What preparations do people need to make before going away on holiday or vacation?

Well, I think the most important preparation is actually researching your destination properly. Because if you don't understand local customs or transportation options, you might waste a lot of time figuring things out on the spot. Like when I went to Jiuzhaigou, I didn't realize how cold it would be at night, so I had to buy an extra jacket there. Another key thing is sorting out your money situation - getting some local currency in advance and informing your bank about travel plans to avoid card issues. That said, I don't think you need to plan every single detail - leaving some flexibility makes the trip more relaxing and open to spontaneous discoveries.