What to read before going on your trip.

        Google will lead you to various guidebooks on just about anywhere. Getting a good one like Lonely Planet will pay off for you.  But the books I am thinking about are novels. Not kidding.

        If you were going to the dry lands of Central California, "Grapes of Wrath" could be helpful.  I suggest,  for rexample,  reading "The City of Falling Angels" before going to Venice. If you are head to the middle of Spain  (see above) you might read "Don Quixote". [It will give you the feel but it is too many  pages.] 

           My favorite before going to Europe is Rick Steve's "Europe Through The Backdoor". I re-read it nearly every trip.