Category Archives: Travel Tips

PARENTS LOVE TRAVEL – CLASSIC NYC ITINERARY – Greenwich Village and Midtown

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Macy’s / Bryant Park / NY Public Library / Greenwich Village / Subway

Check out of hotel. Leave luggage with hotel front desk.

Small party? Let’s do breakfast at: Johny’s Luncheonette – 124 W 25th St (betw 6th&7th) Come.Sit.Eat is their motto. With only ~16 seats, mostly at the counter, you will likely have to wait a bit to get in – but, it’s so worth it! Once seated, you’re greeted with a cup of coffee and menus. We ordered the basic egg breakfast – eggs fried or scrambled, bacon or sausage links. Yummy home fries come with breakfasts.The chef busily whips up your order – all on a seasoned grill – while sharing stories and joking with regulars. This is old school breakfast food, served by long time New Yorkers. Traditional breakfast/lunch food served daily 8am-2pm only.

  • NY Public Library – est 1911/Rose Reading room/476 Fifth Ave (42nd&Fifth)/10am-6/8pm,Sun 1-5pm. Every room and hallway of this huge library is filled with artifacts and architecture. Magnificent! (reading room only open to researchers except 10-11am tours)
  • Bryant Park – Behind NY Public Library and really a surprise. Bryant Park is one of the world’s busiest public spaces. More than 19 million people per year visit the park and enjoy gardens with seasonal displays, free daily amenities, cultural programming, exercise classes, and more! This is a social haven for young and old, from ice cream stands to open-air chess games.
  • Macy’s Herald Square 151 West 34th Street Macy’s, established in 1858, is the Great American Department Store. Wooden escalator. 10am-9/10pm. Shopping selection in there is endless! Go to the Children’s Department for a snack and right in the middle, the coveted wooden escalator!

Take 34th St Penn Station Line 1 Downtown Local to Christopher St

  • Joe’s Pizza – 7 Carmine St (near Bleeker St & Sixth Ave – slices – 10am-3am. My favorite in NYC – a little greasy & sloppy, but the flavor!
  • Bleeker St Pizza – corner of Bleeker & Seventh Ave – slices
  • John’s Pizza – 278 Bleeker St – pies, no slices
  • Murray’s Cheese –
  • Friends Apt/Central Perk(Little Owl) – 90 Bedford St (& Grove St) Now a little Italian cafe
  • Sex in the City – 66 Perry St – Carrie Bradshaw Apt. Beautiful street of tree canopied brownstones.
  • Magnolia Bakery – 401 Bleeker St (& W 11th) – original store – cupcakes/banana pudding. Best ever banana pudding!

Christopher St Line 1 Uptown. Pick up luggage at hotel and walk to Penn Station/Moynihan Station to board train back to Philly

ADDED NOTE: We took Amtrak train into Penn Station, right in the heart of it all. Will easily do that again. Subways – in 2 1/2 days in NYC, we used the subway 7 times. Easy to just touch charge card or phone wallet and go thru. Nice alternative when walking is just too much.

PARENTS LOVE TRAVEL – CLASSIC NYC ITINERARY – Downtown

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Staten Island/ 911/ Wall Street/ Brooklyn Bridge/ Lower East Side

Grab bagel breakfast near Subway (Liberty Bagels – my favorite is their toasted sesame bagel with scallion cream cheese) near 34St. station (on 35th). Liberty Bagels is home to the best bagels in New York. The old-fashioned, hand-rolled, kettle boiled, and baked bagels are a NY staple and is a stop you cannot skip during a trip to NYC.

Take the 1 Downtown to Battery Park/South Ferry (10 min)

Staten Island Ferry (late 1800s)– free ferry past Statue of Liberty. Stay right side Over, left side Back. Departs every 15-30 minutes/20-25 minutes each way.

Subway up to World Trade Center/Oculus station to:

911 Memorial / Museum – 180 Greenwich. Just going close to the twin towers memorial takes your breath away and your heart sinks once you peer into the endless hole in the middle. The design captures your heart, for sure. FDNY Station #10 is right there, too. Stop in Ohara’s Pub for a pint after – 120 Cedar St (one block south of ground zero / 11a-late). The New York Irish pub that became a hub for first responders after 9/11. O’Hara’s walls are covered with police and fire badges from around the world. The pint of Guinness eased our emotions before we ventured on…

Trinity Church – 120 Broadway – Alexander Hamilton grave/Natl Treasure. Dark gothic vibe. Unbelievable architecture.

Wall Street – Bull – NYSE

Lunch at Fraunces Tavern (1762)– 54 Pearl St – Museum on 2nd Fl ($10A/$5C) daily Noon-5pm/ guided tours (60 min) weekends/Lunch daily 11:30am-3:30pm. As you turn a corner south of the Financial District, the historic preservation building begs you to enter. Once inside, you’ll notice all the furnishings are period late 1700s, even the servers are dressed in period costume. This is the oldest building in Manhattan. We really enjoyed the Tavern Burger but next time I’d like to try the Pot Pie. I’d encourage you to visit the museum upstairs. This is the site of George Washington’s emotional farewell to his officers at the end of the Revolutionary War win!

Brooklyn Bridge (1883) (Walk or Subway to NY City Hall) – the pedestrian walkway begins just across from the northeast corner of City Hall Park along Centre Street. Walk a little ways towards Brooklyn, turn around, get the photo op or go all the way across, grab a snack in Brooklyn, then walk back over with the Manhattan skyline as your view. We felt walking on the wood-planked path, the bridge is bigger and grander in person. A must do!

Chinatown Wo Hop (1938) – 17 Mott St basement/Marvelous Mrs. Maisel/10:30a-9p – or any of the street vendors. This area encompasses many blocks forming a V shape and the food is fresh and delicious. (cash only in Chinatown)

Tenement Museum – (early 1900s) 103 Orchard St (&Delancey) / reserved tours 60-90 minute ~ $30/ As you explore the Lower East Side neighborhoods, learn how various early 1900s immigrant communities influenced American culture and cuisine. These tours are so authentic – in one tenement, you are touching the same banisters 7,000 immigrants used over the last 100 years!

Dinner: Katz’s Deli (1888) 205 E Houston St 8a-11p/ NYCs Oldest Jewish Deli. OMG! That quote from When Harry Met Sally (filmed here), “I’ll have what she’s having!” – so true! Best Pastrami on Rye! Grab your ticket at the door and line up to your favorite “cutter”. Place your order. While they slice your meat for the thick sandwiches, the cutter may give you a sample and ask if you want more lean or fatty ends? Ask for the deli mustard. It comes with pickles on the side.

Cocktail: The Back Room Speakeasy (1920s) -102 Norfolk St. 6p-2a. This is one of only two speakeasies in NYC that operated during Prohibition and is still in existence today. Once you find the rickety Toy Factory gate, walk down the steps, across the way and then knock at the *unmarked door. The bouncer looks you over and asks the gentlemen to remove their caps. The drinks are prohibition style – beer bottles served in brown paper bags and cocktails in tea cups! So cool! Gangsters once used the space for “business meetings”.

Beer: McSorley’s Old Ale House (1854) – 17 E 7th St / Noon-1am. McSorley’s can boast of being NYC’s oldest continuously operated saloon (everyone from Abe Lincoln to John Lennon). Enter the sawdust strewn floors and history patched walls for a trip back through time. Be prepared: walk thru the swinging doors and you’re asked light or dark and soon after two short mugs of your choice appear. Old-timey, friendly vibe. Daily food specials. Cash only. No draft list here, lol.

Nearby, NYU campus/Washington Sq. Subway back to Hotel to refresh and walk or subway to: Times Square nighttime view & Serendipity 3 ice cream, Juniors cheesecake or numerous Times Square rooftop bars.

PARENTS LOVE TRAVEL – CLASSIC NYC ITINERARY – MIDTOWN

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Times Square / Central Park / Fifth Avenue / Grand Central / Empire State Building

NYC Midtown – Walk past Times Square, grab a coffee and dessert at Carlos or Krispy Kreme (loved the big apple donut) and take it to the red steps in the middle of Times Square to eat (get some pics of the daytime scene).

Then walk uptown Broadway to Original Soup Man @ 259 W 55th St. Take soup to nearby park. This is the Seinfeld episodes spot of Al, the Soup Man and “No soup for you!” legend. Carryout only. I’m glad I got Soup for Me! The lobster bisque (chowder) was so flavorful! And, my bag included bread and a piece of fruit! I’m craving that soup again already …

Central Park by foot tour: (start at Columbus Circle on the southwest corner. Subway line 1 Uptown to 59th St/Columbus Circle stop)

Tavern on the Green – 11am-11pm wkdays/ 9am-10pm wkends – Classic wood beamed ceiling interior – expansive patio w/ dozens of tables with red umbrellas. Meals with reservations. Cocktails and lite bites at the main bar and patio bar. Snack bar. We were there during Sunday brunch and the champagne was popping non-stop for mimosas.

  • Strawberry Fields / Imagine Mosaic (memorial to John Lennon – an acoustic musician was singing Lennon songs as we passed by, adding to the feel)
  • Rock outcroppings all along your path east, along with open patches with ball fields (we saw two softball games)
  • Bow Bridge (classic pedestrian bridge)
  • Bethesda Terrace & Fountain (street vendors and musicians line the perimeter – also great views of rowboats and the Lake – this is Friends fountain)
  • Loeb Boathouse (many movie scenes, where you can rent rowboats)
  • Conservatory Water (model boat pond)
  • The Mall & Literary Walk – The Mall is a wide, tree-lined walkway located in the southern part of Central Park. It runs from the southern entrance at 66th Street to the Bethesda Terrace. The Mall is a popular spot for walking, jogging, and socializing. It often hosts street performers and artists, adding to its vibrant atmosphere. The Literary Walk, which features statues of famous writers (William Shakespeare), runs along the Mall. (I think this was my favorite park of Central Park)
  • The Pond at Central Park (far view of the Plaza, where we’re headed next)

Fifth Avenue walkabout starts at the Plaza!

  • The Plaza (1907) – Champagne Bar – cocktails and meals/ 6:30a-11p. Palm Court Bar – especially fun during afternoon tea for people watching. Best Manhattan in Manhattan! Creative, tasty small plates.
  • Trump Tower / Tiffany & Co / Gucci
  • St Patrick’s Cathedral (1878) / Rockefeller Center / Radio City / NBC Studios

Head back towards hotel to freshen. Evening ideas:

  • Hotel Rooftop Bar
  • Grand Central (1913) –  the Campbell Room  (Noon-Midnight/jazz 6p Sundays/limited seating, make reservations) – cozy speakeasy vibe – order traditional cocktails and small plates.
  • Empire State Building (1931) – 8am-MN (last elevator at 11:15pm) $44+ Eateries on street level. Observation deck and displays. The Disney-like exhibits engage you, including the elevator ride up to the 80th floor and the movies/King Kong “grab”! Then, you go up to the 86th Floor and wow, the views are breathtaking! We arrived at dusk and stayed til dark. Very quiet and surreal up there… magical!

PHILLY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR by Michele

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PART ONE – Experience Old City Philadelphia!

(Morning tour starts at hotel lobby at 10am and ends at 12:30pm for lunch)

Come explore the Philadelphia of the people caught up in the world changing events of 1776. Wander through Old City Philadelphia, including: Independence Mall, home of the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall to learn about the people shaping our early republic. We will then continue to Benjamin Franklin’s grave to learn about the famous Philadelphian, Arch Street Meeting House to explore the role of the Quakers, Betsy Ross’ House where we get insight into the role of women, Elfreth’s Alley to meet the everyday people of revolutionary Philadelphia and Christ Church, the place of worship for many prominent Philadelphians. We’ll grab lunch at an original cheesesteak place, Campos.

Independence Hall requires timed tickets reserved well in advance. Betsy Ross House is $10.00. Others free or donation. This walking tour is within 6 blocks of the hotel. We’ll stop back at the Hotel to freshen.

Campo’s Steak & Hoagies  Campo’s is a family run sandwich shop that has been making Philly’s best cheesesteaks, hoagies, and specialty sandwiches since 1947. Those in the know order their cheesesteak with two words only: cheese selection (provolone, American or Whiz) and “wit” or “without” onions. Campo’s is proudly served at Citizens Bank Park and is the official cheesesteak of the Philadelphia Flyers. 214 Market Street (2nd & Market)

PART TWO – Experience Center City Philly LOVE! (Tour starts at hotel lobby at 1:15pm and ends about 3:15pm)

LOVE Park is most famously the home of Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE statue, which has resided in the space almost continuously since 1976. The park is located near City Hall, offering views of the architectural treasure, including William Penn’s statue. Since Rocky’s first triumphant onscreen run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1976, the 72 steps have become an international destination. Those interested can trek up the stairs, pumping their fists in the air as they cherish the spectacular view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the city skyline. Cheesey? Definitely. Fun? Absolutely!

On the way to/from the Rocky photo ops, we’ll grab an iced coffee and a treat from Federal Donuts. We’ll end our Highlights tour with a cold one at Independence Beer Garden and a view of where we started, Independence Park. The afternoon tour is a lot of city and parkway walking. If it’s too hot or stormy, we’ll take a PHLASH bus or modify the plan.

Federal Donuts – People come here for one thing: deep-fried joy! It’s delivered in the form of Korean-style chicken, with a variety of rubs and glazes, and hot fresh or fancy doughnuts in constantly changing flavors like cinnamon brown sugar, blueberry pancake, strawberry lavender and chocolate éclair — and coffee, of course. 1776 Benjamin Franklin Parkway or 1632 Sansom Street, https://federaldonuts.com/

Independence Beer Garden, is an expansive, all-American beer garden overlooking Independence National Historic Park. The Beer Garden is a lovely spot to sit back and enjoy a cold beer on a warm summer day. They also offer a great Happy Hour with items like tasty Sliders and fresh chips and guacamole. HAPPY HOUR | WEDNESDAY – SUNDAY | 3PM – 7PM (everything $5-$7.00). https://www.phlbeergarden.com/

Lunch/Shopping/Snacking suggestion (7 blocks from hotel): Reading Terminal Market – Set below a former railroad terminal, Center City’s 127-year-old Reading Terminal Market serves as both a tourist destination and a trusted source for fresh food for locals. The public space provides open seating where customers can enjoy a world of cuisines from dozens of restaurants, including Pennsylvania Dutch and sandwich slingers like DiNic’s, serving up hot roast pork sandwiches that rival the city’s much-lauded cheesesteaks. Retail merchants sell housewares, jewelry, linens and more. There’s a gift shop selling Philly LOVE souvenirs and a Philly Pretzel shop, too. 51 N. 12th Street https://readingterminalmarket.org/

Happy Hour or Dinner suggestion (Uber, near walkable Rittenhouse Square):  Harp & Crown – Its glass-façade, 24-foot ceilings, and chandeliers are glamorous pieces balanced with funky vintage wallpaper and leather club chairs, millwork and natural tones throughout the space. Guests enjoy new-American dishes amongst the space including a 32-seat bar. Featured here: pizzas, small plates and seasonal fare — and a two-lane bowling alley tucked in the basement called Elbow Lane (reservations required for groups of nine or more; based on availability, smaller parties can walk in). Happy Hour | Walk-In @ Bar + Lounge: 4:00pm – 7:00pm. 1525 Sansom Street, http://harpcrown.com

Base Hotel: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/phlpr-renaissance-philadelphia-downtown-hotel/overview/. Wonderful hotel to choose if you want to walk the sites (next to Independence National Park).

PHLASH Purple tourism buses: https://ridephillyphlash.com/ $5.00 for all day pass (exact cash or online)

Maps and Directions: https://www.visitphilly.com/maps-directions/#downloadable-maps

Suggested blog: https://parentslovetravel.com/blog/a-fresh-look-at-revolution

Family Business Travel

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ALL INCLUSIVE RESORTS – Mom or Dad at a conference in a tourist town? Why not stay, work and play together and maybe never have to leave the property. Consider Resort Conference complexes.

But are these resorts too elegant? At a maximum, we look for relaxed elegance. Here’s a rundown of all the family-friendly amenities we explored during a recent visit: (we never needed to leave the property for three days):

· Kids Nite Out (weekend evenings for ages 4-14 with extra hourly fee) offering a variety of supervised activities…play areas, group games, computers, arts and crafts, movies, board games, treasure hunts.

· Guest Rooms – include high-speed internet connection, modern flat screen TVs, mini-frig and spacious, high fluff beds.

· Full service Spa

· 18-hole golf course (golf camps for kids)

· Fishing dock and lake

· Many pools, including a lap pool, family pool, adult quiet pool and kiddie wading pool plus jacuzzis

· Hiking trails with interpretive signs

· Two lighted tennis courts

· Sand volleyball, bocce ball

· Video game room

· Horseshoes, ping pong

· Complimentary equipment available for some sports, by reservation thru the fitness spa area.

· Complimentary bus shuttle to major theme parks in the area

· Loads of restaurants on premises. The Cafés are our favorite because most are open 24 hours (late night or early morning eaters) and serve absolutely wonderful, freshly made in front of you, salads and sandwiches.

Our KIDS LOVE books for Tennessee, Virginia, Michigan and Florida all list recommended resorts like these. Family packages usually start at $200.00 per night and that cost may be taken care of by the business.

HOLIDAY FAMILY TRAVEL ON A BUDGET

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Our budget travel tips for making Holiday Getaways more affordable.

Besides using one of our guidebooks to get unique ideas for places to go, here are some other suggestions we offer.

1. PLAN  2 – 4 ACTIVITIES within a one hour drive time of each other. Base you choices on the season of year.  Holiday Trolley Tours are so fun – singing carols and sipping hot cocoa…invite cousins, grandparents, etc. along.

2.  If your budget allows, have the VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A TV unit. Play Christmas movies all the way…

3.  Choose FAMILY FRIENDLY LODGING. Our family “vacations for a living” so we found budget hotels the norm. We joined hotel memberships and charge cards. We look for hotels with indoor pools and free breakfast. For some reason, if they offer both, they are more likely to be clean and family-friendly environments. 

4.  HISTORY is easy, if you SNEAK IT IN! Engage your kids by learning with Santa and his elves. Historical homes are basically boring to tour in the summer, but near the holidays, what stuffy old house doesn’t smell sweet with the scent of cinnamon and gingerbread cookies?

What about you?

Do you have some tricks you’ve learned that make traveling to visit relatives at Christmas less stressful but still inexpensive and fun?

Please comment and let us know…

HIT THE ROAD, JACK: AMERICANS LIKELY TO ROAD TRIP BY LABOR DAY

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Car Shopping Site Edmunds.com Sheds Light on the Great American Road Trip

Whether it’s the trip back to college, a last-minute Labor Day escape or an end-of-summer getaway, Americans find that August is a great time to hit the road.

And, most drivers had road trips in mind when they shopped for their vehicle, with cargo space being the primary attractor (22 percent). The great American road trip is alive and well with many drivers planning to go the distance (500+ miles), snap selfies and pump their favorite tunes.

Some other takeaways include:

  • We love that open road: More than 92 percent would be willing to drive up to 500 miles for a vacation.
  • But first, let’s take a selfie: Thirty-four percent of road trippers will take anywhere from 1-10 selfies on their journey.
  • GPS is key: GPS, music and travel companions are must-haves for road trips (27 percent, 24 percent and 25 percent, respectively).
  • Parents WILL turn that car around: Of the respondents with children, nearly half (45 percent) will threaten to turn the car around at least once on a road trip.
  • Eyes on the road: Nearly 90 percent of respondents said they could last over an hour without checking their phones while on a road trip.
  • Classic rock trumps pop: When respondents were given the choice of road trip anthems, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” beat out modern day pop hits for the top spot.

“It’s not surprising to us that more than 80 percent of respondents had road trips in mind when they were car shopping,” said Edmunds.com. “Road trips are the ultimate test for any new vehicle; if the car can be reliable and comfortable while handling all the loading, unloading and hauling with adequate fuel efficiency, then it’ll definitely make a great long term vehicle.”

Biltmore Summer Vacations Offer Something for Everyone

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ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Sixty-six percent of families say ‘togetherness’ is an essential element for a memorable family vacation (PGAV Destinations study, “The Art of the Family Vacation”). Addressing the need for a balance of itinerary options that families can truly enjoy together, Biltmore’s summer vacation experience has been designed to be active, fun and educational (don’t tell the kids!) for all. Adults and children are entertained with a slate of activities in Biltmore’s 8,000-acre backyard, while imaginations stay engaged with tours and historic exhibitions.

Top eight Biltmore to-dos

A destination for rejuvenation since the 1800s, George W. Vanderbilt chose the outdoor playground of Asheville to build his family estate. In the century that has lapsed since family and friends of the Vanderbilts came for long stays at Biltmore, time has seemingly stood still. Travelers today enjoy the slower pace of summer’s backyard season in Biltmore’s 8,000-acre landscape, a space that has been preserved and perfected over time for future generations. 

  1. Take the family time travelling.

Visit the 250-room Biltmore House, George Vanderbilt’s dream home that he lived in more than 100 years ago. Kids stay engaged with a NEW treasure hunt through Biltmore House. Kids marvel at the sheer size of Biltmore House, the bowling alley and pool in the basement, and the massive front lawn and backyard for playing. 

  1. Have a unique adventure.

Try your luck at outdoor sports like fly fishing or sporting clays, or go off-road behind the wheel of a Land Rover (our Land Rover Driving School offers courses for adults AND kids!). Go to an awe-inspiring location: the rooftop of Biltmore House. The guided Architect’s Tour takes families to the massive roof of America’s largest home for a look at architectural details, to count gargoyles, and for expansive mountain views of a spectacular backyard.

  1. Reconnect with nature.

Set out on foot on a network of nearly 22 round-trip miles of hiking trails. Or, take in views from a bike, on the back of a horse, while floating down a river, on a Segway, or a carriage ride. Go rock-skipping at the lagoon or play hide and seek among rare and native trees.

  1. Stop to smell the roses.

Biltmore’s renowned summer gardens are perfect for leisurely strolls and picnicking spots near tropical palms, roses, giant sunflowers, and colorful lily pads and koi in Italian Garden pools.

  1. Set the kids free.

Get lost together in a maze comprised of 500 trees. Kids run and climb in the NEW Pisgah Playground. At the barn, explore farming life at the turn of the century and antique farm equipment. Ask inquisitive questions to our staff and play with chickens, roosters, goats, horses and sheep in the farmyard. Demos, crafts and period games available select days.

  1. Embark on a tasty tour.

Taste wines at the most visited winery in America (complimentary grape juice for the kids). Restaurants offer a range of options from barbeque to fine dining. Pick up a family-themed picnic from the Creamery.  And save room for the Creamery’s Winky Bar Sundae, a sweet treat for a summer day based on the Winky Bar produced by the former Biltmore Dairy.

  1. Rock out!

Dance under the stars select summer nights during the concert series kicking off July 25. The 2013 line-up includes Heart, Sheryl Crow, Christian group Casting Crowns, the Four Tops and Temptations, the Beach Boys and comedian Bill Engvall. Local bands provide FREE entertainment Fridays June through August at the Antler Hill Village Green and Bandstand.

  1. Make Biltmore your home away from home.
North and South Carolina Family Travel Guide

Extend your visit with an overnight stay at the Inn on Biltmore Estate or with our local accommodations partners and take advantage of packages on select dates this summer.

Information on Biltmore’s summer offerings can be found at Biltmore.com. View suggested itineraries for more family travel ideas.

WANT TO KNOW MORE KID-FRIENDLY PLACES AROUND ASHEVILLE, NC?  Take a look at the best-selling Carolinas travel guide: KIDS LOVE THE CAROLINAS (pg 198-242)

10 Tips for Car Travel With Your Pet

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Please see the following tips to help you prepare your pet for a smooth car trip:

  1. Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. And P.S., it’s smart to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip.
  2. Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won’t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
  3. Your pet’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don’t feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle—even if it is a long drive.
  4. Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
  5. What’s in your pet’s traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.
  6. Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please!
  7. Don’t allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. He could be injured by flying objects. And please keep him in the back seat in his crate or with a harness attached to a seat buckle.
  8. Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn’t a problem, it’s always smart to be on the safe side.
  9. When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he’s not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.
  10. If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.

For more information, please visit www.splashanddashfordogs.com.