How to Travel With Your Dog: Packing & Destination Tips

Travelling with your fur child is one of the most rewarding ways to explore new places — because why should they miss out? There’s something so special about having them right there with you, whether it’s long countryside walks, beach days, or just cosy evenings in a dog-friendly stay. They’re not just tagging along — they’re part of the adventure and part of your family.

Of course, travelling with your dog does take a little extra planning, but it’s so worth it when you see how much they enjoy it. From choosing the right destination to making sure you’ve packed all their essentials, a bit of prep can make the whole experience smooth and stress-free for both of you.

In this guide, I’m sharing my go-to packing tips and destination ideas to help you travel confidently with your dog and make every trip just as enjoyable for them as it is for you. So let’s get to it!

1. Plan Ahead: Is Your Destination Dog-Friendly?

Before you book anything, make sure your destination actually welcomes dogs.

Look for:

• Dog-friendly accommodation (hotels, cottages, Airbnbs)
• Nearby parks, beaches, or walking trails (some beaches might not be dog friendly at different times of the year – always worth a check)
• Restaurants or cafés that allow dogs
• Local pet rules (especially for beaches or public transport)

Many UK coastal towns, countryside areas, and hiking destinations are ideal for dog-friendly trips.

2. What to Pack for Your Fur-Child

Packing for your dog is just as important as packing for yourself. Here’s a simple checklist:

Essentials:

• Food (enough for the whole trip + extra, just in case – you never know!)
• Collapsible water bowl
• Lead and harness (plus a spare if possible)
• Poop bags
• Bed or blanket (something familiar for comfort)
• Collar or harness with ID tag (up to date)
• Favourite toys
• Travel carrier (if you use one, I don’t but I really want to look into this)

3. Travelling Safely

Whether you’re travelling by car, train –  safety is key.

In the car:

• Use a secured harness and basket – Beau loves his from Funny Fuzzy. They do take forever to come however, they are worth the wait.
• Never let your dog roam freely
• Take regular breaks every 2–3 hours for water and toilet stops
• Keep the car well-ventilated and cool
• If you are travelling via public transport, make sure to check pet policies. 9 times out of 10, it’s fine but always worth a check.

4. Helping Your Dog Settle in a New Place

If your fur-child feels unsettled in unfamiliar environments, make it feel like home:

• Set up their bed in a quiet corner
• Keep feeding routines the same
• Give them time to explore gradually
• Don’t overwhelm them with too many new experiences at once

5. Dog-Friendly Destination Ideas

If you’re looking for inspiration, here are great options:

• Countryside cottages with walking trails
• Coastal towns with dog-friendly beaches
• Pet-friendly lodges in national parks
• City breaks with dog-welcoming cafés and parks

Always double-check seasonal restrictions, especially on beaches.

6. Final Tips for a Stress-Free Trip

• Book accommodation early (dog-friendly places fill quickly)
• Keep routines as normal as possible
• Bring extra food in case of delays
• Make sure your dog is microchipped and ID tags are up to date

Beau used to enjoy city breaks, but he definitely prefers countryside escapes now. That said, to be honest, he just loves being with us no matter what — and we love that.

It’s so lovely having him with us on our trips, making memories together. And fingers crossed, one day we might even be able to take him on a plane… that would be incredible.