Guide To Dog Friendly Hotels For The Pampered Pooch

In France, small dogs have always been pampered and accepted virtually anywhere their owner goes. That can now be extended to cities worldwide and is especially true of Hotels at the top-end of the market.

There are two main reasons for this. Increasing numbers of clients wish to have their dog with them to maximize the pleasure of the vacation. This is a huge market – around 62 million people in America own dogs and 29 million of them take their dogs with them when then go travelling. The other factor is that many owners feel guilty at putting their dog into kennels. This all reflects the way dogs are now seen much more as part of the family, rather than a mere pet.

NUMBER CRUNCHING

A survey on behalf of a Hotel chain came up with some surprising findings. 76% of respondents claimed that they would show more loyalty to a hotel chain that was prepared to accommodate their dogs – even if they weren’t bringing their dog on vacation! 16% admitted that they had, at one time or another smuggled their dog into a hotel that wouldn’t accept pets!

WHAT CAN MY DOG EXPECT FROM A HOTEL?

Most dog-friendly hotels offer basics such as food and water. Others add nice touches like a gift on arrival and custom-made ID tags. The more expensive the hotel, the more luxuries your dog can expect to indulge in. You will be provided with toys, leashes and collars, poop scoops and even videos for your dog to watch.

Dogs can now get organic roasted chicken and Aberdeen Angus steaks from room service. Some hotels offer dog meals that have been developed with the help of a veterinarian – especially to help your dog deal with the stress of travelling! The hotel concierge will organize dog walkers and a pet sitter, if you’re planning to spend some time away from your dog. One of the most amazing things offered in a Pampered Pooch Package is the use of a ‘dog translator’ so that guests can communicate better with their canines!

DOGS LOVE TO GROOM!

If you go for a relaxing pedicure, you dog can lie next to you and have one too. In-hotel grooming parlors are increasingly popular. Why not treat your pampered pooch to some highlights, lowlights or French braiding? Teeth cleaning and massage is also on offer.

THE TOP TEN DOG-FRIENDLY CITIES IN THE USA AND CANADA ARE:

1. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

2. San Francisco, California

3. Chicago, Illinois

4. Boston, Massachusetts

5. Austin, Texas

6. Seattle, Washington

7. New York City

8. Long Beach, Los Angeles

9. St Louis, Missouri

10. Northern Virginia Area of Washington DC

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

Here’s a quick run-down on what your dog could get at a stay in a high-end hotel in The Big Apple:

* Personalized ID tag plated in 22 carat gold

* Spritz treatments for the dog’s coat in a choice of aromatherapy fragrances

* Luxury dog pillow in the shape of a bone

* Home-baked dog biscuits and treats

* 300 thread count sheets on a special dog mattress

* Room service for dogs offering appetizers, entrees and deserts

The hotels can’t control the weather but they can make life more bearable for your dog with the loan of a trench coat (rainproof, naturally!), a leather jacket or if it turns chilly – a cashmere sweater. It’s a dog’s life!

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I Just Want To Relax This Spring Break!

Sunning on the beach or poolside and watching the sunlight play across the water is as active as some Spring Breakers want to get.

Others just want to be lulled to sleep by the sounds of waves lapping the beach. And there are those who want to choose which nightclubs or beach parties they’d like to attend, not necessarily be surrounded by it 24/7.

Spring Break is first and foremost equated with single college students ready to party, yet they aren’t the only ones who go on road trips during Spring break. Students in a relationship may opt for a romantic getaway for two. Families also plan vacations during this time as a reward for their college student. Add to this list, teachers and families of K-12 grades use their road trip planners to create a fun family getaway during this time.

THE FOLLOWING SAFETY TIPS PROVIDE SOUND ADVICE FOR ANY ROAD TRIP PLANNER.
* Make sure all buckles in the backseat work.
* Take turns driving and switch drivers every two hours.
* Passengers riding shotgun have the extra responsibility of keeping the driver alert (yes, even if the others in the back seat get to snooze!).
* Check that everyone has their driver’s license and that the vehicle registration is in the glove compartment before departure.
* Ideally, someone in your group should belong to AAA or another Roadside Assistance membership. It’ll save everyone time and money if car trouble develops during the trip.

FIRST, WE HIT THE BEACHES
* SOUTH BEACH, FLORIDA – Overall, Florida is hands down, the favored Spring Break destination for road trip planners and this long section of Miami Beach is one of the reasons why. One can walk on the beach literally for miles!
* KEY WEST, FLORIDA – Probably a bit too pricey for most college budgets, but oh, those beaches are pretty!
* SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – The water won’t be as warm as in Florida but rumor has it the sun shines there all the time (and it’s true… 75% of the time :o)

THEN THERE’S THOSE ROMANTIC HIDEAWAYS
* SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TEXAS – This island is in the Gulf of Mexico and just north of the northeastern border of Mexico. It’s been a popular Spring break destination for college students and other tourists. Resorts and condominiums are strewn along the lovely coastline.
* KONA, BIG ISLAND, HAWAII – While Honolulu is good for families and Waikiki in particular, is great for night clubs, the Big Island has a more relaxed atmosphere where most of your activities will take place during the day followed by a lovely sunset dinner. Of course, Waikiki will have tons more bars, but you’ll still find them scattered throughout town here.
* SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – Dry sun and an abundance of spas make this a great destination for a road trip planning couple. You’ll find an eclectic mix here, as evidenced by Old Town, which is flanked on the north end by the West’s premier fashion shopping mall, Scottsdale Fashion Square , at the corner of Scottsdale and Camelback Roads. This mall offers wonderful shopping experiences, with more than 15 restaurants and anchor stores Neiman Marcus. More than 500 specialty stores are also a part of this desert shopping oasis.
* FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – Once upon a time, more than 350,000 college students descended on Fort Lauderdale during Spring Break, but the city changed its party laws in the mid-80s and enforced the minimum drinking age so now only about 20,000 come, making this a good place for couples who want nice beaches and great views.

HERE COME THE FAMILY HOT SPOTS
* ORLANDO, FLORIDA – One of the favorites among road trip planners because of the multitude of activities available there. We recommend getting the Go Orlando Card which gives you unlimited admission to over 50 central Florida attractions, including the Kennedy Space Center, Splash Island Water Park, Daytona USA and more!
* HONOLULU, HAWAII – Because of the sheer number of hotels in the Honolulu area, budget-minded families can pick up a good deal here. The beach at Waikiki is a great spot for the whole family because there’s a near-shore break for the kids, while more experienced swimmers surf the waves further out.
* DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – Once also a major Party Town, Daytona followed Fort Lauderdale’s example and now it’s known as a beautiful place for couples and families.

OF COURSE, WE CAN’T FORGET THE FAVORITE PARTY TOWNS – Just book your hotel a few miles away from the heavy traffic areas and choose to relax one day, party the next.
CANCUN, MEXICO – Known as the Riviera Maya, an excellent place for fun in the sun and under the night sky.
OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA – Montego Bay is actually the most popular destination in Jamaica, but Ocho Rios is a close second. Located on the Northern Coast, it’s a great area for scuba diving and other water sports.

So go ahead, whether you’re a student, teacher, a couple or a parent, you deserve this break. Who says road trip planners can’t have their Spring Break cake and eat it too?

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Legendary “Second Summer” Arrives on Oregon Coast

It’s likely THE biggest news story about the Oregon coast, yet
it’s one of the area’s biggest secrets: Fall is just the
beginning of some really warm weather, and the start of a load
of features that make this the most inviting time of the year on
these beaches.

This pristine and often wild area, legendary for being among the
cleanest sands in the world, is also completely free to the
public: no one owns any section of Oregon’s coast, and no one
has to pay to play there (except for a few state parks with
minor fees).

Fall is known as the “Second Summer” here: meaning this part of
the Pacific shoreline is at its warmest in September and early
October.

By the time September comes around, the ocean is at its warmest
after being heated up all season. Meanwhile, things get cooler
in the Willamette Valley – on the other side of the coast range
mountains – which evens out the temperature differences between
the two. This allows warmer air flows from the east and from
California to help warm things up even more, as well as causing
the winds to die down in general and decrease fog.

During the summer, those temperature differences drive the sea
breezes and fog. But by early fall, those differences are not as
significant, allowing these factors to come together and making
for sunnier, hotter days than in June through August.

Weather experts say this usually lasts well into October, with
the middle of the month generally being a turning point towards
more blustery weather. However, in 2004, those summer-like
conditions lasted well into the last few days of the month.

On top of it all, this season boasts lesser crowds, lower
lodging prices and fewer cars on the highway – making this the
best time of the year to venture to the Pacific Ocean.

SURPRISES IN SEASIDE

Each town on the coast has its own identity and each experiences
the benefits of the “other summer on the coast,” as it’s
sometimes called. But the resort town of Seaside, on the
northern Oregon coast, has some particularly pleasant amenities
during “Second Summer.” Keith Chandler, manager of Seaside
Aquarium noted he sees more whales wandering these waters at
this time of year than at any other. “Not because there are more
whales,” he quickly adds. “But because less winds make for less
white caps and calmer waters, so it’s easier to spot them.”

At Seaside Helicopters, all these nice days keep pilot/owner
Gary Turel quite busy. The long run of pleasant weather makes
for ideal flying conditions for his aerial tours of Cannon Beach
and Seaside.

This consistently wowing flight lets you glimpse “Goonies Rock”
– which was used in some of the last moments of the cult classic
film. Hwy 101 – just south of Seaside.
www.seaside-helicopters.com. (503) 440-4123.

LODGING SPECIALS ABOUND

In most cases, lodging prices begin to dip sometime in
September, although some businesses don’t drop until October or
later. One interesting rule of thumb is that more expensive
lodgings drop farther in price, while more inexpensive hotels,
vacation rentals or motels drop less.

At St. Bernard’s Bed & Breakfast, you can stay at a real castle,
overlooking Arch Cape and Castle Rock, for less during the week.
After October 1, weekdays are 15 percent off per night
(two-night minimum), and you can get weekends at three nights
for the price of two. Look for East Ocean Rd., just north of the
Arch Cape Tunnel. www.st-bernards.com. 800-436-2848.

At the adorable, family-friendly and pet-friendly San Dune Inn
in Manzanita, prices are anywhere from for two people to
0 for a family in August. Those drop 15 percent after Labor
Day, and another 10 percent in October. The San Dune Inn
features fun and funky pleasantries like free bicycles, game
equipment for the sand, beach chairs, etc.
www.sandune-inn-manzanita.com. 428 Dorcas Lane. 888-368-5163.

If romance is on your mind, Old Wheeler Hotel presents stunning
views of Nehalem Bay in charming, ancient building so beautiful
it’s been nicknamed the “Westin-Benson of the Oregon Coast.”
Their prices, generally between to 0, go down about
in October. They are celebrating Second Summer by allowing
anyone who mentions “second summer” to stay at October/November
rates. Hwy 101 and Gregory. www.oldwheelerhotel.com.
877-484-3843.

At the stunning vacation rental resort of Bella Beach, near
Depoe Bay, prices drop substantially after September 20. These
beautiful homes, just steps away from the ocean, go for 20
percent to 35 percent less. Many homes that were 0 per night
drop down to 5 per night. 866-994-7026 or
www.bellabeach.com.

SECOND SUMMER EVENTS “BREWING” FUN

Sometimes, local events bring out a whole new side to the Oregon
coast’s “Second Summer.” The second weekend of October sees
Newport’s population swell to several thousand more with the
2005 Newport Microbrew Festival as the central coast town
invites you to “Sail On Over for Suds & Surf.”

This theme and title means a bevy of food vendors, assorted
sellers of microbrewed goodness, wine, lots of live music and
arts & crafts – as well as their famed homebrew competition. The
event takes place at Lincoln County Fairgrounds, 633 NE 3rd
Street, in Newport – a charming but bustling burgh that hosts
two lighthouses.

The over-21-only festival happens on Friday, October 7 and
Saturday, Saturday, October 8. Parking is free and admission is
. www.newportchamber.org/microbrew. 800-262-7844.

Other discoveries to be made in Newport include the Nye Beach
area, which is an historic section of town that reigned in the
early 20th century as the “Honeymoon Capitol of the World.” It
still retains its ancient vibe and strong sense of romance.

While there, don’t miss either Village Market & Deli or Blu
Cork Wine Bar, both on SW Third, a street which deadends over
the beach. Village Market features gourmet lunches that are
becoming legendary in the state, including a Tuscan Turkey that
has quite the zing to it thanks to a bit of wasabi. It’s
innovative and full of subtle layers. (541) 574-9393.

Blu Cork Wine Bar boasts an incredible interior of earth tones,
a heady selection of mostly Northwest wines, and a dizzying menu
of delicious items like a duck pate that is so light and smooth
it threatens to levitate out of your mouth. 613 SW Third Street,
Newport. 541-265-2257.

More on the subject of Second Summer can be found at
www.beachconnection.net/secondsummer.htm

If you’re looking for a coastal California retreat that appeals to mom, dad and the kids, the La Costa Spa Resort is hard to beat. Veronica Hill of California Travel Tips tours this gorgeous Mission-style beach resort, known for its world-class luxury spa, tennis courts, golf courses and own private water park. Located just 15 miles north of San Diego and 10 minutes from sunny Carlsbad beach, La Costa Resort has been drawing sports luminaries and movie stars since its opening in 1965, and is one of the most popular spa hotels in the county. Tiger Woods is no stranger to La Costa’s two championship Dick Wilson golf courses, while Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova have claimed titles at the resort’s world-class tennis center and clay courts. But what makes this the best family vacation destination in northern San Diego county is Splash Landing, an awesome water park that combines three fast-moving water slides with a great water park for tots. If that wasn’t enough there are eight separate pools competing for your attention. Toddlers will surely enjoy the warm 3-foot kiddie pool with its sandy shore and beach toys, while adults can soak up the sun or rent a private cabana at the resort pool. Teens are sure to enjoy the Vibz lounge, packed with tons of activities from air hockey and pool tables to the latest video games. In 2006, La Costa completed a 0 million dollar renovation, adding two gourmet restaurants, redesigned Mission-style guest rooms and a new, 43000-square …

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World?s 10 Most Unusual Hotels

They say that travel is about the journey, not just the destination. But if you’ve ever arrived at your destination only to find out that your hotel room is dingy, dirty, and miles from all the action, it’s time to take matters into your own hands.

An increasing number of hotels are positioning themselves to be more than just a place to sleep—they are the action.

You may have heard of the ice hotels in Sweden and Montreal, or even funky spots like California’s Madonna Inn and the Dog Bark Park in Cottonwood, Idaho … but here are few more unusual hotels to inspire your next trip.

These are our picks for the world’s most unusual hotels, in no particular order.

1. To the Lighthouse

Love all things nautical? Then try sleeping in a lighthouse.

There are actually dozens of lighthouses around the world that welcome overnight guests, but at Brown’s Point Lighthouse in Tacoma, Washington, you get to be the lighthouse keeper.

This 30-foot concrete structure is perched by Commencement Bay and the keeper’s dwelling (at right) was recently restored for overnight stays. Guest participate in the “keeper program,” in which they maintain the lighthouse and hold public tours. This job is designed for at least two people, and six maximum, making it a great educational experience for families. Rates range from 0-0 per week. 253-927-2536, www.pointsnortheast.org

2. Go Climb a Tree

If it seems like the days of kids clambering up trees and running around outdoors are a thing of the past, skip the sedentary vacations and force them out – and up.

The Cedar Creek Treehouse is a private mountain retreat in the woods of Mt. Rainier, located 50 feet up in a 200-year-old Western Red Cedar tree.

Owner Bill Compher built the treehouse himself, making it large enough to accommodate up to five people.

There’s a bathroom, kitchen and dining area, not to mention skylights and an observatory 100 feet up that offers great views from all around.

Though it’s a safe climb up, kids under 10 are not allowed inside the treehouse. Rates are 0 for two people, and for each additional guest. 360-569-2991, www.cedarcreektreehouse.com

3. All Aboard the Romance Train

To conjure up the romantic days of train travel, why not cozy up inside an actual train car for the night? The Northern Rail Traincar B&B in Two Harbors, Minnesota, is made up of connected rail cars with 18 guest rooms.

The Porter Suite sleeps two and includes a dinette and a private bath for 9-9. Or go all out and climb aboard the King Conductor Suite, a full train car that sleeps up to four, with a king bedroom and a separate living room.

Located on 160 acres of forested land (about 25 minutes outside of Duluth), you have access to Lake Superior and Gooseberry Falls, plus outdoor activities like hiking and golfing. 877-834-0955; www.northernrail.net

4. Were You Raised in a Barn?

Located on the Puget Sound, just a ferry ride away from Seattle, is a quirky little spot designed for two. The Big Red Barn Getaway is a real barn built in the 1890s which has been renovated into a tiny inn.

You’ll be surrounded by miles of unspoiled nature (and may even catch sight of a Bald Eagle). The historic Victorian seaport of Port Townsend is a 10-minute walk away, where you can take advantage of the requisite quaint antique shops and art galleries; Fort Worden State Park is only two minutes away, with gorgeous beaches and plenty of hiking trails.

And, since it’s a barn, Fido and Fluffy are welcome to join you for an extra fee (but they’re asked to stay out of the Jacuzzi). 360-301-1271, www.BigRedBarnGetaway.com

5. How About a Yurt?

Ever slept in a yurt? Even know what a yurt is?

These round, canvas dwellings were created by Mongolian nomads more than 2,000 years ago; it’s an ingenious structure that sits sturdily on the ground and often can fit several people at once.

Treebones Resort in Big Sur, California, has 16 yurts along the ridge above the Pacific Ocean, four of which can fit families. You’ll have the best ocean-view room in town. Rates are 0-0 for two to four people, including a waffle breakfast. 877-424-4787, www.treebonesresort.com

6. Batting Around in a Cave

You may not know that there are several underground hotels in Cappadocia, Turkey (a region in the middle of Turkey not too far from Ankara), but the most highly touted one of all is the Gamirasu Cave Hotel, which is located inside a restored, thousand-year-old Byzantine monastic retreat. There are 18 exquisitely adorned rooms, some of which were actually monk cells, which are carved into the cave or built with volcanic rock.

Calm, cool and peaceful, a stay here will make you feel as if you’ve been transported centuries back in time. And don’t worry, there is running water. Room rates range from about 0 for a double room to about 0 for a deluxe suite. www.gamirasu.com

7. Digging the Dug-Out

The Australian outback is filled with opal mines and dugouts galore—so dive in and experience one first-hand at the Desert Cave Hotel located within the sandstone of Coober Pedy.

The hotel boasts 19 underground rooms, and about 30 rooms above ground for those who prefer not to live troglodyte-style. Also underground are casinos, shops featuring locally mined opals and Aboriginal arts and crafts. Rooms are about 0 a night, not including meals or a cave tour. www.desertcave.com.au

8. Sleeping in the Pipelines

OK, this one is for the truly adventurous … but if you ever wanted to brag that you slept in a drainpipe, read on. Daspark Hotel in Lintz, Austria consists of three concrete drainpipes in the middle of a park.

Inside each one is a teensy room built for two, with a double bed, a lamp, a small storage space, and even power outlets. Food, toilets and showers are all located nearby.

If you’re concerned about sleeping in a public park, rest assured that the drainpipes are all locked with a safety code. Sure, a drainpipe room may be a little, well, rudimentary, but the beauty is that you determine your own rates. www.dasparkhotel.net

9. Sleeping with the Fishes

With both China and Dubai building underwater hotels called the Hydropolis, sleeping under water seems to the wave of the future. China is hoping to have its land-based HydroTower component open by the Olympics, but if you can’t wait until then, stick a little closer to home and visit the Jules Verne Undersea Lodge.

This underwater hotel is actually a research lab in Key Largo, Florida, but regular landlubbers are invited to spend the night. You’ll actually have to scuba dive your way into the hotel, but they’ll give you all the necessary training. An overnight visit costs about 5 and includes diving gear and unlimited dives if you’re certified (or you can get certified during your stay). 305-451-2353, www.jul.com

10. Doing Time

The new Liberty Hotel in Boston has been making headlines as a former jail-turned-luxury-hotel. After a five-year renovation program that cost upward of 0 million, the Charles Street jail has maintained some precious features that pay homage to its history—such as a restaurant called Clink, and a bar called Alibi housed in the former “drunk tank.”

But if you’re looking for a more, well, authentic prison experience, you’ll have to jet yourself over to Latvia to the Karosta Prison. Located in Liepaja (about three hours west of Riga), this former Soviet detention facility was once known as the “prison that nobody escaped from.”

Today, it welcomes (if that’s the right word) visitors to spend a night for about .

This is no blueblood luxury hotel: Guests play the role of a prisoner, complete with ex-Soviet military guards berating and ordering you around, cold iron beds, and toilets that remain uncomfortably close to their original state. Karosta Prison – English website.

By Managing Editor Sarika Chawla for Peter Greenberg.com.

The Best Santa Cruz Attractions

There are many attractions that draw people to Santa Cruz, both to visit and to live. From beautiful beaches and boardwalks to the beauty and wildlife of the redwood forests, the area in and around Santa Cruz is full of things to see and do. Whether you are planning a vacation or relocation, the varied attractions will ensure that you are never bored!

One of the premier attractions that brings people to the area is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This is the oldest amusement park in the state, and it sits on the coastline of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Plenty of old fashioned rides and attractions keep this amusement park feeling historic, while newer thrill rides keep the attraction exciting for those seeking a modern adventure. Since the amusement park borders the beach, visitors can bring their beach gear and spend some time enjoying the sand and surf.

For those whose favorite thrill is finding a great bargain, there are plenty of local attractions that revolve around shopping. The Pacific Garden Mall in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz is one example. The unique shops in this outdoor mall are the perfect places to find a unique California gift. Street performers are a common sight along the mall’s streets.

For the intellectual individual who is researching more cerebral attractions, the area provides several museums along with the beauty and fun of the beach. The Santa Cruz City Museum of Natural History highlights the flora and fauna of the area. This museum has plenty of attractions that appeal to adults, but with the hands on design of many exhibits, it is the perfect place to take children who need a break from the beach.

The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History is another museum in the city. This museum features rotating exhibits that highlight contemporary artists and historical artifacts from the area. It also hosts tours of three historic county buildings, including the Davenport Jail Museum, the Evergreen Historic Cemetery, and the Octagon Building.

Of course, the most famous attractions are the beautiful beaches that the area is famous for, and there are several that guests can choose from when visiting. Cowell Beach, the main Santa Cruz beach, is the one next to the Boardwalk. Here visitors can enjoy the sand and surf along with excellent restaurants lining the wharf.

At the Lighthouse Point Beach, visitors can explore the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum and watch actual surfers perform on the waves. This is a beach where dogs are welcome. The Natural Bridges State Beach, yet another popular and well-known beach, has an interesting arched rock formation overlooking its shores, providing lovely views. The tide pools at this beach provide an excellent place to view the wildlife that is normally hidden below the ocean waves.

If you have ever been to visit these Santa Cruz attractions, then you know the appeal of the city. Many visitors return to become residents. While the housing prices in Santa Cruz are relatively high, befitting its status as a “destination location”, the people who live there feel that the high price is well worth it. Come and visit Santa Cruz and see for yourself!

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