If you’ve got vacation on the brain, you’re not alone. We’re so ready to pack up our favorite new swimwear, our easiest and breeziest wardrobe pieces, and our travel-sized beauty essentials to jet off and unplug. But the pre-travel ritual that eclipses all others is that sweet manicure where you select the vacation nail color you’ll wear throughout your trip. It might seem like a small detail, but it’s low-key the most important preparatory step you’ll take.

Call us dramatic, but we’re firm believers that your vacation nail color sets the tone for your trip. Picking a classic or more neutral hue is great if you’re gearing up for a week of exploring sacred sites and dining in world-renowned restaurants, but if you’ve got beach hopping or day clubbing on the agenda, you might want to go with a more exciting shade. See how important your polish is for setting the vibe of the trip? Keep scrolling for our 10 favorite vacation-ready nail colors that will get you excited for travel season.