Tag: travel

How to Travel the World With Your Pet

Posted on by Carol J. Post

Image via Pexels

Hubby and I just got back from a trip to Florida. While he did a bunch of work for his mom there, I attended the Florida Writers Conference in Altamonte Springs and presented some workshops. Of course, we brought Ziggy and Zorro with us. My mother-in-law is always happy to have her grandcats come for a visit. Our next trip will be to the southwestern United States.

Today, Ryan Goodchild is back. Whether you and your fur-buddy will be traveling the world or just seeing the U.S. like Ziggy and Zorro, Ryan has some great tips for making the trip enjoyable for all of you. Take it away, Ryan!

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Transitioning to a digital nomad lifestyle offers an exhilarating blend of freedom and flexibility. When you choose to bring your pet along, it adds a layer of companionship that can make your travels even more rewarding. This guide is designed to help you navigate the logistics and responsibilities that come with combining pet care and your adventures abroad, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for both you and your furry friend.

Navigating Essentials for Nomadic Pets

Setting the Pace Together

Establishing a routine isn’t just beneficial for you — it’s crucial for your pet’s adjustment to a nomadic lifestyle. Consistency in feeding, walking, and playtime establishes a sense of familiarity and security for your pet, no matter where in the world you find yourselves. This foundational step not only comforts your companion but also eases the inherent unpredictability of nomadic life.

Ensuring Health on the Go

As a digital nomad, the health of your pet remains a top priority. Before setting off, take the time to research veterinarians and emergency services in each destination. This preparation ensures that no matter where your travels take you, you’re ready to address any medical issues that arise. Keeping a list of local veterinary clinics handy could make all the difference in managing health emergencies swiftly and effectively.

Designing a Nomadic Nook

Creating a pet-friendly workspace is about more than comfort — it’s about security. When designing your mobile office, allocate a dedicated space for your pet. Whether it’s a favorite blanket or a portable bed, ensuring your pet feels at home wherever you work strengthens the bond and makes the nomadic lifestyle more enjoyable for both of you.

Contingency Care Planning

Traveling with a pet means preparing for every scenario, including those times when you might need to focus solely on work or explore areas that aren’t pet-friendly. Before traveling, identify reliable pet sitters or boarding facilities within your destination. Planning for these situations ensures your pet is cared for and safe, allowing you to attend meetings or explore with peace of mind. Having these arrangements in place also provides reassurance that your pet’s well-being is secured, no matter your schedule.

Mastering Mobility with Your Furry Companion

Streamlining with Tech Tools

Adopting the right technology can revolutionize the way you manage your nomadic lifestyle. Utilize project management software, communication apps, and time trackers to keep your tasks on track and coordinate effectively, no matter your location. These tools not only help you stay organized but also ensure that you can focus on your work without neglecting the needs of your traveling companion.

Advancing Through Education

Boosting your career prospects while living as a digital nomad is possible by continuing your education. For example, earning a degree in cybersecurity equips you with the skills to safeguard important business systems and networks, a valuable expertise in today’s tech-driven world. Online programs provide the flexibility to study alongside your travels and remote work commitments. If you’re ready to expand your knowledge and opportunities, check this out for a way to learn while maintaining your nomadic lifestyle.

Budgeting for a Nomadic Life

Creating a digital nomad budget requires you to factor in not only your travel and living expenses but also those associated with your pet. Include costs for regular veterinary care, pet insurance, and occasional boarding. By planning financially for both your needs and those of your pet, you can ensure a smoother experience as you explore new destinations.

Balancing Time Across Borders

Mastering time management is essential when you’re a digital nomad. You must juggle work responsibilities with the intricacies of travel and pet care. By establishing a structured daily routine and setting clear boundaries between work time and personal time, you can maintain productivity while ensuring that both you and your pet enjoy the adventures of nomadic life. Effective time management enhances your ability to explore new cultures and environments, enriching both your personal and professional life.

 

Setting off into the world as a digital nomad with your pet is an adventure that promises growth and excitement. While the preparations and adjustments might seem daunting at first, the joy of having your pet by your side can immensely enrich your travel experience. With careful planning and the right resources, you can forge a fulfilling life on the road that you and your pet will treasure.

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Thank you, Ryan, for all the great info. For inspiring stories about man’s best friend, check out Ryan’s website, A Pupper’s Love.

 

Dream Destinations: A Partner’s Guide to Surprise Travel

Posted on by Carol J. Post

Image by Freepik

Last week Ziggy told you all about his and Zorro’s cross-country adventure. We will soon be planning next year’s trip. Today, Ryan Goodchild is back with some great travel tips. I especially appreciate the first one: Balance adventure with relaxation. I have to admit, we didn’t plan nearly enough down time on our trip out west. (Well, Ziggy and Zorro had down time, but we didn’t!) We will definitely be incorporating that into next year’s plans. Without further ado, heeeere’s Ryan!

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Planning a surprise trip for your partner is a heartfelt gesture that shows deep care and understanding. It involves considering their preferences and surprises that will delight them. This guide will help you craft an unforgettable journey filled with joy and excitement.

Balance Adventure with Relaxation

When planning your surprise trip, intertwine sightseeing with downtime to create a well-rounded itinerary. Consider scheduling tranquil activities like a spa visit, a lazy afternoon by the beach, or a quiet hike, which are essential for recuperating between more dynamic outings. These peaceful interludes complement vigorous explorations and ensure both you and your partner can rejuvenate and absorb the delights of your journey.

Elevate Comfort with Small Luxuries

Enhance your partner’s comfort during travel with small luxury upgrades that make a big impact. If your journey involves lengthy stretches of travel, opt for seat upgrades that provide extra legroom and reclining comfort. Select accommodations that stand out for their unique charm and cozy ambiance, like a boutique hotel or a secluded cabin. These thoughtful touches not only boost comfort but also make your shared experiences more memorable and intimate.

Opt for VIP Experiences

To make your excursions unique, book VIP or exclusive tours at popular sites to avoid the usual crowds and enrich your travel experience. Private tours, early admissions, and behind-the-scenes access can transform standard sightseeing into a personal and immersive adventure. These premium experiences not only add convenience but also elevate your exploration to extraordinary levels. Advance planning for such exclusivities ensures a smoother, more personalized travel encounter.

Digitize Travel Documents for Convenience

Digitizing your travel documents by saving them as PDFs on your smartphone, tablet, or cloud ensures that they remain easily accessible and formatted correctly across various devices. This secure method protects and organizes your itineraries, hotel bookings, and tickets, ready for any unexpected events. Utilizing online PDF creators, you can effortlessly convert Word documents, HTML pages, and other files into shareable PDFs—follow a step-by-step guide to streamline the process.

Leave Room for Spontaneity

Incorporate flexibility in your travel plans by keeping some days unscheduled, allowing for spontaneous adventures. This openness gives you the freedom to explore new locales, stumble upon hidden gems, or simply take the day to relax whenever the mood strikes. Adapting your itinerary based on spontaneous desires or newfound interests adds an element of surprise and delight to your journey. Flexibility not only heightens the adventure but also personalizes your travel experience according to real-time preferences.

Create a Themed Experience for Personalization

Design a themed getaway tailored to your partner’s interests for a deeply personal touch to your trip. Whether it’s following the steps of a beloved author, touring notable wineries, or indulging in a culinary quest, each themed activity shows your attentiveness to your partner’s passions. A themed journey not only adds depth but also creates lasting memories tied to their favorite pursuits.

Seek Out Unique Local Experiences

Dive deeper into the local culture by seeking out experiences that go beyond standard tourist offerings. Discover authentic activities like a local cooking class, a private art gallery tour, or an exploration of an off-the-beaten-path historical site to connect more intimately with the destination. These unique undertakings not only differentiate your trip from typical tours but also enrich your travel story with exclusive and memorable moments.

Utilize Travel Tools for Smooth Execution

Employ travel tools and apps to streamline your trip planning and on-the-go decision-making. These resources help manage your itinerary, provide real-time local maps, and secure last-minute bookings, enhancing  your travel efficiency. Such tools simplify logistical details, allowing you to focus on enjoying the journey and making unforgettable memories. By minimizing travel-related stress, these digital aids ensure a smoother, more enjoyable travel experience for both of you.

 

A surprise trip can deepen your connection and create lasting memories with your partner. Careful planning and personal touches make each moment special. Such thoughtful experiences not only celebrate your relationship but also bring immense joy. Enjoy the process and the beautiful surprises that unfold along the way.

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Thank you, Ryan, for all the great info. For inspiring stories about man’s best friend, check out Ryan’s website, A Pupper’s Love.

It’s Zaturday – Ziggy and Zorro’s Cross-Country Adventure!

Posted on by Carol J. Post

It’s Zaturday, the day we, Ziggy and Zorro, take over Mommy’s blog!

Ziggy here. Mommy and Daddy took us on a long trip, and boy, was it fun! They have this little house that they pull down the road, and it’s really cool. It has a comfy bed, where we sleep with Mommy and Daddy and a couch that’s comfy, too.

       

At home, Mommy and Daddy never let us get up on the kitchen table or counters, but in the little house, they do. I’m glad, because that’s where we have the best views of what’s going on outside.

The views looking out the door and sitting on the back of the couch are pretty good, too, even at night.

   

It’s fun watching everything outside. We see lots of birds and squirrels. One day, we saw this. Mommy called it a turtle. We’d never seen one of those before.

Sometimes there are scary things out there, too. Like when this big thing came and emptied the trash. Mommy called it the Garbage Truck Monster. It was reeeeallly noisy! I hid under the covers, and Zorro climbed into a pillow case. All that beeping and clanging around was just too scary for us.

     

Going down the road in the truck is pretty fun, too. Sometimes I ride between Mommy and Daddy and look out the front window. Zorro usually sleeps in Mommy’s lap when we’re traveling. She says it’s hard to write with a cat in her lap, but Zorro doesn’t seem to mind. He just uses her computer for a pillow.

   

Sometimes he stands up to look out the window or gets in the back seat and cuddles up to me.

   

One day Mommy rolled the window down a little bit to get some fresh air, and I got to ride with my head hanging out for a minute. She was hanging on to my harness, but boy, was that fun! Mommy said I looked like a dog. That wasn’t true at all, because I didn’t have my tongue hanging out. I’m much too dignified for that. But the wind blowing my fur sure felt good.

Finally, Mommy and Daddy took us back home. We were sad, then. In fact, for two days, Zorro sat at the door looking out at the little house and crying. He was ready to go again.

But the other day, I heard Mommy and Aunt Kim talking about planning another trip next year. Zorro got really excited. We’re not sure when next year is, but we’re hoping it’s tomorrow!

 

Take a Trip With Your Dog Using These Fun, Safe Planning Strategies

Posted on by Carol J. Post

Image by Pexels

Hubby and I just got back from a six-week cross-country camping trip. We visited several national parks and saw amazing scenery, and the best part was we didn’t have to leave our babies behind. Ziggy and Zorro seemed to enjoy the travels as much as we did. In fact, our first day back home, Zorro sat at the front door, staring out the glass at the camper and meowing! Not all cats enjoy traveling like mine do, but most dogs love it. If you’re getting ready for a trip, there’s no need to leave your furry companion behind, because Ryan Goodchild is back with some great advice to make traveling with your dog enjoyable for both of you. Take it away, Ryan!

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Traveling with your dog offers a unique opportunity to create unforgettable memories and deepen your bond. With careful planning and consideration, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend. In this article, we’ll go over several things to keep in mind when planning a trip with your pet.

Finding Dog-Friendly Stays

When planning a trip with your dog, the first step is to find accommodations that welcome pets. Research hotels, motels, and vacation rentals that are pet-friendly. Many booking platforms allow you to filter for pet-friendly options, making it easier to find a suitable place. Contact the property directly to confirm their pet policies and any additional fees. Ensuring your dog has a comfortable place to rest makes for a happy travel companion.

Accessing Pet Records

Having your pet’s health records easily accessible on your mobile device is essential for any trip. PDFs are particularly useful since they can be opened, shared, and edited on any device. You can try this: utilizing online tools to convert other file types to PDFs by simply dragging and dropping them makes this process straightforward. This digital accessibility ensures you can provide vaccination records or other important documents when needed, especially in case of emergencies or when staying at pet-friendly accommodations.

Transportation Choices

Choosing the right transportation method is vital when traveling with your dog. Whether driving, flying, or taking a train, each option has unique considerations. If you’re driving, ensure your dog is comfortable in the car and make frequent stops for exercise and bathroom breaks. Airlines and trains have specific pet policies, so research these in advance to understand the requirements and fees. Preparing for each mode of transportation can help reduce stress for you and your dog.

Packing Dog Essentials

Packing the right items for your dog ensures they have everything needed for the trip. Essentials include food, water, bowls, leash, collar, poop bags, and any medications. Bring familiar items like their favorite toys or bedding to help them feel at home. A first aid kit for your pet can also be helpful for minor injuries. Being prepared with all the necessary items will keep your dog comfortable and happy throughout the journey.

Helpful Travel Apps

Several apps can make traveling with your dog easier by locating pet-friendly accommodations, dog parks, and veterinary services. Some apps also offer pet tracking features in case your dog gets lost. Additionally, apps that provide emergency contacts and health records can be invaluable. Using these digital tools can streamline your travel plans and provide peace of mind. Having these resources at your fingertips ensures you are always prepared, no matter where your travels take you.

Ensuring Dog Safety

Keeping your dog safe while traveling should be a top priority. Using a secure harness or crate during car rides can prevent injuries, so it’s crucial to choose the right size and style. When exploring new areas, always keep your dog on a leash to avoid accidents or run-ins with wildlife. Make sure your dog is microchipped and wears an ID tag with up-to-date contact information. Safety precautions will allow you to enjoy your adventures without worrying about your dog’s well-being.

Keeping Your Dog Hydrated

Hydration is crucial for your dog’s health, especially during travel. Always have fresh water available and encourage your dog to drink regularly. Portable water bottles and collapsible bowls make it easy to provide water on the go. Monitor your dog for signs of dehydration, such as excessive panting or lethargy, and take breaks in shaded areas if traveling in hot weather. Keeping your dog hydrated will help them stay energetic and healthy throughout your trip.

Embarking on a journey with your dog can be incredibly fulfilling, adding joy and companionship to your travels. Thoughtful preparation and attention to detail can make all the difference, ensuring that your adventure is both enjoyable and stress-free. With the right approach, you and your dog can share many happy moments and create lasting memories on the road.

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Thank you, Ryan, for all the great info. For inspiring stories about man’s best friend, check out Ryan’s website, A Pupper’s Love.

It’s Zaturday – Lonely Kitties!

Posted on by Carol J. Post

It’s Zaturday, the day we (Ziggy and Zorro) take over Mommy’s blog!

Ziggy here. Zorro and I were sad kitties last week. Mommy and Daddy left us! They went to Florida and didn’t take us with them! They were gone a really long time—almost a week! We missed them, but Aunt Kim took really good care of us. We got to hang out with Grandma a whole bunch, too. We also had each other to snuggle with.

Zorro and I like going for car rides. When Daddy’s driving, we both get in Mommy’s lap. It’s a little crowded, because she usually has her computer there, too. When Mommy’s driving, she only lets one of us lie in her lap. Zorro always beats me to it. He curls up there and doesn’t move until Mommy stops for gas.

When Mommy and Daddy first got back, Zorro pouted for a whole day. Mommy couldn’t get him to purr no matter what she did. But he finally got over it and forgave them for leaving him. One thing that helped was that the day after they got back, Daddy went to the store and bought a bunch of meat. Then they made a batch of fresh cat food. Mommy and Daddy make really good kitty food. We like it better than the food that comes out of cans. Zorro even stands up for it.

We think we have good parents, even though they do sometimes leave us. But Mommy promised they wouldn’t leave us again until June. We’re not sure when June is, but we’re hoping its reeeeaally far away. Do you think if we try really hard, we can get them to cancel their trip?

It’s Zaturday – Traveling Kitties!

Posted on by Carol J. Post

It’s Zaturday, the day we (Ziggy and Zorro) take over Mommy’s blog!

Ziggy here. Zorro and I just got back to Florida after spending a week and a half in North Carolina. This time Daddy went with us. When Daddy comes along, the car is a lot more crowded. But I like it when Daddy goes with us. It’s fun having him around. He pets me a lot and calls me Ziglet the Piglet. He says it’s because I eat a lot.

Zorro and I have taken lots of long car rides, but Mommy told us about a cat that has traveled more miles than any other cat. Her name was Princess Truman Tai-Tai. She was a crew member on a British ship for 16 years and traveled over one and a half million miles.

I don’t know how many miles it is between Florida and North Carolina, but it seems really far, because Zorro and I are in the car all day. Zorro doesn’t mind it much. In fact, he seems to like it. He curls up in Mommy’s lap and stays there through the entire trip. I don’t know how he can be content just laying around so long. I think he’s lazy.

I have more energy than that. I don’t like staying in one spot for so long. There are no toys to play with and the car is too small for me to chase Zorro. So all I can do is go back and forth between the back seat and the front seat. I can’t even get all the way in the big back section of the car, because Mommy has me in a harness with the leash tied to the gear shift, and the leash is only long enough for me to get in the back seat. Zorro doesn’t need a long leash, because he’s never more than a foot away from the gear shift. Unless he has to use the litter box.

One place I like to be is on top of the seat back, because I can see out the window really well. When Mommy stops, I get up there to check everything out. Mommy doesn’t let me ride there, though, because she says it’s not safe.

 

I like Mommy’s lap, too, for short times, but Zorro always beats me to it. When Daddy is driving, I sometimes get in Mommy’s lap with Zorro. He doesn’t seem to mind, but I think it’s a little bit too crowded.

Sometimes I try to get down at Mommy’s feet and she yells at me. That wouldn’t be a comfortable place to ride, because there’s pedals down there that Mommy is always pressing with her feet. Mommy has her purse down there, too, so there’s not much room. It’s really not a good place to sleep. But Mommy has made it off limits, so that makes it irresistible.

Soon we’re heading back to North Carolina, but it’ll be just us and Mommy. Another long car ride. Even though Princess Truman Tai-Tai holds the world record for miles traveled by a cat, I think Zorro and I are going to catch up with her.

It’s Zaturday – Road Trip!

Posted on by Carol J. Post

It’s Zaturday, the day we (Ziggy and Zorro) take over Mommy’s blog.

Image by Roland Kuck from Pixabay

Zorro here. Ziggy and I have spent the past two weeks in North Carolina. It’s a lot different here from our home in Florida. First, there’s more people, like Aunt Kim and Grandma (who are sort of like two other mommies). There are no lizards to chase, but awhile back, Ziggy tried to steal a mouse I caught. (I didn’t let him have it.) Mommy took it away from me, though, and put it back outside, which wasn’t very nice.

Black cats in carToday we’re heading back to Florida, so we’ll be in the car all day. It doesn’t sound like fun, but it’s really not bad. A litter box on the back floorboard. A bowl of food halfway home. A warm lap to curl up on. What more could a kitty ask? Ziggy isn’t as experienced as me at this whole traveling thing, though, so he sometimes starts hollering. I’ve tried to tell him it’s all cool, but he doesn’t believe me. He’ll figure it out eventually. Okay, time for a nap.

My Latest Research Trip – The Appalachian Trail

Posted on by Carol J. Post

I just got back from a research/writing trip to North Carolina. I’m starting a new series of romantic suspense books set in the Murphy area. This is always an exciting phase of the writing process for me–checking out new locations.

This time my research took me to the Appalachian Trail. But it couldn’t be just anywhere on the Trail. It had to be where the Nantahala River runs close enough to the Trail for my kayaking hero to come across my Trail-hiking, unconscious heroine. Studying Google Maps, I found I had two possibilities: near Highway 64, between Hayesville and Franklin, and Highway 74 at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.

We tried 64 first, since it was the easiest drive from Murphy. There, I ran into two problems. First, there was nowhere for my hero to launch. A single-lane dirt road branched off 64 to run along the Nantahala River. It was narrow and steep, with the terrain on one side dropping sharply toward the water, and the ground on the other rising sharply upward. Anywhere that there was possible access to the river was marked “No Trespassing.” As soon as we turned onto the road, my sister (who was driving so I could take pictures) kept hoping we wouldn’t meet anyone. We didn’t. Instead, three law enforcement vehicles came up behind us, lights flashing. She moved as far to the right as she could, and they managed to squeeze past us without ending up in the river. A minute later, two more overtook us, these unmarked SUVs. I said, “Follow them. I might be able to get a story out of this!” In less than thirty seconds, they were out of sight. Now sure that this area wasn’t going to work for my story, and knowing our chances of witnessing anything exciting were nil, we did a 43-point turnaround and headed back toward the highway.

And thus problem number two presented itself. We’d crossed the river just after leaving 64. Right before the bridge, I asked my sister to stop so I could get out and take pictures of the water. The Nantahala is a big river. I’ve done whitewater rafting on it more than once. Not here. This stretch is little more than a mountain stream. It was really pretty, but as you can see, there’s no way someone would be able to canoe or kayak through there.

That meant it was time to check out the other location, about an hour away by car. This one was perfect. The Appalachian Trail crosses 74 at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, which is right on the Nantahala River. A few miles upstream is a nice launch area, with another one a few miles further upstream. The next task was to check out this section of the Trail itself. Heading north from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, it’s a pretty steep climb. With lots of rocks and roots to trip us up, and steep dropoffs to the side, I kept my eyes on the Trail. At one point, we came upon a huge outcropping of rock that would make a great place to wait out a storm. I just had to climb up there and pose. Coming back down was scarier than climbing up.

We met seven serious hikers along the way, all but one headed north, planning to hike all the way to Maine. Two of them looked like they might actually make it. The rest…not so much. The last guy was really huffing and puffing. He’d just refilled his pack with supplies, which included lots of beer. He got a really good lesson in planning that day. Next time he loads up his pack with beer, it’s going to be before a nice long downhill stretch.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail has been a long-time dream of mine. I doubt that I will ever do the whole 2,200 miles, but I would love to do a decent portion of it. I haven’t found anyone willing to do it with me. Until then, I guess I’ll have to leave the real hard-core hiking to my heroine.