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Investment: Is your holiday home a no-fly wonder? - Ross Elder, HolidayLettings.co.uk

Is your holiday home a no-fly wonder?

While the ash cloud was bad news for the airlines and general consumer flight confidence, there are some people who have been reaping the benefits of this turn of events. Perhaps unsurprisingly, holiday home owners with properties easily accessible from the UK by car, ferry and train have seen booking enquiries increase as holidaymakers abandoned the skies in the immediate aftermath and opted for alternative modes of transport for their summer plans.

“No-fly” is the latest travel buzz term and demand for holiday homes that fit the bill shows no sign of abating. Now is a perfect opportunity for holiday home advertisers to capitalise on how well connected their home is transport wise, and to position it not just as a great European holiday home, but as an accessible no-fly destination.

The enormity of this opportunity should lead holiday homeowners to shout loudly about them being a no-fly holiday option. This can be stated clearly and early in their marketing, by saying that the property has accessible travel links, such as railway stations, ports and motorways, (and that it is, most importantly, easily accessible from the UK and the rest of Europe.) Including driving routes, links to ferry companies and, where relevant, Rail Europe lets potential guests know straight away that your property has no-fly appeal.

Other ways to highlight the flight free aspect of a stay at your holiday home are to view it from the perspective of your potential guests and think about what the flight free holidaymaker needs. Does your home have secure parking? If so, how many cars can the area hold? If you know that your guests are travelling by car why not recommend some pit-stops for them to visit en route, such as tourist attractions, local hidden gems and eateries. If possible, also promote the benefits of rail and ferry travel and include taxi/bus links and car rental firms, so that potential guests know from the outset how easy it will be for them to reach your home from the port or railway station.

Of course, another selling point for your marketing is the surrounding area itself. Some mainland European destinations such as the Alps have a stunning scenic backdrop all year round, and while flying may be preferential during ski season, the Alps are even more accessible by car during spring and summer. Mention this and help spread the wonderful truth that the Alps are not just about snow. In fact during the summer months there are numerous alpine activities including bungee jumping, zip-wiring, rock climbing and mountain biking. Not forgetting wonderful walks in a magnificent setting. Combine this with fabulous mountain chalet accommodation and you’ve got a perfect recipe for a great summer holiday.

In short, the key is in the promotion of the no-fly aspect of the holiday available at your home. Potential guests have to be aware that it is not a sacrifice or an additional hassle to take such a holiday, but a real bonus.

Ross Elder

A buy-to-let investor and holiday home owner, Ross is passionate about doing holiday home letting effectively and efficiently with oodles of customer care. He is a keynote speaker on successfully marketing and managing holiday home lettings and instils much of his drive into the team at Holiday Lettings. Founded by Ross and his business partner Andy Firth in 1999, the company is now the busiest holiday home website in the UK

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