Dog-Friendly Vacation Ideas to Consider This Summer

 

Do you experience separation anxiety when leaving your 4-legged friend behind while you’re on vacation? Luckily, there’s a simple solution – plan a dog-friendly getaway. Whether you and your pet are beach bums or active movers and shakers, there are plenty accommodating trip ideas the whole family can enjoy.

 

Beach Bums

 

What could be better than a beach where dogs are free to frolic in the sand? Dog-friendly beaches allow you to catch some rays and enjoy a refreshing dip – right along with your pup. Don’t forget to set up some shade to help protect your furry friend from the summer sun.

 

Fearless Adventurers

 

Water sports are fun with other humans, but water sports with your pet are even better. Take surfing. So Cal Surf Dogs is Southern California’s dog surfing club. For beginners to pros, the club offers a variety of lessons at Del Mar Dog Beach that aligns with you and your dog’s skills. Experienced instructors provide techniques and the proper equipment to ensure that you and your canine are safe at all times.

 

Sightseeing Enthusiasts

 

Is kayaking or hiking more your fortè? There are loads of options for you and your pal to explore nature together. Consider renting a kayak or paddle board or visit one of the many dog-friendly hiking trails. Be sure to protect your pet with a life vest when renting a kayak or paddle board, and to bring plenty of water when you hit the trails.

 

Ski Searchers

 

For those who prefer a winter vacation, consider ski resorts that cater to pet owners and offer dog-specific trails for skiing (some stay open until early July) and hiking in warmer weather.

 

Visit the Cross Country Ski Areas Association site for a list of dog-friendly ski spots.

 

No matter what type of traveler you are, there’s a getaway for you and your pet. Let the planning begin and remember to review this travel checklist before packing your dog’s favorite bone. Which of these ideas will be on your itinerary?

10 Tips for Staying Healthy at Work

At Nationwide, we know being healthy is important. Recently, we earned Gold Level HealthLead Workplace Accreditation for our healthy workplace because of our associates’ commitment to make living a healthy life a priority.

 

It’s not always easy to stay healthy if you work at a desk all day, so we’ve put together 10 great tips to stay fit at work.

 

1. Find ways to fit a few more steps into your day – and do it. To move a little more, park farther away, take the stairs or map out a walking route.

 

2. Wear a pedometer or other activity-monitor. Studies show when you track, you walk more. Know your baseline and then try to increase over time to 10,000 steps a day.

 

3. Buddy up. Find a co-worker to help motivate you to reach your goals.

 

4. Take advantage of work or community resources, like health screenings, nearby parks and wellness discounts.

 

5. Plan out your lunches and snacks for the week. Make more informed decisions by checking food labels and nutrition information.

 

6. Avoid the drive-thru. Pack a healthy lunch instead.

 

7. Look for new ways to go to places you frequent most. Just by tweaking your route, you can often double your steps or add in a staircase.

 

8. Create mini-challenges in your work group. Challenge coworkers to eat breakfast for a week, add in a serving of vegetables or floss daily.

 

9. Traveling? Don’t give up your routine. Plan ahead for meal options and stay hydrated. We often substitute food when we aren’t hungry, but are actually thirsty.

 

10. Track your food intake by writing in a journal or using a smartphone app. Tracking your food consistently improves weight loss success.

 

Now that we’ve given you our best tips, we would love to hear yours. What tips do you have to stay healthy at work?

RV Campgrounds for Your Next Vacation

 

Whatever vacation destination fits your style or taste, you’ll find it behind the wheel of an RV. Locations that cater to RVers run the spectrum from roughing it to refined.

Back to basics

If you’re a natural camper looking to escape modern technology, consider Horse Thief Lake Campground in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The family-owned and -operated campground transports you back to simple days, when all you had to do was enjoy the great outdoors. And if you’re up for more exploring, Mt. Rushmore is only a few miles away.

National park people

In close proximity to Yosemite National Park is the Yosemite Pines RV Park, an affordable, kid-friendly spot with a variety of amenities for you and the family. In addition to outdoor activities, such as mountain biking and swimming, the kids will love the alpaca-filled petting zoo and gold mine.

Luxury lovers

New to the RV scene and not ready to abandon the comforts of a hotel? Lake Osprey RV Country Club, a luxurious RV resort, balances scenic views for the nature fanatics with countless amenities. Located in Elberta, Alabama, the resort features an 18-hole golf course, clubhouse, pool and free WiFi.

Popular pads

With a grade “A” rating from guestrated.com for the past six years, South Haven Sunny Brook RV Resort in southwest Michigan is clearly popular among RVers. The 65-acre resort has a private lake, kayaking expeditions, fitness centers and scenic hiking trails. Guests can also take advantage of an extensive events calendar filled with music, contests and food. Another plus? The resort is situated near beautiful Lake Michigan.

RV newbies

Anxious to go on an RV trip, but lack the essentials – like a recreational vehicle? No problem. The Shady Dell RV Park in Bisbee, Arizona, provides travelers with a selection of nine restored vintage RVs. If you’re looking for quiet time and privacy, this may be the choice for you, since the crowds are kept small and the noise level is kept to a minimum.

 

Have your pick from luxurious to the pure outdoors. And to help make your trip safe, as well as fun, look over this RV checklist before hitting the highway.

10 AFFORDABLE USED CARS BUYS FOR 2014

The instant you drive your new car off the dealer’s lot, it loses value. Now, if you plan to keep it for more than just a few years, buying new may be a sound financial decision. But if you’re on a tight budget, a used car with relatively few miles and in good shape can often save you a significant amount of money.

 

Click the link to find out which cars to buy...