Whether you are planning to relax on a Caribbean beach or backpack through Europe, your vacation should be a time to reset and refresh. Before you jet off to your destination, consider taking the following steps to make sure the only thing you need to worry about on your trip is what fun to pursue next.

Do your research. Refer to agencies such as the Center for Disease Control and U.S. Department of State for the latest guidelines and travel advisories so you can choose your destination wisely.

Make sure you are covered. Purchasing a short-term international health insurance plan is one of smartest things you can do to protect both your health and your finances. You may be thinking, “Won’t the health insurance plan I already have be sufficient if I get sick or injured in another country?” The answer is that it probably does not have the right kind of protection you need when you travel outside the U.S.

There are health insurance plans that are specifically designed for international travel. GeoBlue also has a flexible cancellation policy, options for pre-existing condition coverage, and includes Global TeleMD™ telemedicine services for contactless access to care in case you need it.

No matter where you plan to travel, a little preparation can go a long way to getting your international journey off on the right foot.