For many people going on holiday (vacation) still means taking a package tour with one of the many specialist international companies, but with the aid and ease of the web and increase of broadband availability, increasing numbers of tourists are creating their own trip online. If you have never done it before booking a Spanish villa or apartment might seem a bit daunting, but now days it is very simple as long as you take some basic precautions.
To make the best savings on Spanish villa rental the first thing you need to decide is when to go, avoiding the peak seasons of summer, school holidays, Easter, Christmas and New Year will certainly reduce the price, but is not always possible. Flights are invariably dearer at the weekend so large savings can be made by traveling midweek and many villas and apartments in Spain can be booked from any day of the week. Another bonus of this is that you avoid the airports at their busiest with shorter queues and waits for luggage.
Looking for proximity to the destination airport should be a factor, when checking if there are budget, scheduled or chartered airlines going there from your local airport. If you are hiring a car or cars a sixty minute drive should be no problem as long as you book before you go. Alternatively airport transfers can also be booked online quite easily if you don't want to drive in a foreign country. Consider landing times as well, some Spanish Villa owners and agents will make a charge if you arrive out of office hours, but this is usually small in comparison to the savings that are made traveling off peak for a party of four.
Many sites offer Spanish villas and apartments for rent so spend some time comparing prices and what is on offer in the area of your choice. Most owners price their Spanish villa per week and not per person so quick comparisons can be made. Lookout for "extras" you don't want any nasty surprises when you arrive, if in doubt ask before you book.
Location of the Spanish villa is very important, don't assume anything, if it is not shown in the details shown you should double check. A short drive to a beach or golf course, personally I don't mind, but in the evening I like to be able to stroll to a good selection of bars and restaurants. If there is a communal pool see how big it is and ask how many other villas and apartments share it, this is very important during the peak season after all you want to be able to find a space for you and your family don't you?
Trends in foreign property investment come and go and the long standing villa in Spain is moving over for those looking for something a little less ordinary. Spain has been favoured by the British for many years because of its 'Englishness', which defeats the object a little. With its chip shops, bars and ex pat community many consider this a mini Britain but with a better climate.
Property prices in Spain were relatively cheap and building developments sprung up everywhere. Nowadays, investors are stretching their imagination and looking to further climes to sink their money.
One of the hotspots of foreign property opening up right now is Brazil. Farms in Brazil that produce cotton, soya beans, corn and sunflowers are currently being snapped up for $500 US per acre. This is an absolute bargain in a beautifully hot country full of culture.
Another place rich in culture and ripe for investment is Marrakesh. Think more than mosques, souks and carpets. Think small Riad - a traditional Moorish house for $400,000. This may seem a little pricey now but foreign property here has risen by 50% in the last two years and this steep climb looks set to continue so snap one up now.
House prices in Australia have seen the same difficulties as the UK market and its instability is not expected to recover any time soon. However, if you can afford to hang on to your investment in foreign property and are not looking for a quick turn over then Australia could prove a wise choice in the long run.
The same is true of Germany. Bargains are still to be snapped up but for those less impatient investors, the economy is showing good signs of recovery and you could soon be making a profit on your foreign property.
One place you will find difficult to invest in is parts of China. The Shanghai government have imposed restrictions on foreign property investors because, they say, their own families who are on low incomes are suffering due to lack of available property.
For the truly wealthy who are looking for somewhere a little different to invest in, try Megeve. At the foot of Mont Blanc, this little village is very popular amongst the rich and famous. Top celebrities such as Elle MacPhearson, Naomi Campbell and Hugh Grant as well as the Swedish royal family can be seen here on a regular basis.
Do not expect this investment to come cheap, though. Three bedroom chalets start at $5 US million and a one bedroom apartment could set you back a whopping $900,000. Having said that, if you can afford one of these places that you would be happy to let out for the best part of the year, the area has an excellent rental market with one bedroom places going for $2,500 per week! This is one area of the world that has not suffered a recession in the housing market and prices have continued to grow since 2000 at a rate of 20% per year!
Foreign property is a good investment but it pays to do your homework. Don't just settle for the typical Spanish villa - it's a big world out there and so many opportunities for those that can afford it.
Both Gary Marshall & Catherine Harvey are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Gary Marshall has sinced written about articles on various topics from Jamaica Vacations, Travel and Leisure and Property Guide. For more advice and help on booking an apartment or villa in Spain please see . Gary Marshall's top article generates over 550000 views. to your Favourites.
Catherine Harvey has sinced written about articles on various topics from Culture and Society, Home and Wedding Gowns. Property expert Catherine Harvey looks at the plethora of in unusual locations.. Catherine Harvey's top article generates over 1500000 views. to your Favourites.