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.

Porto, Portugal

 

Porto

Porto is situated along the Douro River in Northern Portugal and is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon.  Almost 2 million people live in the Porto metro area. One of the top destinations in all of western Europe, Porto was elected The Best European Destination by the Best European Destinations Agency in 2017.

Travelers that explore the areas around Porto are in for great experiences.  Ancient archaeological sites abound, such as the Celtic village of Citania de Briteiros.  There are many castles can be explored including Guimarães Castle. Porto is on the Portuguese Way path of the Camino de Santiago. Northern Portugal is famous for Port wine and the Douro River Valley is home to many famous wineries.

It certainly is a really nice place to explore by walking around and to meet people make sure you go out at night. You will also find Porto’s atmosphere to be, by far, more authentic than Lisbon.

History

This area is rich in history and considered the birthplace of country itself. Porto is one of the oldest European centers.  The Celts settled in and around Porto in 300 BC.  Porto was a Roman Empire outpost as late as the 5th century AD.  After that, Germanic tribes and then the Moors occupied Porto until the reconquest in 868.  Porto was later invaded by Vikings and Arabs until eventually became an important city of Portugal. It’s no wonder that the historical core of Porto is a World Heritage Site.

People

Residents of Porto are very proud of their city and you may hear the expression that "o Porto é uma nação" which means Porto is a nation. People from Porto are often called the Tripeiros, or tripe eaters.  The city's inhabitants went without meat during the Portuguese conquest of Ceuta in North Africa in 1415 to help provision the fleet, hence the name Tripeiros.  Instead of meat, they subsisted on tripe soup.  Visitors to Porto may recognize that sometimes it feels like it is all business - as the saying goes, "Porto works, Braga prays, Coimbra studies, and Lisbon gets the money."

Climate

Porto's climate is semi-Mediterranean climate.  The Atlantic Ocean makes Porto cooler than other cities with this climate. Temperatures rise as high as 40°C in August during occasional heat waves. Winters are mild, rainy and humid, with occasional cold nights when temperatures can drop below 0°C.

Getting Around

Porto Metro light rail/subway system is modern and is the best way to get around Porto even though some parts of the city don’t have good coverage yet.  You need to purchase and store tickets on an Adante card at the station.

You can also purchase a Porto Card for 24, 48, or 72 consecutive hours of unlimited access to public transportation and includes free access to some museums and other discounts.

Don’t Miss

While in Porto, make sure you don’t miss the following experiences:

• Aliados Avenue
• Rua de Santa Catarina (shopping street)
• Visit Livraria Lello - the library that inspired  JK Rowling to write Harry Potter
• Cross the Ponte de Dom Luis (The Dom Luis I Bridge) bridge on the top and lower bridges.
• Tour one of the Port Wine cellars (on the Gaia side of the Douro River)
• Grab a beer and enjoy the sunset at Serra do Pilar viewpoint on the Gaia side of the Douro River)
• Ribeira (Porto's Riverside area)
• Sao Bento's train station
• Take in the views from the area outside Se Catedral Porto
• Enjoy the night out around Galerias
• Capela das Almas and the surrounding area
• Try the traditional "Francesinha" with a nice and cold beer at lunchtime
• Cafe Santiago (go early)
• Lado B
• Bufete Fase
• Barcarola Café
• Brasao Cervejaria

Suggested Afternoon Itinerary

Start your walking tour at Sao Bento station, head down to Ribeira, buy a combined ticket for a boat trip on Douro river plus visit to one of the Port wine cellars (ask for the time with English guide). Cross the bridge on the lower side to Gaia, visit the Cellars, do the boat trip, have some fun at the rooftop terrace bar Espaco Porto Cruz on the side of Sandeman Port Cellar. Then walk up or take the cable car to Serra do Pilar and enjoy the sunset over there.

General Tips

Here are some general tips to help you enjoy your time in Porto:

• If traveling to Porto from Lisbon (Lisboa), visit Obidos on your way
• Order an expresso Italy and Portugal and Italy are the best places to have expresso.   You will not be disappointed!
• Always buy bread or pastries at a traditional Patisserie (Pastelaria)
• Ask for the menu of the day when having lunch (in Portuguese, "Menu do Dia"). A lot of restaurants use this method for lunch.  The Menu do Dia usually has soup, a main course, coffee and drink and is cheaper than ordering off the regular menu.
• Always ask for the house wine at meals, it normally is as good as any other wine and it is the cheapest one. The wine is generally very cheap in Portugal, so you can always buy some and drink on the street or in a nice place elsewhere.
• Complement fish or shellfish dishes with some cold Vinho Verde, a unique Portuguese wine from the north.

 

How Traveling Can Help You Fight Depression

 

How Traveling Can Help You Fight Depression

Living with depression is not the most desirable thing. It is not a tangible feeling of being happy or sad and neither is it a medical condition that can be wiped out with a few tablets every other day (do not quit using medication). It feels like a dark cloud hanging over you and you have to fight your own way through it. Traveling can help fight depression.

Many people suffering from depression have felt a liberating feeling after going on a fun-filled excursion. It has dragged them towards the light at the end of the tunnel.

Traveling does not necessarily mean quitting your job and leaving everything behind or that sort of thing; it can be the kind where you plan and prepare for it. If you can do the former where you quit your day job and do a pilgrimage where you explore your spirituality and sexuality, well and good! The bottom line is: have fun out there.

How beneficial is a trip to someone going through a bout of depression? Here are a few ways in which travel helps you fight depression:

 

Traveling opens up new neural pathways 

When you are depressed, your mind gets caught up in a loop of negative thoughts and it makes you feel isolated. You get used to experiencing dark emotions and it shuts you off from the environmental conditions that can help you overcome these bad feelings. It is worse if you are used to a routine because you get used to things going a certain way and it becomes hard to shake off the negative thoughts.

When you travel, you are forced to experience new situations that trigger different stimuli. You face new challenges and if forces your brain to think differently. In this state, your negative thoughts are slowly replaced by positive ones.

 

Traveling helps remove external stressors

When you travel to, say the beach, you are released from your normal environment which your brain associates with negative feelings. As such, your usual surroundings are external stressors. A trip comes with a change of scenery. It is liberating to the mind and it helps freshen things up.

 

You meet new people

Traveling to a new place and engaging in a fun activity while you are there presents you with the chance to meet new people. You strike up conversations with them and you share experiences. Such encounters help you develop a new outlook on life. If you are fortunate, you can make new friends who will actively help you fight depression.

 

You can engage in new activities guilt-free 

When you are out on a trip to, say, a foreign country, you can do activities that you would normally not do at home. You can go kayaking, bungee jumping, white water rafting, or even skydiving. If you are not cut out for such extreme activities, you can sing in a bar, swim, read a book, and get a massage. Such activities help ease your mind.

 

You experience nature

If you live in a big city where there are many cars, skyscrapers, billboards, and factories, you need to travel to experience Mother Nature. It can be refreshing to go out on a trip to a place where the air is fresh, the birds sing, the water splashes on the rocks, and the crickets chirp at night. Nature can serve as a tonic to your depressed mind.

 

Conclusion

Depression can be crushing and traveling can relieve the pressure. Traveling calls for initiative and you may feel like it is a lot of work. It is worthwhile. Get out of your comfort zone and embark on your healing journey!