Archive / Travel and Leisure

RSS feed for this section

Traveling with Your Pet? Here’s How to Do it Right

The assumption that many people have is that traveling with a pet is supremely difficult. Others think it’s impossible. However, traveling with a pet can be exciting and fun. You just need to know the right way to do it. Today, many people are traveling with their pets all over the world. The travel industry has already adapted to the growing demands of travelers. That’s why it’s easier to travel with a pet to most parts of the world today than it was some years back. Here’s how to do it right.

Research Animal Quarantine and Import Rules

The country you intend to travel to with your pet may have imposed animal restrictions and quarantine rules. You can search for the export requirements’ database from the U.S Department of Agriculture. Every country has rules that govern how people travel with pets. Cats and dogs from abroad are allowed in most countries. However, some countries restrict the entry of rabbits, ferrets, birds, and other pets. Some breeds of cats and dogs are also restricted in some countries. You need to research these restrictions as well as arrival procedures before you travel.

Ask Your Airline

Apart from the custom paperwork, you should ensure that your airline will allow you to board the plane with your pet. There are rules for domestic airlines about the animal size, age, and documentation requirements. However, you can also find a pet-friendly international airline. You will most likely be charged a fee when you fly with a pet in the cargo hold or cabin. Representatives of the airline can also ask you to provide the medical records of your pet before they allow it onboard. It’s also important to read the airline’s policy on service animal travels. The best approach is to talk to your airline directly. Don’t just assume that you will be allowed to travel with your pet.

Get a Signature from Your Vet

You need to get the health certificates and records of your pet signed by your vet before you travel. This is important whether it’s a requirement at your travel destination, by your airline, or even both. Note that these regulations vary. In some countries, a basic letterhead record issued by a licensed vet will be required. However, some countries demand official records with original USDA-Accredited Vet and APHIS medical officer signatures. Talk to your vet about this because they may have helped other clients when traveling with their pets.

Mitigate Stress for Your Pet

You may focus on fulfilling the official requirements for traveling with a pet and filling the paperwork to the extent of forgetting that traveling can be hard on the pet. If your pet is not sufficiently small to fit under the airplane’s seat that you book, they will fly in the plane’s cargo hold. This can be stressful and dangerous if your pet has respiratory problems because they can have difficulties breathing. What’s more, a long flight means your pet won’t have food, comfort, and exercise for hours. Therefore, find out how you can mitigate travel stress for your pet. In addition to these tips, prepare with the right accessories and carrier. Plan well and make proper arrangements. Also, carry any special equipment you may need to ensure a safe and comfortable trip with your pet.

Thank you to a big supporter of our blog at PaintersStJohnsNL.com. Any homes in St. John’s needing painting, give them a call!

Major Reasons to Plan Your Trip

Traveling entails more than just selecting a destination, booking a flight and accommodation, and leaving. Travel is largely about experiences. When you travel, you want to get the best experience from your trip. That’s precisely why you should plan for it. Every traveler wants to achieve something from their trip. Whether you choose to travel solo or with others, planning will enable you to achieve the goal of your trip. Some people argue that planning a trip is time-consuming. Nevertheless, there are many reasons to plan a trip. Here are some of them.

Selecting the Right Travel Destination

There are many places where you can travel to depending on the experiences that you wish to enjoy. However, there are other factors to consider when choosing a travel destination. These include the person you intend to travel with, the amount of time you want to stay at your destination, and your preferences such as where & what to eat and what activities you’re interested in. When you want to travel or the season will also influence your destination. Focus on choosing a travel destination that enables you to create sweet, lasting memories.

Choosing a Means of Transport and Booking

Once you’ve chosen your travel destination, decide on the transportation means to use and book in advance. You can choose trains, flights, or cars depending on your destination and preference. However, conduct some research before booking to know what suits your destination and budget. If you have limited time to travel, taking a flight can be your best choice. However, this can cost you more than other means of transport. Planning enables you to consider such factors when traveling.

Booking Accommodation

Planning your trip enables you to decide on the most appropriate accommodation. Accommodation is a major expense for most trips. But, where you rest when traveling is very important. It influences the kind of rest you enjoy and how productive you will be the next day. Therefore, take time to plan and choose the right accommodation. There are places where you can find cheap accommodation that will give you value for money. Several apartments, hotels, luxury resorts and guesthouses are all available in most travel destinations. Planning your trip will enable you to choose accommodation that suits your needs including your budget.

Checking Your Passport

Most overseas travels require a passport. If you don’t plan your trip, you might not travel because travelers are required to apply for it two months before traveling. If you have a passport, traveling without planning means risking having an expired passport when the time to travel comes. To travel to most countries, you need a passport with a validity of six months. Planning your trip enables you to ensure that you have a valid passport on the day of the trip. Additionally, planning your trip enables you to check visa requirements and ensure that you meet them. This is important because visa criterion can take time in some places.

Activity Planning 

Planning a trip enables you to decide on the activities to engage in, the places to visit, and things to see. This enables you to maximize on the time that you have to travel and the money you intend to spend on your trip. A planned trip is better than an unplanned one. Planning makes a trip smooth and enjoyable. You also make the most of the time you have to travel when you take time to plan. Therefore, take time to plan your trip to ensure your maximum enjoyment.

A big shout out to our sponsors at Handyman Plus Regina, a handyman in Regina, SK. Always grateful for their continued support!

3 Reasons To Visit Rome

Rome, the Eternal City, celebrates a long history with churches, monuments, and restored ruins. These attractions provide a glimpse into the great days of the famous Roman Empire. Traveling to Rome gives you a chance to immerse in the culture over the heaping pasta bowl and taste gelato. You also get an opportunity to celebrate the roots of this famous city. Nevertheless, there are more reasons to travel to Rome, Italy.

Architecture

Rome was the capital of some of the historically crucial nations and empires in the world for many years. This gave the city a dosage of amazing architecture. In fact, almost the entire city possesses a breathtaking architecture. The Rome is the home to 12 UNESCO heritage sites that are found in Italy. These include the Coliseum, the Pantheon, St. Peter’s Square, the Spanish Steps, and Navona Square. Perhaps, architecture is the first thing that you will notice when you travel to Rome. What’s more, this might be the major thing that will make you remember Rome for the rest of your life.

Art

This is another great reason to travel to Rome, Italy. Art has made this ancient city a popular destination for art appreciators across the world. Masterpieces of painting, architecture, and sculptures that many people read about while growing, watched or heard about are actually found in Rome. Seer propensity of these masterpieces makes it a virtually surreal experience when a traveler witnesses them personally. You will find works of globally famous artists that include Salvi, Michelangelo, Maderno, Sangallo, and Bernini among others in this city when you travel there. Several galleries and museums display amazing artworks in the city. These include the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Villa Borghese Gallery.

History

You don’t need justification to know the historical significance of Rome. Rome is where the rise of the famous Roman Empire began. In fact, western civilization started in Rome. And, taking a stroll in this city provides a special feeling that a traveler is walking in true history. Additionally, the architecture of this city fits this historical feeling perfectly. Rome has structures and buildings that are thousands and hundreds of years old. And, each part of this city has a historical significance. Perhaps, to learn more about the history of Rome when you travel there, you should hire a private travel guide.

Generally, these are the three major reasons to travel to Rome. Others include amazing people, food, wine, sightseeing, religion, and fashion shopping.

Planning a Trip? Choose Venice

Venice is a wonderful and popular travel destination. Many travel enthusiasts go to Venice every year. That’s because it has many attractions that mesmerize people whenever they visit. Whether you want to go on a romantic vacation or travel with a friend, you will find this destination thrilling.

Here are some of the key reasons why Venice is a popular travel destination:

Amazing canals

The intricate and amazing canals and gondolas network makes Venice a popular travel destination in Italy. When you travel to this destination, you spot gondolas and canals that make the city quite romantic. The bridges, houses, and canals create a spectacular ambiance that thrills travelers from different parts of the world. In fact, this city is a destination for newlyweds because its ambiance makes it an ideal honeymoon destination. Watching the sundown over this beautiful city gives lovers an unforgettable experience.

Mesmerizing architecture

Venice has an incomparable and unique architecture. That’s because it blends Renaissance, Gothic, and Byzantine styles. Travelers are always surprised by the view of this city and the realization that it was established on stilts. Among the buildings that thrill many travelers include Palazzo Ducale and San Marco Basilica. These portray the rich architecture of this city in an amazing way.

St. Mark’s Place

St. Mark is generally crowded during the day. However, you can see it past midnight. That’s usually the time when it’s empty. When you visit St. Mark square, you get an opportunity to soak in Venice’s ethereal beauty and love this magical city more. However, you must be in this city for at least a single night to do this. But, you are bound to be amazed by the royal ambiance of this place.

The Murano Glass

Your tour of Venice will be incomplete if you do not visit the Murano Island. This island is popular for its amazing glassware and glass art. The Murano Island’s glass makers have now moved to Venice. They make dazzling, intricate, and colorful glass art items, glass utensils, and jewelry. You will be impressed to see a glass maker perform glass sculpture when you travel to Venice, Italy.

Venice carnival

If you love traveling to attend events, social gatherings, and parties, you will be delighted if you attend the Venice carnival. Venice carnival happenings are usually held during February. And, many people from different parts of the world travel to this city to attend the event. Venice carnival lasts for two weeks.

These are the major reasons why Venice is a popular travel destination. If you are looking for a place to go on vacation with your friends or partner, consider Venice for these and other reasons.

Special thanks

Thanks to our sponsor who offers the best Winnipeg home inspections for his support to help keep this blog alive and kicking with new stories and information. For those with an adventurous spirit, we want to continue giving you the best travel guidance to enhance your journey’s.

Can’t Get Enough Of Puerto Rico

The best time to visit Puerto Rico is anytime during the cool winter months, which as well befall include the hurricane season. In addition the weather anytime during November up to April normally tends to be as low as 80s, which is perfect for all those who are looking forward to go in the cold and the snow. Furthermore, the sunny summer months have a tendency to be somewhat warm for the majority people, on the other hand prices drop, therefore if you can manage with the heat, it may perhaps be an excellent time for traveling Puerto Rico.

While you are traveling on your Puerto Rico Vacation, do remember checking out the remarkable Spanish cobblestone streets in San Juan. Also Old San Juan is an exceptional place all for those who simply enjoy looking at the old architecture. In addition you can take a trip to El Museo Castillo Serralles, which is the mansion, where an old rum family resides, along with various other historical homes, which are currently museums. Also experience the Puerto Rican cruise!

After that enjoy the astounding beaches before you hit the township. proffers numerous bars and clubs for every walks of life, by means of each and every kind of entertainment and music, a few are even multi-level otherwise present right over the beach! You can hire a charter boat and travel around looking out for the wonders of the underwater world…In addition, the numerous nature lovers who are on Puerto Rico Vacations will surely enjoy the Wildlife Reserve or else poking just about Rio Camuy Cave Park. You can take your little ones to the renowned children’s museum and after that possibly hit up the cinema hall for your having entertainment in the evening. While you are on Vacations, do not be uncertain for trying the several cafes and eateries, which populate these cities. A lot of them are concentrated within the shopping quarters of Old San Juan, here you can take a break for having a cup hot of coffee pick-me-up otherwise snack on the tempting sushi. On the whole, Puerto is a known to be a culinary bastion.

Puerto Rico Vacations – Best For Many Vacationers

If you are looking for a new and exotic place for a vacation then perhaps the beautiful islands in Puerto Rico could be the answer. The island of Puerto Rico is such a wonderful destination for every vacationers who are searching for that satisfying island trip that they can enjoy and also will not be too costly. Many people these days are traveling to this island to view the large array of attraction and fine resorts that are plentiful there at the many Puerto Rico resorts. Puerto Rico vacations are becoming quite more popular among many vacationers. The island of Puerto Rice is located about 1000 miles from southeast Florida, and is known for its very beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels and resorts, fine dining, museums and some engaging shops. San Juan is located just on the north coast and it is there that many vacationers are encountering the eye catching colonial houses and churches along with several small plazas which have plenty of stores for some good shopping.

Also among the large variety of lodging options that are available to all tourists in the historical town is the great quality of the El Convento Hotel along with the homey gallery Inn. The old San Juan city also sports folk-art museums, like the Museo de Artes Poulares and also there are some very trendy restaurants like the La Bella Piazza and also the Parrot Club too. The beautiful scenic route of Ruta Panoramica runs right between Puerto Rico’s west and east coast. Now over on the western coast you will find the city of Rincon which is near to the remote beach resort which is known as the Horned Dorset Primavera.

Just south of that resort you can wander throughout all of the quaint fishing villages and also the seaside towns as well such as Jojuda and also Boqueron and while you are there you will be able to visit some nice sites like the magnificent Cabo Rojo Lighthouse. Also there is the lovely and wonderful city of Las Croabas, which you can find located on the eastern coast of the island. There you will find some nice and interesting features like the mammoth Wyndham El Conquistador Resort and also the Country Club. If you are in need of any more information n regard to any accommodations or any type of tourist attractions and any recreational activities that you see offered throughout the island of Puerto Rico and their resorts you can simply go online and connect to the world wide web for a much more broad range of information in regard to all of the vacationing that you are interested in knowing all about for your next trip.

Best Cities in the World to Visit Known for Their Food

Do you live in a “healthy” city? What really makes one city healthier than another? Well, a commitment to creating recreational activities for people of all ages is key, as is an effort to make healthy food options widely available and affordable. With those criteria in mind, but in no particular order, let’s take a look at five U.S. cities that offer good-for-you food and fitness options.

  1. Denver, Colorado

Best Cities in the World to Visit Known for Their Food

Over 80 percent of the Mile High city’s citizens exercise regularly-and there is no shortage of activities for them to choose from. The summers mean hiking through lush trails, kayaking and rafting on the rivers, rock climbing in the Rocky Mountains, and cycling on bike paths through downtown neighborhoods and picturesque valleys. Denver’s major gathering spot is Washington Park, which boasts two lakes, tennis courts, jogging trails, soccer fields and baseball diamonds. Denver also boasts a robust selection of vegetarian restaurants that do brisk business with the area’s health-conscious citizens.

  1. Burlington, Vermont

Don’t let the fact that this winner is the home of rich and creamy Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream fool you: this picturesque city has had a long-standing tradition of healthy living. Nestled between the Adirondack and Green Mountains, Burlington actively supports the produce of local farmers at green markets and eateries. For hikers, there is the Long Trail, and for boaters, canoers, and kayakers, there is Burlington Harbor. The air in Burlington is also some of the cleanest in the country, which no doubt contributes to the exceptional health and well-being of the locals.

  1. Minneapolis, Minnesota

This Midwestern city loves its public parks, and its citizens take full advantage of the miles of biking and jogging trails. And, the locals don’t let the typically frigid winters keep them from moving! They partake in winter sports galore on the weekends, and during the workweek they make their way around downtown through dozens of glass-enclosed pedestrian bridges that protect them from the elements. Minneapolis also boasts five thriving farmers’ markets that specialize in locally-grown organic fruits, vegetables, and meats, and each offers cooking demonstrations that teach potential customers to make the most of fresh, healthy ingredients.

  1. Tucson, Arizona

A jewel of the Southwest, Tucson has a relatively low percentage of overweight residents. That could be thanks to a good selection of restaurants dedicated to serving light fare that’s big on authentic taste all while being kind to patrons’ waistlines. Or it could be the city’s well-earned reputation as one of the best cities for bikes-it has over 300 miles of bike paths that snake throughout the metropolitan area. Or, it could all of those golf courses, horseback riding enthusiasts, and nature lovers who love to hike through the desert and spend hours bird-watching or looking for rare species of plants.

  1. New York, New York

The city so nice, they named it twice is also a city full of walkers who rely on their two feet as a preferred mode of transportation. In addition to extensive bike paths that run along the East and Hudson Rivers, there is Central Park, which boasts a picturesque jogging trail around the reservoir, paths for horse riders, soccer, tennis and baseball fields, public pools, and stretches of roads that are closed to traffic for everyone to enjoy. In August, the city shuts down a nearly 6-mile stretch of Park Avenue to encourage even more people to learn to bike ride and partake of free fitness classes along the route. Known for its diverse restaurant scene, the city is home to dozens of vegetarian and raw food eateries and is home to several Farmer’s Markets and community-supported agriculture groups.