HOW TO TRAVEL BETTER THIS FALL

Do a safety check. If you’re traveling internationally, check the State Department site (travel.state.gov) for information about your intended destination. Conditions can change quickly, and news media may not immediately report on it. “It adds an extra layer of security protection,” says Carrie Pasquarello, executive director for Global Secure Resources, a security company. Track the foliage. For fall foliage trips, check out the online fall foliage maps before you go. Yankee Magazine’s live fall foliage map (newengland.com/seasons/ fall/foliage/live-fallfoliage-map) or travel booking site Smoky Mountains’ interactive map (smokymountains.com/ fall-foliage-map) are terrific resources. Consider travel insurance.

If you’re traveling to Europe or Mexico, consider a brandname travel insurance policy that will cover you for a trip disruption or a medical emergency. If you’re a little nervous, consider a more expensive “cancel for any reason” policy.