Morocco can be a wonderful place to visit and many of us might recall adventurers such as T.E Lawrence who contributed to the region in more ways than one. We may also remember classic movies such as Casablanca which was supposed to be set in the land of Morocco. Lines such as “here’s looking at you kid” and “ What in heaven’s name brought you to Casablanca?” “…My health, I came to Casablanca for the waters.” “The waters? What waters? We’re in the desert.” “…I was misinformed” certainly ring in our minds.

Who could forget the other classic lines from Casablanca that will go down for the ages? “You know how you sound…? Like a man who’s trying to convince himself of something he doesn’t believe in his heart” and “Where I’m going, you can’t follow. What I’ve got to do, you can’t be any part of. Ilsa, I’m no good at being noble, but it doesn’t take much to see that the problems of three little people don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. Someday you’ll understand that.”

Lines such as those and more certainly will make individuals want to at least go and check the great land of Morocco out, to at least be in the space and discover the country for themselves.

If you are planning on taking a visit to this North African nation and might find yourself taking multiple trips in Morocco do yourself a favor and follow these few tips to have a great experience.

Dress Well

It is important that you pay close attention to the attire and the customs of the region that you go and visit. Women should note to dress modestly, while men can wear regular attire that they might in their home countries. It is best not to dress provocatively as they may attract unwanted attention.

Money

You’ll want to make sure that you have enough Dirhams on hand to be able to move around in a pleasant manner, make sure to have the right amounts of this currency while booking cabs and for conducting other affairs in the region. Do not rely on automated teller machines to spit out the right currencies as they may be out or might not be reliable.

Put on your Negotiating Cap

Morocco is a place where you will want to make sure to get the right substance in exchange for your money. This is not to say that merchants will rip you off, no, it is more to say that you can negotiate as that is part of the culture and prices are not rigid they are flexible. Don’t’ hesitate, learn how to negotiate! You will just have to invest the time into the deal and be rewarded with good prices for quality items.

Tourists are a form of income for many shop owners and people in the region

Make sure to have a good time but stay guarded. Random people may offer to be your guide to the region but they might not be trustworthy. This means that individuals might try to take advantage of your lack of knowledge and urge you to spend more money at shops that they take you to, spend more money on the tour itself, etc. It is wise to look at different options for tours earlier on and go with trustworthy people. 

Watch out

Watch out for a variety of things, pickpockets, the food and the types of water. The food might be prepared differently and not similar to how it is in your home region. Thus is it is necessary to note that for the first few days while in the land, there is a chance that your stomach might feel queasy.

Make sure to follow precautions with important items, from your passport to your money as pickpockets may lurk.

Also, make sure to source water bottles if possible so you can stay refreshed and won’t have any issues from a health standpoint.

Our pets are our family members. This is a simple reality. As a result of the close bond that we have with our pets, we oftentimes take our furry loved ones on vacation with us.

In the end, it really should go without saying that we want the easiest, safest, and most enjoyable course of travel for our beloved pets. This certainly includes a trip that will involve air travel.

Fortunately, in recent times, some airlines have been working pretty hard at better accommodating out furry family members when we travel. Some of these developments are worth noting.

Airports are Evolving

During the past five years, a number of major airports in the United States, and elsewhere around the world, have become more proactive and are taking more significant steps to better accommodate traveling cats, dogs, and pets. JFK Airport, serving New York City, is a prime example of what some airports have been to when it comes to better accommodating furry travelers.

JFK has constructed a special climate controlled terminal area specifically designed to accommodate pets. The section of the terminal as been appropriately called “The Ark.” This area is proving to provide a travel respite both for dogs, cats, and other furry travelers as well as their human compatriots. In many ways, there is noting as comfortable as being able to come together before or between flights with travelers in similar situations.

First Class is Changing

Research revealed that a significant number of passengers who typically fly first class have one complaint. Historically, many airlines didn’t permit furry companions to accompany their humans in the first class cabin.

An increasing number of airlines have begun to reexamine this policy. These airlines have come to a realization that the number of passengers who might dislike sharing a first class cabin with non-human travelers is significantly less than the number of first class travelers who dislike the fact that they have been unable to travel in the prime cabin if they bring their pets along.

Over the course of the past three years, some major airlines have been loosening the restrictions that they once had in place pertaining to pets in first class. The transition has resulted in more than airlines becoming more liberal in permitting pet in first class.

For example, an increasing number of airlines are not only opening their doors wider to pets in first class in the first place, but they are serving special treats for pets that do travel in the prime cabin. Some airlines are even providing pet-perfect blankets to permit furry fliers the ability to snuggle and nap in comfort when traveling.

Addressing Cheating the System

Most people that travel with pets do so on the up and up. In other words, most of us bring our pets along following the rules and regulations established by the airlines. These include paying whatever fee might be charged to bring a pet along in the cabin during a plane flight.

A digression for a moment is important. The safest (and most comfortable) way you can travel by air with your pet is by bringing your furry family member along with you in the cabin. Of course, there are limitations, primarily based on size and species, when it comes to a pet brought into an aircraft cabin. However, if your pet does meet the basic requirements permitting travel in the cabin, that should be the selected course to optimize safety and comfort for your pet, despite an associated fee. (There is also likely going to be a fee for stowing your pet in the cargo hold. It may be less. But, the price difference is nominal considering the benefits obtained by you and your pet traveling together.)

Unfortunately, there are a handful of air travelers who have abused the ability of people with emotional support animals to bring these furry companions on board a commercial airplane without paying an additional fee. These individuals have lied about their pets being emotional support animals in order to get a cheaper flight.

Airlines have cracked down on this cheating the system in recent months. In the end, travelers who lied about the status of their pets proved detrimental not only to individuals who legitimately do travel with emotional support animals as well as to other pet owners who abided by airline rules and regulations. In the end, changes made by airlines to better control the manner in which a claim of traveling with an emotional support animal is made will benefit all travelers.

Jessica Kane is a writer for Handicapped Pets, your most trusted source for dog wheelchairs and harnesses.

4 Essential Tips For The Best Miami Family Vacation

The fall season is upon us and winter is just right around the corner. You may be dreading the cold and dismal fall and winter months, and thinking of packing up the family for a fun in the sun Miami beach vacation.

This is certainly not uncommon. Every year snowbirds flock to Miami and surrounding areas. And really why not? Flights are relatively cheap, depending on where you are coming from, and a few weeks of soaking up vitamin D on the beach can have mood lifting qualities.

This vacation sounds relaxing, but what if you have a partner and pack of kids you will need to bring along. Vacationing with your family can be a bit stressful, especially when you hotel bedroom is full of sand.

However, it doesn’t need to be.The following can serve as your playbook to having the best Miami family vacation ever. Let’s dive in!

1. Don’t Book A Rental Car

This essential tip for the best family vacation is an important one. It can save you hundreds of dollars, and help keep your sanity when it comes to driving in traffic with kids for hours on end.

There are a few reasons to skip the rental car for your trip to Miami. One is the traffic. Traffic in Miami is not fun, especially with kids. The Miami locals will admit that the driving aptitude is pretty bad and dodging traffic can be difficult while listening to your GPS directions. Add in bored backseat kiddos and stress levels can rise.

Another reason to skip the rental car is parking. Parking in Miami is a million dollar business for the city. Fees are high and parking is somewhat limited on the weekends. If you plan on driving to the everglades or the Florida Keys, you can simply rent a car for specific driving adventures.

2. Think About Location When Booking Accommodations

The number of accommodations in Miami is endless. From downtown to Miami Beach, there are tons of options, but not all are created equal. To have the best Miami Family vacation, you want to think about location and do a bit of research. This will cut down on travel time from place-to-place, and ensure you are in the area that will maximize family fun.

For example, if you and your family are heading to Miami to enjoy the beaches, be sure you are close to said beaches. There are a lot of hotels in the area that say they are close to the beach, but they are a bit of a walk from them. Downtown Miami does not have beaches, so if beach is what the family wants, Miami Beach is a better choice.

When traveling as a family, it can be difficult to find a big enough hotel room. One of the best parts about Miami as a family vacation destination is that there are a lot of affordable luxury condos and Miami south beach vacation rentals.

3. Be Sure To Explore Miami

Miami has a lot more to offer than just the white sand beach and beautiful turquoise water. The coolest part about visiting as a family is the different cultures, arts, and food ready to be explored, enjoyed, and eaten.

A short Uber drive from Miami Beach will transport you to places like Little Havana. This Cuban-centric neighborhood has some of the most vibrant culture and delicious food in Miami. If you like coffee, this is a must-go destination, because Cuban coffee is delicious and packs quite a punch.

For a more trendy art scene walk around the Wynwood area to see exceptional graffiti art, and the new generation of Miami. Places like the Wynwood Walls is a great photo opportunity for the kids, and stop by a local restaurant that is eco-friendly.

4. Save Money By Not Tipping

You and your family will be out and about eating at fun and tasty restaurants daily, but in many cases you can save money by not tipping. How much is a dinner out for the family? Probably pretty expensive and expect that bill to be about $20 to $30 more in Miami.

Not tipping does seem kind of harsh, but it is not what you think. Most restaurants in Miami will add a 15 percent to 20 percent gratuity, commonly called “service charge” to your bill after the state tax even.

Check the bill and examine it closely. If there is a service charge, or some other large charge, it is probably the tip, so you can skip tipping more. Unless the service was amazing, than have at it and leave as much tip as you want.

Have The Best Miami Family Vacation

The above four tips are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to family vacationing in Miami. They are, however, a few of the most important that can ease the potential stress of traveling as a family, as well as save you money. Do you have Miami vacation tips? We want to hear them.

While holidays are supposed to be a period of relaxation, it can be quite stressful if not managed properly. Enjoying a holiday is less about the destination and more about the mindset that you bring and the preparations that you have made. This is a concept that is yet to be mastered by those who are new to the holidaying experience. It would be a great waste of resources, and time, if you came back from your holiday more stressed than when you arrived. Luckily, this guide includes tips that you can follow to ensure that your holiday lives up to your expectations.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the art of living in the presence and immersing yourself in the experiences you are currently exposed to. In a holidaying sense, it means setting your mind in ‘holiday mode’. You won’t have a restful holiday if you spend every waking minute making business calls or worrying about issues that you left back home. Unplug for a while and enjoy your holiday destination. It helps if you had made adequate arrangements in your professional and personal life back home before you embarked on your vacation.

Pace Yourself

If you are in a particularly exciting holiday destination, then you will be tempted to try and sample all that it offers during your first day. Try to fight that temptation. Trying too much within a short period of time will diminish the pleasure that you get from each activity. It might also lead to you getting a physical and mental burnout which will spoil the rest of your holiday. Any experience that you may miss out due to time can be enjoyed when you next revisit the destination.

Your Body Is A Temple

While you are expected (actually encouraged) to let loose a bit during your holiday, keep your revelries to acceptable levels. Too much drug and alcohol consumption will negatively affect the enjoyment that you derive from your holiday. It will also leave you more susceptible to being a target for pickpockets and muggers. If the local public transport system is unreliable, keep safe by hiring a vehicle. Never forget to have a reliable caravan insurance for your hired vehicle, with the one sure insurance caravan cover being highly recommended. This is not accounting for the short term or long term health effects that they may cause. You can take part in some health boosting activities such as yoga which are usually available in most holiday resorts.

Ditch Toxic Tech

Technological advancements have made our lives much easier, but they have also become quite addictive. Spending too much time glued to your mobile device or laptop during your holiday will make you miss out on enriching experiences. Ditch the phone and experience what your holiday destination has to offer. Only use your tech devices to check in periodically with your loved ones or to document memorable experiences.

Leave work at work

No matter how important you are to your company’s operation, they can handle a few weeks without you. If you feel that the ‘void’ you are leaving behind in your workplace is too big, then maybe you should take more time to make arrangements for your holiday. Part of ‘unplugging’ means leaving your work commitments behind and committing to the holiday experience.

Busy moms know that envious feeling when their friends post photos on Instagram from a recent vacation. This is especially the case if you’ve spent your most recent long weekend cleaning the house or catching up on mundane tasks you’ve fallen behind on. Since you’ve become a mom, do you even remember the last time you caught a break?

It’s challenging to make time for yourself when you’re responsible for the needs of so many; a beach side getaway (even regionally to one of Ontario’s Great Lakes) feels impossible to coordinate. If you’re going to maintain your top-level productivity however, some breathing room is necessary. When taking a trip isn’t an option, setting aside half an hour to turn off your phone, sit in the bubble bath, and sip a glass of wine in the evening can be enough to tide you over.

While it might not be quite the same as being on the beach, exploring a selection of wine from Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island will give you that touch of southern exposure you need to relax. Summer is Ontario’s longest growing season; it creates the optimal climate for producing full-bodied reds, as well as zesty, light-bodied, and dry whites.

Colio Estate Winery, one of Ontario’s first wineries had its humble beginnings in this region near the sunny shores of Lake Erie, their wine is crafted with the patience, determination and the spirit of their founders. For lovers of white wine, their Lake and River Series is an excellent way to escape from the repetitiveness and routine of your days and nights. Their Moonlight White for example (2015 vintage) has a bouquet of light floral scents like honeysuckle and tropical fruit, this combined with its light straw colour and exotic fruit flavours on the palate will have you feeling like you’re floating. If you prefer a white on the dryer side, consider Colio’svineyard select 2015 Chardonnay. If you enjoy a glass of rosé on a summer evening, their Girls Night Out (2015 vintage) is the perfect blend of Riesling, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. It has a bouquet of raspberry highlights with a taste of zippy sour cherry flavours delivered in a dryer style.

Now, you can also order your favourite wines from this region (and others!) from the comfort of your own home thanks to Wine Online, where selections can be delivered right to your door — a service that women who work hard should take advantage of. This supplier also makes a point of curating their selections, so you know you’re receiving quality wine every time, complete with a full profile from tasting notes, to expert third party reviews, to food pairing recommendations.

Not every busy lady is fortunate enough to have the time off she’d like, especially if she’s got little ones to care for, but that doesn’t mean she can’t have the next best thing – a glass of something crisp to enjoy after a long day.