Before you book your holiday villa, do a little homework and
make sure that you get what’s right for you. Here are ten top tips to point you
in the right direction. 

Renting a holiday villa that you’ve never seen can be
worrying, but if you take a few simple steps beforehand, you’ll find the
property that suits your needs.

 

COUNTRY

 

If you’re the type of person who doesn’t take the sun very
well, don’t book a holiday in Spain
in August. If Greek food doesn’t agree with you, don’t go to Greece. If you
detest the sound of car horns, stay away from Italy. I know this is a little
simplistic, but the point is; have a little think about which country suits
your needs best.

 

SEASON

 

Don’t be caught out by the seasons. Some hot countries can
be pretty chilly in autumn and winter, especially if you’re up in the hills. On
the other hand, some hot countries can be just too hot in the summer. Inland is
usually hotter than the coast in summer and cooler in winter. Study the climate
before you book.

 

LOCATION

 

The countryside sounds so peaceful and appealing, but if
you’re stuck ten miles from the nearest grocery store, the novelty will soon
wear off. Find out how many restaurants are nearby. Is the villa within walking
distance of a bar, and if not, are you willing to go without alcohol or stump
up for a taxi every time you fancy a couple of glasses of wine with your meal?
Another thing to consider is the distance from the airport; do you really need
a three hour journey after your flight, or doesn’t it bother you?

 

DO YOU NEED TO HIRE A CAR?

 

If the villa you decide upon isn’t on a bus route, then
you’re going to need to hire a car. Take this into account when working out
your finances for the holiday. If the villa is in a built up area, say by the
beach and you intend spending your entire holiday on the beach, do you really
need to hire a car?

 

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY WITH A
REPUTABLE INTERNET WEBSITE

 

By using a reputable company to source your villa, you are
minimizing the chances of being let down. Good rental companies are keen to
make sure that the properties on their books are what they say they are. Secure
payment methods are another reason to use a good company.

 

AIR CONDITIONING

 

If you’re going to a hot country in summer, it could be a
wise move to make sure that the villa of your choice is equipped with air
conditioning. Many a holiday has been ruined through the lack of sleep. Most
air conditioning units provide heat as well as cool air. It can be chilly in
winter, so ask the question before you book.

 

SWIMMING POOL

 

Do you need a swimming pool? If you have small children and
intend to keep them away from the water, book a villa without a pool? If the
villa is on the beach, do you really need the use of a pool? Even in hot
countries, the water temperature in winter can be a little to cool for comfort,
so take this into consideration when booking. On the other hand, in summer,
there’s nothing better than cooling down in the pool.

 

PETS

 

Not all property owners welcome pets, but some do. Check
with the owner that the villa is pet friendly. A good website will have the
facility to do this.

 

NUMBER OF HOLIDAYMAKERS

 

If you’re going as part of a group, make sure that you book
a property that’s big enough to accommodate you all. It’s OK being on top of
each other for day or two, but tempers will soon start to fray if you can’t
spend a moment alone.

 

ASK THE OWNER

 

Before you commit yourself to a particular villa, contact
the owner and ask questions. Most property owners will be delighted that you
are showing an interest in their villa, and will help you all they can. A good
website will make it easy for you to contact the owner, and clear up any
uncertainties before you pay your deposit.

 

Once you have done your homework and found the answers to
your questions, you can book your holiday with peace of mind , in the knowledge
that you have done all you can to ensure a memorable family holiday.

 

 

 

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