Let me introduce myself: I’m Marley Bubbakin Skywalker Jedi Kibble Hound—but my friends call me Marley. I’m TravelMuse’s dog blogger, and I want to remind you that we pets like vacations, too. Sometimes we appreciate the time to chill out at home while you’re off on holiday; but remember, we’re part of the family too, and we enjoy tagging along so long as there’s enough food to make it worthwhile.

Many individual hotels recognize that people love their pets—and have added special packages and amenities for dogs and cats. My family and I recently stayed at the Cayucos Beach Inn in Cayucos, Calif., and I got cookies, bowls for food and water, a plush blanket and a beach towel, for only $10 extra per night. The hotel even had gas barbecues on the lawn area, so I could enjoy meals with my family.

Sometimes it can be hard to find that pet-friendly individual hotel at your vacation destination, and that’s where the chain hotels come in. There are some well-recognized hotel brands, from budget to luxe, that allow pets. Add this list to your travel resources:

• *Kimpton Hotels*—Special pet packages at Kimpton properties can include toys, treats, comfy beds and concierge-arranged services like pet sitting, grooming, walking and massage. Many hotels have pet ambassadors that greet pet guests and ensure a happy stay, such as Monaco Maverick (a chocolate Lab like me) at San Francisco’s Hotel Monaco.
• *Loews Hotels*—Gifts at check-in include treats, water bowl and a pet tag, but additional available items range from beds to scratching posts. Pet guardians receive a thorough listing of hotel and local pet services, and the room-service menu includes snacks for Fido or Fluffy. The hotels charge a one-time cleaning fee of $25.
• *Starwood Hotels and Resorts* (with nine brands, including Sherton, Four Points, W and Westin)—In 2003, Starwood hotels adopted its “Love That Dog” program (which I heartily approve). Hotel pet amenities include lush beds, water and food bowls, and an ID tag. The W brand has a pet package that offers toys and treats as well.
• *Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts*—Many Four Seasons properties allow pets 15 pounds and under. At my svelte 95 pounds, that doesn’t include me. But those teeny pets can enjoy a welcome package that includes a placemat and bowl, bottle of water and a toy.
• *Days Inn* and *Travelodge*—Many of the hotels in these two budget-conscious chains allow pets, but extra charges may apply. Be sure to contact the hotel at your destination directly and ask about its pet policy.

If you have great pet-friendly hotel recommendations, please add a comment and let me know (especially if they offer yummy treats). I work hard and can always use a vacation!

Within the last week, we completed a major upgrade to our hotel and destination database to ensure the most current and freshest content possible. Having a body of accurate and actionable reference content is essential for effective travel planning and booking, and we’re committed to keeping this information as up to date as possible.

Working with our booking partner World Choice Travel (a subsidiary of Travelocity), we increased our hotel count to 105,000—up from about 90,000. These 105,000 hotels cover more than 17,000 destinations and provide the widest selection of trusted hotel options throughout the world. Our hotel pages connect directly to the central reservation systems of hotels worldwide, which results in better rate and room descriptions, and in many cases, a greater variety of rates.

Working with our destination content provider WCities, we increased the number of points of interest (restaurants, shopping and attractions) from roughly 85,000 to 92,000 covering over 200 destinations.

Obviously, with this amount of data, there will be bits of obsolete or wrong information. We work closely with both partners to report and fix any data inaccuracies and you can let us know of anything you find by sending an e-mail to: feedback@travelmuse.com.

Maybe it’s a guy thing, but I really love fireworks. When I was a kid, I always looked forward to the Fourth of July with great anticipation. Sure the barbecues and pool time are great, but it’s the fireworks that really define the Fourth.

Big, small, ornate, booming, choreographed to music or just launched from the neighborhood cul-de-sac, nothing quite says Americana like Fourth of July pyrotechnics (and singed eyebrows).The sights, the sounds, the smells—all combine to create an exhilarating experience.

Following is a list of some of the best BIG shows in popular U.S. vacation destinations. So gather up the family, get the glow sticks ready for the kids, and head out for an evening of oohs and aahs.

10. Lights on the Lake—Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is the perfect place to watch fireworks over a picturesque mountain lake. The show is set to music and lasts more than 30 minutes. http://www.bluelaketahoe.com/page.php?p=july4

9. Freedom Over Texas—Houston

An all day shindig with country performers and food and brew, culminating in a rockin’ aerial display. http://www.houstontx.gov/specialevents/cfot/index.html

8. Friendship Festival—Buffalo, New York

The Friendship Festival celebrates “nearly 200 years of peace” between the United States and Canada. It’s a week-long celebration that ends in a fireworks display on the Fourth, visible from both the U.S. and Ontario shores of Lake Erie. http://www.friendshipfestival.com/events.html

7. Go Fourth on the River—New Orleans

Just when you thought New Orleans couldn’t get any better, it does. Live jazz and great food paired with “dueling fireworks barges” on the Mississippi. Yeah, that definitely sounds like fun. http://www.go4thontheriver.com/

6. Fourth of July Waterfront Celebration at Pier 39—San Francisco

A solid fireworks display to be sure, but what makes this one special is the music of Tainted Love—possibly the world’s greatest ‘80s cover band. Warning: potentially dangerous combination of hair spray and explosives. http://www.pier39.com/Events/events.htm

5. WaMu Family Fourth at Lake Union—Seattle

Hailed by Time magazine as one of the “Top Five Fireworks Displays” in the country, this free admission, family-friendly celebration is in its 20th year of bringing together the local community for a unique day of commemoration. http://www.wamufamily4th.org/

4. Welcome America—Philadelphia

What better place to celebrate the Fourth of July than in Philly: the birthplace of our nation, Rocky Balboa and the cheese steak. http://www.americasbirthday.com/

3. Central Pennsylvania Fourth Fest – State College, PA

This extravaganza bills itself as “the greatest volunteer fireworks show in the nation. ”Where do I sign up? Central Pennsylvania Fourth Fest combines live entertainment, the Firecracker 4K fun run, food and drink with thousands of pounds of high explosives launched by amateur pyros. Rock on!  [http://www.4thfest.org/]

2. Macy’s Fourth of July Fest—New York City

See one of theworld’s biggest fireworks displays in the greatest city in the world. ‘Nuf said. http://www.ny.com/holiday/july4/

1. Fireworks on the Mall—Washington D.C.

Yes, the crowd is insane, and you’ll want to claim your precious patch of real estate on the National Mall way early, but this is a show not to be missed. The fireworks are set against the backdrop of iconic U.S. landmarks and coupled with patriotic music performed by the National Symphony Orchestra. Having grown up in the D.C. suburbs, it’s one of those experiences I’ll always remember. http://www.nps.gov/mall/planyourvisit/fireworks.htm

Happy Fourth of July!