Holidaymakers are faced with a choice when planning their vacation: do they book into an hotel and fork out a lot of money, or do they find self-catering apartments and forfeit the turn down service and concierge? There are many advantages to both options; however, in this time of economic crisis, self-catering tips the scales.

Hiring a flat or house in your holiday destination is far more economical than staying in an hotel. Luxury Villas in Italy can be rented, for example, for less than guests pay to stay in a fairly average hotel for the same length of time.

Budget is not the only benefit, however. Hiring a house allows holidaymakers a far more secluded and private vacation than they would find in an hotel. In addition, vacationers can really immerse themselves in the local culture, trying out restaurants and cooking their own versions of local cuisine.

And the rented property does not have to be a flat; there are some astonishing, historical villas and cottages available for hire all around Europe. Staying in this kind of property gives an authentic edge to the vacation that living in an hotel for a fortnight just does not allow.

While staying in an hotel is often a wonderful experience, there is a sense of independence and freedom that comes with self-catering accommodation. Holidaymakers renting properties in their destination city will find themselves able to explore it according to their own rules.