8 Tips for Traveling with your Dog

 

8 Tips for Traveling with your Dog

Travel with dogs can be easy if you do it right. Follow these tips to make your trip enjoyable for both you and your dog!

Just because you have a dog doesn’t mean you have to stay home all the time. With careful planning and a little care, traveling with your dog can be fun and refreshing!

Here are some tips to make the trip easier on both you and your pet:

1.     Get your dog used to riding in the car by taking your dog on short trips. Try to go to fun places like the dog park, the fast-food drive through to get your furry friend a pup cup or to visit friends your dog! The best way to think about it is that you want your dog to think that trips in the car are fun. You don’t want your dog to think that all car trips end up at the vet’s office.

2.     If your dog has a habit of getting carsick, try to not feed your dog too much if at all the morning of the trip. Having your dog travel with an empty stomach will help to prevent any car sickness.

3.     Remember to bring along plenty of water and a water dish. You will need to give your dog water throughout the day and a good time to do that is when you stop for a rest or gas. If your dog is familiar with a specific water bowl, bring that one to make the whole experience less jarring.

4.     Be sure to pack enough of your dog’s food, treats, favorite bed, toys, and leash as it could be difficult to stop and find adequate items during your trip should you forget to pack something!

5.     If your dog uses a crate, it would also be a good idea to pack that. If you don’t have a spacious vehicle, a lot of pet stores offer crates that fold up or are made of fabric and can easily be stored. Upon arrival at your destination, you can always utilize your crate if you’re worried about your dog in an unfamiliar location.

6.      How should your dog travel in the car? The short answer: every dog is different! The long answer: some dogs like to sit or lay on the seats, so remember to grab a blanket to protect the upholstery. Other dogs may prefer to be in a crate for the duration of the drive. Make sure the crate won’t slide around and scare your dog while you’re driving.

7.     Don’t forget to stop every few hours to walk your dog, give them some water, and stretch your legs too! Some dogs (and people) could be frightened by the noisy trucks driving by, so try to walk in a quiet area away from the hustle and bustle of the road. Most importantly, be a good citizen and remember to bring plastic doggy bags along to pick up the mess.

8.      If your dog gets anxious when staying in unfamiliar locations, they might have a hard time eating or drinking. The last thing you want is for your dog to get dehydrated, so encourage them to drink, at the very least. One trick to get your dog to drink is mix a little chicken broth into the water and food. That being said, dirtying your dog’s water bow like this can be dangerous if left for a long time so be sure to wash the bowls after introducing items outside the norm.

The first trip will of course be the hardest, your dog may not realize that you are coming back and the whole endeavor could be disorienting, just do your best to comfort your furry friend. After the first trip is behind you, if you lay the groundwork for a pleasant first trip with your dog, future travels with your dog should be a breeze.

Know Before You Go - Cancun

 

Know Before You Go - Cancun

Cancun is known for its spectacular white sand beaches and its fascinating sea in turquoise blue tones. Besides the beaches, you can find unique natural places, Mayan culture, water activities and adventure, international cuisine, golf courses, sophisticated spa facilities, exclusive shopping centers, typical handicraft markets and its incomparable nightlife.

Here’s a list of things to know before you go to Cancun!

Shuttle Transfers Are the Most Economical Way to Get to the Hotel

Frequent “shared van” transfers to your hotel are available from $8 - $10 dollars per person from the airport. If you plan to use to use a shared van; it is better to pre-arrange your transportation via your tour operator or directly with a company in Cancun before you arrive.  Private taxis also operate from the airport, rates go from $50 - $60 dollars per vehicle.

Be Prepared to Say No

When you exit the airport – you may be overwhelmed with people trying to sign you up for excursions, taxis to your hotel or timeshares.  If you aren’t interested, just politely but firmly say “No, gracias” and keep moving -  they will usually move on to the next traveler.

Public transportation service in Cancun

Cancun is very easy for tourists to navigate by public transportation. The bus system is reliable and inexpensive - one ride costs about 6.5 pesos. Buses stop only at bus stops, arrive every 5 minutes and generally operate between 6:00 am and midnight. Buses only accept pesos; they don’t accept dollars.

How much does a Taxi cost in the Hotel Zone? 

Taxi fares within the Hotel Zone can run anywhere from 50 to 80 pesos depending on the distance traveled. Every hotel has taxi fares displayed in their lobbies. It’s usually best to consult with your hotel concierge before taking a cab, they can tell you what the specific rate is. 

What are the ocean conditions like??

Cancun has two different ocean conditions. The calmer and tranquil ocean conditions with no surf start from downtown Cancun and ends at Punta Cancun where the Dreams Resort is located. The hotels on the long strip of the hotel zone, from the Hyatt Regency to the Westin have the liveliest surf.

Things to Do In Cancun

Playa Delfines

You cannot leave Cancun without taking a picture from the famous viewpoint at the Playa Delfines – where a massive stretch of soft white sand calls you to the Caribbean at Cancún’s largest public beach – it will probably be your best photo from Cancún! 

Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA)

MUSA, the Underwater Museum of Art, is located in the National Marine Park of Cancun and Isla Mujeres. MUSA has more than 500 sculptures installed on the seabed across three galleries: Manchones Gallery, in Isla Mujeres, Punta Nizuc Gallery and Punta Sam Gallery, both in Cancun.

Mercado 28 

Located in the center of the city, Market 28 is a true feature of the city of Cancun. You will find an incredible array of Mexican souvenirs and handicrafts, great restaurants and a very good atmosphere.

Palapas Park

If you're looking to spend a day as a Cancunense, you definitely have to go to Palapas Park. Located in the heart of the city, just a few blocks from Mercado 28, you can try Mexican snacks, eat a snow cone to beat the heat, buy hippie crafts and watch a public show and musical groups. Be sure to try the marquesitas – a tasty crepe filled with melted shredded cheese and a sweet filling of your choice.

From Cancun, you can go on a number of day trips.

Believe it or not, there is more to Cancun than the beach. If you can pull yourself away from the Hotel Zone, you can experience some of the best excursions and sightseeing in Mexico.  The Mayan Riviera is full of ancient Mayan ruins, including Chichén Itzá, one of the largest sites in Mexico. Other travelers like to swim and snorkel through Yucatán's system of cenotes – amazing underground rivers and sinkholes.

Security in the Hotel Zone.

Cancun is a pretty safe place to visit – the locals are friendly and crime rates are very low compared to other cities in Mexico.  It’s best to stick to the main tourist areas in Downtown Cancun and the Hotel Zone unless you are traveling with an authorized tour. Remember - about 4 million Americans safely visit the city each year.

Be Prepared for Rain

If you visit Cancun during the rainy season (May – October), be prepared for afternoon showers, on to return to sunshine a short while later!

7 Tips To Traveling Light

 

7 Great Tips to Lighten Your Load

Excited for your next trip but dreading packing?  Maybe now is time to rethink how much you pack.  Checking bags can cost you a lot of extra money and lost bags can create stress when it’s time to relax. Bulky roller suitcases and overstuffed carry-on bags with hiking boots and water bottles dangling off the side can make you miserable when you are navigating busy trains, cobblestone roads, crowded sidewalks and unexpected stairs and more after you leave the airport.

Traveling light allows you to enjoy the journey instead of just the destination. You can be a little more spontaneous along the way,  change flights if there are delays, stop for lunch at that cute café while walking to your hotel or grab a cab to take an unexpected detour that ends up being the highlight of your trip. So get ready to travel better by packing less with these seven pro tips:

 

1.   First create an outfit plan and then your packing list.  Focus on items that can be used for different outfits and situations. Think about items that are multi-use, easy to layer and quick to hand wash. Find tops, bottoms, and shoes that are versatile and that you can easily mix, match, and layer. Your packing list should also help you avoid panic packing – because you don’t have a good plan – you just keep shoving things into your bag that you end up not needing.  Definitely make sure that larger items can be worn as part of different outfits.

2.   Plan to wear your larger items while you travel – coats, boots, sweaters can be worn while traveling, used as a pillow, keep you warm on a chilly airplane or stowed in the overhead bin if not needed.

3.   Wash while you travel.  Wash some of your clothes while you are travelling to reduce the number of items you need to take.  It can be expensive to send clothes to the hotel laundry, but you can wash smaller items things yourself in the sink. Socks, underwear, swimsuits, and work-out clothing wash easily and dry quickly.  You can purchase laundry detergent sheets before you go that are light-weight, non-liquid and work great for small amounts of clothing washed in your sink or tub. Sea to Summit Pocket Laundry Wash leaves and Lazy Coconuts Eco Friendly Laundry Detergent Strips are my favorites!

4.   Buy lightweight clothing. Almost everything is available now in smaller, lighter versions that work well for travelers.  Quick dry shirts, travel pants, lightweight running shoes etc. are all available at a range of budgets – Target, Costco, REI and Lululemon all carry great product to fit a range of budgets.  I never travel without my Eddie Bauer lightweight waterproof rain jacket (which I usually pair with a thin fleece jacket) and Merrell Trail Glove running shoes.

5.   Your phone can be your biggest weight saver!  Download movies, maps, books, magazines, travel guides, movies and shows to your phone or tablet device. If you are must bring your laptop, charging cubes are available that can be used for all of your devices are much smaller and lighter weight than the charging cord that comes with your computer. I use the Anker 30W Compact USB-C Wall Charger for my iPhone, iPad and Mac while travelling.

6.   Rethink your suitcase.  People pack more if they have a bigger bag.  Look into something smaller and versatile.  I like to travel with a backpack roller suitcase – check out the Osprey Fairview and Farpoint Travel Packs – they give you the convenience of a wheeled suitcase, with the ability to carry it on your back like a backpack!

7.   Finally – relax!  Most necessities will be available at your destination if you forget something critical. Shampoo, soap and extra toiletries are usually available at your hotel, short-term rental or from the local store.   It can be great fun to go to local thrift stores and flea markets to supplement anything you need once you arrive.

 

Ready to put your new lightweight packing skills to good use?   Click the link below to schedule a call with me today and let’s find your next amazing experience!

 

Brief Destination Travel Guides for St. Barts

 

Brief Destination Travel Guides for St. Barts

Overview:

There's no doubt that the French Caribbean island, St. Barthélemy can be a bit on the expensive side. Yet, it's a long way from stuck-up – seeing the free-wandering iguanas is confirmation of that – on top of that with the right planning it's more accessible than you may suspect. Early planning will your best friend and help plan a trip that is financially comparable to other Caribbean isles. Luckily, St. Barts' (or St. Barth's) 14 beaches are mostly open to the general population. The island is ideal for those looking for a Euro-themed trip with the added benefit of a lots of beaches, sun, and sand. Those searching for energizing nightlife should also consider spending some time on Barts' cousin islands: Martinique or St. Martin for additional fun and activities.

First found in 1493 by Christopher Columbus, St. Barts has been under both Swedish and English rule during different times. In 2007, St. Barts became a French collectivity. The sociological impacts and technological improvements from these periods can be seen all throughout the island. Fast forward to the last twenty years: the populace has multiplied, and the island is well regarded as a great opportunity to escape all of your worries and relax in the sun!

 

Best Time to Go:

November through June is the best time to visit St. Bart's. From December through April, the sun is blistering hot. December is known to be the busiest season and requires bookings in advance at least six months ahead of time. In the fall every now and again some light mists and showers disrupt the typically warm climate. It is generally not advisable to travel during the windy season through September, October, and November, when many companies close down.

 

Transportation:

There is no public transportation on the island. Many travelers get a rental vehicle as there are many rental car companies on the island, including Avis and Hertz. There are also 38 authorized taxi organizations.

Know Before You Go:

Airlines like Winair and St. Barth Suburbanite sell tickets for the 15-minute flight over from St. Maarten. As an alternative you could also fly Tradewinds Aeronautics from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Weather:

June through September is the hottest part of the year, with frequent highs of 90°F (32°C). On the other hand, January through April are the “coldest” months, with a maximum high of 80°F (27°C).

 

Language:

French is the main language spoken, that being said, English is widely-spoken as well.

 

Electric:

Type E (two-prong plug).

 

Currency:

Euro (Dollars are widely accepted too).

 

10 Things to Know Before You Go to Medellin, Colombia

 

10 Things to Know Before You Go to Medellín, Colombia

 

Are you planning a trip to Medellín, Colombia? Then you'll definitely find these travel tips helpful!

To make your trip to Medellín as easy as possible, we've put together this handy travel guide with tips and information we think you should know before you go.

 

1.       Take a walk to the House of Memory Museum (Museo Casa de la Memoria)

The solemn stories and experiences from the armed conflict in Medellín are vividly and respectfully captured in this museum. It is useful to note that per Colombian culture, people like to look ahead to brighter futures rather than dwell on the troubles of the past, making it difficult to comprehend what the area has been through. This enlightening museum helps see through the curtains of time and create an appreciation for the struggles and growth this city has gone through.

The House of Memory Museum tells real-life stories and visiting will give you a glimpse into the constant endeavor of progressing past the wounds left by the urban conflict in Medellín.

2.       Pay a visit to the Paisa Pueblito

The Paisa Pueblito, located at the el Cerro Nutibarra in Medellín, Antioquia, is a re-creation of a traditional Antioquia town from the turn of the century, and it's a fascinating look at the root of Colombia's culture and history. The best part, entry is free!

The area is situated on a hill in the middle of the Aburrá valley and provides a sweeping view of Medellín and the surrounding area.

3.       Pay a visit to the Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno)

The Museum of Modern Art, located in a repurposed factory, is a work of art in and of itself. It's a huge concrete and metal structure and sits within the city's barrios, which climb beautifully up into the hillsides.

Modern art can be a bit polarizing, but I think any and all would enjoy a visit to the museum. The collection is minimal, but on the bottom floor, there is a lovely photography section.

4.       Go on a coffee farm trip

If you aren't planning a trip to Colombia's coffee zone, hopefully this section of the article will convince you otherwise! Medellín has a variety of coffee farms within an hour's drive. The vast majority of the tour farms are small, family-run coffee operations that rely on tours to augment their profits.

The tours start at 206,376 Colombian pesos ($60 USD). The Medellín Coffee Tour and the Medellín Coffee Farm Tour offered by Toucan Café are two notable options.

5.       Take a tour of a cacao farm

The Cacao farm tours are similar to coffee farms in that you can learn about the process of making chocolate all the way from seed to name-brand chocolate bar. During the tours you'll also be given an opportunity read about the farmers' experiences with cacao cultivation.

The tours cost about 92,558 pesos ($27 USD) and are done exceptionally well by Toucan Cafe and Tours.

6.       Eat your way around the city—try the Mercado Del Rio.

The Mercado Del Rio is a gastronomic store where you can sample some of the city's finest cuisine. The market has a laid-back feel to it, with good wine and beer from all over the country, as well as a variety of restaurants serving small plates to share. The relaxing vibes in addition to great food and drink make for a lovely break in pace from heavy travel.

The Mercado Del Rio is on the more expensive side but the quality of the food and drink makes it absolutely worthwhile.

7.       Attend a soccer match

Soccer (fútbol) in many places is more a religion than just a sport and in Colombia this is definitely the case. If there are any games scheduled while you're here, you should definitely attend one. Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín are the two teams in Medellín.

Things may start to get rowdy when rival teams compete so to mitigate interactions with eachother they occupy bleachers at opposite ends of the arena. The cost of a ticket is less than 40,000 COP ($12.50 USD).

8.       Pay a visit to a microbrewery

Colombia has a thriving craft beer community, with over 30 breweries and microbreweries in Medellín alone, there are plenty of enticing options to choose from. Among my favorites are 3 Cordilleras, Medellín Beer Factory, and 20 Mission Cerveza.

Visiting a brewery is always a wonderful addition to any vacation!

9.       Take the cable car to Parque Arví

A gondola ride awaits those who travel to Parque Arví. The park occupies a space just outside of the city and it's a breathtaking journey with beautiful city views that only costs 4,850 COP ($1.40 USD) round-trip.

The park has hiking trails through the eucalyptus forest, beaches, and great spots to view the surrounding landscape, as well as a grocery store at the summit.

10   La Sierra Tour

In this informational tour you will get a chance to learn about the history of the La Sierra region. The tour itself takes you through the barrio (neighborhood) on walking tour and eventually up into the hills of Medellín.

The expense of a bus trip with La Sierra Tours is 70,000 COP ($23 USD), with all proceeds going to a local soup kitchen.