My preparation for a trip usually begins long before it's time to pack my suitcase - I love to read up on the destinations I'm visiting in the months leading up to my holiday.

I find that guide books, novels and scholarly accounts of the history or culture of a country are all invaluable as a way of getting into that holiday mood, and it's also good to understand a little bit about the customs and traditions of a country before you get there.

I also recommend taking the effort to learn a few words of the local language before you arrive. I generally find that you only need to master three words of the lingo - 'hello', 'thank you' and 'goodbye' - to ingratiate yourself with your hosts, who will often be genuinely touched that you've made the effort.