And Why It’s on My Bucket List
When it comes to travel, it might not cross your mind that you can take your four-legged friend with you and that travelling with your dog brings a whole new level of experience to your travels. Here’s why I’m adding travelling with my dog to my bucket list, and why you should too.
By Kim John
I’ve always had dogs (and cats, and horses) but whenever I mention I have a dog, people’s automatic reaction is “isn’t that difficult when it comes to wanting to go on holiday?” And for me, no, it really doesn’t, because I choose destinations where my best friend can come with me too. I’ve always favoured holidays within the UK, which makes things easier when it comes to dog-friendly travel, but I’m seeing more and more people travel not only within their own country but abroad with their faithful companions. Even a few years ago, finding dog-friendly accommodation could be challenging, but now, many places are cottoning on to the fact that people may wish to bring along their furry family members too. With entire websites dedicated to canine-friendly cottages, pawfect pubs and doggo adventure trails, there’s really no excuse.
Enter Toffee, my one-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, my partner in travel and my adventure buddy. Since she joined my family a year ago, inspired by the adventures of her doggy chums on Instagram (yes she has her own Insta @life_can_be_toffee) I’ve created a bucket list of where our travels will take us. With plans to bag as many trigs (triangulation station, also known as a trigonometrical point) as possible, go on a camper van trip to explore the highlands and scale our first mountain together in the Brecon Beacons, there’s no shortage of things we are able to do together. And I can’t wait!
But what are the benefits of travelling with your dog and why should you have it on your bucket list?
They Help You Decide Your Destination
Travelling with your dog is not impossible, but you need to consider their needs as much as your own. Yes, you might want to explore the city together, but how will you navigate around, how will they cope in busy surroundings? By checking for dog-friendly accommodations, travel solutions and day trips you can make sure your pooch enjoys the trip as much as you do. A bit of research prior to your trip will lead to a fuss-free experience.
Of course, you’ll need to check any restrictions regarding bringing your dog into a different country, such as pet passports, microchipping, vaccinations, breed restrictions or rules regarding control. You’ll also want to check dog-friendly seasons for places like the beach - many beaches in the UK have dog restrictions during the peak summer season.
They Won’t Complain About the Sleeping Arrangements!
Whilst I might have a bit of a moan about a lumpy mattress, a stuffy room with no air or a creaking toilet, Toffee will sleep wherever her snuggle sack is! As dogs will pretty much fall asleep anywhere, you won’t hear them complaining that the room isn’t south-facing, they’ll settle at your feet in the tent, or try and sneak on the bed with you in a luxury hotel. As long as they’re with you, they are happy.
Travelling With Your Dog Means You’re Encouraged to Travel Slower and Enjoy the Moments More
The best thing about dogs is their ability to find joy in pretty much everything. From sniffing a rock, swimming in a lake or just pottering through dense forest trails. You’ll find that as your dog enjoys their surroundings, you will too. You’ll appreciate the view whilst they sniff the 20th tree trunk and you’ll dip your toes in the water whilst they swim after a stick they just have to have. Try imagining your journey from their perspective and seeing everything through hopeful, innocent eyes.
It’s very easy for us to get embroiled in life’s stresses and spending time with our dogs can help us melt some of those worries away, live in the moment and appreciate the simpler things in life.
As you have your dog with you, travelling by road or train instead of flying will be a simpler option, you’ll therefore get to see more as you make your journey - you can even add in a few “toilet” walks and fit in lunch or snack stops at dog-friendly pubs along the way.
You Can Avoid the Tourist Hot-Spots
Any excuse right? Travelling with your dog means you have the excuse to avoid busy destinations and instead opt for a quieter pace, you could choose a hike in the countryside followed by a good pub meal in a sunny beer garden rather than a jam-packed attraction.
But, if you do want to hit the museums or must-visit attractions, check whether they are dog friendly, many won’t be, but there’s no harm in checking - you never know!
Loyal Companion
You may be responsible for their safety whilst you travel, but you can rest assured that your loyal companion will have your back too. It’s their very nature to be aware and will sense if something isn’t right with a situation or person - it’s true when they say that dogs are a great judge of character. You’ll feel much safer travelling with your dog, no matter how big or small they are, they are your little security guard and will do what they can to protect you from danger.
They Are Great at Helping You Make New Friends
Whenever me and Toffee are out on our latest adventure, people can’t resist saying hello to her happy face. And she will happily oblige to a request for fuss by immediately rolling onto her back and wriggle about whilst they attempt to give her belly rubs! Having your dog with you strikes up a conversation with that person, they’ll start by asking how old they are, confirming what breed they are and in Toffee’s case often followed by “wow she’s so happy!” and from there you have the possibility of making new connections during your travels.
I always have a great feeling after seeing how a brief fuss with Toffee leaves that person smiling broadly (and usually with a muddy paw print on their trousers!)
Your Bond Will Grow Stronger
Whilst dogs are only in our lives for a short time, we’re their whole life, and spending that extra time with you will mean your bond will grow stronger. No matter where you are, the fact you’re with them will mean the world to them. Throw them the ball, let them dive in the lake, snuggle on the sofa with you or share your chips with them - they’ll thank you for it.
So What Are You Waiting For?
Travelling with your dog is so much easier now than a few years ago and there are endless possibilities for adventure. I know my next holiday will be centred around my adventures with Toffee. Now I just need to find places that will take the cat too!
Where will your dog take you?
