Branson is a small city in Missouri which is sometimes known as the "family friendly Las Vegas" because of its reputation for both shows and neon lights. Alongside the showbiz glamour, however, it is also an area of great beauty, with three lakes nearby including Lake Taneycomo. With this contrast between vibrant nightlife and relaxing natural surroundings, Branson is the perfect place for a family holiday - and with a wide range of rental homes, including apartment rentals, condos and cabins, a low cost break in Branson can be surprisingly luxurious.

Whether you have come for entertainment or relaxation, there are lots of things for all the family to do in Branson. With over 50 theatres in the town featuring everything from singers to plays to acrobatic performances, there is a huge amount of live entertainment. You can also learn a little history by visiting the Titanic Museum, a huge permanent exhibition moored in water to give the feeling of being on board a ship. The kids will also enjoy Silver Dollar City, a theme park recreation of a frontier town complete with rides and arts and crafts shops. There's always the fun of Riding the Ducks as well - a tour of the town and then into the lake in a World War 2 amphibious vehicle converted for tourist use. For keen golfers, there are several great courses in the area as well, particularly at the Big Cedar resort near Table Rock Lake.

With a wide variety of cabins, condos and apartment rentals, there are some great money saving deals on rental homes in and around Branson, and it's possible to find self-catered accommodation from as little as £350 a week for a property large enough to sleep a family of four or more. Not only should this work out cheaper than the cost of booking hotel rooms, but many of the cabins can be found in woodland, on the shores of the lakes and smaller ponds, and sometimes right on the area's golf courses, giving you much a great relaxing environment and a wonderful view. Condo rentals in Branson are also great for kids - they can make use of the extra space to run around and let off steam without you having to worry about disturbing any neighbours!