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Once the capital of Bohemia, Prague has retained its medieval character, and its narrow windy streets are made for strolling. The city was originally developed as four adjacent self-governing boroughs plus a walled Jewish ghetto. These neighborhoods now form the central city and have maintained their individual identities along with their medieval street plans.

Hradcany
Hradcany, the Castle District, dominates the hilltop above Malá Strana. Prague Castle, the largest existing ancient castle in the world, was constructed in the 9th century by Prince Boøivoj. Over the centuries, the castle has transformed from a wooden fortress to the imposing form it has today. Though it has had four major reconstructions, today it retains its form from the classical facelift in the 18th century during the reign of Maria Theresa.  Allow at least half a day (not including time for museum visits) if you want to examine the castle in depth.  Other sights to see in Hradcany are Loreto Church, Strahov Monastery, and the main national art gallery at the archbishop's palace. You can take a scenic walk down the hill via Nerudova or through the lush Petrín Hill gardens.

Staré Mesto (Old Town)
Staré Mesto was chartered in 1234 as Prague became a stop on important trade routes. The neighborhood is compact, bordered by the Vltava on the north and west and Revolucní and Národní streets on the east and south. Walks the meandering streets that radiate from Staromestské námestí (Old Town Square), and you'll stumble across beautiful baroque and Renaissance architecture as well as wonderful shops, bars, and restaurants. As long as you stick to the cobblestone streets, don't cross any bridges, streets containing tram tracks, or rivers, you are still in Old Town.

Josefov
Prague is one of Europe's great historic Jewish cities, and exploring this remarkable area will make it clear why. This Jewish ghetto, situated entirely within Staré Mesto, was surrounded by a wall until being almost wholly destroyed to make way for more modern 19th-century structures. The Old-New Synagogue is in the geographical center of Josefov, and the surrounding streets are wonderful for strolling.

Malá Strana (Lesser Town)
Malá Strana looks like a storybook setting. It was founded in 1257 by Germanic merchants who set up shop at the base of the castle hilltop. The neighborhood is laced with narrow winding lanes with palaces and red-roofed town houses showing themselves around every turn. Nerudova is the steep, shop-lined alley leading from the town square to the castle.

Nové Mesto (New Town)
When it was founded by Charles IV in 1348, Nové Mesto was Europe's largest wholly planned municipal development. Twice as large as Old Town, it was mainly inhabited by tradesmen and craftsmen. Draped like a crescent around Staré Mesto, Nové Mesto is where you'll find Václavské námestí (Wenceslas Square), the National Theater, and the central business district. The street layout has remained largely unchanged, but during the late 19th century, its outer fortifications were demolished and redeveloped to its present appearance. Today it is not particularly attractive to tourists because of its modern office and apartment building. Still, if you venture beyond Wenceslas Square into Vinohrady, you'll find restaurants, interesting shops, and a part of Prague that feels more like a normal city instead of a tourist attraction.

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If you lose your passport while traveling abroad, you need to stop what you’re doing and get a new document right away. 

First and foremost, always carry a copy of your passport. It's the next best thing to having your actual passport. And don't carry it with your passport or with any other travel documents; put it in a pocket of your suitcase and leave it there. Better ye , scan your passport and download the file onto your laptop or other digital storage device, even if it is simply a memory stick,  or email it to yourself so you can get to it via the Internet if needed. This way  you'll be able to print out a copy of your passport from a location that has web access and a printer.

Once you learn your passport is missing, immediately contact the nearest consulate or embassy. You can locate the closest location by checking the Department of State's web site.)

During an interview with a consular officer, you will be asked to provide basic personal information as well as your passport number and date and place of issue. You will need to supply the names of identifying witnesses at home and abroad. In certain circumstances, you might need to have someone back home fax copies of identifying documents, such as a birth certificate.

Once your identity has been verified, you will fill out a new passport application, as well as an affidavit regarding the loss/theft of your old passport. If you believe your passport was stolen, you might have to file a local police report. You will likely also need to get a passport photo taken (at a retail store).

If the Department of State has lingering doubts as to your identity but is satisfied enough to let you back into the country, they'll issue you a conditional passport. This will cost at least $85 (an additional $60 expediting fee may be assessed as well), but it will be valid for the usual 10 years. If you lost your credit cards and cash along with your passport and have no way to pay, you'll be issued a temporary passport for free just to get you home.  Once you get home and can provide proper documentation, you can have the passport validated for the full 10 years.

For official information on what to do if you've lost your passport, visit the Department of State's web site.

Traveling by plane with a small child can be one of life’s most trying challenges. The enclosed space, pressure-induced discomfort, and general lack of understanding (why one doesn’t kick the seat in front, why one must stay quiet, etc.) can lead to serious grumpiness and the attendant behavioral features.  Though you may not make the trip completely unscathed, here are some tips to help make the skies a little more friendly for you, your child, and your fellow travelers.

• Reserve early. You will get much better seating choices. Also, if you are making connections, make sure you have plenty of time (more than the minimum recommended by airlines) between flights.

• Get a seat for everyone, even toddlers. Though children under age two can sit on a parent's lap, it is a major inconvenience on any but the shortest flights. " Some airlines offer discounts for its youngest travelers, so remember to ask.

• Overpack. Bring an extra set of clothes for parent and child, (and a bag for the dirty ones). Assume that you will have an unexpected layover and pack more diapers, wipes, and other key items than you think you'll need. 

• Stock food. Food service has diminished drastically of late, so don’t count on a kids meal. Bring along snacks and drinks, as well as things to suck or chew on for pressure changes during takeoff and landing. 

• Arrive early. Better to wait than be rushed. You don't want to have to sprint through the airport with bags and kids.
   

• Make pit stops. Be sure to hit the bathroom before boarding, and before the Fasten Seatbelt sign is lit for the last time. 

• Ensure entertainment choices.  Take along a small DVD player with your kid’s favorite cartoons and movies; this will be useful for layovers as well as on the plane. An alternative is a personal CD or MP3 player with favorite music or books on tape. And as back up (when the DVD or CD player’s battery is empty), be crafty by bringing crayons, markers, coloring books, and paper. Want to make your pre-schooler really happy? Playing cards and favorite books are also great.

If, in spite of all your preparation and patience, you are not able to quiet your screaming beast or get him or her to stop squirming, just remember that you are doing your best. Take comfort in the fact that most if not all of the passengers around you have kids of their own, and put on your game face. The flight won’t last forever!