How Far is Austin from Houston? And Why You Should Visit Both

BY  Barsha Jul 16, 2025

If you have a pup or a small dog breed, traveling with them proves an astounding experience. Although it may become overwhelming at first, with some additional planning, the process becomes seamless to help your furry companion make a transition.  Puppies or small dog breeds like the Teacup Morkies or Teacup Maltese require more attention than larger breeds. It is recommended to prepare right while choosing to travel with your pup, along with considering the proper safety measures to make the trip enjoyable.  In our post today, we are going to share a couple of handy tips to travel with a puppy and having a safe journey on the road. A couple of tweaks can help make your pup have the best traveling experience.  The Importance of Car Safety for Small Dogs and Puppies Whenever you are planning to move across the country with a dog, the safety of your furry companion is extremely important. Similar to humans, even pets get injured during sudden stops, collisions, or sudden movements while driving.  Consequently, making use of the right kind of car safety equipment can assist in preventing any possible injuries while offering a soothing experience for your pup. Small dog breeds are prone to risks in the car, and considering their sizes, traveling without any restraints often exposes them to possible hazards.  Specifically, puppies are often cautious and get distracted, which is why securing them proves important. Using a seat carrier can help ensure their overall safety while preventing them from distracting you from driving.  Tips to Travel with a Puppy in a Car If you are planning to travel with a puppy, here are some tips that might help you make the journey smooth. Choose the Right Crate or Carrier For the safety of everyone, always have a sturdy dog car seat carrier during the trip. You have to always keep them safe when you are driving with them. They might try to leap on you when you are driving, which can cause a mishap. But not all carriers will work the same for your furry companion. You need to bring one in which your pup feels comfortable.  For the majority of the part, it relies on your puppy's size. If you have a Teacup Morkie, you can take them in a crate because of their small size. They are 6 to 8 inches tall and will lie down comfortably inside the crate. However, make sure the crate never overheats and is well ventilated. The carrier should also be secured enough so that it doesn't suddenly break out while you drive. Train Your Puppy Before you travel to a pet-friendly destination, ensure that your pup is desensitized to the car. Some puppies or small dogs will stay comfortable in the car right from the second they are in it, while others often need a lot of time to warm up to the whole travel idea.  Either way, ensure that you take your pup on a couple of car rides to make the trip more comfortable. Ensure that you take your pups on short trips. For example, you can head out to the road or even the local park. Ensure that your puppy associates the car with positive experiences.  Teaching them a couple of basic commands, such as "sit," proves beneficial for car rides, even when your puppy is traveling in a carrier. One of the fun facts about Maltese puppies is that they are extremely trainable, which makes the process of traveling with them appear seamless. Get Your Pup Used To Riding In A Car Before A Long Trip  The very first road trip with your pup proves an overwhelming experience, especially with the new smells, sounds, and entirely strange space.  It is essential to get them accustomed to riding in your car for short trips before heading out for longer ones, ensuring your pup is prepared to hit the road. Start the process by introducing your pup to the car whenever it is stationary. Ensure they allow them to head out inside, explore, and adapt themselves in your home.  Also, ensure to take your pup on short trips right around the neighborhood to get your pup used to being inside a moving vehicle.  Eventually, start increasing the entire drive time while encouraging your pup at each step of the way. Make it a fun-filled activity to be in their car.  It ensures that your pup is adapting well to the car rides, preventing them from getting car or motion sickness. Nothing would turn worse compared to driving for hours as a sick pup, and the car might start smelling like doggy puke. Restrain Your Dog In The Car  Not keeping your dog restrained while in the car might lead to severe safety concerns. A distracted puppy jumping all around the car will make the trip uncomfortable for you and your co-passengers.  However, if you happen to encounter a mishap, even a smaller fender-bender, it can lead to disastrous consequences. You can do this with the help of a dog car harness or a dog seat belt. Both are made mainly for dogs, so you don't need to improvise and use a general seat belt. On the other hand, you can bring along a dog carrier big enough for your puppy to stay in comfortably.  If you plan to use a harness or seat belt when you travel with a puppy, introduce it to your pup before the trip. This way, it won't be a new experience during the travel time. Monitor Your Pup For Signs Of Distress  Irrespective of the amount of practice or training your pup has, as it is still a baby, the actual travel appears stressful. It is essential to watch out for distressful signs in your pup.  Your puppy often gets distressed for different reasons, like motion sickness. It can also be that your pup or small dog is stressed in new spaces.  When their anxiety is persistent, ensure taking a break to prevent your pup from getting traumatized by the travels and ending up avoiding them. Limit Food And Water During Travel You need to keep your pup hydrated at all times; however, ensure that they get proper potty breaks. Puppies often have smaller bladders and fail to hold their pee for a longer time.  Younger pups, those less than four months old, can hold their pee for about two to three hours at a time. Moreover, older small dogs can hold their pee for about four to six hours. So, manage your breaks accordingly. Try feeding them for a couple of hours right before heading out for the trip. They might feel uneasy answering the call of nature in strange places, especially if they are traveling for the first time.  An empty belly would reduce car sickness, which is a real concern for several dogs, mainly the smaller or younger ones. If your pup is prone to motion sickness, this tip is sure to help keep them comfortable on the trip. Take Loads Of Breaks  As you would like to stretch your legs while on longer journeys, even your puppy will enjoy their breaks. If you wish to travel with your pup, then it is important to make frequent stops to stretch out. Also, getting out of the car is essential.  Your puppy starts enjoying the freedom of being outside, even if it is for a short time. It is advised to offer your pup water out of the car, but you should hold the food till reaching the destination. Drinking water and feeding right out of the car will make your pup less sick. Never Leave Your Puppy Alone in the Car The car's inside can get quite hot while you are in the park or the parking lot, mainly with the windows rolled up. It is never safe to leave your pup in the car while you run down the chores.  Getting this done would lead to heat strokes and even fatalities. During midday, the car might get hot and stuffy. So, never leave them alone in the car, even if it is for a few minutes. If you absolutely have to, park in the shade and always leave a window slightly open. Have Up-To-Date ID Ensure that your dog is carrying a name tag on their collar. Moreover, include the contact details while double-checking that it is attached securely to their collar. Furthermore, ensure that they have a microchip with the contact details, which are updated.  The dogs are often more likely to get lost while traveling since they are in new places with loads of new distractions. If they do this, there's a chance they'll get lost. However, this ID tag will make it easier to contact you. Make It Safe For Them Taking your pup or small dog on road trips proves tough and requires a couple of steps to ensure the safety of your furry companion. It is difficult to travel with a puppy if you do not make the right preparations. A quality crate or carrier is the ideal way to safeguard your pup. You can secure it with seat belts so that it does not rock or tip while you drive.  Several of them come with pads and will even safeguard your seats from accidents. So, extend your adventures while your pup adapts well inside the car! Also Read: Best Pet Friendly Hotels Near Me In Florida City – Reviewed

BY  Ankita Feb 5, 2024

Sustainable travel practices are becoming increasingly vital for corporate travel agencies as they navigate the complexities of modern business needs and environmental responsibilities. By integrating sustainability into their policies and offerings, these agencies not only support eco-friendly initiatives but also address the burgeoning demand for responsible travel options. A corporate travel agency can play a pivotal role in reducing a company's carbon footprint through various strategies, such as offering flights with lower emissions, eco-friendly accommodations, and ground transportation options that minimize environmental impact. With the rise of sustainability, corporate travel agencies have an opportunity to lead the change towards more responsible business travel. These agencies are instrumental in educating clients about the environmental impact of their travel choices and providing them with sustainable alternatives that align with their corporate social responsibility goals. By leveraging their expertise and industry connections, travel agencies can help businesses implement sustainable travel practices that contribute to a greener future without compromising on efficiency and convenience. Key Takeaways Corporate travel agencies are essential for promoting sustainability in business travel. Agencies aid in reducing travel-related carbon footprints through eco-friendly options. Expertise from agencies assists companies in adopting sustainable travel practices. The Impact and Importance of Sustainable Business Travel Your understanding of sustainable business travel is crucial not only for reducing your company's carbon footprint but also for contributing positively to the environment. With a rise in awareness about climate change, corporate travel agencies are key players in helping businesses travel smarter. Understanding the Environmental Impact of Business Travel When you consider business travel, it's important to recognize the substantial environmental impact it can have. Flights, for instance, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with aviation accounting for about 2% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. Since transportation is a critical component of corporate travel, the energy used in business trips directly correlates to increased carbon emissions, thus accelerating climate change. Integrating Sustainable Travel Options into Corporate Travel To address these issues, your corporate travel policies must integrate sustainable travel options. This could involve: Choosing flights that use sustainable aviation fuel Partnering with vendors prioritizing sustainability Utilizing a carbon calculator to track and manage carbon emissions By doing so, you actively participate in reducing the carbon footprint of your business travels. Additionally, corporate travel managers are now sourcing sustainable vendors and incorporating these practices as a standard in travel programs, which increasingly reflects your company's commitment to social responsibility. Strategies for Implementing Sustainable Travel Practices Transitioning to sustainable business travel isn't simply a trend; it's an essential evolution in response to global environmental challenges and consumer expectations. As a corporate travel agency, your strategic implementation of sustainable practices is imperative. The Role of Technology and Innovation in Sustainable Travel Technology and innovation serve as the backbone for advancing sustainable travel. Travel policies can be greatly enhanced by integrating software that tracks and reports on carbon emissions, encouraging customers to opt for greener options. For instance, using platforms that offer carbon-neutral travel options provides travelers with transparent and impactful choices. You can further foster responsible travel by investing in technology that simplifies the booking of eco-friendly accommodations and transportation. Examples of technology aiding sustainable travel: Carbon emission tracking tools: Helps in monitoring and reducing the traveler's carbon footprint. Eco-rating systems: Assists customers in choosing services with lower environmental impacts. Building Connections with Local Communities and Tourism Developing connections with local communities and encouraging sustainable tourism are also vital. Strong relationships lead to more authentic travel experiences and ensure that the benefits of tourism extend to the local economy. As a travel agency, advocate for travel experiences that respect local regulations and customs and promote sustainability. Ways to connect with local communities include: Local sourcing: Advocate for using local guides and services. Supporting local ventures: Encourage travelers to engage with businesses that give back to the community. By prioritizing these strategies, your agency plays a critical role in shaping a more sustainable future for the travel industry. Sustainable Business Travel Tips Here are some of the best sustainable travel practices that corporations can implement in order to decrease their carbon footprint without having to give up business travel.  Book Your Business Trips Selectively Getting a change of air and venue to get out of the daily grind in the office is something every corporate likes. However, the organizations of these individuals must question their need for such extravagant in-person travel. As it happens, this can greatly affect the ecological footprint of the organization.  Businesses can help discourage such short trips and encourage a string of numerous trips together. Companies must consider if virtual alternatives could also be a possibility. Many corporate conferences offer virtual options through video conferencing tools that help workers attend a session and listen to the speakers without having to travel. ‘ Eco-Friendly Transportation If the traveling distance is not too far away, then businesses must ask their employees to take a train instead of a flight. According to the Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, railways have lesser carbon emissions than air travel. Trains also have a higher comfort quotient with better views and increased legroom.  It may be that taking a train is not an option in certain cases. If travelers must get on a plane, businesses must encourage them to take a direct flight. Takeoff and landing cycles influence carbon emissions. The fuel combustion at takeoff and cruising to higher altitudes is very high. Flights with layovers could be more economical but it does not help the environment get any better.  Choose Green Hotels Many hospitality chains around the world have reduced their carbon footprint. While booking hotels, ask them about the steps they have taken to go green and if they have a LEED certification. It is a certification program that acknowledges sustainably built systems. Hotels now provide just new sheets and towels on arrival, which helps conserve water and energy in the process. In some hotels, single-use toiletries are no longer in use. Now, they offer bulk items such as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in the shower. This eliminates the production of excess waste in the landfill.  Conclusion Corporate travel agencies have a critical role in shaping sustainable business travel practices. Through their expertise, they guide you in adopting green travel policies, ensuring that your business's travel footprint aligns with broader sustainability goals. By choosing suppliers with sustainable credentials and continuously monitoring travel impacts, your travel program can contribute to protecting the environment while also promoting social responsibility within your organization. In partnership with these agencies, you have the power to make each business trip an opportunity for positive change. Learn More About: How To Save Money On A Trip To Abu Dhabi? 7 Tips To Make The Most Out Of Your Trip To Gatlinburg How To Use Videos To Drive Conversions In Travel Business?

BY  Sibashree Aug 20, 2024

Joshua Tree National Park, named after the crooked Joshua trees, is known for its endless hiking trails and desert ecosystems of the lower Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert.  Further, the Joshua Tree is one of the few national parks in the USA to offer equally amazing daytime and nighttime experiences.  The geology of Joshua Tree is “interesting.” You will find Arch Rock and many other fascinating rock formations in the park. Wind power, erosion, and different weather forces have created many other spectacularly-formed rocks and other sculptures.  Hiking is the best way to cherish the beauty and splendor of this national park to the fullest. So, let’s know the tales from the trails!  Best Hiking Trails in Joshua Tree National Park Joshua Tree had an impressive 3,270,404 visitors in 2023, and hiking is one of the most popular activities in this park. Home to some of the best hikes in the USA, Joshua Tree also has many trails for kids and beginners.  Further, you can explore various short walking routes and nature trails like Bajada, Oasis of Mara, and Barker Dam in this park.  Here, I have curated some amazing hiking trails in the park across various difficulty levels.  Joshua Tree Hikes (Easy) The easy hiking trails in Joshua Tree are accessible in all seasons. To make the most of your hiking expeditions, you must start by 9 am in the morning.  Cholla Cactus Garden The Cholla Cactus Garden trek is easy, and even kids can explore it. It will take just 15 minutes to get completed. You will find the trailhead 20 miles north of Cottonwood Visitor Center. As you can guess from its name, the trail is named after the growing cholla cacti found in abundance here. Wear full-length clothes and closed-toe shoes and follow the trail to avoid getting hurt by the cactus thorns.  Discovery Trail You can start hiking this trail from the Skull Rock parking area. This easy hike will take you around 30 to 40 minutes. Catch a glimpse of the desert washes and boulders throughout the route.  Skull Rock  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joshua Tree National Park (@joshuatreenps) Start hiking this trail early in the morning from the Jumbo Rocks Campground. You can even take the trailhead from the Skull Rock parking area, which is east of the Jumbo Rocks Campground. Skull Rock is one of the many unique rock formations you will see in the park, and it’s the highlight of this trekking route.  You can cover the trekking route within just one or two hours. A night-time view of the Skull Rock can offer you the perfect Halloween experience!  Moderate Hiking Trails Like the Channel Islands National Park and the Death Valley National Park, the Joshua Tree also has many moderate hiking trails. Here is a brief overview of some of the most amazing moderate Joshua Tree hiking trails.  Hi-View  The Hi-View trail, starting from the Northwest of Black Rock Campground, will require you to hike for at least an hour. However, based on the weather conditions, you may also need to walk for more than 1 hour and 45 minutes.  Once you reach the top of the steep ridges, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire park. Further, the iconic Joshua trees are found in the steeper sections of this trail.  If you feel tired in the course of your trekking, you can catch some rest on the benches across the park.  Mastodon Peak The Mastodon Peak trail starts from the Cottonwood Spring parking area, and here, you will experience an elevation change of 175 feet. To reach the granite mountain peak, you will have to pass through a rugged terrain.  You can complete the entire trek within 1.5 to 3 hours.  Split Rock Loop The Split Rock picnic area is the starting point for hiking this trail of 2.5 miles. You can complete the trek within two and a half hours. However, if you are a seasoned hiker, you can complete the safe route within 1 and a half hours.  On a spur trail of the Split Rock Loop, you will find a rock formation that looks like the profile of a human face. It is called the Face Rock.  Pine City  Go to the end of the Desert Queen Mine Road to find the trailhead of Pine City. The dense vegetation of junipers and pinyon makes this 4 miles long trail picturesque. It will take around 3 hours to complete the hike.  Strenuous Hiking Trails  These strenuous trails are not suitable for summer hiking. You can try conquering them in autumn and spring.  California Riding and Hiking Trail Stretching over 36.6 miles, the California Riding and Hiking Trail is a two-day long hike. If the weather conditions are unpleasant, the total duration of the hike can stretch up to three days.  As you hike the route from Black Rock Canyon to the park’s North Entrance, the amazing landscape of the Mojave Desert will charm you.  Ryan Mountain Hiking to the summit of Ryan Mountain is one of the most popular activities to do in Joshua Tree National Park. The trekking route has an elevation of 1,050 feet, and it stretches over 3 miles.  Despite being strenuous, this trail can be hiked in 2.5 hours. So, it is one of the most popular hiking trails in the park.  Willow Hole At the end of the Willow Hole trail, you will find the amazing willow trees. You can start hiking from the Boy Scout Trailhead located inside the park at the South end.  The sandy washes, Joshua tree vegetation, and famous boulder landscape make the trail amazing.  Short Walks And Nature Trails In Joshua Tree National Park View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joshua Tree National Park (@joshuatreenps) The short walks and nature trails of Joshua Tree are available for year-long hiking. These trails also have wheelchair facilities, offering the most inclusive experience to visitors.  It’s time to be familiar with some of these amazing nature walk trails.  Oasis of Mara (Oasis of Mara is the only trail in Joshua Tree that allows dogs. So, hiking this trail is surely one of the best things to do in Joshua Tree as a pet lover.)  Arch Rock Barker Dam Ryan Ranch  Bajada  Among these short walks and nature hiking trails, Cottonwood Spring is the shortest. You can finish the trail within just 10 minutes. Enjoy the view of cottonwood trees as you take a walk to the fan palm oasis.  Integratron: The Wonder Of The Joshua Tree National Park  Facts to Know Integratron is four stories high.Its diameter is 55 feet.It’s a 16-sided metal-free building.The construction technique used in it is called joinery.No nails or screws are used in the construction.It is made of non-ferromagnetic materials. George Van Tassel said that Nikola Tesla’s writings influenced the structure of Integratron.  The western half of the Joshua Tree National Park is on the Mojave Desert’s southern tip. UFOlogist George Van Tassel built “a time machine for basic research on rejuvenation, anti-gravity, and time travel” in the Mojave Desert in the 1950s.  This is a place where visitors are offered sound therapy that is believed to have the power to rejuvenate living tissues in human beings.  From the time it was built, this place has attracted reporters, visitors, artists, and spiritual minds.  George Van Tasse chose the Mojave Desert for building Integratron as, according to him, this place had a connection to the Great Pyramids in Giza. The proximity to magnetic vortices was another reason for choosing the site.  Final Words: Schedule Your Hike Right   March to May and October to November are the two best seasons for hiking in Joshua Tree. The park remains open throughout the year. However, the scorching and dry summer makes hiking impossible on many moderate and strenuous trails.  During summer, the daytime temperature of the park reaches around 100 degrees F, and the temperature falls to 75 degrees F at night.  Further, if you visit the park between March and May, you will see the wildflowers blooming. Also, in April, you can celebrate the National Park Week here.  In October, there are important events in the park, such as the Joshua Tree Music Festival and Pioneer Days. The temperature is also pleasant in the fall season, recording an average temperature of 80 degrees F and 50 degrees F at day and night. So, plan your visit to Joshua Tree right and share your travel stories with us as you return with the most amazing hiking experience.  Joshua Tree National Park FAQs  Is It Safe To Visit Joshua Tree At Night? Yes, it is safe to visit Joshua Tree at night. In fact, stargazing is one of the most popular activities in this national park. The roads in the park are marked, and there is strict patrolling on all roads.  However, this desert park is an important preservation hub for vulnerable ecosystems. Also, there are snakes and scorpions in the park.  So, camp in the park or explore it at night as a responsible visitor. It is safer to restrict your movements near the campsites at night.  Is Joshua Tree Worth Seeing? Yes, Joshua Tree is worth seeing, as you can hike through the California Riding and Hiking Trail, Pine City, Bajada, and many other amazing trails. As you explore these routes, you will come across a wide variety of flora and fauna.  Further, the Joshua Tree is an important preservation and conservation center for fragile ecosystems. In addition, this is a place where stargazing is an ultimate immersive experience. Other highlights of your trip to this national park will be exploring the Penguin Rock, Arch Rock, and other iconic rock formations. Moreover, indulge in a sound bath at the Integratron. Built by UFOlogist George Van Tassel, this dome-shaped place offers sound therapy that promises to rejuvenate living human cell tissues.  Can You Sleep Inside Joshua Tree?  Yes, you can sleep inside Joshua Tree, as there are nine campgrounds inside the park. The Hidden Valley, Belle, and White Tank campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, White Tank and Belle campsites can remain temporarily closed during summer.  For the India Cove, Ryan, Cottonwood, Jumbo Rocks, and Black Rock campsites, you will need to make a prior booking.  In addition, you can try backcountry camping and consider putting up a tent in the campsites outside the park.  Remember, there are no restaurants and modern lodging facilities inside the park.  Can You See Milky Way From Joshua Tree? The International Dark-Sky Association, or IDA, has identified Joshua Tree as an International Dark Sky Park. You can get the best view of the Milky Way here.  Joshua Tree also has the darkest nights in Southern California. So, you will get to see the passing meteors, stars, and planets from this national park.  Stargazing from any part of the park is an amazing experience. However, there are also four designated stargazing spots in the park. These are: Quail Springs parking lot Hidden Valley parking lot Cap Rock parking lot Ryan Mountain parking lot Further, you can put up tents at one of the nine camping grounds, and among them, the Cottonwood Campground demands a special mention. Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. Be Soothed And Meet History At Hot Springs National Park.