Travel Tips

During this winter season when consumerism is high, there are some great affordable deals and destinations that will leave your pocket full for gift shopping and other activities. Here are some tricks to keep your expenses to a minimum:

1. Flying: If you’re living on a whim, try waiting for last minute hotel and flight deals because when seats are empty, they will want your business at any price. An easy way to track these deals is to get on airlines and travel organizers’ e-mail updates and newsletters. Though we live in a world unwelcoming to spam mail, sometimes an interesting deal for the weekend may pop up on your list that brings you to adventures you hadn’t planned.

2. Sleeping: Who said you have to pay for sleep accommodations? There are now many friendly and affordable ways to sleep based on networks who want to make traveling easier in these economic times. There are house exchanges available through credible companies, Craigslist and other classified options, as well as organizations such as Couch Surfers. With these resources provided worldwide, you will build relationships with locals, get to know the authentic side of town and sleep for free or much less costly than the average hotel.

3. General Advice: If you’re reading this, than you have already found the trick; but tell others to take advantage of travel blogs and reader submissions in travel magazines and websites, as these are real experiences and real advice from the average traveler. Most, probably including yourself, have picked up some useful tips and little tricks along the way that have made your traveling experience easier and cheaper.

4. Eating: Do some research before your next trip. There are many great foodie websites, blogs, and cheap eats suggestions if you look into the area before you have arrived. Secondly, take advantage of local workers (like policemen) as they know the area best and can also make great suggestions.

The best way to optimize your trip without using too much of your budget is really preparation. To begin planning your next trip, visit:

Real Travel Deals
Things To Do

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Earlier this week, I provided some useful tips to make traveling with children a little easier. Today, the focus is on traveling with pets. While it is difficult to travel with a very large pet, smaller dogs and cats (and other little critters) are widely permitted with an extra fee.

There are some details that you should know so that you’re not stuck having to leave your pet behind at the airport:

1. Check with your specific airlines to see if they allow pets on the flight. If they do, see what their restrictions and limitations are about bringing your pets as carry-on. For most airlines, the largest cage allowed in the cabin has dimensions of 40 in. x27 in. x30 in. Animals exceeding 70 pounds are required to be checked-in.

2. Dogs under 8 months old are not allowed to fly; however, if you have a relatively young pet, make sure to take them to the “Pet Parks” offered at some of the larger airports (i.e. Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Minneapolis)for a potty break before the flight. Unless designated pet areas are clearly defined, pets are not allowed to be outside of their kennels in the airport.

**If your dog is not used to being placed in a kennel, start to train them a few weeks before the flight so that they are comfortable staying in a kennel for a long period of time.

3. Bring all health certificates and veterinary documents with you in case requested. If traveling internationally, be aware of the specific examinations and health requirements of the country you are entering; as well as those of your returning country. For American regulations, check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Bringing your pet along for your vacation can reduce the stress of having to leave them at home, but make sure that you have fully prepared for the trip as issues can come up along the way that lead to traveling difficulties.

For more information, visit:

Real Travel Flights
Bringing dogs to New York
www.petflight.com

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