Pre-Christmas getaways are the pick of the week here. Brave the freezing surf in Croyde, sleeping 8 for £500/week until December 18. Or cosy up in the warmth at the Loft & Barn near Callow.

Make dreams come true this ski season with a week in Beaumont Chalet in Vallandry overlooking the Isere Valley. The chalet sleeps eight people from £1,052 per week during the ski season.

Ross Elder discusses the importance of 'seasonalising' your holiday home to ensure that it appeals to a broad range of potential guests all year round.

Tony Dawe recommends visiting this two bedroom pad in Hoole, on the outskirts of Chester. Great for a spot of Christmas shopping and a bit of sightseeing.

Nicola Iseard has Christmas parties on her mind and selects some of the best homes in which to hold your own party over the festive period. One of her favourites is Duross Point in County Fermanagh.

Chris Michael compiles a selection of cosy festive boltholes for bringing family and friends together over the celebratory period. His pick of the props includes Ty'n Clawdd Cottage overlooks Barmouth harbour in north Wales; Lakeview Rise Cottage in Highampton overlooking Dartmoor and Mill Cottage in Braunston, Warwickshire.

Celebrate Christmas with friends and family without breaking the bank - rent a holiday home big enough for everyone and here Alison Young provides a few to choose from.

Caroline Shearing picks the best of the deals on the pistes and features Madonna Pinzolo Apartment. Self-catering ski holidays for four from as little as £110/week.

This week Tony Dawe selects a contemporary apartment from a selection of apartments in Edinburgh available via Holiday Lettings. This chic pad on the Broughton Road is available until the end of November for just £350/week, sleeping four.

Made plans yet for the South Africa World Cup? Check out Edward 27 in Hout Bay, Cape Town. Sleeps four and still has availability for the event from £400/week.

Susannah Hickling looks at the potential in the short lets market in London. She talks to Lynne Mendoza who successfully lets homes such as Metropolitan Santuary in Tooting. The demand for London holiday homes has no seasonality and demand far outstrips supply.