Once you've drawn up a list, simply E Mail, ring or fax the contact number given in each advertisement. in most cases you will get straight through to the owner who can answer all your questions about the property and the area it's in, and will probably be able to send you a brochure or fact sheet, say what dates are available and confirm prices.

Don't make a firm booking until you're sure the travel arrangements will work out. If you're planning to drive down, that shouldn't be a problem - ferry and Channel places are usually plentiful. But if you're flying, you need to be certain there will be a flight and seats available on the dates you want, so ask the owner to hold the property for you for 24 hours. And don't just book by E Mail - confirm it all in a letter or a fax

It's obviously a good idea to be careful about sending off payment to someone you haven't met. In practice there are seldom any problems -  people who own properties abroad and let them out want a collection of happy customers who will keep coming back. But before you send any money, ask for written confirmation of the dates, agreed prices and any extras (like pool heating, cot hire or extra cleaning) that will have to be paid for locally or in advance. This will form the basis of your contract with the owner, and will be an essential document if there should subsequently be any dispute. Often property owners will have a collection of satisfied customers - ask the owner if it is OK to contact one or two of them by phone to get an independent view of the owner and the property.

You will usually be asked for a deposit and to pay the balance before arrival. This is normally just a matter of sending off an ordinary  cheque.  If you do have to pay in foreign currency, your bank can issue a cheque in pesetas, dollars, pounds or whatever, but will usually make a charge for this facility. Paying by credit card will also give you extra protection.

And remember that once you have accepted offered accommodation - verbally or in writing - you have entered into a legally binding contract. If you have to cancel, the onus is on you to let the owner know as soon as possible, to give them the opportunity to re- let. In the event of cancellation the deposit is usually forfeit, anyway, but if the premises are re-let, you should not be required to pay the full value.

We hope that no complaint arises from any booking made for a property listed on this site. However, we do appreciate that problems will crop up occasionally. In all such cases we recommend a swift complaint, made directly to the owner - preferably on the day when you first encounter the problem. Speed is of the essence, because the longer the delay in complaint, the harder it is to deal with. And don't be afraid of complaining to the owner in person, for it's in the owner's interests to solve the problem straightaway. But if you do not complain to the owner in this way, you cannot expect direct action. If you have cause for complaint regarding premises graded by a tourist board, then you should also complain in writing to the tourist board's Quality Assurance Unit in the region concerned.