Types of accommodation

From seven-star hotels to farm stays, huts in Honduras to villas in Venice, where you stay on vacation depends largely on your budget.

At the top end are luxury hotels and resorts, the crème de la crème being the Burj Al Arab in Dubai (pictured above), which marketed itself as the world's first seven-star hotel and comes complete with chauffeured Rolls Royces and private helipad.

Also at the upper end are boutique hotels which sprung into existence in the 1980s and have become a popular choice with discerning travellers wanting quirky but still luxurious accommodation.

If you're on a stricter budget and just want somewhere to lay your head, big hotel chains are reliable options where everything is standardized. What they may lack in character they make up for with cleanliness and cable TV.

Bed and Breakfasts are another option if you're on a budget and looking for rustic charm with a homely atmosphere. Be aware though, standards between establishments can vary dramatically.

If the idea of getting back to nature tickles your fancy then why not try an eco-lodge. Accommodation is generally basic and in remote locations. For instance why not spend a week in the Peruvian jungle at an Amazon Lodge.

Hostels are a good way to save money and make friends, but beware of bed bugs and inconsiderate roommates.

Camping is one of the cheapest options going with potentially fabulous views on your doorstep and the chance to commune with nature in remote locations.

Meanwhile, couch surfing offers a free bed for the night in the home of a random stranger, and for an increasing number of intrepid backpackers is a cheap and unique way to see the world.

If you want the comfort of home on vacation, try a house swap, set to become even more popular now Cameron Diaz and Jude Law have made it ubercool in the new movie The Holiday. So jump on the bandwagon and check out the world of house swapping (Jude and Cameron not included).

Timing is everything

Book early, but remember when you travel will determine the price. If you travel in peak summer months, demand for accommodation is high and prices will reflect this. If you're flexible on times of the year, travel at off-peak times - you'll get thinner crowds and cheaper rates. Also think about destinations in different hemispheres as the seasons are reversed. For last-minute deals try websites like lastminute.com, site59.com and larger search engines like kayak who trawl through hundreds of websites to compare the best deals available.