Lonely Planet - Travel With Dogs

Dog travel is the best kind of travel, says self-confessed crazy dog lady and one of our favorite dog bloggers, Kerry Martin. Heres why:

1. You see more when you explore on foot Youre more likely to get off the beaten track when youre exploring at dog level. And youll slow down to take in the smells and sounds, as well as the sights.

2. You make new friends Nothing helps you meet new people like having a dog. People say hello and cross the road to pat your dog. You could get some great local tips and even organize a doggy play date!

3. Dogs make the most agreeable travel companions Nothing you want to do on vacation will ever be a bad idea to your dog. A walk along the boardwalk? Woof! Brunch at the local caf? Woof! A scenic hike? Woof! Picnic in the park? Woof!

4. You spend quality time with your pooch In everyday life, you often dont spend the time that youd like with your dog. When you travel together you get the time to do the things you both love.

5. Dogs make things more fun The joy with which they approach any new experience is contagious, and so much fun to see. More laughter and more play are guaranteed.

6. You can travel with other dog lovers Your dogs have ready-made playmates and theres nothing more fun for dog-loving humans than sitting back laughing at their dogs crazy antics.

7. You'll never be alone If youre a solo traveler, your dog means that youre never alone. Youll have a constant companion, and a great helper for meeting new people!

8. You go places you otherwise wouldn't Your dog will take you on unexpected detours. Marveling at the night sky on the last restroom break of the day, stumbling across a local bakery when you stop to break the drive The little things you do for your pooch can become the highlights of your trip.

9. It's good for your dog Dogs need mental stimulation and they love new and interesting things. Racing through the snow or sniffing around an unfamiliar neighborhood exposes them to exciting new smells and sensations.

10. And it's good for you! Aside from the physical benefits of all that walking, spending time with your dog is good for your soul. Companionship, laughter, play, and snuggles make us happier and theres more of all those things when we take a doggy vacation!

Read all about the adventures of Kerry and her dogs Keiko and Summer at www.puppytales.com.au.

What kind of traveler are you? Sophisticated big-city visitor? Adventurous outdoor explorer? Resort moocher? Rover can fit happily into any type of trip, but once youve decided to take him along, be prepared to adapt your trip to his doggy needs.

This book will give you some inspiration about different types of trips you can do, tell you what you need to consider, and help you to make your trip dog- friendly. The first things you should think about are:

How are you getting there? If youre planning a road trip, long drives may need to be tackled more slowly than usual. If youre flying, theres lots of pre-planning needed to get Rover airborne. If he needs to travel in the hold of the plane, you should think about whether youre comfortable with that.

Domestic or international? If youre traveling abroad, be prepared to spend some time researching and preparing your dogs travel documentation.

Where will you stay? There are increasing numbers of dog-friendly accommodations out there, but youll need to do your research before you go and you may have to make some compromises to find somewhere that will welcome your pooch.

Your dog will be happiest when hes out having adventures with you, not cooped up for long periods of time. If you want to take a road trip that involves long hours in the car, or a city break with lots of time in museums where he wont be welcome, think about what small adjustments you can make to turn it into a more dog-friendly trip. A road trip can be the perfect doggy vacation when its broken up by lengthy stops where you and Rover can get out to meet other dogs and get some exercise. A city break where youre able to take him with you most of the time (and can arrange doggy day-care for those times when you cant) can be a fantastic experience for both of you.

The important thing is to put plenty of thought into what youll be doing on your trip, imagining how it will all work with your dog in the picture. Like what you see? Good! The next question is

Its important that you honestly appraise how the reality of your dog fits in with your ideal trip. You dont want to find yourself on the road only to realize youve been unrealistic about your dogs ability to handle the kind of trip you want to take.