Beauty Through the Rain Drops

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

As we all know, weather doesn’t always end up being the perfect sunny forecast for our carefully planned vacations. Whether it’s a snow blizzard at the log cabin retreat or a rainy weekend trip to the coast, mother nature may not have known that sunbathing was #1 on the weekend agenda. But the flexible traveler can take this unforeseen change in weather as an opportunity to experience the landscapes most organic elements.

Sonja's rainy hike through the redwoods.

Hiking through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, I realized these conditions weren’t exactly what we had imagined when planning this trip a few months back. Constant rain made camping quite interesting, with no way to make a fire and a really wet dog that wanted in and out of the tent. We planned this trip in spring in order to avoid the large summer crowds. Turns out summer might be high season for a reason.

Without a soul in sight, I came upon a tree trunk my entire apartment could fit in. Speechless, I looked up and there was my moment of clarity. These magnificent giants, reaching hundreds of feet high, were enjoying every last drop of rain. After all, how did they become so massive? In that moment of connection the burden of a wet tent or muddy shoes dwindled to the size of ants on a playground or us among the old-growth redwood trees.

Never again will ‘ideal’ weather be on my travel wish list–witnessing natural beauty is as good as it gets!

Let us  help you get out there and enjoy the beauty in our natural spaces! For more information please contact our travel specialists.

Sonja Arrasi, Cruise & Travel Masters
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Airport Dog Parks

 

Thanks to a mandate issued last may by the U.S. Department of Transportation, airlines are required to provide relief areas for service animals like guide dogs. Airports are beginning to go beyond the minimum requirements, developing  off-leash dog-parks that are open to all travelers and their four legged friends. Here are just a few:

-Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International: 1,000-square-feet of landscaped off-leash rest area, located steps away from Delta’s check-in desk. The most elaborate park yet, this area has flowers, grass, benches, biodegradable waste bags, and dog sculptures made from scrap metal.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Flickr

- San Francisco International Airport: Two outside relief areas located near Terminals 1 and 3 baggage claims. Drinking bowls and “mutt mitts” (high-tech poop bags) are available as well.

- Philadelphia International Airport: Seven off-leash areas with mulch surfaces and biodegradable waste bags. Humans will enjoy the relaxation bench, while dogs will enjoy the faux fire hydrant and concrete paw print.

- The Lambert-St. Louis International Airport: Two gated outdoor rest areas, in the Main and East terminals.

Tracey Thompson, owner of PetFriendlyTravel.com, has compiled a list of nearly 50 pet-friendly airports. She says “Airports are wise to tap into what pet owners want, since more travelers are paying to carry their small pets with them on the plane.”

For more pet-friendly travel tips, check out the Pet Travel section of our blog!

Sonja Arrasi, Cruise & Travel Masters
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Flying With Pets

Flying With Pets

I found the below information on the fabulous wewbsite Tripswithpets.com. I know that there is a great deal of confusion and stress that comes when transporting our furry friends! I found these tips to be quite useful in making the process a little easier. Hopefully you will too!

To help ensure the safety and comfort of your pet while flying, it’s important to follow some basic tips and guidelines.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the pet policies of the airline you are flying and take note of the following in regards to their pet policies:

• Does the airline allow you to take your cat or small dog in the cabin with you?
• If that option isn’t available to you, does the airline have any restrictions on transporting your pet below the cabin?
• Does the airline have any special pet health and immunization requirements?
• What are the airlines specifications and requirements for pet carriers?

Before you begin your trip, be sure that your pet is “up” for the journey. This means a visit to the vet for a medical checkup and to ensure that your pet is up-to-date with all necessary vaccinations. Be sure to tell your vet about your plans to travel by air. Your vet can recommend to you whether your pet is suitable for this method of travel. Once you’ve got the green light, here are some tips that will help make you and your pet’s air travel happy and safe.

• Health Certificate:  During your pre-trip vet appointment, ask your vet to issue a health certificate for your pet.  This typically needs to be dated within ten days of departure.  Carry this with you while traveling with your pet, as it may be required at different points throughout your travel.

• Non-Peak Flights:  Consider booking a non-peak flight, which typically means less passengers and more cabin room. This will help ease potential stress for your pet.

• Direct Flights:  Use direct flights.  Changing planes with your pet may cause undue stress on your pet, particularly if layover time is not adequate for a pet walk and bathroom break.

• Flights & Extreme Temps:  If traveling during the summer or winter months, choose flights that will accommodate the temperature extremes, particularly if your pet is traveling below the cabin.

• Same Flight & Notify Airline Staff:  Always travel on the same flight as your pet. Ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded and unloaded below the cabin.   In addition, when you board the plane, notify a flight attendant that your pet is traveling with you as special precautions may be taken.

• Breed Considerations:  Do not ship pug-nosed dogs or cats such as Pekingese, Chow Chows, and Persians in the cargo hold. These breeds have short nasal passages that leave them vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heat stroke in cargo holds.

• Be Early:  Have everything packed early and leave early to allow plenty of time to deal with normal air travel as well as your pet’s needs. Keep yourself calm before the flight as pets sense your stress and anxiety.

• Select the Right Carrier:  Carriers are available in both hard-sided and soft-sided.  Soft-sided carriers are more suitable for carry-on and tend to fit better under the seat.  Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations as far as the appropriate size carrier for your pet.  The proper size carrier should allow your pet to be able to lie down comfortably, stand up and turn around.  Ensure for proper ventilation and comfort.  Find airline approved pet carriers at the TWP Store.

• Carrier Familiarization:   Give your pet at least a month before your flight to become familiar with the travel carrier. This will minimize his or her stress during travel. In addition, include a favorite toy or item with your scent in the carrier with your pet for comfort.

• Travel Label:  Affix a travel label to the carrier with your name, the name of your final destination or contact person, home and final destination addresses, as well as your home, cell, and final destination phone numbers.

• Proper Collar & ID:  Fit your pet with a collar that can’t get caught in carrier doors. Affix two pieces of identification on the collar—a permanent ID with your name and home address and telephone number and a temporary travel ID with the address and telephone number where you or a contact person can be reached.

• Trim Nails:  Make sure that your pet’s nails have been clipped to protect against their hooking in the carrier’s door, holes, and other crevices.

• Feeding:  Do not feed your pet for four to six hours prior to air travel. Small amounts of water can be given before the trip.  If possible, secure a collapsible travel bowl to the inside of the carrier and place a few ice cubes in it.

• Photo:  Bring along a current photo of your pet. This will make it easier for others to help you find your pet should your pet get separated from you.

• No Tranquilizers: Do not give your pet tranquilizers unless your veterinarian prescribes them. Make sure your veterinarian understands that the prescription is for air travel.

• Leash:  Carry a leash with you so that you may walk your pet before check-in and after arrival. Do not place the leash inside the carrier or attach it to the outside of the kennel.

• Upon Arrival:  When you arrive at your destination, open the carrier as soon as you are in a safe place and examine your pet. If anything seems wrong, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately.  Get the results of the examination in writing, including the date and time.

Sonja Nash, Cruise & Travel Masters
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Finally, Pet Friendly Beaches!

Why should we get to soak up all the rays while our furry friend has to stay at home? Don’t you love the idea of being able to take them with you on a vacation that they will enjoy just as much as you do?  Well, it’s totally possible?! I personally love travelling with my dog and I know she has a blast! I found a great list of beaches that welcome the pooch! Check it out here!

dogs love the beach!

Sonja Nash, Cruise & Travel Masters
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Traveling overseas with pets

It wasn’t on my itinerary to fall in love with a Costa Rican beach dog, but after two months of having her replace my shadow, I made the decision to adopt and take her back home to Utah. The language barrier made it extremely difficult to get a clear cut idea of what steps needed to be taken. I spoke on the phone with numerous people at the airlines, all of which gave me different answers: “Yes, our airline accepts pets but not in Costa Rica, its too hot.” or ” I think we can take dogs but I’m not sure if the cabin is pressurized, let me put you on hold…” ARGGHHH! It was extremely unnerving to not get a standard and reassuring answer! I decided to take it into my own hands. I searched the web for any information that could help and I was pleasantly surprised. After posting my situation on a travel blog, I received several comments from individuals that had successfully transported a dog overseas. One specific girl found me on Facebook and told me step by step what I needed to do specifically for Costa Rica deportation. I then went to the airport and spoke to the cargo representative of each airline. I finally found a lead! Continental Airlines was the one airline at Liberia Airport (northern Costa Rica)  that had adequate pressurized cargo area and a crew that assured me they would take excellent care of my four legged friend. Luckily, from Costa Rica to the United States there is no quarantine so after a few rabies shots, some paperwork that was stamped by the state and an expensive doggy plane ticket (specifically the fee and taxes), we were off! Jaya is her name and today she is enjoying a full belly, a dry bed and her first snow! I am a firm believer that travel does not have to be limited due to your pets. You love travel and you love your pets…combine the two for a completely new travel experience! Plus, walking a dog around your destination can assist in seeing a more personal landscape, companionship in a place outside of your comfort zone and most importantly starting conversations with locals! People love animals in all countries and its an easy conversation starter or even an excuse to exchange smiles. I found one specific web site that is very useful when needing information about traveling with pets. http://www.pettravel.com/.

Sonja Nash, Cruise & Travel Masters

800-264-0557