As a dog lover and vacation rental home owner, I have often come across the subject of traveling with a beloved pet. While only a few years ago, it was relatively rare to find hotel accommodations that would accept, or at least put up with, my kind and friendly Boxer, Ouzo. Every now and then while traveling on Interstate 5 in California, we would stop at the beautiful Harris Ranch. One, because it’s a great stop with beautiful accommodations and great food, also midway for us on our trip. But they also treat Fido the same way WE treat Fido, with love and care! They even provide a little sign to put on the door so people know there is a dog in the room.

Personally, I know that one of the reasons I loved traveling with Ouzo (now deceased) is because he was so much fun to be with. It’s not a hassle, and it always behaves very well in any new place. So when I became the owner of a great beach vacation rental home, it was a no-brainer for me to accept dogs. I know that for the most part, if people want to be with their pets, it is because pets are nice and well behaved.

What should you expect as a pet owner who is traveling through California or looking to rent a fun vacation property? First, most hotels, motels, and vacation rentals in California will require a small pet deposit, which will be refundable upon departure as long as no damage has been caused. (We know your precious dog would NEVER harm anything, it’s like insurance is everything!) In over ten years of renting to dog lovers, I have never had to withhold the $ 50.00 pet deposit I charge.

Allowing dogs can mean different things to different people. Make sure you know exactly what to expect before booking your hotel room or vacation home. Ask questions about things like floor coverings, as this can be important for your dog’s comfort. Plan to bring some of your pet’s familiar things with you to make him feel at home, like toys or bedding, for example. Many pet friendly places provide dishes and water bowls for your pet, but consider bringing something familiar here too, to add comfort and lessen the strangeness of the new surroundings.

Find a good place to walk the dog in advance, the owner or booking agent should be able to provide that information. Our vacation home offers accommodation on the beach. If your visit is to a beach vacation home, make sure you know in advance that the beach is also dog friendly. Many California beaches do not allow dogs. Our beach, Dillon Beach in Northern California, allows dogs to run freely along the water’s edge, which they love! There’s nothing like a day chasing birds on the shore to turn you into a tired, happy dog ​​at the end of the day! Having fun together and relaxing at night is what I want for my guests and their “kids”, even the 4-legged ones!

With more and more people keeping their precious dollars a little tighter these days, how can you convince them to drop some of it and buy your product or service and therefore keep you in business? Vacation incentives are one of the most attractive attraction methods. They can help struggling businesses maintain their customer base, plus get new ones! Businesses that use vacation travel incentives in their promotions have seen a 35% increase in sales! Of course, just about any business can use travel incentives effectively, whether it’s a retail, service, internet, mlm, wholesale, or other business. You see, EVERYONE likes to travel.

Well, almost everyone. A recent USA Today poll says 92% prefer travel to any other award or incentive. Traveling has a special value in their hearts. And to make your business grow and remain successful, you really have to give the public what they want. And most want to travel!

A free vacation could very well simply by convincing your potential customer to buy, or your potential partner to join. And no, it usually doesn’t have to be a luxury 2-week vacation on the French Riviera either. (I wouldn’t mind that one though!) You can just grab some 3-day specials at places like Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, Honolulu, Cancun, Branson, or Atlantic City! Perhaps you can use larger incentives of 8 full days in places like a Caribbean cruise, Virginia Beach, Poconos, Palm Springs, Lake Tahoe. Or maybe exciting international destinations like Wales, Spain or the Canadian Rockies! The latest travel incentives now include golf and spa vacations to St. Thomas, Aruba, Ft. Lauderdale, Nashville, Williamsburg or Anaheim.

About 62% say that travel is more of an incentive than even cash or merchandise. With money, it is often spent on bills, with travel, it is memories that last a lifetime.

Travel incentives routinely outperform any other form of incentive marketing. If more companies were to use travel as an incentive, rather than what they are using now, if at all, they will almost certainly see drastic increases in their sales and commissions.

Businesses can even use vacation incentives to reward and encourage customer loyalty. Or even if they refer another client or associate!

The contract or prepaid terms can also be changed to accommodate travel incentives such as thank you gifts. Imagine having a 3-day trip to see Mickey Mouse if you insure your child with life insurance and pay for the entire year in advance. How attractive!

Newer members of member-only clubs and organizations can even get many exciting travel benefits, like a 3-day or 5-night Bahamas cruise in Las Vegas.

Of course, sometimes the best way to convince someone to buy something is to let them try it first. Why not encourage sales during the trial period by offering a special travel incentive?

So, as you can clearly see, travel and vacation incentives are not used much, but they are always highly appreciated. And they often change the course of their business. Perhaps travel incentives will even help save your business!

Los Angeles is one of the largest cities, if not the largest city, on the West Coast. Due to its sheer size, there are hundreds of fun things to do in Los Angeles. It can be a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry. Here are the top eleven things to do on your trip to Los Angeles. From tours to theme parks to contemplating nature, there is something everyone can do in this great city. All you need is a little imagination and movie magic.

1. Brunch on the beach

On the beaches of Los Angeles there are dozens of restaurants offering brunch on the beach. Enjoy eating brunch classics on an outdoor patio facing the ocean. Everything tastes better when you eat outdoors from the ocean.

2. Hollywood Tour
Los Angeles is perhaps best known as the city of celebrities. Because of this, there are dozens of tours that visit celebrity homes and locations. One of the most prominent tours is the TMZ Tour, which travels to restaurants, clubs, and other places where celebrities like to hang out. There are many things to do in Los Angeles, but this one should not be missed.

3. Segway through the beaches

Los Angeles is known for its beaches in Santa Monica, Long Beach, and Venice. Many of these beaches offer Segway rentals that allow you to see the sights without tiring your legs. Feel the ocean breeze as you browse the dozens of shops and restaurants on the boardwalk. Nothing can be better.

4. Horse tour

Have you ever wanted to see the Hollywood sign up close? Have you ever wanted to see the Hollywood sign up close while riding a horse? Well now you can with the Sunset Ranch to Mount Hollywood Horseback Tour. You will not only see the Hollywood sign, but also incredible views of Los Angeles, San Fernando, and the Pacific Ocean. Best of all, there will be a barbecue waiting for you at the ranch when you return.

5. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood

Opened on April 7, 2016, Universal Studios’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter lets you experience what it would be like to be a wizard at Hogwarts. Also included are other famous landmarks from the book, such as Diagon Alley and Gringotts Bank, where an exciting journey awaits you.

6. Skyslide

Skyspace is the tallest outdoor observation deck in California. 300 meters above the city at the US Bank Tower, you can see an incredible view of the whole of Los Angeles. Skyspace also has the world’s first aerial slide, a slide that runs from the observation deck to the bottom of the tower. This slide is made entirely of glass and takes you around town.

7. Warner Brothers Studio Tour Hollywood

There are many activities in Los Angeles to participate in, but you would be remiss to pass up the opportunity to tour a real film studio. On your luxury tour, guides will take you past sound stages, television houses, and many locations where some of your favorite movies and TV shows are made. You will also visit Stage 48: Script to Screen, where you will see the key phases of the production process.

8. Whale watching

There are dozens of whale watching tours off the shores of Los Angeles. These tours will take you far out into the Pacific Ocean, where you will have the pleasure of seeing these graceful creatures so close you could almost touch them. If you love animals and nature, then this is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles.

9. Catalina Island

Off the coast of Los Angeles there is a small island, a jewel of nature called Catalina Island. If you are a nature lover then this is a must see. With a host of activities such as hiking, fishing or surfing, this place is a must for lovers of the great outdoors.

10. Farmers Market

Just because Los Angeles is a huge city doesn’t mean it doesn’t have fresh produce. Farmers markets can be found throughout the city, but the largest takes place in the city center every week during the spring and summer. If you are looking for fresh produce or handmade items, look no further.

11. Dance cruise

Do you love to dance and explore exotic places? Then you should try the Aventura Dance Cruise, the world’s largest Latin dance cruise. This cruise departs from Long Beach, California and travels to Ensenada, Mexico. Along the way, you’ll enjoy amazing food, dance workshops and classes, and fun beach parties that last well into the night. If you want to have fun, look no further.