If you are planning a holiday, you will find yourself faced with a decision: Do you fork out for hotel accommodation? Or, do you save a little money and a book a self catering apartment or villa? Both of these options have numerous advantages of their own and each can end up saving you money in a different way. Before you make a hard and fast decision, it is important that you weigh up all the pros and cons so that the choice you go with is an informed one.

The average four star hotel offers its guests a considerable range of services. From in-house restaurants to guided tours, vacationers will find their holiday requirements can be satisfied under the hotel’s supervision. While this is, in many senses, a positive attribute, those keen to gain an authentic taste of the country and its culture may find all the trappings of a tourist package a little restrictive after a while.

Self catering accommodation on the other hand, offers holiday makers the freedom to do as they please. Because it is necessary, in a rented holiday apartment, to 'fend for yourself' as far as meals are concerned, vacationers in self-catering flats find themselves experiencing more of the local cuisine.

However, if you do decide to rent a self-catering flat it is crucial that you do plenty of research on your destination before you arrive. Without the support of the hotel’s tourist department, you will be left to see the sights at your own discretion, and this means that first, you will need to investigate what those sights are.