Booking a holiday home, such as a villa abroad, is a great alternative to a hotel. It can give more flexibility and allows plenty of space for the family to be together.
It's not always a cheap way to holiday, however, so experts have shared some advice for getting the best deal on your holiday home.
Going as a big group is a good way to make this more economical, according to experts at family-run villa operator Vintage Travel.
They said: "Book a big villa with friends and family to share the costs - and in an area off the tourist radar, such as Galicia.
When you book to go can dramatically change the cost of a villa
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"Double up with family friends or relatives, and add in some grandparents too, who can share costs and help with babysitting. Although the big properties look expensive, if you’re sharing the costs of the accommodation and self-catering cooking, they work out much better value.
"Combine this with an area such as Galicia that is overlooked, yet gorgeous with lots of great beaches and towns to explore, and generally cheaper than other parts of Spain."
Go the last week of August
UK school summer holidays will kick off soon, if they've not already, which means many people will be planning a well-earned break. However, waiting until later in the summer season could help you to save.
The experts said: "If the kids aren’t back until September 5 [in England and Wales], max out the holiday and book a week starting the last weekend of August and benefit from the drop in rates, and still have a day to recover before the back-to-school blues."
Go off-season
If your group doesn't need to work around school holidays, the travel pros suggested avoiding these times altogether.
They added: "Peak months are July and August, but the effect of global warming means that the seasons are changing with destinations hotter for longer.
"Prices in spring and autumn are cheaper, not only in terms of the villas but also flights and car hire. On the edge of El Gastor, one of Andalucia’s famous pueblos blancos, Casa la Bodega is a beautifully converted former winery offering panoramic views, contemporary comfort and authentic village charm.
"Overlooking terracotta rooftops and the surrounding Grazalema National Park (which is great for walkers and birdwatchers) this stylish retreat features light-filled interiors, an infinity pool and a covered terrace perfect for outdoor living. Village life with restaurants and cafés is a short walk away. Price for a week in August is £1,798 and £980 in the October half term."
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Getting a group together will help cut back on costs
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Book a property that doesn't require a car
While driving in a new country is a brilliant way to explore, it can be more economical to book somewhere that doesn't require a car every time you want to leave the accommodation.
The experts said: "Another cost-saving option is to book a property where a car is not essential. With car hire worldwide a premium, particularly in summer, public transport links are generally good (and cheap), so go green."
Looking for more ways to save? See this week's top summer holiday deals with packages from £172 per person with easyJet. Or check out Eurostar's new summer promotion giving 50 per cent off fares to Paris, Brussels and Lille.
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