Latest news with #Bourgerie
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
8 Questions You Should Ask Before Traveling With Your Dog
Going on vacation with your dog can be a great way to forge unforgettable memories and explore a new place without having to leave your canine companion behind. 'Traveling with your furry friends can be a lot of fun,' Maddi Bourgerie, a travel expert with the RV rental marketplace RVshare, told HuffPost. 'According to 78% of American pet owners travel with their pets each year.' But not every pet is suited for travel ― and not every destination and trip type is suited for pets. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul flight across the country, you should carefully consider if it makes sense to bring your pup with you on the journey. So where to begin? Below, dog and travel experts outline eight questions to ask yourself before taking a trip with your dog. 'For those who are looking to bring their pups along for the ride, be sure to consider the different pet-friendly accommodations available in the area,' Bourgerie said. Do your research and find out which hotels and home rentals are available to you and your pup. Lauren Gumport, the vice president of communications and brand strategy at Faye Travel Insurance, recommended using the filters on sites such as and Airbnb. 'It's always nice when hosts or your hotel also love animals,' she said. 'I've had great experiences where a hotel asks me the size of my dog in advance so they can put an appropriately sized dog bed in the room.' In addition to dog beds, some accommodations offer pet-sitting services, treats and even special dog menus. 'A pet-friendly hotel will be a better option for you and your dog than one that's simply pet-tolerant,' said Dr. Tammy Hunter, a veterinarian with VCA Animal Hospitals. 'This is because while a pet-tolerant hotel will allow your dog to stay with you, a pet-friendly one will likely be more welcoming and have different dog-specific amenities available. Look for places that allow dogs access to on-site areas and offer plenty of outdoor space for your dog to play.' 'Always consider if your travel destination is somewhere your dog would enjoy being,' advised Nicole Ellis, a dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert with Rover. 'Is your dog comfortable in new environments, are they comfortable around strangers or in crowded areas? Some dogs are better suited to quieter destinations with lots of nature, while others thrive in bustling towns.' On the other hand, some dogs might just be more comfortable at home playing fetch with a pet sitter. In addition to your pet's temperament, assess whether the destination has dog-friendly public spaces and activities that your pup could enjoy. 'A dog-friendly vacation should have walking areas, a dog-friendly beach, stores that allow dogs and ample parks, trails, beaches or other outdoor spaces where dogs are welcome to join ― leashed or off-leash,' Ellis said. 'Destinations with dog-friendly hiking trails or even kayak and boat rentals that allow dogs are a huge plus too. Ask yourself, are there dining options that [are] pet-friendly, such as on the patio?' 'You'll want to consider the weather conditions of where you're headed,' Bourgerie said. A Fourth of July trip to Florida might sound fun for you, but is that level of high heat exposure good for your dog? Are you able to ensure proper ventilation and temperature control in your car and your accommodations? Can you pack enough water and food to keep them safe in the event of an extreme weather incident? 'Depending on the size and breed of your dog, they may not be comfortable or safe in certain climates like extreme heat or cold,' noted Angela Laws, head of community at the home- and pet-sitting service TrustedHousesitters. 'Consider the length of your trip and how your dog handles travel, whether by car, plane or train,' Ellis said. 'A long journey might be stressful for some dogs, and some may love it where you can work in some nice roadside stops together.' Stress, anxiety, motion sickness, getting lost and exposure to infectious diseases are all potential issues for dogs in transit to a far-off destination. If your trip is short, consider whether it's worth the hassle and risk to bring your pup with you, versus letting them relax at home with a sitter or run around with other dogs at their favorite doggy boarding spot. Talk to your veterinarian if you're still unsure. 'When traveling with your pet, make sure to have access to their veterinary records, proper confinement ― bag, crate or both ― and any medication they may need,' said Dr. Carly Fox, a veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. 'In addition, make sure your pet has clear identification and is microchipped.' She recommended putting together a pet emergency kit with everything in one place. Beyond health and safety, consider their happiness and sense of security away from home. Are you able to pack familiar toys, blankets and grooming supplies? What about a water bowl, leash, waste bags and plenty of their regular food? 'How you get to and from places on vacation is something people may not think about until they get there, so dog parents should check in with public transportation, ride-share services and taxis to see if they're dog-friendly,' Laws recommended. Assess what you'd like to do on your trip and how to get there. If most activities are within walking distance, that can work out quite nicely. 'Always check local pet policies before you go, including leash laws and breed restrictions, just in case,' advised Dr. Michelle Dulake, a veterinarian and co-founder of Fera Pets. Destinations like Hawaii have strict rules and requirements for canine visitors, so you'll want to make sure you have the proper documentation. And other places simply do not allow dogs or limit their access to certain areas. 'If you're heading to national parks, make sure they accept dogs,' Gumport said. Service dogs may be exempt from certain restrictions, so do your research and make sure their paperwork is up to date. 'Finding cities and destinations that have local veterinary clinics, pet stores, dog-sitting services and boarding is a major plus for your pup's care,' Laws noted. Make sure to look up the resources available for you and your dog before you reach the destination. Get a sense of your proximity to care in the event of an accident or sudden illness. 'I always look for the nearest 24-hour veterinary emergency hospital in case of an unexpected emergency,' Fox said. 'It's better to be safe than sorry!' 10 Dog-Friendly Destinations Worth Visiting With Your Pet The Rudest Things You Can Do At The Dog Park Is It Too Hot To Take Your Dog Out? Here's What To Know Before You Go.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Yahoo
5 Ways Inflation Is Making International Travel Cheaper This Year
If you've been dreaming of an international getaway but held off due to high costs, 2025 might be the year to book that trip. Read Next: Find Out: While inflation has driven up prices on many everyday expenses, it's also creating unexpected opportunities for budget-conscious travelers. From favorable exchange rates to airline fare adjustments, certain factors are making international travel more affordable than you might expect. Here are five ways inflation is actually working in your favor — and how you can take advantage of lower travel costs this year. In a recent RVshare renter survey, nearly 70% said that rising travel costs impact their decision to travel this spring or summer, according to Maddi Bourgerie, travel expert at RVshare. 'For those Americans who are planning to travel abroad, there are a few factors that could be driving down the cost of international travel, including increased airline capacity and competitive pricing following pent-up supply post-pandemic,' she pointed out. Learn More: A lot of travelers are simply shifting to more budget-friendly destinations, according to Steve Schwab, CEO of Casago. But another way that inflation works in the traveler's favor, he said, is that 'traveling simply feels a lot less expensive because inflation here in the U.S. is not reflected equally in other places around the world, so their dollar does carry more weight.' While the dollar can fluctuate, by locking in international travel now, and even ordering foreign currency early through your bank, you may be able to take advantage of better exchange rates. A strong U.S. dollar can allow travelers to have more purchasing power and stretch their dollars further in other countries with weaker currencies, making accommodations, dining and activities more affordable for Americans abroad, Bourgerie said. However, she urged travelers 'to always do your research ahead of traveling abroad to stay up to date on the latest exchange rates.' Additionally, Bourgerie said that some airlines are adding capacity and keeping international fares fairly flat compared to years past, as a result of inflation, though 'hotels are seeing mixed trends.' While some hotels may lower rates in off-peak seasons or for newly launched properties, she noted that travelers are opting for budget-friendly spots, domestically and abroad. Regardless, Bourgerie said it's a good idea to plan as far in advance as you can, booking between six and nine months early or as soon as flights become available, taking advantage of miles and points. 'Look into alternative travel accommodations for your travels … and research free and inexpensive activities to take advantage of,' she said. She recommended researching and targeting destinations that have 'weaker currencies where you can get more bang for your buck,' while also exploring somewhere new and on your bucket list. While travel is still pricey in the best of economic times, going abroad may bring relief as you stretch your travel budget further. More From GOBankingRates 5 Types of Vehicles Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying 3 Changes That Could Be Coming to Social Security Now That Congress Is Republican This article originally appeared on 5 Ways Inflation Is Making International Travel Cheaper This Year
USA Today
14-03-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Southwest Airlines is charging for checked bags. Will loyal flyers stick around?
Southwest Airlines is charging for checked bags. Will loyal flyers stick around? Show Caption Hide Caption Southwest Airlines to end its free checked bag policy The new policy will affect tickets purchased on or after May 28. Fox - Ktvu Southwest Airlines is adding a new Basic fare and will begin charging for baggage on May 28. The airline has also recently made changes including assigned seating, offering fares on Expedia, adjusting its loyalty program, launching red-eye flights and partnering with Icelandair. Some customers are considering switching airlines due to the changes, feeling Southwest is losing what set it apart from other airlines. Maddi Bourgerie always chose to fly Southwest Airlines, even when there were more direct flight options on other carriers. For the last five years, the Austin-based marketing director and travel expert at RVshare and her husband have been committed to the carrier, even having a Southwest credit card and a companion pass. "I just fell in love the way they ran their airline, like open seating, the way they boarded the aircraft as well as the free bag policy," Bourgerie said, adding that these features made the carrier stand out against others. "It mitigated the decision paralysis of where am I sitting, how much is it gonna cost, how much is the baggage fee?" Southwest Airlines ends free checked bags for most travelers—here's what it means for you However, those perks are going to become a thing of the past. Southwest announced Tuesday it will add a new Basic fare and start charging a baggage fee on May 28, marking a shift from its long-standing policy of allowing two free checked bags. This is the latest of several significant changes the airline has set in motion. What changes has Southwest made? Just a few months prior, Southwest revealed it would take away open seating – a longtime staple – in favor of assigned seating with the offer of premium seating in early 2026. The airline also recently made its fares available on Expedia, adjusted its loyalty program, launched red-eye flights, and partnered with Icelandair. Bourgerie is one of many Southwest customers who are blindsided by the new policy changes and feel the airline has lost the qualities that once set it apart, which is now driving them to reconsider their loyalty to the airline. "We'll see, only time will tell," she said. "They're making a lot of changes at one time, which could be detrimental." Does Southwest still have a differentiator? With this latest baggage fee change, the airline is stepping into new territory. For longtime loyalists, the question looms: Is Southwest still Southwest? 'It's a massive change,' Mario Matulich, president of Customer Management Practice, told USA TODAY. 'When you build up a level of customer loyalty around a differentiator like free bags, shifting away from that creates friction. Southwest is now playing on the same field as Delta and American ‒ but without the same loyalty infrastructure.' Story continues below. Robin Taylor, a Las Vegas-based nurse and content creator, has flown with Southwest for around 20 years, always picking the carrier over others because it was more affordable and the "free baggage really helped," especially as she often travels for mission trips and one suitcase is exclusively filled with medical supplies. "The final straw was the bags," she said. "First, it was the pricing, it became more expensive, then the seating, which is not too big of a deal ... but what else is saying this is Southwest Airlines anymore?" Why is Southwest making all these changes? Southwest is undergoing a three-year transformation plan called "Southwest. Even Better" to increase profitability and better serve its most loyal customers. "We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments we don't compete for today, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our Shareholders expect," Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan said in a news release regarding the baggage fees. The pressure to increase revenue is clear, but it might come at the expense of customer experience. 'You see companies do this all the time,' Matulich, a leading expert in customer experience, added. 'They adopt a 'penny-wise, pound-foolish' mentality ‒ alienating customers for short-term financial gains. In the end, it's the brands that prioritize ease, personalization and speed that win.' For Southwest, the challenge now isn't just matching legacy carriers ‒ it's proving to its core customers that it still offers something different. 'If Southwest wants to stay competitive, it needs to think beyond this policy shift. What are they doing to make life easier for customers? What new differentiators can they introduce? Because if they don't, they're simply stepping into the same race as every other major airline without a strong competitive advantage to win over travelers.' What's next for Southwest customers? Such a "massive change," as Matulich put it, is bound to cause friction among Southwest's customer base. Customers will pay up, but only if they're confident they'll get a better experience. In the past few days, Taylor has been shopping around for flights – and this time, she's considering flying with another airline. "Several times, Southwest has been priced out, and now to add baggage fees," she said. She's not the only passenger thinking about switching airlines. Tanisha Long flew with Southwest Airlines about every other month. In addition to personal travel, she asked her employer to book flights with the carrier. 'I actually enjoy the Wild West style of boarding,' the 35-year-old told USA TODAY. 'I used to get a little thrill out of, like, gaming out how I would find a good seat.' Perks like two free checked bags kept her coming back. After the airline revealed it would start charging for bags, she was annoyed. 'I felt like it's just another way to squeeze money out of people who have been loyal to Southwest,' said Long, who lives in Pittsburgh and works for a human and civil rights law firm. 'I'm just really not sure why they've moved away from the things that make Southwest Southwest,' Long said. Once the changes take effect, she said she'll probably return to flying with Delta Air Lines, which she previously flew with frequently. She likes the seats on Delta, she said, and the airline offers features that Southwest does not, such as free Wi-Fi on many flights (though Southwest does offer free messaging as well as complimentary Wi-Fi for Business Select and A-List Preferred passengers). 'Little inconveniences that I was willing to put up with, I'm not anymore, so there's literally no reason for me not to go back to Delta,' Long said.
