For some, 2020 will become known as “A Lost Year” when it comes to travel. Whether you’ve experienced vacations canceled or itineraries put on hold, many of us have had to cool our jets and coast in our backyards while we await an effective vaccine that will allow us to venture back out. It’s a frustrating situation, especially if you envisioned taking off for foreign places and fabulous retreats while your health and wallet permit. While you’re waiting and strategizing, check out this comprehensive survey of the state of current travel from Conde Nast Traveler. From cancellation policies to points and credit card rewards, you’re sure to find valuable insights on how to plan for future trips once the world opens up again.

And speaking of which: Airlines and hotels are strategizing about how to lure you back into the skies and to resorts (not to mention those cruise ships) in a post-pandemic world. With regard to airlines, they’ve got a lot of work ahead to regain customer loyalty and trust after a bruising spring and summer. Complaints about difficulties getting refunds for canceled flights are rampant as airlines resist returning money or handout replacement vouchers likely to expire before they can be used. The good news is some airlines are working with designers to develop new seating arrangements and protective gear designed to ensure a safer flying experience with less likelihood of virus transmission. Experts warn, however, that it’s not so much the flight itself but rather the lead-up to the flight (think transport to the airport, crowded security lines, and tight quarters in gate settings) that poses the most risk of virus transmission.

Travel industry professionals are also betting on insurance as the best way to lure you back out and about. Many destinations are requiring that you have insurance (or are offering coverage of all medical costs themselves) should you become sick during your stay. Given the anxiety that many have regarding the safety of travel going forward (and the data that shows global travel has decreased by 60% in 2020 due to the pandemic), it’s believed that insurance will offer travelers some peace of mind in the post-pandemic world. And what about cruises? Are you itching to be back on the seas to visit various ports around the world? Cruise lines have perhaps suffered the most during the pandemic (with the CDC advising no cruise travel at this point), and because of complex legal and corporate maneuvers, most cruise lines are not eligible for government financial assistance. So what’s happening in the industry? Baby steps are being taken to put ships back on the seas with what’s being described as “cruises that go nowhere.” With no port stops or specific destinations, these cruises are taking extra precautions to keep passengers safe while limiting their journeys to “aimless adventures.” Sounds about right for a year when none of us really knows what the future holds or where we’re heading.