Which holiday type will suit you this summer?

Self-catering

Nearly one in three Brits will take a self-catering holiday in 2012. Whether this is in an apartment, aparthotel or a villa, the reason for its success is the flexibility it offers all types of travellers.

Having access to a fridge, ability to cook and the equipment to do it with as part of your holiday cost allows you to cater at rock bottom costs in comparison to hotels, yet still have the option to eat out when you want.

Options such as holiday villas and apartments are superb for families as you can stock up on drinks and snacks that so often eat into the holiday budget, you can cater for fussy eaters and it makes looking after tiny tots that much easier.

Holiday parks

With up to a third of holidays likely to be taken in the UK this year, you can be sure that a fair number of those will be taken in holiday parks. From the sophisticated forest cabins of Center Parcs through to the simplicity and cost effectiveness of old favourite Pontins there is a style to suit all pockets and tastes.

Many adults remember their first holidays spent at Butlins or other such camps, however today’s offerings are much more 21stCentury with up-to-date entertainment, games zones, activity centres and sports including amazing pools with chutes and slides.

Ideal for families and good for both short breaks of three or four nights as well as a week away.

Cruises

We are having a love affair with cruising with over 11 per cent of the total package market now being made up of holidays at sea.

More and more ships have been berthed in the UK, meaning you don’t even have to fly off on your holiday. You can drive up and sail away, avoiding the hassle of airports and baggage limits.

Cruising is a cost-effective break, with all food and entertainment included in the price as well as soft drinks, tea and coffee.

Generally you only pay extra for alcohol and this is at duty free prices, so cruising really can be an affordable way to holiday and you get to see lots of places without having to pack and unpack.

Camping and caravans

If there is one thing Brits love it's getting out in the big outdoors and pitching a tent. Or maybe hooking up the trusty ‘home from home’ caravan and motoring out to the seaside or countryside for a restful commune with the outdoors.

And picking a great camp site is key to the success. Kids in particular love this type of break as it is one big adventure from start to finish and they often get the chance to play with lots of other children at your chosen destination.

It is a really sociable way to travel as you meet loads of like-minded folk and is very cost-effective as it combines many of the benefits of self-catering with flexibility. Why not combine with a festival and make a real experience of it?