If you’re looking for a different way to celebrate the 4th of July this year, the U.S. Virgin Islands could be just what you’re looking for. It’s Independence Day with a Caribbean flavor. And the week of the 4th of July also coincides with the culmination of St. John’s annual carnival. This means that there’s no way you’re not going to have a great fun-filled July the Fourth with memories you’ll cherish for years to come.

The U.S. Virgin Islands include the islands of St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas, Water Island, and many other surrounding minor islands. At any time of year, a visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands is a holiday that offers the very best of beach vacations. Adults enjoy the pristine scenery and kids have lots of space to run around. The powdery sand on the white beaches is perfect for building sand castles.

While part of the United States, West Indian culture remains these islands’ strongest influence. Calypso and reggae music is often heard, and you can find culinary delights such as curried meats, callaloo soup and mango-sweetened microbrews.

Since joining the U.S. in 1912, the islands pull out all the stops to celebrate Independence Day. Imagine celebrating with rum punch and Caribbean-themed all-night beach parties. The celebration includes loud music, parties, parades and fireworks over the waterfront of Cruz Bay on St John. St. John is the focal point for July 4th festivities, but each of the islands has something special to offer at this time.

If you’re in the U.S. Virgin Islands for July 4th, you will also be able to participate in Carnival. Carnival is the biggest party of the year in this area, and each island holds its own celebration. Carnival combines European and African traditions and features Calypso music, steel pan, food festivals and parades. The Carnival in St. John starts in the last week of June and culminates on the Fourth of July.

During Carnival, you will see fun events such as boat races, a greased pig contest, and a toddlers’ derby as part of the festivities. There is a series of elimination contests. A food fair presents the islands’ best traditional fare. A competition is held to crown the King and Queen of the parade troupes. A children’s and adult’s parade with bright costumes and decorated floats close the carnival.

Not only this is an exciting time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, but airfare to the isles is cheaper in late June and July. Hotel rates are nearly half off their winter high rates. Celebrating July 4th here is a real cultural treat and also an affordable family vacation.

For a Fourth of July celebration with Caribbean flavor, celebrate the nation’s birthday in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Your entire holiday can feel like a party, and your family will think of July Fourth in a whole new way.

One of the things a lot of people leave to the last minute when preparing their vacation is what to do with their pet while they’re away. It’s never an easy decision and most people are always doubtful about the best solution. To help you make up your mind, here are a few tips on different options available to you.

Bringing your pet along

This can be an attractive option since your pet is part of your family. Leaving it behind can seem so wrong! Traveling with your pet is becoming more and more feasible as more motels are becoming pet-friendly.

However, having your pet along can limit what you do on your vacation. Your pet may spend too much time alone in your hotel room. As well, traveling can be stressful for the pet.

Boarding your pet at a kennel

When pet owners decide to leave their pet behind during vacation, they often think of boarding their pet at a kennel. There are many types of kennels to choose from. Some are mom and pop operations and others are more like luxury hotels. Your vet may even offer boarding services. Kennels are popular choices because they offer different price ranges, and are a simple solution if you don’t have a friend or neighbor to help, or if you can’t afford a pet sitter.

On the flip side, boarding your pet can be very stressful for the animal. They usually have only a small cage to themselves with limited exercise time. They are surrounded by other animals they don’t know. Though kennels can provide very good care, the staff won’t give your furry friend the quality care and attention they’re used to.

Pet sitting

Another option is to hire a pet sitter to come into your home and care for your pet. This is a desirable option because your pet can stay in its home, and not deal with the stress of having to leave. As well, a professional pet sitter can follow your pet’s normal routine and schedule. The pet sitter can also water your plants, pick up the mail, and give your house that lived-in look while you’re away.

There are professional pet sitters for hire, or you may want to hire a student or friend. On the downside, hiring a professional pet sitter can be expensive. Even if you choose to use a student or a friend, it can be stressful for you to have someone stay in your home while you’re not there.

Neighbors

If you have a neighbor who likes pets, or who at least likes your pet, enlisting them to care for your pet while you’re on vacation may be an option. Your pet can stay in its own home while your neighbor comes by on regular basis to walk, feed, and let the pet outside.

One thing to consider before asking a neighbor to help is that this type of situation can put a strain on your relationship with your neighbor. When they need a favor later on, they may expect you to help them because they helped you out. Also, it can be uncomfortable having your neighbor in your home while you’re not there.

While you’re making your travel plans, remember to carefully plan what to do with your pet while you’re on vacation. No one option is the best for every pet owner, and what works for you this time may not be the best option for your next trip.

Any grandparent that has traveled with their grandchild will tell you that it can be an experience to treasure for the whole of your life. Going on a holiday together is the perfect way to get to know each other and to create those unforgettable memories.

But without proper planning, the trip of your dreams can turn into a nightmare. Cranky children, overexertion, and the chronic complaint of, “I’m bored,” can ruin a trip for even the most devoted grandparents. Here are some tips to help you plan a successful trip with your grandchildren, and make memories that you will both enjoy.

• Communicate with the child’s parents. Before you make any plans for traveling with your grandchildren, you need to talk with their parents. Find out if they feel their children are ready to travel without them. Ask about the children’s likes and dislikes, interests and schedules. If you can stick to their routine while traveling, your travel companions will be much happier. You’ll want to design a trip that caters to their interests and needs.
• Do a trial run. Before going off on your “grand” adventure with your grandchildren, do a trial run first. Take them on a short overnighter or two-day trip away from home without their parents. This will be the true test of how well they do away from home. If they get homesick after one night away from home, better to find out now than when you’re embarking on a 10-day vacation. This will also test your own endurance levels.
• Plan the trip together. The best way to get your grandchildren excited about traveling with you is to plan your trip together. Get their input about what kinds of activities they want to do and where they want to go. This way you can be sure you’re planning a trip they’ll enjoy.
• Bring along documentation. When traveling with your grandchildren, bring along any documentation you might need. They should have I.D. and emergency contact information on them at all times. You will also need a recent photo in case they do go missing. In case they need medical attention, bring along notarized authorization forms. If they take any medication, make sure you bring it and the dosage instructions with you.
• Look at packaged vacations. Some travel companies are offering packaged vacations for grandparents traveling with their grandchildren. By taking a packaged vacation designed for you by travel experts, you can be sure that both you and your grandchildren will have fun. There are packages for visiting dude ranches, touring the countryside, going overseas, and many more.
• Explore the National Parks. This can be a fun, affordable vacation for grandparents traveling with grandchildren. They offer discounts for seniors, and lots of space for children to burn off their energy. You can try tent camping or staying in a hotel in the park. National parks offer activities both you and your grandchildren will enjoy, such as hiking and wildflower and animal viewing.
• Go to the beach. For a more relaxing vacation, consider renting a beach house or staying in a hotel along the beach. Kids can spend hours playing in the water and sand without getting bored. You can relax by the waves with a good book.

Traveling with your grandchildren can be the experience of a lifetime. Following the above tips will help make sure it is a positive one.