There’s some advice that’s wise to heed, no matter where you’re off to next. Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure a fabulous getaway.

Go off the beaten path

Don’t be afraid to get a little weird when it comes to your itinerary. Move beyond the typical tourist spots and explore weird roadside attractions or offbeat museums. Do some research on sites like Atlas Obscura to find places that the travel guides might not include, and it can make for some unique—and fun—memories.

Find great restaurants

One of the great joys of traveling is discovering delicious new spots along the way. Doing your homework when it comes to local favorites will keep you from being stumped when mealtimes roll around and resorting to the nearest McDonald’s instead of trying an eatery that’s distinctive to that area.

Time it right

While you can’t control the weather, you can stack the odds in your favor by traveling when popular cities are less crowded. Whether it’s a trip to New Orleans just before or after Mardi Gras or Chicago in the wintertime, you’ll have less chance of long lines and a better chance of great deals on flights and hotels.

Don’t be afraid to fly solo

Who says that you need to have a travel companion to have a blast? If you can’t find a buddy to accompany you, consider going alone. Not only does it give you the freedom to do as you please in terms of activities, attractions, and restaurants, but you might be surprised at how many new friends you might make on your adventure. Just pick a place you haven’t been and go for it!

Try to unplug—seriously

Instagram and Twitter will still be there when you get back, and an update here and there is totally cool. But if you really want to make the most of your time away, turn your phone off for a bit, pause the Netflix, and go exploring. You’ll be glad you did.