Holiday-Rentals press releases

Travellers seeking value turn to holiday home rentals
Holiday-Rentals forecasts continued strong growth in supply & demand as credit crunch bites

29 June 2009

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:

• In popular cities worldwide, rental apartments are up to four times cheaper per square foot than hotels
• While demand for established holiday hotspots stays strong, 25% of Brits may abandon Europe and the US this year
• Holiday homes move beyond the week-long family holiday, as travellers consider rentals for all kinds of breaks.
• Hollywood heart-throbs Brad Pitt and Hugh Jackman are top choices for a holiday companion, and we'd love to have Jamie Oliver cook at our home from home

As travellers attempt to stretch their holiday pounds further, an increasing number are turning to holiday home rentals for everything from family holidays to reunions and festivals. Not surprising when you consider that per square foot, the cost of a rental can work out up to four times cheaper than a hotel, according to Holiday-Rentals from HomeAway, the UK's largest holiday home website.

In the first edition of its new quarterly Marketplace Report, the company compares the cost per square foot of holiday rentals with hotels in popular cities, giving a clear picture of the superior value rentals provide. The report also looks at discounts and incentives being offered, popular and emerging destinations, traveller perceptions and holiday homes as investments. Finally it reveals the celeb we'd most like to holiday with is Brad Pitt and that for a personal chef, Jamie beats Gordon hands down.

Courtney Wylie, Managing Director for Holiday-Rentals commented, "So far this year, Holiday-Rentals has received over 11 million visits, an increase of around 30% compared to last year. While the travel industry in general struggles, demand for rentals is going from strength to strength as travellers realise they can rent a whole home for less per head than a hotel and stretch their budget even further by taking advantage of self-catering facilities."

She added, "Our new report aims to provide further insight in to key trends within this massively growing sector each quarter. Moving forward in to the rest of 2009, we anticipate continued strong demand in established holiday markets, combined with a growth in supply throughout the world as increasing numbers of owners look to their property for extra income."

Download the full report now from www.Holiday-Rentals.co.uk/HomeAwayQ1Report

Rentals vs hotels in popular cities
According to statistics collated by Holiday-Rentals, apartments in Prague provide the best value for money, working out four times less expensive per square foot than hotels, while the competition is closest in New York, where rentals still come in at 1.8 times cheaper.

» Click here to view the comparison of 10 top cities worldwide

Deals, deals & more deals
The good news for travellers is the report reveals that over half of holiday home owners have been offering deals this year: While the most common is a percentage discount, many are using a variety of other offers to entice travellers, including free nights, no minimum stay, or value-add services such as free airport transfers or a welcome hamper.

Old favourites and rising stars
During the first quarter of 2009 popular European cities and established hotspots in the Costas, the Cote d'Azur and the Canaries made up the top 10 destinations for travellers. However, over 25% of travellers also stated they were less likely to choose destinations in Europe or the US this year.

» Click here to view the top 10 destinations for Q109

In terms of rising stars, Kas in Turkey jumped in to the summer top 20 and demand for December breaks in Cape Town, South Africa was very high. Strong rises in traveller demand, combined with a relatively low but rising number of holiday home rental accommodation also highlighted emerging markets in South America, Africa, Asia and Europe.

» Click here to view the list of emerging markets in the report

A wider variety and longer, more upscale holidays
While family holidays still account for the most popular use of rentals, travellers now consider them for a variety of breaks, including getaways with friends (53%), reunions (38%), festivals (25%) and even business trips (10%).

A large proportion is also in agreement that using rentals instead of hotels allows them to enjoy a range of value-related benefits including; more frequent travel with family/friends (60%), more upscale holidays (41%), longer holidays (40%) and more frequent holidays (37%).

Holiday homes as investments
The economy played an important role among owners who began renting out their property during the last 12 months as one in ten cited economic conditions as their reason for entering the market. The main goal for the majority of owners remains to partially cover expenses, however even during these turbulent times a significant number of new entrants have not been deterred from chasing the dream of a rentals business, as one in ten stated it was their primary business.

» Click here for a list of the top 20 under-served markets (i.e. where demand > supply)

Holidays with the stars
When it comes to holiday companions, Hollywood heartthrobs Brad Pitt and Hugh Jackman were the clear winners over local girls Cheryl Cole and Kate Moss, who came in fifth and sixth place. Pop princess Kylie was number three, beating David Beckham at number four with 13%. In terms of the ideal personal chef on holiday, Jamie Oliver beat Gordon Ramsay hands down, with 39% of votes versus 18%. Sexy Nigella came in at number three, followed by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Delia and Ainsley Harriott.

» Click here for details of scores

Try something different this summer in Scandinavia
From chic city pads to remote log cabins, choose from hundreds of homes on Holiday-Rentals

15 June 2009 Think Nordic countries are all about snow, long nights and Christmas markets? Think again. For those who want to try something different this summer but don't want to venture too far from our British shores, the land of midnight sun is ideal. Holiday-Rentals lists 530 properties in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland, from city break pads to remote log cabins by crystal-clear lakes, and the countries are well-served by budget airlines so great for a bargain break.

Summers in Scandinavia are truly spectacular, with gorgeous nature, long hours of daylight, cheerful locals and a plethora of activities on offer; from hiking and biking to fishing, rafting and canoeing. Scandinavian scenery includes the mountains and fjords of Norway, and the waterfalls and spouting geysers of Iceland. Summer temperatures reach as high as 30°C, but proximity to water means major Nordic cities never get as scorching as Continental capitals, and there is always a cooling breeze. If you hurry, you might even catch the midnight sun shining above the Arctic Circle in June and July!

Below are just some of the properties in Scandinavia with summer availability.

Sweden

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p500854 - Gorgeous 2-bedroom house right by a lake, with gorgeous views, an inviting terrace and bird swings. Located on the most beautiful beach at Åsunden Lake, which offers a swimming area, jetty, beach volleyball and fine sandy beach.
£570 per property per week

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p424585 - Luxurious, beautifully decorated 3-bedroom villa in Saltsjöbaden, in Stockholm's breathtaking archipelago. Built in 1896, its original charm has been kept alive, even though the property has undergone extensive renovation works.
£1,754 per property per week

Norway

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p419550 - Stunning 2-bedroom apartment in the centre of Ålesund, with wooden floors, beautifully furnished and boasting fantastic views over the city. Garage for parking inside the building.
£982 per property per week

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p634166 - Two apartments, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, within one house, with a panorama view of the fjord, on the west coast of the country. 35 minutes drive to Bergen. Boasts an outdoor hot tub, and each apartment has a little boat with outdoor engine. One of Europe's best golf courses is only 30 minutes away by car.
£658 per property per week for a 2-bedroom apartment
£825 per property per week for a 3-bedroom apartment

Denmark

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p22168 - Delightful 3-bedroom apartment on the ground floor of a beautiful old manor. The estate has a lovely garden and is located near the German border, 1km away from the centre of Tondern. North Sea, Baltic Sea and Flensburg are just half an hour away by car.
£342 per property per week

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p508270 - Spacious 5-bedroom house in Bornholm with sauna and Jacuzzi. Only 250m from the beach. Has a south-facing terrace with garden furniture.
£647 to £1,118 per property per week

Finland

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p630734 - Cosy little cottage (25 sq m) in Ruorasmäki in the southern part of Lake Suonne, with terrace and sauna. It is located only 15 from a beautiful clear lake.
£351 per property per week

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p227978 - Beautiful 5-bedroom lakefront loghouse with a large courtyard, spacious beach sauna heated by a wood stove, broadband Internet and satellite TV.
£906 per property per week

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p27200 - Two stunning villas, 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom, in Western Lapland, beautifully furnished and equipped with top-of-the-range gadgets, including Miele cooking appliances. Both houses have saunas.
£1,132 to £1,491 per property per week for a 2-bedroom villa
£1,991 to £2,368 per property per week for a 4-bedroom villa

Iceland

www.holiday-rentals.co.yk/p422688 - Bright and cosy 2-bedroom flat in the old west part of Reykjavik, 10 minutes walk to the centre. The flat is on the top floor of a three-floor building with sloping, wood-panelled ceiling.
£404 per property per week

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p418647 - Traditional 1-bedroom Icelandic cottage spread across two floors, 10 minutes walk to the centre of Reykjavik. 5 minutes walk in the other direction brings you to the path along the seashore.
£420 per property per week

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p425495 - Lovely 4-bedroom cottage in the south of the country, with sauna, Jacuzzi, BBQ area, guesthouse and spectacular views. 1 ½ hour to Reykjavik. Places of interest in the neighbourhood include waterfalls, glaciers, Westman islands, volcano Hekla, Geysir and waterfall Gullfoss. The cottage is also surrounded by many historical places from the old Icelandic saga, Njáála.
£450 per property per week

Follow the stars to Pembrokeshire with Holiday-Rentals
Harry Potter and Russell Crowe's Nottingham filmed in the Welsh county

08 June 2009 There's never been a better time to visit the beautiful Welsh county of Pembrokeshire as this year it plays host to not one, but two Hollywood blockbusters. Following hot on the heels of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Russell Crowe's new Robin Hood epic Nottingham starts filming at Freshwater West in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park on 15 June, and fans have until the end of the month to catch a glimpse of the Oscar-winning actor. If that's not enough to tempt you, the filming will be part of the finale and will include a spectacular battle scene with boats and horses, offering a truly unforgettable experience.

Holiday-Rentals, the UK's largest holiday home rentals website currently lists 41 properties in Pembrokeshire, including picture-perfect cottages and unique conversions worthy of a star role in either of the movies. Below are some of the great value homes still available this summer.

Pembrokeshire is renowned for its spectacular cliffs, gorgeous sand dunes, clear streams and rivers, and having more blue flag and Seaside Award beaches than any other county in Britain, making it a fantastic choice for a 'staycation' this year. As well as star-spotting, other activities on offer include exploring medieval walled towns, fortresses and castles, plus surfing, whale- and dolphin-watching boat trips.

Lovely cottage in a peaceful, secluded setting
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p70215 - The driveway winds for half a mile through the woods to this delightful 2-bedroom cottage, set in five acres of extensive lawns and a beautiful woodland garden surrounded by a stream. Total peace and seclusion make this a great location for a relaxing holiday. Children will love playing in the garden and stream below the cottage. Should you feel a bit more energetic then Llys-y-fran Reservoir and Country Park is a five minute drive through the lanes and is a great place to walk, fish or cycle.
£380 to £420 per property per week

Pretty apartment in a gorgeous villa overlooking marina and estuary
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p69758 - 4 star, 1-bedroom waterside apartment attached to a beautiful villa, with panoramic views over Neyland Yacht Haven, Marina and Brunel Quay and across the magnificent broad sweep of the Haven Estuary, as it flows to the open seas. Relax and watch the ever-changing activities on the marina, take a sea voyage to remember or stroll along the Quay to the Wild Life Reserve and enjoy a meal at a quayside restaurant.
£370 to £550 per property per week

Idyllic converted cowshed in the foothills of the Preseli Mountains
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p59425 - Pretty 3-bedroom cottage with thick curvy stone walls and beams, and heaps of character. There is direct access to the garden, moor and mountains with its sheep and wild ponies. Gors Fawr 5000-year-old stone circle is just five minutes walk from the cottage, and a two hour walk takes you up to the quarry on Carn Meini where the bluestones were taken to make the inner ring of Stonehenge.
£290 to £660 per property per week

Luxury waterside apartment in the Pembrokeshire National Park
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p409885 - 5 star, 2-bedroom apartment with south-facing balcony offering stunning views across Milford Haven Bay. Extensive use of glass and aluminium throughout the property provide maximum light. A luxury welcome pack, including flowers, chocolates and sparkling wine, is provided.
£750 to £950 per property per week

Stunning estuary edge cottage at Poppit Sands
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p416584 - Light and modern 3-bedroom cottage at the edge of the Teifi estuary, with superb views of the estuary, sea and Cardigan Island. Conveniently located for boating, with temporary moorings available by arrangement. Sea and river trips are possible. The Pembrokeshire Coastal Footpath starts at Poppit Sands, and the location should therefore appeal to the keen walker. Birdwatchers will appreciate the local marine and garden bird life.
£610 to £1,100 per property per week

More Brits holiday with parents as credit crunch bites

03 June 2009 A generation of 20-somethings are holidaying with their parents to save money amid the recession, according to new research.

The new breed of holidaymakers - dubbed HOMADs because they Holiday on Mum and Dad - are turning to their parents for a cheap break.

More than half (52%) of those in their twenties are considering a trip away with their parents this year, with 14 per cent of those saying they already have something booked.

But while 17 per cent say they are doing it because they want to feel like a kid again, 30 per cent admit it's because they know their parents will pick up the tab.

Courtney Wylie, MD of holiday home website Holiday-Rentals.co.uk, which carried out the study said: "As young people suffer in the credit crunch, more 20-somethings than ever are choosing to go on holiday with their folks."

"Holiday costs can soon add up, but children - of all ages - shouldn't be embarrassed by turning to their parents for financial help."

"Going away as a larger group can really help to keep the costs down and holidaying with your parents can even help you recreate the fun trips you had as a child."

The poll of 2,500 Brits revealed that three quarters reckon their parents would pay something towards the cost of the holiday, with a lucky 18 per cent of those saying their parents will foot the entire bill.

And almost 77 per cent also claimed their mum and dad would pay for food and drink while on the trip.

A cheeky 64 per cent even admitted they would happily go away with family who offered to pay, even if they couldn't stand spending a lot of time with them.

But it's not just the younger generation who are going away with parents. More than half of Brits (55%) are considering holidaying with extended family and 19 per cent already do this.

Fifteen per cent said they would consider it because grandparents would help look after the kids, but two thirds would just do it to spend quality time together.

Another two thirds would think about travelling with a group of friends if it was cheaper than going alone and three quarters reckon they would have more fun.

Almost 20 per cent also think their children would be more entertained if other children were with them.

Wylie, of Holiday-Rentals .co.uk added: "Travelling in a group with family or friends is not only a great way to cut the cost per head of your holiday, it also helps re-establish important bonds."

"In our time-poor world, holidays have become a key time for people to re-connect and we really value that time together."

"Renting a large holiday home is the perfect solution as it's very reasonable per head, plus provides more living space, such as separate bedrooms, dining rooms, lounges, gardens and pools."

Holiday-Rentals.co.uk is the UK's largest holiday home rentals website, listing over 180,000 properties worldwide, including thousands of larger homes suitable for breaks with extended family or friends.

Bulgaria voted tops for a cheap summer break
Choose from hundreds of great value holiday homes on Holiday-Rentals

01 June 2009 This year's financial woes have prompted many Brits to put their summer holiday plans on hold, but this needn't be the case if you choose your destination wisely. Consider Bulgaria, which has claimed the top spot in this year's Holiday Costs Barometer from Post Office Travel Services, overtaking last year's top three Thailand, South Africa and Egypt - and the good news is you don't need to fly half way around the world to get there!

The survey highlighted Bulgaria's Sunny Beach resort as fantastic value, with 10 holiday items, including drinks and meals, costing on average only £42. Combined with a cheap holiday rental, this makes for a fantastic break in the sun that should appeal to even those on the strictest budgets. Holiday-Rentals lists 220 self-catering villas and apartments in Bulgaria, including 50 in Sunny Beach. See below for some bargain properties which still have availability this summer.

1-bedroom properties

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p92492 - Fully air-conditioned modern apartment in the Royal Dream Holiday Complex, which boasts large communal pool, separate children's pool, car parking, 24-hour security, restaurant and shops. It is a 5 minute stroll to the blue flag beach. The apartment is south facing ensuring sunshine on the balcony for most of the day.
£250 per property per week

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p67242 - 4-star apartment furnished in cherry wood and marble, giving it a luxurious feel, in keeping with the quality building that is Hotel Poseidon. The whole top two floors of the hotel are given over to apartments and this one is right at the top with panoramic views. The hotel includes on-site restaurant and lobby bar, plus supermarket, two swimming pools, medical centre and secure parking. The beach is only 50m away.
£300 per property per week

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p401883 - Luxury, beautifully finished apartment located in a 5-star resort which includes the international hotel chain Barcèlo. The resort offers four swimming pools, including a children's one, six restaurants and a large spa.
£541 per property per week

2-bedroom properties

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p72216 - Situated 1 mile from Sunny Beach, this air-conditioned apartment boasts two balconies with lovely views and shared pool. 24-hour security and parking, and staff/management are ensuring the upkeep of the complex. The fabulous beach and bustling pedestrian promenade full of shops, bars, restaurants and loads of watersports are nearby.
£250 per property per week

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p94965 - Air-conditioned apartment in the secure Nessebar View complex nestling below the Stara Mountains overlooking Sunny Beach and the historical town of Old Nessebar. The apartment has terracotta tiles throughout and two balconies.
£265 per property per week

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p99376 - Spacious, modern villa located in a gated complex with 24-hour security. The villa has an outside garden area, patio and veranda. The property is south facing enjoying the sun throughout the day. The surroundings are calm, quiet and relaxing, whether you wish to lounge at the patio or spend your day at the pool surrounded by the beautiful panoramic views. On leaving the complex there is a regular local bus service just outside which will bring you to Sunny Beach within 5 minutes.
£350 per property per week

Treat Dad to a much-needed holiday this Father's Day
Whatever his hobby, Holiday-Rentals has the ideal getaway

18 May 2009 While we all know Dads love getting new shirts, ties, socks and endless bottles of aftershave, why not give him a truly original gift this year and take him on holiday to spend some quality time together? Whatever your Dad's passion, there is a perfect holiday home waiting for him on Holiday-Rentals - be it a fishing cottage, golf resort villa or even a Las Vegas bachelor pad!

Use the site's advanced search or quick filters to search over 130,000 properties worldwide by activities or location for inspiration, or choose from our pick of the best below for fishing, golf, tennis, culture and casino-loving Dads. If Mums and daughters are coming along, all these homes offer plenty to keep the girls occupied too; from walks in the countryside to spa treatments and designer shopping.

For fishing enthusiast Dad

Highland hillside getaway
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p421494 - Cosy 2-bedroom Scandinavian-style lodge set high on a hillside, with views of glen and Sutherland mountains. Close by there are many walks through the unspoilt countryside, the Nature Reserve of Loch Fleet famed for its wildfowl and osprey. Dunrobin Castle with its falconry displays is only minutes away. Trout fishing lochs abound, seals can be seen at Embo, dolphins in the Moray Firth and the salmon can be viewed leaping at the Falls of Shin.
From £439 per property per week

Romantic cottage in Wales with access to a fishing lake
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p422094 - Delightful 1-bedroom Gamekeeper's cottage in Anglesey tucked away within a large 500 acre country estate. There are great walks through the mature woodlands on offer within the estate and a lake for coarse fishing (with prior consent via the owner). Borthwen Beach is just 20 minutes walk over the estate land. You can walk along the coastal path to Church Bay and stop by for lunch at the Wavecrest café or infamous Lobster Pot restaurant, taste wine at the local Anglesey winery or visit the local art galleries, museums and castles.
£340 per property per week

Lakeside log cabin in Ireland with scenic views
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p94624 - Charming 3-bedroom log cabin on the shores of Rahans Lake in County Monaghan on the borders of Cavan, Meath and Louth. There are numerous excellent fishing lakes within a 5-mile radius. Golf available at the 18 hole Nuremore or Mannan Castle, or 9 hole Cabra Castle. The cabin is only 3 miles from Inniskeen, birthplace of poet Patrick Kavanagh and the romantic Dunaree Forest Park with its famous Wishing Well. 1 hour from historic Cooley Mountains of Irish legend.
£360 per property per week

For golfing or tennis-loving Dad

Luxurious apartment on the Aphrodite Hills golf course
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p50361 - Stunning, brand new 2-bedroom Cyprus flat set in a village of about ten houses adjacent to the golf course and walking distance to the club house, luxury spa, tennis courts and the 5 star Intercontinental Hotel. This lovely apartment boasts three sunset balconies with vast views and three multilevel linked landscaped swimming pools at the back. Free chauffeur service to and from Paphos Airport. Situated only 300 feet above the famous Aphrodite Beach, birthplace of Venus.
£400 per property per week

Lovely Spanish villa at the exclusive La Manga Club
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p417342 - Spacious, airy 3-bedroom villa in the El Rancho community of the world-renowned La Manga Club. Nestling at the foot of the pine-clad hills, the tranquil El Rancho villas sprawl widely across beautiful landscaped gardens. Conveniently located near one of the communal swimming pools. Sitting room opens onto private sun terrace with built-in BBQ, and has superb views of the Mar Menor and Mediterranean Sea. There is an additional roof top solarium. La Manga Club is ideal for golfing and tennis enthusiasts - residents' discounts apply.
£550 per property per week

For culture vulture Dad

Modern apartment in the centre of Florence
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p99614 - Cute 2-bedroom apartment situated in the most prestigious area of Florence - Piazzale Michelangelo. The property combines traditional architecture with contemporary interior design. Works by young Tuscan artists adorn the ancient walls of the house, thus creating a truly unique and inspirational environment. The apartment is ideally located for exploring the many cultural landmarks the city has to offer.
£856 per property per week

Designer apartment in the heart of Barcelona
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p60507 - Stunning, brand new 2-bedroom apartment in the heart of the Old city, in the historic district of Raval, less than 5 minutes walk to the Ramblas. The flat is beautifully furnished, with wooden beams and floors made from natural oak from France and natural stone from India. The Museum of Modern Art (MACBA), Boqueria Marquet, harbour and port are all located nearby.
£712 per property per week

For thrill-seeker Dad

Pretty Las Vegas flat 3 miles from the Strip
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p230268 - Modern 1-bedroom apartment in a gated community 3 miles from the Strip. Close to two pools and exercise room. Enjoy watching your holiday photos on a 42 inch plasma TV with SD memory card reader. Hotel-safe and no keys to worry about with an easy to use digital lock.
£350 per property per week

Spacious Las Vegas apartment 5.5 miles from the Strip
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p178287 - Tasteful 1700 sq ft, 3-bedroom home 10 minutes from all Las Vegas attractions. Bus stop one block away takes you straight to the Strip, no car needed. The flat is located in a secure gated community with club house, gym and pool. Close to the beautiful Desert Breeze Park - great for the kids!
£333 per property per week

Enjoy Europe for less this Bank Holiday with Holiday-Rentals
Fantastic accommodation deals in favourite spots Spain, Italy, France, Portugal and Cyprus

11 May 2009 We're all familiar with the curse of the Bank Holiday: the British weather always seems to suddenly change for the worse just in time for a day off. But for those dreading spending another day off holed up at home watching the weekend telly, there is still time to book a short break to Europe, and it needn't break the bank if you opt for one of these fantastic holiday home deals on Holiday-Rentals.

SPAIN

Costa del Sol
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p19509 - Modern and spacious 3-bedroom apartment in the white-washed village of Mijas Pueblo with panoramic mountain and coast views - you can even see Africa on a clear day! Finca San Antonio is a private, secure gated development of the highest quality in keeping with the traditional Moorish charm and atmosphere of Andalucia, providing two outdoor pools, sub-tropical gardens and underground parking.
£450 per property per week (was £550)

Catalonia
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p64206 - Airy, cosy 2-bedroom apartment on the Costa Brava on a beachside residential site with a swimming pool and magnificent communal garden. Two terraces facing different directions. Includes a parking space. Enjoy cycle tours and exploring the woods, dunes, beaches, wetlands and rice fields. Alternatively, try your hand at diving or venture to the nearby medieval villages and fortified towns.
£218 per property per week (was £273)

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p64148 - Lovely 3-bedroom apartment on a new residential site next to Golf Platja de Pals and 1,400m from the beach. Surrounded by dunes and pine forests and with beautiful views over to Mongri mountains. There are facilities to play volleyball, windsurfing courses and children's scooters.
£364 per property per week (was £455)

The Canaries
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p34630 - Characterful 2-bedroom villa in Lanzarote (La Tienda) - a part of a large Canarian Country House full of traditional charm. Contains a plunge pool and walled sun terrace. Perfect for those keen to stay in a typical Canarian property and sample local village life.
£259 per property per week (was £336)

ITALY

Sicily
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p410390 - Pretty 2-bedroom beachside villa (Unit 1) close to Palermo. The beach is only 100m away. Benefits from an external kitchen and dining areas where alfresco dinners can be enjoyed. The archaeological site of Himera, an ancient Greek city, with the ruins of some temples and a museum, is located nearby. For golf enthusiasts, a brand new 18-hole golf course is only 5 minutes away.
£364 per property per week

Sardinia
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p14429 - Charming 3-bedroom house in a secluded community of Costa Paradiso on the northwest coast of Sardinia - a quiet and very natural area known for its unusually-shaped pink granite rocks and rich Mediterranean flora. There are superb sea views, particularly at sunset. Private parking available.
£492 per property per week (was £627)

FRANCE

Languedoc-Roussillon
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p89206 - Delightful 3-bedroom Mediterranean-style seaside villa with lots of character in Cap d'Agde. There are two sunny enclosed terraces, both with garden furniture. The villa is only 200m away from the beach. Cap d'Agde boasts 14km of sandy beaches dotted with cliffs and rocky inlets, and caters for a wide range of sports such as watersports, golf, tennis and horse-riding.
£358 per property per week (was £448)

Cote d'Azur
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p93042 - Stunning provincial-style 3-bedroom villa with private pool in a romantic, secluded environment. Boasts panoramic views of the sea and hills from Nice to Saint Tropez, as well as a terrace overlooking pool and garden. Ideal for a health retreat with plenty of space to exercise, a juicer and peaceful environment to meditate, write or paint. Organic food can be delivered if required, and there is a forest 2 minutes walk away for jogging. Creating health, meditation and yoga classes for a single or couple can be organized by prior arrangement.
£985 per property per week (was £1,343)

PORTUGAL

Algarve
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p76816 - Spacious, modern 3-bedroom apartment in Lagos. Boasts a long balcony ideal for enjoying breakfast or an aperitif. The enclosed pool area has private gardens and sun loungers. 5 minutes from the Marina and 10 minutes from Meia Praia - the best beach on the Algarve. Nearest golf course is 5 minutes drive. Watersports available at all local beaches.
£350 per property per week (was £400)

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p71067 - Luxury 4-star 2-bedroom townhouse on the Ponta Grande Resort in Sao Rafael. Features a beautiful sunny terrace for alfresco dining and shared pool. Beautifully furnished to give the house a contemporary Algarvean feel. Free Portugal Haven teddy bear with every child booking.
£353 per property per week (was £415)

CYPRUS

Famagusta
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p420443 - Modern, sunny 2-bedroom villa, tastefully furnished. Large pool shared with four other villas and sea views. Located a few minutes walk to the stunning Cape Greko National Park and the fabulous Konnos beach, with all the sand and watersports you could wish for. In the other direction, it is a 2 minutes drive to the bustling resort of Protaras and Fig Tree Bay. Ayia Napa with all its nightlife and Waterworld is a 10 minutes drive.
£360 per property per week (was £400)

Limassol
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p85341 - Cute single story studio dwelling in the style of a traditional Cypriot village house, with a modern touch, in the village of Arakapas in the mountains. Boasts a large roof terrace and patio. Free 'welcome pack' of provisions on arrival.
£25 per property per night (one night free for every night booked)

Average cost of a holiday drops £300 in 2009

07 May 2009 Brits are spending almost £300 less on their holidays this year, thanks to the recession.

Researchers have found that 2009 will see people spend just £2,092 on their family holiday - £259 less than in 2007.

And the biggest cut back is on travel with the average family spending just £545 on getting to and from their destination in 2009, a drop of almost £82 since 2007.

Another £63 is being saved on the accommodation, which has gone down from of £525 in 2007 to an estimated £461 this year.

Courtney Wylie, MD for Holiday-Rentals.co.uk, which carried out the poll, said: "The credit crunch is really taking its toll on Brits."

"However, rather than missing out on the family holiday altogether, our research proves that people are simply cutting back on some of the costs so they are still able to go away."

Holiday-Rentals.co.uk found that 67 per cent of Brits are doing everything they can to cut the cost of their holiday, with staying in the UK (40%) the most popular way of saving cash.

Almost 49 per cent are planning to avoid peak times, while more than a quarter are staying in a cheap hotel and twenty-one per cent are planning to go self catering or rent a holiday home.

But not everyone is willing to cut back as 31 per cent say they would never consider staying in cheaper accommodation, while 23 per cent wouldn't dream of going to a less expensive destination.

Wylie from Holiday-Rentals.co.uk added: "There are several ways to cut the cost of a holiday, without compromising on quality."

"Booking travel and accommodation independently online, going self-catering and renting a holiday home are three good ways to make your pounds go further."

"Self-catering means savings on food and the opportunity to enjoy local produce, and as well as kitchens, holiday homes offer more space and privacy for up to 50% less than similar standard hotels."

The poll of 2,000 people also found that we are taking almost £50 less spending money away with us this year, down to £425 from £475 two years ago, while £14 is being cut of the 2007 food bill of £199.

Cash-strapped Brits are also spending less on their holiday wardrobe, buying just £96 worth of new clothes compared to more than £111 two years ago.

Other aspects of a holiday Brits are spending less on also include duty free shopping and excursions and activities while away.

Top ten ways of keeping down costs
01. Staying in the UK
02. Avoiding peak times
03. Researching the best deals online
04. Taking less spending money
05. Staying in a cheaper hotel
06. Travelling the cheapest way, regardless of whether or not it is the quickest way
07. Renting a holiday home/going self-catering
08. Avoiding popular destinations
09. DIY holiday - booking different parts of the holiday yourself instead of going for a package deal
10. Haggling to bargaining over prices for travel and accommodation

Spring deals on unique, eco chic rentals in Lanzarote
20% off a luxury eco-villa & yurt on Holiday-Rentals

21 April 2009 For those thinking responsible travel means expensive travel - think again. Holiday-Rentals' property 85803, the 30,000m Finca de Arrieta estate in north Lanzarote, is offering travellers a 20% discount until the end of June, providing the perfect opportunity to jet off for a great value, eco-friendly spring break. A week at the luxurious two bedroom villa is now just £820 per property per week (normally £1,036), and the unique Mongolian yurt is now £410 per property per week (down from £518).

Both the villa and yurt are run on alternative energy and the estate is set in a fabulous valley with spectacular sea and mountain views. These enchanting holiday homes have been tastefully styled using local stonework, wood and original handpicked antiques with influences from Morocco and Indonesia. Mature exotic gardens surround the properties and are full of mango, banana, guava and lime fruit trees, as well as various vegetables. All guests have access to the heated pool, chill-out area, covered Polynesian-style day-bed, outside kitchen and gas BBQ.

Kids will be entertained by the menagerie of animals, bikes, trampoline and ping pong table, while adults will enjoy exploring the historical sites, gorgeous beaches and striking volcanic landscape. The owners are on hand to provide help and advice on what to see and do, where to eat and even which local wines to take home. They will also happily supply fresh fruit, seasonal vegetables and eggs from their free-range chickens. Who knew going eco was so easy?

And if you'd like to increase your green credentials even more, follow these five easy tips for holidaying in an eco-friendly way:

1. Always opt for locally grown food instead of imported produce
2. Use water sparingly and take showers instead of baths
3. Switch off all lights when they are not in use
4. Refrain from leaving appliances on standby
5. Walk or cycle where possible

Enjoy Spring in Amsterdam with Holiday-Rentals
Rent an apartment for an authentic city break in Holland's capital

13 April 2009 What better time to visit the wonderful city of Amsterdam than when it finally sheds its winter layers and comes to life, with tulips in full bloom and locals soaking up the sunshine on café terraces? Spring is also when the Dutch celebrate some of their biggest and most important holidays, including Queen's Day at the end of April, and Remembrance and Liberation Days in early May.

Whether you're a culture vulture or a party animal, Amsterdam has something for everyone. So why not make like Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Vermeer and have a go at life as a local in your very own apartment? Designer penthouse, canal-side home or even a houseboat - you'll be spoilt for choice on Holiday-Rentals, which lists 53 properties in Holland's vibrant capital city.

And for inspiration on events and places to visit, we love http://amsterdam.unlike.net/, which lets you build and share your itinerary with friends

All properties below had good availability in May and June at time of going to press.

Luxury designer penthouse
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p416741 - Stunning 2-bedroom penthouse apartment split over multiple levels. Enjoy stunning views of Amsterdam from the flat's many windows. The famous Haarlemmerplein and Jordaan area are right at your doorstep.
Price: From £1,362 to £2,270 per property per week (or £216 to £324 per property per night)

Pretty canal-side homes
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p54555 - A selection of lovely 1- and 2-bedroom apartments in a typical 19th century canal house in the historic Jordaan district. Admire the striking canal views from your living or dining room. Rental rates include complimentary access to a 25m indoor swimming pool located a short block away.
Price: From £757 to £883 per property per week (or £135 to £158 per property per night) for a 1-bedroom apartment

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p84595 - A selection of elegantly decorated 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments on the picturesque Keizersgracht canal. The flats at the front of the property overlook one of Amsterdam's most beautiful canals, while flats at the rear enjoy the view of the property's peaceful, private gardens. Each apartment is individually themed on a famous Dutch artist, ranging from Golden Age masters Rembrandt and Vermeer, to the contemporary Appel and Brood.
Price: From £1,577 per property per week (or £225 per property per night) for a 1-bedroom apartment

Lovely houseboats
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p229928 - Charming 1-bedroom houseboat a stone throw's away from the Museum Quarters, Rembrandtplein, Leidseplein and Vondelpark. Sit on the covered patio and enjoy watching the birds and the boats go by.
Price: £714 per person per week (or £109 per person per night)

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p224432 - Bright and spacious 1-bedroom steel ship very close to the center of Amsterdam, yet in a quiet and peaceful neighbourhood. Free parking right outside the boat.
Price: £420 to £679 per property per week (or £73 to £107 per property per night)

Stunning historical apartment with harbour views
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p225701 - Beautifully decorated 2-bedroom apartment in a 17th century house in the oldest part of historical Amsterdam, along the IJ-harbour where the proud vessels were once anchored while preparing for their next voyage to the Indies. Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, whose cunning seamanship combined with excellent military leadership made him the most successful defender of Dutch merchants sailing the world seas, used to be the owner if this lovingly restored house.
Price: £1,429 per property per week (or £221 per property per night)

Discover beautiful Bavaria with Holiday-Rentals
Combine a holiday rental & cheap flight for a unique, budget summer break

03 April 2009 Story-book landscapes, stunning mountain backdrops, crystal clear lakes and pretty houses with colourful flower boxes - Bavaria is all you imagined it to be, and more. With thousands of great value holiday home rentals available and seven new low cost flight routes thanks to Ryanair, this picturesque region of southeast Germany is now a credit crunch friendly alternative to Tuscany and the South of France - minus the hordes of tourists.

For those who want to really get a taste for the local way of life, why not rent your very own 'gingerbread'-style house? Alternatively, stay in a cosy mountain log cabin, a medieval castle set inside a moat or a grand historic estate. Holiday-Rentals lists over 1,500 holiday homes in Bavaria, so you'll be spoilt for choice. Plus with average prices being considerably cheaper than those of Tuscan villas and French chateaus, you can holiday guilt-free too!

Then, once your Bavarian 'home' is sorted, you can move on to other local experiences - such as beer, sausages and Lederhosen! To find out more about Bavaria and browse all the properties on offer click here.

All properties below had good availability for April, May and the summer at time of going to press.

Delightful A-frame waterfront house
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p49274 - Sunny 3-bedroom waterfront house in the midst of the roaring countryside in Beilngries, near forest and Altmühl river. The beautiful lake near the house is ideal for refreshing summer dips and canoeing.
Price: £425 per property per week

Charming apartments in a Bavarian-style cottage
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p26572 - Two apartments, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom, in a postcard-like Bavarian home in the heart of Mittenwald, with unhindered views of Karwendel mountains. The apartments have been furnished with typical Bavarian-style wooden furniture
Price: £294 per property per week for a 1-bedroom apartment

Rural retreat by the forest
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p23935 - A typical 6-bedroom Bavarian house in a tranquil location right by a timber forest in the municipality of Drachselsried. The property offers a sauna, as well as beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Price: £131 per person per week

Romantic log cabin for two
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p42084 - A beautifully decorated 1-bedroom log cabin in the idyllic village of Grainau, at the foot of the Zugspitze. Ideal for hiking, mountaineering, mountain biking and swimming in the pristine mountain lakes. The property boasts a sauna, as well as a barbecue and a bio-pool in the ruggedly picturesque garden with marvellous panoramic views of the mountains.
Price: £458 per property per week

Luxury apartments in historic, fairytale farmhouse
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p39344 - A selection of 2- and 3-bedroom apartments in a beautiful historic farmhouse located on the edge of the oldest nature reserve in Bavaria, the Eggstätt-Hemhofer lake district and Seeon lake. The property features real Chiemgau farmhouse parlours, historical tile ovens, massive wooden ceilings, fairy tale-like arches, handmade furniture and a sauna.
Price: From £412 per property per week for a 2-bedroom apartment

Captivating 12th Century moated castle
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p40508 - Unique accommodation on the territory of a 12th century castle, ranging from a 1-bedroom medieval apartment in the castle itself to a 4-bedroom gardener's cottage adjacent to it. The castle is located in the picturesque village of Unsleben in the heart of Lower Franconia and has been the country home of a local family for generations.
Price: £584 per property per week for the 1-bedroom apartment within the castle

Luxury 18th Century estate
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p509414 - A stunning 18th century estate at the Alpine incline in Aschau, ideal for special events. The first and second floor combined (6 bedrooms altogether) and the top floor (3 bedrooms) are rentable as two separate units. The property offers a steam sauna, a whirlpool and a 5m-high theatre with 17th century paintings on the ceiling. The building is directly adjacent to an Alpine forest.
Price: From £794 per property per week for a 3-bedroom unit (top floor)

The Best of British Holiday Homes on Holiday-Rentals
~ Rekindle your love affair with the UK in a fabulous home-from-home ~

30 March 2009 As British Travel Week begins, sponsor Holiday-Rentals showcases the best British holiday homes on offer.

In the current economic climate, many people are cutting down on luxuries like a foreign holiday and considering a break in Britain instead. But embarking on a UK-based holiday needn't be boring; there are magical experiences to be had closer to home, whether it's staying in a rural cottage and observing the daily life on a working farm, living it up like royalty in a luxury loch-side castle, or messing about on a boat.

Holiday-Rentals lists over 2,400 holiday homes in the UK catering to various tastes and budgets, including many unique and unusual properties. Or for a more conventional British holiday for those who would like to revisit their childhood memories, holiday favourites like the Lake District, the Cotswolds and the south coast are well covered, and there are hundreds of properties in popular cities like London, Edinburgh and Bath.

Browse Holiday-Rentals' selection of the best British holiday homes below, or visit www.holiday-rentals.co.uk and www.britishtravelweek.co.uk for more inspiration.

Beside the seaside

Picturesque fisherman's cottage
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p405536 - Pretty 3-bed fisherman's cottage in a little village near Falmouth, Cornwall. The property features a tropical-feel garden with lush planting, outdoor lighting and decked areas with sun loungers and a table and chairs.
Price: from £375 to £995 per property per week

Seaside family retreat
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p415317 - Stylish 4-bed seaside bungalow in Trevone, Cornwall, ideal for families. There is a play corner with toy cupboard, Xbox and games, garden with BBQ, outside dining table, garden loungers, trampoline, outdoor hot and cold shower and herb garden.
Price: from £800 to £2,000 per property per week

Luxury cottages

Cosy Cotswolds home
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p414800 - Delightful 2-bed late 19th century Cotswolds cottage nestled in the heart of Painswick village. The cottage is beautifully decorated and boasts a spacious, sunlight-filled conservatory.
Price: from £425 to £450 per property per week

Gorgeous stone cottage with indoor pool
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p410612 - Beautiful 3-bed rural cottage with a heated indoor pool and large games room. The property enjoys a private, courtyard garden with teak patio furniture and BBQ.
Price: from £550 to £1,600 per property per week

Fabulous farm

Rural cottages on a working farm
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p403817 - Three 3- to 4-bed cottages on a farm in South Devon, in the heart of the Dartmoor National Park. Some of the activities on offer include walking the moors, cycling the byways, horse-riding, wild pony handling, fly fishing, climbing the tors, hawking and falconry.
Price: from £600 to £1,850 per property per week for a 3-bed cottage

Chic city pads

London penthouse with baby grand piano
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p414907 - Luxury 4-bed penthouse apartment in the heart of London, with elevator access directly to the lounge, baby grand piano, floor to ceiling large windows in all rooms and far-reaching views across Hyde Park.
Price: from £2,500 to £3,250 per property per week

Luxury Circus living in Bath
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p94556 - Spectacular 1-bedroom apartment situated on the Circus in the centre of Bath. Silks, velvets and excellent quality furniture have been used to create a comfortable sumptuous feel.
Price: £145 per property per night

Stately homes

Baronial loch-side home
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p86614 - Grand 7-bed loch-side home built in the grand style of 1892 and set just a few meters from the loch, boasting uninterrupted panoramic views of 3000ft high mountains. Features include all weather tennis court, Jacuzzi and sauna.
Price: from £1,650 to £3,650 per property per week

Grade 2* medieval manor house
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p414031 - Magnificent 6-bed manor house in Wiltshire near Bath, with formal gardens, ponds, conservatory and summer house. A perfect base for a shooting weekend, or exploring the beautiful Wiltshire and Somerset countryside.
Price: £3,400 per property per week

Unique retreats

18th Century converted chapel
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p15265 - Gorgeous 3-bed 18th century chapel overlooking the beautiful coast of Pembrokeshire, beautifully restored, with original chapel character including stained glass windows, beams, chapel nooks and pulpit in main bedroom.
Price: from £695 to £1,195 per property per week

Messing about on boats
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p415506 - Luxury 4-bed houseboat in Salcombe harbour, South Devon, with a wet bar with drinks chiller and a full-sized hot tub on the upper deck.
Price: from £995 to £2,995 per property per week

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p61668 - Two 2-bed houseboats on a private lake in Holsworthy, North Devon, in the midst of rural countryside, home to varied local wildlife like voles, rabbits, barn owls, cuckoos, buzzards, kestrels, ducks and dabchicks.
Price: from £350 to £690 per property per week

Go mid-haul for hot Easter & spring deals
- Great value holiday homes in Turkey, Egypt, Morocco & Dubai

24 March 2009 Mid-haul resorts are fast replacing the old Med favourites as the holiday hotspots du jour. Lower prices, guaranteed warmth and exotic cultures make Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and Dubai increasingly attractive and low cost airlines have responded by launching new routes.

There's never been a better time to go mid-haul, but why ruin the experience by staying in a generic, overpriced hotel? Renting a holiday home not only offers more luxury for your money; it provides a truer experience of the culture and more insight into the local way of life. Holiday-Rentals lists hundreds of unique holiday homes in Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and Dubai for a fraction of hotel prices, many of them with original features and exotic touches.

Why not celebrate Easter in a traditional Moroccan Riad in a Berber village for only £75 per person per week (property 84145)? Or for something more original, take a spring break in the unique 'Turtle House' in El Gouna, Egypt for £106 per person per week (property 504592). With prices like this, you'll even have some left-over budget for that jewellery at the markets!

Available over Easter:

Turkey
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p67950 - Stylish 2-bed apartment in Yalikavak, near Bodrum, with shared pools, large terrace and stunning views of the bay and the marina.
£155 per week

Egypt
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p57942 - Luxury 1-bed apartment in the 4* Ocean View Hotel in El Gouna with a balcony and spectacular views of the Red Sea, pool and beaches.
£350 per week

Morocco
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p84145 - Traditional 2-bed Riad with large roof terrace in the Berber village of Ghazoua, located just 5 miles from Essaouira and beaches.
£300 per week

Availability in late March, April & May

Turkey
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p82949 - Breathtaking 3-bed villa in Kalkan with huge circular walk-around balconies, private pool and a fabulous roof terrace offering amazing unbridled views over Kalamar Bay.
From £275 - £595 per week

Egypt
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p504592 - 'Turtle House' offers two beautifully-decorated apartments, 1-bed and 2-bed, in a unique home in El Gouna, set in a peaceful location away from tourists and crowded hotels.
From £212 - £261 per week for the 1-bed
From £424 - £442 per week for the 2-bed

Morocco
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p67907 - Charming 3-bed traditional riad with staff, roof garden terrace and private plunge pool, nestled in the streets and alleyways that form the heart of the old medina of Marrakech.
£950 per week year-round

Dubai
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p404841 - Fabulous, modern 2-bed apartment in the fashionable Dubai marina on Jumeirah beach.
From £795 - 1,250 per week

Spring & Easter deals in the Canaries & UK on Holiday-Rentals
- Holiday homes from £200/wk

19 February 2009 As thoughts turn to spring and Easter getaways, whether it's for some time in the sun or a short break closer to home, Holiday-Rentals has a huge range of holiday homes on offer.

For winter sun, the Canary Islands remain one of the most popular destinations on Holiday-Rentals as they offer a variety of cheap holiday homes, guaranteed sunshine and friendly locals. This week, choose from an apartment in lively Playa de las Americas from just £199 per week, or a pretty farmhouse away from the crowds for £240 per week in South Tenerife.

And for those looking to save money by staying at home, Holiday-Rentals also has homes across the UK suitable for every type of holiday. Top deals this week include a luxury Cotswolds cottage for just £425 per week and a large five bedroom country house in Snowdonia for £695 per week.

By opting for a private holiday home, people can not only make huge savings and get more for their money, but also enjoy total privacy, space and the flexibility to come and go as they please, or 'eat in' to help keep spending down.

All properties below had availability in March, over Easter weekend and during the school holidays at time of going to press.

The Canaries

PERFECT FOR COUPLES OR SMALL GROUPS
Property 13280 - A selection of studio and one bedroom apartments suitable for one to four guests at the popular Garden City complex in Playa de las Americas. There are two pools on site (one of them heated), plus a pool bar, gym, mini market and kids club. Just two minutes stroll to sandy beaches.
From £199/wk for a studio (sleeps 3)
From £240/wk for a 1-bedroom apartment (sleeps 4)

A TRANQUIL FAMILY HAVEN
Property 503951 - Casa Azul is a characterful two bedroom farmhouse with access to a pool, hot tub and BBQ in Tenerife. Away from mass tourism, it sits in a peaceful area near a small village at 800m above sea level, but is just a few minutes walk from the village and 15 minutes drive from the sea.
£624 per property per week (sleeps 6)

The UK

LUXURIOUS COTSWOLDS COTTAGE
Property 414800 - Luxury 19th century, two bedroom Cotswolds cottage nestled in the heart of Painswick village. Situated just 90 minutes from London by train or car, it is in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Bright and beautifully decorated, it features a gourmet kitchen with Aga and walled garden with Koi pond.
£425 per property per week (sleeps 4)

A GREAT GROUP GETAWAY
Property 15287 - Beautiful five bedroom country house in the pretty village of Llanbedr, Snowdonia. Located between the Rhinog Mountains and the stunning beaches of Cardigan Bay, this is the perfect location to explore Snowdonia. Perfect for a large group of friends or two families, it also has a big garden and terrace with BBQ.
£695 per property per week (sleeps 10)

Luxury for less: how to make the holiday £££s go further
- Exclusive private holiday homes from just £500 per week

11 February 2009 As the credit crunch bites into holiday allowances, many may have resigned themselves to a package deal or limiting all-inclusive holiday. But this needn't be the case: by opting for a private holiday home rental it's possible to get luxury and exclusivity without a hefty price tag, plus more privacy, space and flexibility. Guests can come and go as they please, eat out, or 'at home', which is another great way to keep holiday spending in check.

What's more, with a private holiday rental guests have all the facilities to themselves and dealing direct with owners means a more personal and customised service. Many can organise extras, such as babysitting, local tours or even a chef, and provide lots of useful tips, helping to tailor-make the perfect holiday.

Below is selection of luxury properties for various types of holiday available on Holiday-Rentals, the UK's largest rentals site. These include beach-front homes from £500 per week, chic city apartments from £860 per week, a Tuscan villa apartment from £456 per week and an entire Moroccan Riad from £1,000 per week.

Holiday-Rentals lists over 130,000 properties worldwide. Among these are thousands of luxury holiday homes. Click here for the full selection.

Beach-front living:

ULTRA-COOL ST TROPEZ PAD WITH DESIGNER FURNISHINGS: from £500/wk
» Property 87667
This ultra-modern one bedroom apartment has been finished to a very high standard, with Travertine flooring and wall-tiling in the bathroom and designer furnishings. Situated in a private residence with secure parking, communal pool and gardens, the apartment also has its own private garden area with gorgeous lounging furniture. Just 7 minutes walk from the port of St Tropez, and 200m from Boullabaise beach.

SOUTH AFRICAN OCEAN-FRONT RETREAT WITH INFINITY POOL: £1,050/wk year-round
Property 2881 - This spectacular, architecturally striking three bedroom ocean-front house literally overhangs the beach and sea below, with a small, round infinity pool out on the deck that merges in to the ocean beyond. Set in Misty Cliffs, a conservation village on the Cape Peninsula, it provides a perfect escape from the rat race, and a place to relax and unwind together.

BEACH-FRONT APARTMENT IN BARBADOS:from 850/wk
Property 62794 - 'Coralita' is a spectacular ocean front property located on the beautiful west coast of the island at Prospect, St James, just south of Sandy Lane, and close to the soon to be Four Seasons Resort on Paradise Beach. This fantastic property sits on a small cliff. It is built on three levels; each level is a separate apartment with its own entrance. One bedroom Apartment 1 leads directly on to the beach via a private staircase, is light and bright and superbly furnished with colonial-style furniture and all modern appliances.

Chic city retreats:

PRETTY PARISIAN APARTMENT WITH ROMANTIC DÉCOR: from £860/wk
Property 97926 - Wow your loved one and book a stay in this ultra-romantic one bedroom Parisian apartment. Set in the heart of Paris, just 50m from the famous Notre Dame, you're within easy access of everything this wonderful city has to offer. The apartment has every amenity you want, as well as an extremely elegant, pretty and luxurious décor. Plus of course you also have full kitchen and bathroom facilities (including tub), for any romantic evenings 'at home'.

SKYLINE VIEW PENTHOUSE IN NEW YORK: from £1,703/wk
Property 168886 - This fabulous one bedroom penthouse apartment in Midtown Manhattan has floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the spectacular skyline view, including the Empire State building! Plus, you have your own private terrace for breakfast or evening cocktails. This apartment is brand new, furnished with the best modern furnishings, fine linen and china and comes complete with free phone, wireless Internet, HDTV, and DVD player, and your own private washer/dryer. Fully outfitted kitchen so you can dine in or enjoy take out in style.

A Tuscan dream:

APARTMENT IN AN ANCIENT TUSCAN VILLA: from £456/wk
Property 95480 - This one bedroom apartment is set in an ancient Tuscan villa in a rural valley below San Gimignano, with many luxurious and beautiful features, such as: a magnificent Roman Bath house style indoor heated pool opening up to the gardens, Fitness Suite, Solarium and Sauna. Perfectly located for day trips to nearby Florence, Siena and Pisa, and the nearest beaches are under an hour.

Hot & spicy holidays:

AN EXCLUSIVE MORROCAN RIAD, WITH STAFF: from £1,000/wk year-round
Property 73430 - £1,000 a week will get you exclusive use of this entire Riad and includes breakfast, daily maid service, housekeeper. This stunning, traditional Riad has been restored to its former splendour and is set in the heart of the Medina. Offers extensive and luxurious living space: set around a beautiful courtyard with plunge pool for cooling off in, it has four bedrooms, a large living/dining area, and a second relaxing 'salon' on the first floor which leads out on to the large roof-top terrace; also with dining table and chairs.

Holiday-Rentals parent company HomeAway Boosts European Listings with Acquisition of Homelidays
Acquisition Follows Record $250 Million Financing

Austin, TX, February 4, 2009 HomeAway, Inc., the world's leading online vacation rental marketplace and parent company of Holiday-Rentals and Owners Direct in the UK, today announced its acquisition of Paris-based Homelidays SAS. Homelidays operates Homelidays.com, the largest pan-European for-rent-by-owner vacation rental or "self-catering" site, featuring more than 40,000 listings. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The acquisition further strengthens the company's global leadership position in this rapidly growing $48 billion segment of the travel industry. HomeAway® now features more than 360,000 worldwide properties and operates the number one and two vacation rental sites in France, United Kingdom and United States and the number one sites in Germany and Italy.

The news follows the company's record $250 million equity capital raise in November 2008. As a result, HomeAway is in an excellent position to continue to fund strategic growth initiatives, such as this acquisition, and marketing investments to increase the awareness of vacation rentals as a great value alternative to hotels.

"Homelidays is a significant acquisition for HomeAway given its broad inventory and its brand recognition among European travelers," says HomeAway CEO Brian Sharples. "For all HomeAway owners and advertisers, it means an opportunity for greater exposure of their properties in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. It also means we now offer travelers an even more amazing selection of vacation rental properties?especially in France where vacation rentals are already preferred over hotels."

Homelidays is the second France-based vacation rental site operated by HomeAway, having acquired Abritel.fr, which is located in Marseille, in January 2007. Homelidays will continue to operate as an independent brand from its office in Paris.

Entrepreneur Florent Mamelle founded Homelidays, which he quickly differentiated by catering to a broad European audience. The site is published in and supported by a team that speaks seven different languages.

"The Homelidays team is very much looking forward to putting our unique knowledge of the European market to work for HomeAway," says Mamelle. "We are also thrilled about the many advantages we can bring our customers by being a valued member of the HomeAway worldwide collection of vacation rentals."

Mamelle will continue to oversee the Homelidays operations from the Paris office.

Quick facts about HomeAway:

• Homelidays is the 12th acquisition of a leading vacation rental Web site for HomeAway since its inception in February 2005.



• HomeAway operates HomeAway.com, VRBO.com and VacationRentals.com in the United States; Abritel.fr and Homelidays.com in France; Holiday-Rentals.co.uk and OwnersDirect.co.uk in the United Kingdom FeWo-direkt.de in Germany and HomeAway sites in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.



• The HomeAway team now includes 454 employees - 252 located in the United States and 202 in Europe.



• A new navigation bar on individual property pages that lets travellers jump straight to the information they're interested in, with no need to scroll up and down the page.

Valentine's holiday homes from £21pppn: romantic boltholes that won't break the bank
- From romantic city apartments to hideaway beach-front homes: great value properties from Holiday-Rentals

29 January 2009 A romantic Valentine's break needn't cost the earth - if you choose a private holiday rental. Renting your own intimate bolthole is a great way to make your holiday pounds go further and can work out much cheaper than a similar standard hotel. Below are some of the most romantic properties available on Holiday-Rentals, including a waterfront apartment in Montenegro for £21pppn and an exotic Moroccan Riad for just £28pppn.

Other options include an ocean-view villa in Barbados, a stunning loft apartment in Rome and a tower apartment in the ramparts of an old castle in Normandy.

Staying in a private holiday home is the ideal option for a romantic holiday; it provides more privacy and space, as well as more authenticity than a hotel. You have the freedom to come and go as you please, plus the flexibility to eat in or out - ideal if you want to treat your loved one to a surprise breakfast in bed or enjoy your very own candlelit dinner on the balcony or terrace.

Beach-front retreat in Barbados

» Property 409666
Luxury villa in Barbados, located in the amazing ocean-view setting of Ragged Point, St. Philip. The villa is beautifully designed with striking coral stone interiors, open plan living and dining rooms and spacious outdoor areas. A large terrace looks onto a lovely pool and deck with tropical gardens, a spacious balcony has panoramic views and a private roof deck delivers amazing ocean views.
Price: £1,168 per property per week (or £182 per night - minimum stay 5 nights)

City love nest in Rome

» Property 2098
Cosy, modern loft apartment in the heart of Rome, with high ceilings and arches giving it its traditional character. This beautiful property is located on the vast square of San Giovanni in Laterano, inside the courtyard of a stunning Palazzo of the last century, just in front of the oldest and highest obelisk of Rome and nearby the famous Basillica of San Giovanni.
Price: £660 per property per week (or £94 per night - minimum stay 2 nights)

Romantic views in Montenegro

» Property 83025
Stunning contemporary apartment in Kotor, Montenegro with spectacular sea views. Wake up and from your bed watch the cruise liners and yachts make their way into Kotor. Alternatively, relax on either of the 2 private balconies, enjoying uninterrupted views of Kotor or go for a swim in either the shared pool or the bay - the choice is yours!
Price: £294 per property per week (or £42 per night - minimum stay 3 nights)

Hot, hot, hot! in Marrakech

» Property 8877
Intimate and enchanting small palace, filled with light, at the heart of the old medina of Marrakech. Located at the end of a short cul-de-sac, off the main passageway leading into the souk, it is a few minutes walk from the square, the renowned Djemaa el Fna. The house is a traditional Dar, built around an open courtyard, with an upper level and an attractive roof terrace garden with an al fresco dining area for those warm evenings.
Price: £265 per property per week (or £45 per night in the week and £55 per night on the weekend - minimum stay 2 nights)

Something different: tower apartment in a castle in Normandy

» Property 67097
Superb apartment in a tower of the 11th century chateaux ramparts located in the heart of Normandy. This unusual accommodation consists of six levels inside the tower or turret of the Castle Wall. Relaxing in front of the log fire, submerged in the spa bath or refreshing in the waterfall of the hydro shower, you are guaranteed to feel totally chilled out! Situated in a National Park, Le Parc Naturel Regional du Cotentin et du Bessin, the Chateau is an ideal base for exploration and relaxation.
Price: £300 per property per week (or £60 per night - minimum stay 4 nights)

New Year, New You: holiday homes with courses on Holiday-Rentals
- Learn a new skill or revitalise mind, body & spirit in the comfort of a private holiday home

22 January 2009 Holiday-Rentals, the UK's largest private holiday home rentals site, lists hundreds of properties offering courses, enabling guests to learn something new or simply refresh their mind, body and spirit in total privacy and the comfort of a home from home. From dancing the tango, to cooking, sculpting and painting, or relaxing holistic treatments and yoga sessions, there is something for everyone; whether they want to discover their artistic streak or melt the stress away and return from holiday with much more than just a tan.

As well as more space and privacy, and a very personal service, private holiday home rentals are also extremely cost-effective, often working out much cheaper per head than a similar standard hotel or package deal.

Currently listing over 122,000 properties worldwide, Holiday-Rentals is the UK's number one holiday rentals website and is currently the only site of its kind to offer a Rental Guarantee and guest reviews for increased peace of mind when booking direct.

Property 24490 – Umbria, Italy
Stylish holiday apartments in a characterful country house on the northern shore of Lake Trasimeno, restored by master craftsmen to retain its original charm. The country house boasts a pool, large flower garden and sculpture park containing outstanding works by the sculptor Wolfgang Sandt.
Courses on offer: painting, sculpting, creative writing, cooking, tango
Price: from £268 per week for a 1-bedroom apartment

Property 71255 – Folegandros, Aegean Islands, Greece
Stylish holiday apartments in a characterful country house on the northern shore of Lake Trasimeno, restored by master craftsmen to retain its original charm. The country house boasts a pool, large flower garden and sculpture park containing outstanding works by the sculptor Wolfgang Sandt.
Courses on offer: painting, sculpting, creative writing, cooking, tango
Price: from £268 per week for a 1-bedroom apartment

Learn to cook up a local treat

For over 90 recipes from 14 countries submitted by holiday homes owners and for inspiration for the perfect gastro-break, download the Holiday-Rentals Travel Cookbook or visit www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/travelcookbook.

Or a book a stay in one of these four beautiful properties:

Properties 63804 and 67793 – Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Two beautifully restored 4-bedroom and 6-bedroom stone farmhouses close to Uzes, with private pools and gardens, set amidst beautiful countryside and within easy reach of a variety of restaurants.
Courses on offer: Provençal cooking
Price: £850 to £1,500 per week for the 4-bed and £1,350 to £2,800 for the 6-bed

Property 6066 – Bologna, Italy
Pretty 3-bedroom vineyard property in the hills between Bologna and Modena, boasting a pool and unspoilt views. It is well located for day trips to Parma, Mantua, Ferrara, Ravenna, Verona and Florence seaside (Adriatic coast). Ferrari and Ducati factories are nearby.
Courses on offer: Italian cooking (must be booked with 4 weeks notice) + a visit to a Parmesan cheese factory and balsamic vinegar producer
Price: £759 per week

Property 66558 – Andalucia, Spain
Rural 4-bedroom farmhouse with infinity style pool on a vast private olive grove, nestled amongst oaks, olive and fruit trees. The property is over 100 years old and has been completely renovated, but most of the original features, such as old olive wood beams and Moorish style doors have been kept.
Courses on offer: Spanish cooking, taught by an award-winning chef
Price: from £536 to £982 per property per week

Brush up on your language skills

Property 76447 – Midi-Pyrenees, France
Beautiful, 2-bedroom rose-covered cottage with pool, tennis, badminton, boules, bikes, giant trampoline, table tennis, swings, BBQ and 2-acre garden. Pretty fortified medieval villages, swimming lakes, wine and Armagnac domains and good restaurants abound.
Courses on offer: French
Price: from £446 to £893 per property per week

Property 18794 – Lombardy, Italy
Luxurious, recently restored 5-bedroom 1600 villa which has belonged to the owners' family since 1657. The property is located in the historical centre of Montichiari (Brescia) by Lake Garda in a particularly calm location and is run by a young Italian-French couple.
Courses on offer: Italian, French, winery visits and wine tasting
Price: £627 per property per week

Get fit and find inner peace

Property 72957 – Languedoc-Roussillon, France
1- and 2-bedroom apartments in a romantic stone chateau with 12th century origins nestling within 3 acres of protected, private parkland. The property is situated at the portals of spa town Lamalou-ls-Bains, with healing waters, between mountains and sea. Golf course is on the doorstep, with wonderful views. Other features include pool, Jacuzzi and fitness suite.
Courses on offer: fitness classes with qualified instructors
Price: from £348 per property per week for a 1-bedroom apartment

Property 15972 – St. Thomas, Barbados
Tranquil 2-bedroom villa surrounded by landscaped gardens, pool and Jacuzzi. Has been featured in November/December 2004 issue of Great Escapes, Conde Nast Brides magazine. The property is approximately 10 minutes drive to the lovely west coast, popular area for shopping, restaurants, golf, and some of the finest beaches Barbados has to offer.
Courses on offer: Reiki
Price: from £967 to £1,100 per property per week

Property 91550 – Algarve, Portugal
Stunning 3-bedroom villa in a peaceful countryside location a few minutes drive from some of the finest beaches in the Algarve. Fabulous views across open countryside to the Monchique Mountains can be enjoyed from the infinity pool, covered veranda and open BBQ/eating area. There is a Jacuzzi in one of the bathrooms.
Courses on offer: "Recovery Pack" including yoga, holistic treatments & Hara healing
Price: from £759 to £1,652 per property per week

Property 63222 – Languedoc-Roussillon, France
1- and 2-bedroom apartments in the picturesque village of Sorede, near the Mediterranean Sea. Each house/apartment has its own terrace for outdoor eating. The old-town location is quiet, yet only a couple of minutes walk from the shops, restaurants, market, pool, tennis courts and tourist office.
Courses on offer: yoga, massage, and a quit smoking course
Price: from £174 per property per week for a 1-bedroom apartment

Master your digital photography skills

Property 74858 – Abruzzo, Italy
Traditional stone farmhouse with domed brick ceilings and terracotta floors. A huge seating, dining and outdoor cooking area overlooks the pool set in a large private garden adjoining the owners' olive farm. The land is bordered by a small stream, and farmland stretches in all directions.
Courses on offer: digital photography and photo processing using Adobe Photoshop™ or Adobe Photoshop Elements™
Price: from £500 to £1,200