How To Decide Where to Go on Vacation

So many places, so little time. How can you pick a place to vacation together? -Agree on a time when you can both focus on your upcoming trip. -First thing to do when you sit down together: Decide on a budget. Then figure out how long you can get away. Choose whether to fly or drive. (Based on that, you'll also know whether you want to travel domestically or internationally.) -Do you prefer a hot climate or a cool one? Mountains or beach? City or country? -Large, full-service resort or private enclave? -List outdoor activities you both enjoy or want to learn. -Understand that you won't agree on everything. -Based on the elements you do agree on, you'll have a profile of your ideal trip.

Tips:

Bring a map or atlas to the table. Be frank about how you like to spend your free time. Keep in mind that you'll have many more vacations together after this one, so be willing to compromise. A little.

Pet Travel

Part III: Flying with your Dog

Can't imagine fully enjoying your next vacation without your four-footed friend? Then you'll simply have to bring her along.

If you must fly, plan ahead. You will need to notify your airline in advance. If your dog is small and can be carried on board, and there are no other dogs booked on that flight, you'll be able to keep her in the cabin with you.

A larger dog must go in your airline-approved carrier, and she will travel in the cargo hold. Obviously this is somewhat stressful for an animal; a dose of vet-prescribed Valium can help. Be aware that if the weather is especially warm, the airline may refuse to transport your dog, for her own safety.

Couples traveling overseas will need to research quarantine regulations. If it turns out that the quarantine period is longer than your vacation, alas, it's off to the kennel the dog must go.

On the other hand, if you are going to take a car trip, bringing your dog along can be an extraordinary joy. (Maybe you have a dog like my friend Sadie. She sits in the backseat quietly snoozing, and wakes up periodically to give me a kiss.)

Pet Travel

PART II: Driving with your Dog

Numerous campgrounds, B&Bs, inns, hotel chains, and resorts throughout the U.S. and Canada welcome guests with well-behaved dogs. Some charge a minimal one-time extra cleaning fee in advance; others do not. When making a reservation, be sure to ask if pets are allowed. If the answer is yes, ask if there are any special house rules. You may not be allowed to leave the dog alone in the room while you are out, for instance. Or the property may only accept animals up to a certain weight. If dogs are not permitted, and you still want to stay there, ask the reservationist to recommend a local boarding kennel, or call an area animal shelter for a recommendation. Having worked at the ASPCA and seen tragedies that can befall animals on the road, I urge you to follow these guidelines to insure your dog's comfort and safety:

1. Before leaving home, especially if you haven't had your dog for long, take her on a test drive. Not all dogs are good travelers. Some get extremely anxious; others suffer from car sickness. Dogs like that are better left behind with someone responsible caring for them.

2. If your dog, like most, loves to ride in the car, great. Invest in a safety seat, restraint, or carrier to keep her extra secure.

3. Pack water and a plastic drinking bowl and allow her frequent stops to drink and relieve herself.

4. Bring dog food and treats from home.

5. Keep her on the leash at all times.

6. Don't allow her to stick her head out the window. She could fall out, be hit by debris, or get something in her eye. Trust me: You don't want to spend any of your vacation time and loot in a strange veterinarian's office.

7. Never leave her alone in a locked car in heat or severe cold. The hotter it is, and the longer you are gone, the more likely she will suffer terribly and perish in this situation.

After taking reasonable precautions and reaching your dog-friendly destination, you'll be ready to go out and have a great time with your dog.

Whether your travels take you to the beach, a park, or elsewhere in the great outdoors, there's nothing like having your best four-footed friend there to enjoy it with the two of you.

Pet Travel

PART I: Pet Travel Resources

If there's a beloved dog in your life, or if you're about to marry someone who has one, where will this canine companion be spending your honeymoon? For some couples the answer to pet travel is obvious: At home. They would no sooner bring a dog (or cat) on a vacation as they would an in-law or a child. If that's how you feel, there are several ways to ensure your dog will be in good hands while you're away: -Have a reliable friend/relative watch the dog in his or her house -Have a reliable friend/relative house-sit and watch the dog in your house -Arrange to board the dog at a kennel or with a veterinarian If your dog is going to a new place, surrounded by other dogs, make sure she gets a veterinary check-up and clean bill of health before check-in. Many facilities require documentation that the dog's shots are up to date and that she has received the Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine. How do you know if the kennel you choose is the right one? For starters, ask to inspect the premises where the dog will reside -- and trust your nose and your instincts. Is it clean? Free of drafts? Are the spaces large enough for dogs to comfortably stand, walk, stretch, and sleep in? Do the animals seem depressed, hyperactive, or simply alert? Is there access to water? Also ask how many times a day your dog will be walked. What kind of training, if any, do the animal caretakers have? Can you arrange for your dog to get extra petting time, or a bath? Do the dogs get to socialize, or are they mostly caged? Find out if someone is on the premises overnight, or when the last shift ends. Ask about weekend coverage. If you find the answers suitable, and have no choice but to board your dog, pack the following to ensure a healthy, safe, and comfortable stay: -An ample supply of her regular dog food and treats (being separated from you is stressful enough; don't compound it with a change of diet) -A towel, blanket, or item of clothing that bears your scent -Her favorite toys -(For the kennel-keeper) a copy of her medical records, with the name of her