Tag: snowbird dogs

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How to Pack Your Vehicle

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How to Pack Your Vehicle

Strategic Organization for a Successful Snowbird Road Trip


The first season we became snowbirds, I made a huge mistake. I did not get involved in packing the vehicle, only the stuff that goes in the vehicle. I was naively happy my husband handled all of the rest. As you can guess, it didn't take long to realize I had no idea where anything was, nor was it organized so that essential items could be easily reached from the passenger seat in transit or while stopped. 

Over the years, I've developed strategies for packing the vehicle to/from our snowbird community or any other destination. Because most people, including us, typically don't make long haul road trips more than once or twice a year, I recommend reviewing your techniques of what worked and what to skip prior to departure. Yes, it's rather intuitive, but there's always some detail that gets overlooked and it's not typically convenient to correct it while in transit.

We transport our Golden Retriever and business essentials such as computers, supplies, equipment and a printer to our snowbird community. If you don't have a dog and/or a business to bring, it's much less complicated. These are my personal strategies for organizing our vehicle for a successful road trip.

 


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Strategic Organization for a Successful Road Trip

First Get Your Basics Organized/Updated

Most of us already keep the basics organized in our vehicles: proof of insurance, registration, vehicle manual, cash, garage door opener and compact umbrellas stowed in the pocket of every door. I always have an atlas in the seat pocket in case of no cell service while traveling through rural areas.

Emergency preparedness is essential for a long road trip. If you have all of the items for first aid or to change a tire or give/get a battery jump, verify it's all there. If you don't have any of those items, consider purchasing them or invest in a AAA membership if you're not the type to work on your own vehicle. Newer vehicles may not be designed for a jump due to the absence of battery terminals. If your vehicle is in that category, it's better to know in advance that you'll need professional roadside assistance than to try to flag down help only to find they can't help you and vice versa. Keep gloves, hats and an extra blanket or two in your vehicle in case of a problem.

If you travel via toll roads, your Riverlink, SunPass and E-Z electronic passes should already be installed on the windshield. If you prefer the cash/credit lanes, restock your small bills and change as a back-up just in case.

It's also assumed you will remember to bring your purse and/or wallet, sunglasses and keys. Everyone should have their own set of keys, don't try to downsize to one set in the event of lost or stolen keys.

Start With a Clean Vehicle

This should go without saying, but thoroughly vacuum and wipe down every inch of your vehicle's interior surfaces prior to departure. Road trips are stressful enough, it's important to start with an exceptionally clean interior for safety and launching your journey the correct way for no other reason than it just feels better. The exterior should be clean too, especially the windshield and all glass windows. By personally cleaning everything, you'll have an opportunity to check the condition and restock any of the aforementioned basics.

Organize by Zone

The most important zone, which I refer to as "zone one" is a radius within reach of the front seats. The primary job of the passenger is to assist the driver in every way possible while in transit. Second is to manage any additional passengers, including the family pet/s. Solo drivers will have a different set of needs that are not addressed in this post.

Many snowbirds travel by SUV, however, the zone strategy applies to any vehicle. Zone one is everything within reach of the front seats. The other zones include the back seats and cargo area. If your uncaged pet is travelling with you, remember that not only can you reach zone one, your pet likely can too. This means it's important to plan accordingly so your dog isn't chomping on snacks or discarded food wrappers that are within easy reach of you and him. The first year we traveled with our puppy, Bodie, he was delighted to discover rolls of toilet paper were located near his dog bed. He entertained himself biting them until our next pit stop.

Physical Barriers to Separate the Zones

We use physical barriers to separate the zones. This includes a commercially produced aluminum pet barrier that keeps our dog from entering the front seat area. For his safety and ours, this is non-negotiable. I've seen many dogs travel in pet cages, which is a good option for smaller animals. Even if your pet doesn't typically try to barge into the front, think of safety in the event of a fast stop on the highway. Your pet should not become a missle and neither should anything else in the cargo zones.

To contain the items in the cargo area of our SUV, they are packed within a large box with the heaviest items on the bottom and only lighter items on the top. Never put heavy items anywhere they can become harmful projectiles. The large box in our cargo area helps contain items that shift while in transit and might fall onto the dog. Yes, in the past it has happened with coat jackets that are stowed on top of the heavy items and it's frustrating because the passenger cannot safely move the item until the next pit stop.

Zone One Requires Multi-Functions

Zone one is very important because there are many functions happening in this zone. The passenger must be able to help the driver navigate as well as efficiently dispense food and beverages to the humans and pet/s. Other functions include storing and charging electronic equipment and adjusting the front and rear temperature and radio stations. Sleeping/resting are also important for the passenger. Zone one requires being able to quickly clean up spills and messes and dispose of trash.

Middle Console

The hard-working middle console is a plethora of activity. We keep our cell phone super charger and phones in the middle console area. The interior of the console stores bags of snacks plus cash/change and the vehicle manual. A bottle of hand sanitizer plus each person's beverages fit into the cup holders.

Always bring extra clean sandwich bags and varying sizes of extra plastic containers with lids to keep inside the console. These containers are very handy in transit. The driver can keep their own individual bag or plastic dish of trail mix, chips or popcorn on their lap during transit. Plastic containers are ideal to catch crumbs or drippy sandwiches. Leftovers, such as pizza slices or uneaten sandwiches travel better in a clean sealed plastic container vs. a flimsy styrofoam to-go container. There's nothing fun about cleaning up a capsized fast food box, especially because it never happens when it's convenient.

One of my best tips for travelling with a dog is to keep a decent-sized high quality (such as Rubbermaid® brand) air-tight plastic container on top of the middle console. Our dog prefers to munch on ice cubes in transit and when the ice melts, he has chilled water to enjoy. I layer two or three clean dish cloths under the container of ice to keep the condensation away from leather console top and to clean up drool or messes as needed. It works very well compared to the days of travelling with a traditional water bowl on the console. No matter what the ice/water is stored in, offer it to your pet frequently to ensure they don't get too dehydrated. They are stressed too.

Within your middle console, pet's travel bag or somewhere else within reach, make sure you know where the portions of kibble are located to feed the dog in transit or at a rest stop. I portion each meal in baggies so I don't have to measure from our bulk supply of dog food, which travels in a tin in the cargo area. There have been trips where I couldn't remember where the food was and resorted to getting it from the bin.

I stack the dog's travel bag on top of the bottled water (which sits on the floor behind the middle console, then my purse, travel pillow and cosmetic bag are on top of that. Whatever is most important to you should go where it can be easily reached.

Cosmetic bags should have practical items such as eye drops, lip balm, an extra contact case, spare glasses, a lens cloth, breath mints or mini bottles of mouthwash, tweezers, aspirin, make-up and purse-sized perfume. When spending that much time in your vehicle, you'll want to be able to refresh as needed between fuel stops.

Magazines and paperback books are stowed between the passenger seat and console within easy reach.

Dashboard console

As previously mentioned, the dashboard console should contain your proof of insurance, registration and plenty of extra paper napkins. The paper napkins are handy for messes that need to be thrown away at the next pit stop or in the event your drive-through order didn't include napkins.

Behind the Seats

I never travel without a throw-style blanket and beach towel or two and keep them and my travel pillow within easy reach for a nap or when it's a little chilly. We don't want our dog to overheat, especially if the sun is shining on his area of the vehicle, so it's easier to rely on a blanket and keep the overall temp colder rather than too warm. We also make sure the vents are not blowing directly on the dog too much. Keep an eye on things so the dog isn't miserable the entire time.

Our dog's pet bed is huge and it's situated behind the driver's seat since the driver won't be needing to reach back there anyway. We cover it with a clean sheet to not only keep it cooler than the fuzzy fabric of the actual bed, but the sheet can be washed upon arrival. By the time we've spent two full days travelling, it's hairy and has seen it's share of drool and other fluids.

Plenty of 12 oz bottled waters are stowed behind the middle console for the passenger to locate as needed. I also have at least one gallon of bottled water in the vehicle. My experience is the gallon of water is better for bringing into the hotel and the 12 oz bottles are easier to reach and dispense while in transit.

We keep our coats behind our respective seats so we can quickly find them for pit stops.

Floor Space

Slip-on shoes are essential. The passenger's floor space is usually not all that roomy and quickly fills up with shoes, bags of trash and often, my purse. I travel with two or three professional cameras and keep at least one within easy reach at all times. Sometimes that means on my lap, in my purse or in the pile behind the middle console.

The floor space between the two rear seats is filled with a solid box filled with canned goods and pantry items. If we had a small cooler that would fit in the space, that's what would be located here, but none fit the space. Not only does the box of canned goods give us something to eat when we arrive, it most importantly supports the dog's bed.

There's a lot to be utilized with floor space and the gaps from where the seats fold down. We usually bring multiple packs of double roll toilet paper to stuff in these gaps. Shoes and smaller items that aren't needed while in transit also fit in the gap.

A small set of weights is ideal for gaps or floor space and two liters and glass bottles wrapped in kitchen towels can travel on the floor or in the gaps if they won't be trampled in transit or roll out when the side doors are opened.

Pet Pathway Zone

Our dog is physically unable to jump into the vehicle even once, let alone multiple times per day on a road trip. We find it much safer for him and us to use a sturdy commercially made folding ramp. Because the ramp takes up space in the SUV cargo area, we often pack duffle and utility bags on top of it. That means unloading the bags every time the dog uses the ramp. It's a trade-off and not really a big deal. Other dogs travel in commercial pet carriers and cages with the cargo area. No matter how it works out best in each situation, be careful of air flow or lack thereof, as well as heating/cooling and access to food and water.

Practice and Refine with Your Own Vehicle

Before loading your sedan or SUV, carefully consider, "Do we really need this? Is it essential? A duplicate? Hard working?" If so, then it's worth planning and organizing how to make it fit within the allotted space of your vehicle. If not, leave it behind and direct your energy to the items of most importance.

Our first two seasons we travelled in a sedan, which is a lot different than the very large SUV that we purchased for the practical cargo space. No matter the mode of travel, think creatively and work out the strategies that are best for your own personal needs. Don't forget to observe other vehicles at the rest and fuel stops. It will either reassure you are on the right track or inspire you to try new tactics.

When we arrive at our snowbird destination, I enjoy watching the other travelers loading their belongings on the utility carts to move in for the season. I've never seen anyone with a light load and it's refreshing to know we're not that different from anyone else.

 


 

" 'Just in case' is the curse of packing.”

-- Alexandra Potter, British Author


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Weekend Lake Getaway

Exterior Oakwood Resort, facing Lake Wawasee, Syracuse, Indiana
Oakwood Resort is a gorgeous Midwestern lakefront resort, an hour's drive from our home, has beautiful spacious rooms and is dog friendly

WEEKEND LAKE GETAWAY


For us, there's a long gap from the winter snowbird season until we begin again, so weekend getaways are an economical way to balance out the summer months. After many day trips to visit a gorgeous lakefront Midwestern resort, we decided to bring our dog and spend a weekend. Wow, was it impressive! I used to think it was necessary to drive further than an hour away to find paradise, but I've been proven wrong. This is why Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, Indiana is on our list of favorite summer places.


 

Summer Lake Retreat

Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, Indiana features 77 spacious guest rooms and luxury suites

Snowbirds typically do not go on elaborate vacations during the off season, usually because they would rather invest the budget into more time in their snowbird homes. Weekend trips become a short-term way to balance the snowbird season.

This year, when planning our weekend getaway, I reasearched "glamping," which is luxurious camping with nicer accommodations than traditional camping. Generally, glamping involves a large beautiful tent set up with lamps, rugs and a real bed, so everything is ready upon arrival. I was looking for a safari-style camp site as seen on amazing travel web sites. However, in reality I couldn't find any nearby places that fit what I envisioned. Ironically, our visit to Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, Indiana became the perfect blend of lakeside resort-style glamping.


Where it all began: many day trips to Oakwood sitting on the shore of Lake Wawasee

How We Chose Our Lake Retreat

In the past, I thought it was necessary to travel by car at least four or five hours to feel a retreat is a true "getaway." In the past, this has included summer trips to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore; Four Winds Lakeside Inn on Lake Monroe in Bloomington, Indiana; downtown Chicago, Illinois; and Lake Michigan including South Haven, Saugatuck, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Traverse City, Michigan. My husband has many fond memories at Lake Erie and Put-In-Bay, Ohio.

Now, I've changed my perspective about a summer retreat. I still want to visit places in surrounding states, but I'm more content considering places closer to home. And that is how our mini lake weekend came about.

For many summer celebrations and holidays, my husband and I sought out waterfront restaurants for day trips. After lunch we take a driving tour of the countryside, then return home. There have been visits to many charming places about an hour's drive away, but in recent years, we kept returning to one location in particular. And that is because not only does this lakeside restaurant serve delicious food, it is situated on the grounds of a beautiful resort hotel. After eating, we spent time next to the water watching the boats go past. It is a perfect way to spend an afternoon, but all too soon it is time to go home.

It was a natural progression to want to spend more time at this particular lake resort, so this summer we made that happen. You might find yourself in a similar situation. There may be a fantastic place within a relatively short drive that could potentially be your new favorite weekend getaway if you take a good look around. Search online and seek referrals. It could be a hotel resort, a bed and breakfast or perhaps a private home or cottage.


The Shores of Lake Wawasee

Our peaceful, inviting room is steps away from the water

Oakwood Resort is located on upscale Lake Wawasee, Indiana's largest natural freshwater body of water. The full service resort is an hour's drive from our home and it features many amenities such as The Pier, a lakefront restaurant/bar; a salon and spa; boutique; sandy beach; tour boat; complimentary kayaks; firepit; tailgate games; game room; fitness room and marina slips for guests' boats.

Because the hotel is dog friendly, that was a significant factor in deciding to stay at Oakwood for our lake getaway. We requested and received a room that is well-suited for a pet.

We were assigned an over-sized corner room on the ground floor featuring an extra tall ceiling and extra large windows with fantastic dual views of the lake, a comfortable sparkling white king-sized bed, mini fridge and huge bathroom with two sinks, a separate lighted vanity area and Jacuzzi® tub. The floor is pet-friendly faux plank wood and has a full-sized white couch. The room is clean, inviting and conveys "home away from home" in a comforting way. It takes us back to our own lake cottage memories.

Outside the hallway door is a sun-filled game room with over-sized windows and an exterior door leading right to the water. Steps away are bright yellow Adirondack-style chairs in a grassy area, a beautiful gazebo, tailgate style games, a beach and a firepit with plentiful supply of chopped wood in a rack. This what makes it feel like "resort style" glamping -- being next to nature without all of the work. It truly is a carefree way to spend time.

At dusk, the staff builds a campfire and guests keep it well-stoked, roasting marshmallows for s'mores. Our bright, yellow and white room, with a great lake vibe, is comfortably furnished. Right outside the door is the right amount of connection with the great outdoors. We spread a large blanket on the grass for our Golden Retriever to unwind with us as we sip our beverages.

Sitting next to the peaceful lake in the afternoon and again under the stars on a clear night, takes me back to happy childhood memories of summer camp and weeks spent with my grandparents at their lake cottage in Northern Indiana. Our 24 hour getaway is just what we need for temporarily forgetting about work, enjoying breezy lakeside meals, mental and physical restoration and a sliver of time away from home.  We plan to return again and again.


Packing List

Even a short getaway requires planning and packing, which shouldn't be a big deal for snowbirds. Yet it's not always obvious to not pack too much, but enough to be prepared for anything. An overview of what we packed:

For ourselves:

Find personal ways to make your getaway more memorable

Small suitcase with rolling wheels

Extra tote bag

Camera with two lenses

Clothing for daytime and evening

Shoes

Sunglasses

Jewelry

Beach/pool wear

Jackets

Toiletries

Books/magazines

Cell phones and chargers

Blanket

Large cooler with ice packs

Small portable cooler, just in case

Beverages and filtered water

Plastic "champagne" glasses

Insulated travel cups

Insect repellent

Portable LED light

Hand sanitizer

Umbrellas

For our dog:

Tote bag

Collar with updated tags

Leash, short

Leash, long

Large water bowl

Small water bowl

Small food bowl

Kibble, portioned in plastic containers by number of servings

Travel water in a plastic jug

Dog bed

Chew bone

Vibration collar and remote control


Sample 24 Hour Itinerary for Travelers with Pet/s

Being able to bring our Golden Retriever, Bodie was an important consideration for our getaway

Day One

♦ Morning of the trip, pack the vehicle

♦ Depart for destination several hours ahead of check-in

♦ Stop on the way for a leisurely outdoor lunch at a waterfront cafe; dogs are generally permitted on the patio of most restaurants

♦ Arrive at resort ahead of check-in for a leisurely stroll on the grounds, especially if travelling with a dog

♦ Check-in on time

♦ Unpack, unwind in the room, allow the dog time to get acclimated, especially if travelling is stressful for your pet

♦ Spend the rest of the afternoon outdoors, enjoying the water/beach/view/spa/tailgate games/amenities

♦ Dine with the dog on the patio at the resort restaurant

♦ Watch the sunset

♦ Enjoy the remainder of the evening stargazing outdoors next to the water/firepit/beach

♦ Retire to room

Day Two

♦ Get up in time for breakfast at the hotel's restaurant

♦ Take another stroll around the resort and/or enjoy the amenities

♦ Pack, check out, load vehicle

♦ Dine with the dog on the patio at the resort's restaurant

♦ Depart for home


Beautiful view from our dinner table on the patio at the resort's restaurant, The Pier

Additional Tips

Summertime is the busiest season for resorts, so consider looking into alternate options to obtain better deals. Like everyone else, we would prefer a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night stay. However, the down side of that is everything is much busier and more expensive.

Two night minimums may apply to weekend peak season stays

By switching to a Sunday - Monday stay, our resort rate decreases by $100 per night and there are much better chances of a great room being available.

A Sunday or weeknight stay might mean a nicer waterfront table at the resort's restaurant.

Another incentive might be complimentary breakfast for weekday guests.

There will likely be less of a wait for resort amenities and less competition for basics such as outdoor lounge chairs during the week

Thirty minute tours of the lake on the resort's long boat are offered at no cost to weekday guests compared to $10 per person on weekends.

Look into special packages. Incentives might include extras such as a chilled bottle of sparkling wine, fruit platter and chocolate truffles delivered to your room plus an extended check out time.

Additional discounts may be available such as military, senior, pre-paid, etc.

Review all policies. There may be a cancellation clause requiring longer notice than a typical hotel, such as two weeks' instead of 48 hours.

Review the details so you are fully informed if any services will not be available during your stay. IE, some amenities such as weekday boat tours and reduced or no lunch hours at the restaurant may apply to stays during non-peak season.

Make a note of your room number if you like it so you can request it again.

Remember, not everything on your wish list will be available at your destination. Our favorite resort does not offer a swimming pool or outdoor jetted hot tub and that's ok. Per state law, we wouldn't be able to bring our dog into swimming pool areas anyway. It also does not have private balconies or patios, which mattered less to me after staying there and realizing the public green spaces are perfectly nice too.

It's worth changing your thinking to modify your mini vacation plans and get the best of the best for a much better price. The restoration of your mind, body and soul is worth every penny, not to mention creating priceless memories.

Note: No compensation or consideration was provided by any entity for this review. It is strictly for informational purposes.


 

"SO MUCH OF WHO WE ARE IS WHERE WE HAVE BEEN"

-- William Langewiesche, American Author and Journalist

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