Two of you. No school run.

That's normal after two decades of family holidays — you may not know what you'd choose alone any more. Each write your ideal trip separately, then compare. The scoring tool counts the lower of your two ratings four times, which is why a bucket-list trip one partner rates 4 out of 10 comes out bottom no matter how much the other wants it. Planning time apart during the day helps too.

Because medical costs abroad can be enormous and undeclared conditions are one of the most common reasons claims are refused. Declare every ongoing condition, recent investigation and medication for both of you, and check the medical excess, any upper age limit, cover for activities you plan, and whether travelling against official advice voids the policy. Buy it when you book, so cancellation cover actually applies.

Validity rules and entry requirements on the official government or embassy site, for each destination and each of your nationalities — which can differ even within a couple. Many countries want several months' validity beyond your return date and sometimes blank pages, and renewals can take weeks at busy times.

Fewer places, more days. One main activity a day, a rest afternoon every few days, and not moving accommodation constantly. Long flights and jet lag take longer to shake off than they used to, so keep the first and last days gentle. This is the stage where slow travel is finally possible — school holidays no longer dictate the dates.

See your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance: some vaccinations need weeks, and some destinations require proof of specific ones. Carry medication in hand luggage in original labelled packaging with a prescription list, check whether anything you take is restricted at the destination, and move regularly on long flights.