Travel and Leisure Articles

Going to Cancun? Don’t leave your pet at home. Cancun offers many hotels that will welcome your pet. The recently renovated five star ME Cancun resort is the number one pet friendly hotel in Cancun. The resort which is located on the beach offers a host of amenities which include three restaurants, a bar, a cocktail lounge, three pools (one is for adults only), a spa, fitness center and a babysitting service so you can even bring the kids. Feel like staying in? ME Cancun’s rooms offer private jacuzzis, preprogrammed Ipods and plasma tv’s. ME Cancun is only ten minutes away from downtown Cancun. With prices starting as low as $119 per night, ME Cancun is a great place to vacation with a small pet.

The four star Westin Resort and Spa in Cancun is another popular pet friendly hotel in Cancun. The six floor hotel with 379 rooms overlooks the Caribbean Sea and is a great place for parasailing and waterskiing. The hotel also has five outdoor swimming pools. The hotel restaurants feature Mexican, Italian and international cuisines. The Westin Resort and Spa is in close proximity to the Robert Trenton Jones Jr. Golf course. Ocean view rooms are available for as low as $104.30 per night.

With four stars Le Meridien Cancun Resort and Spa is another pet friendly hotel in Cancun. Le Meridien has 213 rooms and 26 suites with ocean view and is the perfect spot for outdoor water sports. The resort has a world class spa and two restaurants; one offering Latin cuisine and the other Caribbean. Le Meridien also features reasonably priced family rooms. Superior room rates start as low as $160 per night.

Looking for a hotel that will not only allow pets but will allow children under 12 to stay for free? Then Holiday Inn Arenas in Cancun has exactly what you are looking for! You are guaranteed a room with a view since each room features a balcony that will face either the Caribbean or the Nichupte lagoon. This three star five floor pet friendly hotel in Cancun has 214 rooms and features a swimming pool and fitness facility. The hotel borders a walking path that will take you directly downtown to many of Cancun’s attractions. Holiday Inn Arenas also gives you the option of all inclusive rates which include room, meals and beverages or room only rates. Standard rooms may be had for as little as $82.51 per night.

Whether your budget is five star or limited there are many pet friendly hotels in Cancun. Please be advised that most hotels that allow pets will require a small non-refundable pet deposit in addition to the normal room rate. It is advised to call ahead to inquire about the deposit and any other pet type and size stipulations.

Although bringing your pet on vacation seems like a simple, easy to execute idea, in practice it can be difficult, stressful experience if you are not fully prepared. The next time you want to board a plane with your four-legged friend, be sure to keep in mind a few details so you can experience an easygoing adventure.

If you have never traveled with your dog or cat before, you may not be aware of some of the airline regulations regarding pet storage and in-cabin travel. In order to bring your furry friend along as a carry-on, airline regulations specify that he must fit into a soft-sided dog carrier no larger than 23″ long x 13″ wide x 9″ high with mesh ventilation on at least two sides. After I booked my cross-country flight for me and my 5lb Yorkie, however, I was not able to find a bag that was this small. In the end, I purchased the small-sized Sherpa bag (slightly larger than the given dimensions) since it said it was airline-approved, but I would not push the limits on size any further since you do not want to be turned away at the airport.

Also, when you book the flight for you and your pet, be sure to notify the airline that you will be bringing along a dog or cat since there is a limit on the number of pets that can travel inside the cabin. The airline should tell you the cost of bringing the animal (American Airlines was $80 each way) and this can be paid at the counter when you check-in for the flight. It is also recommended that you obtain a health certificate from your vet the day before you leave since the airlines will sometimes ask for this to verify age and health status.

One of the most hectic times during your airport experience will be going through security if you are bringing along other items besides your pet. Since getting your laptop out of its case and taking off your shoes and coat can all be difficult when you are holding a squirmy and anxious animal, it is best to simply take your time and get through security at your own pace. You do not want to make your pet, who is in an unfamiliar, loud, and crowded environment, feel any more scared, so try to stay as calm and relaxed as possible even if the people behind you are trying to hurry or push you along.

While some individuals choose to sedate their pet with Benadryl or a prescription from their veterinarian, I chose to go it alone during my first plane experience. Since I had heard that your pet may feel “loopy” or out of it for a couple of days after taking a sedative and that many animals become naturally sleepy from the movement of the plane, I figured I could handle the five hour flight. I was wrong. My Yorkie, who is really active and not used to be confined, immediately began to claw at the carrier and actually bit a hole through the mesh. Although she had toys, treats, and her favorite blanket inside, she refused to settle down and seemed determined to gain her freedom by any means necessary.

After a half hour of attempting to soothe her, I asked my neighbor if he was uncomfortable with me removing my Yorkier from her carrier. While this is against airline regulations, the flight attendants did not seem to mind since they had probably seen my struggles. On my return flight, however, the flight attendants were more strict and would not allow her out of the bag, so I simply kept the carrier on my lap for the duration of the flight and tried to comfort her as much as possible.

Since giving your pet food or water before a flight is not recommended, try to set out food and water as soon as you settle in your vacation accommodations. While it can be hard to find a place that will accept your dog or cat, I have found that pet friendly vacation rentals are an ideal option no matter where you intend to travel. With vacation rentals that allow dogs and cats located all over the world, the easy part of your traveling excursion is settling into a cozy home away from home with your furry friend by your side.

Although my airport adventure was more stressful than I ever imagined, you can have an entirely different experience if you know what to expect and prepare in advance. Try to get your pet used to his carrier before setting foot on the plane and take advantage of layovers by exercising your pet. And remember, the journey is not exactly a treat for your hungry and thirsty animal, so do your best to stay calm and controlled even when he acts like my little Yorkie. When you radiate a positive attitude about a difficult situation, your animal will pick up on it and, hopefully, not feel as frightened or worried about traveling.

If you are traveling to Sedona and the Grand Canyon area with your pets, here are some pet-friendly hotels in the Flagstaff area who will welcome your furry friends while you are enjoying this scenic and popular travel destination.

The following hotels welcome canine and feline companions - some charge an additional fee. Call to confirm their policies and fees.

Ramada Limited - Flagstaff - Pets allowed for a $10.00 add’l fee for each pet. Other amenities include swimming pool, free high speed internet, and free continental breakfast - (928) 779-3614.

Quality Inn - Inside entrances. Pets welcome - free wireless high-speed internet, pool and free HBO. 928-774-8771.

Residence Inn by Marriott, Flagstaff - Pets allowed with extra cleaning fee. Suite-type accommodations with fully equipped kitchen. Buffet breakfast served daily. (928) 526-5555

La Quinta - Conveniently located across from Northern Arizona University. Fitness center, outdoor seasonal pool, free high speed internet access, free continental breakfast-pets welcome (928 ) 556-8666.

Comfort Inn, Flagstaff - Pets are welcome for a modest fee. Other features include business center, free high speed internet, free continental breakfast, outdoor pool, whirlpool and hot tub (800) 490-6562.

AmeriSuites, Flagstaff - fitness center, indoor pool, whirlpool, free hot breakfast and free high speed internet. Pet friendly - $10.00 per pet per night.

Sleep Inn, Flagstaff - Pet friendly, free continental breakfast, free wireless internet, heated pool and spa. ( 928) 556-3000

Super 8, Flagstaff - Pets allowed - $10.00 per pet per night. High speed internet, and free continental breakfast. (928) 526-0818.

Contact the hotels for further information and to confirm amenities. Hotel policies are subject to change without notice.

Next time you travel on vacation or for business to Boston, don’t worry about who’s going to feed and look after your darling pet. Just take it along.

Every hotel has individual policies for pets. For example, the size of the pet, whether or not the pet can be left unattended in the hotel premises, whether they will charge you per night for the pet or a one time fee are all taken into account. Some hotels may also charge a refundable pet fee and some may mention that they only allow “Well-behaved” pets, so teach your pet a few lessons in etiquettes before you decide to take it along. At some hotels, you may also hire a pet sitter. So, you can go into the city for work or pleasure, while your pet is being well pampered by the hotel staff. Book yourself into a hotel after a careful review of the pet policies of the hotel. Also, book well in advance because in every hotel, there are a limited number of rooms that are pet friendly.

Some of the favorite hotels in Boston for pet lovers are The Inn at Crystal Cove; Best Western Roundhouse suites that will give a special welcome to your pet with a goodie bag; Boston Harbor hotel; Swissotel Boston and Holiday Inn Boston-Brookline. The luxury hotels like the Ritz Carlton and Onyx will treat your pet like a king. Your pet will be groomed and pampered in much the same way as you. So, go ahead and enjoy a lovely holiday with your pooch.

New Orleans in Louisiana is a place to visit for a weekend or vacation trip for the whole family and friends. Lots of tourist spots, recreations and destinations are available to explore for all seasons.

A number of family outings and tourists who wants to bring their pets on their way for a long plan holiday may have dilemma on which hotel or lodging can offer a pet-friendly accommodation and services. In New Orleans there are lots of pet-friendly hotels available and gives out full services for their guests to make their holidays more pleasurable.

It is best for vacationers to know what hotels and motels that allows pets; otherwise there is a possibility to leave their pets alone in their homes. Some travel agencies and online service providers may help and guide the tourists by giving them some information and necessary rules and regulations in choosing and making reservations for pet-friendly hotels.

Some hoteliers who allowed guests with pets have their special terms and conditions; tendency to charge additional amount to compensate the daily maintenance and other pet related problems like treatment against fleas and removal of pet hair, possible destructions, and losses incurred by pets.

One of the best and pet friendly hotels in New Orleans is the Loews Hotel located at the downtown of Louisiana, 3 blocks away from the major tourist destinations like French Quarter, Mississippi River, Harrah’s Casino, Convention Center, and St. Charles Ave Streetcar. It specializes in taking care of your furry friend, guests will recognized this establishment from the moment they check- in, pet owners will receive detailed brochure informing them about the hotel services for their pets.

All pets will receive their own name tags, exceptional pleasure to begin with their vacation, and individual gift items. Pet owners will be given complete catalog and information regarding hotels pet services such as Loews Loves Pet room service menu, area of pet services, walking routes, veterinarians, etc. Groomers and pet shops are also included. Additional items like dog and cat’s beds (in different sizes), catnip, scratch pole, rawhide bones, collars and leashes (in different sizes and colors), litter boxes, pooper and scoopers are all available and will be given out to the pets while at stay.

Loews Hotel limits the number of allowed pets to two per room to guarantee and ensure the protection and comfort of all their guests and pets. Loews Hotel is an extremely pet-friendly hotel and has a well- trained staff in terms of taking care of pets.

Aside from pets special services, Loews Hotel also offered its luxurious and spacious, well- decorated guest rooms made from fine and high- quality hardwoods, complimented with two queen- sized beds, pillow tops and 300 count cotton bed sheets, comforters, mini bars, working desks, two dual line wireless speakerphones, safety boxes and laptop with fast and high- speed Internet connection. Also included in guest room is a private and granite bathrooms with separate rain-shower room, full of stack robes and toiletries, fleshy towels, hair dryer and wet bars.

Other room services include:

o Air Conditioning

o Coffeemaker

o Mini-Bar

o Cable with satellite television

o Safe (available in every room)

o Daily maid service (available upon request)

o Iron and ironing board

o Complementary newspaper

o Rooms for non-smokers

o Voicemail

o DVD/VCR

Other property amenities and services include:

o Hot tub

o Dry cleaning

o Data port

o Meeting room

o Dining

o Business center

o Tennis court

o Wheel chair access

o Pets allowed

o Swimming pool

o Family rooms

o Fitness facility

o Game room

o Golf

Hotel Facilities General Services:

o ATM/ Bank

o Babysitting and child care

o Cribs and rollaway bed

o Concierge services

o Currency exchange

o Laundry and dry cleaning Service

o Multi-lingual staff

Security

o Electronic Key/ Lock

o Parking Area Well Lit

o Smoke Alarm in Rooms

o Sprinkler in Rooms

o Uniformed Security

o Valet Parking Service

o Surveillance Cameras On- Site

If you have a dog and you want to take him or her with you on holiday you can certainly do that, but you’ll have to do some planning. It’s also much easier if you don’t take your dog abroad with you, because there are very serious regulations for doing that, and missing even one of them could be a big problem. However, if you want to stay in the same country and have your four-legged friend come along with you there are all kinds of options.

One of the first things that you’ll want to do is to find out what kinds of hotels, cottages, and other accommodations in the area that you’re visiting accept dogs. You’ll likely find that most of them take pets, and some of them even cater to people who bring their dogs with them. It helps them stay busy and have clientele as more and more people enjoy travelling with their canine companions. In addition to finding the right accommodations there are other things you need to consider when taking your dog on holiday.

For example, how are you going to get there? If you’re driving your own vehicle it’s not a big deal, but if you’re flying there may be important restrictions that you’ll need to pay attention to. Even if you’re going to be driving, you’ll need to be careful how long you keep your dog cooped up in the car. He’ll need food and water, and he might need to use the bathroom, too, so be sure to take frequent breaks.

Stop and stretch your legs on your way to your destination and let your dog stretch his legs, too, so the both of you can have a good trip and a great holiday. Make sure to bring plenty of food, dishes for food and water, favourite toys, and if your dog has a bed or basket he likes to sleep in you’ll want to bring that along, too. It’s important that both you and your dog feel comfortable and right at home. If you take the time to plan ahead, you’ll really enjoy your holiday.

It is easier than you think to find Pet friendly hotels and pet friendly motels when traveling with your pets. Although many hotel establishments still don’t allow pets of any kind in their rooms, there are many that do. Most of the time there will be no extra charge for accommodating your family pet, but sometimes you will be asked to pay a small fee usually ranging anywhere from 5 dollars to 50 dollars. Pet hotels and pet friendly motels are extremely convenient for travelers who do not want to go through the hassle of leaving their pet to the care of friends, family or expensive boarding businesses.

When making the reservations you should indicate the breed of your dog, as some hotels have restrictions on the size and type. Another question to ask, would be if you were allowed to leave your pet unattended in the room. Be sure you understand the hotel’s pet policy so there is no misunderstanding when you get there. If you know the policies both you and your pet will be comfortable.

When you reserve a room at pet friendly hotels or motels, always ask what the policies are regarding pets, and whether there is a deposit. All hotel and motel pet friendly establishments will allow seeing-eye or service dogs no matter what their pet policies are.

Sometimes you can be charged a small fee, and other times you may be charged a deposit, which would be returned to you if your pet causes no damage. If you hate leaving your pets at a boarding shelter while you are traveling, take some time to find pet friendly hotels or motels along your route so that your beloved family pet members can stay with you.

Some pet hotels will require that you keep the animal in a cage in your room, and most dog friendly hotels insist that your canine is kept on a leash at all times when it is outside of your room. Most people consider their pet as part of the family, therefore their pet goes with them on vacation. The thought of their beloved pet cooped up while they are on vacation is just unfathomable.

In addition to the refundable pet fee some pet friendly places may mention that they only allow “Well-behaved” pets, so teach your pet a few lessons in manners before you decide to take it on your holiday. The luxury hotels like the Ritz Carlton and Onyx will treat your pet like a king. Your pet will be groomed and pampered just like you will be. So, go ahead and enjoy a lovely vacation with your family pet.

Try to keep to your pets schedule as faithfully as possible. Pack the pet’s favorite food and toys so he will feel comfortable. Just like packing for yourself, pack any medications or vitamins that your pet will need. Be sure to have your pet’s veterinary’s number on hand just in case there is an emergency. If you are in another town, your vet maybe able to recommend the services of a vet in the town you are visiting.

Make sure you have the pet’s identification which includes a contact number, the pets name and an immunization tag if applicable. Never leave your pet outside alone. He could be stolen or antagonized enough that he will bite. Always keep the pet hydrated, especially if you are in a hot atmosphere.

Use common sense when traveling with a pet. And, above all, be polite regarding other guests at the establishment.

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If you happen to have a dog and wish to share your vacations with your pets in tow, then you may often encounter a whole host of problems. There is the fear that in a hotel there is the possibility of disturbing those who are renting rooms above, below, and beside you, should the dog bark or make other noises. Other difficulties include things like finding an appropriate spot where you could take the dog to relieve itself, and whether or not the dog can be kept in the room (if so, does it need to be in an approved carrier) or only in a kennel that the hotel maintains. Confining the animal to a kennel presents its own problems because the standard of sanitation may not be up to yours, and you might well be limited in the hours that you can visit your pet, as well as being limited to the area for the areas where these visits are allowed to take place.

If, like most pet owners, you consider your four-footed companion as part of your family, the above description is not something you would want to subject anyone to…even a dreaded in-law! If you’ve experienced this kind of problem in the past, undoubtedly you’ve experienced some very anxious times regarding your pet’s happiness and health, and could even be wondering if it was worth it at all to travel with your pet away from home. Fortunately, you can put an end to this sort of worry if you choose to travel with the dog. Believe it or not, it is possible to take a vacation to a spot where you would not have to worry about disturbing other hotel patrons, lodging your animal, or taking care of any of the myriad of other little problems that traveling with a pet involves.

One of the best places you can choose for a vacation that will include your dog is to explore the possibility of taking a vacation in the towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee in the area known as the Great Smoky Mountains. Both of these towns offer cabins for rent that are capable of supporting any number of lodgers (including one or two you can take up to 50 people), and are also pet friendly. These pet friendly cabins offer a certain amount of isolation if they are located a good distance away from other cabins that are nearby. There is also plenty of room to walk and play with your dog, as well as room to allow the animal to relieve itself. There are several cabin rental companies in these towns that are dog friendly, and for a small pet deposit will allow you to keep your dog with you. If at the end of your stay, your dog has created no damage, the deposit is often refundable.

This area of the Smoky Mountains offers spectacular natural views and plenty of trails and areas to walk or take hikes with your dog. Other attractions located in the area that you are sure to enjoy include Dollywood, Ripley’s Aquarium, and the ability to buy local handicrafts made by the local inhabitants of Smoky Mountains. From time to time festivals celebrating local crafts and mountain music are held for the visitors. There are so many things to see and do, which makes the Great Smoky Mountains an ideal destination to take your pet on your next vacation.

Davenport lies around the Mississippi River of Iowa. It is Scott County’s county seat. It was founded last May 14th of the year 1836 by a certain Antoine LeClaire, following the peace treaty signing that ended the Black Hawk War. The city’s name was derived from Antoine LeClaire’s friend, Colonel George Davenport.

Davenport has a population of 98,359 as of year 2000. Its current mayor is Bill Gluba. Palmer College of Chiropractic and Saint Ambrose University are its 2 main institutions, making it the “birthplace of the wellness technique and chiropractic”.

Davenport boasts of several popular music festivals such as The Mississippi Valley Fair, The Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival (dedicated to Bix Beiderbecke) and The Mississippi Valley Blues Festival. There is even the Bix 7, a 7-mile foot race that runs through one of the above-mentioned festivals.

When visiting Davenport, you can stay in any of their relaxing hotels like:

Clarion Hotel Conference Center

This hotel is located at 5202 Brady Street Davenport, IA 52806. It is conveniently situated near Interstate 80, a few miles from the Mississippi River. Popular activities in the region include rollerblading, walking and biking along their scenic trails.

This pet-friendly hotel lies in close proximity to attractions like the IMAX Theater, Figge Art Museum, and the Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science. Amenities and facilities of the hotel include 288 elegant guest rooms, free airport-hotel transfers, wireless high speed Internet, hot tubs, heated indoor pools, a game room, fitness center and secretarial services as well as banquet rooms, meeting spaces, fax and copy services.

Each room is equipped with hair dryers, coffee makers, video game consoles, irons with iron boards and even whirlpool bathtubs as well as refrigerators, balconies and microwaves. You can even opt for handicap accessible and non-smoking rooms. Check in time is at 3PM while check out time is at 12NN.

La Quinta Inn Davenport

This 3-star pet-friendly hotel is located at 3330 East Kimberly Road Davenport, IA 52807. Enjoy elegant accommodations and closeness to everything that Davenport can offer. It is merely 8 miles to the Quad Cities International Airport and downtown Davenport. It is also in close proximity to shopping areas, restaurants and John Deere. You can also find the Mississippi River and Casinos as well as the largest golf course in the region.

The hotel provides a lot of amenities and facilities like an onsite fitness center, year round indoor heated pool, free breakfast and newspaper along with meeting spaces that can accommodate up to 3,000 guests, plus high speed Internet access and laundry facilities.

It has a total of 129 rooms in its 2 floors. Each room is guaranteed with color TVs, dataports, iron with boards, coffee makers and touchtone phones. They also provide free local calls, newspaper, hairdryers and alarm clocks. Nearby restaurants include Applebee’s, Red Lobster, Bennigan’s and Village Inn among others. The hotel accepts all major credit cards and coupons as well as certificates, traveler’s checks and vouchers.

Fairfield Inn Davenport

This smoke-free hotel is located at 3206 East Kimberly Road Davenport, IA 52807. It is very close to the North Park Mall which has JC Penney, Dillards, Younkers and Sears. Alcoa, John Deere, Rhythm City, Jumera as well as the Isle of Capri Casinos are just nearby.

They have a total of 62 rooms that are provided with complimentary Continental deluxe breakfasts, alarm clocks, air conditioners, hairdryers, Cable TVs and pay-per-view movies as well as refrigerators, microwave ovens and complimentary wireless high speed Internet. These guest rooms were renovated last Spring of 2004. Cribs and rollaway beds can also be requested.

Pet services have come a long, long way in the last few years. With the popularity of pet daycares, spas, pet clothing, and much more, pets and their owners have never had it so good! There are a lot of options for pet owners out there - no matter what it is that they want to do with their pet. However, there are still some difficulties in certain areas when it comes to pets, and traveling is probably the biggest area in which there are barriers for people with pets.

One of these travel barriers is the fact that all restaurants - even truck stops - do not allow pets inside. Unless your pet is a working dog, he or she will have to wait in the car while you dine! If you feel bad about this, consider buying your pet a treat at the restaurant and giving it to them afterwards.

Another travel barrier is paying extra cash for flying with your pet. Most airlines allow pets to fly, but not with their owners. Granted, the animal’s airfare will not be as much as the owner’s, but it is still an extra fee that some people do not like paying. Before you complain about the cost of flying with your pet though, call around to your local kennels and do some research on kennel costs these days. Add that to your guilt about leaving him or her behind, and paying that extra flying fee suddenly won’t seem so bad.

When you travel with your pet, you tend to be very limited on where you can go. A lot of the popular vacation destinations are just not animal friendly, and many places will not even allow pets - especially at hotels. If you search hard enough though, you will eventually find a few places that might be pet friendly, but they will not likely be any of the places that you have seen advertised on the media.

Even if you do manage to vacation at a place that is pet friendly, you will not be able to take your pet sight seeing at many places, and this can definitely put up a barrier to your travels! It is no fun to have to call around and try to get someone to pet sit for you while you are on vacation, or even just traveling from one destination to another.

Another travel barrier that you may encounter when you elect to bring your pet with you is the matter of bathroom breaks. You can’t exactly pull over just anywhere, and you won’t always have a litter box or newspaper handy. This can be the most frustrating part of traveling with your pet, and there is really no good solution to this issue. The most you can really do is keep a careful eye on your pet and monitor when and how much he or she eats and take bathroom breaks accordingly.

Relocating pets can cause some problems and difficulties, but some people would just rather have these issues than be without their pet for a long period of time. If you fall into this category, make sure you do your research before you make any decisions as to where you want to go, and you will be fine.