Pet travel and safety tips for motorists and motorcycle enthusiasts

Exotic bird expert Jason Shane with Gary Guertin.

 Pets were definitely the big topic on the show with Jason Shane, owner of Birds on Safari, as our special guest. With birds being one of the most popular pets in U.S. households, it was very interesting to learn what lengths Birds on Safari goes to ensure the feathered critters their customers board at the shop are made to feel “right at home” while the “bird parents” are off on a trip. From special diets to toys to time out of the cage, boarding pet birds is more of an art than a science. 

Jason with special guest co-host Ed Griffith.

Special guest co-host Ed Griffith
shared his motorcycle "history" this week
with listeners.

Are you considering taking your pet bird out of the country? In addition to “bird talk,” Gary and special guest host Ed Griffith shared some insights about what you should know about air travel with your pet. Did you know that some species of dogs and cats are definitely NOT suitable candidates for flying below cabin? And, do you know what questions you should ask your airline of choice before making arrangements to fly your beloved dog or cat? If not, you'll definitely want to listen to the October 14 edition of Talkin' Tourism.

Planning on cruising to the Bahamas this winter or spring? Well, it is pretty straight forward process if you want to take you dog or cat with you. We walked through the step-by-step process required by the Bahamian government to allow your pet to enjoy the Bahamas too. Here's the permit application link referenced during the show, and here's The Island of the Bahamas Importation of Pets link with more information.

After the "pet talk," discussion moved on to Biketober Fest. Thanks to AAA Auto Club South, we shared some safety tips for motorists and motorcycle enthusiasts, as well as details on Biketober Fest, which just finished up in Daytona Beach, Florida.

For locals, as well as folks planning to visit the Treasure Coast over the next several months, there are a host of great events coming up--from air shows and Pineapple Festivals to those celebrating the Treasure Coast's bootlegging and Florida Cracker history, and Talkin’ Tourism covered them all. 

Don't forget we invite listener submissions so send us your travel related photos, videos and reviews so that we can share them here on our blog or on the Talkin' Tourism Facebook page.

See you on Friday morning for another edutaining tourism filled hour!

From parrots, dogs and cats to motorcycle mamas!

Biker Bird Squawker!
Photo courtesy of Mr T in DC@flickr.com.

Millions of people travel each year whether for business or leisure purposes. We also know that millions of people have pets of all kinds. So, what are the options for pet care when you are away? To put pet ownership into perspective let's look at a few numbers. The top five pets in the world are cats, dogs, fish, small mammals and birds. The average number of such critters in U.S. households are; 2.45 cats, 1.70 dogs, 12.86 fish, 3.0 small mammals and 2.5 birds.

Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin (aka 'Radio Man') and his wife Misti, having five Amazon parrots in their household and as well as having traveled with their flock to the Caribbean, thought this topic of "pet travel" and "planning for your pets when you travel" would be of interest to Talkin’ Tourism listeners. After all, pets are an important part of our families.

Jason Shane, owner of Birds on Safari will be joining Gary and Robin to share his expertise on all of the various options available to pet owners for the care of their pets when having to travel. Many people also have the need to travel with their pets. Whether it is a road trip, boat trip or by air, there are many tips that can make the trip easy on the pet as well as the pet owner.

October brings pumpkins, goblins, a change in weather and an annual event many enjoy here in Florida:   Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach, Florida. This international award-winning event attracts motorcycle enthusiasts from across the U.S. and Canada. And, it was designated a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event for October in 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007. Event promoters expect 125,000 riders this year. WOW! With this influx of motorcycle enthusiasts, AAA Auto Club South has provided some great statistics about motorcycle safety that all of us should all be aware of and we'll covering on the show.

From birds, dogs and cats to motorcycles, local events and happenings, once again we have an informative and fun show in store.

See you Friday morning at 10:05 on WPSL 1590 AM or www.wpsltv.com.

Here's a real life Biker Bird we thought you might enjoy viewing. Warning: some language may not be suitable for general audiences.