Page 185 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Mallorca, Menorca & Ibiza

PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  183

Youths/Students
worked out on the basis of
the formulari (Global Refund The Balearics are an
Cheque), stamped by the ideal destination for
Customs Officer at the point young holidaymakers.
of departure before checking The fine weather, great
the luggage. The refund can beaches and clubs
be claimed at the airport, at attract thousands of
any Cash Refund desk, or on young people from
returning home, by post or all over Europe. Some
via bank transfer. also come in search of
seasonal employment,
combining work with
Language pleasure. Holders of the
The official joint languages of International Student
the Balearic Islands are Catalan Identity Card (ISIC) and
and Spanish (Castilian). For the Euro under-26 card
many locals, however, the are entitled to many
everyday language is Catalan. benefits when visiting
This bilingual culture can be Horse-cab ride in Palma, Mallorca the Balearic Islands.
felt when using local maps, They can get discounts
where the names of places of current cultural events, on ferry travel, entrance
may be given in one or the entertainment and available charges to museums and
other language. Catalan, in accommodation. However, the galleries, and tickets to some of
its turn, is divided into information they provide may the other tourist attractions.
variants specific to be somewhat general
each of the islands. in nature and it Children
In Mallorca it is known is usually limited
as Mallorquín, in to the town where As with much of Spain, children
Menorca as Menorquín the tourist office is are welcome in most places
and in Ibiza as Eivissenc. located or to its except the big clubs, which,
During Franco’s immediate vicinity. of course, have age restrictions
dictatorship, Catalan A valuable source of for obvious reasons. Most
was banned in all information is the hotels can provide cots; some
public arenas. Never- Internet. Individual have all-day care, babysitting
theless, the local islands, towns, tourist and special entertainment for
population has never offices, hotels, car hire youngsters. It is nevertheless
abandoned its use, firms and museums worth checking in advance
and learning a few all have their own what facilities are available
courtesy phrases websites. They usually at any given hotel.
in Catalan is a good include photographs Restaurants in hotels and
way to win over with text written in in towns are also good at
the locals. Signposts on Menorca several languages. providing for the needs of
In tourist areas It is therefore much children. They have highchairs
English and German are simpler to do your research on and have special menus for
readily understood. Information a specific town before leaving children. When hiring a car,
signs and restaurant menus home rather than once you are you should have no problem
are generally multilingual. already there. getting a child seat.
Greater problems with
communication may be
experienced away from the
busiest areas. But even in
the provinces, increasing
numbers of people can speak
at least one major European
language as well as Spanish.

Tourist Information
You will find Tourist Information
offices (Informació turística) in
all of the larger towns and
resorts on the islands. These
offer free maps and information
packs; they also have details Children visiting one of Menorca’s historic sights

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