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    Planning Your Holiday

    Choose a Property
    Use our search facilities to browse for a property. You can search by Google map or standard listing, by location, number of bedrooms, self catering/catered - amongst some of the options.  You can also refine a search if you need specific requirements.  To save your favourites, it is an easy process to Register as a member and start compiling a shortlist.

    Contact the Owner/Agent
    When you have chosen a few options, view the properties availability chart or refine by availability to check if they are free on the dates you are looking for. Not all owners keep their calendars up to date, so select more than one property to avoid disappointment.

    Contact the owner or agent by their preferred contact method - if you communicate by email use the secure form on the bottom of all property details. State dates required (arrival and departure) and the number of people in your party. State the price of your holiday and ask for confirmation of this. Also ask any questions you have that are not covered in the property details or on our Holidaymakers FAQ. Remember that owners/agents may not speak fluent English, so ensure you communicate in short easy sentences. If you are communicating by phone, be aware of time differences in other countries. Allow up to 48 hours for email replies (some owners cannot get to a computer every day).

    Make a Booking
    Once you receive a reply and have decided on a property you like* - make a booking. This is best done by email, confirming the dates, number in party and the price of your stay again. If you still have queries, make sure you ask further questions about any area where you have doubts.  Also ask how the owner/agent requires payment of the deposit.

    Pay your Deposit
    Most properties require a deposit on booking, usually a % of the total cost.  The most common methods of payments are by bank transfer or credit card.  If paying by bank transfer, the owner/agent should give you all the details you require to take to the bank.  Payment by credit card should be done over the phone or through a secure site, do not send your credit card details by ordinary email - it is not safe. Make the deposit payment within the specified time and ensure you receive a confirmation of receipt by email, this should confirm your payment, the balance left to pay and the date the balance is required.  Keep a copy of this email for your records.

    Make Travel Arrangements
    Booking your travel arrangements after booking a property gives you more flexibility on your accommodation. However, you might have booked a flight and want accommodation to fit around it -  whatever you do, make sure you book your travel arrangements in plenty of time.  It is the responsibility of a holidaymaker to make their own travel arrangements to and from the property.  Useful information such as nearest airport, train stations etc are usually included on the property details to help you.

    Take out Travel Insurance
    It is essential to take out your own travel insurance that covers unforeseen cancellations.  This is best done immediately you make your booking.

    Pay your Balance
    The balance of the holiday is usually required a few weeks before you go.  Make your payment by one of the secure methods mentioned above.  Some properties require a security deposit refundable at the end of your holiday on leaving the property in good order.  Ensure you obtain an email or written receipt for any payments made.  You should receive directions and contact details and most owners/agents provide a rental agreement, setting out their terms and conditions and cancellation policy.  Most owners make arrangements to give you the key on arrival, some send the key by secure mail, but whatever the arrangements, make sure that you are clear about how to receive your key.

    Travel to your Property
    A few weeks before you go, inform the owner/agent of your arrival date and time, confirm this with them again by email or phone a few days before you go.  Ensure you take with you the address, directions, contact details, the key - (if sent by post) and copies of all paperwork including the property details.  For help with packing, see our useful Holidaymakers Checklist.

    Allow plenty of time to travel to the property, in case there are unforeseen delays.  Read instructions and directions carefully before departing and carry a mobile phone for emergency contact.

    Relax and Enjoy
    This is the best bit!  All that planning, make sure you unwind and have a fantastic time!

    Checking out
    When you check-out, remember to leave the property clean and tidy as you found it, collect your security deposit and return the key.  See our Site Code of Conduct.

    Frequently Asked Questions
    For more information on organising your holiday, see our Holidaymakers FAQ section.

    *It is the responsibility of all holidaymakers to make their own checks on the suitability of a potential property.

    © 2008 theholidaylet.com | Holiday Accommodation Worldwide

    © 2008 theholidaylet.com
    Holiday Accommodation Worldwide

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