A good holiday can be planned meticulously in every detail, or it can be a spontaneous, improvised affair. Either way, there are certain aspects of your holiday that need to be considered from the outset. That's where a travel agency comes in.

At UKNetGuide it's possible to get all of the benefits of a travel agent without leaving your own room. So what do you need to think about when you're putting together your own bespoke holiday?

First thing to consider is your destination. Do your research on the kind of holiday you want: A skiing trip to the Alps? A city break in Amsterdam? A couple of weeks lying on the beach in the Canary Islands? There's lots of information out there to help you decide.

Next, you should shop around for deals on flights and hotels. Often websites will offer a good deal if you book flights and hotel together, and there may also be deals on car hire if you book that in advance too.

Even if you don't book online, travel websites are a great way to get an idea of your destination before you get there. What are the best restaurants? What sites are worth seeing? Websites often have forums where travellers can share their experience of particular hotels and restaurants.

On the internet, travel agents are not the only way to plan your holiday; websites offer a great range of options and some really competitive prices.