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My dog’s first big travel adventure was hard work to organize, but a happy time for both of us

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We can do it. That was my mantra the week before my B.C. holiday. I’ve been out west a few times, but this time was different: It would be my first trip with Everly, my 18-month-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I’ve enjoyed the freedom of dog-free travel, with its multi-course meals in well-reviewed restaurants. But the truth was, I missed Everly and Everly missed me, and I said I would never leave her behind again.

So I planned Everly’s big adventure – a trip over March break that broadened Everly’s life, evolved her personality and expanded her skills in a way that staying at home without me would never have done. It was full of beachcombing, puddle-jumping, and salty shore licks on Vancouver Island. We hiked boardwalks, bridges, mossy forests, and rocky, steep trails in Squamish.

It took weeks of preparation to make the journey from flight to rental car to ferry, yet there were still surprises. Here’s what I learned along the way.


Outdoor experiences in nature are a good option for travels with a dog, and we found those on trails west of Victoria and the shores of Juan de Fuca Park.

Choose your airline

Every airline has a different pet policy. I had read good things about Air Canada and their panache for pooches. I went over their size and weight requirements on their website, then called the airline to announce she was coming. After an upcharge of $100 so she could sit at my feet in the cabin, we were booked.

What to bring

I researched the best carrier bags and bought a Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline Approved pet carrier from my local pet store. It is sized large, soft-sided for flexibility, and has a useful trolley sleeve that allows it to sit on top of your luggage.

What do you put on a dog’s packing list? A jacket, sweater, raincoat, two leashes, harness, food to last a few days, treats, a doggy seat belt for the car rental, bath towel, collapsible bowl, her vaccine record, and a small bed for the dog-friendly accommodations.

I also brought a king-size bed sheet. You never know when you need a spare sheet to cover someone else’s furniture.

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Dogs may find it taxing to sleep in unfamiliar places with new daily routines, but Everly got the hang of it.

Practice makes perfect

Even if your dog is crate trained as a puppy, being on a plane with other travellers is unexplored territory. To get your dog used to a new sleep pod, high-value treats can do the trick. It took 15 minutes for my food-motivated baby to associate the Sherpa with an upscale pied-à-terre.

She went for rides on the passenger seat floor of my car, and to get her familiar with being in her carrier on top of my luggage, we wheeled around the house.

Airlines may test your dog’s ability to turn around in its carrier. (If the carrier is deemed too small, the pet can be denied travel.) Everly was whip-smart, but how would she handle being coaxed to turn a trick on command in a noisy airport? I did not think that would happen to us, but we practiced turning around too.

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Everly was politely curious about Air Canada’s pet relief area at Pearson, but did not relieve herself there.

Travel day

In retrospect, I would not choose an early morning flight: I got Everly up, fed, pooped, peed and exercised, all before 4 a.m.

Getting through the airport was no walk in the park. At the ticket counter, the attendant asked for Everly to turn around in the carrier. She was tired and ready for a big airplane nap, but I took out her favourite treat and she turned around like a show dog.

After marching through security with Everly in my arms, we found Pearson Airport’s pet relief area — a patch of artificial turf and a red plastic fire hydrant – to try for one last tinkle.

By the time I reached my seat I was drenched with sweat.

The flight attendant knew to expect us and was ready to give me the rules: No taking your pup out of its carrier but you can reach down and pet your pooch. And in an emergency you can take your pet with you. Finally, I sank into my seat.

I worried Everly might get a whiff of the mac and cheese being served so I made a conscious decision to eat nothing on the plane. Even opening an innocent pretzel package on board could be triggering.

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Our ferry to the island had a pet area where Everly and my daughter could see the sea.

Road trip

At car rentals, the Budget man took one look at me and said, “We are going to upgrade you.” Is this guy serious? I didn’t want an upgrade, I wanted a downgrade, a low-grade, a b-grade. I’m travelling with my white, heavy-shedding dog. I don’t want leather seats. Please give me the cheapest, oldest, beat-up car that is available.

But he handed me keys to a black Audi Q3. Either he was confident I would return it in excellent condition after nine days, or thought I was a sucker.

The bed sheet I tucked into my luggage was a brilliant move. I draped the entire back seat with it and cut a one-inch hole to attach her seat belt. We continued to the ferry to take us to the island, and I texted a dear friend, exhaling: We did it.



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New cycle trail boosts adventure tourism in Mustang « Khabarhub

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MUSTANG: An eight-kilometer cycle trail has been completed connecting Gharpajhong-4 Jomsom to Baragung Muktikshetra-5 Dharkajung in Mustang.

The Tourism and Industry Office, Mustang, confirmed that the trail was built with a budget of Rs 2 million to promote tourism and encourage longer tourist stays in the region.

Prem Poudel, Chief of the Tourism and Industry Office, explained that the trail was developed by upgrading an existing road and opening a new two-kilometer track. To support the route, two iron bridges were constructed over the Sukkawal and Gavin Wall sections along the Jomsom-Dharkajung path.

This new high-altitude mountain cycle trail offers tourists an adventurous alternative route, allowing cyclists to travel from Mustang to Dolpa via Dharkajung without using the traditional Jomsom-Kagbeni road.

Poudel highlighted that cyclists passing through Dhalkedanda, located approximately 4,000 meters above sea level, will be treated to spectacular natural beauty and panoramic views. From Dhalkedanda, visitors can see the Upper Mustang region, the Nepal-China border, as well as Lower and Central Mustang.

Along the trail, cyclists can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, the Kaligandaki corridor, local apple orchards, Jomsom town, and other scenic settlements visible from Dhalkedanda.





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Exodus Adventure Travels Launches A “September to Remember”

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Special Trips Offered During the Insider’s Season for Global Exploration

NEW YORK, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Exodus Adventure Travels, the award-winning leader in small-group guided travel, has unveiled its “September to Remember” program, highlighting special trips and the unmatched magic of the September travel season.

September is a travel sweet spot and a time many adventurers wait for all year. Temperatures mellow, crowds thin, and destinations reveal cultural gems, rare wildlife moments, and once-a-year festivals that are best experienced when the world slows down.

Recent research reveals travelers crave authentic, untouristed moments. Exodus Adventure Travels’ “September to Remember” promotion delivers just that: special tours, availability, and access to experiences that make September one of the most richly rewarding times to travel.

From the scenic vistas of Italy’s Amalfi Coast or the vineyard harvest rituals in France’s Loire Valley to the lantern-lit moon-viewing festivals in Japan, Exodus invites travelers to rediscover this season as a time of deep connection, golden light, and local celebrations that most visitors miss. Listed below are a few examples of special “September to Remember” trips and destinations:

France: Celebrate la vendange (the grape harvest) in full swing. Join brotherhoods of winemakers in the Loire Valley and take part in the torchlit Heritage Night in Saint-Émilion. Travel on the enlightening trip, “Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Châteaux.”

Italy: Hike Amalfi’s iconic Path of the Gods in cooler air and dive into olive harvest season. If you prefer biking, cycle the unspoiled Cilento to the Amalfi Coast. See it all on “Walking the Amalfi Coast” or “Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast.”

Portugal & Spain: Experience one of the most scenic trails of the Comino de Santiago while enjoying coastal towns along the way. Feel the thrill on this highly rated trip, “Cycle the Coastal Portuguese Camino.”

South Africa: It’s spring, and wildlife is thriving—from breaching whales off Hermanus to baby elephants and zebras around watering holes. Have memories of a lifetime on South Africa: Walking and Wildlife” and on other Africa tours.

Vietnam: Golden rice terraces and festive celebrations around Independence Day await. Cycle through the rice paddies with local guides who know every hidden route on the favorite “Cycling Vietnam trip.

Japan: Watch temple lanterns glow under the full moon during Tsukimi and catch high-octane floats at the Danjiri Matsuri in Osaka. Experience it with local experts on “Ancient & Modern Japanand other September trips to Asia.

Costa Rica: Discover Costa Rica’s greatest wildlife-watching secrets: the hidden animal hotspots of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Enjoy this special adventure on the “Costa Rica’s Coastal Secrets” tour.

Additional Reasons to Travel in September with Exodus Adventure Travels

  • Insider Expertise: With more than 50 years of experience and deep local connections, Exodus gets travelers closer to the moments that matter—often ones only the locals know about.
  • Beyond the Ordinary: Small group sizes and immersive itineraries mean fewer queues, more time, and deeper cultural understanding.
  • The Comfort of Convenience: No need to spend endless hours researching the best places to see. Travelers can have the confidence and comfort knowing that Exodus’ expert teams and guides have carefully curated itineraries for the convenience of passengers.
  • Travel That Matters: These small group tours support local economies year-round while offering a more relaxed, responsible adventure.

For more information about Exodus’ many adventures including cultural holidays, wildlife expeditions, scenic hiking trips, cycling tours, solo travel and the best last-minute getaways, please visit ExodusTravels.com.

About Exodus Adventure Travels 
For more than 50 years Exodus Adventure Travels has been the leader in active hiking, biking, culture and wildlife adventures and is known for its commitment to “improve life through travel.” Exodus Adventure Travels is a winner of the National Geographic Traveler Reader Awards and is a recipient of the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award, Good Housekeeping’s Family Travel Award, Wanderlust Magazine’s Best Tour Leader of the Year, USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Award, and the Men’s Journal Travel Awards. This year, Exodus Adventure Travels also received the coveted Global Vision Award from Travel & Leisure.

Exodus Adventure Travels is a certified B Corporation (B Corp), further demonstrating its commitment to improve life through travel, dedicated to creating incredible, community-driven adventures, and understands the importance of nature and wildlife conservation through programs such as rewilding and partnering with scientists to restore biodiversity. 

Exodus Adventure Travels is part of Travelopia, the world’s largest collection of experiential travel brands. Travelopia’s more than 20 award-winning travel brands lead the way in creating unique experiences for guests around the world. To learn more about Exodus Adventure Travels and the company’s adventures visit ExodusTravels.com, or follow the company on social @ExodusTravels. 

SOURCE Exodus Adventure Travels



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Camp Chevrah Day Travel Enjoys Adventure, Energy And Endless Fun

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Camp Chevrah Day Travel girls kicked off another unforgettable week packed with energy, excitement, and nonstop adventure! Monday began with the Wibbits at Darlington Beach—a floating obstacle course that had the girls laughing, climbing, and diving all morning long.

Tuesday turned up the intensity with a full-body workout on the water—kayaking! The girls paddled hard and showed off their strength and teamwork as they powered through the lake.

By Wednesday, it was time to cool off! The girls headed to Dave & Buster’s for some arcade fun and then laced up their skates for a super fun afternoon on the ice.

Thursday brought a splash of excitement at the American Dream Waterpark, where the girls zipped down slides and rode the waves with huge smiles and high energy.

To wrap it all up, Friday brought them to Power Up—an interactive arcade that had everyone cheering, playing, and racking up the points to finish the week strong.

Slurpees and Carvel were delicious treats the campers enjoyed this week, adding a sweet touch to the fun-filled days.

Camp Chevrah Travel is all about big adventures and warm friendships. Girls entering grades 5—9 enjoy a fresh, exciting trip every single day! Campers experience the thrill of travel with the comfort of a day camp.





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