Sometimes you just need a getaway with your family-- your entire family. Finding a destination that accepts your four-legged friend can be challenging. Fortunately, more tourism businesses are seeing the value in accepting all family members, both human and canine. If you’re looking for a pet-friendly vacation spot, check out these five great dog-friendly destinations.
The Five Best Destinations for Dog-Friendly Vacations
England
There are lots of pet-friendly accommodations and sights in England, often close enough to London that you can get the best of both worlds. Tour around the coast and stay in cottages by the beach, where you can pass the time reading your favorite book while Fido plays in the waves.
Take in the towering cliffs and view real fossils in Devon (you can find dog-friendly cottages here), a beautiful county rife with old castles and sandy beaches. Take a trip up to the Isle of Wight and hop on a sailboat to cruise around the English Channel for a spectacular trip that offers outside play time and relaxation.
British Columbia, Canada
British Columbia is a huge, widely untouched province in Canada. For reference, it’s 1.4 times the size of Texas. There are miles of forest in which to get lost, incredible mountains, and rugged coastlines. The capital city, Vancouver, is on the Pacific coast and boasts an active lifestyle, with open-air markets, bike lanes, and the very dog-friendly Stanley Park.
Take a trip up the Sea-to-Sky highway from Vancouver for a road trip that will take you up the mountains to Whistler. Camp on the shores of glacier lakes and explore the wilderness on your terms.
Colorado, USA
Colorado is the ideal US destination for dog-lovers. Take your pooch touring through the tallest sand dunes in North America at the Great Sand Dunes National Park. The park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for your convenience. Buffalo Peaks is another incredible outdoor destination where your dog is welcome to partake in camping with the family.
In the cooler months, head up to Aspen for some skiing and winter fun. There are plenty of dog-friendly chalets and apartments for rent in Aspen that make it the perfect family vacation destination.
Scotland
Scotland is a land filled with ancient wonders and beautiful landscapes, making it ideal for those who love to explore. Your dog will feel welcome on a walk through the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, which is rated as one of the best dog-friendly cities in the UK. Stop by the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, a memorial of a devoted Skye Terrier, in Old Town Edinburgh while you’re there.
Hike around the scenic Isle of Skye for some fresh air and incredible vistas, then take your pooch on a boat ride on Loch Ness to cap off your adventure.
France
One of the great things about France is the cafe culture. Many restaurants and cafes are welcoming to canine companions, as long as the owner asks before bringing the dog in. For those who don’t offer inside dining, dogs are often welcome on the terrace outside. Many cafes even provide water bowls for four-legged patrons.
While there are ironically a lot of parks that ban dogs in France, they’re welcome to roam along the streets with you and take in the many sites. Smaller dogs are often welcome to enter the shops as well. Take a relaxing stroll along the Seine in Paris or spend the day frolicking in the sand at Le Touquet, a dog-friendly beach.
When planning a vacation with a pet, especially an international vacation, take time to research any import requirements or breed restrictions. There are plenty of dog-friendly accommodations and areas that will let you bring your beloved pet along for the journey.
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