Making a Booking

www.holidaypropertiesdirect.com does not take reservations and therefore does not take commission from any bookings made. This helps to provide great value for money.

Short List
We suggest that you compile a short list of properties - don't forget we have a handy section called "My shortlist" where you can save your preferred properties.

Availability
Check the on-line availability guide to see if your preferred choice has any vacancies.

Payment
Each owner will have their own method of processing a reservation but normally you will be asked to pay a deposit to confirm your booking. The balance will be due approximately 8 weeks prior to your departure.

In addition there is often a security deposit which will be returned to you soon after your departure less the cost of any breakages and metred charges for electricity and telephone if they are not already included in the rates.

We suggest that you check the cancellation terms with the owner at the time of booking and ask them to supply you with a copy.

Travel
The owner will be able to advise you on the best travel routes for getting to the property. Don't forget that you can book your car hire, ferries and flights directly from this site.

Make sure that you get full instructions from the owner on how to find the property. This is especially important if it is possible that you will be arriving after dark.

Keys
Some owners will provide keys before you leave home whilst others will meet you on arrival or will leave keys at a local hotel or office.

Make sure that you obtain the contact details of someone that you can contact if something goes wrong or you are delayed.

If you experience a problem whilst you are away you must contact the person whose details you have been given and they will ensevour to put things right on the spot. If your complaint is not resolved locally we suggest that you advise the owner immediately and write to them within 7 days of your return.

Remember you are staying in someones home so please offer the normal courtesy and respect both the property and other residents during your stay.

Insurance
It is very important that you take out travel insurance especailly if you are travelling abroad. You can order your travel insurance direct from this site at very competive rates.

We recommend that you arrange your policy as soon as you have made your reservation as the insurance will normally cover you from the moment the policy is taken out and not just between your travel dates.

Remember that you may have to cancel your holiday due to accident or illness before you travel - don't forget to check the terms and conditions match the cover you require.