Guidebook for travels with Fido

The 16th edition of "Traveling With Your Pet: The AAA PetBook," ($18.95)­— with listings for nearly 15,000 pet-friendly places in the U.S. and Canada — went on sale this month at AAA offices and some bookstores. A digital edition is $9.95, available through online booksellers. The book notes thousands of AAA-approved, diamond-rated hotels, 800 campgrounds and hundreds of restaurants that allow pets in outside dining areas.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Why Bloody Marys popular in air

Bloody Marys and other tomato drinks may be popular on flights because the flavor of umami is not diminished by loud noise and low cabin air pressure. That theory was raised by Barry Smith of the University of London in the journal Flavour.

Los Angeles Times

Hotel check-in

Hotel Bikini Berlin has a playful vibe

If the name Bikini Berlin doesn't give you a sense of this boutique hotel's playful vibe, you'll get it from the bicycles dangling from the ceiling at the entrance, the receptionists' casually hip disheveled sweatshirts and the cheeky pillowcases that say "Let's spend the night together." The fashionable Hamburg-based 25hours hotel chain opened this 10-story, 149-room property in January in a modernist 1950s building called Bikini-Haus because it comprised two sections. The structure was largely neglected for decades, but in recent years developers have been turning Bikini-Haus into a modern development, with shops and restaurants. In affluent Charlottenburg, next to the Berlin Zoo and just west of historic Tiergarten park, a 520-acre expanse of greenery that was the hunting ground of kings in the 16th century, this hotel is close to many tourist attractions. Rates for standard rooms start at 115 euros, about $156, at $1.35 to the euro (www.25hours-hotels.com). New York Times

Bloody Marys are rich in umami, the flavor associated with meats, vegetables and cheese.

deal of the week

Aspen summer stay on sale

The Gant, a Destination Hotels & Resorts property in Aspen, Colo., is offering a trifecta of savings for summer travel. Book the Countdown to Summer promo by May 31 and receive 20 percent off condo rates, a $15-per-night dining credit at Pepperjack's Cafe and 10 percent off outdoor excursions with Blazing Adventures. For example, in early June, a one-bedroom condo starts at $188 a night, down from $235; add about $31 in taxes and fees. A half-day Maroon Bells Wilderness downhill bike tour costs $79 after the discount. Stay May 23-Sept. 30. Use promo code CTSPVT14. Info: 1-800-549-0530, www.gantaspen.com. Washington post

On the web

Crowd-fund your travel

If Mom and Dad refuse to give you money for your travels, this website offers hope. Trevolta.com helps travelers crowd fund their global adventures via a fixed or flexible funding campaign. The cost also includes a PayPal fee (the method used to collect donations). Many of the trips are purpose-driven. Your "funding campaign" is placed in a category such as "Charity and Volunteering," "Education and Research," "Music and Arts," "Meaningful" and more. Unique trips get more attention, trips like "Schlepping Stethoscopes: A Himalayan Medical Trek," which is trying to raise $20,000 to bring medical care and supplies to villagers in India. Los Angeles Times