The Bird of Paradise - Emblem of The Canary Islands

Named after the flower's resemblance to the bird of paradise, this striking plant is closely associated with the Canary Islands.  Strelitzia is the correct name for this plant, and is also sometimes known as the crane flower as well [in South Africa]. 

The leaves of the flower are similar in shape to the banana leaf and form a fan-like crown to the flower which is pollinated by sunbirds.  Due to its architectural features, the plant is often used in flower arrangements, especially as they have a long flowering period of from September through to May.

Win £500 Spending Money with out New Website Launch

They say good things are worth waiting for and at last we are pleased to announce the launch of our new website ... coronaholidays.co.uk !

 

For the past [dare we say it] 18 months, our new site has been in development and now incorporates many new and improved features. Having listened to our customers, it was very clear that our old site needed a re-vamp, and we believe that we now have a more up-to-date search-and-book facility as well as much improved information pages.

 

Of course, things are ever evolving, and some improvements are already in line for inclusion. In the meantime, we have listed below just some of the new features:

 

• Increase in the number of properties and flight operators
• Pay your balance online
• Flight prices "include" luggage
• Ability to remove checked-in luggage before you book
• Information on "adults only" hotels
• Information on hotel for guests with mobility problems
• Extensive range of villas and rural properties
• Improved enquiry process
• £10 deposit per room
• Accommodation balance due 3 weeks before you travel

 

We would like our customers to join in our celebration of the launch, and we are therefore entering every new booking [made either online or over the phone], made between 27 June and 31 July 2014 into a prize draw with the winner receiving £500 spending money for their holiday ! So there is no better time to book your holiday and take advantage of this special promotion.

 

Take a look at our new website at www.coronaholidays.co.uk and don't forget that we always welcome your phone call as well on 01582 421117 or freephone 0800 5 677688 as we know that many customers prefer the personal touch.

Monthly Instalment Plan for Your Holiday

With the majority of people having to be careful with their budgets, a holiday may seem to be outside your means. 

This is why Corona Holidays have recently introduced a "Monthly Instalment Plan" in order to assist customers with budgeting for their holiday.

 

How does this work?

We will automatically take payment, and will email you an update of your balance. Just let us know if you would like to take advantage of this scheme, which is totally FREE [normal credit card charges will apply - debit cards no charge].

Example

* Holiday booked on 20-Dec-12 for 2 people travelling on 30-Sep-13:

* Hotel and Transfer Price = £671

* Deposit = £50 [due on date of booking]

* 9 Monthly instalments = £69 [starting 9-Jan-13 and ending 09-Sep-13]

* TOTAL PAID = £671

What do I need to do?
Just let us know that you would like to take advantage of this Instalment Plan and we will put this in place for you and will send you a full breakdown of the dates and amounts that will be taken …. easy as that.

Can I benefit from this even if I currently have a booking?
Of course, just give us a call and this can be worked out for you.

Telephone us on FREEPHONE 0800 5 677688 or send an email with your enquiry, and we will get back to you with more details.  

EHIC - The European Health Insurance Card

Do you know what an EHIC is, and what is/isn't covered by this European Health Insurance Card?   Do you even have one?   Corona Holidays recommends that you take your EHIC with you on holiday to the European countries as it enables you to get state healthcare at a reduced cost, or sometimes for free.  It will cover you for treatment that is needed which will allow you to continue your stay until your planned return.  It will also cover you for pre-existing medical conditions, so it is certain worthwhile reading on.

European Health Insurance Card [EHIC]

The card is valid in all the following countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Litchtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
For full details on what is covered in each country, visit the NHS England site. 

The EHIC is completely free of charge.  However, unofficial sites may charge you if you apply through them.  Use the above site [NHS England] to ensure that you are not charged.   

It is important to remember that the EHIC is "not" travel insurance, or an alternative to travel insurance as it will not cover any private medical healthcare, costs such as being flown back to the UK, or lost or stolen property.  Therefore it is important to arrange to have a travel insurance policy in place as well.

Each member of your family will need to have their own card which is valid for a period of 5 years.  Why not check your card now to ensure that it is still valid.  It is certainly worth checking as to renew your card is, again, free of charge and can be renewed up to 6 months before the expiry date.  If you intend to rely on what used to be call an E111 - don't.  These are now invalid and have been since 2006. 

So, it may be worth just spending 5 minutes to make sure your current card is valid, or if you do not have one, applying for one now before your holiday.

Formentera Salt Marshes - Did You Know?

The flat and salty marshes found along the road leading from La Savina to Es Pujols in Formentera are famous for their birdlife.  The most common species include the heron and the fen duck.

During the summer season, the grounds of the marshes are visited by flamingoes.

Until recently [1955] it was commercial viable to produce salt here, but the area was then declared a listed zone and now the area forms a nature reserve.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife ... Did you know?

Did you know that Santa Cruz de Tenerife was named after the Holy Cross which was planted on the beach when Alonso Fernandez de Lugo landed there with the arrival of the Conquistadors in 1494. 

Although it is the capital of Tenerife today and the main port, the capital was La Laguna and the main port was Garachico.  

Take a look at our Santa Cruz de Tenerife holiday guide to find out more interesting details about this historic city.