Self-catering accommodation

• Check whether the kitchen has the equipment you will genuinely use, including a fridge, freezer, hob, oven or microwave, cookware, dishes and cutlery.
• Confirm what is included in the price and what costs extra, such as final cleaning, bed linen, towels, electricity, heating, a deposit, tourist tax or a pet fee.
• Look at the distance to shops, the opening hours and the route from the parking area or public transport stop.
• Match the number of real beds, bathrooms and living areas to the group, especially when children or several households are travelling together.
• Read the house rules for barbecues, pets, visitors, quiet hours, smoking and waste disposal.

A kitchen can be described as fully equipped even when important details are missing. Ask whether there is an oven, a freezer compartment, a coffee maker, enough worktop space and suitable pans. Families may also need a high chair, child-safe dishes or a washing machine. If anyone has an allergy or a special diet, plan which foods can be bought locally and which supplies should be brought from home.

Check the practical details before arrival: who provides washing-up liquid, dishwasher tablets, bin bags, salt, tea towels and cleaning materials? These small items can make a late arrival much easier. Do not assume that basic food or household supplies are included unless the offer states this clearly.

An apartment can make town centres, shops and restaurants easy to reach. A rented holiday home may provide more space, outdoor areas and privacy, but can also mean longer journeys for shopping or excursions. Holiday parks and resorts often add shared leisure facilities and organised activities; check which services are included and which have separate charges.

For a larger group, compare sleeping areas, bathrooms, kitchen capacity and parking rather than just the advertised number of guests. The guidance on family holidays in a summer house can help when children and different routines need to fit under one roof.

A low nightly price can lose its advantage if every food shop requires a long drive. Check the nearest supermarket, market or bakery, their opening hours and the route back to the accommodation. On an island holiday or at a holiday home by a lake, seasonal services and limited transport can affect the daily routine. Plan the first meal and the first shop around the expected arrival time.

Before travelling, use the travel preparation guidance to check arrival instructions, keys, parking, contact details and any required deposit. Ask how late arrival is handled and whether the accommodation is easy to reach in poor weather or after dark.

When comparing destinations such as Germany, the Danish North Sea, Tuscany or Normandy and Brittany, use the same checklist for each offer. Compare travel time, occupancy, equipment, cleaning, energy, taxes, cancellation conditions and the distance to planned activities.

Self-catering does not mean preparing every meal from scratch. It means having enough choice to set your own rhythm. A suitable kitchen, realistic shopping plan and transparent additional costs make that freedom easier to enjoy.

Is a small kitchenette enough?

It can be enough for breakfast and simple meals. For longer stays or larger groups, check fridge size, worktop space, cooking equipment and storage in advance.

Which extra costs matter most?

Ask about cleaning, energy, heating, bed linen, towels, tourist tax, deposits and pet charges. Request the complete price for your dates where possible.

What should be ready for the first evening?

Plan a simple meal, drinking water and basic breakfast supplies. Confirm key collection, shop opening times and late-arrival arrangements before setting off.