Jul 19, 2023 | Holidays
When visiting the beautiful region of Malaga and the Costa del Sol in Spain, having a car at your disposal greatly enhances your travel experience. With a car, you can explore the stunning Costa del Sol, visit charming inland towns and villages, and have the freedom to go wherever your want, whenever you want. However, it is important to be well-informed and carry out research when it comes to car rental in Malaga to avoid potential scams and hidden surprises. In this article, we’ll provide you with serious and authentic tips to ensure a smooth and hassle-free car rental experience.
Particularly if you are traveling with children, time spent researching a reliable car rental company, before your trip, is sure to save you a lot of potential headaches that you will not want, once the children (and other family members) are involved. Stress-free holidays are what we all dream of …
Our Top 10 Tips for Car Rental in Malaga …
Research and Compare Rental Agencies
Before booking a car rental in Malaga, it is advisable to conduct thorough research and compare different rental agencies. Look for well-established and reputable companies that have positive reviews and a good track record. Consider factors like pricing, customer service, and the range of vehicles available. By comparing different options, you can make an informed decision and avoid unreliable or unscrupulous agencies.
Read the Small Print
When renting a car, it’s vital to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the rental agreement. Pay close attention to the fine print, including any additional charges, fees, or restrictions. Look out for clauses related to mileage limitations, fuel policies, and penalties for late returns or damage to the vehicle. Reading the small print will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure that you are aware of your rights and responsibilities when you sign the car rental contact.
Check Excess Payments
One important aspect to consider when renting a car in Malaga is the excess payment. Excess is the amount you are liable to pay in case of damage or theft of the rental vehicle. It’s essential to understand the excess amount and whether it can be reduced or waived. Some rental agencies offer the option of purchasing excess insurance to minimize your liability in case of an incident. Be sure to inquire about excess payments and consider whether additional insurance is necessary for your peace of mind.
Enquire About Extra Insurance Coverage
While excess insurance can reduce your liability, it’s also worth inquiring about other types of insurance coverage that can provide added protection during your car rental in Malaga. Ask the rental agency about options for comprehensive insurance, including coverage for personal accidents, theft, and damage to third parties. Understanding the available insurance coverage can help you make an informed decision and ensure that you are adequately protected throughout your rental period.
Check the Vehicle Thoroughly
Before driving off with your rental car, take the time to inspect it thoroughly. Look for any existing damage or scratches and make sure they are documented in the rental agreement. Take photos or videos of the vehicle from different angles as evidence of its condition before you begin your journey. By doing so, you can avoid being held responsible for pre-existing damage upon returning the car.
Document Everything
During the car rental process, it’s crucial to document everything meticulously. Keep copies of your rental agreement, insurance policies, and any receipts or invoices. Make note of the rental agency’s contact information and emergency numbers in case you encounter any issues or need assistance during your rental period. Having all the necessary documentation will help you resolve any potential disputes or misunderstandings that may arise.
Refuel the Car Before Returning
Most car rental agencies in Malaga require you to return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel. Be sure to refuel the car before dropping it off to avoid hefty refueling charges imposed by the rental company. Plan your fuel stops accordingly to ensure you have enough time to find a gas station near the rental agency.
Return the Car on Time
Returning the car on time is essential to avoid unnecessary charges. Be aware of the rental agency’s opening and closing hours and plan your return accordingly. Arriving late may result in extra fees or even an additional day’s rental charge. It is always a good idea to allow some buffer time when returning the car to account for traffic or unforeseen circumstances.
Check Your Credit Card Statements
After returning the car and settling the final bill, it’s crucial to keep an eye on your credit card statements. Occasionally, car rental agencies may mistakenly charge additional fees or unauthorized amounts. By regularly reviewing your statements, you can quickly identify and address any discrepancies or errors.
Share Your Experience
Once you have completed your car rental in Malaga, consider sharing your experience with others. Leave a review or provide feedback about the rental agency to help future travelers make informed decisions. By sharing your experience, you contribute to the transparency of the rental market and assist others in choosing reliable and trustworthy car rental services.
Conclusion
Renting a car in Malaga can be a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the city and its surroundings. By following these tips and being cautious, you can avoid scams, hidden surprises, and unnecessary headaches. Remember to research and compare rental agencies, read the small print, check excess payments, inquire about extra insurance coverage, and document everything. Additionally, ensure that you thoroughly inspect the vehicle before driving off and refuel it before returning. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared for a smooth and stress-free car rental experience in Malaga.
Remember to check out the recommended places to visit in the Malaga region, as well as many other parts of Spain, that are published on our blog!
We look forward to hearing about all your adventures!
Search for my best car rental …
Jan 30, 2023 | Guests, Life
Are you heading to Spain on a vacation? Perhaps you have recently relocated to this beautiful country? If so, you will appreciate our suggestions for ways to be active in Spain, focusing on your health. Here are some of the best options that you should explore to guarantee that you gain the benefits you are looking for.
Yoga
First, you might want to think about completing yoga while in Spain. Yoga is a great choice for a Spanish holiday because it means that you don’t have to worry about needing any exercise equipment. So, this is ideal for people who are going to be traveling light. Another point to consider is that Spain can be a very relaxing environment. This means that you don’t have to worry about getting too stressed for an activity like yoga. Particularly, if you are staying away from some of the larger cities and built up areas around the country. You might also find that there are different little yoga clubs that you can join and take part in while you are over in the country.
Head Outdoors For A Hike
Next, you should consider heading outside for a hike. There are lots of mountains around Spain that are going to provide incredible views. Just remember that it is going to be hot during the summer. As such, on a long hike, you need to make sure that you are staying hydrated and drinking lots of water. You also need to make sure that you are completing a hike that is going to be suitable for your abilities and your experience. There are lots of guides online that can help you explore the right choices.
Why Not Go Swimming?
You might also want to consider heading swimming while you are in Spain. Spain has some beautiful beaches that are going to be perfect for swimming as well as a wide variety of other aqua activities.
Another point to consider is that you’ll find lots of private pools around Spain too. For instance, you can find a villa with a pool that is entirely your own. This means that you’ll be able to swim whenever you want, which is always going to be great news.
Exercise With Your Own Equipment
If you have your own equipment, then you can complete some exercises with these. Staying active doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to leave the comfort of your own home, so there is no reason to do this if you do not want to. You can look at some workout guides online, or you can look at some videos to show you what kind of exercises are best to reach your goals. You can even look into hiring an online personal trainer if this is of interest to you.
Just know that you have got to work on pushing yourself if you’re going to be working out from home. Push through those lateral raises when you feel the burn, but don’t overdo it. Do those couple of extra squats because you’re going to be proud of yourself when you’re finished!
Off To The Gym You Go
Of course, one of the most common ways to workout is to head to the gym. This doesn’t suit everyone, and that’s okay, but if it’s something that interests you, then you can head to the gym as often as you like. Find the one that is going to be closest to you, and then you can get a membership to attend.
Gyms have all of the equipment that you could need, with some of them even having a swimming pool for those who love the water.
Running
Last on the list, you can go running. There are some absolutely stunning views pretty much everywhere in Spain, so you’re going to be able to find somewhere nice to run no matter where you are. Depending on what time of day you are running, you might get to see the sun setting behind the clouds or other breathtaking views like this one.
Hopefully, you have found this article helpful and now see some of the things that you can do to stay active while you are in Spain. Whether you are just visiting or whether you have moved to the sunny country permanently, you need to know how to stay active so that you’re not putting your health at risk. We wish you the very best of luck and hope that you manage to achieve the goal of staying active in Spain.
Nov 23, 2022 | Collaborative, Relocation
There are a lot of fantastic reasons to relocate to Spain, such as the beautiful cities, the abundant culture, the high quality of life, the relatively inexpensive cost of living, the excellent healthcare, and the large ex-pat community.
As soon as you have established that moving to Spain is a possibility for you, it is time to prepare yourself with information, and we will look at some of the things you need to know here.
Culture and traditions
The traditions of Spanish culture are numerous, and these traditions have a significant impact on how modern Spaniards live their lives. This can be seen in everything from the way they greet one another to the way they date, as well as in the food they eat and the way they observe regional holidays. In general, increasing your knowledge of Spanish culture and traditions is only going to assist you in better understanding the natives and easing into life in Spain with as few or as many unexpected cultural bumps as possible.
Language
Catalan, Galician, Basque, and Spanish are the four most widely spoken languages in Spain. Spanish is spoken by almost everyone in the country, either as a first or second language. The regions of Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands all speak Catalan. Galician is spoken in Galicia, and Basque is spoken in the Basque Country.
You should try to learn Spanish at one of the many language schools available, or at the least, you should try to acquire some fundamental Spanish phrases so that you can get by.
Requirements
Once you have determined that you want to move to Spain, where in Spain you want to reside, and whether or not you have the financial means to do so, the next step is to determine whether or not you fit the requirements to relocate to Spain.
Moving to a new country is not a simple task for people who are not citizens of the European Union or the European Economic Area because they do not have the right to be restricted in their movement or where they choose to live inside the Schengen area. To get residency in Spain for a period of one year or more, most non-Europeans will need to either find employment in Spain or gain admission to one of the country’s institutions. Alternatively, they need to have substantial funds or a steady passive income in order to relocate to Spain.
Housing
You should start looking for a place to live while you wait for the approval of your visa. Because of the large number of new arrivals from other countries, housing in Spain is in high demand; thus, you should begin your search three to four months in advance. When looking for the perfect house to rent in the city, it is important to investigate the various neighbourhoods and consider the accessibility of public transportation in each one. It is also a good time to look into climate controlled storage if you need extra space.
Sep 26, 2022 | Collaborative, Life
Is your family computer safe for children?
The children are back in school. That means they have to do their homework and projects. If you teach your kids at home in Spain or the UK, you might use your computer a lot. But there are things on the internet and even on your own hard drives that might not be right for children. So, here are some tips to make the family computer safe for children in Spain or anywhere else…
Install the Latest OS Releases
The programme that runs your computer is called its operating system, or OS. Windows and macOS are the ones most people use. But there are also different kinds of Linux that you could use. Often, new versions are put out to keep up with what features consumers want. But also to keep safe. For example, the latest version of macOS lets you protect family photo albums. But a new OS can slow down your computer. There are ways to get around this (read more) so you can get the great features of a new OS without putting your computer’s security at risk.
Make the Family Computer Safe for Children with Web Features
Almost 20% of the childrenwho were asked said that they had seen adult content online during lockdown. This number is way too high, as every parent will agree. Most web browsers come with built-in tools that let users control what they see. For example, you can decide which websites your kids can visit on Chrome and how much access they have to certain websites. If “Try to block explicit sites” is turned on in Family Link for your child, Chrome will try to block sites that have been flagged as sexually explicit, violent, or not child-safe in general.
Limit Child Screen Time
As a parent, you can do your part by keeping an eye on how much time your child spends on the PC. By taking an active role in how they use the computer, you can almost stop them from accessing anything that isn’t appropriate. You can also make sure they only use the computer for work and research. You can do this by giving yourself a set amount of time, like three hours, when you get home from school. It’s also a good idea to make sure they don’t spend too much time on social media and the internet at night. Blue light can make it hard to sleep.
Create Individual Accounts
Every operating system has ways to set up individual accounts on a computer. The most powerful account is usually called “Administrator,” and it lets you do everything, including manage other accounts. On a shared computer, it’s always a good idea to set up restricted accounts. This means that you can stop your kids from using certain features, programmes, and websites. By doing this, you make it much less likely that harmful programmes will be installed and protect yourself from cyber security risks like keyloggers, malware, and camera control.
Install Parental Control Apps
Some of the features that come with modern operating systems are great. But there’s only so far they can go. You probably already use fun apps. Installing parental control apps will give you more control over what your children can see and do. Here are some of the best you can get:
- Qustodio: comes with many features and is best overall.
- Google Family Link: free for macOS and Android.
- Bark: great for older kids because of social media monitoring.
- Canopy: excellent content filters make it the best for younger children.
- NetNanny: has excellent real-time monitoring features.
Parental control apps let you keep an eye on what your kids are doing on their devices no matter where they are. This is different from a parental control router, which lets you decide what websites your kids can and can’t access when they use your home network.
Use Encryption for Important Documents
Of course, not every threat comes from the outside. Because you use a shared computer at work, there could be sensitive files or websites on it. Suppose, for example, you are a private criminal forensics consultant. You wouldn’t want your kids to be able to look at pictures of murders. So it’s best to keep your work and your family life separate. Luckily, this is easy to do by locking certain drives and folders with encryption software. OneDrive from Microsoft is a great free tool. Apps like Secure IT, AxCrypt, and Folder Lock can also be used.
Always Logout and Clear History
Make sure you log out so your kids can’t see what you do at work or on sites you often visit as an adult. Some web browsers will keep you logged in to websites and save your history, so you don’t have to log in every time. This will save you time and make things easier for you. This is great, of course, if you have a computer that only you use. But if the family PC is shared, this could be terrible. You wouldn’t want your kids to see the sites you visit as an adult. For example, you might often use shopping or medication websites to buy items of a very personal nature.
Make the Family Computer Safe for Children with Kid Browsers
Most likely, you have only heard of a few web browsers. But around 200 are actually available. Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari by Apple, and Opera are the five most popular desktop web browsers. All of these are great, but they don’t have enough safety features for kids. But you can download and install child-friendly browsers that are made with kids in mind and have safety features that are turned on by default. Google made Kiddle, and its search results will only show child-friendly content. Pikluk and Kidoz are two others.
Practice Basic PC Security
Lack of cybersecurity is one of the easiest ways for a child to see something they shouldn’t. Also, if you don’t protect your PC, hackers could use your webcam to take pictures of your kids. The good news is that most of the time, basic computer security is enough to keep your family computer safe. Antimalware packages like Malwarebytes are great security solutions that do a lot of things well. Malwarebytes will, for example, block access from the outside, stop access to malicious sites, and scan files and emails regularly. You should also cover your webcam.
Summary
There are a lot of dangers online these days. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to make the family computer safe for children. You can start by installing the most recent operating systems, which have better features. You can also use parental control apps to restrict access to explicit sites. And cheap and effective antimalware packages are excellent at making things safer all around.
Sep 8, 2022 | Collaborative, Education
Over to you Sinead …
Many international families choose to relocate to Madrid for either business or pleasure. Whilst most definitely landlocked (it’s over 300 kilometers to the nearest beach!), we can honestly say that no Spanish city matches Madrid’s offering of arts and culture.
When families relocate to Madrid, their success rate is very much attached to finding the right school. It can make or break the relocation and puts a lot of pressure on finding the right one.
Happy child equals happy parent, right?
However, choosing the right school is a difficult decision at any time but is even more complicated in a foreign country especially if you do not have a good grasp of the Spanish language and are unfamiliar with the education system (and let’s not forget Spanish bureaucracy). Madrid has an ample selection of school options (Spanish, British, American, French, IB, etc.) that quite often families need additional support with their search either by working closely with an educational consultant or joining online groups like Madrid Education Facebook group.
Whether you choose state (público), semi-private (concertado) schools or private schools (international schools included in this category) careful planning is a must. The first step is to gather information on the different school options available in the capital city to begin to understand how it all works.
This Madrid Education Guide sets out all you need to know about schools in Madrid and how to navigate the different schools’ applications process. It was written by Madrid Education consultant Sinead Galvin who is an expert on schools in Madrid and the founder of Steps into Spain (Madrid-based educational consultancy).
The Madrid Education Guide:
📌 Provides a detailed summary of each school option broken down into the following categories – fees, entrance, timetable, faith, curriculum, exams and languages.
📌 Outlines the five educational stages– Primer and Segundo infantil, Primaria, la ESO (Educación Secundaria Oblig atoria) and el Bachillerato.
📌 Explains the bilingual education programme on offer at each school option in both primary and secondary stages.
📌 Describes the level of SEND support and how to access available resources.
📌 Guides you through the application process (including late applications for families who arrive outside of regular application dates) and admissions in each school option.
After reading this guide you should feel more prepared to make an informed decision about the right school for your child in Madrid.
If you do have further questions or are needing help with assessing the right school for your children, don’t hesitate to contact Sinead at info@stepsintospain.es
