Four Tips To Help When Planning A Self Catering Holiday

Few vacations give you the freedom to cook for yourself. Self-catering getaways are becoming more and more popular, and it’s not hard to see why. You can eat what you want, when you want, and you can get away to a more remote place.

So here are some things you can do to make your self-catering stay the best vacation you’ve ever had…

Don’t Stress About The Dates

Our best advice? Avoid peak season. And if you want to save money, think about staying during the week instead of on the weekend. If you have kids with you, it might be harder to do this, but you can still save money during busy times.

You can still save a lot of money by travelling during the middle of the week, and booking stays at the beginning or end of school breaks (rather than in the middle) can save you a lot of money.

Also, don’t get stuck on certain dates. Even though your self-catering vacation may be meant to celebrate a wedding anniversary or a friend’s birthday, does it really matter if you stay a week after the big day?

Do Your Research

After COVID, travel agents have been a lifeline, helping us figure out how to book trips and giving us great advice about everything from the best places for cheap self-catering breaks to the best insurance. But don’t get in the habit of always relying on them, even if you’re on a self-catering vacation in a different country.

Even online-only travel agents get paid on commission, and they often have a preference for certain hotels or areas. If you can, always book directly with the hotel, especially if you plan to stay there again.

You should also have a look at things like the local markets. For example, if you are looking for a decent place for coffee check out Godega Market. 

Be Flexible, But Not Too Much

Even though we’ve said that being willing to book outside of peak season or give up on some things can save you a lot of money, it’s important to keep in mind other important factors.

Self-catering breaks are meant to be fun and relaxing, so settling for second best could be a waste of money. This is especially true if you spend the whole week ordering takeout because the kitchen is too small or spending a lot on taxis because you tried to save money by choosing a place in the middle of nowhere.

Before you book, make a list of the things that you can’t change, like location, room size, or amenities, and stick to it.

Book Ahead – Sometimes

Booking at the last minute can often save you money, but if you or other people in your group have special needs, like disabled access or rooms that connect, it’s usually best to book well in advance.

Properties that meet niche needs aren’t always easy to find, so you might want to book far in advance. This method also works for bigger groups. After all, there’s nothing worse than planning a big vacation only to find out that you can’t bring grandma, great aunt Sally, or the dog because the house you wanted has already been bought.

Hopefully, these four tips will help you when planning your next self catering holiday. Do you have any other tips that you think will help?