Summer Holiday Tips

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for people, but not dogs. Thousands of our furry friends end up lost, injured or sick during the winter holidays. Take a few moments to learn how you can easily make this holiday season a safe and happy one for dogs and puppies.

The best way to keep pets safe over the holidays is to think of them as children. Like children, the dangers to your pet depend largely on their age, training and ability to follow simple commands. A new puppy is more at risk because they lack the training and experience to deal with increased holiday activity in a household.

Untrained pups tend to ‘bolt’ out of an open door or gate and may not be missed for hours. Pups can easily be stepped on while trying to navigate their way through all the extra feet. Children can accidentally injure a puppy during rough play if adults are too busy to monitor them. Prevent injury to your pup by setting up a playpen or using a child safety gate to create a safe place for your pet to access food, water and a potty area away from all the activity.

Dogs of all ages tend to be overfed during the holidays. It’s natural for dogs to ‘beg’ for food. With all the extra cooking and eating, people feel guilty and give their pets lots of human food. This can make them sick and will add to the problem of obesity in older dogs. Never give chicken or turkey bones to dogs. They can splinter causing serious throat or internal damage.

Holiday plants such as mistletoe, poinsettias, lilies and holly can poison or make your dog very sick. These should be placed in areas that cannot be reached by dogs or younger children. Most kids instinctively pluck at plants, taste leaves and petals or offer them to pets.

Dogs that like to chew will try and make a meal of extension cords and electrical wires. Help your pet avoid a shocking experience by purchasing wire and cord protectors. Use pre-assembled Christmas Tree Light Sets. These easily wrap around the tree, tuck just inside branches and allow for connection to electrical sources near the top. This helps eliminate the danger of dangling light wires or loose extension cords under the tree.

Pet Owners that prefer traditional light sets should string their lights from the bottom of the tree up. Connect them to power sources near the middle or top of the tree. Dogs love to lay under or behind Christmas Trees. It’s easy for them to become entangled in loose wires causing strangulation, injury to extremities or worse as they try to get loose. If they pull hard enough, the tree will probably fall on top of them.

If you decide on a real tree instead of an artificial one, you will have to pet-proof the area around it. Dogs tend to chew on or eat pine needles and drink tree water. The needles can cause internal damage. Freshness treatments contain chemicals or fertilizer and stale water is a breeding ground for bacteria.

Artificial trees pose a risk because of the decorations we place on them. Broken Christmas ornaments and light bulbs can get stuck in a dog’s paw or mouth if they are chewed. If eaten, the sharp pieces will probably cause internal damage. Tinsel can cause an intestinal blockage.

Creating a safety zone between your dog and a Christmas tree can be accomplished in several ways. You can cut a real tree down to fit on a tabletop. Artificial trees assemble in sections and can be sized to fit on top of a table. Use gifts to fill in the space below. If you prefer the traditional floor to ceiling tree, screens or portable fencing can be used to keep pets and children away from the tree and gifts.

Most holiday pet problems involve strangers. If holiday visitors are unfamiliar with your pet situation, you cannot blame them when dogs are accidentally let out, given unhealthy treats or allowed to do things they shouldn’t. If you’re going to allow your dog to mingle, let holiday guests know what is and isn’t allowed when it comes to your pet.

Now let’s discuss the B word. Despite the best training in the world, it’s almost impossible to predict how a dog will react to someone new. A dog BITE can cost you a lot of money and end up being a death sentence for your pet. Think twice before you allow your dog or puppy to roam freely in an area filled with strangers. Apart from biting, young children can be mangled or clawed by larger dogs that are suddenly frightened.

The holiday season is the time for wishful thinking when it comes to gifts, not pets. If you’re not sure how your dog will react to seasonal changes in the home, take steps to protect your pet. As every parent or experienced pet owner knows, you only get one chance to protect and care for those you love.

Visit http://www.azpuppies.com for free dog health and care tips, toy dog breed information and puppies ready to be adopted.



By: Bill Knell

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Ponta Dos Ganchos is Brazil’s most exclusive resort, and winter holidays in Brazil make sense because of the favourable weather during the winter months. Rated as a top South American Hotel I was lucky enough to be taken there by family who live in Brazil.

Where is it? Obviously in Brazil, but in fact it is surrounded by the famous Costa Esmerelda, and about 45 minutes from Florianopolis airport. I also discovered it is a member of the Relais & Chateaux group, and as yet one of the great undiscovered hotels of the world.

I asked my uncle if we could have a totally Brazil vacation, and I said I had stayed in some of the best tropical vacation spots, what was there in the way of Brazilian vacation resorts which is why we ended up at Ponta Dos Ganchos.

It is a beautiful resort a real gem with only twenty rooms, and our room was truly stunning with a private pool, private sauna, and indoor Jacuzzi overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The bathroom was absolutely huge with double shower, his ‘n her toilets, double basins, there was even an outdoor shower.

The sundeck came equipped with a hammock and two long sunbeds, there was a well stocked bar, where everything non alcoholic was complimentary, and the flat screen television even rotated so you could watch it in bed or in the sitting room - fabulous!!

There are two restaurants, one where you eat breakfast or light lunch which is served all day, and the main restaurant where you could eat outside or inside, and it is on two levels. Lunch runs all afternoon, and dinner until the early hours of the morning so there is no pressure to stick to a routine. The food is good, not outstanding but lots of seafood which I love, and wine is at about European restaurant prices. Be warned that the staff although most attentive don’t speak English!!

We did some exploring, and found villages close by, the water was calm and clear for swimming, and we were lucky enough to see dolphins off the coast by the marine reserve. This hotel deserves its’ reputation as one of the best Brazilian vacation resorts in fact it is one of the best tropical resorts I have stayed in.



By: Annie Lucas

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Winter Holiday Picnic

 

A romantic picnic is a wonderful way to keep the spark alive in a relationship.  Unfortunately, if you live in an area that’s cold most of the year, you might think this activity isn’t available to you, but there are still many options to keep romance alive all year long.

Step 1 – Set the right mood:

 

Cold, winter months, especially during the holiday season, might actually be the perfect time for a picnic.  Plan for a cozy night alone - send the kids to a friend’s house, turn off the phone and the TV.  Make sure to hang all of your Holiday decorations, like a Christmas tree and colored or white lights to set the right mood.  Build a fire in your fireplace, light some candles, and turn on some romantic music – my favorite is anything by Frank Sinatra.

Step 2 – Choose the right picnic basket:

Having the right picnic basket can add elegance and sophistication to your special night.  Some of the most romantic picnic baskets are from Picnic Time’s English picnic basket collection, such as the Sandringham picnic basket, the Chardonnay picnic basket, or the Windsor picnic basket.

Of course, wine is an essential part of any picnic.  A suggestion for a red wine that works well for the holiday season is from Brotherhood Winery, the Holiday Spiced wine.  This wonderfully spicy and sweet red wine is a dessert all on it’s own.   You can heat the wine for extra flavor and warmth.  Keep this wine nice and toasty with one of our insulated picnic wine totes, like the Wine Duffle Driftwood, or choose a picnic basket with an insulated wine tote, like the Nottingham picnic basket. 

Step 3 – Pick the right menu:

 

Once you have your picnic basket, the next thing to do is fill it!  A great way to enjoy a picnic is with tasty finger foods.  Here’s some examples of items you can include in your picnic basket:

 

Cheese and Fruit

 

Spanakopita

 

Smoked salmon bites

 

Cranberry and cheese toasts

Step 4 – Focus on the right thing … each other:

 

Place your picnic basket on your picnic blanket and cozy up to your special someone.  Let the daily stresses melt away and remember what it’s like to gaze into each other’s eyes and appreciate every curve of their face, and every word they whisper.  Enjoy! 

For more tips like this, visit www.PicnicForYou.com



By: El Greco Solutions

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If you are interested in spending few days of fun amidst wild beats, fogs and long stretch of unending wilder, few reclusive and lazy days during the winter at Botswana can be the options to lookout for. This small nation inhabits only around 1.5 million people with a major part of it being covered with wildlife. The forests of Botswana allow the wild animals to live freely without the fear of being hunted. Going on winter holidays in Botswana can be great where one can meet altogether different cultural identity of Africa.

Winter Botswana holiday are one of the perfect ways for exploring the rarest inner life of Botswana and get the glimpse of its wildlife than you may never have experienced before. The fascinating scenery of the nation has also been featured in several Hollywood films such as ‘The Gods must be crazy’.

Although the country has no sea coasts and is situated far away from sea, tourism plays an important part in its economy. There are several game reserves and national parks with wetlands and wildlife. The nation is famous for Moremi National Park, Chobe National Park and Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is also a must see place in Botswana.

St. Claire Lion Park, Khana Hill and Main Mall are among the best places to visit while enjoying Botswana safari holidays. A variety of leopards and black eagles can be observed from the Kgale Hill, and the Gaborone Game Reserve is famous for bird watching, apart from other animals such as zebras, elands, impalas, wildebeests and ostriches. Cape vultures are protected in the Manyelanong Game Reserve which allows the visitors to see them sitting on rocks and flying around the area. The Mashatu Game Reserve is a private land and has the largest population of elephants. The wildlife of Botswana includes brown hyenas, lions, leopards, cheetahs, antelopes and wild dogs that can be seen roaming freely in natural parks and game reserves of the country. The natural resource management project of the country is trying to include villagers in its tourism.

Needless to say, Botswana is entirely an adventurous country for the travelers and allows the visitors to get a closer view of the wildlife.



By: Akhila Choudhary

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When most people think of a winter holiday they instantly think of skiing. As the world’s oldest, and most popular winter sport, thousands of people head to the mountains of Europe, North America, and some even more exotic locations every year to enjoy the delights of zooming down a snow covered mountain on a pair of planks. But what about those who want to enjoy a winter holiday without risking life and limb?

Well, there is a growing number of people who are heading out to ski resorts, yet who have no intention whatsoever of downhill skiing. Those who want to enjoy the great outdoors without the danger of snapping their bones, should try snowshoeing. Here, a special shoe is attached to your boots which allow you to walk easily over deep snow without sinking. Armed with a pair of poles you can wander along winter paths and enjoy the beautiful frosty scenery. Snow shoeing is ideal for young and old, as you can go at your own pace making it a perfect family activity.

Animal lovers might prefer to indulge in a less strenuous activity by taking a ride on a husky dog sled. Trips can be booked for a few hours, a full day, or even multi-day expeditions. After learning how to handle the sled and picking up a few of the basic dog commands, you’ll be able to set off through the snow after shouting “Mush! Mush!” at your pack of Husky hounds.

If you’re staying in a chalet or holiday cottage near a large town, then find out if there will be a Christmas market running. Throughout the festive period many places in Europe host Christmas Markets, offering visitors the chance to shop for local specialities, drink a glass of warming mulled wine, buy locally made crafts, watch live music, see impressive lighting displays, and listen to carol signers.

Adrenaline junkies who want a bit more power between their legs can get their throttle fix by going snowmobiling. Most ski resort areas have a snowmobile circuit which can range from a simple loop taking a couple of minutes, to backcountry expeditions which can last all day. Snowmobiles are very easy to operate, and anyone can pick up the basics within a few minutes. Instructors will always be on hand to help and guide you.

And finally, if you like your fish fresh, then why not give ice fishing a go? Especially popular in Scandinavia and the Baltic States, all you need is a short fishing rod or hand line, an ice drill and plenty of warm clothing. Organised trips are on offer for a few pounds an hour, and you also get to keep your catch.

So remember, winter holidays are no longer just for skiers - anyone can head out to the mountains and enjoy the winter wonderland without having to worry about ending up in hospital!



By: Elisha Burberry

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Zakopane is often called the winter capital of Poland. And it comes as no surprise because this resort offers everything you need for a good winter rest. Those are skiers that mainly arrive here.

During the last years the city applied to host Winter Olympics (unfortunately, it was not a success). Nevertheless, Zakopane attracts skiers not only from Poland, but also from other countries. Those who arrive here for skiing surely want to know what they will find here.

The city is surrounded with mountains. Professional ski centres are located on the slopes. There are also several of them (for kids and beginners) in the city centre. There are a total of approximately 10 ski centres and more than 50 lifts found in Zakopane. One will also find a funicular road to Gubalowka Hill. Here is a list of Zakopane ski centers.

Antalowka is located in the south and north of Zakopane and offers two lifts. Its advantages are: location not far from the city centre, several cafes, ski schools and an opportunity to rent outfit.

Gubalowka and Kaletnicza centers are in the heart of Zakopane, the southern slope of Gubalowka Hill and the northern and the southern slopes of Kaletnicza. Gubalowka is one of the most famous and most visited resorts notable for its funicular (located almost in the city centre), and a breathtaking view over the Tatra mountains. If needed, tracks and two lifts are covered with artificial snow. One good thing about the resort is that there are lots of restaurants, bars, service centers and car parks found at the lower stations. Plus, the resort’s convenient location.

There are several nice lifts located right on the city territory, on its flat slopes. But only Skocznia slope is covered with artificial snow, when needed, which gives you an opportunity to enjoy skiing even when the weather is unfavourable. The lifts are situated in the downtown, that’s why Skocznia is always crowded with people.

North-eastern slopes of Kalatowki are mostly visited by the professionals. Even though there are no snow cannons, you can ski all year round. Kalatowki is one of the most beautiful Tatra glades which has long been popular with those fond of winter holidays.

Budzowski Wierch is 2 km from Zakopane. Its gentle slopes are excellent for the beginners.

Another services are: outfit rent, cafes, ski schools and car parks.

Ko?cielisko, thanks to rapid growth of Zakopane, is now a part of the city. Larger part of the Western Tatra is found on its territory, so the place is excellent for skiing. Its infrastructure spreads over several slopes only. However, the district is well-equipped and, which is also very important, not crowded. There are 6 lifts offered.

Butorowy Wierch lies 2 km west from the city centre, close to Orbis Kasprowy hotel. During several years the place was poorly visited because of some administrative problems. However, in 2001/2002 its tracks gained popularity again. Restaurants, bars, outfit rental and ski service are waiting for you.

Nosal is one of the best Polish ski centers. Despite its small size, there are 9 lifts, a ropeway, car parks, hotel and service centers located on its territory. Most of its tracks are covered with artificial snow, illuminated and ratrack-serviced. Tracks range from professional to easy ones. And of course you will find restaurants, cafes, service centers etc.

Our next stop is at Kasprowy Wierch – the best and the most popular ski resort, however, also very crowded. It is located 7 km from the centre of Zakopane and equipped with 3 ropeways, including chair lifts. A lift to the Kasprowy Wierch is the first Polish ropeway. Ski season starts in mid-December and, if the weather is nice, lasts till the beginning of May.

Good choice of tracks and beautiful nature are the reasons why one should come to Zakopae for winter rest. A bus trip to Zakopane from Krakow takes approximately 20-30 minutes.



By: Tatyana Kogut.

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Christmas and New Years are times that you spend with your loved ones, but an increasing amount of people are now choosing to spend this time abroad. According to a recent survey, a record number of 3.5 million people have booked flights during the Christmas period, with 22nd and 30th December being the most popular dates to travel. The question is why is their an increasing number of people looking to get away?

One possible answer is the number of options customers have nowadays. They can compare so many different prices on various websites and find the best cheap holidays there are. Many people want to get away from the often stressful times of the festive period; destinations such as Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin and New York have proved to be favourites this year.

It is not just airports that are going to be busy this year, Eurostar has had to put on an extra 6 trains to cope with demand with an estimated 150,000 people booking their holidays and travelling via Eurostar. So what about those who have chosen to stay in the UK? Well, 90% say they would swap the inevitable problems of Christmas at home for a fortnight in the sun.

People booking holidays during the festive period is not abnormal, however, year on year the number is rising and the public now prefer to swap the cold winter weather for some European sun. It will be interesting to see whether or not this trend continues as the options for customers grow. Next year, destinations such as Goa, Dubai and Egypt are likely to be the nation’s favourite destinations.



By: Karl Bantleman

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With the credit crunch forcing increased prices on virtually every product, it is no surprise that people will struggle travelling abroad this winter for that perfect break with the family. Here are a few tips to help you cut back the cost of your trip, leaving you the piece of mind that you can enjoy your holiday as you wished.

Do not travel in the school holidays – Holiday companies know that this will be the most popular time of year due to families preferring to go on holiday when their children are off so they do not interrupt their education. With this in mind they bump up the prices, in some cases up by 40% to 50% but not only will you pay more, it will be busier at the resort or airport.

Go over Christmas day – if you are adamant to travel over the festive season, make sure you are away on Christmas day as it can save you up to 25% than if you travel a week later over the New Year.

Transport and cater yourself – By driving and cooking for you and your family you can save hundreds of pounds on your holiday budget although it will require you to drive around a lot of your time away.

Rent equipment where possible – if you are planning to go skiing, you should consider renting your equipment before hitting the slopes. Buying the equipment brand new will cost a lot and it will work out better value for money if you go skiing once a year.



By: barryloughran

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Most ski resorts have an international character. The architecture and facilities are often standard, and the restaurants prepare international cuisines. Thus, this question is reasonable: where can skiers get a true French style holiday while skiing in the French Alps? If the skiers will come into the Chamonix Valley from the west, they will find the answer - the new ski resort of Les Houches.

The Les Houches is a traditional French village in which the geographical domain is located between 950 and 1900 meters above sea level. At the highest elevation, the skiers and tourists will enjoy an encompassing 360-degree view of Mont-Blanc. The ski area has a total of 55 kilometers with 22 well-maintained icy slopes with 10 kilometers dedicated to cross-country skiing. Most ski runs meander through the forest, making skiing even more pleasurable, while the cross-country trails are located near the Chavants Lake.

The majority of the pistes at the new ski resort of Les Houches are suited for beginners and intermediate skiers. However, there is one slope for experts, the La Verte des Houches, which is used for international ski championships. Nevertheless, expert skiers may find greater satisfaction in exploring the nearby regions. Fortunately, when in Les Houches, the skiers will have easy access to the whole ski region of the Mont-Blanc, which comprises a total of 700 kilometers of ski runs spread over 343 pistes. There will most certainly be enough access to black runs for the expert skiers.

More than a hundred snow cannons augment the snow and the skiers will find excellent snow conditions. The skiers are serviced by a modern lift system that has nine draglifts, six chairlifts, one bubble lift, and one cable car. Aside from skiing, the new ski resort of Les Houches also provide facilities for other winter holiday activities such as ski jumping, paragliding, ice skating, ice hockey, dog sledging, and even helicopter tours. All of these fantastic amenities make Les Houches competitive with other ski resorts. But what makes the Les Houches ski resort uniquely French?

The new ski resort of Les Houches has an exceptional and genuine Savoyard vista, which is reflective of the peace-loving and independent French spirit. During the day, the atmosphere is sparkling and animated and during the night, the mood is relaxed and laid back. Thus, during the day, the skiers can concentrate on conquering the slopes while enjoying the spectacular scenery of Mont-Blanc and the charming French architecture of Les Houches and during the evenings, the skiers can relax and spend longer hours in restaurants to enjoy French specialties such as farcement, raclette, fondue, and tartiflette. Of course, there are also shops, discos, cinemas, and nightclubs.

To experience French holidays at the new ski resort of Les Houches, the skiers may choose any of the several methods to reach this authentic French village. They can drive for approximately eight hours, starting from Calais. Or they can fly in through any of the six nearby airports, such as the Geneva Airport.



By: Edison Adam

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Everyone seems to be feeling the pinch of the credit crunch, frantically trying to save every penny here and there. It seems we are all cutting back and trying to minimise expenditure, however the savvy saver should be thinking long term. Since everybody is doing the same thing, in this case not spending, corporations have been forced to drastically slash prices, to entice the public into loosening the purse strings a little. We are being seduced with the most attractive deals ever on luxury consumer items, such as new cars, flat screen televisions and, of course, holidays.

Is it working? Well, not just yet, it appears people still cant quite justify splashing out on non essential treats. Therefore seemingly crazy bargains are still to be had. Why not consider giving an alternative Christmas present this year and take someone special, or the family on a winter holiday? It is a loving gesture, very generous and will mean you can beat the manic Christmas shoppers.

Spending Christmas away from home and the monotonous, usual routine is exciting and adventurous. With a white Christmas pretty much guaranteed in most ski resorts, a magical and festive atmosphere enchants all in the warm, mountain top, towns that sprinkle the majestic mountain surrounds.

Children love frolicking in powder snow, making snowmen and just harnessing the beauty of youth, whilst adults are never short of things to do and fun to be had. Obviously skiing and snow boarding are the main attraction of a winter holiday, the lure of making fresh tracks, surrounded only by nature and breath taking scenery is enough for most. However for those less inclined, there are many less extreme activities to be enjoyed by all, such as cross country skiing, sledging, hiking, igloo building and snow driving to name just a few.

Another great thing about a winter holiday is the apres ski element, simply a chance for everyone to socialise, get together and be merry, after the last ski lifts have finished for the night. Mountain resorts come alive and take on a new dimension in the evenings, spectacularly illuminated and buzzing with energy, everyone is out maximising every second of their winter adventure holidays. Additionally many adults relish the opportunity to have a few drinks without worrying about driving home and working the next day.

If you are planning a winter holiday this year definitely think about celebrating the new year abroad, an excuse for a all out party. Having been lucky enough to spend a few new years eves in winter resorts, I can not emphasise enough what a different, exhilarating and explosive night it is, the Europeans certainly know how to have a good time and put on a great show. Everyone gets in on the action and combined is a thrilling night of celebrations which is fantastic for all the family.



By: John Mce

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