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I spent 15 amazing years traveling with Dexter, my beloved Cavalier. Those trips were some of the best memories of my life. We explored new places, met new people, and experienced the joy of discovering the world together. Now that he’s passed, I’m on a new adventure with Stewart. I’m excited to carry on the tradition of traveling with a dog by my side. If you’re planning a dog friendly vacation, I’ve learned a few things over the years that can help make the trip enjoyable for both you and your pup. Here’s how I plan a dog friendly getaway.
Start by Reaching Out to the Tourism Board
The first thing I always do when I’m planning a dog friendly vacation is contact the tourism board of the place I’m visiting. They’re an amazing resource for finding dog friendly activities, parks, and even events that are happening while I’m in town. Don’t just rely on online websites that claim to be a dog friendly database, sometimes things change, and it’s best to ask directly. I always take a few minutes to send an email to get the latest information. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in ensuring your trip goes smoothly. And yes, I keep the emails and even print them off to take with me.
Look for Outdoor Cafes and Restaurants
One of my favorite parts of traveling is eating out, and I love finding dog friendly outdoor cafes where I can enjoy a meal with Dexter (and now Stewart). But here’s the trick I learned: just because a café or restaurant has an outside patio doesn’t mean it’s dog friendly. Once again, contact them prior to just showing up. It’s worth the extra call to make sure your pup is welcome, and it’ll save you from any surprises once you get there.
Hotels: Ask the Right Questions
When booking a hotel, I’ve learned the hard way that not all “dog friendly” hotels are created equal. Some may charge a hefty pet fee, limit the size of your dog, or even restrict the number of dogs allowed. I always make sure to ask detailed questions: What is the pet fee? Are there any restrictions on breed or size? Does the hotel have a well lit area to walk my dog? These little details can make or break the trip, so it’s important to get clear answers before booking your stay.
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Plan the Vacation for Your Dog, Too
Traveling with Dexter was always about making sure he had as much fun as I did. I learned that a successful dog friendly vacation is one that considers your dog’s needs, too. Whether it’s finding dog friendly hiking trails, parks, or even pet-friendly beaches, I make sure the trip is built around my dog’s needs just as much as mine. This is his vacation too, after all! It’s important to think about things like how much walking or exercise your dog can handle, and to make sure you plan plenty of breaks for them to rest.
Planning Your Dog Friendly Vacation with Custom Online Maps
One tool I absolutely love for planning dog friendly vacations is using online maps like ZeeMaps. With these, you can create custom maps where you pin important locations like dog friendly hotels, cafes, parks, and even hiking trails. What makes it so helpful is that you can add notes to each location, making it easy to remember details like pet policies or specific amenities. I find it so much easier to plan our days when I can visually see where everything is. It’s also a great way to print out your itinerary with all the spots clearly marked, so you can follow your plans without missing a beat. Whether you’re traveling to a nearby town or across the country, this tool makes planning so much simpler.
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Stewart is Ready to Travel!
I’m so excited to start this new adventure with Stewart and to share the joy of travel with him. Traveling with your dog can be such a rewarding experience, and it’s all about making sure that both you and your pup have a great time. By planning ahead, asking the right questions, and making sure your dog’s needs are met, you can ensure a fun and memorable vacation for both of you.
Happy travels!
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