Why Leave Your Pet Behind? These Travel Spots Welcome Paws and Purrs

It can be hard to leave your pet as you leave for vacation. The sad eyes, the guilty goodbye - it's enough to make you question your vacation completely. The good news? You don't have to. There is an increasing number of travel destinations that are welcoming to your furry friends. Whether it's a beach resort or mountain cabin retreat, pet-friendly travel is on the rise - and we have all of the information you need.
Here are some ideas for some of the friendliest travel locations for you and your fur baby, with support from data, experts, and prior travelers' experiences.

According to a survey done by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) in 2023, over 78% of pet owners want to take their pets on vacation, and 45% have already taken their pet on vacation at least once. As a result, the travel industry is responding with a boom in pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, parks, and activities.
> Aa bonus, traveling with pets reduces separation anxiety (for your pet and you)!


This artsy mountain town is a paradise for anybody with a dog, and for good reason. Plenty of hiking trails, numerous dog-friendly breweries, and pet-friendly art galleries make this place one of our top choices.
Highlights:
Blue Ridge Parkway trails (leashed dogs welcome)
Dog-friendly hotels, such as Aloft Asheville downtown, with dog-friendly patios
Dog-friendly breweries to enjoy outdoors, like Wicked Weed and Sierra Nevada.
Dogs are welcome just about everywhere in Amsterdam. On public transport, parks, and 1131 dog-friendly cafes are a pet-owner's dream.
Highlights:
Vondelpark (Amsterdam's largest park)
Canalside cafes where dogs are welcome
Pet-friendly accommodation throughout the city
Portland is known for its hipster vibe and proclivity towards all things local, also has the most dog parks per capita in the U.S.
Highlights:
30+ off-leash dog parks
Dog-friendly food carts and microbreweries
Hiking in Forest Park and the Columbia River Gorge
Barcelona is transitioning to a more pet-friendly destination with dog beaches and even a pet-friendly metro!
Highlights:
Llevant Beach (dog beach)
Dog-friendly outdoor cafes
Dog-friendly hotels like Hotel Praktik Vinoteca
The Lake District in England is not only breathtaking for people, but it is ideal for long countryside walks with a dog.
Highlights include:
Pet-friendly country cottages and B&Bs
A multitude of hiking trails
Dog-friendly pubs
Tokyo may be busy, but it has managed to create pet-friendly spaces in various ways. Tokyo has luxury dog hotels, dog spas, and more.
Yoyogi Park and Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park
Dog-friendly cafes (e.g., Dog Heart)
Capsule hotels and shopping for pets
What to Pack when Traveling with Your Pet

Call In Advance: Even if a hotel has a listing that they accept pets, it is always a good idea to call to confirm size/breed restrictions.
Take Small Steps: Start with a weekend trip before you travel abroad.
They are not all the same: Pet travel policies vary between airlines.
The Season: Understand the weather and/or climate you are traveling to. Hot areas can be dangerous, especially for brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds.
Hydrate: Always be mindful to have some water.
Creating Pet Travel Services

Pet travel packages
Pet travel insurance
Luxury pet spas or grooming while traveling
Restaurants with pet menus

> Stat to Know: The global market for travel services for pets is expected to be worth $1.5 billion in 2030, illustrating just how quickly this trend is growing (Source: Grand View Research).

Your next vacation doesn't need to mean a heartbreaking farewell at the kennel. There are ample destinations at the beach, in the mountains, or in the city that are dog-friendly and don't merely include your dog, but welcome them.
Grab the leash, pack a little kibble, and get ready for a 'pawfect adventure!

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