Window to holiday cottage secret savers

Staycation costs can mount up but AMY JONES speaks to an expert who knows how to get a deal

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HOLIDAY cottages can make for a dream break, offering home comforts, privacy, space and flexibility.

And families can save thousands on a staycation if they follow three nifty hacks. There are thousands of holiday cottages available to book in the UK, whether you're looking for a coastal escape, a getaway in the countryside or a city escape.

They can be more affordable than a hotel but can still be pricey, particularly during the school holidays.

In a bid to help holidaymakers save extra, the founder of Beach Stays (beachstays.co.uk), Mark Hutchins, has shared some insider tips on how to really cut the cost of a UK holiday cottage.

And it all comes down to where you search, when you book and when you stay.

"Most people book a beach cottage the same way they always have," Mark said.

"They jump on a big platform, pick a week in August, and pay whatever it says.

"That's the most expensive way to do it, and it really doesn't have to be that way."

1. FLEXIBILITY

Owners of holiday cottages often quietly discount their properties around six to eight weeks before the stay date, as they would rather earn some income than lose out completely.

He noted that prices during this time, which he refers to as the "flexibility window", can be reduced by 20-30 per cent, compared with the same property booked months in advance.