Self-catering units are great when travelling because they give you an opportunity to spread out so that everyone can have more space, and they are more economical because you can fix your own meals.  As you are probably aware, some locations are not necessarily the best locations for renting a self-catering unit. To help you out, here you’ll find the ten best self-catering locations in the world that will fit any budget and taste.

A good self-catering location or not?

At Cyfie Farms in Wales visitors will have breathtaking views of the countryside.  Here there are two luxury self-catering cottages available.  The units were originally built in the 17th century and today still have some of the original architecture such as the oak beams.  Each cottage will sleep four people and comes with a fully equipped kitchen with split level cookers and hob.  Cyfie Farms offers a new spa facility, walks, and award winning gardens.  Additionally, there are waterfalls and Lake Vyrnwy is nearby.  At Lake Vyrnwy visitors will enjoy the sculpture park.  Other recreational activities such as golf are also located nearby.

Fantastic views in Wales…

Also located in Wales is Trenewydd Farms which offers six self-catering cottages that sleep 2-9 people.  Guests will have access to a large, heated swimming pool as well as a children’s play area.  Children will greatly enjoy the pets at the farm, which include two ponies, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, and lambs in the springtime.  Within a close distance to the farm are five castles including Castle Carew at Tidal Mill, Manorbier Castle and Beach, Picton Castle, Cilgerran Castle, and Cardiff Castle.  There are also a number of companies that offer boat trips.  On these trips visitors can see the many dolphins and other sealife that make their home on the coastline of West Wales.

Dolphins in Wales? Yep!

Those who like the hustle and bustle of a large city and who enjoy being active will enjoy the self-catering locations in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Edinburgh, the capital city, lies next to the North Sea so in addition to the city life, visitors can also enjoy plenty of water activities.  Such activities include boating, yachting, surfing, and scuba diving.  If water isn’t your thing, then maybe you will find the ancient walkways and buildings that line the streets of Edinburgh fascinating.  If you branch out beyond the city limits you’ll find even more historical sites that include castles and battlefields.

Fancy the bustle of Edinburgh?

Far to the south of Edinburgh is the Isle of Wight that is situated off the south coast of England.  It is only a few minutes from the mainland by ferry.  The island is warmer than most spots in the UK and has plentiful sunshine during the summer months.  Once you have arrived on the island you can relax on one of the 13 sandy beaches.  Every beach is a blue flag winner because they have reached and maintained the highest standard as outlined by EnCams.

The Isle of Wight isn’t White

The island is also home to a number of historical landmarks such as Appuldurcombe House - Wroxall and St. Catherine’s Lighthouse.  Visitors can also enjoy the marshland, creeks, wildlife and flora that cover the island.  Self-catering locations in the Isle of Wight range from £30 per night to £525 per night.  The locations range from simple and modest units that come complete with linens and a full kitchen, to private villas that are only minutes from the beach.  Units are located a variety of places including at the beachfront and within the towns.  In short there is a wide array of choices to meet anyone’s tastes or budget.

Located in the Atlantic Ocean, the Canary Islands, which include such cities as Puerto de la Cruz, San Sebastian de la Gomera, and Las Palmas, are the ultimate places for relaxation.  Sometimes referred to as the Happy Islands, the Canary Islands are a blend of a number of cultures including Spanish, Latin American, and African.  Each island has its own special traits and characteristics but Gran Canaria has the largest population while the island of Tenerife is the largest in terms of area.

The island where Canaries come from

While in the Canary Islands, visitors will enjoy the many water activities available including windsurfing, which is best done in Fuerteventura.  Sailing, swimming, and scuba diving are also available.  Golfers will enjoy the challenging courses that are available on the islands as well as the golf schools that offer a number of classes to improve your golf game.  Still, just walking around the islands are taking in the beautiful scenery can be just as relaxing as swimming or golfing. Self-catering units in the Canary Islands usually range from £45 per night to £1,500 per week.  Many of the self-catering units in the Canary Islands are either beachfront or offer a view of the beach.  Amenities at each self-catering location vary but can include swimming pools or saunas.

The opposite of sun, sand, and surf is of course cold, snow and fun, and one of the best cooler places with self-catering locations to visit is Dachstein West in Austria.  Dachstein West is surrounded by mountains and forests as well as being near Lake Gosau.  Guests can of course ski and some of the self-catering locations have ski shuttles that stop at the front door.  In addition to skiing, guests can also enjoy mountain biking and hiking.  Those who do ski can also snowboard and some ski areas have a playground for small children who may not be ready for the slopes just yet.  Self-catering units can vary from £41 per night to £3,000 per week.  Some of the units are modest while others are more luxurious and include features such balconies, gardens, indoor pools, sauna, and barbecues.

Ever thought of visting Austria/Germany? Me neither!

North-Rhine/Westphalia in the western portion of Germany is also an excellent place to take a vacation.  There are numerous self-catering locations here, due in part to the six different lakes that surround the area.  However, be advised that while you can sunbathe and swim, the lakes offer a number of other activities including kite surfing and boating.  You can also take a ride on the “White Fleet”, passenger boats that sail over the lake giving tours to visitors.  In addition to this, skating, golfing, and even covered-wagon rides are available.  If you step outside of the lake area, you can visit a number of towns that have historical landmarks, caves, and nightlife.  Self-catering units in the area will house between 2 and 10 people.  Prices range from £50 per night to £942 per week.  A good number of the self-catering units are considered to be four-star with excellent amenities to ensure that your time away from home is relaxing.
If you wish to go a little further south, you will find plenty of self-catering locations in Rome.  There’s not much to say about Rome, Italy.  It’s one of the oldest cities in the world and is filled with more history than most people could imagine.  The food is superb and the people are friendly.  The one downside is of course that it will be crowded so you could try to stay just outside of the city in areas such as Frosinone, Latina, and Rieti.  As with most self-catering units, prices vary depending on the size of the unit, location, and amenities.

Beauty in Germany - are you sure?

Across the Atlantic in the United States one of the best self-catering locations is the Kissimmee, Florida area.  Here visitors can rent a self-catering unit anywhere from £425 per week to £2,000 per week.  Of course, amenities will vary from unit to unit but the great thing about Kissimmee is that you are in one central location to do so much.  Just a short drive from your unit is Disneyworld, Nickelodeon Studios, Universal Studios, Sea World, and Busch Gardens.  Kissimmee is also close enough that you can drive to the beach for the day.  If you’re a golfer, then you’ll find a number of excellent courses nearby.

Kissimmee…quick!

Colorado, which is also in the US, is also a great place to rent a self-catering unit.  In Colorado there is plenty to do year-round.  If you go during the winter, the skiing is great, while during the summer outdoor activities such as mountain biking, climbing, hiking, and spending time by the many lakes and rivers is abundant.  Self-catering units in Colorado vary in price like those found in Florida.  Amenities may also vary depending on the unit but can include such things as heated pools, outdoor pools, sauna, and golf/tennis access.

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