; Focs d'Artifice Europlá at 14:00 pm in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Offering of Flowers to the Virgin of the Helpless from 16:00.
At 1:00 am, Castle Firework display by Caballer.

Friday March 18, 2011
Tribute to the poet Maximilian Thouscon at 11:00 with Traca Valencian fireworks.
Tribute to the poet Maestro Serrano at 12:00 with Mascletá Valenciana fireworks.
Mascletá Caballer at 14:00 in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Offering of Flowers to the Virgin of the Helpless from 16:00.
At 1:30 am, Castle Firework display by Ricardo Caballer.

Saturday March 19, 2011
Offering of Flowers at the Bridge of San Jose before the image of the Patriarch by the eldest of the Valencian Falleros and their Courts at 11:00.
Mass in honor of the Patriarch San Jose at 12:00 pm in the Cathedral of Valencia.
Mascaletá; Ricardo Caballer at 14:00 in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Fire Parade at 19:00.
Cremá of the Children's Fallas at 22:00.
Cremá of the Children’s First Prize winning Falla at 22:30.
Cremá of the Children’s Falla at the Town Hall Square at 23:00.
Cremá of all Fallas at 00:00 hours.
Cremá of the first prize falla at 00:30.
Cremá of the Falla in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento at 01:00 hours with Aerial Fire Pyrotechnics by Rich.

To give it a different and authentic touch they could not miss out the fireworks, where many companies are riding in trucks full of fireworks that will shoot up before the Cremá, not counting the thousands operated by the hands of ordinary citizens.

Getting to Valencia

The most comfortable, and taking advantage of the ample supply at this time; is to travel to Valencia by plane. Once in Valencia, the best option in order not to miss a single Falla is to rent a car at the airport. An internet recruiting service for car hire in Valencia, car hire Madrid, etc is a simple and inexpensive process.

Another possibility is to drive to the city with your own vehicle and keep it in a parking Valencia service and get around the city by public transport.

For more information please visit www.victoriacars.com

Alicante Carnival, the most open and democratic carnival starts on the 3rd March.

2011-02-25T13:27:00.001+01:00

Alicante’s carnivals are one of the most emblematic festivals of this city. From the 3rd to the 9th March, the city will be filled with colour and festive atmosphere in every corner.
The city of Alicante can already taste the approaching carnival air. As every year, Alicante is preparing for one of its most traditional and re-enacted festivals for decades.

The Alicante Carnival is one of the most attractive within the Spanish scene. This carnival has been mainly characterized by being one of the biggest, most open and participatory. Anyone can participate; you do not need to be part of any group or pay any fees. It is not a marketed carnival as it is not supported by any sponsorship or commercial firms.

In short, the carnival is original, created by the citizens and for the citizens.

Original elements of the Alicante Carnival

Urban Archaeology: fleeting costumes are worn from different areas of the city, initially as a form of protest. In some places this is known as urban interventions
School Archaeologies: Schools are transformed into a carnival theme.
Carnival Banners: Transient canvas paintings are located in the streets.
Carnival cars: Satires represented on the Carnival’s Friday by carnival groups and clubs in different areas.
Fat Thursday (Dijous Gras): Preheating the start of the ritual under fire, fat and wine.
Ramblero Saturday: La Rambla de Alicante, the cities avenue par excellence becomes a great masquerade.
Tuesday (Mardi Gras): Carnival summary trial by the authorities and a procession with drums and fire through the narrow streets of Casco Antiguo (Jui d'en Carnestoltes i Processó bubbler).
Burial of the Sardine: Ash Wednesday. The different penitential fraternities and sororities of the carnival form the procession of the beautiful fish in the Casco Antiguo to its incineration.
Piñata Sunday: A celebration for the children in the morning.
Veterans Dance: designated for the elderly.

Travel to Alicante Carnival

Victoria Rent a Car is a renowned company within the car rental industry at airports, as is confirmed by their services in Alicante; and at other major airports such as their car hire Madrid, Car Rental Barcelona ...

So to enjoy the carnival and move freely through the city, there’s nothing better than to book a rental car.

If travelling by plane from another Spanish city, it's best to leave your car in a parking facility at the airport. In this way, when you return, all you have to do is pick up your car and continue, without relying on taxis or family, etc.

The Dec. 16 Victoria opened a new parking in Barcelona, with the aim of offering a parking service for travellers taking a plane; a service, of course, cheaper than the airport itself.

Victoria also has parking at Alicante and Valencia airport service.

For more information please visit http://www.victoriacars.com

Luxury also exists on the beaches of the Costa Blanca.

2011-02-15T13:52:00.007+01:00

Some pristine buildings within in Alicante can help bring us closer to luxury without having to leave the Costa Blanca.

Calpe; a town in Alicante located on the beach appears to offer the visitor everything one could want: beach, sun, entertainment, cuisine, culture and lots of activities from the first until the last day of your stay.

It is in this beautiful city where we can find, on the front line of the beach, the ‘Bella Vista’, whose architectural design has succeeded in capturing the attention of everyone who passes through the promenade.

To differentiate itself from any other building in the area it possesses a modern design, being unique in the Costa Blanca. As a novelty, it is highlighted by a façade made completely of glass, which like a mirror reflects the fascinating Mediterranean sunset. Likewise it stands out with its panoramic lifts, all this in order to maximize the stunning views over the sea.

"For its construction there were used high quality materials and accessories from the best brands. Faucets from the high-end brand Grohe, hydro-massagers fitted in the master bathrooms, the floors paved with pieces of 80x80 from the Saloni brand, aluminium sockets and switches from the high-end brand LeGrand, Silestone slabs in one piece in the kitchen..."

"Also the buildings apartments have perfect insulation, with a ventilated front from Alucobond and aluminium carpentry from the brand Schüco, electric shutters, double glazed windows with a protective film on the outside ... in short, all the best materials and accessories available on the market today," said Adrián Flores, Head of apartment Sales in Calpe, Victoria Promociones.

"In recent months we have lowered prices about 20% to increase access to these apartments in Calpe to a wider audience of both national and international markets. As you can see; good quality, good views, and a good price directly on the beach is a reality," reaffirms Adrián.

The building began its construction in 2005 and was completed in middle of 2010. It has 19 floors, a total of 31 apartments, 3 levels of underground parking and a community pool.

More information in http://www.victoriapromociones.com

Malaga – the Capital of the Costa del Sol – Spain’s sun coast.

2011-02-09T14:04:00.003+01:00

The Province of Malaga is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the World. It is not hard to understand why, with over 300 days of sunshine a year, fantastic beaches, great food and a wealth of cultural and historical monuments.

The development of Malaga’s International airport (now handling over 7 million passengers a year) the expansion of Malaga’s port – soon to be one of the largest in the Mediterranean – have meant that the city of Malaga and the surrounding areas are ever more accessible and will remain so in the future.
Malaga is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a fascinating history that dates back to 800BC. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, the Moors and even the French have all left their mark. As with so many towns in Andalucía, the Moorish presence is the one that is most felt today. Many of Malaga’s most famous landmarks come from the Moorish times, including the Gibralfaro Castle and the Alcazaba.

Video and tourist information about the province of Malaga

The list of things to see to do in modern day Malaga is almost endless. The Picasso museum, Plaza de la Merced, Calle Larios, Plaza de la Constitución, Cervantes theater, Malaga’s Cathedrals, and, of course, the beaches. These are just a small taste of what the city has to offer. Malaga is a Spanish town, with a very Spanish feel to it. Come and see for yourself. For your holiday villas in Spain be sure to check out Spain Holiday’s extensive list of Malaga holiday rentals

VictoriaCars now offers car hire services in Seville and Malaga

2011-02-02T16:22:00.005+01:00

From January VictoriaCars have been offering their services of car hire at Seville airport, thus following his philosophy of national expansion.
VictoriaCars has opened its car rental service in Seville and expanded their services in Malaga. This new inauguration confirms the philosophy of this company whose objective is to offer a car hire service at low prices at major airports in Spain.

With an experience of over 25 years in the industry, VictoriaCars began its journey through the 80's. In a short space of time it spread along the Costa Blanca, settling in major tourist attractions such as Denia, Torrevieja, Moraira ...

VictoriaCars adapts to changes in the sector

The emergence of low cost airlines boosted the changes to forms of travel.

Soon, most tourists who had once travelled from their own countries of origin with their own vehicles changed their mode of transport to by plane. This promoted the need to provide airports with large fleets of rental vehicles so these tourists could reach their final destination and travel comfortably during their stay.

This change of situation was quickly detected by VictoriaCars. To achieve greater customer satisfaction, the company decided to expand their car rental service throughout major airports in the Spanish territory: Alicante, Valencia, Murcia, Barcelona, Madrid ...

And with that same objective they have recently opened an office at both Seville and Malaga airport

VictoriaCars is confident that the opening of this new office will meet the needs of every client that requires a car rental Malaga or Seville airport.

More services at airports

Victoria Rent a Car is renowned within the parking service industry at airports and this is confirmed by their valet parking at the airports in Alicante and Valencia.

On the 16th of December Victoria Parking opened their new parking in Barcelona, in order to provide parking service for travellers going to take a plane that is cheaper than the airport itself.

For more information please visit http://www.victoriacars.com

VictoriaCars gives a positive report from their attendance at Fitur 2011.

2011-01-31T13:05:00.004+01:00

Fitur 2011 has closed its doors for another year. This international tourism fair held in Madrid, has served as a bridge for VictoriaCars to get in touch with the major players in the car rental sector in Spain.

All agents attending this meeting; the celebration of the 31st edition of Fitur in Madrid, agree that it has been a resounding success. All factors involved in the tourism sector are pushing for a major comeback in the sector for the coming season in 2011.

Operators and representatives of the tourism industry, nationally and internationally, came together at this fair. The objectives; to network, negotiate and conduct business.

With these same goals came VictoriaCars to Fitur 2011, as a participant on the Costa Blanca Stand, in particular the Calpe City Council Stand. Attendance at this event has enabled them to present to the sector its new car hire in Barcelona and car hire in Madrid airport services, two of the destinations with the biggest boom in the market today.

Internet and the tourism industry

If something has been really evident in this edition of Fitur, it was the importance of the role that the Internet plays in the tourism sector. The social networking revolution has dominated this sector impressively.

Among the tourists who use the Internet to prepare their holidays in Spain, 96.1% used it to search for information about the destination, while 67.2% consulted the Internet to make their reservation on line (survey of tourist movements in Spain).

VictoriaCars; aware from the beginning of the changes in this regard, have already been underway with a major presence within social networks, with their Facebook account (http://www.facebook.com/victoriarentacar), Twitter (http://twitter.com/VictoriaCars), their journalistic contributions to blogs (http://alquiler-coches-victoriacars.blogspot.com/) and multimedia forays through Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/victoriacar) not to mention their participation in forums and social networks from the tourism industry, in its eagerness to bring the company closer to its customers.

VictoriaCars and their car rental service will participate in FITUR 2011.

2011-01-14T16:10:00.002+01:00

VictoriaCars will participate again this year in FITUR, the most important tourism fair in Spain, to present to their current and future partners their new products and services within the scope of car hire.
FITUR will open its doors on January 19th in the centre of the IFEMA (Madrid). The fair will run until 23rd January and will occupy the central halls of the IFEMA (i.e. the 1st to the 10th hall).

With more than 12 000 exhibitors from 170 different countries, FITUR is one of the fairs with the highest representation of proposal, which enables its participants to establish a broader and more useful network of business and institutional contacts.

FITUR Fair 2011 celebrates its thirtieth anniversary commemorating three decades of experience in which it has become the meeting point par excellence for tourism in Spain and a benchmark for the field of international tourism.

This year, the distribution of the halls is as follows:

Hall 1: Visitor Register
Hall 2: Asia-Pacific
Hall 4: America / Africa
Hall 6: North Africa and Middle East / Europe Hall 8: Europe / Business Hall 10: Business Halls 3, 5, 7 and 9: Spanish entities and agencies Hall 12: FITUR Congresses; 17th and 18th January.

VictoriaCars presence at this fair is to present to corporate partners, both current and potential, new strategies and collaborative programs that will be developed during 2011.
Also, the show allows a few days for VictoriaCars to be a showcase for potential clients; presenting their wide range of rental car services, which extends nationwide and through major domestic airports, such as; Alicante car hire, car hire Barcelona , car hire Madrid...

For more information please visit http://www.victoriacars.com

Victoria Promotions evaluated positively the results of 2010.

2011-01-13T09:56:00.002+01:00

It's time to evaluate numbers and income statements. The year 2010 has been most beneficial in relation to home sales than was first expected.
We’ve reached the end of 2010, a particularly difficult year for real estate; everyone has their statistics in hand, crunching numbers and comparing them with previous years.

A recovery in the sector has been possible thanks to the fact that banks have reopened the taps. Also contributing to this phenomenon, the government announced that from 1st January 2011 there will be no relief for those earning more than 24,000 € per year.

The news, at first sounded the alarm and started rumours of a new bubble, but fortunately there wasn’t. The developers, estate agents and banks have increased their advertising budgets, and in 90% of Internet advertising will see the word "relief"

"The company; during the last 5 months has increased the advertising budget by 200%, particularly as related to the sale of apartments in Calpe," said Adrian Flores, Victoria’s Head of Sales Promotions. "The results have been very good, requests for information reaching substantial numbers. I want to mention that we are fully satisfied with the investment of this government's attempt to revive the sector and that the sale of apartments in Calpe has risen considerably albeit with heavy price cuts." He reaffirms.

It has definitely been a year in which sales have been the key to the closure of many operations and many more sales than the last. A year-end for many with good news and others with not so good, but always with the confidence that next year will get better results.

Victoria Parking Barcelona has announced the grand opening of its new parking facilities at El Prat airport for the 16 December.

2010-12-01T13:14:00.001+01:00

On December 16 Victoria Parking will launch a new private parking area near Barcelona airport.
Victoria Parking is currently preparing the details for the opening of its new parking area at Barcelona airport, in close proximity of El Prat airport.

As is well known, this new service will offer parking in Barcelona, just minutes from the airport and with an airport service included.

With this service comes a parking space at Barcelona airport at a price significantly lower than the car park at the airport itself.

This service is especially useful for people who are traveling by plane and need to use their vehicle to get to the airport, unable to leave it any where else other than at the airport's car park facilities.

Victoria Parking has an extensive enclosed private parking area, under 24 hour surveillance, 365 days a year.
The price, besides being very cheap, includes a service to the airport, i.e. taking you from the car park to the airport and vice versa.

Victoria Parking is a company that forms part of the Group of Companies Victoria Rent a Car (www.victoriacars.com), car hire in Madrid, Barcelona, Murcia ... of national prestige.

Victoria Rent a Car is renowned within the private parking service industry at airports; and this is confirmed by their valet parking at the airports in Alicante and Valencia.

More information at http://www.victoria-parking.com

The national final of the King and Queen of Beauty of Spain 2010 contest will take place at the Diamante Beach Hotel in Calpe on the 30th of October.

2010-10-27T11:47:00.002+02:00

Kings and Queens Beauty are already in Calpe. Representatives of all the autonomous communities, including Ceuta and Melilla will be concentrated from the 21st of October until Sunday the 31st, the final gala will be on Saturday the 30th of October.

In its sixth edition, the gala for the national final of the King and Queen of Beauty competition will take place in the fabelous Diamante Beach Hotel in the coastal town of Calpe.

A total of 19 boys and 19 girls, aged between 18 and 25 years who came from all parts of our country will live for 10 days in Calpe.

The gala of this year is characterized by the presence of great artists such as The Brothers Agramunt, a dancing couple of "Look Who's Dancing" from TVE.

The Almeria LLX group with its eclectic style that blends roots rock, with the rabble rumba, tango, bossa or ska.

There also will take place during the gala a performance of the singer Sisniega y de Arcano, a singer from Malaga who will present "Rompiendo cadenas"

Gloria Martínez current Queen Beauty, Ana Carolina I Bridesmaid of the Queen Beauty Spain 2008 and Juan Antonio Ruiz model and actor will be responsible for presenting the gala.

Besides this they are also announcing the assistance of great personalities and characters who are well known in the art and social world like Carmen Martinez Bordiu or Beatriz Trapote, current partner from Victor Janeiro, and numerous media.

As a finishing touch we have an incredible performance from the great magician Magnolo.

The gala will be broadcasted on Saturday the 30th of October through the official website of the event.

More information:
VictoriaCars
Car hire Alicante / Car hire Barcelona

Victoria Promotions comes to the fair “Aquí Tu Casa” to present their offer of apartments for sale in Calpe.

2010-10-18T12:03:00.004+02:00

Between the 30th of September and the 3rd of October took place the real estate fair “Aquí Tu Casa” at its usual location; a tent set up in the outdoor car park of the Corte Inglés in Castellana.

During the first weekend of October, once again constructers, promoters, real estate agents and bankers met at the Real Estate Outlet Hall, “Aquí Tu Casa”; just two weeks before the well known SIMA.

As the name of the fair suggests, the commercial strategies have inclined towards some aggressive discounts, arriving in some cases up to 50% off the original sale price.

As everyone had expected, the best discounts were offered by the banks, as well as bringing back the offer of 100% finance for most of their products, presenting a wide range of housing options.

At this gathering there was a notably large interest from the buyers, ultimately purchasing much more than was expected from territories all over Spain; but especially on the coastal areas. The Valencian community was one of the most favoured areas.

Victoria Promotions attended the fair making known their offer of apartment sales in Calpe.

“We presented and made known our selection of apartments for sale in Calpe to some of the big real estate companies, impressed by our high quality product.” Confirms Adrian Flores; Sales Manager.

“This fair has been a very important event for us due to the large number of important contacts we’ve made, which I am sure will send us down the right path to selling our real estate.”

In general, this fair proved to be very fruitful for the vast majority of those who participated, bearing in mind it has been the first time that the products offered were from across the nation.

23nd Oktoberfest in Calpe, the German Beer Festival is about to begin.

2010-09-20T13:57:00.004+02:00

From 7th till 17th of October Calpe is celebrating its 23nd Oktoberfest organized by the Carnival Club Calpe. The also called "Fiesta Alemana de la Cerveza" in Calpe is the most famous festival of that kind, celebrated in Spain.

VictoriaCars is pleased to announce once again the traditional celebration of the Oktoberfest in the Province of Alicante, more precisely in Calpe. This year, the tent will space over 15,000 square meters at the fairground of the "Partida Rafol" (located beside the municipal deposit of vehicles)

VictoriaCars recomends you this event

Victoria Rent a Car from Calpe participates every year in this event and offers car hire in Murcia as well as car hire Alicante airport for those who are looking for visiting Calpe's XXII. Oktoberfest as comfortable as possible. Last but not least, please remember: VictoriaCars gives the advice to don’t drink and drive! So everyone can enjoy the Oktoberfest 2009 to the fullest.

VictoriaCars itself has its head office in Calpe and recommends to all clients and holidaymakers not to miss this great multi-cultural event on the Costa Blanca. The Oktoberfest in Calpe will take place from the 7th to the 17th of October and will be open every day without admission fees. All clients and Calpe visitors are invited to taste the German delicacies like the tasty sausages Nuremberg, Frankfurt or Krakauer, the typical salads, the knuckles of pork and,of course, the original "Paulaner" beer from Munich.

But besides being only a gourmet evening, the Oktoberfest visitors will also enjoy folklore with performances of the "Original Steinsberger Musikanten" which will give a concert every day and put the guests into good humour.

The origin

This festival has its origin in Munich with the celebration the engagement of Prince Ludwig, later known as Ludwig I, with the Princess Theresa of Saxony-Hildburghausen.

On 12 of October 1810, all citizens of Munich were invited to the wedding which took place on a meadow in the city. Since then, the conclusion was repeated year after year on the Theresienwiese when circumstances have allowed it. Munich's Oktoberfest is visited every year by year by more than 6 millions of visitors and is considered as one of the biggest folk festivals on the world.

Calpe's Oktoberfest tradition started in 1988, this is why the German beer festival has been established as unmissable event of this kind on the Spanish territory. And while it is obvious that the magnitude of Calpe's Oktoberfest is quite far from the one in Munich, the Oktoberfest in Calpe is at least accompanied with all Bavarian elements to spend a few really special days.

How to book a hire car in Spain when you’re younger than 25 years old.

2010-09-14T13:43:00.001+02:00

The vast majority of Car hire companies limit their services to only drivers who are older than 25 years of age. What are the motives behind this restriction?

You get to 18 years old and finally you can start to travel without the need to be accompanied by your parents.

You start to prepare what will be your first holiday as an adult; where to go, accommodation, how to get there and in most cases how to get around and get the most out of your stay once you get to your destination… but alas, the last part isn’t an option.

Being an adult does not imply that you have the experience and responsibility necessary for a car hire company to confide in your skills as a new driver, in fact, booking a car with most car hire companies is only available to those who are older than 24; but why is this restriction in place?

Is it legal to prohibit hiring a car to under 25’s?

According to the consumer associations, it is illegal for a company to not want to hire somebody a car due to the age of the driver, yet these hire car companies feel they need to have this restriction in place, why?

It’s very simple; the car hire companies are not directly responsible for this restriction. In the majority of cases it is the insurance companies that don’t offer cover for cars driven by under 25’s.

The same occurs when insuring your own vehicle, the age and experience of the driver are the basic factors that affect the cover of the insurance. Most insurance companies don’t want to run the risk of covering new drivers, even less when the car isn’t their own, and thus, not their responsibility.

So for these motives, the majority of services of car hire in Murcia, Madrid, Alicante etc. will not let you book if the drivers age is not over 24 years old.

Some companies offer the solution

Conscious of the problem imposed on an important area of their potential customers, some car hire companies have decided to offer an intermediate solution.

After arriving to an agreement with their insurance companies, they will now accept reservations for new drivers but only by contracting an additional insurance for under 25’s or for those who have had their driving licence less than 2 years.

VictoriaCars has assumed this initiative.

The national Spanish car hire company Victoria Cars has put into motion this new feature for their services of car hire in Madrid, Murcia, Alicante… with the aim of not leaving any customer without a hire car.

More information at http://www.victoriacars.com

Victoria Parking has announced the opening of their newest installation at El Prat airport in Barcelona.

2010-09-02T16:50:00.001+02:00

Victoria Parking is currently finishing the last details of what will be their new car parking in Barcelona airport, within the vicinity of El Prat airport.

This new facility will offer parking in Barcelona only a few minutes away from the airport.

The objective of this service is to offer parking spaces at Barcelona airport that are significantly cheaper than those of the airport’s own car park.

The offer is specifically designed for those who need to travel by plane and must travel to the airport using their own vehicle, and who don’t have the option of leaving the car anywhere apart from the airport’s own installations.

So for these people, Victoria Parking will be offering a large, enclosed car park facility that will be guarded 24 hours a day. Additionally, the price will include an airport service, meaning transport to and from the car park and the airport.

The way it works is very east:

Step 1: The customer books their parking space online on Victoria Parking’s website (www.victoria-parking.com)
Step 2: The customer goes to Victoria Parking’s installations with their vehicle on the day and time indicated on their booking.
Step 3: Victoria Parking’s personnel will then shuttle the customer from the parking to the airport’s terminal building at El Prat.
Step 4: The customer takes their flight.
Step 5: When they return from their trip, Victoria’s personnel will collect the customer on the agreed day and time to take them back to the car park facility.
Step 6: The customer gets in their car and the transaction is complete.

Victoria Parking is a company owned by Victoria Rent-A-Car S.L. (www.victoriacars.com), a car hire in Alicante, Murcia, Madrid… and one of national prestige.

Victoria Rent-A-Car has a lot of experience in the use of car parking facilities in the nation’s most important airports, which can be confirmed by looking at their other facilities in Alicante and Valencia.

More information at http://www.victoria-parking.com

VictoriaCars is now present on Facebook and on Twitter to increase its potential of Car Hire Murcia, Madrid...

2010-08-25T12:55:00.001+02:00

The Car Hire Company VictoriaCars has united with the latest internet craze, the social networks.

According to Wikipedia: A social network is a social structure made of individuals (or organizations) called "nodes," which are tied (connected) by one or more specific types of interdependency, such as friendship, kinship, financial exchange, dislike, sexual relationships, or relationships of beliefs, knowledge or prestige.

Within the most successful social networks in Europe, Facebook and Twitter are the highlights.

In 2004, Mark Zuckerberg, a student at Harvard University had the idea of creating a community on the internet where students could share their likes, thoughts, concerns, etc. Bit by bit and through the success within the educational environment he decided to open the network to all internet users, ending up with over 300 million signed up users to this date.

In 2006, Twitter was born as a project investigation for Obvious, LLC. Twitter is a free service for "microblogin," meaning, it is a place on the internet where users who are signed up can send small entries in a text format, called "Tweets." These entries are shown on the profile page of the user and are also immediately sent to other users who have chosen to receive them.

In short, both these tools constitute as new means of communication that allow a closer and more realistic relationship with the customers.

What is VictoriaCars doing on Facebook?

VictoriaCars has created on Facebook what is known as a Company Page. To make this type of page involves no more than the creation of a Facebook profile focussed on the company. On this page, which is openly accessible, they can publicize their latest news and offers involving car hire Murcia, car hire Madrid, etc.

A Company Page gives users who visit it the possibility to make themselves a fan of the page. In this way, any update that occurs on the VictoriaCars page will automatically be replicated on their fan's profile pages, keeping them updated in real-time. Also, as a general rule, the fans are open to certain advantages, available exclusively to them, like some of the current discounts in car hire Madrid, Alicante Airport...

For more information please visit http://www.facebook.com/VictoriaRentaCar

What is VictoriaCars doing in Twitter?

VictoriaCars also created a profile on Twitter as a means of keeping customers up to date in real-time by using the mini-messages or microblogins. The same occurs here as it does on Facebook, using this tool they intend to promote any news, promotions or special offers related to their Car Hire services.

For more information please visit http://twitter.com/VictoriaCars

In both cases, the aim is not only to inform the fans and followers but also, over time, to establish a bidirectional communication with them. This is one of the principles of the Web 2.0, the active participation of all parties with the objective of reaching a common gain as well as a personal gain at the same time.

For more information please visit http://www.victoriacars.com

Car hire in Alicante – VictoriaCars opens a YouTube video channel for their customers.

2010-08-25T12:46:00.002+02:00

The car hire company VictoriaCars joined YouTube by making a corporate channel.

The objective behind this channel is to offer their users a new form of communication. VictoriaCars will be publishing videos in this channel related to affairs within the car hire industry, videos related to the company itself, manuals, utilities, news of his car hire Alicante, Madrid, Barcelona service, etc.

YouTube is the most popular and well known site for the publication of videos on the Web. Almost any video you wish to see is available on YouTube. Furthermore, YouTube offers an opportunity for companies to publicise material that broadcasts their activities or that helps strengthen the relationship with their customers.

Creating a YouTube channel will aid in successfully completing these tasks in a clear and organized fashion.

Additionally, a YouTube channel can have subscribers, this way customers, if the wish, can keep up to date with any communication from VictoriaCars and maintain a stronger relationship with other subscribers by sharing comments, opinions…

Car hire in Alicante Airport– VictoriaCars has named their YouTube channel CarHireSpain and can be accessed from this url;
http://www.youtube.com/user/CarHireSpain

Their channel was released with an illustrative video titled “Car Hire Alicante Airport. How to book on VictoriaCars”, which gives a complete step by step guide on how to make a booking on the VictoriaCars Web site, from selecting the pick up location to completing the reservation.

With this new initiative, Victoria Rent A Car is confident they will strengthen the relationship and trust with their existing customers of car hire in Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid, etc. and at the same time establish a new bridge to help initiate relationships with future customers as well.

For more information please visit http://www.victoriacars.com

VictoriaCars, pioneers in the launch of the OTA-XML technology for its car hire services in Alicante Airport, Murcia...

2010-08-23T17:34:00.000+02:00

With this new system, the pursued objective by VictoriaCars is to speed up their car hire Alicante Airport, Murcia services when a reservation is made through an agency.

This technology enables the computer servers at Victoria Rent a Car and at the agency’s to communicate with out the need of any human interaction and always in real-time, eliminating any waiting times that would be caused if the reservations where made under human management.

What is the OTA-XML standard?

XML is a language used to distribute information and OTA is the standard of communication for booking tourism accommodation, allowing businesses to perform bookings through electronic transaction for hotels, airlines, car hire, loyalty marketing, etc. with other tourism businesses, automatically and unattended.

OTA is the standard for sharing information between reservation systems, and the Open Travel Alliance (OTA) association is the one who defines these standards.

It is a non-profit and self-financing organisation that includes large air lines, hotels, car hire companies, leisure providers, travel agents, GDS, technology providers and others that work to create and put into service e-business specifications for the entire tourism industry.

These specifications form a common language aimed at encouraging e-business system development to create new services that can better attend the demand and expectations of travellers and the travel industry.

How does this benefit the customer?

At present you can solicit, for example, services for a car hire Murcia from VictoriaCars website or also from the website of any of the agencies that collaborate with them.

If the reservation were to be made through VictoriaCars website, the communication between the website and the server would be done in real-time, so that immediately after making the reservation, the customer receives an e-mail confirmation.

However, if the booking was made through the website of one of the agencies, this would have been remitted to VictoriaCars manually for its validation, and the confirmation process on VictoriaCars part was also done manually. Due to this, the time it took to receive an answer confirming the reservation to the customer sometimes surpassed 12 hours, with the consequent discomfort that this put upon the customer.

With the implantation of the new OTA-XML technology the problem disappears completely. Thanks to this technology the computer servers at VictoriaCars and those of the agents are able to interact directly, without any human intervention.

Thus, when a customer solicits a booking through an agencies website for, for example, car hire Alicante Airport services, the computer servers will contact each other through XML in order to confirm the reservation in real-time.

For more information please visit http://www.victoriacars.com

22nd Oktoberfest in Calpe has begun

2009-10-02T12:12:00.003+02:00

From 1st till 12th of October Calpe is celebrating its 22nd Oktoberfest organized by the Carnival Club Calpe. The also called "Fiesta Alemana de la Cerveza" in Calpe is the most famous festival of that kind, celebrated in Spain.

VictoriaCars - Car Hire Alicante Airport is pleased to announce once again the traditional celebration of the Oktoberfest in the Province of Alicante, more precisely in Calpe. This year, the tent will space over 15,000 square meters and will be located centrally and easy to access behind Calpe's Tennis Club with the possibility to park for free.

VictoriaCars itself has its head office in Calpe and recommends to all clients and holidaymakers not to miss this great multi-cultural event on the Costa Blanca. The Oktoberfest in Calpe will take place from the 1st to the 12th of October and will be open every day from 18:00pm without admission fees. All clients and Calpe visitors are invited to taste the German delicacies like the tasty sausages Nuremberg, Frankfurt or Krakauer, the typical salads, the knuckles of pork and, of course, the original "Paulaner" beer from Munich.

But besides being only a gourmet evening, the Oktoberfest visitors will also enjoy folklore with performances of the "Original Steinsberger Musikanten" which will give a concert every day and put the guests into good humour.

This festival has its origin in Munich with the celebration the engagement of Prince Ludwig, later known as Ludwig I, with the Princess Theresa of Saxony-Hildburghausen. On 12 of October 1810, all citizens of Munich were invited to the wedding which took place on a meadow in the city. Since then, the conclusion was repeated year after year on the Theresienwiese when circumstances have allowed it. Munich's Oktoberfest is visited every year by year by more than 6 millions of visitors and is considered as one of the biggest folk festivals on the world.

Calpe's Oktoberfest tradition started in 1988, this is why the German beer festival has been established as unmissable event of this kind on the Spanish territory. And while it is obvious that the magnitude of Calpe's Oktoberfest is quite far from the one in Munich, the Oktoberfest in Calpe is at least accompanied with all Bavarian elements to spend a few really special days.

XXII Oktoberfest Calpe Program

Thursday 1 October
Opening. The tap of the Paulaner barrel. The Coronation of the Queen of Oktoberfest 2009. Music with Andy and the Steinsberger. Jamboree with Franzi of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Friday 2 October
Beer Mug Lifting Competition. Showtime with the Steinsberger and Franzi. Oktoberfest-Party with Steffi.

Saturday 3 October
Oktoberfest-Party with the Steinsberger and Franzi. Oldie Night music from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

Sunday 4 October
Music with Andy and the Steinsberger. Oldie Night with music from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Beer Mug Lifting Competition.

Monday 5 October
Happy Hour and Showtime with the Steinsberger and Andy.

Tuesday 6 October
Happy Hour and Showtime with the Steinsberger and Andy.

Wednesday 7 October
Happy Hour and Showtime with the Steinsberger and Andy. Beer Mug Lifting Competition.

Thursday 8 October
Happy Hour and Showtime with the Steinsberger and Andy.
Tombola and Showtime "Oldies but Goodies".

Friday 9 October
Happy Hour and Showtime with the Steinsberger. Final Beer Mug Lifting Competition. Oktoberfest-Party with Steffi.

Saturday 10 October
Music with the Original Steinsberger. Oldie Night with music from the 70s, 80s and 90s and tombola.

Sunday 11 October
Biker Day

Monday 12 October
Tourist Day

Victoria Rent a Car from Calpe participates every year in this event and offers car hire services in Murcia Airport as well as car hire Alicante airport for those who are looking for visiting Calpe's XXII. Oktoberfest as comfortable as possible.
Last but not least, please remember: VictoriaCars gives the advice to not drink and drive! So everyone can enjoy the Oktoberfest 2009 to the fullest.

Car Hire Murcia - shortage on rental cars continues.

2009-09-09T14:07:00.003+02:00

Now it has became common knowledge. The car rental companies in Spain run out of cars due to the high demand in the current peak season.

After having experienced a similar situation during last Easter, VictoriaCars already foresaw the difficulties for the summer rentals. Given the situation, VictoriaCars - Car hire Murcia informed its customers of the possible shortage during the summer peak season and encouraged to make reservations in advance.

However, many customers have been waited until the last minute and finally could not get a car. Because inevitably, VictoriaCars had been run out of available vehicles, like many other Spanish car rental companies, too.

The question now is, are we dealing here with one particular case or should European holidaymakers be prepared for further shortages during peak periods.

According to some forecasts, the current scarcity will last until into the fall. Not only that, it is anticipated that this situation will extend to all existing holiday periods during the year (Christmas, Easter, bridging days, long weekends and so on) and even to the summer 2010 campaign.

Moreover, the scarcity is not the only problem: the current situation has caused a substantial increase of car rental prices by the companies in this sector. A car hire Murcia presently can cost up to 30% more than for the same period last year. It is a question of the "law of supply and demand."

Obviously, the cause of this situation can be seen in the economic recession Spain is experiencing. On the one hand, companies in general are suffering from the lack of financing, that also prevents that companies within the car rental sector in particular can expand their fleets. Moreover, even when financing is provided, the difficult times companies in the automotive sector are going through make them highly unlikely to sale their new cars to car rental companies. The common custom that a car hire enterprises could acquire a vehicle for a agreed period of time, and after wards could be sure that the rental car would be repurchased by the dealer is almost abolished. The car dealers are not willing to collaborate to these conditions as these repurchases saturate the second-hand car market and make it more difficult to sale new cars.

To put it in a nutshell, VictoriaCars - Car Hire Murcia, points the difficulty of its branch out to its customers and expects them to take measures and precautions, so they can enjoy the next Spain holidays with a car hire Murcia Airport , Alicante or Madrid.

VictoriaCars twitters in English, Spanish and German

2009-09-07T17:11:00.005+02:00

Today has been the first day for all three sites of VictoriaCars in Twitter. The car hire company from Spain has started with it's English site already in April and it is very happy about the followers who join us on http://twitter.com/VictoriaCars.
The microblogging could stand the test, that's why we can have adapted the current look and feel with the possibilities twitter offers es and have launched two sites more:

On http://twitter.com/rentacarbarato Spanish speaking folks are welcome to join their favorite rent a car from Spain and can post what currently bother them...¡¡Todos esteis invitados a participar!!

German speaking fans and followers of VictoriaCars are invited to meet us on http://twitter.com/mietautospanien. Zwitschern Sie gleich mit auf unserer deutschen Twitter-Site!!

For all, who does not a twitter account yet, don't worry about long registration and the handling of your personal information. Twitter allows you to register in less than 5min and leaves it to you to put your real name or just a nickname for your personal site. Give it a try and see you there soon!

Car Hire Calpe informs about local festivals

2009-07-28T12:46:00.007+02:00

Victoria Rent a Car - Car Hire Calpe informs and invites all Costa Blanca holidaymakers to Calpe's summer festivals.

On 5th of August, Calpe is celebrating the day in honor of the Virgen de las Nieves, the patron of Calpe. This early event is rounded off with a procession where the this year's queen and the courts of honor four generations, children, youth, adults and 3rd age, are starring. It is celebrated in Calpe since 1940 and organized by the Festival Committee of the Calpe.

Besides others, the visits will enjoy the following preformances: "Despertà" with "dolçaina i tabalet" - Offering of flowers, mass and procession in honor of the Virgen de las Nieves - open-air party - fireworks - parade of floats and costumes - Bull running in the afternoons and evenings during the following week.

You are welcome to leave a post and to tell us if you joined Calpe fiestas and if the Festival Committee did a great job this year...

The new blog of Victoria Rent a Car...Congratulations!

2009-07-27T14:24:00.001+02:00

Car hire company, VictoriaCars, from Spain is offering this blog to everyone who is interested in our car hire service at Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid, Murcia and Valencia airport as well as at further locations at Costa Blanca.

You are welcome to post everything what is worth knowing about your Spain holidays here. On the other side, we will try to update it constantly and to let you know about our current car hire offers in Spain.
For more information and our current car rental rates, please visit www.victoriacars.com.