If you want the sun you don't have to go in July or August as many mediterranean resorts have excellent weather in spring and autumn when it's not too hot and far less crowded.

Ski holidays need not be taken at Christmas and Easter. If you can avoid the school holidays you will find that you will pay a lot less and have a great value holiday.

 

3. How do I search for a property?

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Finding your perfect holiday retreat can be tricky but at www.holidaypropertiesdirect.com we have tried to help by providing a variety of search methods that can be used independently of each other or together to narrow down the properties best suited to you.

Destination: Select your prefered continent, country, region and town.

Local Activities: Ideas such as walking, cycling, climbing, sailing, skiing, golf, horseriding - properties will be listed where the owner has indicated that activities are to be found nearby.

Facilities: You can search by making selcetions such as the number of bedrooms, air-conditioning, swimming pool, etc.

Suitability: You can specify whether you want properties to be suitable for children, the elderly/infirm, wheelchair acces, pets etc.

Availability: Adding your arrival and departure dates will not select those properties where the owner has indicated that they are not available.

 

4. How do I make a short list?

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Making a short list is easy. As you locate a property you like just click ' Add to shortlist'. This link is to be found at the bottom of every property page just under the owner's details.

You can add as many properties as you like to your list but you must login if you wish to save your list and retrieve it later. Logging in just requires you to enter your name, email address* and a password.

You can send an enquiry to all the owners of properties that you have added to your short list by completing your details only once and therby saving you time.

*We will not share your details with any external organisation.

 

5. How do I know if my preferred property is available?

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First check the built-in availability calendar which can be accessed from the bottom of each property page. Not all owners make full use of this so please only use it for guidance.

If the dates you require are marked in green then the property may still be available. Then call or email the owner to confirm your dates. The preferred arrival day is specifies in the Accommodation section of each property page (just above the Rental rates).

 

6. How do I make reservation?

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We suggest you follow these steps:

1. RESEARCH: Check your accommodation is available and ask the owner if they will hold it for you whilst you book your flights - most owners are prepared to put a hold on their property for a short period, normally 24 hours.

2. FLIGHTS / FERRY: Book your flights or ferry crossing - both can be booked direct from this site.

3. RESERVE YOUR ACCOMMODATION: Confirm your accommodation booking with the owner. If you have asked the owner to hold a property for you please let them know if you decide not to proceed.

4. TRAVEL INSURANCE: Book your travel insurance . It is very important to book your travel insurance soon after making your travel arrangements. This is because most policies activate as soon as you purchase them and therefore you are covered against cancellations subject to the terms of your insurance policy.

5. TRANSFER TO YOUR RESORT: If you are flying think about how you are going to transfer to your resort. If you don't want to hire a car you will need to consider the cost of taxi or coach transfer. Your flight company may offer a transfer service, if not try asking the property owner as they will probably have made the journey many times. Car hire can be booked from this site for the whole of your holiday or just for a few days.

6. TRANSFER TO UK AIRPORTS: To ensure your holiday starts off smoothly always allow plenty of time to get to the airport. Most airports have restaurants, bars and TV lounges to help pass the time before your flight. We can also help as Holiday Extras can help you make significant savings on airport parking and airport hotels .

7. TAKING YOUR OWN CAR: In addition to your travel insurance you may wish to consider breakdown cover .

 

7. How do I pay for my holiday accommodation?

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Each owner has their own method of accepting payment. Please ask for their preferred payment method when you make your enquiry.

Holiday Properies Direct does not currently accept payment on behalf of owners.

 

8. What if I have a problem whilst I am at the property?

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Most owners will provide you with full details of the location of the property plus local information along with local emergency contact information.

Often, the owners will have a managing agent on hand should there be a problem with your property.

We suggest that you ask for this information at the time that you make your reservation.

All enquiries about properties advertised on the Holiday Properties Direct website must be made to the individual owner.