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Practical matters
Most places are open all year round and are less expensive in winter (except, perhaps, for Christmas and New Year). Do consider low-season holidays - you get all the comfort and scenery and no crowds or traffic jams.
Most owners will ask for a non-refundable deposit and settlement of the full amount around eight weeks before you arrive. Until you have paid in full your booking will not be confirmed. If you are booking less than eight weeks in advance you will normally be asked to pay the full amount immediately. Consider a travel insurance policy.
It is normal for owners to charge a refundable security/damage deposit payable in advance. If everything appears in order after your departure your money will be refunded; if you've spilt red wine on the cream carpet or crockery has been broken you may be charged for cleaning/replacement. Do mention any mishap to the owners - accidents happen but they would much prefer to be told about them rather than discover them later.
Water and gas are generally covered by the rent We say where this is not the case. The owner should confirm this. Some owners have meters which are read at the beginning and end of your stay and then you are charged accordingly. Linen is usually included. If in any doubt, check when booking.
All the essentials should be there. But extra little things can make a difference: perhaps your favourite pillow, candles to help soften the ambience if rooms are brightly lit, your own stovetop coffee pot for your perfect breakfast, bubble bath, good maps of the area, favourite board games, a radio...
Our 'Children welcome' symbol means that children of all ages are welcome although the owner may not have all the paraphernalia that you need, so check what is provided. Check potential danger spots with the owner - a hidden pond, a highly-strung dog, geese, farmyard equipment, etc. Some owners offer to babysit or can find you a local sitter.
Look for the 'Guests' pets welcome' symbol and check with the owner that your furry/feathered friend is acceptable. Obviously you are responsible for keeping your pet under control and clearing up after it; what you find endearing/playful behaviour could upset other guests or landowners or their animals.
And finally
If you know a place which would be a good addition to our guides (a B&B, hotel, inn, or other special place in Britain, Spain, France, Ireland, Portugal, Italy, India or Morocco), do let us know. If the property is included in one of our books because of your recommendation we will send you a free copy. Click here to contact us.
We hope you'll have a fabulous holiday and don't forget to tell us how you got on. |
Photo: Foldyard Barn
If heading for an out-of-the-way place, do plan your shopping in advance. Watch out for lunchtime and early closing in the country. It may be possible to have deliveries of some items - bread, milk, fuel etc, so ask the owner. Where possible, try to support the local community by shopping locally.
These are fantastic food markets where producers bring and sell their own produce. Check out the National Association of Farmers' Markets web site for more details: www.nafm.net
We make no claims to pure objectivity in choosing our Special Escapes.They are here because we like them. Our opinions and tastes are ours alone and we hope you will share them. We have done our utmost to get our facts right but apologise for any mistakes that may have crept in. Owners are responsible for keeping prices and other details up-to-date on this site.
Do let us know how you get on in these places - we value your feedback. Poor reports are immediately followed up with the owner (no mention is made of the guest's name). If we have two or three bad reports on the same property we will visit incognito to check the problems for ourselves and this may lead to the removal of a property from the site.
Read on:
Finding the right place for you »
Introduction » |
