Our guide to booking a gîte or holiday home overseas

• Decide where you want to go - Gîtes are available for hire in most regions of France.  These, along with holiday homes in Spain and Italy are generally set in more rural surroundings and thought of as a countryside retreat. Once you've decided on your location, start looking at other details such as proximity to the coast or city. An isolated retreat may seem ideal when you're booking it, but think about the practicalities too - especially if you're with children or a large group - is there a supermarket nearby or a good restaurant or bar?
  
  
• Set a budget - Gîtes or holiday homes are usually charged by the week - for the whole property, not per person.  Therefore booking four people into a gîte or holiday home that actually sleeps eight is going to work out more expensive.  Think about the number of bathrooms and bedrooms you need and try to book a place that sleeps a similar number of people to your party size. Also, take into consideration travel expenses - how much will the ferry, plane tickets or petrol cost?

• Transport - Firstly, think about what your options are.  If travelling to France, you may decide to drive and cross the channel on a ferry. If you are driving, think about how long the journey is going to take, be prepared for traffic jams if travelling during peak season and if you need to take a break, plan ahead where this might be. Don't forget your breakdown cover!  Alternatively, you may decide to book a flight and then hire a car when you reach your destination airport.  For these kinds of holidays, access to a car is essential - especially if you're staying somewhere very rural - you don't want to be stranded and having to book taxis or rely on public transport for your whole trip.  However, if your holiday home is near a town, you may decide to organise some airport transfers (if not already organised with your booking agent).
  
  
• What do you want out of your holiday? - Do you want to relax with your family in the idyllic countryside and fit in sightseeing at a leisurely pace, or do you want to base yourself in a centrally located position to minimise the travelling distance to major sights?  List the amenities you would like, highlight the ones you must have, and have an open mind when you are choosing between the gîtes and holiday homes you like.
  
  
• Cooking - Gîtes and holiday homes are generally self-catering. Some properties are supplied with large, well equipped kitchens while others will have a kitchen corner or a kitchenette. You should always have enough pots, pans etc for the maximum amount of people that can occupy the house, but if you are planning on doing a lot of cooking it is best to enquire about the facilities.  The larger the property, the greater your chances of a well-equipped kitchen.  Remember to pack some basic supplies so you don't have to go in search of a supermarket as soon as you arrive.
  
  
• Duration - Some holiday homes and gîtes have specific days of the week for check in and check out (usually a Saturday) so ensure this fits in with your plans. If you're looking for a 10 day break at a gîte or holiday home that only allows 7 or 14 day bookings, you won't be able to do this.  The same goes for weekend breaks - during peak holiday periods these may not be permitted unless it's a last minute booking or a cancellation.  Remember, if you're flying or sailing to your destination, ensure the travel times and dates fit in with the dates the accommodation is booked for.
  
  
• Date - Finally, think about the date of your holiday.  The school holidays and Christmas period obviously book up the quickest so be prepared to book in advance to get the accommodation and holiday you want - the best places often book up a year in advance by repeat holidaymakers.  Alternatively, be prepared to be flexible and change your dates.
  

Who do we recommend?

With so many companies to choose from, we have researched the market to find those with a wide range of options as well as some that are more specialist.  Browse our list below to find the right company for you, then click through to their web site for more information and how to book.  It couldn't be easier!

Further guides on cottages, gîtes and holiday homes