Thanks to the ease of international communications, flexible work arrangements and sophisticated trip-planning tools ... Here’s a guide on how to prepare. Envision your first night back home ...

Whether you pay with cash, points or frequent flyer miles, this guide will walk you through trip planning — from setting a budget and picking the perfect destination to booking accommodations.

Even if you’re not sure about the day or date of your trip. Planning and anticipating a trip can be almost as enjoyable as going on the trip itself, and there’s research to back it up.

Who needs a travel agent, anyway ... to see which dates have the lowest fares—and consider changing your plan if, say, it’s cheaper to fly on Saturday than on Sunday. Consider nearby alternate ...