Revealed! How to save money on a holiday villa rental

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Clik here to view. Revealed! How to save on a holiday rental Rex

Having a holiday villa all to yourself with your own swimming pool, outdoor barbecue and spectacular views might be idyllic, but can be quite costly.

That's why holiday rentals specialist Owners Direct has revealed a few ways to reduce the costs without compromising on quality or fun on your next holiday.

The website asked its travellers and home owners to give their insider money-saving tips to help others save those all-important pounds or euros.

"Take the mother-in-law on holiday with you to save on expensive childcare costs and babysitters," advises one traveller.

Gillian Chappell, who owns a holiday home in Spain, said: "Shopping for fruit and veg in local markets is fun and cheap too. A good holiday home owner will provide a list of local market days in the property. It's also a good opportunity to practice your Spanish and sometimes you can get even better bargains just by speaking the lingo!"

Another holiday home owner, Caroline Ward, who has a villa in Portugal said: "Always buy toiletries and sun lotions before you go as these things are double the price in most EU countries."

More top tips from travellers and holiday owners include:

- "Plan ahead as far as you can when booking car parking, car hire, flights/ferry transfer and of course accommodation as you can save hundreds, I do." (Dave, traveller)

- "Don't skimp on accommodation but then eat at home and drink local wine to save money." (Karen Pugh, holiday home owner Portugal)

- "Don't waste money on expensive guide books, instead use websites, local tourist offices and tap into the local knowledge of holiday home owners" (Kate, traveller)

- "Live like a local and shop where they shop and also don't use taxis, take the bus and train instead." (Tanya, traveller)

- "I always book flights when they are at their cheapest even though I don't yet have accommodation. Then nearer the time I book the villa or apartment as sometimes there are great special offers. (Diane, traveller)

Angela Southall, Marketing Manager of Owners Direct said: "Booking accommodation direct with the owner on a site means you are likely to have made a saving compared with the cost of a hotel.

"To make your budget stretch further try renting a property that isn't on the beach as these come at a premium price, don't travel in school holidays unless you have to, go away with family and friends and split the bills and keep an eye on last minute offers from our owners. These might seem obvious but they do mean big savings and more cash for holiday treats such as ice creams and cocktails."

Gorgeous villas with views

Magnolia House, Lucici, Montenegro
 This beautiful stone house in Lucici, Montenegro boasts a swimming pool, wellness centre, café and, most importantly, stunning views of the sea and mountains. On the middle floor, the glass doors open out onto a private terrace with spectacular sea views, making it perfect for al-fresco dining. The village of Lucici is located four kilometres from the sea and set in the gently sloping foothills of Mount Orien. The village offers a view like no other and the hills tumble down into the entrance of the Bay of Kotor. Seven nights at <a href="http://www.montenegroholidays.com/group/s_details.aspx?gid=2&cid=85&uid=742" target="_blank">Magnolia House</a> costs £548 per person in June, based on six people sharing, including flights from London Gatwick, car hire and a Montenegrin dinner, worth £200.
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Little Polgarron, Cornwall, UK
 Swanky new beach house <a href="http://www.simonescapes.com/our-portfolio/little-polgarron/" target="_blank">Little Polgarron</a> in Cornwall is just a ten-minute drive from Padstow and sleeps up to ten guests in five stylish en-suite bedrooms, complete with private balconies for you to enjoy the marvellous sea views. Reflecting a Hamptons feel, Little Polgarron oozes a coastal hip vibe and is simple yet luxurious, with designer furnishings and locally and organically sourced art and sculptures. Guests have access to the concierge service which offers foraging experiences with Rick Steins’ Seafood Restaurant, yoga and surfing lessons. From £6,615 for one week for 10 people sharing.
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Villa Vita Prima, Budva Riviera, Montenegro
 For stunning views of the Budva Riviera, look no further than stunning stone house <a href="http://www.montenegroholidays.com/group/s_details.aspx?gid=2&cid=85&uid=807&pid=678&cul=en-GB&curid=1&bk=http%3a%2f%2fwww.montenegroholidays.com%2fgroup%2falls.aspx%3fgid%3d2%26pid%3d0%26cid%3d85%26aid%3d1096%23807" target="_blank">Villa Vita Prima</a> in Montenegro. This villa comes complete with a pool, gym and tennis court. It's set in an elevated position on the hillside above the gorgeous coast and the most amazing views can be found from the wonderful infinity-edged pool. Inside, the large open-plan living and dining room connect with the main terrace in front of the villa providing unrivalled views over the Budva Riviera. Seven nights for £448 per person in September, based on six people sharing, including flights from London Gatwick and car hire.
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Villa Egerton, Cote d'Azur, France
 Indulge in all-out luxury on the French Riviera at the original Belle Epoque <a href="http://www.villaegerton.com/" target="_blank">Villa Egerton</a>. The breathtaking property is available from May 2013 after a six-year, multi-million renovation, and offers unparalleled views of the Bay of Monaco from its private tropical garden setting. The views from across the gardens, down to the pool and over the sea are simply sensational and you can enjoy a glass of champagne from the hot tub with panoramic views over Monaco. There are seven bedrooms, three lounges, two kitchens and a grand dining hall. From €45,000 per week.
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Villa Thea Beach House, Kefalonia, Greece
 This gorgeous villa is conveniently perched at the end of the enchanting Lourdas Beach in Kefalonia and affords fantastic coast and sea views while shaded by old olive trees. Outside <a href="http://www.villaselect.com/Greece/Kefalonia/Lourdas/Villa-Thea-Beach-House.html" target="_blank">Villa Thea Beach House</a>, you'll find a swimming pool at the side of the property for privacy and landscaped terraces with a brick-built barbecue for eating and relaxing in the sun. Should you want to experience Greek cuisine, quaint tavernas and restaurants are just a short stroll away and boats are available to rent for you to explore the private coves and beaches of the stunning coastline. A two-week rental from 5 May for up to six people costs £1,194 (was £1990).
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Villa Mangiacane, Tuscany, Italy
 Built for the Machiavelli family from designs by Michelangelo in the 15th century, <a href="http://mangiacane.com/" target="_blank">Villa Mangiacane</a> is set in 600 acres of vineyards and olive groves in the Tuscan countryside, just seven miles from Florence. It has 28 uniquely designed rooms and suites across two buildings, which can be booked separately or hired out as full house rentals. Besides grand salons, wine cellars, terraces and a swimming pool, Villa Mangiacane offers spectacular Renaissance views from every window. From €240 per room per night, including buffet breakfast.
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Kalithea, Lefkada, Greece
 At <a href="http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/greece/lefkada/geni-peninsula/accommodation/pages/kalithea.aspx" target="_blank">Kalithea</a>, the effortless style of the contemporary villa is complemented by its exquisite natural surroundings. The views from the villa are pretty sublime, taking in the sea and the outlying island of Skorpios (owned by the infamous Onassis family), plus the other islands rising from the water like a group of turtles basking in the sun and the mainland clearly visible behind. From the side of the villa, the view is over the tops of the cypress trees over the water with the lively sailing centre of Nidri visible in the distance. To ensure you're making the most of the gorgeous views, there is a telescope too. From £2975 to £6585, sleeping up to 10 and including car hire.
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Villa Mirsini, Kefalonia, Greece
 <a href="http://www.villaselect.com/Greece/Kefalonia/Old-Skala/Villa-Mirsini.html" target="_blank">Villa Mirsini</a> is set in a fabulous location above the resort of Skala in Kefalonia and offers superb views of the shimmering Ionian Sea in the distance. The panoramic views can be taken in from all angles of the delightful villa, with olive trees, forest and the mountainside. Villa Mirsini was built in an L-shape and is an imposing holiday home among the natural beauty of Kefalonia. The villa sleeps up to eight people and costs from £859 for one week, based on a 12 May departure, with a saving of £286.
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Villa Blanca, Puglia, Italy
 This stylish summer house affords breathtaking views of the southernmost tip of Puglia and offers fantastic outdoor spaces - a terrace, infinity pool - all with mesmerising sea views. It sleeps 10 in five en-suite bedrooms and if the marvellous setting wasn't enough, <a href="http://www.thinkpuglia.com/ThinkPuglia-VillaBlanca.aspx" target="_blank">Villa Blanca</a> has glorious sandy beaches, excellent fish restaurants and the exclusive seaside resort Santa Maria di Leuca nearby. From €9,620 per week, including daily cleaning.
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Ses Caletes, Ibiza, Spain
 If you're a lover of stunning views, <a href="http://www.spain-holiday.com/2811" target="_blank">Ses Caletes</a> in Ibiza is the villa for you. Perched 50 metres above the Mediterranean, the villa in the north of the island boasts unsurpassed views of the sea from its secluded mountain-side location. It has a 10-metre pool, a panoramic terrace and access to a private cove, which is ideal for swimming and snorkelling. If you do decide to venture out, Ses Caletes is close to the classiest restaurants in Ibiza. Prices in June 2013 start from £1,487 per week for the whole villa or £186 per person (eight sharing).
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Villa Georgia, Istria, Croatia
 Just a 15-minute drive from the famous seaside resort of Porec in Istria, with its shops, bars, restaurants, beaches and the UNESCO-listed Basilica of Euphrasius, lies <a href="http://www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/croatia" target="_blank">Villa Georgia</a> in the tiny village of Vizinada. The villa is set above a deep valley with one of the best views of the hilltop village of Motovun. Stylish and modern, it has some traditional touches too. Within a few kilometres, you'll find a number of agritourism restaurants serving local food produced by sustainable methods. A week's stay departing 4 May costs £327 per person based on eight people sharing and includes flights from Gatwick to Pula with Thomson and two hire cars.
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Borgo San Biagio, Umbria, Italy
 From views over patchwork fields splashed with red poppies in spring to the golden wheat fields in summer with the Apennine mountains visible in the distance, <a href="http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/italy/umbria/umbria--tuscany-borders/accommodation/pages/borgo-san-biagio.aspx" target="_blank">Borgo San Biagio</a> is a delight whatever the season. Views from all points are spectacular, but you might want to enjoy them from the battlemented roof terrace of Renato’s Tower where there is a private hot tub! Don't miss the views at dusk when you can watch the changing light over the Umbrian landscape. From £2495 to £5665 for up to 10 people. The villa sleeps up to 20.
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Luxury Lakeside Villas at Lower Mill Estate, Cotswolds, UK
 Less than two hours' drive from central London and set in on one of Europe's most significant nature reserves, Lower Mill Estate has a private, gated development of holiday homes in the Cotswolds. Ideal for a long weekend in the country, you can rent a <a href="http://www.lmeluxuryholidays.com/" target="_blank">Luxury Lakeside Villa </a>and enjoy views across one of the eight lakes and two rivers among 550 acres of prime British countryside. Bet you didn't think you could find a place like this so close to the capital! A three-night stay in a two-bedroom property sleeping a family of four costs from £469.
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You-Phoria Villas, Crete, Greece
 This new set of six villas in Crete lies in the bay of Kissamos in the village of Kastelli. While the villas don't fit the rustic image of Crete, they come with a contemporary and environmental edge. Each enjoys hillside positions, commanding stunning views of the Gramvousa peninsular and the emphasis at <a href="http://www.youphoriavillascrete.com/" target="_blank">You-Phoria Villas</a> is on outdoor entertaining and dining. All villas have a private swimming pool with views and nearby you'll find unspoilt beaches, charming shops and quaint tavernas. From £1,690 a week for a two-bedroom villa in March and up to £3,019 in July and August.
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Il Poggio, Sicily, Italy
 Overlooking the hills around Palermo, <a href="http://www.solosicily.com/villas-in-sicily/sc175_il-poggio.aspx" target="_blank">Il Poggio</a> manages to deliver a rural, city and beach experience all in one go. The villa overlooks Palermo’s Conca d’Oro, a series of rolling hills swathed in citrus groves, and despite its rural setting, Palermo city centre, Mondello beach and the airport are all within an hour's drive of the pretty villa. Horse lovers can enjoy early morning rides straight from the gates of Il Poggio, while those wanting to relax can take in the amazing vistas from the pool. One week at Il Poggio starts at £3,360 for eight people.
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Villa S, Drasnice, Croatia
 Situated right on the Drasnice beachfront, <a href="http://www.explorecroatiaholidays.com/group/s_details.aspx?gid=2&cid=85&pid=994&uid=1334&cul=en-GB&bk=%2fgroup%2fs_results.aspx%3fgid%3d2%26cid%3d-1%231334" target="_blank">Villa S</a> is a fabulous place to enjoy the best of Dalmatia and is just a short walk from the small town centre. The spacious villa has five bedrooms and six bathrooms, and spreads across three floors with tiered balconies overlooking the beach and Adriatic Sea. Outside, you can take in the stunning view from the private swimming pool or rooftop terrace. A seven-night stay costs from £610 per person in May, based on 10 people sharing and including flights from London Gatwick.
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La Font, Mallorca, Spain
 For a blissful break in Spain, book a stay at <a href="http://www.scottdunn.com/luxury-holidays/europe/southern-europe/spain/mallorca/la-font" target="_blank">La Font</a>, a modern and contemporary villa situated in an elevated position on the hills behind Pollenca in Mallorca. The villa, which sleeps six, boasts impressive views of the countryside and the bays of Pollenca, and the style and layout of the villa is open-plan, light and airy. Enjoy the wonderful views across the sparkling bay while relaxing in and around the pool. From £1,020 per person based on full occupancy and on a full-board basis, including nanny, chef and host.
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Rocca delle Tre Contrade, Sicily, Italy
 With 360-degree views of Mt Etna, the sea and the surrounding olive and lemon groves, <a href="http://www.thinksicily.com/Rocca-delle-Tre-Contrade.aspx" target="_blank">Rocca delle Tre Contrade</a> offers some of the most quintessentially Sicilian views around. Its prime location close to Catania airport, beaches and the popular town of Taormina mean you're never travelling too far for a day out and when you are in the villa, you can enjoy stunning, contemporary spaces - a professionally-equipped kitchen, airy reception rooms and 11 supremely panoramic bedrooms that have bathtubs with views! The villa costs from €12,440 per week for 12 people, including a maid, a cook, a caretaker and waiter.
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Villa Aquamarine, Pomos, Cyprus
 Like a sparkling jewel, this villa is set majestically in a unique position on the outskirts of Pomos, in the Akamas Peninsula of West Cyprus. Unusual and modern in style, the three-bedroom villa was designed with luxury and comfort in mind and captures the light and spectacular sea. From the parking area, steps lead down to the magnificent balcony which encircles the entire villa, providing captivating views of the cool blue Mediterranean waters. Inside, you'll find a spacious open-plan living area, an indoor Jacuzzi and sauna. Sleeping up to six, <a href="http://www.akamas-villas.com/villas-to-rent-in-cyprus/villa-aquamarine.html-0" target="_blank">Villa Aquamarine</a> costs from £1,950 per week in 2013, with all booking deposits held in a UK bank.
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La Riva, Amalfi Coast, Italy
 Not only does this pretty villa boast an unrivalled seafront location with private sea access, <a href="http://www.expertoitaly.com/Villas-in-Sorrento-and-the-Amalfi-Coast/La-Riva-Amalfi.html" target="_blank">La Riva</a>, located between Amalfi and Ravello, has the most breathtaking views to match. Here you can wake up each morning in a room with a view of the glamorous Amalfi coast without spending a fortune. La Riva has a large shaded terrace with incredible sea views too and steps leading directly from the property to a private bathing platform that is shared with three other properties. Surrounded by lemon-scented gardens and terraces, it is situated just outside the charming fishing village of Atrani. A week at La Riva starts at £1,000 for two people.
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Villa Casa Franz, Menorca, Spain
 Set on a quiet road which skirts the bay in Cala'n Porter, Menorca, <a href="http://www.villaselect.com/Spain/Menorca/Cala-En-Porter/Villa-Casa-Franz.html" target="_blank">Villa Casa Franz</a> boasts truly jaw-dropping sea views from its terraces. It is difficult not to be enchanted by the huge expanse of sparkling water seen from the property. The real focal point of the villa is the nine-metre pool, which, of course, is perfectly located at the front and surrounded by well-furnished terraces so you catch the sun and be treated to amazing views all day! One week from £735 (October) or £1,495 (June) for up to six people.
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Villa Charno, Ayia Marina, Cyprus
 Set in landscaped grounds that provide seclusion and privacy, <a href="http://www.akamas-villas.com/villas-to-rent-in-cyprus/villa-charno.html-0" target="_blank">Villa Charno</a> is a five-bedroom home on the outskirts of pretty coastal village Ayia Marina in the Akamas Peninsula of West Cyprus. The villa boasts magnificent views of Chrysochou Bay and the natural hillside inland. Outside, there is a double infinity edge pool with an adjoining Jacuzzi and paved areas providing ample opportunities for sunbathing or sitting under the shaded pergola. The grounds have a citrus orchard and there is a barbecue area so you can enjoy dining outdoors with views too! Sleeping up to 10, Villa Charno costs from £1,800 per week, with all booking deposits held in a UK bank.
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