Going on a vacation is a great way to take a break from the stresses of everyday life and recharge while exploring a new place. For pet owners, however, travel can present a different sort of challenge.

Weve all seen people on vacation watching videos of their pets at boarding or with family members, Dr. Danielle Bernal , the global veterinarian at Wellness Pet Company, told HuffPost. Today, our pets are very much part of the family. Choosing a pet-friendly destination is a great way of spending more time with the ones we love.

In addition to removing the sadness of missing your pet, taking them with you on vacation can lead to discovering places you might not have otherwise visited, like a gorgeous local hiking trail or dog beach.

Bringing our pets with us on vacation is a great way of meeting new people, having a fun topic of conversation and maximizing social interactions, which can help minimize loneliness and support our mental health, Bernal said. Bringing your pet with you is also a wonderful reason to get outside, get some fresh air and stay active, which is proven to improve your mood, sleep and mental health.

But traveling with your pet is hardly guaranteed to be a smooth experience, particularly if you make certain ill-informed decisions. To help keep issues at bay, HuffPost asked pet experts to share the most common mistakes people make when they take their furry companions on a trip with them and some advice for avoiding these missteps.

Not Planning Ahead

One of the biggest mistakes is not planning the trip with your pet in mind, said Erin Askeland, an animal health and behavior consultant at Camp Bow Wow. This includes failing to research pet-friendly accommodations, not checking airline or transportation regulations, and not considering the specific needs of your pet during travel and any situation that may arise.

Make sure to familiarize yourself with the relevant travel regulations for pets, including airline and train policies and requirements for crossing state or international borders. Also, pay special attention to the rules around vaccinations, quarantines, health certificates and extra fees.

Import requirements for other states and countries vary and often require research and time to get the pet ready to meet those requirements, said Dr. Jessica Bell , an associate professor with the veterinary teaching hospital at Washington State University. Hawaii requires rabies vaccines, rabies titer tests, the application of a parasite preventative and a waiting period prior to entry. The owner is also required to submit paperwork to Hawaii ahead of travel.

If youre flying, try to choose an airline with good policies and reviews around its handling of pets. If youre driving, look up pet-friendly rest stops along the way. Regardless of how you travel, make sure to find the right accommodations for your family and ensure youll be in a good area to meet your animals needs when you reach your destination.

There are more locations welcoming four-legged family members, but skipping the research and assuming your pup will be able to go everywhere can backfire, Bernal said. Prior to departing, determine where the local dog parks or beaches are for your dog to play. Understand if the local shops and restaurants will allow pets inside.

Going Without Talking To Your Vet First

The number one mistake I see is people not talking to their veterinarians about travel, said Dr. Grant Little, a veterinarian expert with JustAnswer. Talk to your veterinarian about what paperwork you need done and any vaccines or tests, and be prepared that it might not work out. Have a plan B if that means your pet will stay with someone else, at a boarding facility or some other type of care.

In addition to ensuring your pet is up to date on vaccinations, youll want to schedule a veterinarian visit to discuss whether theyre healthy enough to travel and obtain any necessary medications or copies of their health records.

Traveling can expose pets to new environments, pathogens or stresses that may affect their health, Askeland said. Neglecting their health needs or not carrying essential medications or supplies is a common mistake.

Pack extra medicine in case youre delayed getting home, and put any important health-related items in your carry-on luggage if youre flying.

Some dogs or cats get really nervous at the airport, being around large groups of people or being confined for long periods of time, Little said. Its important to know your pets demeanor, and if this is an issue, your pet may benefit from sedative medications, calming sprays or pheromone products.

Consider packing a pet first aid kit and identifying local veterinary clinics and emergency services along your route and at your destination in case you need to seek care during the trip.

Not Assessing The Difference Between Driving And Flying

An issue that people dont take into consideration when traveling is the difference between driving and flying, Little said. Driving can lead to a lot more motion sickness because of hills, mountains, turns and weather when driving. Knowing if your animal gets motion sickness can help determine how viable this option is and if youll need to treat it prior to getting in the car.

Flying doesnt typically involve as much motion sickness, but there are other issues at play with pets in the cabin or cargo area.

Instead, they can get more nervous, scared or have temperature issues in the cargo of the plane depending on how hot or cold its getting on the runway and in the air, Little said. Its important to know how well your pet will do with each of these situations and to think of it well in advance instead of at the last minute, as these are major decisions that will affect how smoothly the trip will go.