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On November 14th, thirteen FlipKey members strapped on their hairnets and volunteered their time to prepare meals at the Community Servings facility in Jamaica Plain. As part of “FlipKey Gives Back” month, an annual program created by the company this year, FlipKey plans to help its greater community by volunteering and donating to some select Boston-based organizations.

In deciding which non-profits to contribute to, Community Servings was an easy choice for the FlipKey team. Each week, the Community Servings kitchen prepares and delivers 7,500 meals to the critically-ill and homebound in Massachusetts. The individuals benefiting from this program all lay in a critical stage of a life threatening illness and are unable to shop or cook for themselves. 95% of these individuals are also living at or below the poverty level, making proper nutrition that much harder to maintain. By providing something as simple and necessary as a ready-to-eat meal, Community Servings helps to make life a little bit healthier and easier for these individuals.

In addition to getting hands-on in the Community Servings kitchen, FlipKey supports this particular non-profit by taking part in its annual Thanksgiving fundraiser called “Pie in the Sky”. Acting as pie sellers, FlipKey team members reach out to friends, family members, and colleagues to sell pies at $25 each with all proceeds going towards the various efforts of the Community Servings organization. The pies themselves are baked fresh and donated to the fundraiser by local restaurants, bakeries, and various other culinarily-inclined individuals of Greater Boston.

For their next hands-on volunteer day, members of the FlipKey team will visit More than Words, a non-profit, used bookstore that was established to help the displaced youths of Boston. This organization offers job experience and ultimately independence to teenage individuals who are in foster care, court involved, homeless, or not enrolled in school. With the help of volunteers, the organization also provides resume and cover letter workshops for these youths in order to support their paths towards a stable adulthood. FlipKey volunteers will help the organization’s efforts by working side-by-side with youths in the store while mentoring them on how to prepare for the job force.

Looking towards the Christmas holiday, FlipKey will soon also support the Salvation Army by participating in the Adopt-a-Family program. The Adopt-a-Family program involves donating a wish-list of items to a sponsored, suffering family that has gone through some sort of recent trauma such as critical illness, fire in the home causing displacement, etc. In addition to toys and fun items that the family requests, the sponsors are always asked to include new clothing and a gift card to a local grocery store in the donation.

Thus far, these volunteering opportunities have been well received with employees as a fun way to work together and get to know fellow employees. In the future, the hope is that the experiences gained during “FlipKey Gives Back” will inspire employees to consider volunteering on a more consistent basis.

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by: Kelly O’Reilly

These days, it’s safe to say that a vacation doesn’t actually happen unless there’s some social media proof posted along the way—right? Whether it’s with Instagram shots of your toes in the sand, or a constant stream of Tweets to keep your friends back home updated on your adventures (or at the very least, a little jealous), travelers have an increasing desire to stay connected abroad. You can’t just power up post-Customs without connecting to a new network with new—and often hefty—roaming charges.

There are several options to keep the charges in check, and we’ve put together a quick guide to understanding international data, how different carriers set up their rates, and how you can get the most bang for your buck abroad.

Steps needed to take when traveling

While you have lots of options and a variety of potential limitations, getting yourself set up with international data can be simple if you take the proper steps before you leave.

Step #1: Check the network and bandwidth on the make, model and carrier on your phone against what’s available in your destination.

Step #2: If you discover your phone won’t work where you’re traveling, inquire with your carrier about phone loaner programs.

Step #3: Explore the international data plans available from your carrier, and utilize any usage estimating tools they may offer to determine which one is best for you.

Step #4: Either online or over the phone, add your desired plan to your account services the day of (or day before) you leave.

Step #5: While abroad and using international data, if you are not pre-paying, monitor your usage in the settings of your phone to make sure you don’t rack up overage charges. See below for tips on how to do so.

Step #6: Be sure to deactivate your international data plan upon your return if it doesn’t expire automatically.

We’ve also broken down the various options you have from major carriers to avoid getting stuck with astronomical roaming charges—take our word for it, using an international network racks up really fast—and once you decide what’s right for you, it’s simply a matter of activating with one click or phone call. Let the updates roll in!

Know the basics: what is cellular data?

Your wireless devices revert to cellular data networks when WiFi is unavailable, and there are a few different types of such networks that differ in where they’re available and what type of browsing they support.

There are two networks worldwide—while the standard in the US is CDMA, used by Verizon and Sprint, the rest of the world operates primarily on the GSM network, used by AT&T and T-Mobile. While CDMA carriers are gradually updating their inventory to include devices that are both GSM- and CDMA-compatible, if you’ve got a slightly older model phone, you should check its compatibility in your travel destination. For example, if you’ve got a CDMA-only iPhone 4, it may not work in countries in Europe and elsewhere.

Furthermore, different countries and regions operate on different frequencies within those networks, so even if you have a GSM-compatible phone, for example, it has to be operate on the 3G band to work in some parts of Asia.

Most carriers list this information on their websites, otherwise a quick phone call will help you verify what you’ve got. If you discover your phone will not work, check with your carrier about your options—some offer loaner phones for loyal customers, or the ability to unlock your phone and use a local SIM card for those in good standing. Visit your carrier’s Help section or tutorial forums to learn more.

If it seems overwhelming, never fear—we’ve got a breakdown of various international data plans offered by the four major US carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint), as well as the steps to take to get your phone working affordably overseas and tips to maximize your international usage for the money.

International Data Plans by carrier

Every carrier structures their rate plans a little differently (of course, why would they want it to be easy?)—taking a look at the major players, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile, here is the range of options.

AT&T

Data Global Add-On packages are available in three tiers, starting at $30 for a month’s allotment of 120MB, then going up to $60 for 300MB, and $120 for 800MB (plus $30 per 120MB overage charges on all three levels).

For those concerned about overage, AT&T also offers International Prepaid Data packages at the same rates, with the primary difference that those expire when you’ve used up your allotted data or exceeded the time limit purchased.

Note: The minimum timeframe you can sign up for is 30 days, even if you’re only traveling for a week, and you must remember to turn off the monthly charge when you return, otherwise it will become a recurring charge on your account.

Use their data calculator tool to figure out how much you need.

Verizon

Verizon’s Global Data Plan allots for 100MB for $25, with an overage charge of $25 for an each additional 100MB after that. Like AT&T, the plan is structured as a monthly service so the same rule applies—if you will not be needing global data once you return, remember to remove the service from your account.

On their website, Verizon points out the value in signing up for global data this way—standard “pay-as-you-go” roaming rates run around $20 per 1MB.

Use their data calculator tool to figure out how much you need.

T-Mobile

Beginning October 20, 2013 for existing customers and October 31, 2013 for new customers, T-Mobile has introduced the Simple Choice Plan as a standard plan for all users. As part of the new plan, unlimited data coverage is included in 115 countries for no extra charge beyond your monthly payment. They list the entire list of covered countries on their website here—you’ve just got to make sure your device is compatible internationally.

Use their data calculator tool to figure out how much you need.

Sprint

Unfortunately for Sprint customers, their International Data Pack Add-Ons are the most expensive of the major US carriers, starting at about $1 per MB while traveling outside the US, Canada and Mexico.

For the pack covering Canada and Mexico, the monthly service starts at $30 for 55MB, with an overage fee of $4 per MB. If you’re traveling to countries outside North America—see their coverage list on the plan page—they offer monthly plans for $40 for 40MB and $80 for 85MB, with a steep overage charge of $10 per MB after that.

Use their data calculator tool to figure out how much you need, and see the tips below for limiting data usage. With Sprint, you’ll need them.

Tips on reducing data usage

Regardless of what plan you pick, there are ways you can get the most bang for your buck. Here are a few ways to monitor and minimize your usage so you stay within your plan, while still enjoying—and sharing—every minute of your trip, and staying connected back home.

 If you opt for the minimum amount of coverage, or decide to take a chance with roaming charges, there are several ways to limit data usage while abroad.

• Pick a hotel with free WiFi, or if you’re already paying for hotel WiFi, turn off your cellular data when you’re in your room and jump on the wireless network.

• When venturing out of your hotel, look for cafes, shops, and public spaces offering free WiFi and take your break there—you’ll rest your feet and be able to check in on Facebook at the same time!

• Make sure you monitor your usage. You can keep track of how much cellular data you are using by going to the settings menu. If you’re not sure how to do so, check online. Apple support pages and Android guides can explain the proper steps.

• If you’re using an Android phone, set data limitations in the same menu screen.

• Turn off push notifications as they can eat up your data pretty quickly. Also go into your settings menu to see which apps are using the most data. Depending on your phone’s make and model you can turn off data for certain apps.

• Close running apps. This will also help with your battery life, so always good to make sure you’re not needlessly keeping things open.

Or don’t take our advice and you could end up like the world famous Jeremy.

 

 

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by Megan Eileen McDonough

Travel goes way beyond the sights and sounds of a destination. Eating is something we all need for survival anyway and luckily, it’s also an excellent opportunity to experience local culture. While Foodspotting and other discovery apps are helpful in hunting down trendy restaurants and hole-in-the-wall joints, there are even more resources for experiencing cuisine the local way.

Ness

Restaurant reviews are definitely helpful to potential diners but personalized suggestions are even better. Ness gives users instant restaurant recommendations based on their tastes and preferences. As soon as you sign up as a user, the platform asks you to rate ten restaurants and basically, the more restaurants you rate, the more accurate your recommendations will be. From a user perspective, the interface is easy to navigate and allows you to create beautiful lists of new restaurants you love or old favorites. Like most other apps, you can connect quickly through Facebook.

LocalEats

When traveling within the US or internationally, try using LocalEats to find your next dinner spot. The website and app ($0.99) allows users to search for nearby restaurants, view restaurant deals and get driving directions, among other services. Perhaps the best thing about LocalEats is that absolutely no chain restaurants are included in their inventory, making it even easier to discover local restaurants you might have otherwise overlooked. Other features include scheduling a taxi for pick-up and drop-off and searching by the type of cuisine, price, neighborhood and amenities.

VoulezVousDiner

Bridging the gap between a traditional restaurant and a home cooked meal, VoulezVousDiner brings locals and travelers together through dinner parties. Depending on whether you’re a local looking to host an event or a traveler seeking an authentic gastronomic experience, users can either host a dinner or search for one to attend as a guest. The platform allows hosts to create their online menu and important details including the type of cuisine, a description of each course and how much dinner costs. In a nutshell, you might not strike up a conversation with the couple sitting next to you at a restaurant but at a VoulezVousDiner event, that’s exactly the point.

Untappd

Going out for drinks is just as important as picking a restaurant and Untappd caters specifically to beer drinkers on the hunt for new and innovative brews. Use Untappd to discover the most popular bars and beers around the world and share your findings with your friends by leaving a comment, “toasting” them or sharing photos. The app also has a functionality that sends you personalized beer suggestions, which will likely cut your search time in half. Similar to Foursquare, users can earn various badges as they discover more beers. Recommendations are mainly determined based on user activity and where you’re friends are drinking.

Restaurant Row

If all you want is a little help in deciding where to eat in your local area or even abroad, Restaurant Row will hold your hand through the discovery process. The website breaks down all different types of situational meals: where to go for something new, best places for a celebratory dinner and where to go for a quick snack are all searchable within the database. The company does a good job of curating the reviews and they actually take into account a user’s feedback. The restaurant listings are generally up to date so you can get a pretty good idea of what to expect at a particular restaurant.

EatWith

Similar to VoulezVousDiner, EatWith allows travelers to dine with local residents in a fun and engaging way. From their homepage or app, browse through a slew of different dining experiences all around the world. Users can search by country or type of cuisine and are able to directly contact the host to ask more questions regarding the meal. Unlike VoulezVousDiner, the traveler has a bit more control over the time and date of the dinner. If the dates for a particular experience don’t work for you, hosts may be able to switch it around or host another event at a more convenient time.

Epicurious

Serious foodies should check out Epicurious for new recipes, video tutorials and anything else pertaining to the art of cuisine. It’s essentially a one-stop-shop for chefs and diners alike. Some of their partners include Gourmet, Parade, SELF and bon appétit so you can pretty much expect the same type of content you’d find in one of these glossy food magazines. This is perfect if you are staying in a vacation rental while you are traveling- save some money by staying in and utilizing your rental’s fabulous kitchen for a night, Epicurious will be able to help you find the right recipe. There are always classic recipes to sift through but Epicurious is also very much on top of new trends in the culinary world, especially anything pertaining to holidays and seasonal ingredients.

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In a recent interview with USA TODAY, renowned travel publishers Arthur and Pauline Frommer called vacation rentals the “single strongest trend in recent years.” Here’s what they told travel writer Candyce H. Stapen:

What are some travel trends?

Arthur: The single strongest trend in recent years that people are substituting apartment rentals and vacation home rentals for hotel rooms. Travelers are contacting local rental agencies, and sites like FlipKey and Airbnb.

Pauline: Staying in a home instead of a hotel gives you a more authentic experience and it’s often cheaper than a hotel stay.

Arthur and Pauline are both exactly right. According to Skift, U.S. travelers spent $23 billion on vacation rentals in 2012 alone. That is equal to 7% of the U.S. travel market and 20% of the lodging market. It may seem like a small number, but it is growing each year.

Even more notable is that vacation rentals are becoming easier and more popular to book online. In the past, finding a vacation rental involved the time-consuming process of calling property managers or driving around until a traveler found a sign for a vacation rental. But now, the percentage of vacation rentals that are completely bookable online has doubled — up from 24% in 2012 compared to a mere 12% in 2007.  This is revolutionizing the industry, making it just as easy to book a vacation rental online as it is to book a hotel room or airfare.

Here at FlipKey, more than 90,000 of our listings are online bookable, so go check them out and start booking your next vacation!

Happy Travels!

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Calling all Boston Red Sox fans! If you haven’t already, it’s time to prepare for the heaps of travelers that have flooded into the city for a chance to experience first-hand the seven most exciting baseball games of the season – the World Series. If you’re still trying to find a place to stay, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a hotel room, let alone one that’s affordable. In light of the recent Red Sox World Series berth, The Boston Globe reported that hotel reservations in the city for the coming weeks have skyrocketed and prices have reached upwards of $1,000 per night, but Boston-based FlipKey is here to let you know that vacation rentals make a great alternative to the outrageous rise in hotel reservation costs – and what’s better, we still have availability.

If you’re scrambling to find last minute stays in the city, consider reserving an apartment on Tremont Street in the South End for you and a couple of friends for as low as $263 a night and you’ll be an easy six minute cab ride to the Red Sox home plate at Fenway.

Sharing vacation rentals with friends provides a great place to celebrate pre or post game, cut cost, and create a truly unique experience that everyone will remember. Many vacation rentals can accommodate up to six guests, a feature that most hotels lack. Renting on Newbury Street or Beacon Street starting at $215 a night will put you at a walkable distance from Fenway and better connect you with the heart of Red Sox Nation.

If hotel luxury is where your interests lie, Boston has a number of high-end condominiums in the historic Back Bay area where you can share rental costs with your group without having to give up the flare and extravagance of an expensive hotel room. What’s more, a stay anywhere in the Back Bay will ensure that you’re never far from the action – or the post-game celebrations.

There is truly nothing quite like the energy that consumes Boston before or after a big Red Sox game, so rather than staying in an overpriced hotel, consider integrating yourself with the team’s community by renting a Boston property and creating an entirely new experience for you and your friends. For more options check out the rest of our Boston Vacation Rentals.

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By: Chelsea Tyler

As some of us here at FlipKey gear up to head to Catalina Island later this week, we decided that this would be a great time to share some insider knowledge of the island with our fellow travel enthusiasts! We’ve compiled 10 of our favorite reasons why Catalina should be one of your top travel destinations, but the truth is, there are almost too many to count.

Accessibility
While a stay on Catalina Island may make you think that you’re in a faraway paradise, the island is actually just a short trip away and easily accessible by boat. Enjoy an hour-long ocean ride from San Pedro, Long Beach, Dana Point, or Newport Beach to the island’s tourist hub, Avalon, located on the southeastern shore.

Golf Carts Galore
Have you ever wished that you could live in a community whose preferred means of transportation is the golf cart? If so, you’d fit right in at Catalina, where very few people have cars. In fact, California state legislature actually limits the number and size of cars in the city of Avalon! One square mile in size, it’s easily explorable on foot, and golf cart rentals are a popular way to explore the island.

Hamilton Cove
Mimicking the look and feel of a Grecian sanctuary, the Hamilton Cove Villas have to be some of our favorite places to rent on Catalina. Offering spectacular views and a full suite of amenities, these amazing condos are available through Catalina Island Vacation Rentals. They’re definitely worth a look as you sift through your accommodation choices!

Sunny and 75
The climate on Catalina Island is often compared to that of the Mediterranean, but when it comes to attracting visitors, this destination may have more than weather at work. Amy Tran, Director of Marketing for Catalina Island Vacation Rentals, elaborates, “There’s just something magical about Catalina Island. From the moment you see the Island to the moment you (don’t want to) leave, you are engulfed in its charm, history, and uniqueness. Compared to the Mediterranean, many of Catalina Island Vacation Rentals’ repeat guests have made a Catalina getaway an annual tradition.” Well said, Amy!

Thrill Seekers Love Catalina, Too!
If lounging on the beach all day isn’t really your thing, get your adventure fix by utilizing one of the many bicycle, kayak, or parasailing rentals on the island. Still too relaxing? Maybe ziplining down Descanso Canyon at approximately 45 mph will scratch that thrill-seeking itch. At Catalina, there is plenty to do and to explore.

World Famous Beauty
Throughout the years, motion picture directors have been making use of Catalina’s landscape for the set of approximately 300 films. If that many filmmakers are inspired by its natural beauty, it must be worth discovering in person!

Island of Romance
“Twenty-six miles across the sea, Santa Catalina is a-waitin’ for me. Santa Catalina, the island of romance!” Ever since the Four Preps released their 1958 song “26 Miles,” Catalina Island has been affectionately named the “Island of Romance.” With plenty of secluded coves and couples’ activities to share with your one-and-only, this island is a great place to schedule your next romantic getaway.

The Tuna Club
If you have a fishing sport enthusiast in your life, or if you are one yourself, look towards Catalina Island to find America’s oldest fishing club. Established in 1898, this sports club boasts dignified and historic members such as Theodore Roosevelt, Charlie Chaplin, and Bing Crosby. The island’s long history with this sport makes it a great place to do some serious fishing!

Never a Dull Moment
With year-round visitors, this island community always has something planned! Check out the island’s events calendar for all of the upcoming attractions. What’s more, 2013 is the 100 year anniversary of Avalon! Join the city in celebrating this iconic birthday by planning your trip to Catalina before the end of the year.

Something for Everyone
Whether you’re 12 or 62, this island is sure to please. Catalina may not be the biggest island out there, but it has plenty of hiking, biking, museums, beaches, restaurants, shops, and accommodations to keep anyone happy come vacation time. Bring your family, your loved one, your grandmother, or just your dog! There’s something for everyone at Catalina.

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Pets are an important part of our family and when it comes time to travel, it’s hard to imagine leaving home without them. As much joy as bringing along your four-legged friends can be, it can be daunting once you factor in transportation, activities, where to stay, and your pet’s health and safety. We’ve consulted with some of the most seasoned pet travel experts to get the scoop on how to make sure traveling with your pet goes as smooth as possible.

When traveling with your pet, what is the one thing you won’t leave home without?

My dog’s “travel bag.” In it, I always have access to the “must haves” for any type of traveling with my pooch. Pack a WT-WTCH (What’s The Worst That Could Happen) bag, including a first aid kit, water bottle and bowl, vaccination records, current photo, flotation device (for water travelers), clean up bags, wet wipes and paper towels. Toss in an extra collar and leash in the event either is misplaced. Has Fido been in a similar climate to that of your destination? Prevent problems with allergy medication(s), a doggie sweater, tweezers for tick removal and a flashlight for nighttime walks. — Carol Bryant, Fidose of Reality

We always carry extra identification for our dogs on every trip. They each wear a traditional dog tag at home but, for trips, we add a special dog tag with our cell phone numbers and they wear a special Tagg GPS unit on their collars so we can use our smartphones to locate them should they get away from us. We also carry their microchip numbers with us, just in case. We also carry travel-sized cleaning supplies, just in case of any doggie accidents in the hotel room. Pet deposits at hotels can be hefty so we carry both spot and urine removers from Rug Doctor in our travel bag. And we carry our dogs’ food to avoid any tummy upsets on the road. — Paris Permenter, DogTipper

What tips do you have for preventing pet anxiety/stress when traveling, particularly when flying somewhere?

One trick that I recommend is putting an unwashed t-shirt in the crate. Your pet will be comforted by your scent when you are not there. You can consider an all-natural calmer, but we do not recommend a tranquilizer because it can affect a pet’s breathing. — Susan Smith, PetTravel.com

Simulate the flight by a long car ride in the carrier a few times. Make sure the carrier you have chosen is big enough and well ventilated. Make sure your pet has some fun, but not exhausting, exercise the day before and the morning of the flight. Do not give food within five hours of flight and water within one hour of his pre-flight walk. Add a toy to his carrier and slip a reassuring hand in during flight when you can. Avoid giving your pet tranquilizers of any kind. A pet who is prepped for travel uses a flight to catch up on a nap. — Helen Fazio, Travel Dog Books and Dogster.com

When traveling by car, make frequent stops for potty & water breaks. It’s also important to let your pet stretch their legs and sniff around. If flying, consider booking a non-peak flight, which typically means less passengers and more cabin room. This will help ease potential stress for your pet. – Kim Salerno, Trips With Pets

Tell us about a particularly stressful experience you’ve had when traveling with your pet and how you were able to handle the situation?

The most stressful situation when you’re traveling with your pet is when they get sick or injured away from home. There have been several occasions when we’ve needed to find a veterinarian for one of the dogs, and reaching out on social media has allowed us to get good recommendations from the locals. Also, having all of the dogs’ medical records with us has been really helpful. It’s tough to remember even simple things, like when your pet received their vaccinations, when you’re in the midst of an emergency. We’ve scanned all of Ty and Buster’s medical records to a USB drive – it’s easy to pack and we can give it to the receptionist when we arrive so the doctor has access everything she needs to know about the boys’ medical history. — Amy Burkert, GoPetFriendly.com

We love to find pet-friendly restaurants–which actually means restaurants with bars, cafes or patios that allow pets to sit with you outside. When we find one after a long day of traveling with our dog, it’s as though we’ve found nirvana and, therefore, we inevitably encounter a lot of other pet owners who feel the same way. One time, our dog, sitting comfortably under our table was threatened by another dog passing by and they both went after each other almost tipping the table and knocking over a waiter who was carrying a tray full of plates and glasses. Luckily, we had our dog on a very tight leash attached to the leg of my seat (critical!) and quickly calmed them both down with promises of our half-eaten hamburger sliders and encouraging pats on the back. Since these situations usually occur in very close quarters, you need to keep an eye out for other pets so that surprise and fear do not enter into the equation. In such cases, a relaxed but alert vigilance is the best policy. — Cindy Dahlen, Petswelcome

Where, in your experience, has been a particularly pet-friendly place to visit and why?

Maine is one of the most pet friendly states we’ve had the pleasure of visiting. Cape Elizabeth is a quiet town in Cumberland County and home to some gorgeous lighthouses. — Carol Bryant, Fidose of Reality

The Outer Banks in North Carolina…. gorgeous pet friendly beaches and a multitude of amazing pet friendly vacation rentals. When staying at a vacation rental as opposed to a hotel, the tendency is to spend more time in your home away from home…dogs tend to be happier and more comfortable with this type of vacation experience. — Kim Salerno, Trips With Pets

Internationally, you make more friends in Peru, Morocco, France and Italy when you have a pet with you. In Peru, it seems everybody has a dog and a cat and vets are common. In Morocco, a pet becomes the bridge to make friends. In France, the somewhat aloof French melt when they see a furry face. And in Italy, like France, your well behaved pet can dine in most restaurants. — Helen Fazio, Travel Dog Books and Dogster.com

San Francisco, Seattle, Portland (Oregon), San Diego, Napa are very dog friendly, with nice off leash parks and other amenities like patio dining, many shops welcome well-behaved dogs as well. — Claudia Kawczynska, TheBark.com

We’ve found New York City to be extremely pet-friendly. A surprising number of its 1700 parks not only allow pets but have off leash areas and runs, such as the Chelsea Waterside Park Dog Run, the Madison Square Dog Park Run and Randalls Island Park Off-leash Area. Central Park alone has 23 dog-friendly areas scattered throughout its 800+ acres. — Cindy Dahlen, Petswelcome

What airline, if any, in your experience has been the best for air travel for your pet and why?

What I would say is that you need to find an airline that best serves your route and can get your pet from point A to point B as directly as possible with short layovers (if there are any) and ask them about their pet program. Be proactive as a pet traveler. Demand confirmation that your pet has boarded the plane and tell the captain and the crew that there is precious cargo in the hold and you expect them to monitor the pressure and temperature regularly. Do some internet research for other pet traveler reviews for that airline. If you are not comfortable, then find another airline. — Susan Smith, PetTravel.com

Because our dogs are large, we never fly with the dogs. We don’t recommend flying any dogs over about 20 pounds that are too large to be accepted in the cabin unless it’s absolutely necessary, such as in an overseas relocation. — Paris Permenter, DogTipper

I have only ever flown once with dogs, and I used Delta Airlines, flying with two young dogs who I adopted from a shelter in Kentucky. I live in California and had to go east to pick them up. I chose Delta because they were one of the few airlines that provided nonstop flights, an important consideration when flying across the country. I was very pleased with the service the pups and I were given. — Claudia Kawczynska, TheBark.com

What is your best piece of advice for people traveling with their pet?

Familiarize yourself with entry requirements because many countries require tests that must be done in advance of travel. (Hawaii is an example of this.) Consult your veterinarian to make sure your pet is healthy enough to stand the stress of travel. Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are current and will not expire on your trip. Additionally, make sure your pet is free of any fleas, ticks or parasites that could cause contagious diseases. — Susan Smith, PetTravel.com

Figuring out in advance if there are dog friendly wineries, dog parks, or beaches where you can play with your pet is a good thing – but packing the itinerary like it’s your job can take all the fun out of the trip. What happens when you’re running late for the scenic boat tour and your pup really wants to make one more pass around the park? You get stressed out! And that upsets your pet, which makes him more likely to misbehave. — Amy Burkert, GoPetFriendly.com

Ask about pet policies and weight limits prior to booking a hotel room. Just because a travel book or website says it is so does not make it so; pet policies frequently change. Additionally, ask about pet fees and access to greenery for Fido’s taking care of business. — Carol Bryant, Fidose of Reality

When packing for your pet, include an ample supply of your pet’s food. Don’t rely on stopping along the way to pick up their food or picking it up at your final destination. Their particular brand of food may not be readily available and it is not advisable to introduce your pet to a new brand of food while traveling. – Kim Salerno, Trips With Pets

Do not expect your pet to do anything extraordinary on the road that he can’t do at home. For example: If your pet has to fly in a carrier, use the carrier for trips to the park, a friend’s house and even a few hours drive in the car. If our pet is going to be expected to sit with you in a cafe, then find a pet friendly cafe locally or simulate the experience in the park so he will know how to behave. And if your pet does not like to be left alone, do not leave him alone in a hotel room for the first time. — Helen Fazio, Travel Dog Books and Dogster.com

Traveling with a dog is much like traveling with a small child so adjust your schedule accordingly. Your travel will be a little slower as you need to make more frequent potty stops for your pup. I think the most successful trips are ones that combine your interests with those of your dog. Plan some fun activities especially for your dog like a visit to a dog park or a swim at the beach. — Paris Permenter, DogTipper

Do you have any helpful advice that you would like to share? Comment below to help other travelers who might be making their first trip with their pet soon.

Happy Travels!

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By: Terri Ogan

We all know it can be difficult to veer away from the pizza and bar food while traveling, or even relax before takeoff. No need to fret. FlipKey.com is making your next travel experience less grueling on both your mind and your body by revealing the top travel hubs for health and wellness.

Whether you’re flying domestic or international, this accolade of travel hubs for health and wellness will make for a much better jet-setting experience.

1. Be Relax Spa massages in Terminal C at Boston Logan International Airport (Boston, Massachusetts)

Located in Terminal C in Boston Logan International Airport, Be Relax Spa offers a variety of services that will ease those flying jitters and make you feel fresh for your flight. Some of these services include table stone massages, foot massages, waxing and several different manicure and pedicure deals. For travelers that are in a time crunch, the spa boutique sells a wide range of massage and travel accessories to take onboard for a comfortable trip.

2. Evolution Yoga at Burlington International Airport (Burlington, Vermont):

Namaste, traveling yogis. Evolution Yoga, located on the second floor of Burlington International Airport in Vermont, offers a tranquil area where jetsetters can relax, unwind, and stretch before a long flight. Although there aren’t classes offered at this location, the studio contains do-it-yourself booklets to help guide your yoga flow. Evolution Yoga also offers a family bathroom with a shower across from the Observation Tower on the second floor on the east side of the airport.

3. Vegetable-packed, cholesterol free food options at the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas, Nevada):

When you think of Las Vegas, you might not think of watching what you eat. But you might do so after a trip down the Vegas strip. The Las Vegas McCarran International International Airport was ranked as one of the top airports in the US offering hearty-healthy meals, according to a 2011 report from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Healthy eats include the smoked tofu burrito at 360 Gourmet, or a vegan wrap with hummus found at several restaurants in the airport, including Bar One, Home Turf Sports Bar and Wipeout Willy’s.

4. Absolute Spa and Hair Salon at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport (Vancouver, Canada)

Dubbed as one of Canada’s largest and most luxurious spa chains, Absolute Spa and Hair Salon offers a variety of services for travelers located in three areas of the Fairmont Vancouver Airport: Before security on level one, and after security by Gates C44 and C26. Stuck with a long layover? Indulge in esthetic, massage, hair styling or hair removal services. Regardless of your itinerary, travelers can make an appointment or drop in for relaxation or rejuvenation on the go.

5. Walking Path at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

Stay fit while traveling with the Walking Path at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Teaming up with the American Heart Association in its nationally recognized “Start! Walking” program, the Minnesota Airport now offers a 1.4-mile walking path for customers to stay energized and keep their heart rate up. The loop starts at the intersection of the C and D concourses, and winds down the C concourse. If you’re looking for more, continue through the Airport Mall. Located on an overhead sign, green dots will help track your distance.

6. Fresh and Healthy dining at Newark Liberty International Airport (Newark, New Jersey)

Ditch the donuts and indulge in some healthy eats at Newark Liberty International Airport. These health-conscious meal options in Newark will make you feel energized and healthy on your next trip. Grab a falafel sandwich from Mediterranean Bistro, or a hummus wrap from Market Fresh. Other heart-friendly food options include the seaweed salad and various sushi rolls at Hamachi Sushi.

7. Top gyms, bike rentals and more at Zurich Airport (Zurich, Switzerland)

Get your fitness on in preparation for a long flight out of Zurich Airport in Switzerland. The world-renowned airport offers an abundance of activities that you won’t find anywhere else. Rent inline skates, bikes, and nordic walking poles from the service and information desk in the multi-story car park 2. Get out of your seat and amp up your layover for a moderate price: Bike rentals are $22 (20 Swiss francs) for a half day; skate rentals start at $16 (15 Swiss francs); and walking sticks are $11 (10 Swiss francs).

8. Healthy eating at Charlotte Airport (Charlotte, North Carolina)

While the southern airport has won awards for its tasty barbecue at Brookwood BBQ, there are healthy options as well. Go meatless with a veggie burger at the Stock Car Café in Terminal B. Grab some chopsticks for a scrumptious and heart-healthy sushi meal at Hissho Sushi in the main atrium, or go for the portobello mushroom and red pepper sandwich (minus the cheese) at the Carolina Beer Company in Terminal D.

9. Meditation room at Raleigh Airport (Raleigh, North Carolina)

The Raleigh-Durham International Airport features a meditation room open 24 hours per day, seven days per week, located before security on the ticketing level of Terminal 2. Passengers can escape to this tranquil room during the hustle and bustle of their trips. The room entails chairs, a prayer mat, and a podium, and embraces all the qualities that make an ideal space for reflection, meditation and prayer.

10. Yoga at San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco, California)

Practice some vinyasa flow before your flight at the San Francisco International Airport, which was the world’s first airport to offer such a feature. The yoga space, located after security in Terminal 2, is devoted to relaxation, self-reflection, and stretching, of course. The yoga room is free-of-charge, and situated in boarding area D.

11. Massages and an oxygen bar at the Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

The Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam offers several services both basic and unique to help passengers pass the time during a layover or prep for a flight. At the airport’s Back to Life service center, travelers can enjoy a chair massage, foot massage and aqua massage to recharge before a trip. In addition, Back to Life offers an oxygen bar where jetsetters can reboot their batteries and take off feeling fresh. Back To Life is located after Passport Control on Holland Boulevard, which is the hallway leading from Departure Hall 2 to Departure Hall 3 between Piers E and F.

12. Health clubs and healthy bites at Munich Airport (Munich, Germany)

Get a taste of the world at Munich Airport in Germany with a variety of eats. Bite into Asian cuisine cooked up with fresh ingredients at Bamee in Terminal 1. Enjoy light snacks, fresh fruit, healthy salads, healthy cakes, coffee, and other specialties at the Bistro Organic, which serves up 100 percent organic foods in Terminal 2. In addition, the Munich Airport has several wellness offerings, like the Kempinski Health Club. Whether you’re looking to relax or break a sweat, the Kempinski Health Club features an indoor pool and whirlpool, sauna, steam bath, pool bar, various massage and beauty treatments, fitness center, and solarium. One might travel to Munich just to experience the airport.

Happy & Healthy Travels!

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By: Terri Ogan

There’s no better way to wrap up a perfect summer than with exploring all of the fall wonders the world has to offer. Whether it’s a food festival on the coast of Massachusetts, a concert in Texas, or a beer tasting in Germany, we have a list that will squash your post-summer blues and get you excited for the leaves to turn your favorite shade of red.

1. Austin City Limits (Austin, Texas):

This fall, Austin, Texas is celebrating what it does best: music. Join travelers from all over the nation for the 2013 Austin City Limits music festival, slated for Oct. 4 to 6 and Oct. 11 to 13 at Zilker Park. This stellar festival, which earned Austin the title of “Live Music Capital of the World,” includes over 100 red-hot bands and artists, including The Muse, The Weeks, Eric Church, Passion Pit and many more. Ticket packages starting at $225 for a three-day pass, can be purchased on the festival’s website, which also includes information on travel, lodging, and additional festival facts.

2. Wellfleet OysterFest (Wellfleet, Massachusetts):

Summer may be behind us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t continue to indulge in the season’s finest cuisines, and the 13th Annual Wellfleet Oyster Fest allows us to do just that. Slated for Saturday Oct. 19 and Sunday Oct. 20, head down to Wellfleet, Mass. and enjoy the coast’s most delicious shellfish all for a good cause. The festival is produced by Wellfleet Shellfish Promotion and Tasting (SPAT), a non-profit organization devoted to fostering a greater understanding of the town’s shellfish industry. The two-day event features live music, arts and crafts, and a shucking contest as well.

3. 23rd Annual Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta (Santa Fe, New Mexico):

About 75 fabulous Santa Fe restaurants and over 100 world-class wineries are uniting to bring you the 23rd Annual Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta. This four-day event, scheduled for Sept. 25 to Sept. 29, will feature guest-chef luncheons and tastings, wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, and wine tastings. In addition, the event will include a live auction luncheon enabling visiting chefs to network with local chefs to raise funds for surrounding food charities. If you have over indulged in the food and wine tastings, no need to worry. Attendees can participate in the 20th Annual Gruet Golf Classic just 15 minutes outside of Santa Fe.

4. Great American Beer Festival in Denver (Denver, Colorado):

Dive into a slice of beer heaven with this three-day event that includes 600 breweries serving up over 2,800 beers. The Great American Beer Festival is scheduled for Oct. 10 to Oct. 12 in Denver, Colo., with events that include tastings, book signings, sessions about the science behind the perfect beer, and of course, burgers. Founded in 1982, the Great American Beer Festival has been dubbed the premier US beer festival and competition, bringing together the best brews in the nation.

5. Chicago Film Festival (Chicago, Illinois):

Almost 49 years ago, organizers of the Chicago Film Festival kicked off an annual event in efforts to introduce the Windy City and the rest of the world to new filmmakers, new stories and new points of view. Every year since then, the festival has done just that. The 49th Annual Chicago Film Festival will feature over 100 films from all over the world including the US, England, Italy, Denmark, Finland, in categories such as comedy, spotlight Africa and world cinema. The two-week event starts on Thursday Oct. 10 and wraps up on Oct. 24. The festival is presented by Cinema/Chicago, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to fostering better communication between people of diverse cultures through the art of film and the moving image, according to its website.

6. Hamptons Film Festival (East Hampton, NY):

Starting on Thursday Oct. 10, visitors will hit the Hamptons not for the beach, but for the films at the 21st Annual Hamptons International Film Festival. The event was founded in order to provide a forum for independent filmmakers from around the world to express their vision. Opening night will feature Kill Your Darlings starring Daniel Radcliffe of the Harry Potter series, along side Michael C. Hall of Dexter, Elizabeth Olsen, Ben Foster, Jack Huston and Dane DeHaan. The remainder of the films, which include documentaries and dramas, among others, will be shown at venues across South Hampton and Montauk.

7. Oktoberfest (Munich, Germany):

At this time of year, what do you think of when someone says Munich, Germany? You think of beer! The infamous Oktoberfest is going to hit the city like a large glass mug hitting a table: hard. The much-anticipated 180th annual beer festival is scheduled for Monday Sept. 21 to Sunday Oct. 6 and attracts millions of people from all over the world. New this year, Oktoberfest will feature a smartcard entry key, as well as souvenirs and unfortunately, a beer price that is $.35 more expensive than last year. Have no fear, the same historical rides, beer tents, and other fun activities will be back to make this the most epic Oktoberfest the world has ever seen.

8. Galway Races (Ballybrit, Galway, Ireland):

If you enjoy adrenaline-pumping action and the ladies of fashion, the Galway Races in Ireland are the perfect fall activity for you. Based in Ballybrit, Ireland, the exhilarating historic races, which date back to the 1700s, are scheduled for Sunday Oct. 27 and Monday Oct. 28. On location at the track are numerous restaurant, bars, and suites for those that are willing to spend more than the typical race-goer. Organizers of the Galway Racers say that the October meeting is a favorite amongst its supporters.

9. Sonoma County Harvest Fair (Sonoma, California)

Wine, cider and festive foods are just a few things that come to mind when we think of the brisk fall season and the Sonoma County Harvest Fair in California has all of those fall features we love. Starting on Friday Oct. 4, the three day festival entails wine tastings at over 150 wineries, wine sales, food-pairings, craft beer and cider tasting, chef demonstrations, workshops, a world championship grape stomping and more. In its 38th year, the festival is also adding unique and educational demonstrations with a rejuvenated focus on artisanal products. The event draws attendees from all over the world including countries like South America, India and Australia.

10. World Championship Punkin Chunkin Contest (Bridgeville, Delaware):

On Friday Nov. 1, pumpkin hurlers from all over the country will gather in Bridgeville, Delaware for the sixth annual World Championship Punkin Chunkin pageant. Punkin Chunkin is a sport of hurling or “chucking” pumpkins with mechanical devices like slingshots, catapults, and canons of sorts. The competition is organized by the World Championship Punkin Chunkin Association (WCPCA), a non-profit organization that raises money for organizations that benefit the youth and local communities. Attendees and participants partake in the event mainly for the “chunkin,” but the event also includes a chili cook-off and live music, among other things.

Looking for more to do in the upcoming months? Check out our additional fun fall trips here: http://www.flipkey.com/trip-ideas/fall-travel/.

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You might have seen our recent blog post highlighting an infographic last week that was created by the Short Term Rental Advocacy Center, a coalition that we’re a part of which represents the millions of people across the U.S. who participate in and benefit from the growing short-term rental marketplace. Now you have a chance to learn more firsthand from the coalition by participating in a webinar this Thursday, September 19th.

Check out the details below.

When: Thursday, September 19th at 3:30 pm ET.

Who: Hosted by Tim Doyle, spokesman for the Short Term Rental Advocacy Center.

Guests include Matt Curtis, Director of Government Relations at HomeAway and Joel Rasmussen, President of the Austin Rental Alliance.

Why: If you and other short-term rental operators in your community are facing onerous regulations or outright bans then this webinar is for you. STRAC will walk you through how to create compelling messages and materials, and deliver those to local officials and media. Members from successful campaigns will also provide real-world examples on how to implement these tactics and win fair and reasonable regulation for your community.

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