How to Travel to Canada by Car With a Dog

Bringing the family dog along on a vacation may sound like a lot of trouble, but both your family and your pet will surely enjoy it. Traveling by air with a dog can be expensive and traumatic, but making the journey in the car is very low hassle.

1

Make sure your dog's rabies vaccination is up to date. If it isn't, plan to get your dog vaccinated before you leave on the trip.

2

Plan a visit to your veterinarian within 30 days of your trip. Tell your vet of your intentions to travel to Canada, and that you will need a rabies certificate and an international health exam certificate for your dog.

3

Go to your vet appointment. After a quick check up, your vet will issue you an international health exam certificate. You will need to pay a $20 fee for the certificate. You will also need to bring with you the address of your destination in Canada for inclusion on the form.

4

Ask the vet for a rabies certificate. The certificate needs to show that your dog's vaccine is up-to-date. The certificate also must contain a description of your dog along with the specific date, serial number and manufacturer of the rabies vaccine.

5

Pack the necessary travel documents for your dog in a convenient place, probably in the glove compartment or with your family's passports.

6

When you arrive at the border checkpoint in Canada, have the required documents ready for inspection by the border agent. Tell the border agent that you are traveling with a dog. Keep in mind that the border agent may not ask to see all of your documents, but it is the law that you have them in the car with you.

How to Avoid Diarrhea While Traveling

Nothing can disrupt a long-awaited vacation more than having to run off and find a bathroom every 20 minutes. Here are tips on how to avoid intestinal distress while you're on the road.

1

Ask your doctor for a preventative diarrhea prescription before you travel, especially if you already know that you are susceptible to this condition.

2

Clean and dry your hands thoroughly before touching any food. If hot water and soap aren't available to do this, carry a packet of disinfecting wipes in your purse or backpack.

3

Survey every eating establishment before ordering any meals. The tabletop serving spaces should be clean and there should be no signs of open trash, flies or rodents. The bathrooms should likewise be fastidious since the employees who work there are going to be in and out of them all day and handling the food that's brought to your table. If anything looks suspect, trust your instincts and move on.

4

Order hot tea with your meals but ask that the tea bag be brought separately. In this way, you can pour a little hot water on the washcloth and wipe off the utensils, glasses, and dishes. You can also use a cotton swab swished lightly in hydrogen peroxide to wipe off your utensils. Only use chopsticks that are brought to the table in sealed wrappers; the reusable wooden ones aren't going to be 100 percent clean.

5

Avoid drinking tap water in foreign countries. That goes for adding ice cubes, too!

6

Brush your teeth with bottled water or water that has previously been boiled. As cautious as travelers are in otherwise avoiding tap water, they seem to totally forget about it when they get ready for bed.

7

Pack plenty of snacks from home. What often gets travelers in trouble when they're seeing and doing lots of things is that when hunger strikes, common sense seems to fly out the window and they'll buy the first vendor yummy that looks good. Crackers, cookies, nuts, trail mix, and dried fruit will quell the hunger pangs on the road and keep you away from roadside entrepreneurs.

8

Avoid salad bars when traveling abroad. If though you know that greens are good for you, they can do a world of harm to your intestinal tract if they have been washed with impure water or left out on display in hot or humid conditions a tad too long. Vegetables and fruits should also be suspect when abroad.

How to Cancel My Travel Guard Insurance

Travel Guard insurance company offers various travel insurance packages which cover travelers in the event of unforeseen expenses ranging from illness, flight cancellation to even acts of terrorism. This insurance will reimburse any non-refundable travel expenses that you lose and cover medical expenses that your health care insurance does not cover. Travel Guard's insurance costs range from five to seven percent of your total estimated travel expense but you may decide, after purchasing a policy, that you do not want travel insurance after all. You may cancel your Travel Guard insurance within fifteen days of your policy's effective date unless you have already departed on your trip.

1 Gather all your policy information. You will need your policy number, name, address and phone number as well as the policy's effective date.

2 Write a letter requesting a policy refund. State that you would like to cancel your policy and that you are requesting a full refund. Include your policy number, name and contact information.

3 Email your request to refund@travelguard.com or fax it to 715-345-2915. You may also mail it to Travel Guard, 3300 Business Park Drive, Stevens Point, WI, 54482.

4 Save a copy of your request for your files.

How to Book Train Travel From Lisbon to Porto

Recent improvements to Portugal's vast train system have made railway travel between Lisbon and Porto enjoyable. Both cities boast beautiful stations, easy access and many scheduling and speed options. Follow these steps to book your tickets.

Book Your Train Ticket From Lisbon to Porto

1 Book your tickets through the CP Passengers Web site, which is the Portuguese rail company(see Resources below).

2 Book tickets through the Rail Europe Web site (see Resources below), or call Rail Europe at (888) 382-RAIL (382-7245). Tickets for this journey should be reasonable.

3 Choose a rail line for your travel. The most efficient way to get from Lisbon to Porto is the Alfa service.

4 Choose between a faster train or a more leisurely but less-expensive one. Also, explore discounts before you buy. If you are a senior or student, you may qualify for a cheaper fare.

5 Decide on upgrades like first-class service before you book.

6 Enter your dates of travel. Verify schedules and criteria with the CP site first, even if you plan to book your ticket through Rail Europe. Book your train ticket with any major credit card.

Travel to Porto

1 Set aside approximately 3 1/2 hours for your journey from Lisbon to Porto.

2 Arrive at the Lisbon train station at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.

3 Don't rely on the train stations to provide food and drink. Pack refreshments for your journey, since most Portuguese trains and stations don't offer much in this department.

4 Check posted signs in the ticketing area to locate your departure platform for Porto. Many of the Lisbon stations are enormous, so give yourself time to locate your platform and get to it.

5 Read monitors at the platform to locate your boarding area. This is critical if you have a preassigned seat.

6 Hand your ticket to the conductor when requested. If you lose your ticket, you will receive a substantial fine.

How to Stay Thin While Traveling

Staying thin while traveling can be a challenge. You're in a new environment and may be following a different time zone, so it is easy to feel overwhelmed and forget good eating habits and exercise. Follow these steps while traveling and you'll be able to stay healthy and thin.

1 Eat healthy when on the road or at the airport. It may be tempting to get a burger and fries at fast food restaurants, but stick to healthier menu choices, such as salads with lowfat dressing, and you willl stay thin while traveling.

2 Pack healthy snacks for the road and while on the go. Restaurant meals have a lot of hidden calories, and not only will packing food save you money, but it will also save you pound-packing calories. High fiber snacks such as dried fruit, nuts, baby carrots and whole wheat bread are good choices that will help to keep you thin while traveling.

3 Book a hotel with a fitness center. Make time to do at least 30 minutes of cardio exercise and 15 minutes of resistance exercise.

4 Use the stairs. If you cannot book a hotel with a fitness center, you can make up for this by taking the long route-in other words, skip the elevator and that short taxi ride down the street-walk to get to your desired location.

5 Drink plenty of water. Jet lag and lack of sleep increases hunger pangs, and drinking water is a good way to kill those pesky hunger pangs. Plus, water will keep your body healthy and your cells rejuvenated, which is important whether traveling or not.

How to Book Train Travel From Berlin to Prague

The Czech Republic has seen an increase in tourist and business travel since its split from Slovakia in 1993. Prague, however, has always been a favorite among tourists. Its historic city center was named a World Heritage site in the early 1990s, and the city continues to be a center of culture for the Czech Republic.

Plan Your Train Travel to Prague

1 Find up to 9 daily departures to Prague from Berlin on the Deutsche Bahn Web site (see Resources). Review the timetable found on the company's Web site to determine which time is best for your departure and arrival plans.

2 Note that on specified days some trains to Prague depart from Berlin's Ostbahnhof station.

3 Confirm passport and visa requirements for travel between Germany and the Czech Republic before booking your train to Prague. Because you will be traveling across an international border, you may be required to show your passport or identification during your trip.

Book Your Ticket From Berlin to Prague

1 Visit the ticket counter at Berlin's Hauptbahnhof or central station to purchase a ticket for your chosen departure time. Reservations are not required for travel to Prague but are recommended as this is a very popular travel route.

2 Book your ticket or reserve your seat online. You may reserve your seat without paying for it by selecting "no ticket, reservation only" from the travel service Web site of Deutsche Bahn. Your seat will be held until 15 minutes after the scheduled departure for the train.

3 Plan to spend more than 50 euros when you book your ticket for train travel from Berlin to Prague.

Navigate Berlin's Central Station

1 Preview the layout of Berlin's Hauptbahnhof or central station by visiting the station's Web site (see Resources). Here you can download maps of the station's concourses.

2 Find one of the two Travel Centres set up in the station, where you can get assistance from Deutsche Bahn attendants. You will find them located on the first floor and the first lower level of the train station, open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.

3 Pick up tickets purchased online at the automated ticket machines available throughout the concourse of Berlin's central station. You may also purchase tickets for same day travel at these machines.

About Travel Agents

If you have a knack for finding great travel deals and love working with the public, a career as a travel agent may be your ideal occupation. Travel agents enjoy the rewards of discounted travel and hotel accommodations, but are also highly skilled in travel-based computer programs. Whether recommending travel to Bermuda for a honeymoon or booking a European backpacking trip for a young collegian, a travel agent must master the art of client service and travel expertise to succeed in this rapidly changing industry.

Significance

Although a plethora of Web-based travel websites like Expedia, Travelocity and Last Minute Travel provide reduced prices on hotels and air travel to online shoppers, few can replace the service and personal touch of travel agents. As many media outlets in the early 2000s reported the demise of the travel agent, many agencies have retooled their service offerings to remain viable and competitive in the marketplace.

Types

Travel agents book travel accommodations for cruise lines, business travelers, eco-tourists, wedding parties, honeymoons, family travel and trips for conventioneers, meetings and conference attendees. There are independent or freelance travel agents who work at home and corporate travel agents who work for an established agency. Travel agents are divided into two distinct categories: luxury travel, business travel and family/economy travel.
The luxury traveler depends upon the travel agents knowledge of exotic locales, local customs and mores of the destination and demands white-glove hospitality from private jets to 5-star accommodations.
The travel agent serving the business traveler must shield the passenger from unforeseen flight delays and travel mishaps. The business traveler requires the travel agent to have a breadth of information for each national and international destination. The travel agent makes recommendations from nightlife and business travel customs to business dinners and extra-curricular activities.
The family or economy traveler must be informed of the best spa vacations for a group of girlfriends to last-minute economy flight for funerals and family emergencies. Travel pricing for lodging and flights are often more important to these travelers than tailor-made experiences.

Education and Training

Travel agents are trained via home-study courses, continuing education by travel agent associations and schools for travel agents. Travel agents learn how to use computer reservation software; sell packages and individual travel options and Established travel agencies require a high school diploma for employees. Managers or travel agency directors often have college degrees, advanced certification or a mastery of many languages.

Earning Potential

Freelance travel agents receive a commission on each flight and hotel booked per passenger. Salaried travel agents receive a base salary with option for bonuses once sales goals are achieved. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, earnings for salaried travel agents ranged from $23,020 to $46,270 in 2006. Travel agents who are 100 percent commission-paid have the potential to increase their earnings, beyond the salaried agents in the eco-tourism and luxury travel sectors (see Resources below).

Considerations

A travel agent's knowledge extends far beyond booking flights and basic travel knowledge. A travel agent must provide advice on securing a passport or necessary travel documents, airline luggage requirements, local weather conditions, car or limousine rental, and currency exchange rates.

Professional Associations

The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) bestows the designation of Corporate Travel Expert (CTE) and Certified Corporate Travel Executive (CCTE) to qualified travel professionals (see Resources below).
The Travel Institute, established in 1964, awards the Certified Travel Associate (CTA) and Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) to travel agency professionals. Travel agents can also join the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).

How to Apply Travel Funds on Southwest

Southwest is one of the few airlines that allow you to cancel your travel plans and obtain a full refund to be applied to future travel. This perk, however, is useless unless you know how to apply your Southwest travel funds to your upcoming purchase.

1 After determining where, what dates, how many passengers will be traveling, and which flights you will be taking, scroll to the bottom of the "Book a Flight" page at http://www.southwest.com and click "Go to next step--Purchase."

2 Fill out all necessary information on the Purchase page. Under Apply Travel Funds click the "Apply Travel Funds" button.

3 Open a new window, while still leaving the Southwest purchase form up, and open your email.

4 Upon canceling a past Southwest reservation you will have received an email containing a confirmation number (a mixture of six letters and numbers) that represents your Southwest Travel Funds. The email address this confirmation was sent to would be whatever address is in your Southwest file or was given to a Southwest representative on the phone.

5 Open your email server. Open the email containing the confirmation number of your Southwest Travel Funds. Highlight this number. Go to the main tool bar and click Edit>Copy.

6 Return to the Southwest purchase page. Enter the confirmation number into the designated spot by highlighting the area, going up to edit and clicking paste. Then fill out the passenger information to which the travel funds should be applied.

7 Your credit card will be charged if the purchase price is more than the travel funds applied. If the travel funds applied are more than the purchase price, the remainder will still be valid with your current travel fund confirmation number. The remainder can be used for a future purchase.

How to Travel at a Discount

Competition among travel providers is becoming stiffer, but depending on the economic times, this may not translate into discounts for travelers. Airlines, hotels and car rental companies still want your business, but you may just have to dig around, ask questions and be flexible to find travel options at a discount.

1 Ask about discounts when you make a reservation with a hotel or car rental company.

2 Ask about a discount again when you arrive to pick up your car or check into your room. Not all discounts are advertised, so also ask at restaurants, when taking a train or bus, or when visiting a theater or museum. For example, a bed and breakfast may offer a discount for multiple nights or off-seasons stays.

3 Bring identification cards for any group of which you are a member, such as AAA or USAA, which also offer member deals at restaurants and attractions.

4 Check which airlines have associations with which car rental companies and hotels. Points or rewards can translate into mileage posted to your frequent flier account or a free night's stay.

5 Use your age to your advantage. Students often get a discounted rate, as well as seniors. For example, Amtrak offers a discount to those 62 and older.

6 Travel in a group. Travel expert Rick Steves points out that four people traveling by rental car is cheaper than four people buying individual bus or train tickets.

7 Travel off season, such as the Caribbean in the summer or London in winter. You'll avoid crowds and save money on flights and accommodations.

8 Flexibility in your travel plans can also result in a discount. With airline tickets, including an overnight Saturday stay, traveling at early or late hours, and including one or more stops can lower your ticket price.

9 Read about the extras included with accommodations. A hotel with complimentary breakfast and WiFi will save you the expense of one meal a day over your trip.

How to Book Train Travel From Zurich to Venice

Between the ultra-modern banking center of Zurich to the historic and famously aquatic "floating" city of Venice, there's an amazing array of striking landscapes and picturesque towns waiting to be explored. Follow these steps to book a memorable train ride to take it all in.

Plan Your Trip from Zurich to Venice

1 Speak with a travel agent in Zurich for advice on possible side trips along the way. A trip to the very well-preserved 13th-century castles of Bellinzona is well worth the effort. Plus, it's right along the route you'll already be taking. Since 2000, these castles have been on the UNESCO World Heritage site list. They're quite popular among history buffs.

2 Look into package trips through the Swiss Railways travel agency. You may find some great deals on hotel and rail packages that will save you some money while taking a bit of the stress out of planning your trip. Many of these packages include guided tours led by knowledgeable and helpful tour leaders.

3 Book hotel reservations in Venice before you leave on your trip if you'll be getting in late. Some trains don't arrive in Venice until nearly midnight. Finding a hotel at that hour without a reservation may be a hassle.

Book Your Ticket from Zurich to Venice

1 Access the Europe Rail Web site (see Resources below) for the latest timetables and pricing information for the trip between Zurich and Venice. Train service varies depending on the season. Direct trains are only available in the spring and summer. During the winter, you'll have to change trains in Milan.

2 Click on the "Train tickets and schedules" button in the left toolbar of the Web site to navigate to the portion of the Web site for booking tickets. You'll find a form to fill in the pertinent information for your trip.

3 Select the trip that best fits your schedule and budget requirements. Notice the shadowing that denotes each individual trip. Each segment is listed separately; but the full price is listed at the top of each section.

4 Order the ticket at least 7 days in advance to ensure timely delivery. If you wait until the last minute, you may be forced to pay an added fee for expedited delivery.

5 Buy the ticket at the Zurich train station if you weren't able to purchase the ticket before you left for Europe. There are ticket machines available that will make the process easy.

6 Call 877-257-2887 to book train tickets from Zurich to Venice if you'd prefer to use the phone.

How Does Light Travel From the Sun to Earth?

Vintage travel trailers, from canned hams to teardrops to Airstreams, evoke a travel history that includes summer vacations by the lake and cross-country trips pulling a little piece of home behind the family auto. Restoring vintage trailers can be an expensive undertaking if you stay true to the original design and if significant changes have been made to the trailer. Many companies specialize in restoration, but if you do it yourself, you can keep the costs down

1 Thoroughly inspect the trailer for structural damage. Repair or replace rotted wood. Test the plumbing and electrical systems if they're present in the trailer. Have them replaced or repaired by a professional if you lack the skills to do it yourself.

2 Remove any visible parts that have been added to the trailer that aren't consistent with its vintage. Look for replacements at salvage yards, in vintage trailer magazines and on online marketplaces. Place advertisements for parts you can't find.

3 Clean wood veneers and replace them if they're damaged. Match the wood grains when replacing them. Polish stainless steel, and repair pits and scratches. Replace carpeting.

4 Furnish the trailer with the appropriate window and cushion coverings. Vintage Airstream trailers, for instance, usually had wide-slatted wooden venetian blinds. Research colors for your particular trailer's era, and reupholster damaged cushion coverings. Use vintage hardware for replacements.

5 Refurbish the exterior of the trailer. Repaint in the original colors. Polish and repair stainless steel. Replace missing trim. Patch rusty spots. Fix doors and door locks, window seals and entry steps.

6 Update the trailer with electricity, propane and a furnace if the trailer didn't originally come with them and if you are not absolutely dedicated to maintaining the original design. Updated systems will improve your camping experience without taking away from the trailer's appearance.

How to Do Travel Agency Jobs at Home

Home-based travel agency jobs have been around for years. Working at home allows you to make money from the comfort of your home and comes with great benefits such as a having a flexible schedule, working as much or as little as you choose, being your own boss and not having to fight rush-hour traffic. Being a home-based travel agent can be a rewarding, exciting career to explore, especially if you have a love for travel, are great with people and can market and promote your business.

1 Find a home-based travel company that is right for you. Most of these at-home travel agencies are turn-key systems, which are basic and easy to use. For example, check out KHM Travel Group and America's Vacation Center. These organizations offer support, guidance and an array of tips to succeed in your new business. You are usually working as an independent contractor, so you will have your own business name, letterhead and website address. You will also be taxed as an independent contractor.

2 Invest in an at-home office. Set aside a space in your home that will be used as your office. Even if it it just a desk and laptop in the corner of your bedroom, keep the space organized and all your materials close by. You will need a computer, Internet access, telephone, fax machine and credit card.

A good headset may be required for long conversations and hands-free access to your computer. You can purchase basic desk supplies, such as pens, pencils, notepads, paper clips, rubber bands and more, inexpensively from an office supply store.

3 Use different aspects to market your website and services. Make business cards and flyers to advertise and network. Design a company logo, and make sure it is branded on all of your promotional materials such as magnets, pens and bookmarks. Pass out materials to anyone that may one day need to book a trip.

Media can be a good way to advertise, with inexpensive ads on the Internet and in classified ads. Your local paper and CraigsList are good places to start your marketing ventures.

Find a niche that works well for you. If you are an avid cyclist, specialize in worldwide cycling tours. If you are a beach bunny and spend all of your vacations looking for the perfect tan, exotic beach destinations could be your specialty.

Also, market to your friends and family. Word of mouth referrals are very important and can be extremely easy.

4 Keep your website is up to date and well maintained. Nothing says unprofessional like misspelled words and bad grammar. Keep your information current, and delete anything that is irrelevant.

How to Write Travel Articles

Travel writing is one of those dream jobs that ranks alongside being an international reporter or a sports broadcaster. However, while it may seem like a way to get paid while taking a vacation, a travel writer faces challenges to describe new places or create new takes on old places. Get your travel articles published with these steps.

1

Check out travel markets. Market research is the key to getting published. Study of a publication tells you about the audience, the style and the format. Locate writer's guidelines through a website or by requesting to answer what a market's needs are and other specifics to break into a market.

2

Decide on a topic without going to an exotic locale. Then work within your publisher's guidelines to establish a slant and an angle-ways to direct the piece to a specific audience or highlight a specific aspect of travel.

3

Query the publication with a one-page pitch letter to the editor. You're selling two things in a query letter: your idea and yourself. Provide enough detail about your idea to interest an editor. Then show the editor that you're the person to write this article through your own writing experience, stressing any travel credits.

4

Research your article. The best research is an actual visit that allows you the opportunity to show the local flavor of a locale. Take notes. Observe your surroundings. Jot down tips that help other travelers. Ask questions. Pick up brochures.

5

Write your travel article based on an outline. The outline doesn't have to be elaborate, just a reminder of the main points you want to cover. First drafts should be done without editing. Allow your creative side to enthusiastically communicate what makes this place so attractive to travelers.

6

Allow your article to sit for a day or two before rereading it with a fresh eye. Now is the time to edit. Make certain your sentences make sense and are arranged in a logical order. Capture a reader's interest with a dynamic opening. Bring your story to a close with a satisfying conclusion.

7

Arrange for photographs. The right photos can sometimes clinch the sale. If you're a decent photographer who can offer high quality slides or digital photos, then offer to provide photos. High-end markets often send their own photographers to a location.

How to Travel long distance with a Cat

If you need to bring a cat over a long distance, either to move or for a visit, you want to make sure that you have the right tools to keep them from climbing up the car seats. Being prepared with the right equipment and knowing what your cat will need along the way will make for an easier road trip. Read on to learn how to travel long distance with a cat.

 1Get the right tools. You will want your cat to have everything that they would normally have at home. This includes a litter box, a small pet taxi to sleep in and some food and toys. This will make the trip a little easier for everyone.

2Know what your cat will want to do. The great thing about traveling with cats is that they will, for the most part, want to keep to themselves. Cats naturally like caves and enclosed areas. Keeping them in the pet taxi most of the time will make the trip easier than you think. To keep them really comfortable, add in enclosed food into one of the pet taxi corners.

 3If you think your cat needs a break, put the cat leash and collar on them and let them out of the car. Make sure that they can't get out without the leash on. The last thing that you want is a cat that sees a bird at a rest stop and doesn't come back. During every break you take with your cat, give them some extra water and food, just to make sure they are comfortable.

 4If you don't want to stop, know when to let your cat out. If they seem to be moving around a lot in the pet taxi, make sure they have the small collar and leash on, and let them roam. Keep a kitty litter box filled under the car seat, just in case.

 5Always think ahead and be prepared. Make sure that you grab the essentials, like an extra jug of water, the favorite cat toys and the practical tools that will help you to immediately empty the litter box.