> I would love to hear any suggestions about similar preparations
> for trips to other countries that anyone might have.

I am most experienced with English Lit, and reading about places in Britain has inspired many of my travels. Here are some suggestions.

Dickens, for London, of course. Jane Austen, primarily for Bath, and London, too. Hardy, for the south-central area he called Wessex Trollope, especially for Salisbury and Winchester

A bit lighter, but Daphne DuMaurier for Cornwall.

And Ireland: Certainly Roddy Doyle for modern Dublin, and a glimpse of the Irish sense of humor.

Debbie