Tips for Travelling with Pets

When asked for tips for traveling with pets, Kimpton Hotel pet ambassadors had these recommendations:

1. Always have fresh water on hand. We pets don’t mind drinking right out of the bottle.

2. Have pet tags. Make sure pet identification tagsinclude our final destination information and, forinternational trips, bring official proof of rabies vaccination to avoid any problems at the airport.

3. There’s no place like home. Bring us pets some items from home so we are familiar with the scent. This cuts down on anxiety when traveling.

4. Bring a leash. While I may be allowed to roam in the hotel lobby during wine hour, my human is always careful to obey the leash laws wherever we travel.

5. Pre-trip preparation. Prior to the big trip, be sure to give us pets a bath and trim our nails. We wouldn’t want to rip the upholstery in the new car or at a pet-friendly hotel.

6. Give pets a test drive. Some furry friends may not like the car, so drive around for a quick trip prior to taking a long road trip.

7. Enjoy! Do some research prior to the trip to ensure your hotel is pet-friendly (like ours) and that there are plenty of places to walk and exercise us — it’s your pet’s vacation, too!

Five Amazing Riding Adventures

BOTSWANA

Explore the vast plains of Botswana on a four-day riding safari across the Kalahari, meeting bushmen and learning the techniques of food-gathering, animal tracking and hunting. Rides are accompanied by a "San" bushman who will track wildlife including leopard, springbok, cheetah and wildebeest. Riders should be of good intermediate level.

MOROCCO

The best way to tackle the Sahara desert is by camel, just as the Bedouin have been doing for thousands of years. Camel trekking moves at a slow place and is an ideal way to soak up the atmosphere of the desert, with six- or seven-hour treks through dunes and kasbahs and nights spent under canvas. A reasonable level of fitness is needed.

AZORES

If you've always longed to learn to ride, there are options besides a cold muddy field in the UK. Head to the Azores for a learn-to-ride week that combines lessons with dolphin- and whale-watching, alongside other excursions to explore the history and culture of these little-visited Portuguese islands. Accommodation is at a local quinta with riding school attached.

LAOS

Spend a few days learning to be a "mahout" and you don't just learn to ride an elephant, but bath and feed it and become generally responsible for its wellbeing. The three-day course takes place at an ecolodge in Luang Prabang in Laos, under the watchful eye of experienced mahouts, and also includes the chance to go kayaking or bamboo rafting in the Nam Khan river.

COSTA RICA

Riding adventures aren't just for adults – increasingly companies are offering family-friendly tours, where children can ride out or take part in other organised activities. Costa Rica offers breathtaking riding through cloudforest, savannah and plantation lands, with the chance to stay on a ranch where kids can also try kayaking, snorkelling, canopy tours and wildlife-spotting.

Spotlight on Jasper, BC

Sightseeing tours of Jasper by train reveal that not much has changed with this historic and natural Canadian landmark. Even with the addition of highways and the railroad, those who arrive for vacations will experience Jasper National Park very much as it was when David Thompson, Canada's great fur-trade-era explorer, first saw it. Established in 1907 on the eastern slopes of the Rockies, Jasper National Park is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At over 10,800 sq. km, the Park is a living example of a protected mountain ecosystem that allows those who tour or come for a vacation to enjoy solitude, wildlife, outdoor recreation and a wide range of learning opportunities. Within the boundaries of Jasper National Park there are also five National Historic Sites, a heritage Railway Station, approximately 500 archaeological sites and a Canadian Heritage River, the Athabasca.

Spotlight on the Okanagan

The Thompson Okanagan region is located in the south of British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province. The Okanagan is characterized by a dry, sunny climate, beautiful landscapes and numerous lakes. This region is most popular for vineyards, skiing, golf, deserts, mountains and valleys. The fruit orchards in the Okanagan produce some of the most delicious fruit in North America. Popular cities and towns in the Okanagan are Kelowna, Pentiction, Summerland, Peachland and Osoyoos.

The Okanagans superb, natural beauty is one of the reasons visitors keep coming back every year. Rich mineral deposits in the land mean that the region is perfect for cultivating produce. The varying geography of the Okanagan provides habitats for the abundant wildlife populations. There are over 100 species of birds in the Okanagan, making it a birdwatchers paradise.

Both residents and visitors of the Okanagan take advantage of the regions diverse geography. Multiple lakes have provided the perfect setting for water sports enthusiasts. In the summer you will find many people kayaking, jet skiing, wakeboarding and boating the Okanagan’s expansive lakes. Rolling hills and mountains offer lovely trails for hiking and biking. For an exciting family adventure, the Okanagan’s many provincial parks have wonderful campgrounds. In the winter, the regions many ski resorts provide one of the premier destinations in BC for skiing, snowboarding and snow shoeing.

The unparalleled beauty of the Okanagan has led to the formation of several protected areas and many national and provincial parks. Mount Robson, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is a provincial park which is home to the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. The park is a wonderful destination for viewing wildlife and you can often find elk, deer, coyote and mule. Also spot resident mountain goats living on rocky cliffs. Mount Robson is popular destination for camping, hiking and canoeing.

Lac du Bois Grasslands, a protected area near Kamloops is one of the best destinations to view wildlife. Throughout the protected area there are several prime wildlife viewing areas. See muskrat, beaver, river otter and a multitude of birds including osprey, swans and eagles.

Some other popular Parks include Helmcken Falls, Mount Revelstoke National Park and Wells Gray Provincial Park. Helmcken Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Canada and is twice the height of Niagra Falls. Mount Revelstoke offers huge diversity from jagged landforms to rolling hills covered in wild flowers, to lush rainforests and even tundra. Wells Gray Provincial Park is another favourite. It has a large population of moose, bear and salmon and is a popular spot for canoeing, hiking, river rafting and horseback riding.

Not so fond of the outdoors? There are still plenty of reasons to visit this unparalleled region of BC. In recent years, many fruit orchards have been transformed into wineries. There are over 100 wineries making the Okanagan BC’s main wine region. Many wineries offer both self guided and guided wine tours. Some popular wineries include: Mission Hills Estates, Summerhill Pyramid Winery and Nk’mip Cellars. The Okanagan is home to over 50 golf courses. Most of these golf courses offer an extended season which runs from March through November. After a long day of hiking or touring a winery, why not treat yourself to a relaxing visit to one of the Okanagan’s beautiful spas?

The Thompson Okanagan is wonderful destination for anyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, a water sports enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, the Okanagan will exceed your expectations.

Spotlight on Hawaii

Of the 137 islands in the Hawaiian chain, six welcome visitors with a warmth and charm known as the 'Spirit of Aloha'. It's easy to slip into the laid back Polynesian way of life. The scented tropical air, agreeable climate and warm waters add to the ease and enjoyment of your stay. The hardest part will be choosing what to do each day, Hawaii offers visitors so much.

Maui - "The Valley Isle"

• Maui is noted for Haleakala National Park, 'Iao Valley and Wailua lookout, excellent beaches including famous Ka'anapali and Napili Bay and many outstanding golf courses.
• The town of Lahaina is on the National Registry of Historic Places. It was a missionary and plantation centre and a whalers' stop in the mid-1800s.
• Cycle down Haleakala, a 10,023-ft. dormant volcano.
• Take a whale watching boat to see the thousands of humpback whales that winter here.
• Visit offshore Molokini, a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District ideal for snorkelling.

Oahu - "The Gathering Place" is the busiest island

• Home of the state capital and largest city, Honolulu.
• Famous landmarks include Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay and the scenic Nu'uanu Pali Pass.
• Duke Kahanamoku, the "Father of Modern Surfing," grew up in Waikiki. Visit Duke's Waikiki restaurant, on the site of the original Outrigger Canoe Club.
• Try the waves yourself! It's a thrilling experience being carried in on the waves in an Outrigger canoe or take a surfing lesson.
• Pay your respects at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. The Battleship Missouri, U.S.S. Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park and Pacific Aviation Museum are also found at Pearl harbour.

Kauai - "The Garden Isle” and “ Island of Discovery ”


• Kauai is the home of many natural wonders – waterfalls, blow holes, cliffs, caves, the Fern Grotto and colourful Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
• Lumaha'I Beach was the setting for nurses' beach in the movie 'South Pacific'; the wedding scene in Elvis Presley's 'Blue Hawaii' was filmed at the coconut grove.
• Kayak down the Wailua River - Kauai has the only navigable rivers in Hawaii.
• Tee off at one of nine scenic and challenging golf courses.

Hawaii - The "Big Island" and "The Orchid Isle"

• Larger than the other main islands put together, Hawaii is famous for its volcanoes and gardens.
• From Hilo, visit Akatsuka Orchid Garden, Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, one of the top visitor attractions in the state.
• Mt. Kilauea is the world's most active volcano, continuously erupting since 1983 and Mona Loa is the largest volcano in the world (13,680 ft.)
• On the Kona coast, accessible from Kailua, you'll find the Kona coffee plantations, the historically significant Puuhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge) built in the 12th century, the painted church, and Hulihe'e Palace, summer home of Hawaiian royalty.
• Kealakekua Bay Marine Sanctuary is another ideal spot for snorkelling. On shore stands a monument to Captain James Cook, the first British explorer to visit the islands, who was killed here.

Molokai – “The Friendly Isle” is the most Hawaiian



• Molokai is true to its Hawaiian traditions - this is the real Hawaii with no bustling cities.
• Nature, tranquility, history and culture are the attractions.
• Hiking and mule rides are popular ways to see the island.
• Hike in Halawa Valley, visit Kalaupapa National Historical Park where Father Damien ministered, or take a boat to see the world's tallest sea cliffs (3600 feet) along the North Shore.

Lanai – “The Most Enticing Isle” formerly “The Pineapple Island”

• Get away from it all on Lanai - most roads are unpaved, there are just two luxury resorts and two championship golf-courses.
• See the lunar landscapes of Keahiakawelo and the lava rock tide pools and spinner dolphins of Hulopoe Bay.
• Hike the Munro Trail for views of neighboring islands Maui, Molokai, K ahoolawe, Oahu, and the Big Island.

Mountain Biking on Vancouver Island

The superb terrain and the moderate climate make Vancouver Island, BC a Mecca for mountain biking. Active clubs and their members help maintain the numerous trails you will find throughout the island, ranging from easy family tracks to the very difficult rides that will challenge your physical fitness and your technical know-how.

In Victoria there's the Galloping Goose, a multi use 60 km (37 mi.) trail that offers beauty and history. Other spots for mountain biking in the Victoria area are Millstream Highlands, Burnt Bridge, Can-Am Trails and the Hartland Surplus Lands/Mount Work Park.

The City of Nanaimo, which lies on the protected eastern side, features some of the best mountain biking on Vancouver Island. Here the most famous course is the Ultimate Abyss, that's technically very difficult. Other trails in the Nanaimo area are Westwood Lake Loop and the Westwood Ridge/Rocky Road/3 Creeks Trail.

Next on your must riding list is found in Parksville, where crews of mountain bikers have created a biker's park and maintain excellent trails. The A.M.C. Top Bridge Mountain Bike Park offers eight different moderate trails. For a more difficult ride, try the Hammerfest Race Course. Not far from Parksville is Hornby Island where there are twenty-one trails for your riding enjoyment.

For breath taking views and stellar mountain biking, the Courtenay Comox area is where it's at. If you're looking for that demanding ride both physically and technically the B21/Boston Main is waiting for you. Other challenging tracks are Tomato Creek, Nymph Falls and Arbutus. For the moderate level rider there's Salamander, Bears Bait, Bevan Trail, Bics and The Dump or take it easy on flat single tracks with a ride on Seal Bay Nature Park.

Campbell River, where you will find world class fishing, is no slouch when it comes to mountain biking. Trails include Pumphouse, Skidmarks, Snowden Trails and Old Rail Grades. No matter where mountain biking takes you be safe, have fun!

From Coast to Coast by Train

Three times a week year-round, the legendary "Canadian" links Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver, via the lakelands of Ontario and the snow-capped mountains of Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies. Not only is the scenery spectacular, the train itself is a piece of history: In the early 1990s, without the funds to buy new cars, state-owned operator VIA Rail refurbished the original streamlined stainless steel coaches built in 1955 for the Canadian Pacific Railroad's "Canadian".

In Silver & Blue class passengers travel in private sleepers, take breakfast, lunch and dinner in the elegant Silver & Blue restaurant, and relax in lounges sporting traditional roof-top "vista domes" for a 360-degree view of Canada. The three-night journey from Toronto to Vancouver in Silver & Blue class costs from C$859, including sleeper and meals. But there's also an economy option - Comfort class reclining seats with their own coffee shop, lounge and vista-dome for sightseeing, from C$433, meals extra. Visitors to Canada will also appreciate VIA Rail's other routes, the fast inter-city trains linking Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec, and the overnight Montreal-Halifax "Ocean".