Keep this in mind when booking your 2010 accommodation

You've paid for your World Cup tickets and your flights are booked - but what about 2010 accommodation?

You will firstly need to decide what type of accommodation you are looking for - do you want to stay in five-star luxury with room service, or are you willing to book a room in somebody's house? South Africa offers a wide variety of 2010 accommodation options, ranging from renting self-catering apartments or houses, to bed and breakfasts, safari lodges and tented camps.

Once you've decided on your budget and your preferred type of 2010 accommodation, you should consider two other important things: transport and safety.

South Africa's public transport is not well-developed and though it is available, it isn't easy for visitors to navigate. There are also some security issues, so try to refrain from this unless you are in a large group with a local guide.

It is a good idea to pick a central location for your 2010 accommodation, or choose an option where they offer to drive you around, at a reasonable cost. If you decide to rent a car, pick a place with safe parking.

While you can easily find a wide variety of accommodation options within walking distance to the stadium in Cape Town, this is not necessarily the case in other cities. Don't despair - rather look for a place that will be close to one of the pick-up areas, which are dotted all over the host cities. You won't just be watching soccer, so also keep in mind the locations of other things on your to do list.

Google Maps just launched an updated version for South Africa, so check the distances between your accommodation, pick-up points and tourist attractions.

While security will be beefed up significantly during the tournament, it is advisable to ask about safety before you book a place and not walk around by yourself at night.