One-of-a-Kind Pet Getaways

It was on a recent trip that I discovered the joy of traveling with a best friend – my dog, Rocky. As he lifted his paw in amazement at the gentle waves that broke along the Niagara-on-the-Lake shore, I took in the lush scenery and sipped on my organic Balzac tea. This was our first luxury getaway together, and it made me realize that traveling with a pet is not a frivolous extra but a rewarding experience — for both of us.

Make sure to check with the airline before you leave. Usually it’s about $100 extra and you’ll have to get an airline-approved carry-on bag to put your kitty or pooch in for the flight. Make sure you can bring your pet on with you (never check them down below — it can be traumatizing); if you have a larger dog, only bring him on car (or private jet) trips. If you have an E.S.A. letter from your doc (check the airlines regulations – here’s United’s as an example), then you can take your pet out and keep him or her on your lap for the flight.

Don’t forget your pet’s traveling kit! In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity. Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states require this proof at certain interstate crossings and airports. And if you’re traveling internationally, be sure to check on the quarantine laws (for on the way there and the way back) so you don’t get your pet taken from you by US or international customs officers. Remember what happened to Johnny Depp?

Make sure to choose a destination that can accommodate your pet but that is quiet enough to give you and your four-legged friend a relaxing, one-of-a-kind experience. Here are five unique destinations to try:

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Ontario’s wine country, Niagara-on-the-Lake, is the northern version of Napa Valley with added European flair. The historic district (called Old Town) is home to small shops, restaurants and vintage hotels – all of which can be indulged in by you and your pet. My favorite places to stay are The Prince of Wales and The Pillar and Post Inn that offer luxury pet-friendly accommodations and will let you enjoy a drink outside with your pet! For a more bed & breakfast style hotel, with all the high-end features, try the Shaw Club Hotel. The Shaw Club is located across the street from the Shaw Club theatre, with an annual festival where you can catch a show while Fido naps.

Once you’ve found your favorite place to stay, grab your fluffy friend and shop down the main street. You’ll find independent stores and chains like Crabtree and Evelyn. On our trip, I picked up a handmade scarf for myself and a bejeweled collar for Rocky. After a day of shopping, take a walk down to the lake with a treat from one of the many coffee shops along the main street, like Balzac’s, featuring organic teas and natural baked goods, or Victoria Teas with their famous in-house brew. Let the lakeside scenery inspire you and your pet.

Salzburg, Austria

On my first Austrian trip, I was amazed at how integrated dogs were in everyday life, from cafés to local markets, pets were always in tow. Salzburg, Austria is especially ideal for pet travel because of its small-town feel with all the historic landmarks and old-world charm you’d hope to find.

Stay in the famed Hotel Sacher Salzburg, where pets are treated like royalty with their Sacher Pets Program. A cozy basket bed and custom blanket await each furry guest along with a guide book with pet-friendly local tips and even recipes for gourmet dog food. Leashes in various lengths and bags to clear away dog droppings are available at the reception, and they can even arrange “Dog-Sitters” for you.

The narrow streets of Salzburg, leading up the hill to the classic city center – recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – will introduce you and your pet to Austrian life, with antique shops, little cafés and local stores to discover. Stop in and indulge in any shop or café that you like and your pet will be warmly welcomed. End your day with an outdoor concert (there’s always one in the city center) celebrating Salzburg’s rich musical history.

Siena, Italy

The medieval Italian city, Siena, is designed to discover with long walks alongside your pup. The central piazza, called Il Campo, is the heart of the historic city. The first thing to do when you arrive in Siena is to treat yourself to a classic Italian cappuccino in the piazza – and yes, pets are allowed to dine al fresco with their owners.

Once you’ve had a taste of old-world Italy, fully immerse yourself with one of the countryside pet friendly hotels to give you the true Tuscany feel. Luxury hotels like Palazzo di Valli and Hotel Lupaia welcome pets and boast practical features like green space to walk your dog and spacious rooms for your cat. After a day of city discovery, take in the breathtaking country views from your Tuscan hideaway in the company of your best friend.

Palo Alto, California

A world away from the celebrity hotspots and busy coastlines synonymous with California, Palo Alto is an enclave designed for a relaxed pet-friendly getaway. A college town at its core – centered around Stanford University – much of the city is meant to be explored on foot.

All the elite area hotels are pet-friendly, including The Epiphany, an ultra-modern hotel that boasts extra features like a mini-fridge full of healthy items to share with your pet. Each time I’ve visited, I’ve stayed at the Sheraton, another pet-friendly hotel with a central location and a serene atmosphere that feels like home.

Start with a morning walk through the Stanford campus, featuring open-air vistas and pathways to guide you along while you admire the distinctive architecture. For an appetizing break, head to University Avenue, lined with fine dining and local favorites to satisfy your taste buds – many restaurants will let you sit outside with your dog as long as he is on a leash. For even more local tastes, if you’re visiting on a Saturday, check out the Downtown Farmer’s Market for fresh fruits, pastries and a chance to mingle with residents, who will definitely admire your pup as well.

The outdoor Stanford Shopping Center is the perfect place to complete your Palo Alto experience with some retail therapy together with your pet. Shop the many high-end stores like Burberry, MaxMara, Louis Vuitton and Stella McCartney and of course blame all extravagant purchases on your furry friend!

Woodstock, Vermont

The secluded New England town of Woodstock is a back-to-nature getaway, giving you and your pet a sense of serenity. The area is known for it’s breathtaking outdoor landscape offering bright fall foliage, ideal winter ski conditions, and summertime adventure.

Check into the 506 On the River Inn and enjoy all that the area has to offer with special pet perks.  The new upscale resort has designated ground floor dog-friendly rooms with doggy bags and an optional plush pet bed. Splash in the Ottauquechee River that runs behind the hotel or go for a hike in the nearby trails.

Head to Woodstock Village for a day of local shopping and farm-fresh dining. Every store is a unique local-owned wonder with decor, fashion and beauty products to entice you. Just outside the village, stop into the Farmhouse Pottery store for dreamy handmade pottery pieces that are practical and instant conversation pieces – a token of your fab nature getaway with your pet!

Lastly, remember: Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time (seriously, this football star could only stay in his car for 8 minutes), and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

Where have you traveled with your best fur-friend?