Flying with Pets

 Sometimes you just want to take your furry friend with you on vacation. Other times, you are moving halfway around the world and leaving your best friend behind simply isn’t an option. First-time flying can be nerve-wracking for pets if they are unprepared. Check out these simple tricks for navigating air travel with Fluffy or Fido:

1.      Calculate the costs. Believe it or not, there are charges for flying with your pet. These costs can range from $75-$200 for a one-way flight. Research airline rates ahead of time so you aren’t stunned by these fees when it’s too late.

2.      Visit the vet. Call your airline and find out if they require vaccination and health documentation for your pet. Find out if your pet has any health concerns that will make flying more difficult. Even better: research local vets at your destination so you’re prepared in case something goes awry.

3.      Pick the right time. Early morning or late evening flights work best in warmer weather while midday flights are better in colder months. If possible, book a nonstop flight to minimize your pet’s anxiety

4.      Prepare the carrier. Putting your pet in a strange kennel the day of the flight and hoping it will be calm is a recipe for disaster. Instead, place the animal in the container a few times at home. Line the bottom with a familiar blanket and include a favorite toy to provide a sense of security.

5.      Pile on the exercise. They day before and morning of your flight, exercise your pet as much as possible. The goal is to tire them out so they are relaxed on travel day.

6.      Don’t forget food and water. No matter how short you think the flight may be, always pack food and water in your furry companion’s crate. Freeze water before you leave home for easy transportation and a refreshing treat once the plane is in the air.

7.      Ditch the Drugs. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises that owners never sedate their pets when flying. The combination of tranquilizers and high altitudes can prove fatal.

Reduce some of your own travel anxiety by making a free online reservation at Team Parking!
 

Seven Simple Tips for Winter Packing

The holidays are stressful enough without having to shove every coat and scarf you own into a suitcase for winter travel. Stop shoving, pushing and pulling your luggage for hours, waiting for your clothes to magically compact themselves! Instead, make things easier on yourself by taking a look at the list below:

Ø  Choose synthetic fabrics. They will keep you warm and snuggly and are less likely to be fluffy and take up precious space.

Ø  Hats are the secret to staying warm! Make sure you pack a hat that covers your ears and the back of your neck for maximum warmth. Additional flaps or needless furry decorations just waste space.

Ø  Mix and mach. Have three to four pairs of warm pants that you can wear with three to four different sweaters in a variety of exciting combinations.

Ø  Don’t forget to layer. Bring t-shirts, thin long sleeve shirts and fleece tops. Layer them under your outfits accordingly.

Ø  Take care of your toes. A solid pair of boots is a must for winter travel. Wear them on the airplane to save space. Make sure that your winter travel shoes are weatherproof and dark colored so they won’t show stains from mud or slush.

Ø  Gloves=TLBT. Your gloves should be thin, light, breathable and waterproof. Pack gloves with some kind of grip and make sure they are of the quick drying kind.

Ø  Sunscreen: Not just for the beach. A windburn, or sunburn from reflection off of snow or ice is every bit as painful as summer sunburn. Take precautions.

Don’t get stuck in the cold! Make your free parking reservation with Team Parking and we will keep your car warm during your trip.

 

Take STEPs to Safeguard Yourself Abroad

 

 

Thinking about traveling abroad but concerned for your safety? Put your worries to rest and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

·         What is STEP? STEP is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency, such a lost or stolen passport.

·         Emergency Help: U.S. consular officers aid Americans who encounter serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties by providing them with the names of local attorneys and doctors. They provide loans to destitute Americans, and deliver information about dangerous conditions affecting your overseas travel. STEP also assists U.S. citizens in emergencies, such as natural disasters or civil unrest.

·         Non-Emergency assistance: Consular officers perform non-emergency services, helping Americans with absentee voting, selective service registration, receiving federal benefits, and filing U.S. tax forms. They can notarize documents, issue passports, and register American children born abroad.

·         Enrollment: Enter information about your trip and subscribe to receive updates on Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts and other information for a particular country. Be sure to include an email address or phone number where you can be reached while traveling.

Remember to book your reservation at Team Parking before you leave from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) on your overseas excursion.