This is the time of year when people start thinking about their summer holidays. Some have already booked a holiday, either abroad or in the UK, but for those of you who haven't, here's a few things to consider.

Location, location, location! Deciding where you want to spend your summer holiday is a big factor, although not a necessity if you're not fussy. Some holidaymakers simply trot down to the airport and see if they can take advantage of last-minute cancellations, no matter what the destination.

But for the more discerning tourist, the decision to go for sun, snow or sailing is an important one.

The type of accommodation you would prefer can have a bearing on your choice. It may be the height of luxury to go full-board, but you are somewhat restricted to set meals on such a package. More people are opting for self-catering, which usually take the form of guest apartments or holiday homes.

Guest apartments resemble a regular flat, but they tend to be located in a complex with several others. They usually have a full kitchen, living room, bathroom and a varying number of bedrooms. There is almost always a communal pool, and depending on the location, a private balcony.

Holiday homes are bigger, more like small houses. In the UK, holiday cottages are a popular choice with families as they tend to include a garden and more privacy than an apartment. Abroad, they can give tourists a real idea of what life is like in a foreign country, and are often rented by Britons thinking of moving abroad.

With both of the above options, you prepare all your meals yourself, just like you would at home. It gives the renters a perfect chance to sample the local cuisine if abroad, and there's the choice of restaurants if you don't want to cook every night.

Half board is another popular choice. This gives you one or two meals a day at your hotel, usually breakfast and/or evening meal, and you make your own arrangements for lunch. It's worth considering if you have a young family, as it means you only have one meal to sort out for them.

Whichever type of holiday accommodation you decide to go for, keep an open mind and shop around. Sometimes privately owned holiday cottages can be cheaper than apartments contained within a complex.

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