So you’re making plans for your next trip. But this isn’t just any trip. This is the trip to beat all other trips because you’ll be away from home for an entire month on an extended vacation.

You’ve taken care of the major concerns like making sure you can afford it, but what else should you be aware of? Here are some important things that you’ll want to consider to make sure everything on your extended vacation goes smoothly.

What’s Your Housing Preference?

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to consider the fact that you’re not just going to be gone a few days as you would on a typical vacation. Because the vacation is extended, you’ll want to make sure that you’re very comfortable with your surroundings. Do you prefer apartment-style living or stand-alone homes?

When renting a place for a month, you’ll be given many options in terms of housing styles. Don’t just look for the cheapest, but look for something you could actually see yourself living in. Again, if this were a three-day vacation, cheap, hotel-style housing might not be such a big deal. But you’re going to be away for an entire month, so choose with long-term comfort in mind.

The vacation rental market is packed with options for the discerning customer, and it’s extremely lucrative as a result: if you find that you like your vacation rental experience, you might want to consider investing in property yourself.

Take the Car or Leave It Behind?

This will have a lot to do with where you’re going, but you don’t want to wind up in some remote area and be without a vehicle. On the same token, you don’t want to be in a dense metropolitan area where your car is a burden. Do a little research before you go about the area that you’re staying in. Some things you’ll want to consider are:

• Is there available parking?
• Would a rental car meet your needs?
• Would ride-hailing, such as using Uber, be practical?

Having a car with you on vacation can be a blessing or a curse. It all depends on where you’re going and what your needs are.

Know the Character of the Neighborhood

One of the most important things you’ll want to consider when taking an extended vacation is the condition of the neighborhood. The owner has chosen to list his place as a rental property. However, this doesn’t guarantee that the neighborhood will be to your liking. It may not even be a safety issue; maybe the neighborhood is too secluded or too busy.

You can get an idea about the character of a neighborhood without ever having been there by looking at online reviews. And although the online review method isn’t perfect, it will give you an idea about what to expect. Also, look out for red flags that have to do with noise, crime, or any other neighborhood issue that could turn your extended stay into a nightmare.

Sweat the Small Stuff

This means you should be aware of little things that could cause you big headaches on an extended vacation. For example, will the home you’re staying in be equipped with a washer and dryer. It may not seem like a big deal, but schlepping dirty clothes to a laundromat every week can really put a damper on a vacation.

You’ll also want to know whether things like an iron and ironing board, towels, and toiletries will be available. If not, these are things that you’ll have to buy on your trip. If you’re staying in an apartment complex, you may also want to find out if things like smoking are allowed in the building. Whether you’re a smoker or a nonsmoker, you’ll want to feel at home in your new surroundings.

Going on an extended vacation is something most of us don’t often do, so it’s important to make sure we’ve covered all the bases before heading out. Choosing a housing arrangement you’re comfortable with, deciding on whether to take a car and knowing the neighborhood are all important things to get a handle on. A rule of thumb is to choose a place you could actually see yourself living in.