Photos of gorgeous houses in the Italian or French countryside can be very appealing - but don't let yourself be carried away solely by photographs.
The best thing to do is approach your choice of accommodation with a clear understanding of what you need from your holiday rental to help you make the best choice.
Some of the things to consider and questions to ask include: Location -Do your homework before you decide which town/village to base yourself in.
Don't just go to the town you liked on your last visit or a village that your friend has stayed in (although recommendations are a great source of advice - do your own homework).
Consider whether you want to live in a village and benefit from easy access to shops/services (e.
g.
do you want to be able to walk to the boulangerie each morning to collect fresh croissants and baguettes) or whether you'd prefer the space and privacy of a house a few kilometers from a village.
Property -What type of rental do you need? Is it a large house with lots of bedrooms, an apartment, a small village house? Decide what best suits your needs and the location.
-What amenities are available in the house - what amenities do you need? Is there a washing machine; a bath (for young children); how many beds - doubles, singles etc.
-Do you have a young family? What's better for your children? Room to run around and perhaps a pool on-site or access to children of their own age in the local village.
One of the best experiences my 2 sons had on a recent trip to Italy, was a daily soccer game with a group of boys in the village.
The boys knocked on the door of our house in an Umbrian village each afternoon and beckoned for our boys to join in.
Great fun! -Safety and security issues.
If the property has a pool, is it fenced? Are their stairs in the house that pose a hazard for younger or older members of your family.
In France and Italy a lot of house in villages have front doors that open directly onto the street - is this suitable for your family if you have young children? Transport -Will you need to hire a car? Are you comfortable navigating and driving or would you prefer access to trains to make longer journeys? -Does car hire or leasing (check Renault and Peugot leasing options) make more sense for the length of your intended stay? -How easy will it be to visit the attractions and locations you have in mind? Lack of transport options may make it difficult for you to go exploring unless you drive or will you also be able to access trains for some sightseeing experiences? Special considerations -Do you or any family members have any health problems that may need specialist treatment? Are you likely to require sophisticated medical services? You should look for a town/village where you can get or can easily access services for the treatment you need.
-Are there building/construction works in the area that are likely to present noise issues or block that longed for view? Friends who booked an apartment in Paris specifically for its Eiffel Tower views were disappointed to arrive to find a large crane blocking most of the view that they had admired on the property's website.
-Will you need access to internet services for social or business purposes? That little village you have your eye on may look like what you've dreamed about, but if you can't get internet access and need this for business/job continuity - it won't work.
Bookings -What are the booking and deposit arrangements? Do you feel confident in your ability to deal easily with the holiday rental owner and have any specific questions you have easily answered? -Watch for hidden costs.
There can be booking fees in addition to advertised weekly rents (which are often low season prices) if you book through a third party or agent.
Check if there are additional deposits to be paid on arrival; electricity costs during your stay; and even cleaning fees on departure.
It can all add up so ask the question! Most importantly - keep an open mind.
You're not at home; things may be different to what you're used to - and isn't that the wonder of travel - broadening our horizons!
The best thing to do is approach your choice of accommodation with a clear understanding of what you need from your holiday rental to help you make the best choice.
Some of the things to consider and questions to ask include: Location -Do your homework before you decide which town/village to base yourself in.
Don't just go to the town you liked on your last visit or a village that your friend has stayed in (although recommendations are a great source of advice - do your own homework).
Consider whether you want to live in a village and benefit from easy access to shops/services (e.
g.
do you want to be able to walk to the boulangerie each morning to collect fresh croissants and baguettes) or whether you'd prefer the space and privacy of a house a few kilometers from a village.
Property -What type of rental do you need? Is it a large house with lots of bedrooms, an apartment, a small village house? Decide what best suits your needs and the location.
-What amenities are available in the house - what amenities do you need? Is there a washing machine; a bath (for young children); how many beds - doubles, singles etc.
-Do you have a young family? What's better for your children? Room to run around and perhaps a pool on-site or access to children of their own age in the local village.
One of the best experiences my 2 sons had on a recent trip to Italy, was a daily soccer game with a group of boys in the village.
The boys knocked on the door of our house in an Umbrian village each afternoon and beckoned for our boys to join in.
Great fun! -Safety and security issues.
If the property has a pool, is it fenced? Are their stairs in the house that pose a hazard for younger or older members of your family.
In France and Italy a lot of house in villages have front doors that open directly onto the street - is this suitable for your family if you have young children? Transport -Will you need to hire a car? Are you comfortable navigating and driving or would you prefer access to trains to make longer journeys? -Does car hire or leasing (check Renault and Peugot leasing options) make more sense for the length of your intended stay? -How easy will it be to visit the attractions and locations you have in mind? Lack of transport options may make it difficult for you to go exploring unless you drive or will you also be able to access trains for some sightseeing experiences? Special considerations -Do you or any family members have any health problems that may need specialist treatment? Are you likely to require sophisticated medical services? You should look for a town/village where you can get or can easily access services for the treatment you need.
-Are there building/construction works in the area that are likely to present noise issues or block that longed for view? Friends who booked an apartment in Paris specifically for its Eiffel Tower views were disappointed to arrive to find a large crane blocking most of the view that they had admired on the property's website.
-Will you need access to internet services for social or business purposes? That little village you have your eye on may look like what you've dreamed about, but if you can't get internet access and need this for business/job continuity - it won't work.
Bookings -What are the booking and deposit arrangements? Do you feel confident in your ability to deal easily with the holiday rental owner and have any specific questions you have easily answered? -Watch for hidden costs.
There can be booking fees in addition to advertised weekly rents (which are often low season prices) if you book through a third party or agent.
Check if there are additional deposits to be paid on arrival; electricity costs during your stay; and even cleaning fees on departure.
It can all add up so ask the question! Most importantly - keep an open mind.
You're not at home; things may be different to what you're used to - and isn't that the wonder of travel - broadening our horizons!
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