France

Three to four days is enough to see many of Paris' big hitters without rushing around constantly. If you've got longer, use it to explore different neighbourhoods, spend time in the city's museums and parks, and actually embrace the Parisian art of taking things slowly.

Come hungry. Beyond croissants and baguettes, France is packed with regional specialities, from crêpes in Brittany and cassoulet in the southwest to bouillabaisse in Marseille and seriously good cheese pretty much everywhere. Eating locally is one of the best ways to experience the country.

Trains are generally the easiest way to get between major cities, with high-speed TGV services covering much of the country. Buses can be cheaper, while renting a car is useful for exploring rural areas, wine regions and smaller coastal towns that aren't as well connected.

Not necessarily. You'll be able to get by with English in most tourist areas, particularly in Paris and major cities, but learning a few basic French phrases will go a long way. Even a simple bonjour, merci and s'il vous plaît can make interactions much easier and more enjoyable.