Nowadays arranging your holiday independently of travel agents is a breeze, and more people are doing it every day. Chances are though, you're still doing the 'find a flight' then 'find a hotel' route. Instead, next time why not consider an apartment instead of a hotel? It's usually no more expensive than a hotel, especially for families, and can provide a much more comfortable base for your holiday.

You're free to come and go as you please, and save time and money for the quick meals or breakfasts rather than having to stop at an expensive caf? every day. You'll have a living room to rest in during sightseeing trips, and no rush to get up in the mornings to avoid the cleaning staff.

Here's an example of what you might expect. We have an apartment on rue St Antoine in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. Since the owner often uses it himself, he has beautifully decorated it and equipped it with all the modern conveniences such as dishwasher, satellite television, broadband internet etc. The apartment is on the fourth floor with a beautiful view, and has a living room and dining room as well a single bedroom. With the fold out sofa-bed, the apartment can sleep up to 4 people, and is only 135 euros a night. Could you find a hotel suite that would be equivalent to this at that price?

Most of the people who stay in our apartments are overjoyed at the ease and comfort. Since working in this business I've also changed the way in which I approach booking holidays. Taking a hotel room now reminds me too much of business trips and stark tiny rooms with overpriced continental breakfasts. Being in an apartment means you live like a local, popping to the local boulangerie for croissants, a quick powernap in the afternoon, and then finally stumbling home in the early hours after a night on the tiles in Paris. Be truly independent on your holiday, and book an apartment instead of a hotel!