Category: Travel Tips

Posted on by

How to Find Quality Overnight Pet Care and Stop Worrying on Trips

New guest post by Jesse Clark

How to Find Quality Overnight Pet Care and Stop Worrying on Trips

It would be great to be able to bring your pet with you on all your travels. But sometimes you just can’t include your furry friend on your overnight trips. When your travel plans don’t include your pet, it can be stressful to figure out a care plan that you’re both comfortable with. And if you already work in a high-stress job (managers are typically under more stress than those who don’t oversee other people), you want to avoid compounding that stress by worrying about who will look after your pet while you’re away. After all, the point of a vacation is to unwind and get your mental and physical well-being back at a good point! Luckily, there are quite a few ways you can provide pets of all breeds and sizes with safe, happy care while you’re out of town. Below Travels and Escapes shares some of the best options:

Hire Someone to Stay in Your Home   

Pets can be sensitive to change, and it just makes better sense to have them watched in your own home. Thankfully, in-home pet sitting is becoming more common and is a much more comfortable option for most pets. You can use sites such as Rover to find reliable dog sitters and cat sitters, who will care for your pet in your home. You can have your sitter stop in a few times a day or spend the night while you are away.

As an added bonus, having someone stop by or stay in your home can deter would-be criminals from breaking into your home. So hiring an in-home sitter gives your pet a break from the anxiety of boarding in a strange location, while giving you little more peace of mind that your pet and your home are all safe while you are traveling.

Find Reliable Boarding  

Sometimes, hiring an in-home sitter may not work out or you may prefer to board your pet outside of your home. If you plan on boarding your pet in a facility, doggy daycare or vet’s office, make sure all vaccinations are updated, and make staff aware of any issues your pet may have interacting with other pets. Since boarding facilities and large daycares can be overwhelming for many pets, a better option may be to board your pet in someone’s home.  You can find dog boarding that suits any breed, size or age. Check with your sitter to see if other animals will be in their home as well, and make sure your dog is socialized to be around any other pets or children that may be in the home.

Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations  

Whether you choose an in-home sitter, doggy daycare or boarding, making sure your pet is safe can cause anxiety. There are tons of options out there for pet care, but it takes a little research to determine which are the best for your pet. When you are starting your search for pet care, start by asking family and friends for recommendations. Word of mouth is a great way to find reliable care for your pet. Another option is to research online reviews to determine if your pet will be cared for properly while you’re away. Check online reviews for boarding facilities, sitters and doggy daycares.

Leave Detailed Care Instructions for Your Pet    

No one will care for your pet exactly like you, but with a set of good instructions, your sitter or boarding facilities can come pretty close. Written instructions are essential if you decide to have a pet sitter stay in your home. You’ll want to note feeding instructions, medications needed and your pet’s daily routine, to help your sitter take better care of your pet.

For boarding and sitters, make sure you leave emergency contacts as well. Include contact information for your pet’s vet, the closest emergency vet and your own information, including your travel schedule. It’s also a good idea to have a friend or family member who will be in town serve as an emergency contact for your pet.

Travel shouldn’t be stressful for you, and it shouldn’t be stressful for your pet either. By finding a sitter or boarding option you can trust, you can ensure your best friend is taken care of and rest easy when your travels take you away from home, and away from your pet.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Posted on by

COVID Testing and Travel

Here are some facts I picked up from trusted sites.

The Wall Street Journal reported that all travelers, including US citizens, will need to provide proof of a negative coronavirus test. This will happen on January 26, most likely. This is a directive from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Airlines must confirm the negative test for passengers prior to boarding. Those with the correct documentation will be allowed to board. If you do not have this, you will be denied boarding flights to the US.

This test must be within three days of the departure date.

If you have recovered from COVID-19, you will need documentation of that.

The CDC also recommends travelers get tested again three to five days after returning home, as well as quarantine for seven days after travel.

Of course, this does not eliminate all risk. It is one more step combined with staying at home, wearing masks, and social distancing.

Posted on by

What is a Health Passport?

So, just what is a health passport? Is it like my regular passport?

A health passport, also called a vaccine passport, is an immunization record proving that a person has been inoculated against a certain virus or disease.

If you travel to South America or Africa, you may already have a health passport. This is proof of yellow fever vaccination.

While paper health passports have worked for decades, fast forward to today and technological improvements.

We now have digital health passports. These prove a means to conveniently store your vaccination info online. You can then share it electronically with those who need to see it.

How will this work? It acts similar to your regular passport. Instead of proof of identification, this provided standardized information about your health, including your vaccination certificates and most importantly your COVID-19 test results.

You would not have to worry about losing your paper card proving your vaccinations. You also would not have to worry about someone using your card, or fraud.

Is it here yet? No. According to The Points Guy, though, strides are being made to streamline the traveler experience.

Stay tuned.

Posted on by

Passport Renewal

It’s a new year and with any luck we’ll be traveling again. Now is a good time to look at your passport. Double check the expiration date.

Is it valid for at least six months past the dates of any planned international trips? Since passports are good for 10 years, it’s easy to forget about it.

Not all countries are the same, either. Another thing to check is what time frame you need left on your passport to enter another country.

Let’s say you need to renew. Any idea how long it will take?

Start now as processing times vary. This could take 10 to 12 weeks for a renewed passport, according to the State Department’s website. You can also pay an expedited fee to hurry it up a little.

If your New Year’s resolutions include international travel…get your passport out now and check those dates. You’ll be glad you did.

Posted on by

Safe Holiday Road Tripping: Pandemic Edition

Safe Holiday Road Tripping: Pandemic Edition

Visit Travels and Escapes for more travel tips, photos, and getaway ideas.

Traveling home for the holidays? As families remain wary of air travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people are opting to drive to their holiday destination rather than fly. Road trips have hazards of their own, however. Not only must travelers contend with icy roads and holiday traffic, but driving isn’t a foolproof way to avoid illness. To arrive at your destination in good health and good spirits, here’s what you need to know.

Prepare your car.

There’s never a good time to break down in the middle of nowhere, but especially not in the midst of a pandemic. However, if you’ve been working from home and limiting travel, your car may not be running in peak condition. Schedule a tune-up with special attention paid to the tires, brakes, and battery. Alternatively, consider renting a car for your road trip.

You’ll also want to protect your car’s interior from the wear and tear of a road trip. All-weather floor mats are a must for winter travel because they protect your car’s carpets from slush, salt, and grime. Look for rubber construction and raised edges to trap dirt and moisture. Kick mats and car seat protectors are also worthy investments if you value a clean interior. Don’t forget a hanging trash can to contain drink cups and food containers.

Pack heavy.

One big advantage of road trips? You can pack a lot of stuff in a car if you’re smart about it. That’s good news during the pandemic when families should avoid pit stops as much as possible. A hitch-mount rack makes it easy to stow a cooler full of food without consuming precious cargo space, while packing cubes and backseat car organizers keep the interior tidy. Instead of loading up on bottled water, fill a 5-gallon travel jug and pack reusable bottles.

Of course, not everything should be stowed away. Store your trusty hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes for gas pumps, and plenty of face masks where you can easily access them and keep a smaller, soft-sided cooler in the cargo area to replenish during stops.

Plan your rest stops.

Normally, you’d drive until you’re tired and then find the closest chain hotel to rest for the night. But when illness is afoot, it’s worth putting more thought into your overnight accommodations.

Vacation rentals, whether through Airbnb or another service, are a better option than hotels right now because families can rent an entire house or apartment with a full kitchen. That eliminates any need for indoor dining or sharing space with strangers.

What about bathroom breaks?

When duty calls, what should you do? While the pandemic presents an additional reason to be concerned about public bathroom cleanliness, you can be smart about pit stops. Wear a mask, wash your hands thoroughly, and use hand sanitizer after leaving the restroom if you touch handles while exiting. If possible, use single-stall restrooms or time bathroom breaks so you stop at interstate rest stops, which tend to be quiet and well-kept, rather than gas station bathrooms.

To quarantine or not to quarantine?

Getting to your destination is only half the battle. Once there, you’ll need to decide if your family should quarantine for 10 days before visiting loved ones. There’s no question that quarantining is the safest option, but is it really necessary?

Ultimately, the answer depends on your personal risk tolerance, as well as the risk tolerance of the people you’re visiting. Consider your activities before leaving on the road trip. Did your family quarantine prior to travel, or did you recently spend time with people outside of your household? Did you travel through areas with high community spread? Are your loved ones low-risk, or are they likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19? If you choose not to quarantine, wearing masks and maintaining separate accommodations will make your stay safer.

Road trips are a safer solution for holiday travel during a pandemic, but it’s still smart to be careful when you get behind the wheel. From making certain that your car is road-worthy to limiting stops along the way, these tips will ensure your upcoming trip is as safe as possible.

This guest post was brought to you courtesy of Jesse Clark.

Soulful-travel.com :: Jesse@soulful-travel.com

“Not all who wander are lost” — J.R.R. TOLKIEN

Posted on by

TSA Regulations

TSA Rules You Might Not Be Aware Of

When it’s time to fly again…here are some helpful reminders from the TSA.

Medications and Prescriptions Are Allowed

It is still a good idea to pack your medication in the original bottle. The TSA allows your to bring as much as you need in your checked or carry-on luggage as long as it goes through proper screening. For a liquid medication, separate it into a bottle of 3.4 ounces and notify an officer at the checkpoint of your liquid prescription. It’s important to note that some states have laws requiring prescription labels on medication, so check with your state before traveling.

Solid Foods Are Permitted in Carry-Ons

The TSA permits solid food in carry-on bags. Any non-solid foods must be put in a sealed container and then into a quart-sized bag to follow the liquid requirements.

Eating Utensils Are Permitted in Carry-Ons

You may bring round-bladed butter knives and forks on the plane.

Creams and Lotions Are Considered Liquids

According to the TSA, anything that you can pour, pump, spread, squeeze, smear, spray, or spill is considered to be a liquid and must follow the 3.4 ounces or less rule. Keep this in mind when buying souvenirs or a new lotion you want to try. Even items like nut butter, sunscreen, face creams, and perfumes must be under 3.4 ounces. This is true even if they are factory-sealed and unopened. If you must travel with such an item, place it in a sealed bag in your checked luggage instead.

Expensive Jewelry Must Stay On

For travelers who like to dress up, we have good news. The TSA actually prefers you leave your diamonds on at the security checkpoint. This prevents costly items from being stolen from the bin or lost during the screening process.

You Can Bring Plants on the Plane

As long as your plant fits neatly into the overhead bin or underneath your seat, the TSA says you can fly with it. Do check your state regulations to make sure you aren’t bringing a prohibited plant across state borders.

All Undeveloped Film Must Be Inspected

If you are traveling with a traditional film camera, you need to know about this rule. If you are worried about your film being ruined, ask for a physical inspection of the film at the beginning of the screening process. This is before your bags go on the belt to be screened.

Posted on by

Can I Drink on the Plane?

Drinking on Flights During Covid

Do you enjoy having a glass of wine or a cocktail when you fly?

Have you read that airlines are no longer serving alcohol on flights? Not a big deal to some. To others, it may be.

Since some flyers really enjoy it, they have wondered whether it’s okay to bring their own drinks, cocktails, etc. on the flight. Is it okay to buy a small bottle in the airport once you’re through security and open it on the plane? Is it okay to buy a cocktail in an airport bar and then bring it with you in a plastic cup? Are there any instances where you can drink on the plane?

According to the FAA you may not do that. Why? The serving entity has to be the one holding the liquor license. So, no alcoholic beverages on the plane unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to the passenger.

Keep in mind, this is for drinking only. Other rules apply to what you have in your carryon or checked luggage.

Maybe in time, rules will change and airlines will go back to serving alcohol. Until then…no wine on the plane.

for our daily newsletter

Top of Form

Posted on by

Planning Safe Family Travel During COVID-19

Planning Safe Family Travel During COVID-19

Guest Post from Jesse Clark

Soulful-travel.com :: Jesse@soulful-travel.com

“Not all who wander are lost” — J.R.R. TOLKIEN

How does a traveler cope with stay-at-home orders? In a word: creatively. Right now, it’s important for people to limit long-distance travel in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Fortunately, as Travel and Escapes helpfully explains, there are ways for your family to satisfy wanderlust without doing too much actual wandering.

Here’s a look at how to plan a great — and responsible — family vacation.

Going Camping

Head to a nearby campground for a socially-distanced nature vacation.

Local Parks

You might be surprised by all that city and state parks have to offer.

Backyard Adventures

Don’t underestimate the staycation potential in your own backyard.

COVID-19 has complicated travel, yes, but you can still satisfy the urge to get away. Nature offers us tons of safe, socially distanced opportunities to unplug and recharge. There are hidden treasures all around you — now is your chance to discover the wonders right under your nose.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Posted on by

Where is Your Seat?

You board the airplane for your flight, looking for your seat. As you walk down the aisle, you discover it may be less than ideal.

In fact, it looks like you may have just about the worst seat on the plane. Is it in the back row, stuck by the lavatory, with no window? Does your seat recline? Is this a long flight?

Is the plane full or can you ask to sit somewhere else? If not, you may want to think about where your seat is before you purchase that ticket next time you want to fly.

Here are a few suggestions and things to think about before you book your LAX to CDG flight. After all, 10 hours in the air can feel like several days if you have a terrible seat.

Before you pack your bags, do a thorough check of the plane and its seats. When you are on the airline’s site, see if there is a map of open seats. In addition, check SeatGuru to see what they have to say about specific seats. They will show you where windows are, where the lavatories are located, and which seats may have reduced width.

If you are flying on an airline where you can pick your seat as you reserve your flight, check out the seats in advance. Then, book your flight and book your seat.

Even though you do that, keep in mind things could change. Why? Airlines sometimes need to rearrange seating due to issues we don’t know about. One time we saw a complete row taped off. When we asked, we were told there were some problems with the seat fasteners in that section. That meant 15 people had to be reseated.

If that happens and the airline notifies you when you are at the gate, ask the gate agent what seats are available. There may be something they can do. It doesn’t hurt to ask. Be polite…

Another reason you may lose your seat is if you show up late for your flight. The airline may have already booked someone else into that seat. This is especially true if you did not check in online 24 hours in advance. Moral of the story…check in in advance and arrive early!

Next time you are getting ready to book, think about seats as well as days and times.

Check out more tips about booking seats and flying

Posted on by

Finding Balance in Life and Travel

The following post about finding balance is from a friend of mine in the publishing and marketing business. It appeared in a recent newsletter of hers. I like it and find it to be helpful in many situations and areas. See what you think.

Would these suggestions help you with finding balance when you travel or when you write about your travels? Think about them…

If you want to read more of hers, check out DocUmeantPublishing.com

Finding Balance

Are you fast becoming overwhelmed? Are the projects you meant to get done being pushed aside by life? If you hope to reach your goals in business, spend your time productively, and be sure not to waste what little time you are given. This brief article will give you four ways to help get each day off to a productive start.

1. Establish Boundaries

We often have a hard time focusing on our work when family needs are pulling us in many different directions. Yes, we should address immediate needs—our child just slammed their fingers in the door—but for smaller things, we will be able to make much greater progress if we learn to set boundaries.

Establishing our boundaries is an age-old challenge. Whether the boundaries are for our personal life or our business, the challenge remains the same. We need to discover, somehow, that perfect balance so that we can remain focused. There is nothing more precious than time, and we have to safeguard our productive time by keeping distractions to a minimum. One way is to let our family know that we need a certain block of time to focus on our writing, or marketing, or whatever needs to be accomplished. It is imperative that we do this in one way or another. A ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign posted on our door is one sure way to remind the family that this is our productive time. Once boundaries are set around our work and the time we’ve designated to be productive, we can turn our focus towards a second challenge we are bound to encounter.

2. Procrastination

This is another major challenge that we all face. While good intentions are all ‘well and good’, the best intentions do nothing to get the job done. If the bad habit of putting things off is the biggest challenge we face, we should consider making a list of the things to accomplish. It can be quite helpful. List items in the order of importance, or perhaps in the order of the length of time it will take for each to be completed, and then work through the list as the day progresses. Check or cross off each item on the TO-DO list as it is accomplished. At the end of the day, the number of checked off items might well show that more has been accomplished than expected! Any items on the list that were not completed should be carried over to the top of the next day’s TO-DO list.

3. Manage social media time

This is harder than it appears. We go online to check our social media sites and post an interesting tidbit or two, and before we know it half the day is gone. Again, set boundaries. Set aside small blocks of time for each social media site. Better yet, invest in a program that helps automate social media posts. This will prevent the wasting of productive time browsing through social media files.

4. Take a break

While consistent efforts to complete TO-DO lists will help keep our business moving in the right direction, some downtime can also be a valuable time management tool. As mentioned in my book, The Complete Library of Entrepreneurial Wisdom, “. . . know when to draw the line.”[1]

Step away and refresh mind, body, and soul. We should get plenty of rest and exercise. This will keep our minds sharp, allowing us to come back to the tasks at hand with a fresh energy and sense of enthusiasm. We might even come up with a new idea on how to grow our business, a direction to take our story, or accomplish a task more easily.

These are just a few of the ways to help develop balance in our business lives. If we go through the day paying attention to setting boundaries, avoiding procrastination, managing social media time, and even taking occasional breaks, we might very well find that we’ve accomplished much more than we ever thought possible.