Vacations are always a great opportunity to unwind and connect with friends and family. If self-quarantining has you getting a little stir-crazy, one of the best things you can do is start saving for and planning a future vacation. That being said, with so many options, you may be hard-pressed to figure out what will be one of the most exciting ways to spend your vacation. If you’re on the hunt for some truly epic vacation ideas, check out the following list of tips and tricks to help you prep for a much-needed trip of a lifetime.

Buy the right gear

If you’re going to be traveling, now might be the right time to buy some new clothes. Especially if you’re heading to a different climate, picking out the right gear and clothing can make a big difference in how enjoyable your trip is. For example, in more tropical areas such as Costa Rica, you may want to dress in layers since the weather can fluctuate throughout the day. The same is true for more arid-climates such as Arizona, where you might be hiking at different altitudes.

As you can see, travel clothes are an important part of any packing list, but how can you find the right clothes? Shopping from a store like Chico’s is one of many options since they offer you a variety of elegant options that layer and go together perfectly. From tank tops and jackets to various pants, you’ll be able to combine form and fashion to create a stylish look while you’re on the go fit for any destination. Definitely consider investing in some of these pieces if you don’t yet have them and are headed to a place with different weather than where you live.

Plan the road trip you’ve always dreamed of

One of the most classic vacations possible, road trips are always a great and affordable option for travelers of all ages. Whether you’re planning a cross-country tour of the United States for a month or are planning a camping trip at multiple state or national parks, a road trip can offer you multiple destinations all over the course of one vacation. If you’re planning to travel via a recreational vehicle, there are a few extra tips to keep in mind as you plan more than just the places you’ll be stopping along the way.

Getting an extended RV warranty can be one of the best investments you make if you’re planning on traveling by RV during your road trip. This is because, even for newer RVs, some aspects of these vehicle’s mechanics are expensive to repair and aren’t covered by traditional automotive insurance. Finding an RV extended warranty for your new vehicle can thus give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your trip, knowing that if something goes wrong while you’re on the road, you’ll be sure to have the support you need to correct the problem.

Read message board posts about others’ experiences

While friends and family members may be willing to give you advice about whatever destination you’re headed to, they may sugarcoat things or try and tell you what you want to hear. One way to get honest feedback about the sights and activities you’re interested in while traveling is to read online message boards. Reddit, Yelp, and other websites like Trip Advisor can give you much more candid reviews of certain attractions and restaurants than you might get from those you know.

Best of all, these sorts of platforms allow you to ask for recommendations if there are specific types of things you want to do while vacationing. Whether that’s finding advice about different spa treatments or getting honest feedback about an expensive restaurant or adventure excursion, you’re bound to get helpful, unbiased information online from strangers.