Pet-Friendly Luxury Hotel Destinations: Travel with Your Pet

Winter will officially be on the horizon around and the winter will be on the verge of unbearable throughout the United States. Even so, Sun-Gods and Sun-Goddesses realize that they need to cash in their sick/vacation days. As many people travel, venture and go sight-seeing from November to March, those with pet travel in mind often end up leaving the dog, cat, fish, ferret, or rabbit at home. Consumers often assume that pet travel simply is not an option.

The worst case scenario is that pet owners do not travel at all or very far in order to accommodate their pet mate. Do not deny yourself the freedom of pet travel any longer. Thankfully, lots of hotels and destinations understand not only that the pet industry is booming in the US, but their discrimination against pets discriminates against potential customers. Pet travel accomodations and services are equally blossoming into a major hospitality industry.

Since most major trip planning takes place on the internet, there are web sites that can help you cleverly choose a pet travel destination. Choosing the right hotel does not have to be stressful. PetWelcome.com is a database of cabins, apartments, cottages, bed & breakfasts, and hotels that range in their level of pet travel and treatments. While some hotels require a hefty damage deposit, others do not require a deposit and include pet's specials such as massages, or treats. Define a search according to the city, state, or Canadian province. Most major cities on Petswelcome include a listing of the top hotels rated by pet travel costs and convenience.

Among these top-rated destinations are Nine Zero in Boston, Ritz-Carlton in New York City, San Ysidro Resort in Monte Cito, Loews Hotels, and W Hotels. Nine-Zero hotel has a doghouse package that spoils owner and dog in equally lavish accommodations. The owner sleeps on Frette linens and the dog savors delectable designer treats on his/her own luxury pet bed. The Ritz-Carlton, renowned for high-profile clientele, preciously handles most aspects of pet travel. Burberry pet raincoats, gold-plated id tags, and aromatherapy are only a few of the gifts thy pet will receive.

For pets and "parents" who need some serious freshening, the Pampered Pet Getaway at San Ysidro would probably be a pet travel routine fit for Oprah, Sophie, and Solomon. Pet and owner stay in a newly restored cottage with a hot tub and outdoor rain shower. Both beings receive private massages in the cottage. Filtered water, treats, and toys are at the pet's disposal. San Ysidro reserves deluxe continental breakfast, valet service for dinner, and evening wine and cheese just for you.

In addition, Most Loews and W Hotels are friendly pet travel accomodations. I prefer to stick to a chain when my partner and I rent an SUV to travel with our dog on a road trip. This allows us the flexibility of making a reservation within a single center for several cities. Pet travel with a car is probably the most convenient way to go for short trips.

To make longer road trips affordable, La Quinta Inn is a more tolerable budget hotel that doesn't mind a little bow-wow or meow-meow. But, they definitely do not include dog massages in their menu of pet travel services. I had an unfortunate confusion with the sauna for a pet steam-aromatherapy room. When you pick your top hotels, call to verify the policies prior to making a reservation. Pet travel policies, especially deposit amounts, sometimes change and it is better to know prior to arrival.

Except for San Ysidro Ranch, chances are high that you will want to venture outside the hotel for a while. In rare circumstances, hotels will let your pet stay in the room unattended. More often, they require that the owner crates the animal or pays for a sitter. This sitter usually does not have to be in-house. If time permits, check pet travel listings online prior to the trip.

PetsWelcome plus other web sites like DogFriendly.com and Urbanhound.com have sitters, emergency veterinarians and daycare facilities in their pet travel databases. Unless it is unavoidable, coordinate sitting with day trips and dinner reservations in advance. At least a day or two of exploration with a pet prevents the sitter from becoming a surrogate. Don't bring a dog, cat, or bird on a trip with you only to expose them to room service and housekeepers the whole time. Paris Hilton and Britney Spears make public appearances with their pets and are practically spokeswomen for pet travel. Why shouldn't you be?

Petswelcome contains a host of amusement parks, beaches, and "Fun & Cool Places." As they observe, "Pets do not get as excited about beaches as we do. After all, what's the big deal about lying around naked in the sun? "Dogfriendly.com and Urbanhound.com are more extensive city guides for pet travel. These city guides contain dog parks, points of interest, and pet friendly restaurants. San Francisco, New York, and Miami are excellent candidates for pet travel since many restaurants and shops open tables and aisles to leashed, well-behaved pets.

There are hundreds of tips and more between the three web sites: Dogfriendly.com, Urbanhound.com, and Petswelcome.com. No matter what type of hotel you choose, consult with the veterinarian on all transportation plans, and especially air travel. Certain breeds are too fragile or have weak respiratory systems that prevent pet travel by plane. All airlines require vaccinations to be up to date with appropriate documentation.Now, go have some fun creating a smashing pet travel itinerary.