10 Places to Take Your Dog on Vacation Around the World

dog with its head out the window of a car on a road trip

Key Takeaways

  • Before booking a dog-friendly vacation, confirm pet fees, size limits, breed restrictions, leash rules, seasonal beach access, and nearby veterinary care at your destination.
  • The 10 destinations featured—including Beverly Hills, Bruges, Asheville, Barcelona, Queen Mary 2, Avon, Hakone, Outer Banks, Bar Harbor, and Venice—were selected for walkability, pet-welcoming accommodations, and outdoor access.
  • Vacation rentals often provide more space and easier routines for dogs than hotels, though hotels work well for short city stays when pet policies are verified in advance.
  • International trips with dogs require extra planning for entry rules, vaccination requirements, airline policies, and potential quarantine restrictions.

 


 

These 10 places to take your dog on vacation around the world include pet friendly destinations chosen for walkability, pet-welcoming stays, outdoor access, and practical planning needs, and they offer a useful starting point if you’re planning a trip with your dog.

 

What to Check Before You Book a Dog-Friendly Vacation

  • Confirm pet fees, deposits, and room or house rules before you reserve pet-friendly places to stay
  • Ask about size limits, breed restrictions, and how many pets a hotel, cruise, or rental allows
  • Check leash rules for parks, downtown areas, and shared resort spaces
  • Review seasonal beach restrictions, especially for busy summer periods and protected shorelines
  • Look for kennel, daycare, or pet-sitting options if you have activities your dog can’t join
  • Find the nearest emergency vet and confirm regular veterinary access near your stay
  • Verify airline, cruise, rail, ferry, or road-trip requirements, and review international pet travel requirements if you’re crossing borders

Here’s a quick look at our dog friendly vacation destinations.

Destination

Best For

Dog-Friendly Highlights

Accommodation Style

Practical Note

Beverly Hills, California

city strolling

walkable neighborhoods, parks, and luxury pet amenities

hotel or rental

confirm pet fees and size limits

Bruges, Belgium

historic city breaks

canal walks and dog-focused lodging

bed and breakfast

check entry paperwork and cobblestone walking conditions

Asheville, North Carolina

mountain town escapes

local bakeries, greenways, and off-leash dog parks

hotel, cabin, or rental

best suited to a road trip

Barcelona, Spain

urban sightseeing

patios, city walks, and a dog resort nearby

hotel or apartment

review flight and entry requirements

Queen Mary 2

transatlantic travel

dedicated kennel program and onboard dog exercise areas

cruise

reserve kennel space early

Avon, Colorado

active mountain trips

dog-friendly hiking trails and resort access

resort, condo, or rental

watch altitude and seasonal conditions

Hakone, Japan

scenic resort stays

lake views, quieter lodging, and dog-friendly hiking trails

resort or inn

plan for train and flight logistics

Outer Banks, North Carolina

beach vacations

dog-friendly beaches and roomy rental stays

cottage or rental

leash rules vary by beach and season

Bar Harbor, Maine

park and coast trips

Acadia access, dog-friendly hiking trails, and shoreline walks

inn, cabin, or campground

check current park pet rules

Venice, Italy

walkable European travel

cafés, compact neighborhoods, and slower-paced sightseeing

hotel or apartment

review transport and entry policies

Best Places to Take Your Dog on Vacation

These dog friendly vacation destinations range from coastal stays to mountain towns and city breaks, and they work best when you match the location, lodging style, and travel mode to your dog’s needs.

1. Beverly Hills, California

Beverly Hills works well if you want an urban stay with polished sidewalks, park space, and luxury hotels that welcome dogs. You can walk through Beverly Gardens Park, browse outdoor shopping areas, and stay at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, while nearby pet-friendly vacation rentals may suit longer trips. Practical note: Confirm pet fees, weight limits, and relief-area access before you reserve.

Also read: Family Vacation Ideas

Watch: 14 Tips for Traveling with Dogs and Cats—By Plane, Train and Car [VIDEO]

2. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a calm, walkable city break with canal paths and small-scale lodging that can feel manageable with a dog. You can stroll the historic center, stop at outdoor cafés, and book a stay at The Doghouse, a bed and breakfast created for dog travelers. Practical note: Cobblestone streets and international entry rules matter here, so pack for paw comfort and review international pet travel requirements before you go.

3. Ashville, North Carolina

Asheville is known for its arts scene, mountain setting, and dog-welcoming businesses, which makes it a strong choice for a vacation with your dog. You can explore local greenways, and look for off-leash dog parks or cabins outside downtown if you want more room. Practical note: Asheville works especially well as a road-trip destination, and you’ll want to confirm trail leash rules and pet policies before booking.

Also Read: Popular Vacation Rental Destinations

kid skateboarding with a dog and luggage

4. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona offers a mix of city walking, outdoor dining, and easy day-trip options for travelers bringing a dog. You can stroll neighborhood streets, seek out dog-welcoming patios, and, in summer, visit Resort Canino Can Jane, a dog resort with water features designed for pets. Practical note: Apartment stays may give your dog more space than compact city hotel rooms, and this is usually a fly-in trip, so review flying with your pet before you book.

Also Read: Your Questions Answered: Traveling to Spain

5. Queen Mary 2 – New York, New York to Southampton, England

Queen Mary 2 may appeal if you want a transatlantic trip without putting your dog in cargo for the ocean crossing. You can book the ship’s dedicated kennel program through Queen Mary 2, and the onboard exercise areas give dogs routine and fresh air during the voyage. Practical note: Kennel space is limited, dogs do not share all passenger areas, and the setup is more structured than land-based off-leash dog parks, so reserve early and review entry rules for both ports.

6. Avon, Colorado

Avon works well for active dogs because the Beaver Creek Resort area combines mountain air, resort amenities, and quick access to dog-friendly hiking trails. You can walk village paths, plan summer hikes, and stay near Beaver Creek or at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, while nearby condos and pet-friendly vacation rentals may give you easier gear storage. Practical note: Altitude, snow season, and trail conditions can change quickly, so check pet policies before heading onto the mountain.

Also Read: 6 Best Hiking Trip in the U.S.

person with dog waving at a plane

7. Hakone, Japan

Hakone suits travelers who want scenery, quieter resort stays, and day trips built around fresh air. You can take in Lake Ashi views, look for dog-friendly hiking trails, and choose pet-welcoming resort lodging, including the Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa, if you plan to combine Hakone with Tokyo. Practical note: If you’re flying into Japan before continuing by train or car, review carrier rules, station policies, and paperwork well before departure.

Also read - Traveling to Japan for the First Time? What You Need to Know    

8. Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks is one of the easier coastal choices if your dog enjoys sand, open space, and slower-paced beach towns. You can look for dog-friendly beaches, walk sound-side trails, and choose cottages or pet-friendly vacation rentals that make rinsing off and early-morning walks simpler than a standard hotel stay. Practical note: Leash rules and seasonal restrictions vary by town and at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, so check beach access before you go, especially during the busy season.

Also Read: 10 Beach Safety Tips for Your Summer Vacation

9. Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is a strong fit for dogs that enjoy cool-weather walking, coastal views, and park access. You can head into Acadia National Park for many of its carriage roads and dog-friendly hiking trails, and you can add a leashed walk at Hadley Point Beach, which has a picnic area and shoreline boat access, along with other dog-friendly beaches near town. Practical note: Choose a harbor-area inn, cabin, or campground if you want easier access to trailheads, and check the current park pet rules before setting out.

Also read: 6 of the World’s Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens

service dog vest

10. Venice, Italy

Venice’s walkable streets and café culture make it easier than many European destinations to sightsee with your dog. You can stop at pet-welcoming cafés such as Barcarretto or 60/40 Venezia, cross neighborhood bridges at your own pace, and focus on quieter mornings or evenings when foot traffic is lighter. Practical note: This trip usually involves air travel and water transit, so review airline policies, local transport rules, and entry paperwork before you finalize plans.

Also read - Tips for Planning a Trip to Italy

 

Tips for Traveling with Pets

For pet friendly vacations, it helps to plan beyond the destination. Before you leave, use our dog travel packing checklist to organize food, medications, records, leashes, waste bags, and comfort items.

How Travel Insurance May Help When You Travel With Pets

Did you know that our travel protection plans include coverages and services that may help in certain situations when traveling with pets or service animals? Coverage varies by plan, and terms, conditions, and exclusions apply, so review the plan details and your Schedule of Benefits carefully before you buy.

  • Travel Delay coverage: If you are delayed for the hours listed within your plan, you may be reimbursed up to the amount listed in the Schedule of Benefits for meals, telephone calls, additional parking charges, and pet kennel fees.

  •  Traveling with a service animal? Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage may apply if your service animal becomes sick, is injured, or dies. Pet services locator: Need help finding pet-related services? Our concierge services may help you find veterinarians and pet sitters while you are away from home.

Also read: Travel Insurance Benefits for Pets and Service Animals

If you’re booking a trip with your dog and want to review coverage options for delays or other covered travel problems, get a quote.

Dog-Friendly Vacation FAQs

What Are the Best Places to Take Your Dog on Vacation?

The best place depends on your dog’s energy level and your travel style. Beach towns such as the Outer Banks can work well for dogs that enjoy open space, while places such as Asheville, Avon, and Bar Harbor may fit dogs that do better with walks and trail time.

Are Hotels or Vacation Rentals Better for Dogs?

Hotels can be easier for short stays and city trips, but vacation rentals often give you more space, outdoor access, and easier routines for feeding and bathroom breaks. Compare pet fees, house rules, and how close each option is to parks, beaches, or trails.

What Should I Check Before Booking a Dog-Friendly Trip?

Check pet fees, size or breed restrictions, leash rules, seasonal beach access, nearby veterinary care, and transportation requirements. It also helps to confirm whether your dog is better suited to a hotel, a rental, a road trip, or a flight.

Are Beaches a Good Vacation Option for Dogs?

They can be, especially if your dog enjoys walking on sand and tolerates heat well. Look for dog-friendly beaches with clear leash rules, shade options, and seasonal access policies before you book.

Can I Take My Dog on an International Vacation?

Yes, but international trips usually require more planning. Review destination entry rules, vaccination or microchip requirements, airline policies, and any quarantine or transport restrictions before you commit to the trip.

A6281807, 11060002608    

Get travel coverage with Baggage coverage

Price Guarantee

These are the best prices available for these plans anywhere - guaranteed!

Get a Quote

No email or payment details required

Average Customer Rating:
Reviews