If you enjoy theater, performance art, dance or simply entertainment, and if you can plan well in advance for accommodations then definitely get to Avignon for the festivals held in July. The action takes place all over town: inside, outside, on the ground and, yes, in the air (fire-spinners anyone?).

2. Pont St. Bénezet

“Sur le pont d’Avignon, on y danse, on y danse, sur le pont d’Avignon, on y danse tous en rond.” Sound familiar? This nursery rhyme dates back to the 15th century and “le pont” or “bridge” it’s referring to is St. Bénezet Bridge.

Built over the Rhône River… well sort of. Originally, the bridge was built with 22 arches at 3,000 feet long. Then the mighty Rhône brought it down, the bridge was re-built, then half of it fell down, and that’s what you see today. So it’s built half-way over the Rhône.

When you buy a ticket (€4) grab the audio guide. It’s free and worth it.

3. Walking the streets

Stroll the back-roads and find your favorite square. Avignon is easy to navigate. There are old city walls surrounding it so you can’t get lost. Stop by the Tourist Information Office, located off the main street from the train station, 41 Jean Jaurès, grab a walking tour map and explore.

4. Palais des Papes

After the French Pope, Clement V, was elected in 1309 the church moved to Avignon and the Vatican bought the city. The tour, €9.50, comes with an audio guide where you can learn more about the Palace.

You can walk and listen at your own pace through the palace. The vast empty rooms contrast the frescos and color of the Popes’ quarters.

5. Parc des Rochers des Domes

Known to be the first site of Avignon, this park has fantastic views, a tiny café and public bathrooms. Always a plus!

Photo of “Festival Off” posters, Avignon, France by M@nuDia

But what do you do when you land at an airport ?

Here is a formula, a sort of « shock therapy » that acclimates your mind to a the new land: If you are arriving and meeting a friend, don’t have the friend meet you at the airport. Make it your goal to find the way to your friend. If you are arriving and going straight to the hotel, try to use public transportation to get there. Right away you will need to use many skills to navigate the airport, people and language to arrive at your destination. And in the end you may feel quite satisfied or become incredibly lost. But, either way, it will be your first international adventure.

Some tips to ease your mind :

1. Maps and signs

Maps and signs will guide your way to exits, baggage claims and ticket booths. All of the transportation information you will need will be in the baggage claim area.

2. Follow the flow of the other passengers

If you find yourself alone in a hallway, you probably went the wrong way.

3. « Where is the bus/train for… ? » If you have to take the bus or the train make sure you know how to ask « Where is the bus/train for… ? » in the native language. Attempt to ask a question in the native language before asking if the person speaks your language.

4. Get cash in the country’s currency as soon as you arrive (if you dont have it before you land).

Most U.S.A debit cards are accepted at foreign ATMs (check your bank’s website before you travel). The ATM fee may be high but about equal to the commission that a currency exchange company will charge you.

5. Be observent and listen to people talk

You might hear someone speaking English. You can ask them for help and even make a friend- that’s the joy of traveling.

Photo of Madrid Airport by Eole

1. Basilica di S. Giovanni in Laterano

S. Giovanni is located inside the city’s wall on the southeast side. It is one of the four major Basilicas in Rome. Here you will find the oldest doors in Rome, taken from the Roman Senate. There’s also the Scala Santa or Holy Stairs. You can climb them on your knees. It’s said to be that the stairs were sanctified by Jesus Christ’s footsteps before his crucifixion.

2. Sant’Ignazio

Andrea Pozzo painted the entire ceiling of the nave in the “trompe l’oeil” (French for “trick the eye”) technique. Starting at the entrance and strolling through the center aisle, the church’s ceiling reveals a story with movement and illusion. The church is located in the Piazza Sant’Ignazio, between off of Via del Corso and Piazza della Rotonda.

3. Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri

Another one of the four Basilicas in Rome, Santa Maria was built inside the Roman baths near the Piazza della Repubblica. The unique feature of Santa Maria is the meridian line that tells time during “solar noon,” when the sun shines through the tiny hole in the upper right hand corner after the entrance.

4. Trinità dei Monti

This church is at the top of the Spanish Steps. A popular landmark, it may have one of the best views for people watching and picture taking.

5. Cappella Sistina (Sistine Chapel)

Of course the Sistine Chapel had to be on the list. One piece of advice to enjoy it fully- try your hardest to go on a “off-day.” Those are hard to come by, but try to go later rather than earlier. The tour groups crowd Vatican City in the morning.

Here are some tips when shopping for the perfect travel guide:

Dos:

• Glance at all titles. Something might pop-out at you

• Realize some publishers cater to individual travelers (Lonely Planet) and budget travel (Rough Guides)

• Choose a few and look inside… color photos vs. pencil drawings (DK Eyewitness vs. Rick Steves) What’s your preference?

• Think about the size of the book. Do you really want to carry a 500-page guide of Italy in your backpack?

• Think about the format. Do you understand the layout? Does it make you think too hard?

Don’ts:

• Worry about the price. Travel guides are a great investment.

• Be afraid to spend hours in the store or on-line browsing.

• Buy out-of-date books. If it was published in 2005, chances are the restaurant and store information is not valid.

• Lose focus. If you won’t be driving, stick to walking guides i.e. Frommer’s Top Ten.

• Buy a book only for the “fold-out map.” Travel centers, hotels, airports, tourists centers have free ones or print one out on-line.

Also, remember that your local library has travel books. Check one out and take notes… especially for short day/weekend trips.