Real advantage of booking hotel/apartment is the kids will be kept amused if there is a club for them. And be careful when comparing cost of a package holiday with putting a package together yourself. I have seen many people who thought they could do it very cheaply by booking their own flights and renting an apartment privately but if you do not want the hassle of a car this can result in huge taxi costs. Don´t believe a word of what you read in ads for private apartments/villas - 5mins to the beach usually means a 15 minute drive breaking all speed limits on the way. I would generally only consider this option for someplace I know really well - but if you do decide to go this route, get a villa - in Spain, for example, most of the apartments for private rental are in complexes that are semi-residential - often with elderly permanent residents who can´t stand the presence of kids. Believe me , I live here and moved apartment last year because of the carry-on ( of the residents, not the kids!!!)