A Holiday4 Review
How to Plan & Book Holidays with Dogs
Holiday4.com
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letstalk@holiday4.comIn this article, we look at tips on how to plan, book and prepare for a UK dog-friendly holiday. We look into the best locations and types of accommodations available. We hope this helps when planning your next pet-friendly adventure.
Top tips for planning your dog-friendly holiday in 2024
Our pets are (very much) part of the family, so it's no wonder more of us are choosing to holiday with our four-legged friends, especially as dog-friendly accommodations are easy to book and available across the UK.
Dogs are creatures of habit and may feel anxious or unsettled when away from familiar surroundings. However, travelling to dog-friendly locations with new walking trails, long sandy beaches and ancient woodlands to explore (not forgetting plenty of cosy pubs) - can often put pets and their owners instantly at ease.
The UK is very dog-friendly, so finding suitable holidays is easier than you think. Nowadays, most cottage, self-catering and hotel booking websites provide advanced (pet-friendly) search filter options, allowing you to quickly find the best accommodation for you and your pets.
Search filters quickly 'narrow down' the search process, with some filters having enhanced options, such as - only display properties with enclosed patios and gardens (secure areas where your dog can safely roam). Other filter examples include - display accommodation close to local pubs and restaurants that welcome dogs - providing options to eat out comfortably with your four-legged friend.
To compare the UK's leading pet-friendly holiday companies (and their search filter options), check out our Top 4 Dog Friendly Holiday Websites article.
1. Deciding where to go
Planning and researching where to go is easy; we recommend starting at the destination guide section at Sykes Holidays and Holidaycottages.co.uk. Both websites provide excellent destination inspiration, plus informative guides on dog-friendly locations and suitable accommodation types.
Also, check out the article and blog sections at Holidaycottages and Sykes - they can help plan an itinerary of pet-friendly places to visit and things to do - great ideas for a perfect dog-friendly staycation. See links below.
Adventures for the whole pack
- Top 10 Dog-friendly Destinations
- Great UK pubs that welcome dogs
- Dog-friendly days out guide
- Dog-friendly winter getaway ideas
- Dog-friendly beaches guide
- Top dog-friendly cottages for 2024
- Cottages welcoming multiple dogs
- Dog Friendly Lodges & Log Cabins
- Dog-friendly cottages by the sea
- Dog-friendly by county
2. What to look out for when choosing accommodation
When searching for a comfortable and enjoyable place to stay, don't restrict your search to a particular property type. Dog-friendly holiday properties come in multiple shapes and sizes, including many cottage types, lodges, barn conversions, cabins, shepherd's huts and yurts. You'll have plenty of options to choose from, enabling you to find the perfect accommodation for you and your dog.
When checking property details, each property listing should clearly outline its pet-friendly policies, including the number of dogs allowed, any size or breed restrictions, charges or deposits required for bringing pets, plus any pet-related requests and considerations made by the property owner.
Other Recommendations Include:
- Secure Areas: Choose a property with secure enclosed gardens or outdoor spaces - to provide a safe and private area for your dog to play and relax.
- Customer Reviews: Read customer reviews and ratings for each property to get insights into the experiences of previous guests who travelled with their dogs. This can help make an informed decision when choosing dog-friendly properties.
- Welcome Packs: Some properties may offer pet welcome packs or amenities, such as dog beds, bowls, treats, and toys, to ensure your dog feels right at home from the moment you arrive.
- Restrictions: Some accommodations have size and breed restrictions that may prevent larger dogs and some breed types from staying at a property. Also, remember to check if there are extra charges for your dog on top of the standard charge.
- Accessibility: If you have specific accessibility needs for yourself or your dog, such as wheelchair access or ground-floor accommodation, ensure that the accommodation can accommodate these requirements.
- Flexible Booking Options: Look for accommodations that offer flexible booking options, especially if your travel plans are subject to change. Check the cancellation policy and any fees associated with modifying your booking.
- Additional Services: Consider whether the accommodation offers any additional services or amenities for dogs, such as dog-sitting or grooming services. These extras can add convenience and value to your stay.
- Safety and Security: Ensure that the accommodation provides a safe and secure environment for your dog. Check for features such as secure fencing or gates in outdoor areas to prevent your dog from wandering off.
Top Tip: Try and choose a property with secure enclosed gardens or outdoor spaces - to provide a safe and private area for your dog to play and relax.
3. What to take with you when travelling with your dog
When travelling and holidaying with your dog, it's important to pack everything they will need to ensure their comfort, safety and well-being throughout the trip. Here's a comprehensive list of items we think you should consider taking with you:
- Weather-Appropriate Gear: Pack weather-appropriate gear such as a waterproof coat for rainy or cold conditions, and a cooling vest or portable fan for hot weather.
- Bed or Crate Liners: Bring bedding or crate liners to provide comfort and insulation for your dog's sleeping area, whether in a crate or on a pet-friendly bed.
- Tick and Flea Prevention: If travelling to areas where ticks or fleas are prevalent, ensure your dog is protected with appropriate preventative treatments or collars.
- Positive Reinforcement Treats: Bring along your dog's favourite treats for positive reinforcement during training, outings, or stressful situations.
- Entertainment and Distraction: Bring along items to keep your dog entertained and distracted during travel, such as interactive toys, chew toys, or puzzle feeders.
- Safety Gear for Car Travel: If travelling by car, use a safety harness, car seat, or travel crate to secure your dog safely during the journey. Additionally, consider a car seat cover or blanket to protect upholstery from pet hair and dirt.
- Comfort Items: Pack your dog's favourite toys, blankets, or bedding to provide comfort and familiarity during travel and at your destination.
- Travel Crate or Carrier: If your dog is accustomed to a crate or carrier, bring it along for safe and secure transportation.
- Identification Tags and Microchip Information: Ensure your dog wears a collar with updated identification tags containing your mobile contact information. Additionally, bring along information about your dog's microchip, including the contact details of the microchip provider - should your dog get lost.
- Water and Food Bowls: Bring collapsible or portable water and food bowls to keep your dog hydrated and well-fed during the journey.
- Plenty of Water and Dog Food: Carry an ample supply of your dog's regular food and treats to maintain their diet and prevent digestive upset. Bring enough water to keep your dog hydrated, especially if travelling to areas with limited access to clean drinking water.
4. What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of holidaying with your dog?
After conducting our own research, we found that while holidaying with your pup is nearly always a rewarding experience, it can also present its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here's what we found:
Advantages & Drawbacks
Advantages of Holidaying with Dogs
1. Companionship: Having your dog with you provides companionship and emotional support, making the holiday experience more enjoyable and comforting for all.
2. Exploration: Having your dog along encourages you to explore pet-friendly destinations, outdoor activities, and scenic walks that you may not have considered otherwise.
3. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your dog is with you and well cared for can provide peace of mind and alleviate concerns about leaving them behind with a pet sitter or in a boarding kennel.
4. Social Interaction: Dogs can be social catalysts, sparking conversations and interactions with other pet owners and locals, enhancing your holiday experience and fostering connections.
5. Health Benefits: Spending time outdoors and engaging in physical activities with your dog can improve your physical and mental health, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
6. Sense of Security: Having your dog with you can provide a sense of security, especially when staying in unfamiliar places or travelling alone, as they can alert you to potential dangers or intruders.
7. Unconditional Love and Joy: Your dog's presence can bring an abundance of joy and happiness to your holiday, as they offer unconditional love and excitement for new experiences.
Drawbacks and Considerations
1. Logistical Challenges: Traveling with a dog requires careful planning and preparation, including finding pet-friendly accommodation, transportation, and activities, which can be time-consuming and restrictive.
2. Pet Etiquette Challenges: Ensuring your dog behaves appropriately in public settings, such as restaurants, cafes, or shops, can be challenging and may require constant supervision, training, or management.
3. Safety Concerns: Traveling with a dog poses safety concerns, such as heat exhaustion, dehydration, exposure to unfamiliar environments, and potential hazards or risks during outdoor activities.
4. Noise Disturbances: Dogs prone to barking may cause noise disturbances in shared accommodations, potentially leading to complaints from other guests.
5. Accommodation Restrictions: Even when staying in pet-friendly accommodations, there may still be restrictions or limitations on where your dog is allowed within the property, such as certain rooms.
5. Stressful Situations: Traveling with a dog can be stressful, particularly if your pet experiences travel-related anxiety, motion sickness, or discomfort in unfamiliar environments, leading to challenges and disruptions during the holiday.
6. Accommodation Limitations: Finding suitable pet-friendly accommodation may be challenging, especially in popular tourist destinations or during peak travel seasons, leading to limited choices and higher prices.
To sum up: Holiday4 feels that despite the above challenges and considerations, many pet owners find the benefits of holidaying with their dog far outweigh the disadvantages, as the memories created during these adventures will often be treasured for many years.
We believe that with careful preparation and planning, you can enjoy a safe, enjoyable and fulfilling holiday - with your faithful friend by your side.
5. Are there special offers available for dog-friendly holidays?
Yes, we found plenty of special offers and deals available for pet-friendly holidays, especially when booking with specialist property operators based in the UK. Here are some of the more common types of special offers and deals we found available (subject to availability, T&Cs apply):
- (1). Free Pet Stays: Certain properties may offer free or discounted stays for pets, either as part of a promotional offer or as a standard perk for pet-friendly accommodation.
- (2). Last-Minute Deals: Keep an eye out for last-minute deals and offers on dog-friendly holidays, as accommodations may offer discounted rates to fill empty rooms or properties.
- (3). Seasonal Promotions: During off-peak seasons or slower periods, accommodations may offer special promotions or deals for dog-friendly holidays to attract guests.
- (4). Sykes Holiday Cottages. We found Sykes offered last-minute deals, plus up to 30% off on selected properties. Festive Deals were available on selected properties for 2, 3, 4 and 7-night stays.
- (5). We found Sykes and Holidaycottages.co.uk both had numerous deals available throughout the year (subject to availability & T&Cs). They also had convenient 'special offer' searches - set to filter options displaying availability for pet-friendly properties only.
To find special offers for pet-friendly holidays, it's recommended to regularly check specialist booking websites and sign up for newsletters or email alerts. You can also follow companies on social media, or inquire directly with properties about possible promotions available for guests travelling with dogs.
Additionally, booking in advance or being flexible with your travel dates can increase your chances of finding special offers and securing the best deals for you and your dog.