After years living under the cloud of a pandemic that limited where they could travel, many people have a strong desire to head off for parts unknown. As individuals and families ponder business trips or vacations, they may think about bringing a beloved pet along.

According to an AAA/Best Western survey, 85% of dog owners travel with their dogs. The most popular vacations to let pooches tag along include going to the beach, camping and hiking. As a greater number of people are engaging in more activities with their pets, businesses in the travel and hospitality sector are taking notice and have become more accommodating to four-legged guests. However, there’s still plenty to learn when taking a dog along as a travel companion.

Invest in a Crate

Even if the dog does not need a crate at home, it’s best to have one for travel. Crates often are required for airline travel and can keep dogs safer in cars. Many hotels also require that dogs be crated in the rooms to keep them out of trouble and prevent damage. A crate should be large enough that the dog can stand, turn and lie down, according to the American Kennel Club.

Pet-Related Documents

It’s important to prove that the dog is healthy and current on vaccinations. Officials may ask to see documentation when traveling abroad. Some travelers also may want to investigate pet passports. The USA does not require a pet passport, but the European Union pioneered pet passports to enable animals to move more freely throughout its member nations.

A Short Trip First

If you have never traveled with a dog before, make the first trip a short one, such as an overnight or two-day stay. This way, if the trip turns into a fiasco, checkout isn’t a week away. Shorter trips also help people figure out what works and what will need to change the next time.

Expect Some Fees

Most hotels charge a fee for doggy clients. A fee of $25 to $50 is pretty standard. There also may be a designated pet floor to minimize the chances that guests without pets will be forced to interact with animals.

Unusual Pet Behavior

Normal behavior may go out the window. A dog who is calm at home may be out of sorts while traveling. It’s not uncommon for a dog unphased by people at home to suddenly be anxious and bark at sounds in a hotel hallway.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants

Smarter Travel says that some hotels won’t allow a guest to keep the dog alone in the room. That means meal time can be tricky. Find restaurants nearby that allow pets. Many that have outdoor seating may enable a leashed pet to stay near the seating perimeter.

Bring Water

When packing food, pack a few gallons of water as well, even though it can be cumbersome. Some dogs with delicate digestive systems may be upset by drinking the local water. A case of diarrhea is compounded further by having to make it into an elevator and outside the hotel in time.

Tire the Dog Out

Exercised dogs tend to be well-behaved dogs. Make time to go on long walks, visit a dog park or engage in other activities that will make the pup tired so it’s less likely to cause problems at the hotel.

Learn the ropes of traveling with a dog to increase the opportunities for having lots of fun with Fido in tow.

Planning your first vacation to Italy? Not only is this beautiful country one of the top culinary destinations in the world, but it’s also home to some seriously iconic tourist attractions to boot. With over 55 UNESCO World Heritage sites, three active volcanoes and over 1,500 lakes, you’ll never get bored. And if you are, well, there’s always pizza!

When organizing a vacation to Italy, there are a few things you should know in order to have a safe and enjoyable getaway. First-time travelers take note: these are some of the things you consider for your Italian adventure.

1. Figure out what kind of trip you want to have

Italy’s got it all: 4,600 miles of coastline lined with hundreds of gorgeous beaches, numerous tourist attractions, lively cities, charming villages and sprawling vineyards. From low-cost to luxury, Italy has accommodation, restaurants and activities to fit every budget, whether it’s renting a yacht off the coast of Capri, staying in an affordable hostel in Rome or enjoying a Sicilian farmhouse getaway.

Consider your interests, as well as some of the things Italy is famous for, like gastronomy (you could build a trip around dining out or cooking classes), art (Italy has some of the top museums in the world) or exploring a wine region (drive through the hills of Prosecco or Tuscany’s wine country).

Or, think about destinations. For each week you have of vacation, you can comfortably squeeze in two destinations (maybe more if you’re a very active traveler).

• If you love art and tourist attractions, consider Rome and Florence.
• If you love fashion but also want to relax, consider Milan and one of the northern lakes.
• If you want pizza, cityscape and coastal charm, consider Naples and the Amalfi coast.
• If you want to dig into Italy’s food and wine scene, consider a road trip through Tuscany or Piedmont.
• If you love skiing, consider a visit to Milan and the Italian Alps.
• If you’re looking for romance, consider exploring Verona and Venice.
• If you need a beach vacation, consider exploring an island like Sardinia or Sicily.
• If you have 10 days or more and want to enjoy the most typical tourist circuit, consider a trip to the big three: Rome, Florence and Venice — some of the country’s most popular spots for visitors.

Note that while you can find various price points around the country for lodging, dining and activities, typically, costs are lower in southern Italy than in northern Italy.

2. Pick the right season

In general, Italy has wonderful weather. Many areas of the country see lots of sunshine and temperatures are mild even in winter, though summers can be steamy. Depending on what you plan to do, make sure to consider the season. Beach visits are best in the summer, though months like May and September see fewer crowds and still have great weather.

Avoid larger, crowded cities like Rome in the heart of summer, unless you’re prepared for extreme heat. Harvest season/autumn is the ideal time to visit the wine region, and southern Italy can be mild throughout the winter. Many deals can be found in the low season, but know that winter in the north can be cold and rainy.

If you do go to Italy between March and October, bring sunblock and a hat — don’t underestimate those Mediterranean rays.

3. Do your research when it comes to tourism

Although Covid-19 has put a dampener on tourism, during busier times, attractions like the Vatican may see up to 30,000 visitors per day. That means you may have to wait a long time in line to buy a ticket and enter. Add Rome’s scorching sunshine to the mix and you may end up sunburned, exhausted from queuing all day and never get the chance to step foot in the Sistine Chapel.

If visiting big-name tourist attractions is important to you, buy tickets online. Skip-the-line tickets or guided tours may also be worth the price: evaluate your options and decide.

City passes are another alternative. The Milan city pass offers things like discounts on popular attractions, free Milan public transport and a free drink at a local Milanese bar. The Rome tourist card has fast-track entry benefits and free access to the Vatican and the Colosseum. Florence’s city pass includes skip-the-line entry to Galleria degli Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia, plus tickets for the hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

So, think about what you want to do and see, do the maths and purchase ahead.

4. But don’t forget about local spots too

Visiting Italy’s most famous attractions should hold a firm spot on your bucket list. That being said, plan to take some time to get off the tourist track a bit. Consider exploring more local neighborhoods or visiting a small village or a less-popular spot like Lake Maggiore instead of Lake Como. Seeing all the big-name hotspots is a must, but experiencing the beauty of true Italian culture and cuisine may be even better.

5. Take the train

The Freeciarossa runs between some of Italy’s best destinations. These high-speed trains from company Trenitalia are affordable, fast and comfortable. Traveling up to about 180 miles per hour, trains are one of the best and quickest ways to get from A to B. And, you won’t have to deal with learning the Italian rules of the road or the hassle of car rental agencies. Taking the train is easy: You can purchase tickets easily online ahead of time or last minute depending on your travel style. You can visit spots like Milan, Rome, Florence, Venice, Turin and Naples on the Frecciarossa trains.

6. Don’t discount the islands

Italy’s island culture goes beyond just the beach. And, there are over 450 of them! Sicily has a whole sub-culture of its own, and far-flung spots like the Tremiti islands or the Aeolian islands will ensure you get sufficiently off-the-beaten-path. If it’s luxury you desire, Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda is a hotspot and nothing looks sexier on an Instagram feed than Capri.

7. Familiarize yourself with the language and culture

You might get lucky when it comes to a larger city like Rome, where many locals speak English.

Southern Italy or smaller villages are a different story. Luckily, Italians are a friendly bunch and will do their best to communicate with you despite any language barriers.

Italy is old, and so are its streets. Many are made of cobblestone. While locals (Milan, here’s looking at you) may jog by in designer stilettos, you should wear comfortable footwear. Make sure to dress modesty, especially when visiting churches. You won’t be allowed into spots like Vatican City if your knees and shoulders aren’t covered.

While mealtimes aren’t quite as late as Spain’s, Italians tend to eat slightly later. Expect lunch around 1:00 p.m., and dinners around 8:30 p.m. or 9:00 p.m.

8. Money-saving tips

While it’s normal to make a tourist faux pas or two (especially on your first trip), here are some things you should avoid:

• Tipping at restaurants if it’s already included on your bill (many spots add in a 10% service charge).
• Heavily tipping taxi drivers (rounding up to the nearest euro is normal).

Save even more money with the following:

• Take advantage of apertivo hours in northern Italy. These are happy hours that offer free buffet food for a few hours pre-dinner time in the early evening. Order a drink or two to gain access to the snacks.
• Stand at the bar to drink your espresso. Table seating at breakfast has an additional charge, and even more if you want to eat outside.
• Beware of the “coperto.” This is a service charge for simply eating at the restaurant, usually a euro or two per person.
• Don’t eat or drink in the main city square. These spots are usually overpriced tourist traps.

9. Be alert for travel scams

Watch out for those trying to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists with scams:

• Pickpockets;
• Gladiators: If you take a photo of or with them, they’ll expect a tip;
• Taxi scams: Insist the meter be turned on, or make sure you’re aware of any flat-rate pricing;
• Unauthorized tour guides or ticket helpers at train stations; and
• Anyone who approaches you with lavender, flowers or a pizza box. Just walk the other way.

Bottom line

Armed with these tips and tricks, planning a trip to Italy will be easy. You can sit back, relax and enjoy all the delights Italy has to offer, knowing that you’ve picked the right destinations, will skip the line to see those bucket-list tourist attractions, avoid scams and save a little money on meals.

Travel wear is a category that is adored around the world, so much so that everyone has their own take on it. From co-ords to the coolest drops, the spectrum of travel wear has spread far and wide. With many options, one can tend to get confused and stray away from the whole point of travel wear — stylishly comfortable apparel that looks and feels as good before and after one has travelled, be it a road trip, a quick flight, or even an overseas adventure. Whether you’re jet-setting to a bustling city or exploring serene landscapes, your wardrobe can be both functional and stylish. From versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to key accessories that elevate your look, discover how to express your unique style while staying practical and chic on your journeys.

Essential tips for women’s travel wear

Riddhi Jain, fashion expert and founder of NeceSera, shared some essential tips and insights to help you curate a travel wardrobe that effortlessly combines comfort and fashion.

1. Fabric-first

Fabric choice goes a long way in making sure you look turned out even after travelling. Imagine a soft cotton shirt that’s been ironed to the T only to look crushed when you reach your destination. That can put a damper on the best of us. Instead, go for fabrics that are breathable, comfortable, and most definitely wrinkle-resistant!

2. Think in layers

While travelling, think of fits that can be layered up or down. Suddenly feeling a little too warm, remove that hoodie to cool things down. Too chilly in-flight? Snuggle with an easy sweatshirt! Layers are key to keeping things comfortable as you never know when temperatures take a turn. Look at fabrics like Supima modal that are great for layering.

3. Pockets always

On-the-go with no pockets is a tragedy. Want to be hands-free but still have a few essentials on hand? Pockets! They are an absolute must-have when choosing travel wear. Pick joggers, hoodies, jackets, and pants that are outfitted with pockets aplenty.

4. Versatility wins

Spontaneous plans, running late, and no time to change before you need to get somewhere? Choose looks that deliver comfort and style and are also versatile enough to carry you through almost any situation. A monotone co-ord that can be styled up, our new mini waffle fabric, and flared pants that look elevated every time are some of our favourites to look out for.

Millions commute to workplaces using public transport mode

Public transportation is an essential part of urban life, providing convenience and accessibility for millions of people worldwide. However, it gets risky to travel in one as it is also a breeding ground for germs and infections, especially in densely populated areas. As we continue to navigate the challenges posed by infectious diseases, it’s crucial to take precautions when using public transport services. Let’s discuss different ways you can keep yourself free from infections while taking public transport services.

Wear a mask everytime you step in a crowded bus or metro​

Wearing a mask is one of the most effective ways to reduce the transmission of respiratory infections. It helps contain your respiratory droplets and protects you from inhaling potentially contaminated air. Make sure your mask covers your nose and mouth securely and replace it if it becomes damp or soiled during your journey.

Maintain physical distancing​

When possible, maintain a safe distance from other passengers. Many public transport systems have designated seating arrangements or floor markers to help with this. Staying at least six feet away from others can significantly reduce the risk of airborne transmission.

Use hand sanitizer​

Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer and use it frequently. Apply sanitizer to your hands after touching surfaces like handrails, door handles, or ticket machines. Make it a habit to sanitize your hands before touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Avoid touching your face or mouth​

Touching your face with unwashed hands is a common way to introduce germs into your body. Be mindful of this habit, and resist the urge to touch your face during your journey. If you need to scratch an itch or adjust your mask, use a tissue or the inside of your elbow.

Avoid eating or drinking in bus or metro​

While it’s tempting to grab a snack or a drink during your commute, doing so can increase your chances of infection. Eating or drinking in a confined space like public transportation might require removing your mask, exposing you to potential risks. It’s best to wait until you’ve reached your destination.

Opt for contactless payment​

Whenever possible, opt for contactless payment methods such as mobile apps or prepaid cards. This minimizes the need to handle cash, tickets, or touch payment terminals, which can harbor germs.

​Wear gloves​

If you’re particularly concerned about contact with surfaces, you can consider using disposable gloves. However, be cautious with their use, as improperly removing gloves can also lead to contamination. Dispose of them properly after use and sanitize your hands immediately.

Clean your personal belongings

Regularly clean and disinfect items you bring with you on public transportation, such as your phone, wallet, or bag. These items can pick up germs from surfaces and contribute to the risk of infection.

​Do not travel in bus or metro if you are not well​

If you’re feeling unwell, experiencing symptoms of illness, or have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for a contagious disease, it’s best to avoid using public transport altogether. Stay home, seek medical advice, and consider alternative transportation options if necessary.