Booking a holiday is an exciting thing to do, but sometimes the organisation, decision-making and planning can become a real bore, especially if money is tight.
If you are looking for a relaxing villa holiday on a budget, whether it’s a romantic getaway for two or a fun-packed family break, follow these helpful tips on how to get the most out of villa holidays.
Why a villa holiday?
Villa holidays can offer something unique: they give you a wide range of options from the height of luxury to the basic, with a choice of catering options to suit everyone. A villa gives you the privacy to really relax on your holiday, something that cannot necessarily be said for small B&Bs or large hotels. It is no wonder then, that so many of are opting for a villa holiday every year.
Location, location, location
The first thing to consider is where you want to go. Are you opting for a secluded spot in the south of France, or a place close to the attractions in bustling Florida? Your choice of destination could considerably affect the cost of your villa holiday, if you are working to a tight budget, then flights and train fares to Europe are generally the cheapest option, or maybe you should consider a cottage in the UK instead.
What are your requirements
When looking for your ideal villa holiday, you need to consider what your needs are. Are you travelling as a family and therefore want to be close to local attractions? Will you need a pool to entertain the kids? Or are you travelling as a couple and want to be hidden away in the countryside, away from the busy centres?
Deciding this will allow you to narrow your search to a particular area, meaning you won’t end up trawling through hundreds of brochures or websites. You will also need to think about how you want to be catered for. Are you happy to use local supermarkets and cook for yourself, or do you want some meals prepared for you? Again, if you are on a tight budget, then self-catering is usually the most cost-effective option.
Duration
The next thing to consider is how long do you want to go for – a long weekend, a week, ten days or more? Obviously the length of your holiday will affect the price. Some villa holidays have specific days of the week for checking in and out, so if you have your eye on a specific villa, you need to look carefully at any details such as this before you book flights or trains.
If you are travelling with children, you will most likely be restricted to school holidays, which unfortunately does mean peak prices. If you can be flexible, travelling out of peak times can save a lot of money.
Don’t leave it until the last minute
The last thing to remember when booking your dream holiday villa on a budget is not to leave it too late! If you have your heart set on the villa of your dreams and you find it at the right price for you, don’t hesitate – these great deals will not be around for long!
