Self-catering holidays: planning the perfect trip

Your home is your castle...
But with self-catering holidays, the place you stay in could be a cottage, a caravan or a converted mill. Read lots of brochures to see the variety of self-catering holiday accommodation that's available.

Come rain or shine...
Think about the time of year you're going. A self-catering holiday cottage by the sea might be idyllic in summer but might be less fun during winter's gale-force winds.

You do the maths
Some self-catering holidays may seem expensive, but remember to divide the price of the accommodation by the number of people who will be staying there. Going with a group of friends, or inviting another family along, can be extremely cost-effective.

Be an early bird
Self-catering holidays can get booked up months ahead, particularly during school holidays and at busy times such as Christmas and New Year, so make sure you plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

Location, location, location
Think about what you want from your self-catering holiday. Do you want peace and quiet far from the madding crowd, or a bustling location with lots to do? Before booking your self-catering holiday, check on the map how far it is to the nearest town, and visit local websites for fun things to do in the area.

Food for thought
One hates to state the obvious, but a self-catering holiday means you'll have to cater for yourselves! If you're planning on stocking up on provisions when you get there, remember to pack at least a few basics such as tea bags and bread in case you arrive late and the shops are shut.

Don't forget your toothbrush
With a self-catering holiday, don't assume that the accommodation will have everything you need. With some self-catering holidays, pillows and blankets are provided but guests will need to take their own bed linen and towels. Most self-catering holiday brochures will stipulate what's included, but if it's not clear, ask.

You can't park here
Often overlooked when booking a self-catering holiday is the car-parking situation. If you don't want to walk miles to unload the car, check there is adequate parking outside your self-catering holiday accommodation. And check that parking is free (especially if you're staying in an urban location).

Can Mortimer come too?
Don't just assume you can take the family dog on your self-catering holiday. Check the policy on bringing pets, and make sure you observe the rules if there are any.

Talking of rules...
If you're taking children with you, it's a good idea to talk to them about behaviour before arriving for your self-catering holiday. While you should treat your self-catering holiday accommodation like a second home, kids need to understand that damages and breakages will probably have to be paid for.