There were those who said it would never catch on that self-catering holidays were a cheap and therefore second-rate alternative. Youve only to look at the number of companies offering self-catering breaks and the number of bookings they take each year to see what a daft prognosis that was!

They were, however, right about one thing. Self-catering is amazing value for money. You just have to look at the high-season cost per week of a delightful and well-equipped holiday cottage in an idyllic setting, sleeping six - lets say 400. Then start breaking it down at 7 nights for six people - thats the equivalent of 42 nights bed and breakfast - and try getting anything comparable for less than 20 per person per night. By my reckoning thats 840. I rest my case.

The great thing about self-catering is the freedom that it gives. Anyone who has ever tried to feed a recalcitrant toddler in a hotel dining room under the less-than-benign gaze of dozens of fellow-guests, will appreciate that! There are no set meal-times, no we stop serving breakfast at 930am. Lie in bed until lunch-time if you will, who cares? Choose the right cottage and the children can run wild outside all day. Those seeking a quiet life can sit and read or doze in the sun for ever without disturbance. In many cases you can take your dog, cat or hamster with you happier animal, happier family and no boarding fees.

One of the main charges levelled against self-catering holidays has always been that it isnt a break for Mum or any other regular kitchen-slave. Someone, after all, still has to do the cooking and shopping. But why should that be so onerous? The money youve saved on the accommodation can go towards eating out a few times. Trying new places or finding a new local can be one of the great pleasures of the holiday. And if you decide against that, the range of convenience foods and cook-in sauces now available mean that a decent meal need never take longer than a few minutes. A different place means different shops and different ranges of goods. Treat yourself to things you would never consider buying at home!

And, anyway, why does it have to be Mum who does the cooking? You could work out a rota. Older children in particular can rise to the occasion if told that they are in charge of organising and cooking dinner. If they get really involved it can turn into a superb way of passing a wet afternoon. And who knows? The novelty factor might even attract the adult male who would normally never darken the oven door!

If one of the attractions about a hotel or guest house holiday is that you will meet new people and have interesting company, then a self-catering holiday need be no different. There are many lovely cottages situated on country estates, where fellow guests can easily get acquainted and children find playmates. The bonus is that you will have something more than a bedroom to which to retreat if the company turns out to be not so interesting after all!

If, on the other hand, you crave solitude, then choose a hideaway high in the hills or by a lonely shore, where your only companions will be the sough of the wind, the call of the birds or the lap of the waves upon the beach. Try finding that sort of peace in a hotel!

So next time youre considering a holiday, dont dismiss the self-catering option. It could turn out to be one of the most relaxing holidays and enjoyable holidays that the entire family have ever had!