Holidays are a great time to make unforgettable memories with people you care about. Whether during the summer or winter, they seem to pass by in a flash while you’re busy exploring your travel destination and having the time of your life with your loved ones.
But if you’re a pet owner, what’s a family vacation without your pets? After all, the company of these little furry creatures makes life at home ten times better, and the same goes for when you’re out and about traveling across the country.
Travel with your dog: make fantastic memories together
Whether you plan to hike along the picturesque trails of the Great Smokys or stroll along the pristine seashores of myrtle beach, bringing your furry friend along will only add more fun to your travels.
Although bringing your pets along on your next adventure might require more planning, if you ask us if it’s worth it, our answer is a loud and clear YES! Traveling with these balls of sunshine is bound to brighten up your travels.
Plus, with the growing number of pet-friendly travel destinations across the country, traveling with pets is less binding than it used to be in terms of what you can do and where you can stay. For example, if you’re traveling to the Smokys, the small mountain town of Pigeon Forge is the best town for your stay due to its proximity to the National Park and other sights in the neighboring areas.
More importantly, there is no shortage of pet-friendly cabins in Pigeon Forge, and you won’t have a hard time finding a cabin that ticks all your boxes. Not to mention the endless opportunities for fun, with dog parks, dog-walking services, and pet-friendly minibars.
Today we have put together a list of four ways to enjoy a memorable vacation with your furry best friend. Keep scrolling if you wish to learn more.
Four fun things you can do with your pet on your next vacation
1. Hike with your dog
If you love exploring hiking trails across the country, you can take your furry friend along on your next hiking adventure. Dogs love going on walks, and hiking is no different from that. You can let them do their own thing while you take in the mesmerizing beauty of the surroundings.
Moreover, hiking can be done all year round; in the summer months, fido will be busy chasing butterflies, and in the winter months, you can watch him play with the snow. If you’re worried he might catch a cold, don’t forget to wrap him up in a warm, fuzzy jacket to keep the cold out. The change of scenery from one hike trail to another will keep fido excited and wanting more outdoor excursions.
2. Spend a day at the beach
It’s a well-known fact that dogs love splashing about in the water, so what better way to stay cool in the summer months than taking your beloved four-legged friend for a beach day at the dog beach? Even though frolicking in the water to their heart’s content may be the dream of every dog, there’s more than one way you can let fido enjoy a day at the beach.
Whether you’re vacationing in the tropical azure water of Hawaii or the clear coastal waters of California, your day would be incomplete without strolling along the vast stretches of shorelines with your furry friend. If the beach isn’t crowded, you can even let him walk free without a leash and play a game of fetch with a ball or frisbee. You can spend your summer days relaxing at the beach, and fido will have fun running wild in the water.
Lastly, what is a beach day without swimming? If it’s fido’s first time swimming, put a vest on him and let him get used to the waves before guiding him to swim in the water. All in all, a beach vacation with fido will never be boring. Another tip, always keep a small water-filled bottle with you to ensure Fido doesn’t get too hot in the weather.
3. Visit wineries
Whether traveling to the rolling hills of warm Virginia or somewhere far up north, wine tastings are an excellent way to explore the regional culture. And if you’re a wine enthusiast, wineries should be a must-visit essential of your itinerary no matter where you travel in the US. With an increasing number of pet-friendly wineries, you can now enjoy your favorite activity in the company of your favorite four-legged friend.
Furthermore, many wineries now also have special mini bars for dogs with water and treat for your canine friend to enjoy while you sip and savor delicious wine. Plus, play areas for dogs and other dog-friendly amenities have quickly become a norm for many wineries across the US.
When planning a dog-friendly winery trip, don’t forget to call ahead and check if you can bring fido along. Also, always bring fresh water and treats for your dog to enjoy so they can have their fill while you develop your wine palate.
4. Try water sports with your furry companion
Another fun way to enjoy your vacation to a coastal region is by taking fido to try different watersports. After all, dogs love water, and there are several pet-friendly water sports, such as kayaking or canoeing. Dogs make excellent companions for a time of fun and are a welcome addition to a canoe or kayak adventure.
Make sure your dog is familiar with the boat before setting out, and don’t forget to make him always wear a water vest and a leash if they are new to this. To get them used to the water, it’s best to take them somewhere with clear and shallow water so that the excessive rocking of the board doesn’t scare them.
Another great watersport to enjoy with your furry companion is dock jumping, especially if your dog always acts like an excited fur ball. Your dog can casually participate in dock jumping at most dog beaches across the country. If you want to take things up a notch, you can even train your dog to learn surfing and watch as they master big moves in no time.
Bottom Line
Traveling and pets are two things that can make life a lot more fun, so why not mix these two together and have the time of your life on your next trip? As a dog owner, there’s never a dull moment with your furry friend.
With the popularity of these furballs, there is a growing number of dog-friendly destinations across the country, making it increasingly easy for you to travel with your dog. The next time you set off on your new adventure, consider bringing along your pet and enjoy your time together with these four fun activities.