Local Travel Tip

Where are you going on your summer vacation this year? We want to hear from our awesome readers about the trips that they have planned, or even just a great vacation idea they may have.

Whether you are going hiking in the mountains, or surfing in the sun, let us know what you have planned!

If you love waterfalls and the beautiful scenery that surrounds them, here are some waterfalls that you are not going to want to miss when planning your summer vacation. After all, now is the time to begin planning your trip–why not settle on one of these breathtaking locations?

First, there is always Niagara Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls in the United States. It borders both New York and Canada, so you could plan a trip to either border. Summer crowds can overwhelm, so visit during the shoulder seasons instead. You can’t go wrong in May, June, and September.

Next, check out Hanakapi’ai Falls in Kauai, Hawaii. If a tropical locale is what you enjoy, this is the haven for you. This thin veil of water plunges 300 feet from volcanic-rock cliffs cloaked in tropical rain forest. Avoid hiking the trail to the waterfall in August, when temperatures can climb into the 90s.

If you want something more stateside, check out Yosemite Falls in California. This three-tiered fall stretches 2,425 feet from top to bottom. The waterfall itself is gorgeous, but it is the surroundings — granite cliffs and Giant Sequoia trees — that make it one of the most striking sights in the country.

Want something a little more foreign? Visit Sutherland Falls in New Zealand. Its water drops 1,904 feet and shifts to the right at one point and then back to the left at another, forming three distinct sections. The best way to see the trio is by hiking a three-mile portion of the Milford Track, one of New Zealand’s most popular trails.

Check out one of these amazing natural wonders, and spend a week relaxing in nature this summer.

While taking Fluffy along on the family vacation may seem like a great idea in theory, when it comes down the actual logistics, it can be a little tough. This decision requires lots of planning and extra care, to ensure the safety of your pet. Flying an animal can be very dangerous, particularly if the storage area in the plane is not temperature and pressure controlled. Traveling with a animal on a road trip is safer in that regard, but requires a lot of planning and extra time. Here are some tips to help your road trip go a little more smoothly, if Fluffy is along for the ride.

If the weather is warm, be sure to use your air conditioning. Always make sure that air is being circulated frequently. Restrain your pet, using a pet seat belt or secured carrier. For safety reasons, do not allow your pet to stick its head out the window. Try to take breaks at least every three hours to allow your pet to exercise and relieve itself.

When you stop at a rest stop, never allow your pet to run loose. A pet can become lost, run into traffic, or get involved in a fight with another animal. Avoid leaving them unattended in the car for any amount of time, especially during warm or cold weather. A car parked in the sun can quickly become overheated – and shade moves quickly.

Remember the “nothing in nothing out theory”. If you do not feed or water your animal right before you leave, they are less likely to need frequent stops. They are more comfortable, not needing to make frequent bathroom breaks.

With these tips, your trip will go much more smoothly, and your pet will be much safer and happier.