Traveling with Pets

 

From TavelSense.org

They're furry, they're friendly - they're absolutely lovable. Family pets are often a big part of the family, and sometimes it's hard to leave those adorable rascals behind when you leave town. With these simple tips, your pet won't have to miss out on one fun moment of the family's big vacation!

GET A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH

Before you take your beloved pet anywhere, take him to the vet for an overall checkup, and ask for the number of an associate in the area where you will be staying. A few weeks before you depart, get your pet a physical, complete with vaccinations necessary for the area to which you are traveling. A direct, uncrowded flight is best (an evening flight if the weather is warm), but the vet can also give you tranquilizers to calm your pet for the long journey. If you're unsure whether your pet is up for the trip - ask. Although a cross-country flight may be no problem for you, a pet may suffer greatly while left in a hot baggage area. Don't wait to find out that Fido couldn't handle the hike up the mountain - or even the plane journey there.

Most airline and state officials mandate a clean bill of health in the form of a health certificate dated within 10 days prior to travel before your pet can fly with you. And even if he is in tip-top shape, traveling abroad sometimes assumes an automatic quarantine upon arrival for your pet whether or not there is an outbreak of a disease (Hawaii does, so contact your travel agent for assistance in this matter).

For U.S. territories and foreign countries, contact the appropriate embassy, governmental agency or consulate at least one month in advance before making arrangements for your pet. Moreover, some states require certain pets to have entry permits issued by the destination state's regulatory agency, and may request to view the interstate health certificate in advance of issuing the permit. Some even limit the time during which the entry permit is valid.

PAPERS FOR YOUR POOCH
Always keep an ID collar with your name and phone number on your pet, and always travel with favorite toys, proof of vaccination and proper licenses. Bring color photos of your pet, as well, in the unfortunate event he gets lost.

PETS ON PLANES
Because airlines limit the number of pets that can be on board at once, have your travel agent notify the airline of your pet when your reservation is made. Also ask for the allowable dimensions of your pet carrier. Regulations state that dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and fully-weaned before flying. If your pet is pregnant or in heat, do not subject it to air travel. Written instructions for food and water must accompany any shipped pet regardless of the amount of time they are scheduled to spend in transit. Unless your vet signs a certificate otherwise, your pet may not be exposed to temperatures less than 45 degrees.

If your pet is less than 15 pounds and you are on a domestic flight, you may be able to fit a small, airline-approved kennel (check with your travel agent) under the seat in front of you. Out of respect for the person sitting next to you, inform passengers that you've brought your pet along so they may switch seats with someone else if they suffer from pet allergies. Have paper towels and a scooper on hand for any inevitable accidents that may occur. On international flights, larger animals can be shipped (for a fee) in the forward cargo bins, which are climate-controlled. Contact your travel agent or the airline for specific information on fees and requirements.

TRAVELING 'KENNEL' CLASS
One thing you should not underestimate is the importance of a quality travel kennel, no matter if you're traveling by bus, car, plane or train. Let your pet eat and sleep there before you leave, and throw an old sock - worn by you - in as well so he may accustom himself to the kennel in time for travel. Exercise, feed and give water to your pet before you leave, and place a dish for food and one for water inside the kennel. If you're shipping your pet, write the words "LIVE ANIMAL" all over the crate with arrows pointing in the upright direction, and put your name, phone number and address on a well-fastened label. Secure but don't lock the crate so airline personnel can access it if necessary. Make certain enough air is getting in. Check with your travel agent or call your airline and find out if there is an additional cost for your pet to travel with you.

ON THE ROAD WITH FIDO
Be careful if you're driving to your destination. Countless pets die each year from heat stroke after being left alone in hot cars for even a few moments. As a general rule, if you leave your car, your pet should leave, as well. If you park, make sure it's in a shaded area to keep the car cool. For safety's sake, check that your car's air conditioning is functioning before taking a long trip on a hot day. Never let your animal jump around or hang out the window - it's dangerous for both you and him.

A strong, mesh crate (the bottom lined by towels) with plenty of food and water is advised, with enough room so your pet can stand, turn and lie down. But exercise is necessary - stop frequently at rest stops for water and exercise, keeping a leash on your pet at all times. If your pet is unaccustomed to car trips, increase his time in the car before you take him on vacation. One piece of sugar candy - not chocolate - before hitting the road may quell motion sickness. Although you do want to feed your pet at least four hours before air travel, leave a window of six hours before a car trip during which your pet is not eating. If he's overly fussy, it may be best to rethink bringing him along.

YOUR PETS AND HOTELS
Ask you travel agent to call ahead to make sure your hotel or motel allows pets. Or, for a list of pet-friendly lodgings, call the Convention and Visitors Bureau at your destination. Once there, clean up after your pet - don't abuse the privilege. Likewise, pack a supply of plastic bags to make this chore easier. Request a room at the end of the hall so other guests aren't bothered by the possible noise.

So plan ahead, bring the right supplies and rely on these Tips on Traveling With Pets to ensure that you and your pet have a safe and enjoyable trip. With the helpful hints we have listed here, your pet can be the perfect addition to a perfect vacation.

  Comfort Inn and Suites - New Mexico
2205 N Date St
Truth or Consequences NM 87901
575-894-1660
Comfort Inn and Suites - New Mexico

Tips For Traveling with Kids

 

 From TravelSense.org

Family vacations can create long-lasting memories and fun learning experiences for parents and children alike. But traveling with children can sometimes be a test of preparedness -- and of patience. The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) has created a list of suggestions to help make the sometimes daunting task of preparing for a trip with the kids manageable and fun for the entire family.

BEFORE LEAVING
Create anticipation for the family trip by starting a countdown calendar with perhaps a photo or illustration of the destination. Let kids pack their own bags. Decide what type of clothing (preferably loose and comfortable), but allow them to choose their favorites and to pack a special toy. In a carry-on bag, pack some hard candies and gum, hand wipes, tissues, books, paper, markers in a small, tightly sealed plastic bag and perhaps a surprise toy for each child.

Update immunizations for the entire family. If traveling abroad, check with public health authorities for advisable additional vaccines. Depending on the destination and duration of stay, the following immunizations may be recommended (although some cannot be given to infants and young children):

• Hepatitis B vaccine
• Typhoid vaccine
• Hepatitis A vaccine
• Immune globulin
• Yellow Fever vaccine
• Japanese B Encephalitis vaccine
• Meningococcal vaccine
• Rabies vaccine

AT THE AIRPORT
Allow plenty of time for check-in and also between connecting flights. Arriving early to board together prevents last minute delays and confusion, especially with the new security regulations. Be sure to have a safety plan in case anyone gets separated at the airport. Discuss where to meet and what to do.

Review screening procedures with children before entering security checkpoints so they will not be frightened by the process. Every person, including children and babies, must undergo screening at security checkpoints. Also, all child-related equipment must go through the X-ray machine. To speed the process along, remove children from their strollers/infant carriers and collapse/fold the equipment so it may be examined or put through the machine. When going through metal detectors, with an infant, have one parent hold the baby and walk through the machine. Do not hand off the baby under the detector, or hand the baby to the screener to hold. Children who can walk should go through the metal detector independently. For older children, it is important to stress that the process should be taken seriously and that threats made even as a joke could result in law enforcement being summoned.

ON THE FLIGHT
Bring a child/infant seat on board that meets current safety standards and is not more than 16 inches wide. The Federal Aviation Administration recommends that children weighing less than 40 pounds be placed in child/infant seats.

The best coach seats to have when flying with small children are the first row in economy class. There's a lot of legroom, and you'll be removed from most of the plane when the kids get cranky from the long flight. If the front row seats are not available, place children away from the aisle, preferably between responsible adults. Also, remember to get up, stretch and walk around with kids often during the flight, but do not allow children to walk around unsupervised.

Getting your seat assignment in advance can help ensure families are seated together and that children and adults will be seated next to each other. If a flight is full and obtaining seat assignments in advance is not a possibility, advise the airline personnel at the airport. The airline may need to ask other passengers to change seats so children are not seated apart from parents.

Bring bottled water to drink and lotion to apply to skin to rehydrate during the dry flight; gum, pacifiers and bottles to reduce air pressure on the children's ears; and a variety of toys in carry-on bags to keep the child's interest from waning.

IF TRAVELING BY CAR
Make it comfortable by bringing pillows and blankets. Stop frequently at rest stops to stretch and make use of restrooms. Play games like "I Spy." Make sure the car is stocked with paper, pencils, plenty of engaging toys and tapes or CDs of their favorite songs or books. Most importantly, keep children involved in the vacation process. Save everything collected on vacation - brochures, napkins, ticketstubs - and have children paste them into a scrapbook.

Plan ahead with the rental company to make sure they offer car seats and installation. If not, you'll have to bring your own in addition to a collapsible stroller. If nothing else, a simple call to the rental car company may save you the hassle of bringing along one extra piece of equipment.

ONCE THERE
Have a daily schedule planned with some flexible, free time for each family member. Provide friends or relatives with phone numbers and addresses of hotels where the family will stay, transportation information and emergency contact information. If possible, each member of the family should have a cell phone or walkie-talkie to keep in touch at all times. Coming up with an emergency plan or meeting point is also a good idea in case family members become separated.

AT THE HOTEL
Put safety first by avoiding a myriad of possible accidents. Bring outlet protectors and make a sweep of balconies and bathrooms for any potential dangers. Hide away small objects, accessible medications and cleaners children could get their hands on. Familiarize yourself with the hotel's fire and emergency evacuation routes and procedures.

SOME EXTRA PRECAUTIONS
If your vacation includes a trip to a pool, ocean, water park or any other place involving water, the number one rule is to never let children venture off alone. Even if they know how to swim, children should wear a life jacket at all times. Also, it is important to know what is in the water, such as chemicals or jellyfish. Very cold temperatures, currents, and sudden drop-offs are all things to avoid, especially with children.

Always bring a hat with a wide brim and sunscreen of at least 30 SPF to shield children's skin from the sun's harmful rays. Sun poisoning can ruin any vacation.

It is important to bring along needed medications. Diarrhea treatments (although these should not be given to very young children), pain relievers, insect repellants, antihistamines and adhesive bandages are good staples. Consult your doctor about "over the counter" remedies before using them. Bringing a doctor's number, even if traveling to a foreign country, is a good idea, as well.

To prevent diseases spread by drinking contaminated water, use only bottled or boiled water to mix formula and juices, or simply go with pre-mixed liquid formula whenever possible, if an infant is not being nursed.

MOST IMPORTANTLY...
Maintain a good sense of humor while traveling to give your children a vacation to remember in spite of any unforeseen obstacles. Remember that problems do arise and accidents do happen, but being prepared and keeping ASTA's Travel Tips in mind may help avoid hassles and undue stress.

 Comfort Inn and Suites - New Mexico
2205 N Date St
Truth or Consequences NM 87901
575-894-1660
Comfort Inn and Suites - New Mexico

Travel Tips for the Solo Female Adventurer

 

Traveling alone doesn’t have to seem lonely. Personally, my solo travel jaunts have always been very fulfilling experiences, where I’ve learned a great deal about myself. Nothing gives you quite the same chance at self-discovery as travel, and when you’re setting off by yourself that opportunity doubles. Solo travel does mean that you’ll be facing every little bump and challenge by yourself, but relying on your own ingenuity also means realizing how capable you really are! Keep these tips in mind to help you discover your best self on the road.


Have a Plan

While it’s not necessary to fully map out every minute of your travel vacation, it is good to know your basic itinerary in advance. Make sure you know important data like flight info, your hotel address and phone number, and any emergency contact information beforehand, and that you have access to one or more copies of it. Keep the information in your phone. Print a copy and keep it with your important documents. Being prepared now helps avoid complications later.

For added support and security, give a copy of your itinerary and contact information to a loved one at home and check in regularly by phone or email.


Don’t Panic When the Plan Changes

Trains will be late. Your suitcase will break open. You will get lost and be wholly unable to find your hotel in the maze of unfamiliar streets. It’s okay. Complications and chaos are a natural part of travel. Even though solo travel means less baggage to manage and less people to corral, it won’t fully eliminate the risk. The difference between a travel horror story and an exciting adventure to share later is all in your willingness to adapt in the moment and your attitude in hindsight.

Take a deep breath, find somewhere to sit and think (preferably with WiFi access) and come up with a new plan. You’ll get there when you get there and it will still be enjoyable.


Remain Open to New Opportunities

One of the best parts of traveling alone is that you don’t have to stick to the itinerary if a better opportunity comes along. With no one to coordinate plans, you’re free to change them! This can be as simple as deciding which activity to pursue in the moment, checking out of a hotel early, or even staying later if you’re having too great a time to leave! Just make sure to adjust your itinerary’s important information and to let anyone who might be expecting you know about your change of plans.


Always Carry Important Documents

Always, always, always carry your emergency documents hidden somewhere on you. Hidden travel wallets are perfect for this purpose. I also keep a photo of my passport on my phone and in my email, just in case.

Include identification (your passport or a photocopy), emergency cash or a credit card (make sure it will be compatible with local currency or ATMs), and contact information for the hotel where you are staying, as well for anyone who you might be checking in with regularly. This will not only help you in case of a minor trouble (pointing at an address is much easier than trying to speak a foreign language if you end up lost) but can also be used to keep your loved ones informed in case of an emergency such as unplanned hospitalization.
Written by  Christy Woodrow for Ordinary Traveler

 Comfort Inn and Suites - New Mexico
2205 N Date St
Truth or Consequences NM 87901
575-894-1660
Comfort Inn and Suites - New Mexico

Taking a Business Trip? Travel Smarter With These 7 Insider Tips.

 

When booking business travel, we now have more options at our fingertips than ever before. It's a wonderful thing -- that comes with more decisions to make.

To help business travelers navigate the proliferation of travel solutions and make smart booking decisions, there are a few general best practices and technologies to consider. Here are seven insider tips for booking and planning better trips.

1. Use smart tools to plan trips and organize details in one place.

Mobile applications geared specifically to business travelers' needs can save money, time and hassle. Entrepreneurs should look for booking tools that sync with their electronic calendars and provide recommendations on flights, hotels and car rentals based on related calendar holds. For an added bonus, business travelers should also seek out apps that let them earn points and miles while traveling for work. Once the itinerary is booked, they can keep everything organized by leveraging applications that automatically generate travel itineraries based on confirmation emails and receipts and are accessible on-the-go.

2. Check one-way flights.

Business travelers should compare prices and options for booking one-way flights to and from the destination. It could save a substantial amount of money over booking round-trip flights, given the ability to choose different airlines for each leg of the trip­;­ plus, there's greater flexibility to time flights more appropriately to travel plans.

3. Evaluate the real trade-offs between home rentals and hotels.

Most travelers today know they can book short-term home and apartment rentals instead of hotels. And rentals can offer certain perks: more space and comfort, potentially for less money than a hotel room. Some also offer kitchens and living areas, so travelers can cook if they wish and enjoy the other comforts of home. But, travelers shouldn't automatically discount hotels -- many hotels offer convenient and cost-saving amenities, such as free breakfast and shuttle service to local destinations, as well as fitness centers and pools. Travelers should think about their overall needs to decide which is the better route.

4. Avoid the high premiums attached to last-minute airfares.

Meeting and schedule changes at the final hour make last-minute travel sometimes inevitable. Booking last-minute flights usually leads to sky-high airfares, but there are ways to keep premiums at a minimal. Recent SAP Concur data revealed it's best to book flights at least eight days or more in advance -- tickets booked fewer than seven days prior to departure can be on average 44 percent more expensive than the same ticket booked 15 days in advance. You can save $148 per ticket by booking at least eight days out.

5. Think twice about buying the cheapest fare available.

Many airlines have introduced basic economy fares in recent years, which are essentially low fares meant to compete against no-frill carriers. Unfortunately, many times these fares aren't a good fit for business travel, as business travelers cannot receive refunds or make changes to the itinerary without issuing an entirely new ticket, and may get charged extra for standard amenities, like a carry-on bag.

6. Join programs that dramatically speed up airport security wait times.

Most business travelers today know about the Transportation Security Administration's TSA Precheck program, which allows them to skip many of the time-consuming steps involved in airport security and screening lines. But, global business travelers may want to consider enrolling in the U.S. Custom and Border Protection's Global Entry program, which lets business travelers use an automatic kiosk for passport processing, instead of waiting in line at customs, and expedited clearance at many airports around the world. Plus, travelers automatically receive TSA Precheck once they're enrolled in the Global Entry program.

7. Cut the paper clutter -- store receipts electronically.

Business travelers should consider apps that let them easily turn any paper receipt into an electronic one. Expense apps that integrate with travel booking tools and employ technology like machine learning can pre-populate expense line items based on previous activity and/or travel itineraries.

 Comfort Inn and Suites - New Mexico
2205 N Date St
Truth or Consequences NM 87901
575-894-1660
Comfort Inn and Suites - New Mexico

Our Amenities

 

• 100% Smoke Free Hotel
• Bus Parking
• Coffee Shop*
• Cold Weather Hook-up
• Exercise Room
• First-aid staff/24hr
• Free Hot Breakfast
• Free WiFi
• Government Travelers: FEMA Approved
• Guest Laundry*
• Guest Use Copy Machine
• Guest Use Fax Machine*
• Indoor Heated Pool
• Interior Corridors
• Meeting Room*
• Outdoor Parking
• Pet-friendly Hotel
• Restaurant*
• Truck Parking
• Well-lit Area
• Windows Open
   
   

* Indicates services/amenities that may require an additional cost.

Comfort Inn and Suites - New Mexico
2205 N Date St
Truth or Consequences NM 87901
575-894-1660
Comfort Inn and Suites - New Mexico

Jet Skiing at Elephant Butte Lake

Elephant Butte Lake is right next door! 

At the lake you can.... Jet ski! 

Spend an hour, an afternoon or an entire day zipping around the lake on jet skis. The entire family will enjoy the wind in their faces and the freedom jet skis give to enjoy the lake from one end to the other. 

Comfort Inn and Suites - New Mexico 

2205 N Date St 

Truth or Consequences NM 87901 

575-894-1660 

 comfortinn.com 

 http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-truth_or_consequences-new_mexico-NM128 

 #Travel #NM #Explore

Come to Truth or Consequences!

Downtown Truth or Consequences is very easy to navigate and entirely walkable! 

Come visit us at this special place in America! 

Comfort Inn and Suites - New Mexico 

2205 N Date St 

Truth or Consequences NM 

87901 575-894-1660 

 comfortinn.com  

http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-truth_or_consequences-new_mexico-NM128

The El Rio Theatre

El Rio Theatre is Arizona's oldest movie theatre!

Originally called the Apache Theatre, it was renamed El Rio in the 1930's. In 2015, we recognized the Centennial Celebration for El Rio Theatre! Initial construction of the adobe and plank movie house was started in 1913. Completed in 1915, El Rio Theatre originally opened as the Apache Theatre and showed silent flickers on a hand-cranked projector in its debut to the townspeople. In 1937 the name of the theater was changed from the Apache to El Rio which it remains today. El Rio Theatre became the source of many fond and often recounted childhood memories. El Rio was the community center where kids were dropped off by their parents with a couple of dimes in pocket money on Saturday mornings to watch the next episodes of Roy Rogers, Tarzan, and the Lone Ranger or a double-feature complete with Superman cartoons and “Movietone News” shorts. 

Visit us and the El Rio Theatre in ToC NM!

Comfort Inn and Suites - New Mexico 
2205 N Date St 
Truth or Consequences NM 
87901 575-894-1660
comfortinn.com 
http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-truth_or_consequences-new_mexico-NM128 
#ComfortInn #NewMexico #Travel #History