Tag Archives: AAA

June 10, 2013 · 2:47 pm

Save money on pet friendly travel

Gas prices may be soaring along with the temperatures but that does not mean that you have to spend a fortune on your summer vacation with Fido. Doing a little research, planning and strategizing ahead of time can save you both time and bucks without pinching too many pennies on safety and for pampering and missing out on all the fun.

Taking Fido with you means that you will start your vacation ahead of the curve by saving kennel and boarding fees ($30+ a night). Create a budget, bank the bucks and keep a reserve on hand just in case.

Book a reservation at a pet friendly venue during the week (Sunday through Thursday) that either does not charge a pet fee, one that charges a refundable fee or one that charges a small fee for the entire stay and for more than one pet, if you have more than one (rather than a daily charge). $10-30 for an entire stay is reasonable. $50 per pet per night is exorbitant. Avoid holidays and weekends when the prices soar. Take advantage of specials such as Very Important Pet Packages that include amenities and pampering activities such as massage, grooming, doggie menu items or spa time.

Booking with chains such as Red Roof Inn or LaQuinta that offer membership discounts, free WIFI and breakfast can also reduce costs. Or an all-inclusive resort may be the best way to go depending upon where you are traveling. Camping is another option for budget friendly outings.

Avoid expensive hotel fees for phone calls and WIFI by making calls on your cell phone, a prepaid cell phone and getting online at the library or other places that offer free WIFI.

Check out the best gas prices online using GasBuddy.com, http://www.gasnearu.com/ , http://www.gaspricewatch.com , http://www.motortrend.com or an app.

If you are a member of AAA, you can have one of their travel experts plan your trip. And you can obtain books with maps and information on your destination(s), including prices, that you can take with you.

Bring snacks, treats and water with you for humans and canines to munch on while traveling to cut down on stops at fast food places and road venues with higher prices. At each of the rest stops, you can easily feed the beasts and walk them.

Plan local dog activities that don’t bite into your budget such as swimming at the beach or lake, visiting dog parks, shopping at pet stores and malls that accept pets, tastings at pet friendly wineries, hiking trails and more. There may also be doggie special events, parades, and /or festivals that you can attend for free or low cost. You might splurge taking a class or two on surfing, agility or doggie yoga.

ValetBarking

If you are renting a car, be sure that it is with a pet friendly car rental place such as Hertz, Avis, Advantage, Dollar, Budget and National. Avoid extra fees for fur by covering up the seats with blankets and sleeping bags and/or put pooch in a kennel. And same goes with the hotel. There is no reason to pay extra hairy fees if/when you are prepared with your own doggie towels, sheets and plastic to cover the furniture. Rinse and wipe muddy / sandy paws outside the room.

 
Having Fido’s favorite bones, toys and chews on hand will also save you from having to pay extra fees for boredom and/or destructive chewing in inappropriate places such as hotel furniture.

Bring Fido’s food with you so that there are no upset tummies to deal with and no extra costs. Even when you eat at pet friendly restaurants (patios), your dog can enjoy their regular meal. The hotel concierge, local visitor bureau and/or pet friendly travel blog (such as Have Dog Blog Will Travel) should be able to provide a list of possible venues where you and Fido can eat together.

Research local doggie daycare and/or pet sitters in case you want to visit amusement parks, castles and/or other local attractions that do not welcome dogs. A few hours without Fido can still be fun without breaking the budget.

If you are traveling with a bully breed or a dog that LOOKS like a pit bull (whatever that means or another banned  breed such as Rottweiler, German Shepherd or Corso), steer clear of places that have strict Breed Specific laws such as Denver and Miami. And be sure the hotel has no breed, weight or size restrictions.

Be prepared for emergencies. Know where the local vet is and the cost of an emergency visit. And pack a first aid kit that can take care of minor incidents and keep Fido pest free. Research local flora and fauna and keep away from the poison ivy, oak, snakes, ticks and other possible bugs that can spoil your vacation.

 You and Fido deserve to have a fun and memorable holiday away from home. Using the tips above, you will be able to relax and enjoy your time together.  

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December 29, 2011 · 4:57 pm

Party animals play it safe for New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is almost here. No matter what your plans are, have you made plans for or with your pets/dogs? Cici and I will spend New Year’s Eve inside. And many people opt to stay home and have a party with a few friends. If you go out or stay inside, here are a few tips to keep the furry ones safe.

1. If you are going out for the evening, make sure that your pets are safe and secure inside the house. Perhaps hiring a pet sitter or boarding your pet is a good option, to keep your pets safe.  There may be fireworks and loud noises that will frighten your dog. The last thing you want is for your dog to run away.

2. Be sure your dog has her collar and current tags on with all of your pertinent info, phone numbers, etc. Even if your dog is microchipped, having this info on the tag/collar will help if someone finds your dog away from home.

3. Have a few pictures of each of your pets in different poses and settings to ensure that you’ll be reunited with a lost pet. You probably have a lot of photos of your pets either around your home or floating around in your digital camera.

4. Don’t drink and drive and do not give your pets any booze. Alcohol can be toxic to dogs.  Party snacks like chocolates, raisins, grapes, and more should stay out of reach, too. If you have guests over for the evening, keep your dog safely away from unsupervised drinks and snacks.

Help your human guests stay safe by following these tips:

Ensure that all guests have a ride to and from their destination in a car driven by a non-drinking designated driver

Plan activities that take the focus away from drinking, and make non-alcoholic beverages including water readily available

Serve high-protein snacks to slow down alcohol absorption

Stop serving alcohol at least 90 minutes before a party ends, and serve guests coffee or dessert

Take car keys from intoxicated guests who plan to drive home.

Be prepared to let your guests stay the night as an alternative to them driving home after drinking.

AAA offers free rides for the intoxicated.  Tipsy Tow service provides a complimentary ride and vehicle tow up to three miles from the point of pickup to drivers who have consumed alcohol on New Year’s Eve. Tipsy Tow service is available to members and non-members. Ask for a Tipsy Tow by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP (222-4357)

5.  Keep your pet in a separate room during the evening. Provide water, toys, a comfortable bed and litter for cats. Leave a television, soothing music or radio on to block out frightening noises. Not only will this keep your pet safely in the house, but will also help reduce his or her stress throughout the evening.

6.  Do you know how your pets respond to loud noises? Noisemakers, champagne corks and more can be dangerous for children and pets, especially if they shoot across the room or break into pieces. Keep children and pets away from these and also from fireworks.

7.  Party decorations such as balloons, streamers, party hats or confetti are not good for your dog’s digestive system. Keep pets in a separate room so they do not have access to the decorations. If they do swallow something, consult a veterinarian immediately.

8. Might be a good idea to tucker your dog out with a long walk or exercise session before the partying begins.

9. If your dog is invited to a dog party or event for New Year’s, or you decide to invite a few doggie pals over to your house, make sure that  all of the dogs are safe by providing healthy dog treats, lots of water, toys and games for them to play. Keep it short and fun and end it way before midnight.

Help your pet ring in the New Year with you by ensuring that he or she has a comfortable and safe evening.

Tomorrow we will highlight a few doggie items for bringing in the New Year with style. Stay tuned.

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Filed under AAA, cats, dog toys, dog travel, dog treats, dogs, keep pets safe, pet sitter, Uncategorized

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November 18, 2011 · 2:46 pm

tips for traveling dogs

This Thanksgiving, 42.5 million people are expected to hit the road to visit family and friends, according to AAA.  You can visit our Pet Travel Tips page for an overview of the way that Cici and I roll. And want ideas about where to go, be sure to visit our Free Guide to Pet Friendly Cities (places we’ve visited and recommend). But here are a few more fun pet travel tips for pet owners traveling with their dogs this holiday season.

Cici and  I suggest:

If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to put towels, seat covers and/or sheets over the car seats to stop the fur from flying all over the place.  Bergan’s travel seat protectors can help.  I’ve also seen dog seats (like car seats for kids) that you can get although we’ve never tried any of them.

It’s also a good idea to bring pet food in a plastic storage bin to keep food fresh. And I always carry a pet travel bag for Cici filled with her items (toys, treats, green first aid kit including Bach Flowers Rescue Remedy, aromatherapy oils such as Lavendar and more). And if you are into hiking with your dog, there are backpacks for dogs to carry their own weight.

Now here’s a word from other dog travelers:

From Lucy Postins, CEO of The Honest Kitchen: (Cici loves Keen pet food)

Adding a small amount of dried ginger or ginger tea to a light meal before you depart can  be beneficial for pets who are prone to sickness in the car. Some dogs do better if they fast right before hitting the road.

I have three dogs…90 lb, 75 lb and a 40lb that travel three times a year

between Minneapolis and Denver with me . I do several things:

1. they all wear their seatbelts which attach to their harnesses, and to

the actual seatbelt. Without those, they’d be all over the place.

2. We listen to either classical music or Through a Dogs Ear music. Both

really settle them down and lull them to sleep.

3. We stop at dog friendly parks where there is a gated area and they can

RUN. Just walking them on the leash doesn’t cut it.

4. When it’s dark, they just go to sleep. But if I’m trying to do it in a

day I use Happy Traveler, which is an herbal mixture my vet recommended.

That also keeps them very relaxed. (it’s chamomile, hops, etc)

5. I don’t give them rawhides or too many treats. Driving makes them very

thirsty, and those make it worse.

Tips from Bart the Dumpster Dog

 www.bartthedumpsterdog.com

I suggest crating the dogs in the back of the car or tethering them or at least providing some Kong-type toys to occupy them.

www.thatmutt.com

www.runthatmutt.com

Sap:

Dog appeasing pheromones can be spritzed in the air. Also

available as a plug in outlet or as a dog collar (there is a kitty

version as well). This is the stuff the mommy dog emits to the

puppies. It can be helpful in stressful situations (one of my dogs is

storm phobic).

Carsickness:

Some swear by gingersnap cookies. Others like the Calming Cap by

Premier Products (which lowers the visual stimulus for the dog). One

owner showed me how she would just put a puppy potty pad in the crate

with the dog to make her clean up easier. If you go this route, carry a

zip style bag to seal off the pad and something like Nature’s Miracle

really cuts the smell.

BRING ME:

a favorite toy, bed and a couple of treats. I like to teach “place” on

a dishtowel. I can bring the towel, do a quick review of the command in

a new place and the dog understands that all the rules from home, apply

here too.

Abby Harrison

Sit Dog Stay

Houston TX

When traveling with a dog to visit relatives who might be a little

squeamish, win them over with wonderful treats like a Doggie Candle or a

Doggie Room Spray or some kind of all-natural aromas with a

pet-friendly twist and the wonderful thing is that when you get them from

Soap Hope, all the profits go to lift women from poverty. They make a

great housewarming gift for your travel host, especially since the gift

note says “Every dollar of profit from this gift will empower a woman to

defeat poverty.”

time for our weekly Pet Blog Hop thanks to Life with Dogs,Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  Grab the code and hop away…

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Filed under AAA, aromatherapy, au natural dog, blog hop, dog toys, dog travel, dog treats, doggie bags, drive, driving, Happy Thanksgiving, K9 travel, keep pets safe, pet blog hop, pet travel, Uncategorized

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May 20, 2011 · 1:30 pm

holiday tips for the road

If you are going to the Rapture today, have a great time…

Cici and I had fun driving around for two years… these are a few things that kept us safe and sane. With Memorial Day weekend coming up, these tips are helpful for holidays and can also be good for summer travel with your pooches.

l.  Comfy and cozy and restrained. I had Cici all set up in the back seat with her own blankets and bedding, toys and bones to chew on. Familiar stuff. She could stretch out and snooze while I drove. Or gnaw on bones. Whatever she felt like doing was ok with me because she was out of the way. No coming up into the front of the car or sitting beside me. I did not strap her in but now have a harness for her that attaches to the seat belt which I will use when/if we go on another road trip.  We have been invited back east in June, not sure yet if we will go.

2.  Speaking dog language. I sing songs to her, making them up as I go along. She has learned that when I sing the beach song that means we are going to the beach and she perks up. Or when I sing the doggie park song, she’ll be ready to play with doggie pals. One of the sweetest sounds is the yum yum song, meaning we’re gonna go eat some food. Salivation.

3. Give me a potty break. I take frequent breaks/stops along the way to our destinations and often times intentionally stop at places I know that she will enjoy, if possible. Beaches, dog parks, pet friendly wineries as well as shopping malls and pet stores. When we have the time to do this, it definitely breaks up the monotony of the road and makes the traveling easier and more fun.

4.  Time and traffic. We usually were not in a rush to get anywhere, so our time schedule was flexible. If we had to be somewhere at a certain time, I’d leave more than enough time to get there. When traveling on a holiday weekend, go a day or two ahead if you can or a day or two later to avoid the rush hour traffic.  Same with summer travel. Be aware of times when traffic gets jammed up and take a different route, if possible.

5. Unexpected things will always happen so prepare and expect an adventure. Bring car oil, gas can, a flashlight, a spare tire, camping gear, water, extra dog food and treats, towels, pillows, clothing, extra cash or credit card and other items you might need (shampoo, scissors, bandages, ointments and creams and oils) just in case.

6.  Maps and driving directions. Keep in glove compartment. I am not always good about this. I know the general direction or city/place and then get there and not know where to go and have to search online or on my computer. Keep phone numbers and addresses handy, too.  If you have a cell phone/I-phone, probably makes this easier. I have yet to succumb to the 21st century on this one but if you are traveling alone, especially in desolate areas such as the desert, having a cell phone is a good idea. Hopefully, there is a connection/dial tone when you need to use it.

7.  Be a good guest. Bring your best manners with you. And pet waste bags. If renting a car, cover the seats with sheets and keep your pooch in a crate or harnessed to a dog bed in the back seat. Let the fur fly somewhere else than in the rental car or you might have to pay a hefty fee. Also, be sure of the rental car company’s pet policy before you get to the rental counter. At the pet friendly inn, hotel, motel, B&B or campground, find out ahead of time their do’s and don’ts, nearby places to visit including restaurants where you can take your pooch and fun dog friendly activities in the area.

8.  Be considerate. Not everyone loves dogs and some people are afraid of dogs. And they don’t have to nor do some like pit bulls and other big dogs. And they do not have to either. Of course, rude comments, aggressive behavior and insults are not acceptable and discrimination is unwarranted. But if your dog is well behaved, does not run up to strangers, knock babies over, lick kid’s ice cream cones,  bark or yap incessantly, share fur and drool everywhere or jump up on tables, people and furniture, a better time will be had for all. Make sure your fur baby is a good ambassador for the breed and species.

9.  Accidents may happen. Bring your vet’s phone number, medical records, ID tags, photos of your pet and other info with you, just in case. Also any medications and a pet first aid kit (like the green one we suggested).

10.  One is the loneliest number. Dogs do not like to be left alone in a hotel room, strange places or even in the familiar confines of your car. Do not ever leave your four legged friend unattended in a parked vehicle. On warm days, the temperature in your vehicle is unbearable, 120 degrees, even with the windows slightly open. In addition, your pet could be taken away by unscrupulous pet thieves looking to make a quick buck.

11.  Does your Dog Have a License? If you and your dog are going to share the driving, be sure that they have their Pet’s Driver’s License. Kidding but Cici does now have her Pet Driver’s License, with all her ID listed on it plus a photo of her on it. Between this, her collar ID tag, microchip registered, she is all set to get up and go. Cannot wait for someone to ask for my driver’s license, I will definitely show them hers.

http://www.mypetdmv.com/



http://youcantmakeitup.blogspot.com/2006/04/50-animals-driving.html

Now it’s time to take a Blog Hop road trip catching dogs with Life with Dogs and Two Cavalier Dogs online, here be the code

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Filed under AAA, Adventure, auto club, blog hop, dog travel, driving, happy holidays, K9 travel, pet travel, pit bull, rental cars, Uncategorized, women travel, women writers with dogs

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January 30, 2009 · 7:19 pm

Surf City USA… wagging it at the waterfront…

Wouldn’t it be loverly to learn how to surf with your dog in Surf City USA?

Huntington Beach is a mere 30 minutes drive from the Orange county cities of Costa Mesa, Irvine, Santa Ana and Tustin. With an 8.5-mile stretch of pristine shoreline, popularly known as “Surf City USA” (celebrating its 100th year in 2009), Huntington Beach is home to a world famous municipal pier and is a west coast surf mecca for more than 8 million annual visitors.

The best place to take your surfing dog to rest her paws is The Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort www.waterfrontresort.com (AAA four diamond hotel for 19 consecutive years) with 290 rooms and 24 suites with gorgeous ocean views and your own patio. Not all Hilton hotels are pet friendly but the Waterfront has been pet friendly for the past three years. Pet amenities include pet bed, bowl, organic treats (Wagatha’s, yum), and pet doggie tag imprinted with the Hilton name on it, just in case Fido gets lost, presumably. Pet fee is $75 a day and dogs up to 75 pounds are welcome to wag their tail in the lobby and on the grounds. There are plenty of grassy areas to roll around in and bushes for puppies to explore and sniff.

We stayed on the ninth floor in a luxurious delightfully appointed suite with three rooms, bedroom, living room, patio and bathroom (a shower and bathtub combo and a separate shower). We gratefully received a delicious gift of fresh berries, cheeses, bread and waters as well as a handwritten note welcoming us to the hotel from the General Manager JD. Refreshing !

king-room

The Hilton Waterfront’s “It’s a wonderful dog’s life” pet package includes the best room rate plus $100, with all of the pet amenities, the $75 pet fee is waived, a 20 minute walk with one of the managers, as well as two Dog Beach sweatshirts. The pet bed engraved with Wag It at the Waterfront is made from recycled sheets and down feathers.

The Hilton managers each volunteer eight hours at the Dog beach. They’ve also donated a shuttle van as well as an engraved water fountain.

Dogs can dine with their owners by special request at the Surf Hero Deli patio or pool deck at the Hilton Waterfront. And there are numerous dining options in the area, too.

At the Park Bench Cafe, where every dog has a grrrreat meal, dogs can eat at the same table as their owners. Owners Mike and Christie Bartusick have been serving chow hounds for 20 years. The patio is located next to a park with lots of grassy area. Cici scarfed up grilled chicken while I had a spinach and cheese omelette with home fries (yum), rye toast and hot chocolate, the meal was home cooked good comfort food. Two years ago, they opened up a new cafe called Kokomo’s right on the beach on First Street and PCH. It serves the same delish breakfast and lunch dishes (most popular for the pooches are the hot diggity dog and bow wow wow and for humans, the Farm breakfast and Monte Cristo sandwich). They also offer specially baked treats, bones, doggie parties, and fundraise for local animal rescue groups. Mother’s and Father’s Day are the busiest. www.parkbenchcafe.com

Parking is valet at the Hilton and costs $24 a day or you can park on the street (a long block away). If you do, be sure to read the posted signs. The beach is across the street and is open until 10 pm. Huntington Dog Beach where all the puppies hang ten is about a 20 minute walk north of the hotel. There is also Best Friend Dog Park located in Huntington Central Park. It is fenced all around and has separate areas for small and larger dogs.

Each month, the city hosts wiener dog races in the Old World Village, every third Sunday from 2-4pm. www.oldworldvillage.net On the first Saturday of every month, Bassett Hound Rescue of Southern California hosts a Bassett Hound party in Central Park. Owners dress up their hounds in the latest doggy fashionable attire. www.bhrsc.info The Orange County Humane Society in Huntington Beach annually puts on an event to raise funds for homeless dogs.

Humans and their hounds can hop onto the Doggie Bus, a 12-seat bus that is usually available every weekend (Sunday afternoons) for a free ride to the Huntington Dog Beach. The bus route runs nonstop from Tustin to the ocean. www.doggiebus.com.

There are also several pet spas, pet groomers and pet shops nearby at the Sea Cliff Village Shopping Center.

For more info, contact the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau at www.surfcityusa.com.

pet photo below:

Chef Jeff Littlefield’s Weimariner Skipper, and Hotel Manager Paulette Fisher’s Lab Brit

dog-photo1

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November 16, 2008 · 4:27 pm

three mary’s who work for the nunn’s…

Many tourists come to Cambria to visit the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a few miles north…Another popular point of interest is the Elephant Seal Rookery.   we did not visit either place.  We did go to the East and West Villages in Cambria where there are many shops and restaurants and found out that there is a dog bakery, where Cici got some special treats and sampled her little heart out. The owner is moving the shop either into town or the bay area, she wasn’t sure.

There is also an animal rescue place, not very friendly.

And the people in town, tourists and shopkeepers seemed very pet friendly. The farmers market does not allow dogs and a few other places said no dogs…  there is a dog park, we didn’t go to either. And a shop that has rubber stamps of wild animals and dogs…

Now for the best part, really fun, beautiful and one of the best inns EVER in creation…

You can’t make this up… The three innkeepers who work for the Nunn’s at the Blue Whale Inn are mary margaret, mary helen, and mary ann…

ok this is paradise, just so you know…

aaa-four-diamond

Love is in the details… and Real honest excellent customer service…

When staying at a bed and breakfast, right across from the ocean, this inn has all the right touches, our room was delicious, the outside of the inn is decorated with pumpkins, like a cute little gingerbread home, my bed had a canopy with French and English fabric material across the top, my room also had a very romantic fireplace, that works with a flip of the switch, an armoire, writing desk, waters in the fridge, a couch, Mary put the dog sheets on the bed and couch plus a dog bed, gave cici a gift bag of Halloween doggie treats, dog bowl, and dog toy….

this is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the gorgeous beach.  mary gave me chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies that were very yummy, and there were chocolates in a jar in the room, all of the homey touches add up… customer service was the best, K9 approved FOUR PAWS UP…

and breakfast was scrumptious, fresh fruit with yogurt, scrambled eggs with spinach and onion and cheese, plus orange juice, chicken sausage, and english muffin, and fresh coffee cake.

they have six rooms with two pet friendly ones… they also have other inns and cottages (see below).

The Blue Whale Inn is Cambria’s only AAA rated Four-Diamond Bed & Breakfast located on the bluffs above the ocean on Moonstone Beach Drive in Cambria.  These are quiet, luxurious mini-suites in a beautiful garden and oceanfront setting.

mb12_yes_jpg

http://www.bluewhaleinn.com

The owners also offer beach cottages in Cambria and properties in the Paso Robles wine country. One is at the airport, the other accomodates horses and is on Creston road. Paso Robles is approximately 25 miles inland from Cambria.

View the vacation rental properties online at:

http://www.cambriabeachbungalow.com
http://www.ameliasloft.com


http://www.crestonroadhouse.com

800-753-9000

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November 8, 2007 · 4:48 pm

Women Just Wanna Travel the World with Their GirlFriends…

Avenue of the Giants

Did you know that according to AAA, Girlfriends Getaways account for about four percent of all USA Leisure travel and the leading reasons women want to getaway is to bond with friends or family and to
escape from their daily responsibilities. The most popular activities while on a Girlfriends Getaway are dining out, shopping, spa-ing and going to the beach or pool.

Sweet Safaris Eco-Tours have it all and Much Much More…

Explore the scenic wonders of the northern California coast and southern Oregon’s treasures
An intimate gathering of 8-12 women, mothers and daughters, gal pals, work associates, bachelorettes, and new best friends, laughing, singing, sampling chocolates at factories, savoring yummy desserts,
shopping, spa-ing, snapping picturesque photos of white sand beaches and Giant Redwood forests, sipping fine wines, snacking on Thai, Chinese, turkey burgers, fish and chips, whale watching, organic farming, Solar Living, Mt. Shasta, Carmel’s famous 17 mile scenic tour, and so much more… Sleep in a yurt, cabin, farmhouse, camp out underneath the stars (seasonal), sample unique B&B inns and indulge in
upscale, stylish hotels …

Ten days leisurely driving along the northern California coast. Our last stop will be Ashland, Oregon, a chocolate mecca and home to year-round Shakespeare Festival. A dream come true. Share this holiday
with women you love to spend time with. Make it an annual tradition. Optional horseback rides along the beach at Half Moon Bay and Bodega Bay. A refreshing vacation package for sun and fun lovers includes
gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, scenic rejuvenation and chocolates, who could ask for anything more?

Ask about upcoming Eco-tours to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon and luxury tours to Hawaii, that include a spectacular cruise to New Zealand and Australia…

Women just wanna travel the world with their Girlfriends!

http://greengoddessesguide.googlepages.com/home

I am a published travel writer and co-author of five romantic travel guides, originally from NYC. I have lived in Monterey, Burlingame (SF airport area) and Bodega Bay and know many local favorite hot spots, secret surprises and can share insider’s tips about writing travel stories. This summer, as you know, I took this grand tour along the California coast to Ashland, Oregon with my wonder dog. I have traveled around the world and lived in Bangladesh, Canada, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, India, Israel,
Singapore and Thailand (as well as NYC, Arizona, California, Florida and Nevada). I have also driven across the USA numerous times.

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Filed under AAA, Adventure, auto club, B&B's, Bay area, CA, California, Carmel, chocolate, dark chocolate, dogs, dolphins, dreams, eco tourism, environment, food, girlfriend getaways, green, Hawaii, luxury travel, moms, Monterey, Nevada, New Zealand, Oregon, organic, Pacific Grove, pet travel, San Francisco, Solar Living tours, sustainable travel, travel, wild women, wine, women travel, writing

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October 31, 2007 · 11:49 am

Women traveling together… what a goldmine…

I did a search for women traveling for chocolate and came up with a goldmine of resources for women travelers, women traveling together, not much re: chocolate travel but below are resources for women travelers… wine, arctic adventures, books, travel writers, girlfriend getaways, business travelers, exclusive hawaiian vacation homes, new zealand, canada, adventurous, gutsy women and much more…

AAA came out with a recent study not too long ago which says that girlfriend getaways account for approximately four percent of all US leisure travel and the leading reasons women want to getaway is to
bond with friends or family and to escape from their daily responsibilities. The most popular activities while on a girlfriend getaway are dining out, shopping, spa and going to the beach or pool.

Here are some of my own resources as well as some that I found:


http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/travel/women/bestwomenwebsites.shtml


http://dir.yahoo.com/Recreation/Travel/Women/?skw=women+travel


http://www.globecorner.com/q/WT981430.html


http://www.powells.com/subsection/TravelTravelforWomen.html


www.HawaiiHideaways.com, Anne Pawsatt Dressler’s spirit of Aloha makes her #1 in my book and she is a Conde Nast rental specialist extraordinaire, if you are looking to rent an excquisite vacation home (of the exclusive million dollar variety), give Anne a jingle and tell her I sent you.

Million-Dollar-Mama.com

What the wonderful, kind and generous Valerie McDermott told me about the AAA study and her findings/trends she has noticed…

We have seen a couple of trends in recent months most pointing in the beach and spa direction. Texas has become a popular destination for women. Texas offers exciting nightlife and great shopping in cities like San Antonio and beautiful luxury spa resorts like the Lake Austin Spa Resort.

Florida continues to be popular with destinations like Miami Beach and their unique boutique hotels or a more active and relaxing getaway like The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort in Longboat Key, Floriday where you can lounge on the beach, take a mixology lesson or get your own cute tennis pro to teach you some new moves!

We are also seeing the baby boomers getting in on the action. These women want to experience life to the fullest and a very popular getaway for this demographic are the group tours. Gutsy Women Travel offers beautifully put-together getaways to such locations as Tuscany, British Columbia, Napa Valley and New York City. These tours are perfect for the woman who wants to see it all but may not have like-minded friends so they go for it solo! Most of these tour groups not only allow solo travel but encourage it and chances are you will meet friends for life.

On the other end of the spectrum — bachelorette parties are hitting the road. Women are marrying a little later in life and not settling for the male stripper and a local pub crawl. They want spa getaways, bikini bootcamps like Bella Vita in Ft. Lauderdale, FL to get into shape for their big day or weekends of shopping, spa-ing and nightlife in Chicago or San Francisco. Of course their is always Las Vegas.

http://www.jennifersjourney.com/index.html, Bev Sanders has taught women how to surf in Las Olas, Mexico forever, it seems, she is a previous client of mine in Carmel, CA, she has now dedicated these new women adventures to her sister who recently passed from cancer…

http://www.arcticladies.com/


http://www.aa.com/content/urls/women.jhtml?anchorLocation=DirectURL&title=women


http://www.womenof.com/Articles/et_5_7_07.asp

http://www.writtenroad.com

the fabulous Jen Leo, travel writer, author/editor of hilarious travel books such as The Thong Also Rises… we never did catch that cuppa chocolate…


http://www.adventureassociates.net/adventures/womentours.html

http://www.journeywoman.com/#

http://www.womenstravelnetwork.ca/


http://www.usatoday.com/travel/deals/inside/2006-07-26-safe-womens-travel_x.htm


http://www.wildwomentravel.com/


http://www.travelsisters.net/


http://www.gutsywomentravel.com/europe-travel/8d-amsterdam-rembrandt-bruges.asp

http://www.womansworldtravel.com/?src=overture


http://www.womentravel.co.nz/


http://www.womenstravelclub.com/index.html


http://www.women-traveling.com/


http://www.exploretravel.com/


http://www.womenwine.com/index.aspx

http://www.gonomad.com/womens/womensTravel.html


http://businesstravel.about.com/od/womenstravel/Womens_Travel.htm

http://www.adventurewomen.com/


http://www.womenstravelmagazine.com/

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