When the calendar turns to these last days of the year, many people begin to set their intentions and goals for the New Year. Bucket-list vacations often top New Year's resolutions. Such advanced planning helps jet-setters begin to research their destinations and excursions as well as study up on the potential risks of visiting that locale and take the necessary steps to mitigate those risks. The slideshow above lists the five fastest-growing international travel destinations for U.S. travelers in 2019, according to the travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth. Here are some other insights from the company's recent travel survey:

• Trip cost increased less than 2% on average for the top 5 destinations.
• Travelers heading to Egypt saw the highest increase and spent the most on their trips, with an average cost of $5,145.
• Travelers going to Panama spent the least at $3,023.
• Millennial travel saw the highest increase in tourism to Panama, more than doubling over last year.
• Egypt saw the highest increases from Gen Z, Baby Boomer, and Silent Generation travelers.

Other international travel designations will see a marked decrease in U.S. tourists in 2020, according to Squaremouth. These locations include Iceland, Russia and China.

Be prepared

Anyone getting ready to travel abroad should consider the following preparation steps from travelzoo.com:

1. Check in with your doctor and insurance carrier.
2. Make and pack photocopies of your passport. Leave one of those copies at home or with someone you trust.
3. Register with the local embassy.
4. Look up the conversion rate for local money. (Know that it's cheaper to change money at a bank than a conversation booth. Even easier: Take your cash out of a local ATM.)
5. Make sure your credit card will work in the country where you plan to travel, and alert your credit card carrier that you'll be there.

Even with the organizational tasks, planning and risks inherent to travel, international adventures provide lifelong memories and incomparable experiences. As Saint Augustine said: "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." See also:

• Busiest U.S. airports for 2019 holiday travel
• This year will be another record-breaking season for holiday travelers
• Top 5 mistakes travelers make when filing a travel insurance claim