If you have your faithful companion along while visiting the famed California oceanside resort city, check dog roaming advantages. Douglas Family Preserve Walking Trail is filled with happy pooches and their owners. Also drive together a short distance up Highway 101 to the Funk Zone, where walking, dog biscuit and wine tasting combine to make all attendees happy.

Following a month-long series of parades and other preliminary celebrations, the major carnival event before Lent completes its schedule this year on that final day. The famed celebration had its first introduction in 1781 at the then-Spanish colony by the Perseverance Benevolent & Mutual Aid Association.

Be there to enjoy Mardi Gras music, parades, dining, drinking, contests, costumes and exciting festivities. Join in dressed in purple, green, and gold, and don’t forget to wear colorful bands of beads you can toss and exchange with other revelers. For detailed schedules, costs, hotels and other info, go to www.mardigrasneworleans.com

The more I travel around the world these days, the practice of leaving tips seems to get more complicated. Do you have some easy to understand rules? MAS, Tucson AZ

A: You’re usually OK to give 10 to 15% in cash after a meal, drink session, valet, home delivery and other services. If the server or something else irks you about the transaction, ask to speak to a manager before deciding not to tip. Ah, memories!

I was a Hot Shoppes car hop while a teen college student, and had a bare minimum salary. I depended on tips to earn decent money. For awhile, I was ok with the job. However, some customers didn’t tip and/or drove away without paying for the food. Some tossed the tray and dirty dishes crashing out the window. And I had to pay for the damage!

My solution was when I served the printed bill close to my face to drivers, and quoted a price a dollar or two above the actual amount. In that slightly-dishonest way, I was assured adequate tip money.

If you’re planning to fly with your ever-lovin’ pony, cat, raccoon or other exotic animal, take warning. Many airlines are no longer allowing them to ride in the passenger section with you. The growth of non-canines getting free rides on flights has grown considerably over the past decades.

Originally they were all trained, licensed dogs. Now it includes every creature from pigs, birds, snakes, and other supposedly necessary helpers for their elderly and/or handicapped owners. Therefore, before you intend to fly with your beloved critter, be sure you check first with your travel agent and/or airline.