Take your 4-Legged Friend Along | Subaru El Cajon

When you just can't leave them behind find adventures you can share.

Dedicated dog owners know the gut-wrenching feeling that comes with each departure, be it for a day or for a week. It's a pang of guilt brought on by big sad eyes and a tilted head, asking why you're leaving.

Click here to see All The Great Vacations for You and Your Dog

Unless you're one of the few who has found a quality boarding center or an all-star pet sitter, you worry about how they're doing each day you're gone. It doesn't feel right to leave a family member home from a trip. This summer bring your pup along on an adventure tailor-made just for him.

It may seem like traveling with your dog is a bit out of the norm, especially if he's big, but that's only because travelers are hesitant to bring their pups on planes. From the TSA rules and regulations to the sedation medication they'll need to stay calm, many travelers prefer to drive with their pets instead.

When you include travelers who decided to drive, in the last three years, 29.1 million people took their pets on trips at least 50 miles from home, according to Ark Animals. Unsurprisingly, dogs were the most frequently traveled with pet, accounting for nearly 80 percent of all pet travel.

The trend is growing and pet accommodations are better than ever, but there are a few things you should remember before you take your dog globetrotting.

Tips for Traveling with Dogs:

• Have your dog checked out by the vet before you leave for your trip. You should also research vet offices around your destination in case of emergency.
• Remember to bring a crate, all tags and vaccination information and a picture of your pooch. Airlines and hotels often require proof of vaccination and a crate. The picture will help should you lose your dog in a foreign place.
• It's a good idea to request a room on the first floor, near an exit, so you can easily leave to walk your dog.

Whether you and your dog are into hiking, swimming or even surfing, there's a great vacation out there for both of you. Take a look at these great summer vacations for you and your dog.

Resource: http://www.theactivetimes.com/10-great-summer-vacations-you-and-your-dog?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=petfriendly

Get ready for your next Summer Road Trip | Subaru El Cajon

8 tips for making the most of your summer road trip

If you do them right, road trips can be a fun way to explore the country while going from point A to point B. If you do them wrong, they can be incredibly boring and frustrating. Make the most of your road trip this summer with some tips we’ve amassed over the years (and across the miles). 

1. Plan out extra time: Road trips work best when you plan yourself plenty of extra time for pit stops and excursions along the way. You’ll likely be traveling through areas you may otherwise have no reason to pass through, which can make for some pretty cool excursions along the way.

2. Do your research: Do some scouting in advance, making a rough itinerary for your travels. It’s good to know which cities you plan on sleeping in, whether you’re making hotel reservations or camping. See which cities you’ll pass through along the way, and see what piques your interest. Are there cute, locally owned diners along your route? What about funky tourist attractions or ghost towns that are right off the roadside? There are also lots of road trip-centric apps you can download to help you while you’re on the road. 

3. Enjoy nature: After all that driving, it’s always nice to be able to get out and stretch your legs for a bit and take in the scenery. A nice walk or some time spent outside in the sunshine can do wonders for your mood (and your body). 

4. Pump up the jams: We’re big fans of mixed CDs for long road trips, carefully curated for the scenery you’ll be traveling. Play some Emmylou Harris as you make your way through the South, or have some Beach Boys albums ready for your trip up the Pacific Coast Highway.

5. Perfect podcasts: Smartphones make listening to podcasts in your car an easy prospect, and the miles fly by when you’re engrossed in a great story or interview. Some of our favorites include “This American Life,” “The TED Radio Hour,” Grantland’s “The Lowe Post,” “The Canon” and “Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History.” 

6. Play games: When we were growing up, the license plate game was one of our favorite ways to pass time out on the road. (That, and annoying our folks with “100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.”) Print out a map of the country to take along, so you can mark them off as you go. 

7. Pack wisely: Aside from your clothes and toiletries, it’s important to bring along a phone charger, cash, snacks, a cooler and a map (they can be fun to have along, even if we rely on our phones a lot these days). (And don’t pack too heavily: You want to have room for the souvenirs and knick-knacks you pick up along the way.)

8. Prep your car: Make sure your car is in good shape before you set off on your trip. Getting stranded on the side of the road is the worst. (On that note, always start off with a full tank of gas.) If you car's not in the best shape, it may be a good idea to look into a rental for your travels.

Resource: http://www.timesreporter.com/article/ZZ/20150603/NEWS/150609953