Whisk the kids away for a week in Nordic style Toad Lodge near the historic market town of Ledbury in beautiful Herefordshire. £495/week until 14 November, sleeping six.

We've all bought a silly souvenir for family or friends at some point and probably even received the odd gift that we've felt obliged to give pride of place on the mantelpiece. But here is the finest of the kitsch souvenirs from self-catering holidaymakers around the world.

This week's pick of the best deals from Tony Dawe includes Cottage at Loch Tay in Perthshire. Available next week, sleeping six for £395, this is the perfect rural spot for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts or those simply seeking peace and relaxation.

Marc da Silva talks to us about Caribbean holiday homes. Barbados is hugely popular with investors and holidaymakers, especially Bottom Bay.

Ross Elder writes about the whirlwind growth of the holiday home rental marketplace; spurred on by holidaymakers seeking space and value from their holidays and home owners realising the intrinsic value sitting in their otherwise empty second homes.

Jo Fernandez selects the best of the last minute escapes for half term. The week at Casa Sophia in La Sella, near Denia in southern Spain will set you back just £150 for four (saving £125).

We all have our gripes, but what you do hate most about hotels? the biggest moans from our survey range from mini bar prices to chintzy decor.