It helps to plan
Details matter
In everything. Be it the airline seat, the kind of room you want (sea-facing, valley-view…), or the cuisine, get everything finalised before you embark on your journey. That way, you'll be spared the trouble of having to take decisions in a rush, and also be able to immediately get into the spirit of the holiday.
Decisions, decisions
Taking the kids along? Elders? The pets? Make allowances for them beforehand, so that no one feels left out.
Paperwork
Is your passport and those of your family members in order? Arrange for everything else you need — visa, insurance, and permission to sightsee within a country you are transiting through.
Health matters
If heading to places where you might catch a nasty bug, ensure you are up-to-date with all vaccinations. Carry an emergency medical kit, with extra doses of your regular medicine, antibiotics, anti-allergens, etc.
Safety first
Arrange for some kind of security, human or electronic, while you are away. Inform the local police station if you're going to be away for a long time. Else, get a friend to check your place once in a while, water the plants, etc.
Checklist
Make a list of things you are carrying with you, so that it's easier to keep track
Keep photocopies of all vital documents, including tickets, in a separate bag
If travelling abroad, try to get most of your forex in your home town; it's inexpensive compared to doing in a foreign land
Contact your phone service provider and ensure your roaming facility, within the country and abroad, is active
