I've seen a lot of websites that include the author's favorite hobby, from knitting to sailing. I don't really have a hobby, I have an addiction. I love to travel. The lovely part is that I can incorporate my travel into my books. Right now, I'd like to share my love of it with you. I have a few tips, a few stories, and lots of recommendations from places to stay, see and eat in places from St. Louis to India. The recommendations are divided up into US and International pages.

Join me there, too. I'd love to hear from other travelers. I'd love to hear from anyone who's thinking of traveling and wants recommendations. But for now, strap in, settle back, and enjoy the ride.

Here are the notes on places I've been and enjoyed. First some travel tips for newbies, and then personal recommendations for where to stay, eat and see in each place we've been lucky enough to visit, both in the US and abroad(and yes, finally, I'm including my hometown St. Louis. Funny how you forget the obvious).

Anybody with great (reasonably priced) recommendations of their own, let me know. I'll try and include them: For other info on Ireland or England, I highly recommend their Tourist Boards. I have a few links on my site, but the net is a great place to shop for places to stay. If you have any questions, comments or recommendations, email me at eileendreyer@eileendreyer.com.

Check out my International page which includes recommendations on Ireland, England, India, and much more...

 

Check out my US Travel page which includes recommendations on Alaska, New York, New Orleans, and much more..

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* 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.