More Reader

Branch Out On Your Next Vacation: Learn White Water Rafting

by Leave a Comment

Branch Out On Your Next Vacation Learn White Water Rafting

Many families are fortunate enough to be able to take yearly vacations. It’s great to have the opportunity to visit popular urban attractions like theme parks and monuments with loved ones. Many households however, experience travel fatigue.

It can become stressful to plan urban getaways that include air, bus, train, taxi, and hotel services. The stress of urban life can easily eclipse any enjoyment factor associated with a family vacation. An answer to this conundrum is a planned excursion into the wilds of picturesque American river systems.

Outdoor adventures for families sometimes fall from the radar because moms and dads never really consider a natural environment to be a prime location for a family outing. If the idea for a family vacation is fun and memorable moments, a whitewater river journey could be the best option.

What Happens on a Whitewater Adventure

In states like Colorado, Montana, and Idaho there are endless river systems open to the public. Most of the rivers in these states feature whitewater areas that are accessible to adventurers. Along with access, a host of vacation amenities are offered by local guides.

Chartering a whitewater trip is simple. It involves arranging local stay accommodations at a hotel near a waterway that is known for rafting and boating activities. Many whitewater adventure services offer camping locations. This is another great opportunity to involve the whole family in a unique wilderness experience. Camping is something that all family members will enjoy and remember.

The objective of a whitewater adventure is to master the twists and turns of a river, while steering a float raft. Steering a raft down a mountain river full of whitewater hazards is more exciting than a theme park ride, and more challenging than a busy system of city streets.

The Importance of Guides

Many families take vacations to areas where tour guides lazily prompt visitors through boring points of interest. On a whitewater excursion, a guide is an active member of a raft who helps each person paddle their way through a series of challenging natural obstacles.

A whitewater tour guide brings any family face-to-face with the roaring power of nature’s most imposing force. River rapids challenge anyone in a raft to race down nature’s highways. With the help of an experienced river guide, any family can experience a vivid ride through areas that are never seen by people taking normal vacations.

On a whitewater vacation, families can become part of interesting terrains, see amazing wildlife, and test their physical skills. The range of river choices is endless for people wanting to experience a whitewater adventure. Class I and II whitewater areas offer places to break new visitors into life on the water. Class III and IV streams present wild dangers and obstacles. Class V whitewater streams are normally reserved for wilderness experts, but they can be conquered by adventurous vacationers. There is a stream and whitewater vacation venue perfect for any family seeking something extraordinary.

Instead of trying to convince the entire family to go on another boring theme park vacation this year, think about something different. The wilds of the American interior offer vacation opportunities like no other locations in the world. Camping and whitewater rafting are ideal activities for forming memories, discovering new frontiers, and having a great time on vacation.

Guide To Find Best Boarding Kennels For Your Dogs And Pets

by Leave a Comment

Guide To Find Best Boarding Kennels For Your Dogs And Pets

If you are planning on taking a trip out of town and require the service of a boarding kennel, you’ve come to the right place! Here is a simple guide that will allow you to choose the best boarding kennel for your beloved dog. A happy stay for your pet gives you peace of mind and means your dog will be well looked after. So what do all good boarding kennels have in common?

Great and clean facilities

All dog kennels should be adequately equipped with large areas for outdoor or indoor exercise. Outside areas need to have shaded spots for your dog to rest under. If the doggy hotel is small, they should offer outdoor walks services. A well-exercised pet is a healthy one. Air conditioning and heating appliances should be running smoothly. Ask for a guided or solo tour of the facilities to inspect the physical layout while also focusing on the cleanliness.

Places with animals should be considerably clean and produce a minimal of odors. Look to see if toys, carpeting, play areas, and the current guests look happy and clean. Check for dog beds or ask to see the sleeping quarters since every dog should have an available place to rest that is comfortable and private.

Constant interaction and supervision

Talk with the staff to find information on ways they interact with the dogs that stay. Do they offer daily walks and playtime? How is individual attention achieved if guests outnumber staff? How are do they group dogs together for communal playtimes? Do not be afraid to ask all the questions necessary for you to feel reassured about your selection. Good staff will happily answer all your questions and provide you with tours.

Medical care and other services 

Before deciding on a kennel, you should always ask about required vaccinations for dog guests. The vaccination against kennel cough for example ought to be obligatory. Having said that, you need to make sure your pet is up-to-date with his vaccinations as well.

Another mandatory question to ask is how medical emergency situations are handled. Maybe they have their own veterinarian on site or on call. Remember also to inquire about the facility’s insurance. If they do not have any insurance available, you will have to sign a waiver form that states you agree to cover all medical care costs that may incur.

If your dog requires certain medication at specific times, ask if this service is provided for in the price or if it means an extra charge. Some boarding dog kennels even offer training and grooming services. The length of your trip should help you decide if these extra services are needed or not.

Background checks

Lastly, look into online reviews that past customers may have posted. The Better Business Bureau can also offer insight into any complaints against the kennel have been filed. You can also check to see if they pass all city or state health inspections.

With the above information you can make an informed choice on a local dog kennel that won’t leave you with lingering doubts or worries. Choosing a good boarding kennel will permit you to fully enjoy your vacation with the peace of mind that your dog is having a little vacation of his own.

Items Checklist For Dog Boarding Centers And Pet Daycares

by Leave a Comment

Items Checklist For Dog Boarding Centers And Pet Daycares

There is an ever increasing demand and supply for dog boarding centers that will love to have your four-legged family member stay. Most centers offer bedding, treats, exercise, and love but you might be encouraged to bring other goodies along. Here are some essential items that your pet might need while you are away.

Food

To lower boarding costs and to ensure your dog would have a continuous supply of his dieting requirements, you can pack your dog food. Sometimes changing food sources can lead to upset stomachs or they can even reject the new food offered. If you think your dog will be affected by any change of food, pack enough for his stay in the center. Use zip-lock bags to distribute his daily servings. Ask the center what brand of food they use to feed their guests and if it is included in the overall cost as well.

Medicine & supplements

Make sure all medicines and supplements are labeled corrected along with important information such as appropriate dosage, frequency and time of doses. The instructions should be well written and make sure to add any significant details like storage requirements or if they must be administered with food. You can include medicine for emergency situations.

Favorite toys and a reminder of you

Though the center will offer plenty of toys for your dog, it is best to pack one or two of his absolute favorites. Now include a reminder of you that your dog will be happy with. The item must have your scent and can be any article of clothing, even socks! The toys and apparel will offer a sense of familiarity to your pet, comforting them while you are away.

Do not forget a leash

It is important to pack your dog’s leash so they can be taken for a walk. Some centers may have some but it is best for your dog to have his usual one as well, just in case.

Documents

If you forgot to look for a center with time and are going to drop them off soon, remember to take with you all important paperwork or you might have to return home for them. You will be asked to fill a form as well so try to go early. Documents required can be any of the following: medical records, vaccination charts, rule acknowledgment forms, etc.

You will out having a blast while your dog will also be taken care of but that does not mean he or she won’t miss you. Is there anything else you could add that will help keep your dog happy and comfortable? If there is, add that to his/her doggy bag as well. I congratulate you for properly taking care of your pet while you are away. Many owners assume leaving the dog at home with enough water and food is enough. You are one responsible owner!