Wellness at Sea: Health and Spa Facilities on Cruise Ships

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  Sibashree Mar 22, 2025

Are you aware of Chikmagalur's Coffee? The taste is counted among the richest coffees in the world. You may have tasted the coffee from here. But did you care to visit the most prestigious coffee estate in the country yet?  You’ll be amazed by the hills covered by mist. As you graze past, you will see the lush green plantations.  The contrasts of the green top against the grey rocks will surely amaze you. But the best part is something else. You will come across the rich coffee aroma. It’s always present in the air.  The bottom line is that this characteristic coffee station is a must-visit. There’s a reason why it is called the Distinct Coffee Land of Karnataka.  The Rich Heritage You Can't-Miss The coffee culture started under the British Raj. Now it has flourished beyond leaps. But things were different from the start. The coffee culture was prevalent among the Britishers and a small section of the Indian elites only.  But that has spread now. Subsequently, Chikmagalur's Coffee is now reputed as one of the finest Indian coffee. Meanwhile, the estate has also risen to the helm of fame. When you visit her, you will encounter one of the biggest and finest coffee estates in the country.  Planning a Chikmagalur Tour Plan your Chikmagalur tour today. Begin with a coffee plantation tour. When you come here,, you will meet a plethora of global and domestic tourists who flock here every year. Firstly, you will enjoy the breathtaking scenery around. Next, you will soak yourself in the rich coffee aroma in the surroundings.  From coffee beans to the brewery, you will witness every step with your eyes. At the same time, you will get insights that you make you a coffee pro. So, make your visit to Chikmagalur’s coffee plantations more memorable and insightful! The History of Chikmagalur Coffee Coffee dates back to the 17th century India. Baba Budan, who also goes by the name of  Hazarat Shah Janab Allah Magatabi, paid a Haj visit. He was mesmerized by the strong beverage he had in Yemen. And the stark aroma with a rich taste took a toll on his tastebuds.  Then he decided to take coffee back to his land. That’s how coffee occurred in India.  undertook a pilgrimage to the holy land of Mecca. During his travels, he encountered the rich, aromatic coffee of Yemen and was so impressed by its refreshing qualities that he decided to bring it back to India. The Challenge  Back then, exporting coffee from the Arabian estates was not allowed. But the legend says that he smuggled around 7 beans. He just hid them in his robes.  When he returned in 1670, he paid a visit to the Chikmagalur's Coffee Hills. At first, he didn’t know it would be a coffee plantation paradise. But the rich soil and the soothing weather worked like magic.  Later the surrounding Sufi hills were named Baba Budan Giri, honoring him.  How Did It Spread? Initial coffee’s acceptance was slow. Hence the cultivation was limited too. But coffees started to spread like wildfire when the English came here.  The Europeans were mesmerized. At first, The Dutch made spreading coffee plantations a personal agenda in India. But the real reign of coffee started under the British. Around 1850, coffee plantations became normal in India.  What’s The Status Now? The Chikmagalur's Coffee is now popular across India and abroad too. However there is a sheer economic importance of this beverage as well. At first, the story began with just 7 coffee beans. But it has now grown into a fully fledged industry.  Today, the coffee plantation is a separate tourist attraction. If you ever go by the scenic Chikmagalur's Coffee estate, check out the coffee plantations with awe!  The Art of Coffee-Making Chikmagalur’s coffee plantations are home to two distinct varieties of coffee: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is known for its delicate flavor and sweet undertones and is in high demand in international markets.  Arabica plants are smaller and thrive at higher altitudes. They require more manual attention and meticulous care. On the other hand, Robusta is more resilient, growing at lower elevations and having a bold, strong taste. Robusta plants are also easier to maintain. While a casual coffee drinker may be unable to distinguish between the two easily, estate owners carefully select their preferred variety based on climate conditions, maintenance needs, and market demand. Both coffee varieties play a crucial role in Chikmagalur’s coffee industry. The journey from coffee cherry to mug is an intricate, labor-intensive process. The steps of coffee-making are as follows: Step 1: Harvesting Skilled coffee pickers handpick only the ripest coffee cherries, ensuring quality and consistency. Step 2: Processing The harvested cherries undergo various processing methods to remove the outer layers and prepare the beans. Step 3: Drying In this stage, the main aim is to dry the coffee. You can use the sun drying method. Most roasteries use it too.  Once there is no moisture in the beans, you can go to the next stage.  Step 4: Roasting Once done, the coffee beans go through the penultimate stage. Each bean goes through careful roasting. But you need to maintain a precise temperature during the process. It helps to infuse the rich gourmet smell and characteristic taste.  This careful process, perfected over generations, is what makes Chikmagalur’s coffee so exceptional. Explore the Coffee Museum For those eager to explore the world of coffee, a visit to the Coffee Museum, also known as the Coffee Yatra Museum in Chikmagalur, is a must. The Coffee Board of India started this museum as a solo initiative. Now this is the main Indian coffee museum that educates visitors about coffee. You can learn about coffee’s journey from scratch here.  Located in Dasarahalli, just a short drive from Chikmagalur’s city center, the museum offers an enriching experience that is ideal for both casual coffee lovers and connoisseurs. Pay A Visit Today! For a truly immersive coffee experience, a stay amid Chikmagalur’s Coffee plantations is ideal. Gateway Chikmagalur provides the perfect luxury stay, offering modern comforts while keeping visitors close to the town’s coffee heritage.  With its proximity to key attractions like the Coffee Museum, it serves as a great base to explore the region’s rich coffee culture, while indulging in a luxurious, nature-infused getaway.

BY  Sibashree Sep 27, 2024

Imagine gliding through emerald waters, surrounded by towering limestone karsts and lush greenery, as the gentle breeze whispers tales of adventure. Welcome to Lan Ha Bay, a hidden gem in Vietnam that promises an unforgettable trip. Not just that, but if you want to visit the place for business purpose and open a branch there you need some expert assistance. However, for now, let’s just focus on the focusing on Lan Ha Bay and what is has to offer. But what truly sets this destination apart are the unique cruises that offer a blend of luxury, culture, and thrill. In this article, we’ll dive into the four most interesting cruises you must try during your exciting trip to Lan Ha Bay. Most Interesting Cruises At Lan Ha Bay With its pristine and peaceful landscapes, including islands, caves, and forests, Lan Ha is not only an ideal destination for relaxation but also a great choice for exciting trips. To fully explore this bay, let’s look through the five most interesting cruises below! Capella Cruise (from US $213/pax) Capella Cruise is the only 5-star Lan Ha Bay cruise featuring interesting facilities like a Water Slide and Cigar/ Poker Club with many entertaining board games. Tourists will experience privileged services only on this ship, particularly personalized service. This includes everything from private dinners to speed boats and an exclusive deck for meetings with various opulent facilities.  Capella Halong Bay Cruise has excellent customer satisfaction rates (9.6/10) and good reviews. The cruise ship has a variety of amenities that meet the demand of passengers onboard; the most prominent ones are a fitness center, mini golf, and bar & karaoke.  Besides kayaking and swimming in beautiful attractions in Lan Ha Bay, there are many exceptional activities, such as enjoying the thrill of sliding into the water of the Ao Ech Area. In addition, you will get plenty of opportunities to enjoy the picturesque scenery and rocky Karst mountains and learn to make traditional Vietnamese food in the cooking class.  Capella Cruise offers top-notch service and full itineraries (2-day to 4-day) in Lan Ha Bay. Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise (from US $186/pax) If you seek a tour that harmoniously combines the beauty of Vietnamese history, cuisine, and culture while exploring Lan Ha Bay, Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan is a perfect choice. It provides most lavish cruise experience while sailing from Lan Ha Bay to Cat Ba Island. The cruise exclusively offers artisanal boutique products along with an impressive art gallery and a culinary adventure with a royal-themed dinner. Alongside exploring famous destinations such as Dark & Bright Cave and Viet Hai Village, you can use many services and activities to entertain while staying on the ship, such as reading in the library, practicing Vietnamese martial arts in the Vovinam Class, squid fishing, seeing the art gallery, etc. Boasting Vietnamese traditional aesthetics, Heritage Cruise is a top choice for culture vultures. Le Theatre Cruise (from US $162/pax) Le Theatre Cruise Halong Bay can be an ideal option for discerning travelers who are looking for a new adventure but with an elegant experience. Only on this cruise can tourists exclusively explore a unique itinerary while sailing from Lan Ha Bay towards Cat Ba Island. Each cabin on the ship is furnished with modern facilities and a contemporary style. During the journey, you will participate in fantastic activities such as kayaking or swimming in Ao Ech Area, the most beautiful area in Halong Bay, and cycle around Viet Hai Village village, an ancient fishing village.  Additionally, the cruise also offers a wide range of services that make your vacation more exhilarating.  Some of the most interesting ones include squid fishing with guidance from the coach, a Tai Chi class, and a cooking demonstration class where you can prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. Le Theatre Cruise provides a vibe of modern simplicity on Lan Ha Bay. Emperor Cruise (from US $264/pax) This is a small cruise ship that provides a truly all-inclusive cruising experience. Inspired by Emperor Bao Dai and his lavish lifestyle, Emperor Cruise offers you a royal-like experience with exquisite cuisine, and available butler service during your overnight cruise in Halong Bay.  Moreover, The ship only has 10 high-class cabins with aristocratic decor inspired by royal style.  Spending your trip on the Emperor Cruise will definitely give you a memorable experience with thrilling activities.  This includes exploring Me Cung Cave, which is a magnificent complex cave with stalactites and stalagmites in Halong Bay, and kayaking/ swimming in Ba Trai Dao, the most stunning beach in Lan Ha Bay. Moreover, you can also try Vietnamese martial arts in the Vovinam class, which starts in the morning on the sundeck. Emperor offers distinctive itineraries to explore Halong and Lan Ha Bay on a 3d2n cruise. How To Pack For a Cruise Vacation: Tips and Advice Packing for a cruise vacation can be both exciting and a bit challenging, but with the right tips, you'll be ready for smooth sailing! Here are some handy tips and advice to help you pack efficiently: Know Your Itinerary  You need to research the destinations of your cruise very well. Also, check the weather and activities at each port of call to pack appropriate clothing and gear. In addition, you should go through the list of excursions and Activities being offered onboard. Accordingly, plan outfits for excursions, formal dinners, and onboard activities. Pack Smartly  When packing for a cruise vacation, layering is Key. Bring light layers to adapt to varying temperatures on the ship and at different destinations. Most cruises have formal nights, so pack a couple of dressy outfits along with casual wear. Most importantly, don’t forget swimsuits, cover-ups, and flip-flops for poolside lounging. Pack Essential Items First  When packing for your cruise vacation, keep your essential items like your passport, cruise tickets, and any necessary visas handy. While most cruise ships have medical centers, it is better to bring enough prescription medications and pack a small first-aid kit. What’s more, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential for sunny days on deck. Here are some more tips on how to pack for a cruise vacation. Laundry Options: Check if the cruise offers laundry services or pack some detergent for hand-washing.  Roll Your Clothes: Rolling clothes instead of folding can save space and reduce wrinkles.  Packing Cubes: Use packing cubes to organize and compress your items.  Multi-use Items: Choose items that can serve multiple purposes, like a sarong that can be used as a scarf, beach cover-up, or blanket. Lan Ha Bay possesses many stunning and offbeat tourist attractions that are waiting for travel lovers to explore. If you are looking for the most interesting cruise options in Lan Ha Bay, please contact BestPrice Travel - a local expert and a reputable service provider with the most choices available. Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.