By Deborah Brightstar

Are you planning on taking a trip with your pets? If so, traveling with pets requires special considerations. Here is a basic checklist to consider when preparing to travel with your pets. Keep them and their needs in mind as much as you would your own so that it can be an enjoyable trip for all of you.

1. How will you transport them? Do you have a crate, cage or kennel to transport them in? This provides them with a safe place to feel secure in. Make sure it meets the requirements of the mode of transportation you will be using. Airlines have very stringent requirements for pets.
2. Do you have adequate food and water to keep them nourished and hydrated appropriately? Make sure they get a potty break as late as possible, before they have to be confined for long periods of time.
3. Have you made arrangements with the airlines for your pets’ travel? They may require special health certificates from your veterinarian in order for your pet to be allowed to board the plane, or vaccines if you are traveling to another country. Make sure your pet is healthy enough to make the trip. Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time before your trip to make sure you have all required documentation so that your travel plans aren’t ruined by unexpected requirements you weren’t aware of.
4. Do you know what to do if your pet gets sick while flying or driving? Check with your vet and make sure to have the appropriate remedy for your kind of pet, just in case they have a sensitive stomach or anxiety. Better safe than sorry with a stinky mess on a long flight, bus or car ride!
5. If you will be staying in hotels along the way, make sure they are pet friendly and will allow your particular kind of animal in their establishment Do they require reservations or deposits?
6. Does your pet need exercise or have any special needs, such as medications, that must be considered while en route, so they remain healthy and happy during the trip?
7. Remember to pack a bag for them, complete with all the necessary supplies for their physical, mental and emotional well being. If you have a high energy dog, for example, that you know is going to go stir crazy on long flights or car rides, then make sure you plan into your trip time to stop and throw a ball or take a long run or walk before long periods of confinement. Make sure you pack their favorite toy or bed and tend to their needs to minimize their discomfort.

Even though you may think taking a trip with your pet is fun, it is still stressful for them, so make sure you provide as much routine as possible for them along the way to reduce stress and increase their enjoyment. Traveling with your favorite furry, feathered or scaly family members can be fun for all of you, if you consider all their needs and yours and prepare and plan appropriately.

For further information, contact Deb at doggiedivapetcare.com.

A Piece of Paradise

The Fountain of Youth Spa is a real paradise in the Southern California desert between the Salton Sea and the Chocolate Mountains. Within a day’s drive from most of Arizona, it’s a popular stop for snowbirds. The scenery and views are exceptional, and the community is very welcoming. There are almost 1000 sites to accommodate all types of rigs.

A stay at Fountain of Youth is rejuvenating and filled with many activities for your enjoyment. For those who love hiking there are options for all levels including a vigorous climb to the top of one of the Chocolate Mountain peaks. The resort has two world-class tennis courts and six beautiful bocce courts, two pool areas and daily water exercise classes. Horseshoes are very popular, as are shuffleboard, pool playing and card games.

The resort offers fabulous facilities and a friendly, capable staff, several recreation halls with large kitchens, stage, TV & computer room, weights & fitness equipment, poolroom, puzzle room, and library. There are two large pools, four hot spas, and two individual mineral spas and steam rooms. There’s also a nine-hole desert golf course, two laundromats, store, beauty salon, café, massage therapist, and beautiful new homes for rent or sale.

Guests enjoy an abundant social life contributing to scheduled events with their many talents. An active square dance group dances weekly and offers regular lessons. A yearly Art Show and Craft Fair amazes newcomers, and every Tuesday is local talent night. There’s a dance every Saturday night and church services on Sundays. The weekly produce market is full of fresh local delights, and the monthly Flea Market is a favorite. Of course these are just a few of the scheduled activities and events held during the fall and winter season.

With weather, views and personality like this, it’s no wonder FOY is known as a piece of paradise! Within an hour of Palm Springs or Mexico, and two hours from Yuma, FOY is offering AZ Tourist readers a 4th Night FREE with this article.

888-800-0772; www.foyspa.com

Winter Information Meetings

The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) is proud to present the Winter Information Meetings. Come out and join the fun as the CSA fulfills its mission to inform, educate and entertain!

The Canadian Snowbird Association has been actively defending the rights and privileges of Canadian winter travelers for more than 15 years. Continued advocacy in the halls of government in Canada and the United States is of paramount importance to ensure that we continue to enjoy the benefits that we have worked so hard to achieve.

At every CSA Winter Information Meeting (WIM), the tables turn and the microphones are handed to the audience for the opportunity to pose their own queries, comments and concerns to the association’s Directors. The WIMs also include presentations from a member of the CSA Board of Directors and Medipac’s Travel Insurance Chief Medical Director Dr. Robert “Bob” MacMillan, followed by the entertainment of Canada’s “Ambassador of Good Cheer” Jimmy Flynn and Celtic balladeer Tom Leadbeater.

The CSA Winter Information Meetings will take place at the Radisson Suites in Tucson, AZ on February 17, the Yuma Convention Center in Yuma, AZ on February 21 and the Fantasy Springs Casino Resort in Indio, CA on February 23. The shows are from 1- 4 pm, with the doors opening at noon.

Admission to all Canadian Snowbird Association special events is always FREE.

CSA: 1-800-265-3200, www.snowbirds.org

Explore the Great Outdoors on Uncle Sam

To encourage Americans to get outside and get active, as well as explore America’s natural beauty, rich history, and culture, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has announced that the National Park Service will waive admission fees on 17 days in 2012.

The fee free dates for 2012 are Jan. 14-16 (Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend), April 21-29, June 9, Sept. 29, and November 10-12 (Veterans Day weekend). More information is available at http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm.

In addition, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service will waive their entrance and standard amenity fees Jan. 14-16, June 9, Sept. 29, and November 10-12. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will also have a fee free day on Oct. 14 in recognition of National Wildlife Refuge Week. The Bureau of Reclamation will waive standard amenity fees on Sept. 29 and Nov. 12.

Many park-related hotels, restaurants, gift shops, and tour operators will offer specials on fee free days.

202-208-6416

Winter in The White Mountains

Arizona’s White Mountains is home to a unique assortment of communities such as Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Snowflake, Taylor, Springerville-Eagar, Heber-Overgaard, Greer, and the White Mountain Apache Tribe. These truly Arizona towns offer cultural and historical options; they’re also great travel destinations.

Between the optimal climate and endless choices of outdoor recreational activities, this region is the ultimate escape from day-to-day city living, the perfect remedy for getting out of the daily grind and getting in to your favorite pastime. This time of year, Arizona’s White Mountains becomes Arizona’s winter wonderland.

Within a short 3-hour drive from Phoenix or Tucson, this majestic region of Arizona is home to Sunrise Ski Park. With 65 runs, Sunrise has long been considered one of the Southwest’s finest ski attractions. The ski park, located on the White Mountain Apache Tribe, includes a ski school, lodge, ski rentals, dining options, and stunning views.

Winter enthusiasts not only can enjoy the challenge of world-class downhill skiing, but snow boarding, cross country, tubing, and sledding. The area is also abundant with wildlife that calls this forested land home.

Whether you consider yourself a weekend warrior or simply a person who cherishes the great outdoors, Arizona’s White Mountains have something to offer you. Pack up your gear, turn off your cell phone, and visit this wonderful region of natural splendor.

www.azwhitemountains.net
www.sunriseskipark.com

Check Out Arizona State Historical Parks

There are some unique experiences awaiting you in Northern Arizona. Both Jerome’s Douglas Mansion and Fort Verde in the town of Camp Verde bring history alive for those who explore these State Parks.

The Douglas Mansion has been an eye-catching landmark in Jerome since 1916, when James S. Douglas built it on the hill just above his Little Daisy Mine. The house featured a wine cellar, billiard room, marble shower, steam heat, and, much ahead of its time, a central vacuum system.

This former home is now Jerome State Historic Park. The museum features exhibits of photographs, artifacts, and minerals in addition to a video presentation and a 3-D model of the town with its underground mines. One room, the Douglas library, is restored as a period room. There are more displays outside along with a picnic area offering a beautiful panoramic view of the Verde Valley.

The park is open 8:30 am to 5 pm Thursday through Monday (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

More information: AZStateParks.com/Parks/JERO

Fort Verde State Historic Park gives visitors the opportunity to experience life through the eyes of a frontier soldier. The fort was a base for General Crook’s U.S. Army scouts and soldiers in the 1870s and 1880s. Today it is the best-preserved example of an Indian Wars period fort in Arizona.

Visitors can experience three historic house museums, all furnished in the 1880s period and listed on the National and State Register of Historic Places. Living history programs are scheduled periodically. The park also offers picnic tables, RV and tour bus parking, and is ADA Accessible.

On Feb. 18-19 the park will host its annual Buffalo Soldiers event to celebrate African American Heritage Month; enjoy living history presentations, riding demonstrations and more. April 14-15 the park hosts History of the Soldier offering visitors a living history timeline of military and civilian encampments from the Revolutionary War to the present day.

The park is open 9 am to 5 pm Thursday through Monday (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

More information: AZStateParks.com/Parks/FOVE

Dance, Socialize at the Sonoran Ballroom Academy

Are you a snowbird looking for some fun in Tucson? Or a local wishing to try something new? Do you prefer the ballroom standards or hot Latin dances like salsa, cha cha and samba? Would you like to explore Country Western or West Coast Swing?

Head to Sonoran Ballroom Academy on Grant & Craycroft and you’ll find it all…new friends, group and private lessons, a chance to perform if you wish, and lots more. Come along to our dance every Friday night – you will be most welcome! Try our Introductory Special: two 1/2- hour private lessons and two group class or party entries for only $15!

520-290-2990

Stroll, Shop, Dine and Celebrate on 4th Avenue, Tucson

Located in Tucson, Arizona, the 4th Avenue Shopping District offers a truly unique shopping experience. This historical tree-lined avenue is home to over 100 locally owned shops, restaurants and pubs. Known as the eclectic/hippy district, 4th Avenue has become the oasis and heart of Downtown Tucson.

The 4th Avenue Merchants Association supports many events on the Avenue from its twice a year 4th Avenue Street Fairs (Winter and Spring), which draw over 300,000 people each, to its smaller signature events that draw 10 to 15 thousand attendees.

4th Avenue is Tucson’s Entertainment District. Visitors come here to walk, shop and people watch. Over 6 blocks long, the 4th Avenue Shopping District caters to small locally owned businesses. We call it “The Street of Dreams”. Anybody can sell you a pair of shoes, a dress or serve you a dinner, but on 4th Avenue we sell you the experience.

Come and stroll, shop, eat and celebrate on 4th Avenue – you will be glad you did!

4th Avenue Merchants Association: 520-624-5004, www.fourthavenue.org

In February, The Cochise Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Arizona’s statehood as well as its own 20th Anniversary of bringing the best Cowboy poetry and music to Cochise County. This Gathering is considered by many to be in the top 10 Gatherings in the country!

The 20th Annual Cochise Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering has been designated an “Official Centennial Event” by the Arizona Centennial 2012 Foundation Sanctioned Events Committee. The Arizona Centennial commemoration promises to be a year of celebration, reflection and newfound discovery of Arizona’s most important cultural and historical treasures. The 20th Annual Cochise Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering is a perfect event to be associated with the centennial.

More than 50 artists from all over the US and Canada will perform in three major stage performances in The Buena Performing Arts Center. In addition there will be mini concerts at the Arts Center throughout the day on Saturday. They invite you to come and celebrate the state of Arizona’s Centennial Anniversary and its history of Western culture through the song and verse of real cowboys. Stage performances are on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 PM and there is a Sunday matinee at 1 PM. The mini concerts run all day Saturday from 10 AM until 5 PM.

They have a phenomenal lineup for this year and are excited to bring such great talent to Sierra Vista. They are also planning some other sideline events that will tantalize your senses and offer additional activities. Visit their website for updates on this event.

Information: 520-678-9952, www.cowboypoets.com

Lake Havasu City’s Winterfest Is Not to be Missed

Don’t bring your snowshoes, but bring your walking shoes! Winterfest, a 27-year annual celebration of winter visitors, local residents and seasonal fun, returns to Lake Havasu City on Feb. 11-12.

More than 40,000 visitors will rub elbows along a two-mile aisle of vendors along the center of McCulloch Boulevard, flanked by shops, bars and bistros – 250 vendors packed into 425 spaces and 200 licensed storefront businesses, many with sidewalk sales. You’ll also find an Off-Road Zone, featuring ATVs and bikes – the toys you need to explore our natural surroundings.

There’s entertainment throughout the day, as well as things to do for the kids – pony rides, bungee rides, a climbing wall, arts & crafts and more. Hungry? Graze your way through an assortment of food booths. For adults there will be a beer garden adjacent to the Pearl Bailey Showmobile, a moveable stage named for late famed singer who was a part-time resident of Lake Havasu City.

Visitors like to stop at the Chamber’s booth to put pushpins into a large-scale map of North America indicating the town and state – or province if they’re Canadian – which they call home. Times: Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4. There is no admission charge.

Lake Havasu City C of C: 928-855-4115, www.havasuchamber.com