*Will Collins, Ireland's great authority and the worlds best guide.

Food is a good example. Just take the many forms of flatbread from around the world; Cracker, pita, lefse, corn and floor tortillas, naan and pooris, pizza, foccacia and Native American Fry bread.

* Irish Brown Bread, everyone's favorite.

Through my years of travel especially outside of the United States, including Muslim countries, I have always been made to feel welcome and safe. A recent mishap in Paris showed how wonderful, caring and forgiving the French at every level are to Americans.

*Ireland

We've just returned from Ireland where if one stands on a corner consulting a map you're soon surrounded by a small crowd all anxious to help. The concierge service at Dromoland Castle and the Westbury in Dublin were totally helpful. As I recall the years of similar kindness everywhere, I hope that we as Americans, at home and abroad, behave in a similar manner towards others of any nationality, race, religion or color.

So Mary Gallagher, with the Irish name and red hair, just how was Ireland? Well, I never saw a leprechaun but lots of sheep, green hills, castles, roaring streams and the river Liffey. Truly the weather is mercurial with a change every few hours or quicker. Mornings are usually sunny even in this early winter season and then the clouds roll in and perhaps a bit of wind and mist. I was told at no time is one more than 75 miles from the sea and of course the Atlantic can certainly play with the weather.

*Lobster ravioli at the Merrion Hotel, Dublin

There is this myth about food in Ireland.all potatoes and mutton sided with mushy vegetables. I don't know where that came from but we ate to bursting fresh seafood, fine beef, tender lamb and wonderful accompaniments. I was reminded tonight after horrible service in a local Alexandria restaurant how pleasurable it is to have wait-staff that are working because they want to and believe that it is an honorable profession not a stop gap to some goofs meaningless life.

*Ireland, view toward the sea.

One of my favorite aspects of traveling is the opportunity to stay in many unique and spectacular inns, hotels and castles. In Ireland, those are all possibilities plus working farms or very small B & B's. I was lucky to spend time in the countryside, then fun cities like Limerick and Galway plus the very dynamic and sophisticated Dublin.

I must warn you that the dollar is plummeting and the euro, even for those using it on a daily basis, is screaming upwards. Some Irish mentioned that joining the EU had raised the prices of goods noticeably. This makes it quite expensive to travel to Europe (like takes your breath away).

I would recommend taking a package tour for a week or so and then adding on a few days for your own adventure. This provides the benefits of the tour company's purchasing power for your initial hotels and airfare. You'll also have time to get acquainted with the customs, money and see the main attractions.

Perhaps you'll want to rent a car and drive on the other side of the road but not me. I was told in England that it is easy until there is a bit of a crisis and then you fall back on your "old" training and end up on the wrong side of the road and it's downhill from there.

Smoking has been banned in Irish pubs and it's amazing how cold it could be in the evening and patrons still sat around eating and drinking at outside tables. Speaking of cold: I as someone who is always cold yet travels throughout the winter months and not just too sunny climates bring a lot of layers. Include sleeping layers. Some hotels still have the heat and hot water shut off around midnight.

*Hot sips for winter.

I would also recommend a small travel alarm clock. But the best news is many camcorders, cell phones and other recent electronic devices can be charged with only a small plug adapter not needing the heavy converter. Check the print on the back of your charger for the voltages it will cover. However, I did notice that my cell phone did not hold a charge nearly as long as in the US. The same for some of my camera batteries.

And speaking of cell phones. If you have never left the US with your cell phone, call the customer service of your carrier at least TWICE to verify that you can (or cannot) use you phone in Paris, London or where ever. I say twice because you'll never get the same answer and better to be sure before you get there.

Regarding luggage: Don't ever travel with more than you can carry by yourself up at least one flight of stairs. I always have too much weight including one rolling carryon with nothing but cameras and audio equipment. Some places like BWI will let you take the metal (now a $3 rental) luggage cart right to the gate but not in the Dublin airport, in fact not even close but then I saw someone with one and didn't get to ask how they got it that far. If you're passing through customs, immigration and the department of Agriculture plus security and handling everything yourself - then having to walk a flight of stairs to board the plane..you'll curse every souvenir.

I have always brought some clothes I don't mind leaving as my luggage fills with treasures. A few old T shirts for warmth, layering and sleeping in are easy to toss. Some travelers recommend taking old underwear and discarding that along the route. A little excessive for me.

*Ready for the Artic!

You may recall my visit to the mountains of Tennessee direct from Cozumel a few years ago, I looked like the Michelin man as a cold front moved into the Shenandoah mountains. I wore every single thing I could including at least two pairs of pants.

*Michelin man

We'll be adding more detailed stories on Ireland that will easily convince you to visit this wonderful country.

I did a great segment for WUSATV on Christmas gifts for all types of travelers on planes, in their cars, skiers and summer bug protection. Click here for the list of items and companies that provide them. This is a good list for getting yourself a gift or someone else anytime of year.

*Magellan's Pack-it folders.

We're starting a new book review column in January and one of the first will be Rachael Ray's $40 a day. Rachael was visiting at WUSATV and we loved her cooking and fun assertive style.

*Rachael Ray

You'll find many new interesting stories have been added including some by Elinor Garely, Kriss Hammond, Carol Sorgen and Phyllis Steinberg.

*radio antenna

I'll have new radio news in January, meanwhile we're still reporting on destinations for Travel World Radio.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season.

Mary E. Gallagher

Everything we give away multiplies and returns.

mary@gallagherstravels.com