by Simon Lewis

It's a well-known fact that there's nothing more fun for a dog than a trip somewhere. It's the greatest thrill a dog can have, unless it's too old to care. So why not bring your pooch along for the ride? Absolutely Florida presents comprehensive listings of pet-friendly hotels, restaurants and beaches that insure that everyone can have the best possible time here in the Sushine State. This guide is pretty much for dogs, as cats are less of a problem to travel with, and usually don't care to travel anyway.

There are several rules and tips that should be taken into consideration before boarding a plane or loading up the car with your pet. Let us begin by separating the two modes of transportation to and from Florida

1. By Air.
Sally Deenen and Rob Mclure, authors of the excellent "Florida Dog Lover's Companion" (Foghorn Press 1998-see below`to order) don't recommend air travel for dogs unless they're small enough to carry with you in a carrier(if the airline allows it) . The cargo hold isn't air-conditioned until takeoff, so any serious delays on the ground could prove fatal.

2. By car.
Traveling to Florida by road in the Winter (November-March)is preferable, since the weather isn't as hot, and the dog can stay in the car with the windows open for a minute or two-in Summer (May-October) this would be impossible. As it is, always find a shady spot to park if you're just running into a store or fast-food joint. Dogs can get heatstroke in no time at all when left in a hot car for even a few minutes. Always have plenty of water on hand for the dog-keep it in a cooler if possible.

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Once you've arrived in Florida, if you're staying at a pet-friendly hotel you may be asked for a deposit of varying size. Also, many hotels don't favor bigger dogs (over 20 pounds) for obvious reasons. You can try your luck, though, as often it boils down to the discretion of whoever's on duty at the time. Don't abandon the dog in the room, as it might start whining loudly. Strategically placed newspaper also helps.

When it comes to restaurants, Florida statutes prohibit dogs indoors, but al fresco pooches are usually welcome. Keep a watchful eye to avoid trouble (i.e. other dogs).

Beaches can become extremely hot in the midday sun, so it's advisable to take the dog early or late, when there's less people around as well. Do not let your dog drink sea water-it can be mildly toxic, causing vomiting or diarrhea. You should always clean up after your dog with a plastic bag or pooper-scooper.