Travel is surrounded by a sense of glamor. It is a universal desire to see far off places, meet extraordinary people, experience beauty and adventure. Our travel dreams are more likely to come true if we engage in careful planning. Here are tips to help you make travel more enjoyable.

Go easy on the alcohol. Many people like to have a small drink when they are traveling by plane to relax them, but remember that alcohol will dehydrate you and can alter your perceptions. If you chose a larger alcoholic drink, you could arrive at your destination tired and grumpy, or even worse, too drunk to collect your own baggage and find your way to your accommodation.

Always check airport websites before going on a trip. You will learn about security rules and requirements. This will help you come to the airport ready to board your flight. You can also find out about weather conditions or situations that might cause your flight to be delayed or canceled.

If you plan to stay at a destination where it rains most of the time, pack a small, compact umbrella in your luggage. Most hotels do not offer umbrellas, and in major tourist spots you will pay as much as five times the normal price for even a small, flimsy umbrella.

When you are going on a camping trip make sure you know of all dangers in the area you are going. Check for animals that may come to camp and may be dangerous or plants that you may want to avoid when hiking through the woods. This will help you avoid a tragedy or disaster.

Whether you are traveling for business or personal purposes, it is in your best interest to read up on the native culture and customs of your intended destination. Acceptable behaviors, attire, and communication styles can vary greatly from one country to the next, and failure to respect or observe these traditions can spell social disaster.

If you are traveling in a car, bring a roadside geology book with you. They have a variety of maps, mileage logs and geologic primers that will make your trip a little more interesting. They also contain beautiful collections of photographs that will make the scenery around you come to life.

Luggage comes in a variety of forms and materials. When deciding upon new luggage, keep in mind your car’s trunk space to determine what to purchase. You must be able to fit the luggage in the trunk of your car and think of other things that may need space besides your luggage when you travel. Soft-sided luggage, such as duffel bags, are easier to pack in the car. Hard-sided cases are a good choice when traveling by air because this type of luggage will help protect your belongings in flight.

The enjoyment of travel begins with anticipation, as you plan that special trip. Shrewd advice, based on other’s experiences, may keep you from foundering on one of the many obstacles that may face you. We hope these tips will help you put together a perfect plan so you can realize your travel dream.