Everyone deserves a break from the stresses of everyday life – whether in the form of a weekend getaway or a long-haul holiday. And with summer already here, there’s never been a better time to treat yourself to that special holiday.

When planning a summer holiday, there are various things to keep in mind. To begin, you’ll need to choose the type of holiday you’re after. Are you hoping to lounge on a sunny beach, or would you rather partake in outdoor activities offered by mountainous locales? Perhaps you’re the type of person who enjoys the bustle of exciting cities, or, instead, the rural serenity of countryside setting. Whatever your preference, it’s best to consider the activities you’ll want to engage in before deciding on a holiday destination.

Remember that you’ll also want to consider your holiday budget early on in the planning process. Are you hoping for a budget break, a luxury getaway, or a trip that fits in somewhere between? Knowing what your budget is before you start researching travel and activities will help you hone in on the right deals – not to mention, avoid getting your hopes up for deals that are out of your budget.

Once you have an idea of the locale you want to visit and the budget you want to stick to, you’ll need to book your flight and hotels. It’s always possible to book these separately, but remember that there are countless travel companies and tour operators out there who can make your travel arrangements for you. Aside from offering deals, tour operators or travel companies can also book things like activities at your destination, special arrangements with your hotel, or any ground travel required during your holiday. What’s more, some travel companies specialise in certain types of holidays – for example, budget breaks or luxury holidays. So you can get the greatest deals based on the type of getaway you’re after.

Finally, travel companies can act as a point of contact for your arrangements – so if you experience any problems or have any questions regarding any of your travel bookings, you’ll only need to contact one organisation – your travel company – rather than multiple companies, such as your hotel, airline, or other travel service providers.

Summer is coming son and it’s time to start thing about getting away and treating yourself to a relaxing holiday. Whatever your fancy – luxury, city break or beach holiday – you can look forward to the fact it’s only around the corner.