What's so special about holiday apartments when there are hotels and fine guest houses? Price is one and probably the biggest reason but there are other factors that play up what holiday apartments boast. There's more space too so if you're traveling with a family you don't have to worry about paying for that extra bed or room.
Vacations are the perfect opportunities to spend, relax, and set the mind free. But the underlying worry of not having a large enough budget can take away the joys. Holiday apartments are pricier than motels and guest houses but when compared to hotels they can turn out to be very decently priced.
An apartment is a single unit which contains a kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms and living rooms. There are common areas you can use with little cost. Privacy is guaranteed as is spaciousness. Though high-end hotels offer the same, the overall cost is too staggering to consider. And, since most vacationers don't spend a lot of time indoors it's just good money gone to waste.
So how can you enjoy the benefits of a holiday apartment? Do your research, compare prices and choose a locale. Don't be fooled by photo editing software and let the apartment speak for itself.
Research should consist of scanning the Web, travel magazines or holiday brochures for an apartment offered at a sound price. If you're traveling alone, choose a studio apartment that cleverly houses all essentials in one main room. A one-bedroomed apartment is also ideal though it'll probably cost more than a studio if located in a commercial area.
If you're traveling with the family, a two-bedroomed apartment should suffice. Additional sleeping quarters can always be arranged in the living room rather than spending much more for a three-bedroomed unit.
Size aside, the apartment should have a fully functional kitchen and bath, be immaculate, have running hot and cold water, AC or heating, and be located a short distance away from the main town/city or places you want to visit. This is important because the cost of daily travel can add up and you'll be spending a lot before you know it.
When researching, learn to differentiate between a glossed up photo and one that shows the real deal. In keeping with advertising trends, apartment owners are likely to display photographs that have been edited to remove the bad points and enhanced to market the good areas. This is to be expected but don't let it influence your final decision.
The one sure-fire way to know which apartments are worth considering is by reading traveler reviews and visiting internet forums where you have people who've stayed giving their honest opinions. Don't hesitate to make contact with them if there are doubts or clarifications you need sorted. Compare what they say with the photographs and with what apartment owners claim.
Holiday apartments should be fully equipped i.e. be fully furnished, have a working gas line, internet connectivity (if you need one) and entertainment systems such as a television and a DVD player. Basically everything you need for a home away from home.
A larger budget will find you units with parking space, swimming pools and neat garden areas. Speaking with the owners should answer most of your questions and if there are additional facilities or amenities you need provided, you can always put in a request.
Martin Wynn
