13 May 2014
May half term can be the ideal time for an early sunshine getaway with the kids before temperatures soar - and if you keep your wits about you, there are still plenty of ways to bag a holiday bargain says leading holiday rentals website Owners Direct.
There are plenty of reasons why May is the best time of year to take the family to a European holiday hotspot. Being near the start of the holiday season, resorts will be quieter, the countryside still pleasantly green and temperatures more manageable for younger children.
For 2014 the spring bank holiday falls on May 26 when school will be out for most children in the UK, providing just the right length of time to follow the sun.*
Many families have found a few smart ways to save money on a half term getaway using holiday rental site Owners Direct which offers flexible yet affordable holiday accommodation that often costs a lot less than a hotel. Taking advantage of special offers and travelling as an extended family or group can help reduce costs even further – whatever our budget we all love a bargain.
For this half term, Owners Direct asked families to recommend their favourite holiday destinations for May half term and here's their top five selection:
Five star villa for three star prices in Ibiza
For families clubbing together, this stunning Ibiza villa sleeping 12 ticks all the boxes for a half term break in the sun. Separate terraces and mature gardens mean you can enjoy the sun all day long and the gorgeous 12 x 7 metre pool is surrounded by a wooden deck with sunloungers and a Balinese lounge bed. The outside dining area with kitchen, fridge and barbecue are perfect for al fresco meals.
It's currently offering 25% off in May bringing the price down to 3750 Euros per week for the whole villa.
Book the villa via Owners Direct at: www.ownersdirect.co.uk/balearics/B7801
Mallorca – ideal for family groups
If you value your privacy but prefer to holiday with other families, these grouped properties in Mallorca hit the spot. The two totally separate houses are situated on a 300 year old Finca and share a pool and a large plot of land. If you can't decide between city break or beach holiday, these villas are perfectly located for both.
The houses cost from £986 per week and there's a 15% discount running until 15th June.
Book via Owners Direct at: http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/B3364_3
Couples Canaries paradise
These one and two bedroom apartments bungalows in Tenerife with shared pool on a friendly resort are ideal for couples or families looking for a last minute half term break in the Canarian sunshine. Some great beaches, golf course and supermarket are just a five minute walk away, watersports centres a ten minute walk away, so you don't even need to hire a car.
For couples there's a special offer on the one bedroom apartment for May until mid June of just £275 per week so go after half term when it's even quieter.
Book the bungalows via Owners Direct at: www.ownersdirect.co.uk/C5631
Award winning villa in Fuerteventura
This award winning three bedroom villa with panoramic sea views includes an on-site sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and gym, so it's ideal for a pampering break in the sun.
The villa has everything you need for a truly relaxing and fun filled holiday for all the family including a shared pool with separate children's pool. The nearest restaurant is only a 5 minute walk and the beach and town centre are just ten minutes away. The airport is also only 7km away making transfer time quick and easy for those with younger children.
The villa costs just £349 for any week from May until September.
Book via Owners Direct at: www.ownersdirect.co.uk/C1571.
Walking in Turkey
Turkey is renowned for its fantastic beaches and azure sea as well as its friendly, welcoming atmosphere – but how about its fantastic walks? May and June are great times to visit Turkey before the summer temperatures set in and walking gives you the chance to take in the country's spectacular scenery.
This lovely stone cottage is in the typical Turkish village of Faralya, just above the famous Butterfly Valley and beach. With beautiful sea and mountain views and the ancient Lycian Sarcophagus close to the house, this cottage is a nature and history lover's paradise.
Pack your hiking boots as the house is located on the ancient Lycian way, recently listed as one of the world's top 10 walks. It's not for the faint hearted though as the walk is 509 km long in total from Fethiye to Antalya, so completing it may not be an option.
After all that activity, guests can chill out in the acre of garden that's stocked with fruit trees and home grown vegetables.
The house that sleeps up to five people costs £650 per week but there's 15% off bookings made before the end of May.
Book via Owners Direct at: www.ownersdirect.co.uk/TK1652
ENDS
For more information, images or quotes please contact Eveleen Hatch at Seriously PR –01491 822647/07815 002276 or eveleen@seriouslypr.co.uk or Katariina Haikara – katariina@seriouslypr.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS
*Spring half term holiday dates vary between each education authority so parents should check with their child's school
Owners Direct specialises in advertising privately owned holiday accommodation direct from the owner. We have advertised holiday properties since 1997 and on our web site you will find over 63,000 villas, apartments, chalets, farmhouses and cottages. From Fincas in Spain to traditional Riads in Morocco and beach villas in Koh Samui, Owners Direct offer all types of holiday accommodation in a diverse selection of countries throughout the world.
In August 2007 Owners Direct became part of HomeAway Inc. which owns some of the largest rentals websites in the US and Europe. We continue to operate as a separate brand from our offices in London.
