• The Slanted Door is an incredible Vietnamese restaurant in the Mission District. Even someone who doesn't think they like Vietnamese food will enjoy the food. It's very high quality food in a relaxed setting. It can be crowded but it's worth the effort.
• Try the Hotel Monaco. It's downtown, only a couple of blocks from Union Square. Each afternoon they have a social hour in a living room off the lobby, where wine, soft drinks and snacks are served. Often they have some kind of added attraction, such as a Tarot card reader or someone giving neck and shoulder massages. This hotel is pet friendly - you'll see people walking with their dogs through the lobby.
• No matter what time of year, pack a rain jacket and a sweater. Whether you are relaxing on the water or walking through Union Square, it is always better to be prepared. And watch out for the cable cars!

• Chez Zee is a place that Austinites know about. The menu has a lot of "Texas Cuisine," such as grilled meats and Mexican-influenced dishes. The pasta is also very good. And don't pass up dessert.
• Many people go to Austin for the music scene and nightlife downtown. However, don't miss out on the outdoor recreation opportunities outside of Austin in the Hill Country.
• Lake Austin Spa Resort is a magical place in the Hill Country outside of Austin. You can't just go for the night; it's a resort offering multi-night all-inclusive packages. Think of it as a fitness resort. You can go hiking, kayaking, running or attend yoga or aerobic classes. Afterward, get a relaxing massage and have a delicious, low-fat dinner.

• To really get off the beaten path, go to Quepos on the Pacific Coast. In the small downtown is the market. There you'll find an authentic Costa Rican experience. Instead of going to a restaurant, buy your lunch in the market filled with fresh fruits and vegetables. There are vendors selling meat, bread and other things to eat as well.
• Pay attention to the wildlife. Expect to see monkeys, iguanas, sloths and hundred of birds. And you may see an occasional snake.
• Outside of Quepos next to the Manuel Antonio National Park is a great hotel called Si Como No. The view is incredible. It's perched on top of a cliff overlooking a rainforest and the ocean. Besides that, the hotel is quaint and comfortable.

• L'Entrecote is a small caf? in the 8th arrondissement not far from the Seine. They have the best steak frites -- steak with a green peppercorn sauce and delicious French fries. On this particular day, it was all you can eat. And only Parisians were in the place, no tourists.
• If you go to Paris before a presidential election and rent a car, don't worry about parking tickets. The newly elected president usually voids the parking tickets given in Paris during the preceding couple of months. It's a way of saying thanks for being elected.
• The granddaddy of all hotels is the Ritz in Paris. It's very expensive, but if you're in the mood to splurge get dressed up and go to the bar for a drink. The drink will cost what dinner will cost in most restaurants, but you may see an internationally known musician, fashion model or well-known CEO enjoying the surroundings.

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