Archive for the ‘Pet Travel’ Category

Safety Harbor Resort and Spa

Wednesday, December 10th, 2008

Safety Harbor Resort and Spa is heaven on earth to me.  Safety Harbor Resort/ Spa is located in the Clearwater, Florida area in a town called Safety Harbor.  Nestled directly on the pristine waters of Tampa Bay.  This spa/resort is built atop 5 natural springs with much history surrounding them.

The 2,000-year-old Espiritu Santo Springs, meaning “Springs of the Holy Spirit,” are considered a liquid treasure, located beneath the resort. Ancient Indian tribes discovered the springs in the 1400s. Hernando de Soto found them in 1539 when he came upon these shores, and thought he had discovered the legendary “The Fountain of Youth.”

History reports that many others have been attracted to the purity of our mineral springs. In the early 1900s water from all five springs was bottled, and labeled according to the various Healing properties then shipped to eager customers around the world.  In 1936 a doctor purchased and rebuilt the facilities and it was used as a healing retreat. Nine years later, the famous Dr. Salem Baranoff bought the property and transformed it into Safety Harbor Spa.

Some of the spa has remained original, while most has been rennovated and transformed into the four star resort we know and love today.  The rooms are beautifully decorated; some elegant and classical others with a “Tommy Bahama” inspired feel. Some of the rooms have water views, while others are poolside with balconies and patios.  I’ve stayed there many times adn never had a bad room or a bad view.

The treatments in the spa are AMAZING.  I recommend the 50 min massage, and the salt glow body treatment.  My skin felt unbelievable after the body glow and the relaxation massage was the best ever.  They robes they offer for you to wear while in the resort are luxurious as well.  They are available for purchase but carefully monitored to avoid theft.

There is a nice restaurant on site and room service is incredible.  The chef will make you just about anything you want as long as he has the ingredients on hand; this is great for room service.  There is a nice tiki bar by the pool that offers a wide variety of drinks and a small menu.

A weekend at the spa is the perfect retreat for anyone.  It’s a great place for “girls weekend” or for a couple to get away and reconnect.

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Posted in Couples, Family, Family Vacations, Florida, Girls getaway, Group Travel, Pet Travel, Spa/Resort, Staycations | No Comments »

RV Travel

Thursday, November 20th, 2008

RV travel is a great way to see the country and spend some quality time with your family. Why not take advantage of gas prices coming down and start planning a family getaway.  Traveling by RV is less stressful than other forms of travel because you can control all of the departure and arrival times since you are not at the mercy of the airlines.  Depending on your location, you can also schedule your days to include sightseeing tours, or just go out on your own and find your own adventure.

When traveling with the family it is important to find family friendly sites to hitch up overnight.  The kids can go a little stir crazy if they don’t have some social outlet.  There are many RV parks and campgrounds that are family friendly and offer amenities for entertaining the children, and therefore attract many families. RV travel is quite the social outlet for some families. When you settle into these campgrounds, it is not uncommon to meet other families whom you form lifelong friendships with.  This is a great way for the kids to have some time to play with other kids and for the parents to swap ideas about entertainment in the area and exchange other RV travel ideas.

RV travel is also very popular with retirees. After retirement, many couples choose to sell everything they own and live in their RV’s and travel the country full time.  There are Senior RV clubs that offer social gatherings all over the U.S. and Canada for those who are full time travelers, as well as the weekend warriors. It is believed by many that RV-ing is the best way to see the country and a great way for empty nesters and retirees to reconnect with their spouses, after the hustle and bustle of raising a family and working 9-5 is behind you.

While RV-ing you may chose to “camp out” in campgrounds or off the beaten path somewhere secluded.  This decision may be easy for some that don’t like to “rough it”.  RV travel incorporates a few more conveniences than traditional camping. So many people find it fun and interesting.

You can plan a theme for your trip, like antique collecting, or touring the historic sites in the northeast, or all about the Wild West and rodeos.  There are unlimited possibilities when planning an RV excursion.  Let the road and your imagination be your guide.

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Posted in British Columbia, California, Canada, Children, Couples, Family, Family Vacations, Florida, Group Travel, Pet Travel, RV travel, Travel Tips | No Comments »

Traveling With Your Pet

Tuesday, November 4th, 2008

The decision to travel with your pet is one that should be taken seriously.  There are many considerations you will have to make before making this decision.  Traveling with your pet has become much easier on both you and the pet. Many more hotels and resorts are pet friendly now. There are more and more pet friendly locations and  destinations that include pet friendly beaches and parks to attend and enjoy with your furry friend.

First you must decide if your pet has the right temperament to handle your travel schedule.Does your pet travel well in the car?  Will your pet behave well in the hotel in your absence?  Does he or she suffer from separation anxiety.  Is your pet healthy enough to survive the trip?  Some ailing or elderly dogs are best left at home in the care of a relative, petsitter, or in a kennel? Check with your veterinarian before making any decision to travel with your pet.

Some airlines will allow a well behaved small dog to travel in an appropriate sized kennel under your seat, while others will only allow pets to travel with the other cargo. If you chose to travel by air, look into the airline  and their possible restrictions before you make any further arrangements. If your pet is used to a crate or kennel and does not struggle during normal transportation (car rides, to the vet) then he or she will probably fare well on this journey.

Once you have mad the decision to travel with your pet, you should also learn what the hotels requirements are for your pet’s stay.  Some hotels require mandatory babysitting, meaning your pet can never be left alone in the hotel room.  These babysitters are a good idea to provide companionship for your pet in your absence, however, they can cost about $50 an hour.  Be clear on the hotel’s policy before you arrive to avoid any expensive surprises.

A few more general tips to consider when you decide to take your beloved pet along, whether you travel by car or plane. Be certain your pet has proper identification with a current tag or a microchip. A microchip is preferred because obviously, the  possibility of  losing the tag. A travel ID tag is also a good idea for your pet. This will identify the location  where you will be staying, including your cell phone number so you can be reached immediately. Grooming before the trip is a must, as well as packing your pet’s favorite food, toys, and dishes to make him or her feel more comfortable. Be sure to have all current shot and health records available when crossing state or international borders. Also be sure to check with your Vet. Regarding your location and any particular insects or disease to be aware of and treated for.

Keep a close eye on your pet’s well being during your trip.  Monitor him or her for any difference in mood, appetite, or any other physical changes.  Contact a local veterinarian as soon as you notice anything unusual about your pet’s behavior or condition.

There is a wealth of information available from your vet and other travel resources regarding travel with pets. Do plenty of research before planning to avoid any surprises that can make or break your vacation.

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Posted in Pet Travel | No Comments »