Useful Blog From Liza

How long has it been since you've visited Las Vegas? If it's been more than a blink of your eye, you won't recognize it the next to you're there!
I've learned to never expect the same LV that I remember. It's a constantly evolving city that never sleeps! I know New York claims that distinction... but c'mon, you won't see such drastic changes in NYC that you do in LV.
In Las Vegas, it's Hotels down, followed by Hotels up. Six hotels have been imploded there in the last 10 years. And the newer hotels can hardly be classified as hotels... that term is to be reserved for other cities. So don't expect the great "hotel bargains" and "free stuff" of the past. They disappeared with the .99 dinners.
LV developers today, don't build "hotels" anymore. They install mini-cities, mega-resorts, and the ultimate destinations! The new developments include: World-Class Chefs, Uber Spas, and amenities unheard of, or offered only to the super-rich not so long ago. Now, instead of the tacky diners and buffets, you are presented with the finest restaurants in the World, and the highest levels of entertainment. It's a different Las Vegas!
However, there are some bargains to be found if you know where to look. Explore the older places. There, you'll still find good deals on food. You can still get a 5 steak dinner at Ellis Island on Koval Lane.
One key to finding bargains is not where, but when! Don't go at peak times. Visit in Mid-Summer for instance. You'll need to take advantage of the AC everywhere, but the prices are lower then. Also, a good time to visit LV is during Christmas. It's definitely an off-peak period. Don't confuse that however with the following week; "New Years" the prices will be right back up during that period. Also, stay away during the larger conventions when LV is packed with convention attendees. During the Consumer Electronics Show in early January each year... the city is standing room only. If you don't have to be there that week - Don't! You should try to avoid weekends in LV too if you're looking for a bargain. Mid-Week rates are lower.
Always plan in advance of your trip to LV. Do your research, or you'll be overwhelmed and disappointed. All the best shows will be sold out; the restaurants will be accepting no more reservations. You must make your reservations and ticket purchases (30 - 100+) at least 7 - 10 days before your trip. To help you, most reservation desks are open 24 hours every day!
If you plan well, you'll be treated to gourmet meals prepared by celebrity chefs. The ubiquitous buffet is gone, (although, you'll never find a better one than at the Aladdin); the 99ў dinners are gone. But, as always, there is no time limit to enjoy the tasty treats of LV... If it's 3am, you'll find great restaurants are still serving! Let me mention two still-great bargains. Not only because of the low price, but because the steak dinners are very good at the steakhouses at the Imperial Palace, and at Circus, Circus. Try them, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the existence of remnants of the past meal deals of LV!
Did I say there are no more freebies? Not so, you can still be treated to great entertainment for free. You must see the outdoor attractions including the Volcano at the Mirage, Rio's Masquerade Show in the Sky, and the Sirens of Treasure Island. For the cost of a drink or two, there are indoor entertainment venues that are free as well. The lounges in most Casinos have ongoing musical acts with no cover charge. Ask your concierge for a recommendation.
When you fly into LV, if you're not fortunate enough to be met by your casino host or the hotel limo, you'll most likely take a taxi to your hotel. Don't let the driver take you by way of the Airport Tunnel... it's longer by about 10.00. Tell the driver to go down Paradise Road instead.
If you're heading for the south end of the strip (MGM Grand, Tropicana, New York, New York) you're taxi charge should be 8 - 9. Mid Strip; 12 - 13, and north end of the strip; 14 - 15)
While we're discussing taxis... it is illegal to hail a cab in LV. There are taxi stands and every hotel has taxi pick-up and drop-off areas. You must go to one of those. The drivers will ignore you standing in the middle of the street waving at them. Instead, get to a driveway, there, they can turn in, get out of traffic, and let you jump in. One more thing; don't try to pay the driver with chips. They won't take them, and they won't take credit cards either. It's a cash town outside of the casinos! In fact, chips are rarely used outside of the casino... for anything!
Here's a great time saver... the Harrah's Group will let you check in to one of their hotels... AT THE AIRPORT! Harrah's, Caesars, Bally's, Horseshoe, Flamingo, Imperial Palace, and Rio all offer this great service... take advantage of it!
Don't ask for hotel amenities if you're not registered there as a hotel guest. You'll end up being embarrassed and worse! However, the Hard Rock Cafй opens their pool to everyone on Sundays (their Spa too - where you can get a massage inside or poolside for 85 - 155).
LV has become very famous for their nightlife... I'm not talking about gambling and shows... I'm referring to the nightclubs. At any one given time, you'll find 25 of the World's Best DJs spinning in LV. Word of caution though... don't try to see them all! You'll end up spending your entire evening in line - trying to get in. It's best to reserve a spot for yourself and stay put! Especially on weekends (again) the lines are brutal! Get on the VIP list if you can (you must be well known or well connected). Tightest hours?... 10pm - 4am - Wed - Sat. Dress codes enforced. And guys... bring a girl (or more) or you'll likely see ONLY the outside of the place - period!
If you drive to LV, or rent a car while there, always use Valet Parking... it's free with a tip! And when trying to get your car, remember the peak times include immediately following the end of a show when the lines at VP are longest. For the downtown properties, use the parking garages, and get your ticket validated. You might want to rent a car to see the dam and Lake Meade. But other than that... there really is no need. I remember one of the last times I rented a car in LV. The agency delivered the car to me at the airport, it was a Cadillac with 4 miles on it! Yep only four! I drove it to Caesars Palace and unloaded it, had it parked, and when I turned it in to the agency 9 days later, it had 14 miles on it. What a waste! I tell you this to save you the money. It is not necessary to have a car in LV!
It gets windy in LV... and often without warning. It's not important unless you're at the top of the Stratosphere, or the Eiffel Tower. They both close down in high winds. If there's a 25mph wind, the elevators in the ET move at half speed... at 35mph they evacuate the tower, and at 40mph, they shutdown. The winds also will cause cancellation of the "Sirens of Treasure Island".
You simply cannot do "The Strip" from one end to the other by car. There's so much traffic on LV Blvd that it makes it virtually impossible. Again, there is a peak time: 2p - 6:30pm.
Can you walk it? Hmmm, are you nuts? It's 120 degrees out... I told you to come here mid-summer, but I also said to use the Air Conditioning everywhere! There are many alternatives to walking the strip. But for the little jogs between hotels, always use the crosswalks. You're one of 30 Million visitors all heading to different places. The chaos is confusing and frightening - for you and for drivers! Always use the crossovers too. They are very convenient (most with elevators) and provide the fastest way to cross the busiest streets in America! By the way, if you "Jay-Walk" you're risking your life and a fine of 150 - 250!
While you're walking here, you can be drinking too! The "open container law" states that you can walk and drink ON the sidewalks, crosswalks, and crossovers... BUT, don't throw empties, and don't take that open container into a car... that's illegal! A bus is OK!

Las Vegas, City of Dreams made real. Once upon a time there was gambling and top-notch musical entertainment. Now there's that and a whole lot more. Now you can visit Vegas and never want to leave. Many have. Las Vegas was one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. for over a decade. Visit one of the Cirque du Soleil performances - Mystere, KA or O - and see some of the finest acrobats in the world. Then be amazed when the show turns out to be so much more than just a circus act. True theater, with music and grand staging to match, these one-of-a-kind extravaganzas are sure to delight anyone.
Enjoy zoos? Come see some interesting twists on an old idea at one of the many Las Vegas venues. There's the White Tiger Habitat at the Mirage. These amazing animals are much more visible than in your average zoo, comfortably housed behind glass walls that make seeing them a unique experience. Prefer aquariums? Check out the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, also at the Mirage. You can enjoy a drink at the bar while the dolphins swim nearby, and occasionally leap to celebrate your good fortune. Or, check out the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. Housed in a million gallon tank, you'll find a dozen species to delight you.
Shopping is now in style in Las Vegas. Everything from exquisite jewelry at Harry Winston's to home decor at Versace, the famed clothing designer. Don't miss out on a half-mile gondola ride at The Venetian, then step out and whip out the plastic. Or, come visit the tri-level Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. You'll be treated like a queen at any of the over 100 shops. Try a more rough and ready trek at nearby Red Rock Canyon. This desert park is home to Red-Tailed hawks and 8,000 foot peaks. The red sandstone cliffs feature unbeatable views, 30-foot waterfalls and hiking trails to challenge even the most experienced.
Want to see something unusual, educational and awe-inspiring but stay in town? Try The Atomic Testing Museum at the Frank H. Rogers Science and Technology complex. The nearly 50-year history of nuclear weapons testing at nearby Nevada sites is recorded and explained here. With interactive displays, films in the concrete bunker and the most unusual gift shop anywhere visitors will be glad they split the atom. Visit Fremont Street and see the 70 million dollar 1,400-foot canopy covering an area housing dozens of casinos. With continual projections of video and amazing sound you'll come away dazzled. Offering more neon lights than anywhere outside Hong Kong, it's a must-see.
Then, if you're not totally knocked off your feet yet, try one of the scream-inducing rides at the Stratosphere. At a thousand feet, no one can hear you anyway but the terrified rider next to you. Then feel some real fear by doing the traditional activity at Las Vegas - gambling.
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The astounding Cirque du Soleil is an enormous acrobatic act... and so much more. If you have an image of the old time circus with clowns and acrobats, be prepared for a shock. Cirque du Soleil has this, and much more, but in a form that is wildly different. With dozens of artists - tumblers, firebreathers, clowns and others - the show has many of the traditional entertainers. But the similarities end there. The difference is immediately visible the moment you see the entertainers. With carefully crafted makeup and costumes, it has to be seen to be appreciated. Deep blue or orange suits with tie-dyed designs, Chinese red capes and kaleidoscope makeup are only the beginning.
The performers are among the best acrobats in the world, gathered from more than a dozen countries. Displaying their talents inside huge arenas that seat over 1,600 they astound audience members with their skill. But that skill is in service of the most unusual, individual and innovative choreography around. Whether it's the Aerial High Bar act making death-defying leaps that seem as if they truly can fly or the Alexis Brothers with their amazing tumbling the shows never let up for a moment. For 90 minutes at the Mystere Theatre audience is agog with wonder as they watch the show unfold. At the MGM the KA show dazzles the eye. The O performance is as wondrous as its title signifying 'everything'.
Dancers of the Cirque du Soleil are one of the highlights. Combining traditional movements from their native countries with modern twists and turns that surprise at every step, the artists leave you something to remember for a long time afterward. But the show isn't all just traditional high wire acts, comedy or dancers in new costumes. There is a theme to every show, one that weaves and tangles and then resolves like a complex detective story. You may have to attend several times to unravel all the mystery and awe that's packed into the performance.
Performances can be crowded. Once a novelty, Cirque du Soleil has taken center stage in Las Vegas and became an important part of the whole 'Vegas experience'. Like a lot of shows in Las Vegas, tickets are a bit high but a web search might yield a discount. Well worth the price, the Cirque du Soleil is an unforgettable theatrical experience. Don't miss seeing it in the Desert City of Lights. Whether O, KA or Mystere, or any of the several other shows that are brought forth over the months and years, Cirque du Soleil will always leave you guessing what's next.
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One of the oldest hotels in Las Vegas still standing, first opened in August 1966, Caesars Palace has never gone out of style. Recently renovated, it is still the Emperor of the city. With all the changes that the famed desert city has seen over the decades, the attractions at Caesars are still first rate. Everything from its 129,000 square foot casino space in three rooms to the Japanese cuisine at Hyakumi says 'Vegas'. Guests can enjoy one of the regal rooms with their high ceilings and royal bathrooms made of marble with brass fixtures. Centrally located along The Strip, it's close to all the action that Vegas has to offer. But you don't necessarily have to leave the hotel to be entertained.
Caesars has a long-established reputation for booking top-notch talent, ever since Frank Sinatra performed there in the '60s-'80s. Whether you enjoy Celine Dion or Elton John or any of a dozen other top-drawing acts, Caesars will host them sooner or later. Enjoy fine drinks in the 4,000 square foot Colosseum Theatre while you sit back and watch the show. If you're hungry there's a lot more than Japanese food on the menu. Nero's is one of the hottest spots in town. But if you want some more recent Italian fare, try Rao's. Recently imported from East Harlem in New York, they've been serving authentic dishes for over 100 years.
Shopping at Caesars isn't a matter of going to an upscale store or two, either. The hotel offers over 240,000 square feet of retail heaven for visitors with unlimited plastic. Over 100 top stores choose to offer their wares here and they do a thriving business. Whether you want a Cartier watch or a Gucci bag, you'll find something to satisfy. But if sports is more along your line, Caesars can even satisfy that desire. The Neil Leifer Gallery is famed for its collection of sports photographs. With free admission you'll have money left over to buy one of the outstanding photos.
There's a picture of Muhammad Ali standing over Sonny Liston after the fight that made him famous and one of Secretariat winning the Kentucky Derby. There's even one showing JFK with then Vice-President Lyndon Johnson tossing out the first ball of the 1961 baseball season. The photographer's work has been featured on Time, Sports Illustrated and dozens of other well-known publications. The pool area at Caesars is always one of the most popular gathering spots. With four separate pools the 4.5 acre Garden of the Gods Pool oasis is aptly named. Looking like an authentic Roman spa, there are Roman baths surrounded by columns.The Qua Spa offers an Artic Ice room and an array of pampering skin treatments in a relaxing atmosphere. With 23,000 square feet of whirlpools, saunas, tanning booths and more, everyone will find something to make those cares melt away.
Come be treated like royalty at Caesars on the Strip.
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Larsen's Camp Samburu in Kenya is an opportunity to experience a luxury African Safari Camp with a turn of the century atmosphere.
It opened twenty years ago and lies on the banks of the river Uaso Nyiro over three hundred kilometres north of Nairobi on the border of the old Northern Frontier Province.
Larsen's is best described as very stylish and upmarket, very comfortable and old colonial. The situation overlooking the river is classical luxury African safari camp.
What you will find here at Larsen's is a casual elegance along with great style, all very laid back, and incredibly comfortable. If you associate a degree of discomfort on an African Safari then Larsen's will show you what can be achieved to turn your African Safari into a luxury African Safari.
In terms of your accommodation, there are twenty spacious tents all raised up on wooden platforms, facing the river, so you can watch the animals from your own private verandah. Each is well equipped with good bathrooms and lovely showers.
When it comes to Dining, then Larsen's Camp more than justifies its' huge reputation. Whether it be dining by candlelight with fine china and silver cutlery, receiving immaculate table service, or your breakfast and barbecues cooked before you and for you, the food is quite superb. The dining tent at Larsen's opens on three sides, and of course also overlooks the river.
All is relatively tranquil, helped in part by the policy of there being no children under the age of seven.
Of course it doesn't matter how beautiful your Luxury African safari camp is, what you want to see is plenty of wildlife, and Larsen's will not disappoint.
You will have two game drives in your day, the first early morning 6-9am and the other 4-6.30pm approximately. You'll be woken with tea or coffee and biscuits, and breakfast is served after the morning drive.
The day is very much your own, and the new swimming pool and spa with great views helps you to relax, and there is also a game viewing platform as well.
The great thing about the game drives are the fact hat you can be in your own vehicle and not jammed in a mini bus.
You will have two game drives in your day, the first early morning 6-9am and the other 4-6.30pm approximately. You'll be woken with tea or coffee and biscuits, and breakfast is served after the morning drive.
The day is very much your own, and the new swimming pool and spa with great views helps you to relax, and there is also a game viewing platform as well.
The great thing about the game drives are the fact that you will be in your own vehicle and not jammed in a mini bus. The safari starts when you are met at Samburu airstrip, and you will see Grevy's Zebra, giraffe, leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, impala, even cheetah.
All this without mentioning the river which is like a magnet for wildlife, and with luck you will see elephants rolling around in the shallow water, as well as a huge number of animals regularly coming to drink.
Larsen's Camp is special, Samburu is special, and is a 'must visit' stopover probably for three nights on any luxury Afican safari.

The largest amusement park in western Canada is Calaway Park, just outside Calgary, Alberta, Canada. When the park opened in 1982, it was much smaller than its current site, but has grown as more land was purchased for the development of more children's and thrill rides. Originally centred on Hanna-Barbera characters, the park introduced their own mascots when the licensing for these was lost. Jack Bunny and Jill O'Hare were created in the late 80s, a few years later Calaway Park started the Jack and Jill Club for children ages 3-12 that hold season passes.
The park encompasses 160 acres and offers 32 rides, suitable for both children and adults. According to 2005 statistical data, it is considered the safest theme park in North America. Dedicated to keeping this status, the staff is required to attend training seminars and safety briefings either before or during their first shift. Height restrictions are strictly enforced, and ride-employee certifications are mandatory.
The variety of rides offered at Calaway Park will make a day spent well worth the time for the entire family. The Vortex, a roller coaster with corkscrew twists and turns, is the biggest attraction. This thrill ride even has a section that briefly suspends the rider upside down, showing part of the reason for its popularity.
Shoot the Chutes and the Bumper Boat Splash Challenge are both water rides, allowing you to cool off on hot days. Among many other rides, the park also has a Mini Golf Course, a maze, a train ride and even a fishing pond for those who want a break from the excitement of the crowds. There are stage shows throughout the park, preformed for the entertainment and delight of all, along with restaurants and stalls offering a variety of food and beverages. The beautifully designated picnic areas for those wanting to bring their own food even has lockers provided for storage at a nominal fee.
After a day spent outdoors, the Delta Airport Hotel Calgary's family friendly atmosphere is a great place to unwind. The hotel is built beside the Bow River, guaranteeing a scenic view of the river, as well as the Canadian Rocky Mountains in the distance. For leisure, the hotel has a magnificent indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, while the state of the art gym allows the opportunity to work off any residual energy after a busy day. Other attractions, such as the Aero Space Museum Association of Calgary, make the Delta Airport Hotel Calgary a convenient, comfortable choice for your Canadian vacation.

So youґve bought your beautiful Lanzarote villa in the sun and are planning to move there to stay. But is living abroad really for you? Is your new life going to be any better than what youґve been used to in the UK?

As a contributor to internet forums on Lanzarote and UK Expats, the most commonly asked question I receive is "What is it like to live in Lanzarote?" There are many people who move to Lanzarote from the UK to fulfill their dream of living in the sun, but end up going back home after just a few months disillusioned. There are 3 main reasons for this.

The first is that they find out that once the novelty of the sun shining each day has worn off, life in another country isnґt really any better than it was back in the UK. They miss their family, and decide that living abroad isnґt really for them. Of the 3 main reasons for returning home, this is the hardest one to be able to predict and do something about. You often donґt know if youґll like something until you try it. For this reason, sometimes it may be better to rent a villa for 6 months or so to start with to find out if you like living in Lanzarote before you fully commit to buying your own property. You tend to find that itґs the females who will miss their families most, and as the UK is just 4 hours or less in a plane from Lanzarote, the odd trip home can help in that respect.

Secondly, itґs very easy to choose the wrong place to live. If you donґt speak Spanish and enjoy socializing with other expats, then it wouldnґt be a good idea to live in a Lanzarote village where there are no expats as you will feel very lonely and isolated and very easily homesick. There are many urbanizations which have plenty of expats living there and where it will be very easy to integrate and make friends. On the other hand, if you donґt want to mix with expats but to live with the locals and learn the language quickly, then Lanzarote village life will be for you. You need to know exactly what you want. Bear in mind too that Lanzarote is a year-round tourist resort, and if you want a quiet and peaceful lifestyle donґt choose to live in the centre of Puerto del Carmen, the busiest resort!

Thirdly, and probably the main reason why things donґt work out, is financial. Many people move to Lanzarote with little money and no jobs, and soon find they just canґt make ends meet. Itґs very difficult getting a well paid job in Lanzarote unless you speak Spanish fluently and have some in-demand skills to offer. If you donґt, youґll end up in a low paid job with long unsocial hours, and all too soon the dream turns sour. Try to bring out enough money to last at least your first year and learn the language as soon as possible. There are also opportunities to set up your own business, as Lanzarote is still a developing island with new villas needing managing etc. Despite what a lot of people might think, the cost of living in Lanzarote is not that much different from the UK. Petrol and council tax are lower, and there are minimal if any heating bills, but most other costs are much the same as in the UK. Itґs easy to think you can live a different, cheaper lifestyle but when you are used to a certain standard of living, that is not so easy in practice.

So before you come to live in Lanzarote, do your homework, save up some money, and learn the language. If you can get off to a good start, itґs a great place to stay!

Lanzarote is a superb destination for a cycling holiday. Home to what is regarded as the toughest Ironman Triathlon in the world, the island offers year-round training in the perfect climate and some of the toughest climbs and routes you will find. Many of the worldґs top professional cyclists and triathletes come to the island in the winter months for warm weather training.Temperatures throughout the winter range from a daytime maximum of 20 to 23C, so no need for those 3 or 4 layers, gloves and hats! In general, the roads are good and not too busy if you stay away from the area around Arrecife, where you take your life in your own hands if you venture onto the expressway!

What makes Lanzarote stand out from other cycling destinations, apart from the weather, is the toughness of the terrain. There are more than 300 volcanoes on the island, and this results in a more varied type of cycling run as opposed to a more general up and then down route youґll find on other volcanic islands. The main volcano is Timanfaya which gives an excellent climb north to south in either direction. As the wind is nearly always in the north, climbing north to south is nearly always easier. At the top, you can have a rest and see the camels carrying tourists around the side of the mountain! Sorry, I didnґt mention the wind, did I! Often quite strong Trade Winds from the north, make some days in the saddle a 2 hour cycle out and a half hour back! Winds are generally a bit lighter in the winter though.

The toughest climb is further north around Mirador del Rio. Well worth it though - what a view from the top to the island of La Graciosa! Further south, the area around Playa Blanca is much flatter, and with that constant northerly wind, this makes a perfect base for your cycling holiday as you can plan nice routes into the wind to start, some climbs in the middle around Timanfaya and Tinajo, and then a lovely wind-assisted run back home. For the longer runs, carry on after Tinajo into the village of La Santa where there is a training camp for people from all sports, on to the beautiful beach and cliffs at Famara, inland to Teguise, and back down to the south through the lava fields around La Geria and Yaiza. A great day out - but remember the sunscreen!

Playa Blanca has many types of accommodation, but as you are going to spend so much time on the bike, your family need something rather special to keep them happy! Where better then than your own private villa with a pool, close to the beaches and resort centre to keep them amused until you return. A relaxing swim after your exertions is perfect - or you could do 500 lengths of training for your next Ironman!

More and more people are buying a villa in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. So youґve spent many, many hours searching for the perfect villa, and youґve found it! Everything is arranged with the estate agent at lawyer, now you just need to pay for it. So how do you send over the money?

The cheapest and easiest way is to use a specialist broker. You will see them advertised in overseas property magazines and the internet, or your estate agent can recommend one for you. By using a good broker you can achieve very favourable rates of exchange compared to what you might get at your high street bank, saving you perhaps thousands of pounds on the purchase price. When buying abroad, normally you have to pay a deposit to secure the property and have to pay the balance in 2 or 3 months time. For the deposit, you are likely to use a Spot Contract. This is where the rate of exchange is fixed at the moment in time when it is asked for. This rate of exchange can move quite a bit even in just one day. For the balance of the money, the most common method is to use a Forward Contract. This fixes a price today for a transaction to be made in the future. This eliminates the risk of currency fluctuation changes and means you know exactly how much your property is going to cost you.

Currency levels can fluctuate quite markedly as weґve said. Sterling to Euro levels have moved by over 5% in the past 6 months, which means that on a property of 200,000 pounds sterling value, fixing the rate at the start could have saved you 10,000 pounds by the time it comes to hand over the money. Of course it can work the other way and you could lose the opportunity to gain through the fluctuation of the rate of exchange! Do you want to take the gamble?

Many people are buying a holiday home in Lanzarote, not just for use as a holiday home for themselves, but to rent out and as an investment for the future as they see poor returns on other investments. So where do you start and how do you make sure that the decision you make is the right one?

This article is aimed at buyers whose primary interest is buying the right property for their own holidays, and renting out is of secondary importance.

Firstly buy a good book like "Buying a home in Spain" by David Hanpshire - a source of so much great information. Decide on the dates for a buying trip and give yourself plenty of time for research prior to your visit. Most of that research will be done on the internet. Your choice and location of property will much depend on your preferred area and your budget but if you have an open mind, then there is no shortcut to spending hours on the internet looking through estate agents websites which youґve found through a search engine. Bear in mind that a lot of estate agent website are quite often not up to date and often a property shown as being for sale isnґt. Once youґve confirmed that your chosen shortlist of identified suitable properties are for sale, and youґve made appointments with the agents to view the properties, you are ready for your trip.

Once out in Lanzarote, take an initial tour around your preferred location(s) so you can have a number of questions in advance before viewing. The important thing to remember is that the estate agent is representing the buyer and has their interests at heart, not yours. Take everything you are told with an open mind. Whilst you are there, go into as many estate agents as possible as properties may be for sale which are not on the internet. Having viewed all the properties which interest you, make sure you have left enough time to go back to any which are serious contenders. This time you will be on your own. Talk to residents in the area and try to get a feel for the development. Youґll find if you just stroll around the area, there are always people willing to chat with you. Find out everything you can, including who they bought from, what lawyer they used etc. If thereґs a local pub, go in there and chat to people including staff. You can gain a mine of information from such talks.

By the end of your trip, you may be ready to purchase. If youґre not sure - donґt. Come back home and think about it.