Travel On The Dollar lists the 5 most pet-friendly airlines of 2009 according to Petfinder.com. The five air companies are United Airlines,  American Airlines, which specializes in transporting zoo animals, the budget-friendly Aitran, JetBlue Airways, which offers full-service for pets, and Continental, which has a Pet Safe program .

Wild Life Photography

Visit Wild Wonders of Europe and take a look at the website’s photo galleries  including pictures of Pollino National Park, Italy, images of tulips and orchards in Crete, Greece, and shots of Avocets flying over the island of Texel, Netherlands

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Top 10 US Aquariums to Visit on a Family Break

The Q Family Adventure Travel Blog reviews 10 fun aquariums for a family trip. The list includes the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta GA,  National Aquarium Baltimore, Baltimore MD, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey CA, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Bay FL, New England Aquarium, Boston MA, Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach CA, and more children-friendly aquariums in the US .

Paris Movie Locations

Want to go set-jetting in Paris? Visit Gridskipper and take a film location tours in the French capital including the Pont Neuf, the Louvre Museum, the Canal St Martin and more Parisian landmarks.  And if you are looking for more film sets in Paris, take a look at the luxury Hotel Meurice which seems to be director’s favorite hotel to shoot a romantic movie.

The Feast of Saint Rosalia: Palermo, 15 July

If you are in Palermo, Sicily, next week, do not miss the picturesque Festino of Santa Rosalia. For more information on this traditional event, visit Italy Mag and watch a video of  the celebrations, procession and fireworks display.

Photo of puppy dog at airport security line by - POD -

Sometimes it’s not pretty easy go on vacation in a big city with a family and especially with a dog. You don’t want to let your dog at home or put your pet in an expensive animal hotel. When a trip is too much stress for an animal, you should better let him at home with a person, who is keeping an eye on it. Otherwise dogs and other pets are allowed in some hotels or apartments in Hamburg. If you take your dog with you, be sure that there are enough possibilities for your pet to take a walk. You should watch out for a park next to the hotel or apartment for you and your dog to walk.

Hamburg Parks

Even when you get a hotel in city center of Hamburg, you will be able to find some lawn and a wonderful ambience in the Alsterpark. At the “Aussenalster” on the west side is the Alsterpark with a friendly and green lawn to walk around and let your dog have some fun. But you always have to leash your dog in the city and you have to put the dog excrement away. In some parks are little bag automats to put the dog excrement in the bags and then in the trash can. If the police see that your dog is not leashed or you haven’t picked up the excrement, you will have to pay a fine for it. That fine can be up to 100 Euros and if you haven’t leashed your dog, you will have to pay a surcharge between 25 and 75 Euros. This law is for all the parts of Hamburg and you don’t have to leash your dog, when you have a dog license. When you want to get sure, take some little plastic bags with you to put the dog excrement in it.

The Alsterpark is a fantastic place in the city centre to enjoy some little landscape and it is very nice for children too and of course parents and couples to make a romantic walk along the Alster.

If you are staying in the area of Altona, you can enjoy some nice hours in the 153-hectare Volkspark of Altona. It’s a great place for a family with kids and pets. The children can play Soccer, Volleyball, Badminton, Frisbee and Tennis for example. But you have to take your own balls and bats with you.

St. Pauli has a modern park called Antoni-Park with a small lawn. It is part of a project called “Park Fiction” and the Antoni-Park has about 1.500 m² with three palms on it. It’s a really funny park for walking at the Pinnasberg of St. Pauli. There are some small playgrounds for children, but not very much lawn for other games to play.

A very popular park is the Hamburger Stadtpark. You can enjoy a fantastic view over the sea or take a little walk along it. You can also take a little boat trip on the sea, which is quite fun for the kids. The dog should better stay on land or wear a small lifejacket!? A great possibility is to reach the park by bicycle. You can’t rend a bike there, so you should take your own bikes with you. Next to the sea of the Stadtpark is a swimming pool for everyone. This swimming pool is called “MidSommerland Harburg” and you can swim there for 1 ½ h, 3 h or a whole day. The price is depending between an adult and a kid and how long you would like to stay. The price for a kid is between 2,80 Euros and 4,10 Euros and for adults between 5,60 Euros and 8,20 Euros.

Pretty much fun for the family and kids is a picnic in one of the parks in Hamburg. After the picnic the kids could play some games or you can do a little family tour with the kids and pets.

Family-friendly places to visit in Hamburg

Very much fun and action are in the Hamburg Dungeon, which is in the Speicherstadt of Hamburg. This is a chamber of horror, but you will get to know some more historical information about Hamburg too. It is explaining for example the war, the fire of Hamburg and the pest in a spooky way. If you are afraid of haunted houses, you should better stay outside and wait. It can be very scary inside!

Very amazing is the Miniatur Wunderland of Hamburg, where you can watch small model railways in a fascinating ambience. You can find it in the Speicherstadt of Hamburg too.

Another exciting tour for a family could be a little boat trip with a bargain on the Alster or in the harbor of Hamburg. Some of the bargains are making some tours in the Speicherstadt too. The Speicherstadt looks like an old water street, which was used at that time to store goods like coffee and spices. Another great idea is a little sail boat trip, when the weather is fine and the sea is not too bumpy. A sail trip like this is not very cheap and very hard to get.

The kids and pets love animals, so a trip in a zoo would be a nice possibility for everyone of the family. You can visit for example the Tierpark Hagenbeck in the Lokstedter Grenzstrasse. Some interesting and wild animals are waiting for you and this lovely visit will be unforgettable.

The Hamburger Dom is a really fun event for the whole family. It is four times a year and this fun fair goes over four weeks until it ends. You can find some carousels for older and younger people and of course a lot of booths with something to drink and eat. This traditionally fun fair is on the Heiligengeistfeld in Hamburg. You can reach this event easily by subway, bus or taxi. If you are in the St. Pauli area of Hamburg, you can take a little walk to get there without any public transport.

Hamburg is a huge city, but it is family and animal friendly. So you don’t need to be scared of a big city when you take children or pets with you. There are always nice places for everyone.

Photo of Hamburg, Germany by LuxTonnerre

About France Travel invites you to make a great new year’s resolution: visit France in 2009. To make your trip to Paris and other popular French cities cheaper, the website also gives you very useful budget travel tips.

Heineken Experience in Amsterdam

Good news for all beer lovers planning a trip to Amsterdam in 2009: the Heineken Experience museum recently reopened after undergoing a major renovation.

Culture & Budget Travel Tips

If your are a fan of Opera, check out the latest travel ideas from the Vagabondish’s “High Culture on a Low Budget” series: a visit to the Teatro Stabile in Bolzano, Italy, and a concert at the National Opera Theater in Riga, Latvia.

2009 Travel Events

Visit the World Travel Awards website and check out the 2009 Grand Tour events that will take place in popular travel destinations including Rio, Brazil, Shanghai, China,  Lisbon, Portugal, and five more beautiful cities around the world.

Tips for traveling with pets in winter

If you’re planning a ski vacation and always travel with your dog, visit It’s a Beautiful Life and read a blog post on how to keep your pet safe during the winter holidays.

But if you are one of those who plan’s to take your beloved dog or a cat on your next trip, read on.

Pets become a part of your family and of course you are on a family vacation but traveling with your pets can not only be cumbersome but also take a lot of planning as airlines and hotels have a different view about accompanying pets. Some helpful tips to make your trip with pets- safe, comfortable and a memorable experience:

• Before taking your pet on any trip, complete check up of the pet is necessary and let the vet to issue a health certificate, which might be required by the airlines and the hotel also.

• Check out the policies of airlines and choose the one which has better regulations for traveling with pets. Most of the airlines which allow small pets on board allow pet carriers that can be pushed under the seat.

• However, if the animals are required to be kept in the area beneath the airplane, check for temperature control inside that area as during extreme cold or hot temperatures, might be difficult for your pets. While some airlines do not allow pets to be transported during extreme temperatures, so if you are planning a trip during off season, its best to see the policies before planning your trip.

• If you have a small pet, get a pet carrier which can be slid under your seat. Buy one which conforms to airline regulations and its best to read the literature available on carrying pets on the specific airlines, you plan to travel with.

• It is better that you pick a window seat so that you and your pet are not moved much during the trip.

• Before making hotel reservations, check out the hotel policies about keeping pets in detail. It is best to read the policies and requirements carefully before booking.

• Keep in mind that traveling with pets is more expensive as you have to pay for its separate airline ticket and hotel stay. Charges for pets are higher as there is a care and cleaning fee, which is non-refundable.

• You might also want to check with the vet whether to use a sedative during the plane ride or not; remember to carry its food dish, water bowl, pet chow and a sticker with all details of the owner, travel destination, breed and medical condition clearly mentioned.

• Keep the health condition certificate and pet’s plane ticket with you handy so that you do not have to look over at the last minute!

A good night’s rest and the whole family is ready to travel, without the heartache of leaving your beloved pet behind. Not this time!

Picture of dog in a car originally posted by Katie@!

1. Dog Beach – San Vincenzo, Tuscany

Entirely dedicated to dogs and their owners, the Dog Beach is fully-equipped for our four-legged friends. Located in San Vincenzo, Etruscan Coast, about 15 miles from Piombino and 40 miles from Livorno, this little dog-friendly beach offers an array of services including bar, information desk, dog sitting, beach umbrella and lounger rental, dog agility course, shadow area, and dog toilet facilities. A series of events are organized during the summer.

Access to the beach is free. Rental service and dog sitting hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more info on events and service prices check out http://nuke.dog-beach.it (in Italian only).

2. Beach 33 – Rimini, Adriatic Sea

Set on the Adriatic coast, the 33 is the only beach equipped to welcome dogs in Rimini, a popular Italian beach resort well-known for its vibrant nightlife. Located close to Piazzale Kennedy, in the area of Rimini Marina Centro, this pet-friendly beach provides holidaymakers and their four-legged friends with dog water fountains, beach cubicles and showers. The Rimini Beach 33 is also a family-friendly beach which offers entertainment activities and features free leisure and sporting facilities, such as beach volley, beach tennis, table tennis, seesaws, carousels, and slides.

Tough they are accepted on the beach, dog pets cannot bathe in the sea. Moreover, ‘dangerous dog races‘ are not allowed on the beach. For further information on health requirements and beach etiquette visit http://www.beach33.com/ (in Italian only).

3. Baubeach – Fregene, Rome Fiumicino

Also known as Baucountry Natural Park, this dog-friendly beach claims itself to be ‘the world’s first beach for free, happy dogs‘. Situated in Maccarese – Fregene - a beach area in the city of Fiumicino, Baubeach is the perfect place for pet lovers who want to enjoy a summer holiday in Rome with their dog. Beach chairs and umbrellas, mountain bikes, and an organic food restaurant are available for dog owners, whilst pools, playgrounds, dog organic food and animal behavior consulting service are offered to their pets.

Since 1998, Baubeach has promoted pet adoption and thanks to this successful association more than 800 dogs have been adopted in the last ten years.

4. Bau Bau Village (Bagni Sport) – Albisola Mare, Savona

Situated in Albisola Mare seaside resort, a few miles from Savona, Bau Bau Village is the ideal pet-friendly beach for your holiday on the Riviera delle Palme, North of Italy. Formerly known as Bagni Sport, this beach resort has been opened to dogs since 1996 and offers everything you need to swim, have fun and relax with your four-legged friend. Beach facilities include a bar-restaurant, dog grooming, professional dog agility course, gym, bocce game, dog showers with sweet water, and beach cubicles… everything you need to swim, have fun and relax with your four-legged friend.

Courses to learn how to swim with your dog are available on request. For further information on Albisola Bau Bau Village activities visit http://www.baubauvillage.it/ (English version available).

5. Baubeach (Spiaggia del Poetto) – Cagliari, Sardinia

The Spiaggia del Poetto is one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Italy and the Mediterranean sea. Located in the neighborhood of Quartu Sant’Elena, 3 miles from the city center of Cagliari, Sardinia, this wonderful beach stretches over 7 miles. Close to Lido Mediterraneo bar-restaurant and beach resort is a pet-friendly area called Baubeach, where dog owners and pets can stroll by the crystal-clear water and relax on the white sandy beach.

• Italy – Health requirements:

When traveling to Italy, do not forget to bring your dog’s health certificate. This document is required for your pet being allowed on the beach. It should have been issued by a licensed veterinarian within 15 days before your holiday and provide proof of required vaccinations.

Photo of dog running on the beach originally posted by jmlambelet

Forbes Traveler launches a new golf guide. The website provides a Course Finder and features article written by a panel of golf experts. Golfers can find tips and read news on golf destinations and accessories, from “Once-in-a-life golf trips” to “The latest golf gadgets, gear and garb”.

Traveling to Paris with your beloved pet? Do not miss Mon Bon Chien, a gourmet dog bakery situated in the heart of the French capital, at 12 Rue Mademoiselle (15th Arrondissement). To read more on this artisanal dog-biscuit boutique in Paris check out globespotters.com.

On the new blog Marriott in the Kitchen, Brad Nelson, vice president culinary and corporate chef of Marriott Hotels, shares his enthusiasm for the great food he sampled on his recent trip to Sydney and Singapore.

Elliot.org reveals 4 secrets about “rule 240″ – the paragraph in airline’s contract of carriage that describes the company’s responsibility when a flight is delayed or canceled.

Check out these dogs-and-small-pets-allowed New York hotels on venere.com:

The Omni Berkshire Place – Midtown Manhattan

This 5 star hotel is located on Madison Avenue and features prime amenities such as a complimentary fitness center, free wireless internet access, a restaurant and bar. The 21-storey hotel opened its doors in 1926 and had a major renovation and redecoration in 2003. When you come back from a walk in the park with your pet, there’s complimentary shoe shining as well!

- nearest pet shop: Petland, 976 2nd Avenue # A (approx. 4 blocks)
- nearest vet: City Pets, 101 W 57th Street # 3B (approx. 5 blocks)
- nearest park: Central Park (approx. 6 blocks)

The Night Hotel – Midtown Manhattan

The 4-star Night Hotel is a stylish New York boutique hotel. Amenities include Frette bed linens, 42′ plasma TV, Bose Wave radio with I-Pod Nano connectivity and I-Pod library, Molton Brown bath amenities and Wi-Fi Internet access.
The Night Hotel has the comfortable atmosphere of a private residence and is sure to make you and your pet feel at home.

- nearest pet shop: Royal Treatment Natural Pet, 65 W 38th Street (approx. 7 blocks)
- nearest vet: Dr Marcie Fallek, 545 8th Avenue (approx. 8 blocks)
- nearest park: Bryant Park (approx. 3 blocks)

Holiday Inn Express – Brooklyn

The 3 star brand new Holiday Inn Express in the Park Slope district of Brooklyn is located at just steps from Union Street Station, making it a smart choice for budget conscious visitors to New York.
The hotel offers free local phone calls, wireless Internet access, luxuriously appointed guest rooms and a continental express-star breakfast.

- nearest pet shop: Buttercup’s Paw-Tisserie?, 63 5th Ave. (approx. 7 blocks)
- nearest vet: Sixth Avenue Animal Clinic, 207 6th Ave. (approx. 3 blocks)
- nearest park: Prospect Park is nearest (approx. 5 blocks), but luckily you are very close to the Brooklyn Dog House (327 Douglass Street, approx 3 blocks), featuring 2 large dog playgrounds.