* Prepare yourself physically...and mentally

+ read books on the area. Find out the local customs. Learn about what you're going to see. It makes it much more fun

+ prevent jet lag with common sense--the most important: The minute you get on the plane, set your watch to the New time zone, and behave accordingly

+ read books on the area. Find out the local customs(for instance, women don't wear shorts in Italy. And never in church) and laws. It makes it much more fun

* Don't be a tourist...be a visiting friend

+ the point to go is to experience something new. You Can always get McDonald's down the street

+ meet the locals. Most of the world speaks at least a little English. Many are as curious about you as you are About them.

* Take a good pocket language book and learn a few words well

+ Please...Thank you

+ Water + Toilet

+ Excuse me

* Observe...be a student

* TRY IT...Be adventuresome

* Get off the Beaten Path. Even on a guided tour you have time to yourself. Plan your own tour.

* Don't overlook those doubledecker bus tours of cities. It's the best way to see architecture and get around

* Wear Sturdy Shoes...Be prepared to walk

+ FYI: You are much safer and get a better response from people if you don't wear the "American Uniform" of Ballcap, sunglasses and white tennis shoes. Believe me. People see you differently if you don't wear especially the tennis shoes.

* Practice packing for all trips in a single roll-on suitcase

+ Unless you're doing formal dinners every night, you really don't need more than a roll-on and a carry on. There are Cheap laundries everywhere. So pack what you need and then Take out half.

+ Things we always pack:

• Toilet paper
• Medications in identifying bottles
• Photocopies of front page of passport (leave a copy at home in case of loss) If you're in a hotel with a safe, leave the passport there and carry the photocopy
• plug and currency adaptors(any travel store has the Appropriate ones)
• Small language book
• small book or copies of info about what we want to see
• credit cards. The common thought is to use credit when Possible. The exchange rate is lower. + get local cash at airports and banks for best rates + Don't bring bills larger than $50. Small banks don't Accept them for exchange.
• sweetener. The US is the only place that offers it.

OKAY NOW, HERE ARE MY PARTICULAR FAVORITES:

I'm prejudiced. Ireland is where God lives for me. I love the beauty of the country, the sound of the sea, the soft northern light, the skirling music and raucous sport, the history and the crac (you have to ask an Irishman about that). One of the most important things to know about going to Ireland, though, is that fully half of the experience of visiting is the people themselves. I've never met a kinder, more friendly, more hospitable people anywhere in the world. My husband swears that as children they were warned that if they failed to give directions the fairies would get them. It's why I always stay in B&Bs, and why I learned to stay in B&Bs everywhere I go. Not only does that provide a more personal atmosphere, it inspires unexpected benefits(also, because of the hot economy, a lot of hospitality workers in the cities are from Eastern Europe. Still nice, but it's not the local flavor).

Always ask the homeowner for local recommendations. They're more than happy to help. In fact, once in Ireland when I asked a lovely lady where the local music pub was, she called her husband in from blowing tree stumps so they could take me themselves. Just remember to respect their home and the privacy of your hosts(kitchens must be invited into). And be prepared to be surprised and delighted.

If you haven't been, get a book like Inside Ireland. Decide what you want to see and how you want to get there. And most importantly, remember that Irish roads aren't like ours(and it's more than driving on the wrong side of the street). The country may be the size of Illinois, but the average speed is about 35mph. And that's not counting the times you stop for photos, or a beer, or to ask directions(make a point of it. It's an experience all to itself).

I'm going to recommend a town. Recently I got to go to the International Women's Fiction Festival in Matera, Italy, and I fell in love. With the whole town. It's a bit out of the way, it's hugely historic(the second oldest inhabited site in the world), and it's the site where Mel filmed The Passion of the Christ. Honest. His set decorator must have taken one look at this place and passed out.

The town is quaint, out of the way, slow moving, and beautiful, the people warm and friendly. Every night the population dresses up and walks the piazzas. Two nights while we were there, they had saints' processions in the middle of town(that's Cosmos and Damien up there on those shoulders). The only caveat? There is one cab in town. You walk everywhere, and it's very hilly.

I stayed at a lovely 18th century palazzo on the hill, but there are many places to stay and eat. Stop by if you're close. You won't regret it.

Casino Ridola
Via Morelli, 13
39-0835318811

PRAGUE:
My husband travels to Prague on business and has been begging me to join him. I finally did, and have to say I'm really glad I did. This is an amazing city. It's the only major European city to not be bombed during World War II, which means the historic center is intact. And this represents more than a thousand years of history. I recommend you stay down in the historic area. We stayed in the Male Strana, beneath the castle, and the area is quaint, packed in great little pubs and restaurants, and steeped in history. If you like stained glass, don't miss St. Vitus Cathedral. If you like classical music, you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a historic palace or church that isn't playing something each night. My only caveat is to familiarize yourself with the language before going, especially if you want to use trains or subways while you're there. It's very intimidating for a westerner, but after about a day, I felt much more comfortable about it. And most Czechs are fluent enough in English to communicate. Also, if you try out at least the basics, Please, thank you, etc. the locals are delighted, and will even help you with pronunciation(it became a game with me). Just don't expect a whole lot of green veggies at the restaurants.

Recommendations:

Hotel Appia Residence
Sporkova 3
(Right in the middle of the historic area, a 14th century convent beautifully restored. Arranges taxi from airport)

Restaurants:
There are tons of reasonably priced pubs and cafes. Prague specializes in the coffee house. for something special:

David's Rstaurant
Trziste 21/611
Tucked away in a back street near Appia. Cozy, great food.

Mlynec Restaurant
Novotneho Lavka 9
Old Town, Prague 1
(one of several restaurants with a view to Charles Bridge. Great view and food)