That’s why Sue Flynn, an accommodation specialist for Turkey, is urging holidaymakers not to be shy when booking online to avoid any potential pitfalls and make sure the property in question ticks all the right boxes.

Sue, who runs Kalkan Magic, a holiday property specialist in Kalkan, has the following advice to anyone embarking on an independent holiday:

1. When booking a villa online, use reputable rental websites such as www.ownersdirect.co.uk or www.holidaylettings.co.uk and make sure you speak with the owner – a quick telephone call is all it needs. You’d be surprised how many people book accommodation with one email then transfer up to £4000 without further ado. Most of the time you’ll be dealing with bona fide owners but it’s not worth taking the risk.

2. It’s also worth striking up a rapport with the owner – this way you may be able to negotiate an earlier check-in or later check-out time. You can also ask more detailed questions and get a feel for the benefits of the location and its facilities. You can also ask the owner advice on favourite restaurants and recommendations for that all important nightcap!

3. Decide whether it’s an apartment you really want or a private villa. Some apartments can still be private but the pool will be shared with some other apartments. Many people prefer the social aspects of this rather than having a private pool but many prefer the privacy too –especially if you’re travelling as a couple and don’t want children around. It’s also worth checking how many other properties share the pool as you don’t want to be struggling for a sunbed early in the morning.

4. If the property owner is booking your airport transfer then check the cost of this – it shouldn’t be a profit-making service. It’s worth asking the question as it’s good to know it’s taken care of. Make sure you have all contact details to hand for your arrival in case of any delays etc.

5. When establishing your price, check if this includes everything like air conditioning
and Wi-Fi.

6. Location is key to a successful holiday stay. If your chosen property is too far to walk to from the town or roads are a bit rocky then you will need to factor in car hire or taxis to your overall holiday price. Ask the exact location and walking distances and if it is easily located in the dark.

7. Check the security. It’s easy to be blasé when you’re on holiday but it’s sensible to check if there are safes available and if the property benefits from a security alarm or additional locks.

8. If travelling with children, check the ease of pool access as you will need to have peace of mind whilst in your accommodation. Also check on pool depths, shallow ends and, if necessary, baby pools.

9. Make sure the property owners give you their full contact details for the UK in case you need to reach them urgently. Also get the contact information of the property managers or whoever is going to meet and greet you on arrival. You should have this before you depart so if necessary you can contact them in an emergency.

10. Finally, a word about money: Ask the owner whether it’s best to take currency or change it there. Also, ask where the best rates are given and how far that is. If you can make your money last longer, you can start thinking about next year!

Sue represents a hand-picked collection of stunning properties in the heart of Kalkan in Turkey. Her company, Kalkan Magic, offers a range of luxury properties – from stunning apartments with picture perfect views on exclusive developments to stylish and spacious villas boasting panoramic sea vistas.

To find out more, visit the website, or follow Kalkan Magic on Twitter.

Booking a villa in Turkey? Compare best turkish lira exchange rates – On 11th March £1 buys 2.6275 Turkish Lirs

Pictured above is the view from Kalkan Magic’s Sahane property’s private rooftoop terrace. Credit: Kalkan Magic

The post Top 10 questions to ask property owners when booking a holiday villa appeared first on MyTravelMoney.co.uk.

It’s the largest land mass in the Caribbean Sea – and a beautiful location at that – but it’s marred by absurd and sinister myths based on what we’ve seen in the movies and thanks, in part, to the media.

Of course, it’s turbulent past plays a part and not everything’s rosy but perhaps it’s time we woke up and smelled the coffee of the REAL Cuba – the one which makes a super cool, switched on and safe summer holiday destination, which could really do with a huge tourism surge to help its economy and many of its people out of hardship. Trust us, there’s nowhere else like it in the world.

Check out our trilogy of super-cool reasons to holiday there this year as we try to banish some of the crazier myths of a country that’s home to Bacardi Rum, the cigarillo and some of the friendliest people in the world…

Reason#1 – The very essence of Cuba is its people. Despite prolific hardship in many parts of the country, its residents are incredibly friendly, family orientated and happy – turning to song and dance at every turn as part of their culture. And while it would be ridiculous to suggest there’s no crime, reported crime rates are low and incidents tend to be of petty theft borne out of food poverty rather than sexual or violent acts. The Cubans love children so you’ll find a whole host of safe and fun venues, activities and foods geared up for them.

Reason #2 – Cuba is home to some of the most beautiful, white sandy beaches in the world but its climate isn’t as scorching as you might think. While you’ll rarely find it cold, temperatures only really rise between 21 degrees in January to a non-extreme opposite end of the scale at 27 degrees in July – making it comfortable for families with young children and anyone who struggles to sight-see and stay out in extreme heat. It’s tropical but with welcome trade winds. One of the highlights of its gorgeous coastline is its portfolio of some of the best dive sites in the world thanks to its unspoilt, warm clear waters in which you can expect to see a wide range of marine wildlife including different species of turtle. This activity, combined with bearable temperatures on the beach, means families can relax and play while mum or dad takes to the waves for a spot of scuba diving, speed boat driving, windsurfing or kayaking. Surprisingly, there are no plants or animals – marine or otherwise – which are poisonous or lethal to humans.

Reason #3 – Cuba is steeped in architectural and archaeological history as well as being home to nine different UNESCO World Heritage Sites so there’s no shortage of things to do for a cultured holiday. Dubbed ‘El Cocodrilo’ by the Cubans as it’s said to resemble a crocodile from the air, the country was founded by Christopher Columbus in 1492 after the explorer initially thought he had discovered India. It’s now the most populated country in the entire Caribbean – flanked by four other main groups of islands: the Carnaguey, Canarreos, Jardines de la Reina and Colorados – and is just hours from mainland America. It’s the 17th largest island in the world and the most inhabited country in the Caribbean. It’s possible to fly from Cuba to some of the smaller islands for a day trip to give you a broader picture of the Caribbean’s diversity but bear in mind that domestic flights can be few and far between so it pays to plan this in advance.

Some myths and FACTS:

Myth – Financial hardship has given rise to a prolific Cuban sex industry

FACT: There are no red light districts in Cuba but there IS fantastic health care provision, sex education and effective birth control. In fact, Cuba has the lowest number of HIV cases in Latin America with less than 3,000 reported each year. Cubans also have the highest life expectancy in both Latin and North America and are limited to one child per family.

Myth – Cuba is lined by miserable slums

FACT: Very few Cubans live in slums and it’s thought that those who do – or at least appear to – do so for the tourists to encourage hand-outs. The majority of Cubans who once lived in shanty towns now reside in Spanish style apartments and are provided for by the state. Old Havana is the only real ‘slum’ to be found in Cuba, which is actually very pretty and a pleasure to visit.

Myth: Crime is rife in Cuba with police on every corner

FACT: While there is some crime in Cuba, it’s not prevalent and where police officers are seen on the beat, it’s normally as a precaution and to help tourists feel safe. Perhaps one of the most surprising security measures taken by Cuban authorities is its strict Internet policy. Very few people in Cuba are given permission to use the Internet and offenders are subject to a five-year jail term.

Myth: Cuba is really expensive

FACT: Like anywhere, there are deals to be had and inherent ways to get ripped off. Cuban Pesos, for example, can be ordered online in advance – good practise which will, undoubtedly, save you money. You’ll find larger cities, such as the capital, Havana, more expensive than the smaller towns and suburbs and restaurants and bars geared up for tourists will, of course, charge more than those aimed at the locals.

For more myth-busting, check out I Am My Own Reporter – a blog by Glen Roberts, a worldly philosopher au fait with the Americas and who doesn’t shy away from telling it like it is when it comes to human rights abuse, Castro, Latin American slums and the fabled Cuban sex industry.

Have you already discovered Cuba’s charms? If so, get in touch or pen us a blog if you like. We’d love to hear more. We also love a good tweet so feel free to connect over @MyTravelMoneyUK

Lynda Hamilton on Google +

The post Super-cool reasons to holiday in Cuba this year – plus myth-busting facts! appeared first on MyTravelMoney.co.uk.