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1. Don't expect the new place to be like home

Be open to new experiences, new ways of doing things. After all, you have inserted yourself into a new culture. Of course things are going to be different! That's why we travel--to see something new. Ask yourself, what new thing can I learn from the people in this place? Then keep your eyes open and you may be surprised.

2. Learn a few words of the local language

"Hello, thank you, please, have a good day"--that and a smile will put you in the good books of shopkeepers and hotel staff and make everything go a lot smoother for you.

3. Shun the crappy North American food chains

Make it your goal to eat only the local food. For example, why travel to France (the cooking capital of the world) and eat at McDonalds?

4. Travel with carry-on only

Eliminate the chance of you becoming separated from your suitcase. It's pretty tough to feel relaxed and ready to learn if you have to scramble to shop for new clothes or art materials on the day you arrive.

5. Pare your sketching kit down

Pare your sketching kit down to only what was listed on the workshop materials list. You don't need that wooden French easel that is like carrying a coffee table. You don't need that fancy porcelain watercolor palette. You don't need that ginormous Arches watercolour block. Bring materials that are portable and suitable for plein aire work.

6. Have reasonable expectations of your work

You are learning new skills and techniques. It takes time and practice to acquire this new knowledge. Don't expect to go home with five masterpiece paintings that are just like the instructor's.

7. Stay with the group

If you strike out on your own you may miss out on impromptu opportunities to paint. If you're on your own you may end up wasting a lot of time  finding the group or finding your way back to the hotel.

8. Arrive a day or two early

Arrive a day or two early to recover from jet lag. It's very difficult to concentrate on new techniques if your head is 5 time zones behind. You need time to rest before the start of your workshop so that you will be fresh and able to absorb new material.

9. Extend your stay by a few days or a week

Why leave on the day after the end of the workshop? You've come all this way! Flights are expensive! Why not add on a few days or a week to the end of your workshop so that you can explore on your own this new place and practice the techniques you just learned while they are still fresh in your mind.

10. Put on your explorer hat

Don't be a tourist. Be an explorer. Get off the beaten path. Eat where the locals eat. Shop where the locals shop. Learn the history of the place. Be curious. Relax and have fun :)