Our ‘No Currency Surcharge’ means prices for 2009 European holidays WILL NOT be affected by further fluctuations in the exchange rate.

Geoff Cowley, managing director at cottages4you, said:

While people still want a European break we understand that, in the current volatile climate, holidaymakers won’t want to pay a penny more than they need to. Because we took action last year by purchasing our Euro requirement, we can safeguard our customers against any further exchange rate fluctuations in 2009. Those booking with us for European holidays this year can rest safe in the knowledge their accommodation price will not be affected by changes in the exchange rate, as it might with some other companies or by booking direct with the owner.

Self catering holidays offer fantastic value for money. For example, with cottages4you, prices for a French villa start at £6 per person per night. In addition, as a large travel company, we are ATOL and ABTA bonded, adhering to strict codes of conduct to provide high levels of customer service and ensuring full protection for customers’ package holidays and money – support which you may not necessarily receive if booking direct with some smaller, independent companies.

With over 15,000 properties across Europe, there is plenty of choice. Spain is currently proving popular and there is still availability in France, Italy, Portugal and Ireland over the May Spring break and Summer holidays.

So why not get searching at cottages4you.co.uk for your overseas holiday this year.

To arrange

• Arrange for pet and plant care. (or book a pet friendly cottage)
• Stop routine deliveries.
• Make your home seem lived-in while away by putting lights and a radio on timers
• Turn down thermostat.
• Empty refrigerator
• Leave keys and itinerary with a friend.
• Lock windows, garage, and doors.
• Notify local police or neighbourhood watch of your absence

To gather and pack:

• Guide books and maps
• Passport and visa(s), Personal ID (Drivers license)
• Student ID (for discount access to museums etc.)
• Foreign currency of your destination country
• Cash & Credit cards (foreign currencies?)
• Coins for tolls
• Travelers checks or ATM card
• Insurance: Trip Cancellation/Medical
• Photocopies of documentation
• Birth Certificate (if necessary)
• Marriage License (if necessary)
• Tickets & itinerary
• Hotel Reservations
• Special Event Reservations
• Paper printout of emergency contacts

Electronics

• Cell phone, charger, extra battery
• (Video) Camera, charger, batteries, film, cords, etc.
• iPod
• Headphones
• CD player & CDs
• DVD player & DVDs
• Laptop & cord & battery
• Plug & voltage adaptors for foreign countries

Basic Essentials

• Appropriate Luggage
• Luggage Locks & ID Tags (Do NOT Lock checked baggage)
• Passport/Money Carrier
• Appropriate Clothing
• Comfortable Footwear
• Rain Protection
• Small Flashlight & batteries
• Travel Alarm Clock
• Brimmed Hat or Visor
• Eyeglasses, sunglasses & lens cleaner or contact lens preparations
• Language Books
• Reading Materials
• Playing Cards/Games
• Address Book
• Maintenance Items
• Mini Sewing Kit (place in checked baggage)
• Scarf/Bandanna
• Travel Iron or Steamer
• Folding Scissors (place in checked baggage)
• Laundry Bag
• Food bars or emergency snack food

Toiletries

• Comb/Brush
• Toothbrush/Paste
• Mouthwash
• Dental Floss
• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Soap
• Vitamins
• Medication
• First Aid Kit
• Aspirin/Pain Reliever
• Cold/Sinus Medication
• Diarrhea Medicine
• Laxative
• Insect Repellent
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Alcohol Wipes
• Sunscreen
• Motion Sickness Medicine
• Personal Prescriptions
• Nail clipper
• Kleenex
• Q-Tips
• Blow Dryer
• Deodorant
• Lotions/Creams
• Cologne
• Lip balm
• Shaving Cream, Razor & extra razor blades (or electric razor)
• Towel/Washcloth
• Earplugs
• Plastic bags (if carry on, remember FAA limits on liquids & cremes)

Major Clothing

• Dress clothes: dresses, suits, shirts, slacks, socks, ties/scarves,
• Dress suit/sport coat
• Dress shoes
• Casual clothes:
• Casual shoes
• Belt(s)
• Under wear: undergarments including t-shirts & under wear & bras etc.
• PJ’s
• Overcoat / rain coat / top coat
• Umbrella
• Sweater
• Jeans
• Winter dress gloves & scarf & hat
• Hat
• Exercise clothes (swimsuit, goggles, running clothes & shoes, gym workout clothes & shoes)

Sports related

• golf
• bicycling
• tennis/squash/badminton
• horse riding
• climbing
• canoo-ing
• etc.

Study/Work Related

• Books / magazines / bible
• Work / school files & projects
• Homework
• Day-planner / PDA
• Paper / notebook
• Pens / pencils
• Index cards
• Calculator
• Briefcase / backpack

We know that his list will never be complete but let know what we’ve missed that you always take on your holiday…as always leave a comment.