A Briggs Passport & Visa Expeditors

By Barbara Wade

Look to all four corners of the globe and you’ll find the world has gone pet crazy. Once upon a time, a feline friend or canine kid was considered a family member.

Today, they have achieved the level of status symbol. With stars such as Paris Hilton and Oprah Winfrey making their love of pets widely known, it is becoming significantly more common to find a local, pet-friendly hotel: Monaco to Memphis and Paris to Portland. Luxury hotel accommodations are even readily available for those who wish to pamper their four-legged babies.

Traditional Lodging for Pets

In years past, neighbors or family members traditionally shared the care of pets when owners left town. As the need for quality pet care grew, kennels began to sprout worldwide. These facilities generally offered basic shelter and food for dogs and cats. A wire kennel only big enough
to turn around in, along with food and water bowls served as the accommodations for boarded pets. Wanting better for their loved ones, pet parents continued to make their wishes for care known and thus, luxury pet lodges were born.

As appealing as this option is, what many owners really wanted was to simply take their pets with them when they traveled. Providing that option, along with many pet amenities, is the fundamental premise behind a truly pet-friendly hotel. Monaco, Rome and countless other
cosmopolitan destinations, for example, have pet-friendly hotels that allow guests to house pets in their rooms. While a much better option for some than leaving pets behind, other hotels go miles farther to make the pets’ visit as outstanding as the owners’.

Amenities for Pets

Right here in the U.S., pets can receive exceptional treatment when traveling with their families. For example, one Portland luxury hotel has a K-9 Director of Pet Relations whose job it is to make all pet-guests feel right at home. This social golden retriever named Art ensures that all pets - and their owners - understand the amenities available to pets, including a food bowl with coordinating mat, dog bed, complimentary dog treats, bottled spring water and dispose-a-scoop cleaning supplies.

Scheduling a massage for yourself? Don’t forget your pet. Canine and feline massage specialists are on staff to de-stress your pet after a long day of travel. While you’re at the hotel fitness center, your pet can enjoy a delightful stroll around the block at the hands of a trained professional. While you and your family are out with business or sightseeing during the day, your pet can visit with a pet sitter so loneliness and boredom don’t set in.

When booking pet-friendly hotels, be sure you ask about extras such as deposits or additional cleaning fees. You’ll also want to inquire about weight limits imposed on dogs and other pets.

Luxury doesn’t have to be for humans alone. When you travel with your family, bring everyone along - pets and all. With the luxurious accommodations available for pets, there is no reason the entire family can’t enjoy a vacation together.

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Planning a trip? Is your passport up to date? Click here to order or renew your passport.

About The Author:

Barbara Wade writes articles for the newly renovated Hotel Monaco Portland luxury hotel. With well-appointed accommodations and innovative pet programs, the Hotel Monaco offers a convenient, central location.

By Lawrence Westfall

The top 10 reasons to book your hotel online are:

1.It’s Fast

Click, click, click and you are done. You can look at pictures of the hotel and rooms, read reviews, and safely book your hotel room.

2.It’s Secure

As mentioned above, booking online is safe and secure. Just look for the little lock in your bottom toolbar and check that the site is “https”. This will guarantee your safety.

3.You Can Compare

It is very easy to comparison shop for your hotel online. Either by taking notes or opening multiple browser windows. Find the best price for your vacation lodging.

4.It’s Instantaneous

Well, almost. You usually receive an email confirmation within the hour that you can print out and present at check in. Don’t forget to bring this with you.

5.It’s in Your Language

This is all done in your language. So, you don’t have to call a foreign country and hope that they understand you.

6.It’s Cheap

Using one of the many hotel consolidators, you can book your hotel for less than booking directly with the hotel. This is the same concept as booking your flight through a travel agent instead of directly with the airline.

7.The Variety

Hotel consolidators will provide you with hotels in every shape, size, and price range. They will also provide the location to make it easier for you to decide. This makes it easier for you to compare and get the best value for your money.

8.The Specials

Unpublished specials are provided to the hotel consolidators that are not available directly through the hotel’s web site.

9.You Get Local Access

If you want to contact the hotel consolidator via a telephone, most have toll-free numbers and personnel that speak your language.

10.It’s Convenient

You can do this at home sitting in your boxer shorts. You can also read current reviews and see what others have to say about you future home away from home.

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Planning a trip? Is your passport up to date? Click here to order or renew your passport.

About The Author:

Larry Westfall is the owner of Bangkok Accommodations and a frequent traveler to Thailand. You can find great Thailand hotel prices at Larry’s site Thailand Accommodations.