10 things you can do now to ensure your next vacation is your best ever

Whether the family, you and your siblings or some other collection of folks, check whether there are dates that won’t work. If you’re going solo, congratulate yourself and skip to Step 2.

Gather your group — even if virtually — and figure out what each of you wants from your respite. It’s critical to find out who wants to lounge undisturbed on the beach for a week and who wants to do the equivalent of study abroad. If this doesn’t go well, maybe some folks should go one way and some another.

Which one of the thousands of destinations will work for you? A learning trip can be any place you choose; what’s a favorite and what are the risks?

Start saving. How much can you set aside? You don’t want to rely on credit cards. A vacation savings account is one of the most important girders in this construction.

If you’re driving, figure your mileage, miles per gallon and the cost of gas. Flying? Start perusing airfares. Lodging, meals and incidentals? See the federal government’s per diems for international travel.

Do you need insurance? If you need to board a pet, pay someone to bring in your mail and check on the house, park at the airport or a cab or ride-share, figure in those costs. Unless you’re tent camping or staying with family, calculate tips, and don’t forget the housekeeper. Figure in transportation at your destination.

A travel advisor can help with complex vacations. But if you prefer to do it yourself, save the details of each transaction. Keep meticulous records. Consider using a planning app, but many people also like to keep paper records as a backup.

Because coronavirus is now a known event, you probably won’t be covered if you want to cancel your trip, unless you have cancel-for-any-reason insurance. Read the fine print, talk with an agent and find out whether a travel provider’s default is covered.

If you’re travelling internationally, check passport expiration dates; know that some countries require that you have as much as six months left on your passport. Find out whether you need a visa. For now, domestic fliers do not need to worry about having the federal complaint driver’s license or other acceptable identification to board a plane.

Keep track of the attractions and restaurants you’ll want to visit. Consider a loose daily itinerary. Check the weather so you pack correctly (you are making a list of outfits you can put together out of what you’re packing, right?); if going abroad, study up on what is considered inappropriate dress at your destination.