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Holiday Travel with Your Pets Doesn’t Have to Cause Chaos

November 9, 2016 by
Holiday Travel with Pets-Blackwell Travel

When Benny Met Harriet. Christmas 2009. Sadly, Harriet was put to sleep in May 2014 because she was sick. Benny is still going strong!

According to a national survey of pet owners, nearly 40 percent take their dogs on vacation with them. Ten years ago, it was only 20 percent. And keep in mind that many airlines won’t allow you to ship your dog in cargo.

Ah, the holidays.

If you live away from your family, you may be traveling across the U.S. or to another country to spend time with them. But if you have pets, you may not want to leave them at home, especially if they suffer from separation anxiety.

I remember the first time I flew home for Christmas.

It was 2009, and I was living in Chandler, Arizona and decided to fly home to Parma, Ohio (southwest of Cleveland) for Christmas. I had two cats (still do) and decided that Benny (highly attached to me) would travel with me. CeCe, my other cat, is the epitome of “independent cat” and would stay home.

I took Benny to his veterinarian and secured the proper health documentation along with tranquilizers. Not for me, for him. Ha!

Benny needed a travel regulated carrier, so I bought one. He’s since outgrown it. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Adventure, Arizona, Family, Pets, Travel

Are You Ready to Solo Travel to Edinburgh, Scotland?

October 25, 2016 by

2007 Edinburgh Fringe Festival Catalog

In August 2007, I wrote the following article (updated) about my solo travel to Edinburgh, Scotland to experience the International Fringe Festival.

Remember, you can choose to feel the fear of solo travel and do it anyway.

Why?

Because the opportunity can benefit you in more ways than one, from finding your life partner to discovering things about yourself you didn’t know.

If you’ve been thinking about solo travel, I hope this post inspires you to pack your bags, get out of your backyard, and travel. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Adventure, Europe, Travel, Vacation

Want to Start Traveling? Explore Your Own Backyard

September 25, 2016 by

When you think of traveling, you probably have visions of exotic countries dancing in your head.

Maybe you see India, or perhaps Cambodia.

You may imagine yourself on a Kenyan safari where you see lions, elephants, zebras, and other magnificent wildlife against the incredible backdrop of the African sky. The sounds and sights penetrate your body, mind and soul.

Travel has no limit. After all, there are several continents to explore and experience, each with a unique culture and history that has had a hand in shaping the world today.

And yet, you still haven’t begun to travel. Why not? Maybe you believe you have to jet off to a faraway country in order to gain your traveler’s legs or even be considered a legitimate traveler. Think again. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Adventure, All, Arizona, Escorted Coach Tour, Europe, Group, Travel, Vacation

These Travel Quotes Will Motivate You to Travel More

September 6, 2016 by

How long has it been since you’ve traveled? If it’s been some time, you may have slipped into a travel rut and need a boost to motivate you to plan your next adventure with some of my favorite travel quotes.

I understand that life happens and traveling may not be a priority at the moment. But this doesn’t mean you can’t think about planning a vacation, even if it’s for next year.

Don’t give up on exploring the world because you may regret it. Even if you went away for the weekend, it’s better than doing nothing at all.

Life’s too short to not follow your dreams and heart. Besides, you never know what you may discover when you’re halfway across your country, or the world.

I hope the following travel quotes inspire you to start thinking about and planning your next adventure. Isn’t it time to explore a part of the world, even a part of your soul, that’s been dying for you to visit and get to know?

Read the following words when you need inspiration, a reminder about why it’s important for you to travel. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Adventure, All, Arizona, Escorted Coach Tour, Europe, Group, Travel, Vacation

The “Travel Agent is Obsolete” Myth Debunked

August 30, 2016 by

The time has come to bust the myths about travel agents.

“Don’t use a travel agent” is TERRIBLE advice.

The question is why?

A travel agent can actually be a great resource for you.

He or she can help you plan your dream vacation and reduce your stress because you won’t have to search hundreds of online travel sites to find the travel package you want.

So, what’s the problem? [Read more…]

Filed Under: Adventure, All, Escorted Coach Tour, Family, Group, Travel, Vacation

How to Improve Your Travel Experiences [And Actually Enjoy Trips]

August 16, 2016 by

Admit it. You may be a cranky traveler or one that has super high expectations that not even God himself or herself could meet. Does this sound like you? If it does, you’re sabotaging your travel experiences.

The only person you control is YOU. For example, Mother Nature who may dump tons of snow in your area, making it impossible for your plane to take-off to the Caribbean. You can’t control the weather! But you could be prepared to wait it out by reading a magazine, listening to music, etc.

Instead of getting upset at the slightest issue and ruining your vacations, learn to rise above travel challenges.

Fortunately, you can learn how to improve your travel experiences and actually enjoy your trips. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Adventure, All, Arizona, Escorted Coach Tour, Europe, Family, Group, Travel, Vacation

8 Adventurous and Family Things to do in Arizona

August 2, 2016 by

Have you taken a family vacation to Arizona? If not, you may consider traveling to the Valley of the Sun and participating in the adventurous activities. Some of them are not for the faint of heart, so make sure you choose things to do that everyone will enjoy.

You’ll find that Phoenix has a pleasant climate all year round. However, temperatures can soar past 100 during the summer. If this is too hot for you and your kids to handle, you may want to visit during the fall, winter and spring months.

Keep reading to learn about the eight adventurous and family things to do in Arizona. Bring lots of sunscreen! [Read more…]

Filed Under: Adventure, All, Arizona, Family, Travel, Vacation

Why Do You Solo Travel?

July 26, 2016 by

Why do you solo travel?

I do it because I can; I’m not afraid to grab my backpack or suitcase and take-off somewhere.

Whether or not you consider yourself to be pretty or handsome has nothing to do with solo travel as it can be an awesome experience for anyone, if you’re open to it.

From boosting your confidence to learning how to speak a different language quickly, traveling solo can push you beyond your comfort zone.

So, why do you solo travel?

Maybe you do so for the following reasons. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Adventure, All, Arizona, Escorted Coach Tour, Europe, Group, Travel, Vacation

London Travel: 7 Reasons to Visit Today

July 19, 2016 by

Admit it. You’ve often wondered about London travel. But now with Brexit, you may be too scared to visit the city. Poppycock!

Push your fears aside, embrace travel to England, and start packing today. If you don’t go, you may regret it. You don’t want that, do you?

There are a wide variety of things to do and see in London, England, from museums to having afternoon tea at a café or in your hotel’s restaurant. I’ve visited the city and haven’t even scratched the surface. It’s why I’ll travel to London over and over again.

Keep reading to learn seven reasons to visit London, England today. Once you’ve finished, you may want to book your vacation as soon as possible. [Read more…]

Filed Under: All, Escorted Coach Tour, Europe, Family, Group, Honeymoon, Travel, Vacation

Everything You Need to Know about Brexit

July 12, 2016 by

You’ve probably heard or read about Brexit. But do you really understand it? What happened is the citizens in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland voted on June 23, 2016 to decide whether or not the UK should leave or stay in the European Union [economic and political union between 28 European countries].

The Brexit results were 52% to leave and 48% to stay. More than 30 million (71.8%) people participated in the Brexit vote.

If you’re like most people, you’re probably confused about the Brexit vote and may have questions, such as:

  • What does this mean for travel to the UK?
  • How will this affect my Great Britain vacation?
  • Is it safe to travel to the UK?
  • How far will the U.S. dollar go?

It’s too early to know the consequences of Brexit. And rumblings of a revote have been circulating throughout the UK. No one knows if this will or will not happen. [Read more…]

Filed Under: All, Escorted Coach Tour, Europe, Family, Group, Travel, Vacation
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