Home
Samsonite

Newest Articles

  

Newsflash

Solar Impulse 2: Will Sky-Sailing Ever Go Commercial?


The experimental aircraft recently completed of round-the-world flight. It was propelled strictly by the sun’s power, with no need for fossil or other types of today's expensive and volatile fuel.

While solar-powered commercial aircraft are still decades into the future, consider the advantages when it happens. With no dependence on the price-manipulated oil industry, passenger fees should be considerably lower.

Aboard the quiet aircraft, the experience will feel like a sailing schooner in the sky, with the design of a luxury cruise ship. The interior will be roomy for strolling passengers and gatherings, rather than today’s required stuffing everyone into a tight seat during flight. 

On its around-the-world journey, Solar Impulse 2 flew at a speed of 35 mph, about 10 mph faster than the average cruise ship. As with ocean-going vessels, the aircraft will also be be affected by winds and weather. www.bbc.com/news/science-environment
Tips: Reduce Problems When Traveling With Pets PDF Print E-mail

The experience can be very stressful for both you and your best friend. The hurry-up activities, strange sights, loud noises and unfamiliar people can disturb a pet accustomed to familiar routines at home. With intelligent planning and consideration, there are ways to make the trip easier to endure.

When scheduled to fly, consider leaving your larger pet home. Have a friend or relative take over for you, or board it in a kennel. It’s frightening and stressful to fly is as a caged animal.

Despite the care airlines take to keep cargo animals safe, the ordeal is never a pleasant one for pets nor anxious owners. If you check your pet as luggage, cost may be as much as $150 per flight. It must be in an approved, lockable container with proper bowls for water and food.

You're usually permitted to fly with a pet weighing 20 pounds or less in the passenger cabin with you. It must stay in an approved carry-on container throughout the flight, though some airlines allow brief periods for feeding and exercise. The cost starts from $100. Service dogs with IDs fly free in the passenger cabin.

Driving will be more pleasant for your companion animal. The car is already a familiar place, and the pet is comfortable with family members. Take along feed and water bowls, mat or blanket, necessary meds and favorite toys. If the trip is for more than two hours, make regular stops for feeding, potty breaks and exercise. At all times, keep your pet on a leash.

If your journey will involve overnight stops, call ahead to book a motel that accepts pets. Some will allow them to stay in your room, while others require kennel housing. Obey the rules for clean up after your pet, and respect the quiet comfort of other motel guests.

If your pet tends to be nervous and restless, take vet-approved meds on your journey. To allow regular sleep for the pet and everyone else on the trip, use the meds when necessary. Whenever possible, give your animal companion freedom and exercise. Soothing talk and petting can also help make the experience less stressful for all.

 
 
 
Stay in-the-know about the latest Sports, Life, Money, Tech, and Travel stories. You'll get your first 2 months of USA TODAY for $25 (charged monthly). All print subscribers receive the e-Newspaper included with their subscription.