Issues: December 2007 Archives

I keep reading about how more people are traveling with their pets. Apparently, the hospitality industry is doing more to welcome owners and their pets. (Think complimentary bones, treats, puppy beds.)

I live with a cat. Kharma, like most cats I know, likes to do what she wants when she wants to do it. So, bottom line is that travel is out. She'd rather hold down the fort at home, sitting in the bay window to watch the traffic below, the birds, and keep an eye on the firehouse across the street. As long as someone fills her food dish and the tabletop fountain she drinks from, visits and brushes her daily, she'd rather be in a familiar setting.

I'm curious, do you take your pet along when you travel? If so, what problems or welcome surprises have you come across? If not, how do you make sure your sweetie doesn't suffer in your absence?

Quick survey: How many of you would like to visit all seven continents during your lifetime?

I'll raise my hand.

Antarctica will likely be the last though, because of time and expense. Plus, the idea of tromping around on sheets of ice and having to wear layers 24-7 doesn't much appeal to this warm-weather girl. Heck, I have enough trouble wearing scratchy sweaters, suffocating turtlenecks and bulky coats during Mid Atlantic winters. How would I ever deal with Antarctic cold -- even during their summer?

The penguins might be cute though...

Anyway, the point of this post is that tourism to the seventh continent is on the rise and that brings dangers for both visitors and the continent itself. We all know what happens when popular tourist spots aren't protected the way they should be. It's not a happy picture. Check out this story about a cruise ship that nearly sank on its way to Antarctica .

I don't know about you, but when my time comes, I'd rather it not happen slowly by hypothermia in sub-zero waters.