Best pet-friendly vacation spots: A guide for pet lovers

In the recent past, pet travel has become popular among people due to the increasing number of those who love their pets. Many people are carrying their little pets along with them on their various tours and why not right? Animals are part of the family and nobody wants to leave their family behind when going to have fun! Thus, there are more pet-friendly vacation spots, boarding and letting out apartments or homes welcoming pets, providing special advice on easy traveling for both people and their pets. Here are the best places to go, the best places to stay with pets and the best travel tips to follow for a great pet-friendly trip.

1. The rise of pet travel

Taking pets on trips has become more popular over the last 10 years. It is not only parks and short car trips anymore; the pet owner is traveling to new places, including coastlines and mountains. This change has gradually been adopted by the tourism industry; many destinations and facilities have gradually adopted pet-friendly policies, and vacationing with pets can be simpler than ever.

2. Top pet-friendly vacation spots

Now let’s take a look at some of the more popular vacation spots with pets and wonderful destinations that you can enjoy with your pet.

a) Asheville, North Carolina

Being a picturesque city with a beautiful landscape and marvelous climate for a great outdoors, Asheville can be considered a dream country for pet lovers. Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the dog-friendly getaways where you can enjoy walking on the numerous trails and other attractions in the city include breweries that allow pets and parks for off leasing. You’ll come across some of the pet-friendly resorts and this means they offer pet items for use during the vacation such as beds, food bowls, and welcome foods for pets. Biltmore Estate is a must-visit spot if you are a nature lover since it provides accommodation to pets on leash.

b) Portland, Oregon

The city of Portland is also another perfect place for pet lovers because the city has many pet friendly areas and businesses. The city boasts more than 30 dog parks and it is very often included in the list of the most pet-friendly cities in the United States of America. Most dining establishments such as restaurants and cafes have been providing outdoor dining sections that allow pets to accompany their owners. It is also important for the pet lovers since they get a chance stay at nice pet-friendly hotels such as the Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel.

c) Sedona, Arizona

If you are searching for a pretty place with good weather, then Sedona can become the best option to choose. It is truly a scenic city, famous for stunning red rocks; that way you will find a lot of outdoor activities you can do with your pet. This is an important aspect as the town boasts of the best pet friendly resort that comes with services that includes pet sitting to quality pet meals. There are numerous trails suitable for a hike with the dog and one of them is Bell Rock Pathway or Oak Creek Canyon.

d) Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is a picturesque town which welcomes pets. Acadia National Park is probably the most pet-friendly national park in America, and dogs are allowed on more than a hundred miles of trails. Most of the local inns and Bed and Breakfast have pet-friendly accommodations and there are several restaurants that have special menu sections designated for pets. Bar Harbor has beautiful views of the coastlines, fresh sea foods and laid back environment that makes it the top choice for vacationing with pets.

e) San Diego, California

San Diego is also a wonderful city for lovers of animals and their friendly feelings. There are many beaches that allow dogs in San Diego of which the most popular is the Dog Beach in Ocean Beach where pets can play without a leash and frolic in the sea. Balboa Park with the beautifully landscaped gardens and nice paths for Walking is also the best place for the pet owners as well. But there is no lack of dog-friendly getaways in this city, so most of the hotels will provide your pet with a pet massage, special beds, and treats. Most restaurants in the city also allow pets to accompany their owners in the outdoor seating area, meaning you can feed your pet while you dine.

3. Accommodations that cater to pets

It is very important to determine the best lodging to use when traveling with pets. Fortunately, several hotels and resorts have embraced the traveling with pets trend and most of them will provide pet-friendly accommodations that make your stay easier. Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect lodging for you and your pet:

a) Research pet policies

Pet policies are different for different style of accommodations. Some may only allow small pets or allow a limited number of animals, and some may include additional charges for pet friendly rooms. When searching for a hotel, the pet policy should be checked in order to make sure it meets the users needs. Search for areas in the facility that have added features such as: put forward water/bowls for the pets, proper beds and pet menu service.

b) Consider vacation rentals

In particular, if you are traveling with pets, then vacation rentals are suitable for you when you need more space and privacy. Some of the main websites that let you search for pet-friendly accommodations offer compact cabins and houses and oceanfront rentals. Most of the rental owners are pet lovers as well and they ensure that the house provides pet blankets, toys, and even a fenced compound.

c) Look for pet-centric amenities

Some hotels, however, take pet hospitality to a whole new and more professional level. For instance, luxury hotels have traditionally made pet services that include welcome kits with treats, toys and waste bags. They may also have walking services for dogs as well as services whereby they look after pets as the owners go about their business, areas in which dogs may be allowed to play without putting on a leash. These privileges contribute to making the stay as enjoyable as possible to both you and your pet, no stress about the pet.

4. Essential travel tips for pet owners

To make your trip as smooth as possible, here are some essential travel tips for vacationing with pets:

a) Plan ahead

Just like the case with other travels, planning is very important in terms of pet travel. Remember to also take your time and look at a specific place in terms of parks, beaches, or restaurants that allow pets. Finding out where you are prohibited to take your pet will help you avoid wasting your time and your pet’s when you had to learn that you could not take it there.

b) Pack the essentials

Make sure you do not forget everything you need for your pets whenever you are packing your luggage and bags. This is food, treats, toys, bags, leash, pet carrier, and any medication your pet will require within the journey. Also, if you are in a vehicle, it is advisable to carry a printed out copy of your pet’s medical history in case of mishaps.

c) Keep your pet comfortable during the journey

Driving, flying or taking a train with a pet are some of the ways that you need to ensure your companion is well taken care of during the trip. Buy a good quality travel carrier or pet seat belt for use in car riding. When planning to travel by air, find out the pet regulations because different airlines have different rules such as carrier restriction and health certificate. This especially applies when your pet has to ride in an unfamiliar car or is placed in a new home; ensure that you have around the pet’s familiar items such as blanket or toy.

d) Take breaks on the road

The transportation of pet animals in a car should be accompanied by breaks that would enable the animal to stretch, take some water and do its needs. Search the accommodations that allow pets or parks which can be visited during a short walk along the route. This will not only ensure your pet is in a good condition but also avoid getting stressed up when on a long haul trip.

e) Be mindful of local regulations

Some of the rules and regulation on pets might be friendly in some places and unfriendly in others depending with the destination . In some cities, for example, it is prohibited to walk your dog without a leash while, in other cities, there may be restrictions regarding a particular breed. Always be obeyant to the local laws and carry your pet’s waste if you have to travel with your pet.

5. Benefits of vacationing with pets

Accompanying pets has several perks, which are useful for both oneself and the pet. In addition to just being good company and fun to be with, pets help persuade you to go out into more areas and get more exercise while just having fun. Further, if you have a new place in the house or if perhaps you live in a new house, the bond between you and your pet will increase. Selecting pet-friendly vacation spots means you and your pet won’t spend a single moment worrying about pet care and you can build the memories that you were expecting.

Pet travel is becoming more diverse and thus planning an amazing vacation with a pet has never been more achievable. However, it is always important to try and discover more new destinations and the many other aspects that serve every pet lover out there including the best pet friendly resorts. The above-discussed travel tips can help you achieve the best vacation for you and your pet so that you do not miss it in the next adventure. So start strapping your luggage on, put your pet on a leash and head out for one of the numerous pet friendly vacation spots that await you.