Apartments on holiday: Value for your money

By consequence of recession-related worries, many holiday-goers are currently seeking ways to lower the costs of their trips, especially the expense of accommodation. More and more people are booking inflexible package deals with all included hotels, because they are better value for money. Others are choosing to stay in tents, on camp-sites or in budget student hostels, both of which may not be as comfortable, and clean, as visitors would like. But what many people don't realise is that there are ways to find places to stay on holiday which, as well as being cheap, are also pleasant, pretty and functional.

At the moment, the savvy traveller looking both to avoid student hostels and campsites, as well as to offset the falling value of sterling ought to consider a holiday apartment rather than a package deal hotel. With the economic downturn, hundreds of properties originally bought as investments or second homes have been put onto the holiday lettings market. That has meant that companies specialising in holiday apartments have had to upgrade their offerings and lower prices due to the increase in competition, so that current rental costs are low for the choice of location and good functionality you can get. In short, there has never been a better time than now to rent an apartment on vacation.

In addition, renting an apartment on holiday allows you to save money because you won't be presented with the tempting room service option or the restaurant downstairs, as you would be in hotels. Cooking for yourself also means you'll shop at the local market, so you'll get a much better feel for the neighbourhood and for local culture.

Booking an apartment is easy, since travel companies are increasing the number they advertise. Bear in mind, too, that you might find yourself disappointed by a hotel or hostel, and needing to book an apartment while you're away on holiday. In this case, having a mobile phone that you can use cheaply abroad will be convenient. Try Vodafone's website for more on their blackberry , for example - it has features and services such as easy and fast internet access, which can pool together a range of helpful information whilst on your holiday. And in helpful fashion, when bringing information and assistance to the palm of your hand, Vodafone are also offering a fixed charge for customers travelling within 15 countries in Europe, so that the costs of internet use and phone calls will be low.