Its hard to imagine (as time simply seems to fly by) that it is now over 40 years ago that package holidays first made there mark on a UK population that saw travel as the realm of the rich and well to do. An average summer holiday was taken by the sea in popular resorts such as Blackpool, Bournemouth or even Bognor Regis (as we are going for the B's), camping and caravanning holidays were the norm and many families spent their summer holidays in a chalet on one of the popular holiday camps of the day such as Butlins and Pontins, which still bring back fond memories for many.
The pioneers of package travel however wanted to bring tourism to the masses as they looked for new revenue streams to grow there businesses beyond just one sector of the market and visionaries of the time such as Sir Freddie Laker (founder of Laker Airways) paved the way to make travel for the masses a reality. Early holidays were in part ridiculed by popular sitcoms but the family package holiday to resorts such as the Costa del Sol soon became de rigueur and once begun, the exodus to sun kissed destinations in the summer months went from a trickle to a raging torrent. Package holidays were here to stay!
Unfortunately package holidays did have a downside for many of the early popular destinations as whilst the popularity for travel grew this also coincided with a shortage of suitable accommodation. The result was an explosion of high rise hotels and apartments that blotted the landscape and totally spoilt the innocence and originality of many of the resort areas.
One area however that was fortunate enough to be spared from this onslaught of building madness was the Canary Island of Lanzarote which due to wonderful foresight laid down strict planning laws to ensure the island remained as idyllic and as unspoiled as possible.
Lanzarote has since grown to be one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe not only in the summer months but also throughout the whole year as the Island has been blessed by a year round climate that makes a holiday here enjoyable at any time of the year.
So what can you expect from a holiday here? Lanzarote has a charm all of its own and is appealing to many types of tourist. The sun worshippers amongst you will be rewarded with a plethora of sandy sun kissed beaches where you can simply laze all day and top up your tan. If the hot sun becomes to much then many of the beaches have a range of water sports to enjoy and the kids will simply love donning a snorkel and mask to see a large variety of fish that often swim around in the foreshore where paddlers are totally oblivious to there presence.
Lanzarote is not only about sun, sea and sand though, the island also has a rich tapestry of local charm and culture. If you are here during the carnival season you will be rewarded with an explosion of colour and music that depicts the flavour and originality of the island.
Another unmissable aspect of the local culture are the works of the islands world famous artist Cesar Manrique. Manrique was in the main responsible for building restrictions in force on the island and he has left an outstanding legacy of unforgettable architecture that has almost been blended into the very fabric of the island itself.
You'll also not want to miss a trip to the land that time forget; Timanfaya national park, a volcanic wonderland that is reminiscent of a bygone age where a roaming dinosaur would not seem out of place.
Accommodation wise Lanzarote has a healthy selection of holiday homes and apartments that are available for private hire especially around the popular resorts of Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca. Whilst package holidays are still as popular as ever there is a growing trend towards independent travel and many of the holiday villas get booked up quite early in the season so if you are visiting the island be sure to book early.
Author Resource:-
By Dave Talbot: Lanzarote is an ideal location for those looking for a unique and friendly travel destination closer to Europe and the UK with a year round warm climate. To find affordable holiday villas in Puerto del Carmen or villas in Playa Blanca visit the ==> holidayvillasinlanzarote.co.uk website
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