Finding a holiday villa abroad needn't be expensive - by considering France, exploring new areas or taking holidays at different times of year you can still find a bargain.

Tip 1: Consider a different destination:

If you’re looking for an affordable holiday villa but simply can’t afford a destination like Spain or Italy, then perhaps you should think about visiting France instead.

As an affordable holiday destination France is much cheaper than Spain or Italy to get to, with lots of budget travel options including cheap flights, discount ferries, Eurostar and the Channel Tunnel. France is literally on England’s doorstep so not only is it a cheap travel option, it’s easy to get to. Once you’re in France the network of reliable train routes will take you where you need to go quickly and affordably, or if you’ve got your car you can easily drive to your location at your leisure.

France is large enough to provide plenty of different themes and settings for your holiday, whether you want to chill out by the pool, enjoy family fun on the beach, or explore historic and cultural sights. Plus there’s a huge range of affordable self catering accommodation available in France, including villas with pools, country cottages, and beachside gites.

Regions in the south and south west of France can reach temperatures that we associate with its Italian and Spanish neighbours, and as it is packed with gorgeous villas nestling in acres of beautiful countryside, it’s definitely a cheaper option that won’t inconvenience you.

Tip 2: Consider a holiday during a less popular season:

If you’re looking for a French villa holiday on a budget, one way to get the most from your money is to look outside the school holiday dates when villa rental rates are generally lower. If your travel plans aren't dictated by the school holidays, then look to take your summer holiday at the end of June or beginning of July, or in the second to last week in September, when temperatures are slightly cooler but still warm enough to take advantage of the pool.

Why not book your French villa holiday in the late spring? Whilst the climate may not be hot enough to enjoy a dip in the pool at this time of year, BBQ's and Al Fresco meals can still be comfortably enjoyed on the terrace.

Not only will the pool and the beach be less packed, you’ll find it much easier to book time off work if you don’t have to compete for the date with your colleagues!

Tip 3: Do your research before you go:

While a French villa holiday is often associated with the south of France, there are also plenty of beautiful villas to rent in North, West and central France, where rental prices are usually lower. These areas of France also welcome the sun out of season and record high temperatures in the summertime. By doing a bit of research before your trip you can find a low cost villa that is just as good as a villa in a more obvious destination, yet is quieter and cheaper! What’s not to like about that?

And remember, just before you book, check for any holiday rental special offers from villa owners. There are always great deals available with discounts and promotions for early booking, late availability and off peak bookings.

If you can leave your choice of villa until just before you travel, you can pick up a great deal amongst late availability holiday villas. There are always rentals available at the last minute due to cancellations or new villas being made available. If you know beforehand which areas you’d like to go to, then it takes the risk out of making the most of the last minute deal.