If your bags are packed and you’re ready to go, chances are nothing is going to hold you back from heading out for a summer vacation. In fact, for those fully vaccinated, the CDC now states that domestic travel is a low-risk activity, provided you continue to wear a mask in public places and socially distance, along with handwashing. For international travel, that’s a whole other kettle of fish- and depends upon whether another country will allow you in, what the rates of infection and vaccination aT the destination, and whether the country requires foreigners to demonstrate negative tests and/or full vaccination or quarantine upon arrival. Regardless of where you travel, if you’re heading back into the United States, you will need to show a negative test within 72 hours of your departure (even if you’re fully vaccinated) and should have another COVID test 3-5 days upon your return.

Some of you may be wondering about whether you should get a “vaccine passport” before you travel. While it is not uncommon for other countries to require proof of vaccination for certain illnesses before you enter, the question of a COVID vaccine “passport” remains unsettled around the world. In the United States, it appears unlikely that our government will ever issue an official vaccine “passport” though it does appear that private entities are attempting to develop credentials or certificates that Americans will be able to use to demonstrate vaccine completion. There are a lot of concerns with such certificates, including the creation of fraudulent documents or hacking into digital systems, and invading patient privacy records. On the other hand, many countries and even domestic businesses will likely desire some proof of vaccination in order to make tourists and employees feel safer. The key will be to create a system that is free, simple, and available in both digital and non-digital forms.

So what do you need to consider as you head out? Recognize that flights are likely to surge in price as demand spikes and that airline schedules are a moving target as airlines try to gauge how much demand there will be and for what routes. Cruise lines are also beginning to plan for summer openings with new CDC guidance, and it’s been determined that while cruise passengers will have to wear masks, the cruise lines will not have to mandate proof of vaccination for passengers. A pre-trip checklist developed by The Washington Post for vaccinated travelers does recommend you bring your vaccine card with you. You may even want to slip the card into a plastic sleeve for safekeeping and create photos of it with your smartphone, in case the card gets lost and you need proof of vaccination. But don’t laminate the card, as you may need to add booster shots to the verification down the road. It’s also strongly recommended that you book travel insurance, as conditions on the ground at home or at your destination can change in the blink of an eye.

Speaking of insurance, CNBC has a good reminder that you should check your insurance or Medicare coverage to see if you’d be covered during your trip. What happens if the unfortunate occurs and you test positive overseas or need to be hospitalized? Well, there are now services that can get you out and get you home, despite CDC regs that say anyone positive for COVID cannot return to this country. According to another recent CNBC article, there are now companies such as COVAC GLOBAL and GLOBAL RESCUE that have figured out a way to get you quickly off the ground and on your way home if you test positive or become hospitalized with COVID.

If all this doesn’t scare you off, then you may be ready for a “post-vac” adventure. For some ideas of where to go and with whom, take a look at Travel & Leisure’s brand new list of the 14 best senior-friendly travel groups, and Bon Voyage!