Premier Holidays Offer an Insiders Guide to Booking an Algarve Holiday Villa

If you’re about to book a self-catering Algarve holiday villa, the following handy tips will help you find the perfect accommodation.

Budget:

Budget is key in determining length of stay and size of holiday let. The budget must be carefully considered before any pennies are allocated to accommodation in order to determine what is and isn’t affordable.  This will make choosing easier as it will automatically rule out some options while offering up others. Dividing up the holiday budget and sticking to it, is really the only way to avoid over spending. Allocating a set amount of the budget to accommodation will also make it clear how much is left for daytime and evening activities in order to budget for holiday outings.

Food:

Self-catering accommodation is just that, self-catering. Unlike a hotel or B&B, very few holiday villas will include a breakfast option so food and dinning expenses must be taken into account. This being said, it is important to look at distances to and from local amenities if car rental is not being considered. All holiday villas come complete with decently sized, fully fitted kitchens and outdoor terraces offer the perfect opportunity for relaxed al fresco dining.

Location:

Choose accommodation according to the type of holiday you and your loved ones want to take. If romping around the countryside and exploring inland villages in a budget rental car sounds like fun, a villa with ample street or private parking is a must. The flexibility of a having a car also means that cheaper Algarve holiday villas located outside popular resort areas can come into consideration. Those merely wanting to stay in the area and don’t wish to rent a car will need to look at the walking distance to and from shops, restaurants and other facilities they would like to use. Booking a lovely villa without checking location may land tourists in a sticky situation and having to splash out on a rental car or taxi fares that they didn’t expect to have to do.

Cleaning Services

Not all holiday lets offer a cleaning or maid service so it is always best to check, and when in doubt, confirm ahead of time. Large families or those staying longer than a week would particularly benefit from having such a service several times a week. Although such service can sometimes be arranged for an additional fee even if not offered, if there is a villa that has already found its way into your heart but could be the deciding factor, it is worth asking.

Internet, Telephone and TV

Never take such amenities for granted. If being connected with the world while away from home is of importance, don’t neglect to check up on such details. It may be that additional charges apply which need to be added into the all-important budget.

Privacy

Premier Holidays ensure that all properties are listed accurately but to avoid misunderstandings, the Algarve holiday villa experts advise to always read the small print. Knowing whether or not a holiday villa comes complete with a private or communal swimming pool and garden is key to securing a villa that best suits personal requirements. Tourists who merely prefer to take a dip in the sea, may want to consider cheaper townhouse accommodation with no additional pool or garden facilities.

For up to date availability and further self-catering accommodation options in the Algarve, call Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400 or visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.

The Algarve: One Of The Continent’s Premier Surfing Spots

Portugal has long since been one of the premier destinations to head for clad in a wetsuit with a surfboard tucked securely under one arm. That status as one of the world’s top surfing hotspot was cemented this week as Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara rode a wave that was reported to have been 100ft high just off the coast of the country. For budding enthusiasts not quite ready to scale the heights of the gargantuan waves like the experts, the Algarve is an ideal holiday destination.

The stunning southern region of Portugal does not experience the heady and often terrifyingly tall waves which hit the west coast of the country; the further away from the Atlantic Ocean, the smaller the waves become at the shore. These more sedate and less dangerous waves are perfect for total newcomers to learn a new skill and for amateur to hone the skills they already possess. Scores of surfing schools operate up and down the miles of sandy beaches and cliffs which line the Algarve, and they attract thousands of visitors every year, from families to groups of friends, and from couples seeking a fun activity to individuals searching for an adrenaline rush. Many opt to secure an Algarve holiday villa in one of the nearby resort towns, just a short drive from the coast, so they can enjoy their recovery time in peace after a day out riding the waves.

The Algarve is also a great place to try out other water-sports, for those who have mastered surfing and wish for a new challenge. Kite-surfing and wakeboarding classes and instruction are available and there are separate lessons for younger participants and adults, making the Algarve a wonderful venue for a family holiday. Accommodation is plentiful in the area, with a range of self-catering Algarve villas available with beautiful mountainside views, private pools and easy access to beaches and amenities.

There are even some schools and camps which devote time not only to surfing but to other fitness activities such as yoga and pilates, prompting many people to choose the Algarve as a health and wellbeing destination. The multitude of spas in the region offer a chance for relaxation and detox, while the peaceful and secluded Algarve villas dotted around the countryside are removed from hectic holiday resorts and offer privacy and tranquillity. As one of Europe’s premier surfing destinations, the Algarve offers something for everyone, whether they are beginners or experts, seeking fun or adventure.

For up to date late availability in the Algarve, call Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400 or visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.