So what are the advantages of booking a holiday home direct with the owner over hotel? Firstly, you are renting a holiday home from the owner, who wants to ensure your stay at the apartment, cottage or villa is as enjoyable as possible - so you will stay with them again, and recommend them to your friends. The owner has "in depth" knowledge of the holiday home and local area, which gives you access to accurate advice - not just the "travel agent" script from someone who has never visited the area. Since you are booking direct, there is no travel agent commission on top of your holiday price, which means lower holiday costs. Airport transfers can be arranged with either the Management Company, who look after the property, or the owner - who can usually recommend reliable, low cost, local companies There are hundreds of holiday rental websites for you to discover the full range of holiday accommodation available, and with the growth of low cost airlines, getting to your favourite resort has never been more affordable. One of the main benefits of renting a private holiday home is having the space to do whatever you please.or do nothing.

So every family member can have the holiday "they" want. Privacy in another huge consideration - no sharing the pool with strangers, booking sun beds - as there are enough for everyone, and no "other guests" throwing their towels onto the sunbeds from the 10th Floor at 5am or barging to the front of the queue for breakfast while the rest of us wait patiently in line. Extras, available at some holiday homes,include a jacuzzi, games room, computers, games console etc so no more "I'm bored" from teenagers. So a holiday home is ideal for families. "What makes a holiday home better than a hotel?" The advantages, especially for a family, are endless. The amount of space you have in a holiday home to chill out or be alone is just like home.

Everybody can do their own thing be it watching TV or a DVD, playing a game or reading a book or magazines. Some holiday homes have their own pools and games rooms or they have a number of large community pools with activities like Basketball, Volleyball, pool or gyms. That should keep the kids amused which is almost impossible when you are all cramped up in hotel rooms. You can eat and drink whatever and whenever you please (as long as you have bought it that is) - no queues or having to eat at certain times. If you feel like having a "lazy day" you can "eat in" or have a BBQ.

The one thing that frequently annoys families is the lack of space for clothes in hotels. With holiday homes they have walk-in wardrobes with plenty of drawers to accommodate even the most ambitious packer. They also have washing machines and driers to enable you to freshen up your clothes - so no more dirty washing on your return. One recommendation we would make if you book a holiday home, is to book it directly with the owner. You know who you are dealing with,and can ask them any questions you may have about the location, facilities, local shops and amenities.

You hear so many tales of people booking a holiday home as part of a package, not knowing where they will be staying until they arrive at the distant airport and then being disappointed with their accommodation. Best of all, by booking directly with an owner, you will get a great property at a reasonable price. Thanks go out to Paul (www.Orlando-dreams.

co.uk) Carol (www.saoirsevilla.com) and Chris (www.bigwindow.

com) who contributed to this article and are all holiday home owners in Florida and Tenerife. You can join them, along with Darren on the Holiday rental owners partnership forum (www.holiday-rental-owners.

co.uk), where subjects relating to buying, renting and selling homes are discussed. .

By: Darren Cronian