Whether you’ve got the travel bug or it’s just been too long since you’ve had a vacation, there’s plenty to consider before you hit the road or take to the friendly skies.

While you might be thinking about planning your itinerary and what to pack, there are other important things you should research while planning your next trip.

Every country has different laws, customs, and social norms. Understanding as much as possible before you travel somewhere new won’t just make you more comfortable while you’re there, it will help to keep you safe.

To make sure your vacation goes smoothly, researching these norms and rules should be a top priority.

Let’s look at what you should research while planning your next trip.

Understand Restrictions and Regulations

If you’re traveling somewhere in the U.S., it’s pretty easy to understand that, though laws can differ between states, most laws and customs are universal throughout the country.

Going to another country is a different story. Don’t hesitate to do thorough research on different customs and restrictions that might be in place, both within the country itself and when it comes to traveling there.

For example, some countries (and airlines) are more pet-friendly than others.

If you want to travel with your pet, you’ll need to research which airlines you can fly and what their rules are for flying with an animal.

You’ll also need to look up the laws related to imported animals at your destination. Some locations require animals to have certain vaccines or undergo a quarantine period before they can enter the country. You must learn these rules in advance and follow them closely if you want to have a fun trip.

It’s also important to understand any health restrictions a country might have in place.

The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, changed the face of travel all over the world and led to many country-specific rules for travelers.

While many places have lifted all restrictions, you should still research the health regulations in your destination. You should also look into other steps you may need to take, such as getting specific vaccinations or tests before travel.

You might think some foreign laws are strange or even laughable.

Did you know you can’t feed the pigeons in St. Mark’s square in Venice? It’s also illegal to stop your car on Germany’s Autobahn.

Silly as these rules might seem, they’re in place for a reason. When you’re visiting a place for the first time, the last thing you want is to tarnish your trip by breaking the law.

Get Familiar With Cultural Customs

Even if something isn’t a law, it’s a good rule of thumb to familiarize yourself with the culture of the country you’re visiting.

Every place is unique, and that means some counties do things differently than the U.S. From what you wear to what you say, these cultural norms could impact many aspects of your trip.

For example, although many adults in the U.S. have a tattoo, they aren’t as prevalent in many other countries.

Japan has an almost opposite view of tattoos, as they’ve long been associated with gang culture. Despite slow acceptance, the stigma still exists, and you may want to cover your tattoos while you’re there. Alternatively, if you’ve already been considering tattoo removal, it might be worth getting it done before your trip.

In other countries, women are still treated quite differently than men are, especially when it comes to how they dress and behave.

That’s especially important to know if you’re a female solo traveler.

It’s important to be respectful and adapt to cultural norms, even if you don’t necessarily agree with them. Wear appropriate clothing, make sure you’re only visiting safe places, and try to connect with locals who can help you stay safe while respecting the culture.

While packing and planning, don’t hesitate to do your research.

Every country is different, and it’s essential to know what to expect when you’re traveling somewhere new.

You’ll learn a bit of history, prepare yourself for some cultural differences, and help to ensure your safety when you choose to develop an understanding of laws and customs.