The ultimate guide to arranging a self-catering holiday

Self-catering holidays offer flexibility and the opportunity to create a personalised travel experience. They usually need a bit more planning than an all-inclusive holiday, but they can work well if you want to organise your own meals, transport and sightseeing. A self-catering holiday lets you shape the trip around your needs, preferences and interests.

A self-catering holiday is when you book accommodation with a kitchen or kitchenette and provide your own meals. You might buy groceries from local shops, cook meals for yourself, eat at nearby restaurants, or enjoy a combination of all three.

If you’re planning your first self-catering holiday, the following six steps will help you organise it.

One of the main benefits of a self-catering holiday is that you can go to almost any destination. 

Whether you want a beach break on the Spanish coast, a city break in Scandinavia or a stay in Bangkok, you are likely to find self-catering accommodation that suits your plans.

When planning your trip, start with the destination and choose the place that works best for your ideal holiday.

Once you have decided where you want to go, the next step is to book your transport. You will usually need your arrival and departure dates before you book accommodation. If you are flying, it can help to compare different dates and times where possible.

This is one of the most important parts of the planning process.

Self-catering accommodation can include:

• apartments
• holiday cottages
• villas
• countryside cabins
• chalets
• caravans or static homes
• serviced apartments
• glamping pods or yurts
• hostels with shared kitchens

When choosing accommodation, think about the level of comfort you want. If you want more space or privacy, you may prefer an apartment, villa, holiday cottage or serviced apartment. If you are looking at lower-cost options, caravans, glamping pods and hostels may be worth considering. 

It’s also worth thinking about how much you want to cook during your holiday. Self-catering does not have to mean preparing every meal yourself unless that is what you want to do.

Some travellers enjoy shopping and cooking for themselves. Others choose self-catering accommodation because they want more flexibility. 

If you plan to cook, check the kitchen setup and check for nearby supermarkets. If you prefer to eat out, you may want to make sure you are within walking distance of restaurants and local sights, or at least well connected by public transit, rideshares, or a hire car.

You should also think about how you will get around during your stay. Is the accommodation close to the places you want to visit and the facilities you are likely to need? If not, is it well connected by public transport? Will you need to hire a car or rely on taxis?

Don't forget to plan your transport between the airport and your accommodation. Check the availability and cost of local buses, trains, or taxis, and see if your accommodation offers airport transfers for an additional fee.

Staying at a large all-inclusive resort means most of your days are already mapped out, but it's still worth planning the big highlights in advance, booking tickets and reserving tables where needed.

Start by anchoring your itinerary around the attractions you most want to see. From there, dig a little deeper to discover local hidden gems worth weaving in. Once your days are taking shape, think about your meals: which evenings suit cooking in your accommodation, and when do you want to head out?

Do your research on the best restaurants and local food hotspots, but don't let planning take over. Keep your schedule flexible enough to stumble upon a perfect picnic spot, or grab lunch from a street food stall serving up something deliciously local.

Packing for a self-catering holiday often takes a bit more thought than packing for an all-inclusive stay.

Check what your accommodation includes before you leave. Not every property provides towels, toiletries, toilet paper or kitchen basics. If these are not included, you can either pack what you need or plan to buy them when you arrive.

You may also want to bring a few useful extras, such as reusable shopping bags and food storage containers. These can help with groceries, leftovers and packed lunches.

Cleaning supplies are another thing to check. Some self-catering stays provide dish soap, sponges and bin bags, while others do not. You may also be expected to leave the accommodation clean and tidy at the end of your stay.

If you are flying, remember to check any restrictions on carrying food and drink.

Checking in to self-catering accommodation is not always as simple as arriving at a reception desk. Many apartments, villas, cabins and cottages do not have one.

In some cases, a property manager will meet you and hand over the keys. In others, you may receive instructions by email or direct message and collect the keys from a lock box.

Before you travel, make sure you know exactly how check-in works. If you have not yet received the details, contact the property owner or manager well in advance using the contact information or messaging tool on your booking site.