Tina posted a while ago about a cute advertising site by Next Day Blinds. It’s been on my radar for a while, and I finally checked it out. I really wish I had seen it earlier. They’ve put up videos, magazine ads, radio spots – the works. The T.V. commercials are actually funny, and even more impressive is are the pictures of the blinds, shutters and shades. They look so beautiful! I’m planning on taking a trip to one of the Next Day Blinds showrooms sometime soon. I’d like to get some mini-blinds for my condo that will block out more of the light. Sometimes when I have to work nights, I need to sleep in the morning, but the honeycomb shades I have right now just don’t cut it. I’d be nice to not have to put blankets over my windows just to keep the light out. It’s tacky and cumbersome.

Tourism is booming in the Spanish Balearic Islands!!  These islands are located in the Mediterranean Sea just off the southern coast of Spain. They are a favoured holiday destination for vacationers from Northern Europe.  The four main island destinations are Mallorca (Majorca), Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera.

The largest island within the chain is Mallorca (Majorca to the English).  Ever since the 1960s it has evolved into a popular tourist destination offering budget vacations wher holidaymakers were flown in and indulged in sun, sea and drinks.  However things have changed and the island has gone upmarket.  Nowadays a great deal of the south side of the island includes four star Mallorca hotels and apartments. High class restaurants and shopping outlets have also been developed.  There are also a plethora of five star Majorca hotels that have been developed to establish this type of tourism.

Majorca also offers visitors may other activities.  Off the beaten track and away from the heavily tourist areas are the rugged Tramuntana hills. There are many rural towns and villages which are well worth exploring.  The capital of Majorca, Palma has undergone great transformation and is now one of Spain’s most popular cities.

Ibiza has a recent history of being at the center of rave and techno music. This has taken place in the capital Ibiza Town as well as laya d’en Bossa and San António. There has been a growth of classy tourist accommodations and restaurants including five star Ibiza hotels that attract a more cultured crowd to the island. However away from the built up areas Ibiza is rural and unspoiled.

The Balearic island of Formentera lies close to Ibiza.  It is the smallest inhabited island in the region. Because of it’s remoteness the island has been a hippy paradise.  Formentera can only be reached by ferry as it has no airport. Things are changing however and the island is becoming more popular with tourists and now has an impressive range of Formentera hotels.

The fourth inhabited island in the Balearics is Menorca which is popular with families and older vacationers. The hotels in this Balearic paradise cater to these tourists seeeking a more traditional Mediterranean vacation.