Pet-Friendly Travel - Alternatives to Hotels and Motels

Families often bring their dogs on holidays. MostAnother option for travelers with pets - and an
people are aware that many hotels and motels allowoption that's becoming more popular - is a cottage or
pets - but what about other types ofvacation rental. One advantage of a vacation rental is
accommodations? Travelers with pets actually have athe privacy. Often times, it's a single unit on its own
lot of choices, from bed & breakfasts toproperty. Your dog has lots of room to run and play,
cottage resorts and vacation rentals, and even theand the occasional bark is less likely to disturb anyone
occasional spa.since there are no other guests. Plus a vacation rental
The diversity of pet-friendly lodging provides optionsoften has much more room for your family and dog
for pet owners who may have something special into relax (both indoors and outdoors) without having
mind. For instance, a couple seeking a romanticto worry about bumping into other guests.
weekend away can stay at one of the many BedNot every lodging allows pets, so make sure you
& Breakfasts that welcome pets. Pets that staycheck before you book, even if you've stayed there
in a B&B should be comfortable being in closebefore. This is especially important if you plan to bring
quarters with other people; shouldn't be excitable (noa pet other than a dog: many accommodations that
jumping up on other guests!); and should be mellowaccept dogs may not allow cats, rabbits, birds, or
and quiet (lots of barking might very well ruin theexotic pets - although some lodgings now offer a
intimate atmosphere of a B&B). And begging at"Bale & Breakfast" option to guests who travel
the breakfast table should be discouraged!with their horses!
A family-friendly cottage resort is a great option forOf course, before you decide to bring your pet on
guests who want plenty of outdoor activities for thevacation, make sure that he's well-behaved, healthy,
kids and lots of room to walk the dog. Again, petsand enjoys travel. Ask yourself honestly what types
that visit family resorts need to be comfortable withof things you want to do while on holidays - if it's
lots of people around, but also with small children.mostly stuff where your pet can't join you, then it
Always keep your dog leashed and under control andmay be better to leave him comfortably at home
don't let him chase other guests' children around,with a trusted pet-sitter. If you decide you do want
even in fun. Bring lots of paw towels for wiping downto bring your pup with you, ask the accommodation
your dog after he spends the day playing. Somefor their pet policies (including any extra pet fees)
family resorts do not allow pets during the busybefore you book. And finally, be a good "pet
summer months due to the possibility of conflictambassador": keep your pet under control, clean up
between dogs and children.after him, and don't let him disturb other guests.