When the credit crunch bites it doesnt have to take a big chunk out of your holiday budget.

Holidays at home don’t have to cost the earth and have so much more to offer than foreign package deals according to a Welsh holiday cottage letting agency.

Snowdonia Tourist Services, based in Porthmadog, at the heart of the Snowdonia mountain region of North Wales, has a huge range of reasonably priced holiday cottages to suit all tastes and styles.

From remote, romantic, historic North Wales cottages in peaceful mountain top locations to fabulous beach fronted get-aways, Snowdonia has it all.

Mum of two and Snowdonia Tourist Services director, Gwen Thomas, said: “We understand that for many families and couples one of the first things to go in a recession is the annual holiday but it really doesn’t need to cost a lot.”

“Our self-catering properties offer a great way to keep holiday expenses down and Wales offers all sorts of inexpensive activities for families and couples looking to take a relaxing break in a beautiful place whilst keeping an eye on finances.”

The Snowdonia area of Wales has an awesome coastline with dramatic seascapes, hundreds of miles of sandy beaches with rare marine life. The region abounds with historic homes and fine castles, magnificent mountain vistas, wildlife, flora and fauna as well as its unique heritage, language and culture to absorb.

“Family picnics on the beach, meditating in the mountains, strolling in the beautiful countryside looking at the birds, bicycle rides, whale and dolphin watching, there is so much to see and do and it really don’t have to cost anything at all,” said Gwen.

But if you do want to splash out Wales has everything for the more adventurous from sea kayaking to rock climbing to more sedate activities like steam train rides to fine dining, theatre and entertainments to offer.

“Wales is right on the doorstep and there is no stress looking for your passport or airport delays to worry about. It’s all waiting here, all year round,” said Gwen.

She added: “We offer great value for money and once people have discovered the joys of renting one of our quality, vetted Snowdonia cottages or apartments they come back year on year.”