3 ways to get greater value for money...

Villa specialists share tips on booking a budget-friendly home away from home

For travel clients who want to get the biggest bang for their buck, Laura French asked three villa experts for their insights – as well as their hot property recommendations.

From booking early, to selecting the right locations and times to travel, here's how to get the best deal for your clients.

“Book early for the best deals," says Zoe Towers, Head of Product, Jet2holidays
"A villa holiday is a great option for those looking to keep an eye on their spending. We see lots of demand from couples as well as families, multigenerational groups and groups of friends. Using self-catering facilities and splitting the shopping bills between the group is a smart way of saving on a holiday.

"For some of the best-value destinations, I’d recommend Lanzarote, Menorca, Paphos and Kefalonia. There’s a wealth of incredible, good-value villa options to choose from in all four, and they’re stunning destinations. One of my top recommendations for families and groups is Villas Begonias in Menorca, where each three-bedroom villa has its own pool and is located close to the attractions of Cala’n Bosch. We also recommend booking early for the best deals, as villas in the most popular destinations always go first."

Villas Begonias, Menorca

“For the best savings, be open to different locations,” says Becci Aldridge, General Manager, Villa Select
"Villa holidays can be a great way to make savings; all of our properties come with self-catering facilities and barbecues for alfresco evenings, so clients can dine in if they choose. In terms of specific destinations, Cyprus, Kefalonia and the Algarve offer great value. I’d especially recommend Villa Dora in Kefalonia; it sleeps six and it’s a good base from which to explore the island, with a private pool overlooking the Ionian Sea.

"For bigger groups and multigenerational families, Villa Les Tires in Pollensa in Majorca is an excellent option – it sleeps up to 10 and is a peaceful oasis with a huge outdoor space boasting amazing views; prices for a week start from US$610 per person.

"For the best savings, be flexible with travel dates and open to different locations. September and October are great months to travel, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, alongside lower prices (we get lots of couples, groups and pre or post-school children booking around this time)."

Clients can also find some really good last-minute deals if they’re open to travelling soon, and they might just discover a new destination

“Book during shoulder seasons to save on costs,” says Oliver Bell, co-founder, Oliver’s Travels
"When the cost is split between guests, villas can offer exceptional value, especially for larger bookings. Our properties average US$77 per person per night, and we offer regular promotions. I recommend booking in advance to make the most of early-bird deals.

"In the UK, I recommend Oak Tree Cottage in Scotland, which overlooks the River Tay and Birnam Hill woods and boasts an outdoor whirlpool bath, barbecue area and fire pit with beautiful interiors; 2024 rates have been reduced by 40%, with nightly rates from US$56 per person.

"For clients wanting sunshine, I’d recommend Kalamar House in Kalkan, Turkey. It sleeps up to eight and offers breathtaking views over Kalamar Bay, with a terrace, pool, whirlpool bath and bar; prices start from US$43 per person per night in the shoulder season and US$78 per person per night in summer.

"We’ve noticed a big spike in booking numbers for Greece and Croatia, too. Other European destinations such as Portugal, Spain and Italy are also seeing an increase in bookings during the shoulder seasons, as travellers look to save on costs and enjoy the slightly cooler temperatures of April, May and October."

Olivers Travels villa Kalamar House, Kalkan