3) Book activities ahead of time

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time for the fun part: choosing your hotel, deciding which landmarks to visit, selecting some exciting activities and, of course, choosing which local delicacies you’d like to sample. Be sure to book all of this with plenty of time to spare – not only to make sure you don’t miss out on everything you want to see, eat and do, but also to avoid the higher prices that often accompany later or last-minute bookings. Luckily, you can secure lots of amazing activities with Cathay after you book your flight and hotel, which will earn you Asia Miles, too. And if you book everything with your Standard Chartered Cathay Pacific Mastercard you can earn even more miles to put towards your next trip.

4) Look into travel insurance for peace of mind

Although border restrictions and regulations have relaxed considerably, flights can still be disrupted. It’s a good idea to build in a few flexible days around your travels, just in case. Opting for flexible flight tickets can save headaches if your schedule is disrupted, as will having travel insurance such as Cathay’s Premier Travel Cover in partnership with Chubb, which offers solid coverage plans to help you with unexpected medical expenses.