Budget-Friendly Tips for Getaways with Your Furry Best Friend

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This guest article was written by Nick Burton.
Are you and Fido ready to hit the road and make some memories? Adventures with a beloved canine companion can quickly go downhill without preparation. Here’s how to ensure you and your pooch will not only have the best of times, you won’t overspend in the process.
Accessories to Ease Travel
A few well-chosen accessories can go a long way toward ensuring you and your dog stay comfortable and safe throughout your travels. There are bowls specially designed to collapse so meals and storage are easy-breezy, and car seat covers to protect your vehicle from hair, muddy paws, slobber, and any unexpected accidents.
When it comes to keeping your sidekick in his seat, choose a restraint that is fitting for your dog’s size and personality type. If you have a small dog who isn’t overly active, a booster seat or safety harness could be perfect. Bigger dogs can also enjoy the freedom and safety of a harness, and active dogs can benefit from a carrier or crate.
For the accessories you and Fido need, stretch your travel budget by shopping online and using offers such as Ebates coupons and discount codes from your favorite retailers. You can apply the funds you save toward your and your dog’s fun.
Places to Go, Things to Do
Strange as it is to some of us, there are places that don’t welcome dogs. With that in mind, long before you pack Fido’s bags, do some research to ensure you and your pooch are heading somewhere you’ll both enjoy. And for those times you need to leave your dog alone, make arrangements for a trustworthy pet sitter to take care of your traveling companion. It’ll ease your mind knowing someone is tending him, rather than worrying that he’s stressed out.
There are dog-friendly destinations far and wide for nearly anything that suits your fancy. If ocean waves, sands, and seagulls beckon, Travel + Leisure notes there are some outstanding dog-friendly beaches, such as the dog beach in Florida’s Fort Myers, Jekyll Island Beach in Georgia, and Topsail Beach in North Carolina. Exploring national parks can be big fun as well, but make sure you do some checking because some are more dog-friendly than others. More in the mood for urban adventures? Look to cities like Chicago, Seattle, or Denver. Finding places that encourage your pooch to be himself will ensure you make the most of every moment.
When booking lodging, make reservations with pet-friendly hotels or vacation rentals. Websites like Expedia make it super simple to find the accommodations you want since you can search by pet-friendliness, and on top of that, joining their rewards program can stretch your budget.
Bells and Whistles
You might be surprised to learn you don’t need to do all the driving when you reach your destination. You can save money by using public transportation in many locations; just verify restrictions before you and your pooch climb aboard, since some systems require a carrier.
Along those same lines, it’s important to be conscientious of other travelers throughout your journey. If you and your dog are planning potentially muddy outings, like to a dog park or on hiking trails, bring along a paw washing device to tidy up before you hop into a bus, board a train, or re-enter your hotel. For example, the Dexas Mudbuster is small, convenient, and affordable, and you can explore their current offers to make the most of your money.
Of course, throughout your travels, you’ll want to clean up after your dog, so have a plan in place for dealing with waste. An economical solution is the GoGo Stik — it’s a clean, durable, efficient design, convenient to operate, and you can use any style bag so there is just the one-time purchase — all topped off with a money-back guarantee.
Planning a getaway with your dog needn’t be complex or expensive. Accessorize appropriately, make arrangements in dog-friendly places, and grab a few gadgets to make comings and goings a breeze. With these smart strategies, you and your best friend will have a terrific time!