The holiday season is notorious for its travel chaos, and when you add a pet to the mix, the stress can increase significantly. Whether traveling by car, train, or plane, taking your pet along requires careful planning and attention to detail. As the holiday season approaches, pet owners must manage the complexities of travel logistics while ensuring their pets remain comfortable and safe.

Studies show that many pet owners opt to travel with their pets during the holiday season. However, navigating the journey with a pet, especially during a busy travel period, requires preparation and an understanding of the necessary steps. Proper research and planning can lead to a much smoother experience for both pets and their owners.

Understanding Pet Travel Regulations and Requirements

Whether you’re flying, driving, or taking a train, it’s important to familiarise yourself with travel regulations and requirements for pets. Different modes of travel and destinations require different preparations.

For air travel, regulations vary depending on the airline and the destination. Many airlines require pets to be in IATA-approved carriers that are sized appropriately for your pet. Airlines also have specific limits on the number of pets allowed in the cabin, so booking early is crucial. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), it’s also important to ensure that your pet’s carrier is properly ventilated and secure to avoid discomfort during the flight.

When travelling internationally, ensure your pet has the necessary health certificates and vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) require specific paperwork, including rabies vaccinations and pet health certificates, for pets entering the United States.

Preparing for Car Travel with Your Pet

For many pet owners, driving to a holiday destination is a preferred option, as it provides more control over the journey. However, driving with a pet requires careful preparation to ensure their safety and comfort. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends that pets be secured in a proper carrier or with a seatbelt harness in the back seat to prevent injury or distraction during travel.

It is also important to take regular breaks for your pet to stretch, relieve themselves, and stay hydrated. When travelling long distances, pack a dedicated “pet go-bag” with food, treats, medications, waste bags, and a leash. Having everything you need on hand helps to minimise stress during travel.

Flying with Your Pet: Tips for a Comfortable Journey

Flying with pets can be one of the most challenging aspects of holiday travel. For smaller pets, travelling in the cabin with their owner is the best option, as it is typically less stressful than cargo hold travel. Airlines often provide specific guidelines on the size and weight limits for pets in the cabin. Always confirm your pet’s booking as early as possible, as airlines usually have a cap on the number of pets allowed per flight.

For longer flights, choosing non-stop routes can reduce travel time and layovers. Avoid booking flights during peak hours to minimise delays. Additionally, many experts suggest travelling in the morning, as early flights tend to experience fewer delays.

To prepare your pet for the flight, crate-training is essential. Ensure your pet is familiar with their carrier before the flight, making the transition smoother on the day of travel. A comfortable, well-ventilated crate with familiar bedding and a few treats can help keep your pet calm during the journey.

Researching Pet-Friendly Lodging

Once you arrive at your destination, the next consideration is accommodation. Not all hotels or vacation rentals accept pets, so it’s essential to research pet-friendly options well in advance. Many hotels charge extra fees for pets, and some impose breed or size restrictions, so reading the fine print is essential.

Certain destinations have dedicated pet-friendly lodgings, but it is always wise to confirm their pet policies before booking. Additionally, ensure that your pet is comfortable during the stay, some hotels require pets to be crated if left unattended in the room.

Managing Pet Stress During Travel

Travel can be overwhelming for pets, particularly when they are placed in unfamiliar environments or situations. To reduce stress, try to maintain your pet’s routine as much as possible. Feed and exercise them at regular times, and bring familiar items like their favourite blanket or toy to provide comfort.

Experts recommend using calming aids such as pheromone sprays or calming collars to help reduce anxiety during the journey. A quiet room for the pet to relax in during hectic travel preparations can also help.

A Well-Prepared Pet is a Happy Traveller

Managing the logistics of holiday travel with pets requires a combination of careful planning, proper documentation, and making sure that your pet’s needs are met throughout the journey. With these tips in mind, pet owners can make their travels smoother and more enjoyable for both themselves and their pets. Preparing early, booking travel in advance, and selecting pet-friendly accommodations are key to a stress-free holiday season.

By prioritising your pet’s comfort, safety, and well-being during travel, holiday trips can become an enjoyable experience that both owners and pets will cherish. Happy holidays and safe travels!

Holiday travel often disrupts routines, but mindful choices around food, sleep, movement and stress can help you stay well throughout your trip

The holidays are a time for adventure, relaxation and making memories. But excitement, indulgent food and disrupted routines can take a toll on health, leaving travellers tired or unwell. Doctors say a few simple habits can help safeguard wellbeing without taking away from the fun.

Hydration matters more than you think

Drinking enough water while travelling is critical. “Indoor heating, sweets, caffeine and alcohol all promote dehydration. Dehydration worsens fatigue, headaches, skin dryness and constipation,” says Dr Nikitha Narayanan, oral pathology and microbiology specialist at iCliniq.

Dehydration also reduces urine output, slowing the body’s ability to flush out waste products and allowing toxins to build up. Carrying a refillable water bottle and sipping regularly through the day helps maintain energy levels and digestion. Doctors advise avoiding the habit of replacing water entirely with sugary drinks or excess caffeine, which can worsen dehydration.

Enjoy local food without upsetting your gut

Holiday food is a highlight of travel, but sudden dietary changes can upset the stomach. “You need to control timing, portions and balance out your plate,” Dr Narayanan says.

Starting meals with protein and vegetables, sharing desserts instead of eating full portions, and limiting heavily processed snacks can help. When travelling in places where food or water hygiene is uncertain, choosing freshly cooked meals, drinking bottled water and avoiding ice made from unknown sources can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Sleep is not optional

Travel often disrupts sleep schedules, but rest is essential for immunity, mood and recovery. Poor sleep raises stress hormones and increases vulnerability to infections.

“Rest is not laziness. It is essential for nervous system recovery,” Dr Narayanan says. Keeping sleep and wake times as regular as possible, avoiding heavy meals or alcohol late at night, and getting daylight exposure through short walks can help regulate the body clock, especially after long journeys.

Movement keeps fatigue away

Even on relaxed holidays, light physical activity plays a key role in preventing sluggishness. Gentle walking, sightseeing on foot, stretching or taking the stairs improves circulation, boosts mood and supports better sleep.

Doctors say consistency matters more than intensity. Regular, low-effort movement helps counter the effects of long flights, car journeys and extended sitting.

Plan ahead with essentials

A simple travel health kit can prevent small issues from becoming major disruptions. Hand sanitiser, basic first-aid supplies and regular medications should be packed in advance. Prescriptions should be refilled before departure, and international travellers may need to check vaccination or preventive medication requirements.

Dressing appropriately for the destination’s climate also reduces the risk of sunburn, cold-related illness or altitude-related problems.

Slow down to truly switch off

Good health habits go beyond physical care. Managing stress and pacing your holiday schedule are just as important. Avoid overbooking your days and build in time to rest between excursions. Short breaks, deep breathing and moments of silence can help you enjoy travel without feeling drained.

Holiday stress is often fuelled by social pressure, family expectations, financial strain and emotional overload. Protecting mental health during travel means setting boundaries without guilt, resisting the urge to overcommit and limiting social media comparison.

For thousands of years, walls were more than just stone defences, they were the heart and identity of urban life. Civilisations built walled cities to protect trade routes, guard royal families, house spiritual centres, and demonstrate power. Within these fortified boundaries, people lived, traded, celebrated, and built cultures that would influence generations. Today, while most ancient walls have crumbled or been absorbed into modern expansions, a handful of extraordinary walled cities still survive, and we are here to take a good look at some of them. Here we have a list of walled cities that are relevant even in modern times. These cities offer travellers an unmatched opportunity to walk through working markets, quiet residential lanes, and monumental gateways that have witnessed invasions, empires, and revolutions.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik’s stone walls form the city’s iconic silhouette, an unforgettable sight. Constructed between the 12th and 17th centuries, these fortifications were designed to protect a thriving maritime republic. The walls, complete with massive forts, towers, and bastions, encircle the entire Old Town. A walk along the ramparts offers panoramic views of terracotta rooftops, sparkling blue waters, and narrow limestone streets with several pretty cafés, churches, and homes.

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena’s walled city was built to defend the region’s most prized port from pirates and rival empires. Inside the walls, travellers get to see pastel-coloured balconies overflowing with bougainvillea, lively plazas, centuries-old convents, and music that drifts into the warm evening air. The combination of coastal views, historical significance, and infectious energy makes Cartagena one of the most atmospheric walled cities in the world.

Jaisalmer Fort, India

Jaisalmer Fort or the Golden Fort is one of the world’s last fully inhabited forts. The fort was built in 1156 CE by Rawal Jaisal. This golden sandstone citadel rises from the Thar Desert like a mirage, glowing golden under the desert sun. Hence the nickname – Golden Fort. Inside its massive ramparts lives a thriving community, shops selling colourful textiles, intricate Jain temples, centuries-old havelis carved like lace, rooftop cafés overlooking dunes, and winding alleys alive with local families.

Jerusalem, Israel

Jerusalem’s Old City is one of the most historically significant places on earth, enclosed by walls constructed in the 16th century by Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Within its gates lie four ancient quarters, Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Armenian, each offering its own sacred landmarks, vibrant bazaars, and layered histories. Pilgrims and travellers walk the same narrow streets that have witnessed millennia of cultural convergence and conflict

Carcassonne, France

Imagine a fairy tale, and then take a look at La Cité, Carcassonne’s fortified citadel. With 52 towers, a double ring of ramparts, and charming medieval streets, Carcassonne is as dreamy as they get. Its origins go back to the Gallo-Roman era, but it was during the Middle Ages that Carcassonne became one of France’s greatest fortresses. Today, Carcassonne’s winding lanes are homes to shops, cafés, and residents, making this a living museum, much like India’s Jaisalmer Fort. At night, the illuminated towers are a sight to see.

From ancient cities to dramatic natural landscapes, these nine international destinations are usually recommended by seasoned travellers as places worth visiting earlier rather than later.

Introduction

There are some journeys in life that are best taken while energy, curiosity and physical stamina are still on your side. Certain destinations reward travellers who are able to walk long distances, handle uneven terrain or embrace slightly demanding itineraries. From ancient cities to dramatic natural landscapes, these nine international destinations are usually recommended by seasoned travellers as places worth visiting earlier rather than later.

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto offers a rare window into Japan’s traditional culture, with more than a thousand temples, historic neighbourhoods and seasonal festivals. Many of its highlights, including the Gion district and Arashiyama bamboo grove, are best explored on foot, making mobility an advantage.

Iceland

Iceland’s appeal lies in its raw landscapes: waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes and lava fields. While infrastructure is good, experiencing the country fully often involves road trips, short hikes and exposure to unpredictable weather, which can be more demanding with age.

Machu Picchu, Peru

American historian Hiram Bingham is credited with discovering (more accurately exposing) Machu Picchu in 1911. They are perched high in the Andes, and remains one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites. Although trains and buses make access easier, many travellers aim to complete the Inca Trail or similar treks, which require good fitness and acclimatisation.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali combines temples, rice terraces, beaches and volcanic scenery. Exploring inland villages, climbing Mount Batur at sunrise or navigating narrow streets and steps around temples is far more comfortable while stamina is high.

Paris, France

Paris is a city designed for walking. This is especially true as, from museum-hopping to wandering along the Seine and climbing monuments, the experience often involves full days on foot. It is said that the city rewards travellers who can move at a steady pace.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town’s location is very interesting. It’s dramatic setting between mountains and sea offers outdoor activities such as hiking Table Mountain, thus exploring coastal trails and visiting nearby vineyards. These experiences are said to be most enjoyable with physical confidence and flexibility.

Rome, Italy

Rome is rich in culture. It’s layers of history unfold across sprawling archaeological sites, cobbled streets and busy piazzas. Visiting landmarks such as the Roman Forum or Vatican Museums involves extensive walking and standing.

Annapurna Region, Nepal

The Annapurna region is one of the world’s most popular trekking destinations as it offers routes such as the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp. In fact, Nepal in itself is a destination defined by its landscapes and trekking culture. However, Annapurna region is especially very demanding as even moderate treks involve altitude, uneven terrain and basic facilities, making them more suitable for travellers with physical resilience.

Antarctica

Travel to Antarctica is demanding even before arrival. According to official expedition operators, the visitors have to deal with rough sea crossings, cold conditions and they have to follow strict safety protocols. Landing excursions often involve climbing in and out of boats and walking on icy terrain, making it a destination best tackled while physically capable.