Central Florida
By Sandra McDonagh

Florida has so much to offer the holiday-maker it's hard to know where to begin. Excuse the cliche, but there really is something for everyone here. Rest assured that Florida will cater for you. Whatever your taste - the only decision you'll have to make is what kind of holiday you're looking for.

If it's family fun you're after then must head for the heart of the the Sunshine State to the thrill capital of the world, Orlando ...

Orlando is brimming with theme parks and family attractions. The main street here, International Drive, is a resort in itself, offering a five mile stretch of non stop activity. You'll find hotels, bars, shopping malls and theme parks, making this all singing, all dancing holiday destination idea for couples of families seeking a lively time.

Kissimmee is another popular destination for families and couples and serves as the perfect base from which to visit nearby Disney World. Again, Kissimmee offers a wealth of attractions for the more active holiday-maker, including themed restaurants, shopping malls, and water parks.

Here we've brought you a great range of high quality, and excellently located, holiday accommodation to ensure that you are ideally positioned to get the most from your holiday in the, the most exciting of destinations.

Booking a Villa directly with an owner for the first time?

Then read on and see how easy it is to book an exclusive holiday rather than just opting for a 'package'.

Q. "I've always booked a package holiday where do I start and how hard is it to book everything I shall need?"

Q. "What do I book first, flights or accommodation? What if there are no flights and I've booked the villa?

These are the questions, as a villa owner, that I'm asked most often during that initial call from a potential holidaymaker. Let me reassure first time holidaymaker's how straightforward and comforting it can be to book a villa direct with an owner.

For the majority of owners advertised on Villas4all the Villa is their second home and treated as such. It is loved and looked after, as well as frequently visited by the owner for their own enjoyment. Usually the first contact is with the owner who , like me, is probably so enthusiastic about their second home that they find it difficult not to spout off at any opportunity about their pride and joy. Owners are full of knowledge about their property, the surrounding area, its suitability for families, couples, singles, disabled persons etc. They can offer so much more than the average travel agent.

My experience has been that people will ask more questions of the owner than a travel agent regarding their package holiday, and frequently the owner will be able to answer all of these questions, and comply will all of the requirements - most importantly in plain English!

How to go about booking your holiday.

Obtain brochures in which you feel the properties have the facilities that you require. Most owners will be happy to advise you on all flights and other travel arrangements, and will usually 'hold' a villa for a few days whilst suitable flights are secured. Owners may have a regular contact for flights and they are often people with mounds of experience when it comes to dealing with independent travelers who realize the importance of efficient service. Don't forget the owner travels to this destination frequently and can offer many useful tips.

On securing the flights and accommodation the holidaymaker will be dealt with in a similar, but obviously more personal, vein to that of the travel agent and will receive booking confirmation, acknowledgement of monies paid, when the balance is due, etc. If you have a query you can contact the owner at more flexible times than that of a travel agent and you are always dealing with the same person as opposed to just 'an assistant'. Phone calls to ask if there is an iron, hairdryer, washing machine available are not a nuisance. Help and advice are free and the owners are willing to distribute this as there is nothing like hearing, "it was a wonderful holiday, everything was great, I've booked again for next year".

Car Hire

Owner usually know where to obtain the better rates, and again offer advice on the suitability according to the size of the party. For example, in Florida a party of 7 would naturally hire a 7 seater people carrier, fine, but has it got adequate luggage space? The average person on a 2-week holiday takes a suitcase and a piece of hand luggage. Times that by 7 passengers and where are they going to sit?

Q. "Where do I collect the keys? What if something goes wrong? What if something gets broken?"

In Florida, all the properties are looked after by a Management Company, often run by English people. Full details of key availability are advised when directions are forwarded to the client. In the event of breakdown or breakage's - that's what the Management Company is for - they are on call 24 hours a day with help, advice and guidance far superior that that of a travel rep. Their knowledge of the area are also often includes useful money saving tips that the holidaymaker's ordinarily know nothing about.

The luxury and freedom of living in your own villa gives your holiday the 'wow factor' Whilst you can book a similar arrangement with a tour operator you could find that it will cost a great deal more, require payment of supplements if your party doesn't fit their criteria, and you will not be guaranteed the exact villa or location that you thought you were booking.

By booking directly with the owner the price you pay is usually per villa per week. There are no hidden extra's, but a lot of free help and advice.

This page is Copyrighted (©) by S.McDonagh